Best Snare Mics For Live And Studio

A snare drum is an intrinsic part of drumming and has become the baseline of pop music. It is a familiar sound to all music lovers, just as they are familiar with their heartbeat. However, a snare drum mic can either make or break you. When a professional drummer uses a scrappy mic, the result will be amateurish, no matter how skilled the individual is. That is why the best snare mic is something you must not neglect. Choose the Snare Drum Stand that gets the job done. You might need to seek recommendations from professionals when it comes to choosing the right microphone for your snare drum. If that is not possible, this review will go in length to expose you to the best snare mics for live and studio sessions.

Best Snare Mics
Reviewed and Compared

Picture Name My Verdict
Shure SM81-LC Shure SM81-LC Low Noise Check Price
Beyerdynamic M201TG Dynamic Hypercardioid Beyerdynamic M201TG Dynamic Hypercardioid Very Flexible and Sturdy Check Price
Sennheiser MD 441 Sennheiser MD 441 Great Response Check Price
Shure PGA56 Dynamic Snare Drum Shure PGA56 Dynamic Snare Drum Durable Check Price
Audix I5 Audix I5 Great Frequency Response Check Price

1 - Shure SM81-LC

Shure SM81-LC
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Pros
  • Low noise
  • Minimal distortion
  • Value for the price
  • Excellent frequency response
  • Sturdy steel frame for durability
Cons
  • Somewhat costly

This incredible mic is labeled the industry standard for a reason, that is because of its remarkable quality and sound delivery. Numerous drummers have considered it as one of the best and most reliable snare drum mics in the market. Play your traditional acoustic in a very preferable way with the Best Acoustic Electric Guitars.

It is an accurate instrument known to produce clear and precise sound without distortion. It is pretty easy to use, at a reasonable price that makes it ideal for drummers on a budget. But if you’re starting, you might think that the price is a little too steep. If you’re a professional drummer and you’re looking for an upgrade, this masterpiece here is up for the challenge.

If you’re an intermediate, this instrument will be able to serve you awesomely well. You can’t go wrong with this one since numerous drummers can vouch for its reliability. It is sturdy, with excellent frequency response. Unlike numerous of its counterparts, it comes with low distortion and a steel frame.

2 - Beyerdynamic M201TG Dynamic Hypercardioid

Beyerdynamic M201TG Dynamic Hypercardioid
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Pros
  • Delivers a high level of clear sounds
  • Very flexible and sturdy
  • Ultra-premium sound quality
Cons
  • N/A

On the second spot is this review is this stunning device, known to have excellent sensitivity and a beautiful sound that seems perfectly articulated. Using this mic is best for the snare drums, and ensure that the projection is bright and vibrant.

It is best for professional drummers or sound technician, with its hyper-cardioid polar patterns becoming an edge. For a more quality sound, the mic can ignore bleeds from the hi-hat and toms, while focusing on the snare drum.

It is one of the most expensive snare drums mic, well designed and durable. Many users are of the notion that it is indestructible – all thanks to the build quality. This impressive microphone can deliver a well-detailed sound while maintaining its natural sound.

If you have the buck, this is the best snare drum mic you should order. It is both suitable for a live or studio performance.

3 - Sennheiser MD 441

Sennheiser MD 441
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Pros
  • This microphone is very versatile and dynamic
  • Great response
  • Excellent cardioid pattern
  • Durable, with a stylish metal casing
  • Low distortion
  • Value for money
Cons
  • It is costly

This microphone’s sound quality is second to none, and it’s one of the features that make it distinct from the rest. Not only can you use this mic to project the sound of your snare drum, but you can also use it for your vocals or guitar.

It is an expensive instrument, but it sure does offer value for money based on its immense features and positive reviews. There are many more pricey mics out there, and you need to understand that sound quality impacts price most often.

There are lots of drummers who have had success with this fantastic snare drum mic. It sure lives up to its name based on the dynamic and accurate sound capturing. For a professional drummer, this piece is worth an investment, as it takes your sound recording and performance to a whole new level.

4 - Shure PGA56 Dynamic Snare Drum

Shure PGA56 Dynamic Snare Drum
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Pros
  • Excellent feedback rejection
  • Features a five-stage bass switch
  • Durable
Cons
  • The design looks bulky

Shure has been dominating the drumming world with its high-quality instruments for a while. Based on the reviews, they are doing great in the industry. Shure PGA56 Dynamic mic is an impressive mic, known to be among the best microphones in the world.

It comes with an impeccable quality that ensures that sound is delivered in an articulated manner, without distortion. The large diaphragm and the dynamic element is in charge of handling high sound pressure, thereby making it sound as natural as possible.

The mic is designed to be a true powerhouse, and it is one of the sturdiest mics in the market. Since it is made with glass composite and stainless steel housing, it can serve you for years without hurdles.

If you need something that would deliver the right, clear sound, this mic is what you need. Below are the pros and cons, as it would help you make a decision.

5 - Audix I5

Audix I5
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Pros
  • Sturdy and with a compact design
  • Great frequency response
  • Can handle high SPLS without distortion
Cons
  • Not suitable for studio recording
  • Needs a lot of work to get the perfect sound

This mic might be the most affordable on the list, and ‘might’ be the worse depending on what you expect.

That being said, it is an impressive mic that offers value for its price. The sound quality is excellent, or maybe not so high, depending on your standard. The mic is versatile to some extent and can serve you in a live or studio performance. Please follow these simple and basic instructions for Snare Drum Tuning.

The only glaring edge this mic has over numerous competitors in the market is the price. A lot of users have agreed it wasn’t what they were looking for, while some beginners were satisfied. If you’re a professional looking to upgrade your sound quality, this mic wouldn’t be a good idea. But if you’re a beginner and still trying to find your sound, perhaps it is worth a trial.


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