8 Best Overhead Drum Mics – Updated Dec 2024
A clean sound overhead mic can make a tremendous difference, both in a live performance and in the studio. But when it comes to hitting the market and making a choice, it can become a daunting experience. Most often, drummers don’t know what to look for, and what makes a right drum mic. You can also get the best high hats in the market or if you’re looking for the best gifts for drummers.
In this review, you will come to learn about the eight top drum mics for 2020. To avoid sounding too cocky, included in this review are the pros and cons of each product. No doubt, it would help you make the perfect choice when you’re ready.
Best Overhead Mics Drum
Reviewed and Compared
| Picture | Name | My Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Rode NT5 Microphones | Durable and Long-lasting | Check Price |
|
Rode M5 Microphones | Crips Sound Detailing | Check Price |
|
AKG Pro Audio C414 XLII Stereoset Vocal Condenser Microphone | It has a high and low cut filter | Check Price |
| Shure KSM137/SL Stereo Pair | They come with a stand | Check Price |
|
Miktek PM10 | It is durable, sturdy and accurate | Check Price |
|
Audix D6 Dynamic | It is affordable | Check Price |
|
Neumann KM 184 MT Stereo Microphone | It is durable and sturdy | Check Price |
|
Behringer C-2 Microphones | Ultra-low Noise | Check Price |
1 - Rode NT5 Microphones
- The sounds it expressive and natural
- It can produce an ultra-high-quality sound that is unbeatable
- 10-year guarantee
- Best for both live performance and studio recording
- Durable and long-lasting
- It is costly
- Users reviewed that it sometimes makes a weird sound
- Doesn’t perform well against hard surfaces
First on the list is this fantastic drum mic offered by Rode. According to many drummers, this mic is a beast when it comes to sound. The manner to which it captures sound and details is incredible.
If you’re looking for a drum mic that captures crispy details and with high sensitivity, then this is the deal. The power of this mic is unfathomable and can make the atmosphere chill through its sound. Going by the reviews, this NT5 condenser microphone grasps expressive, natural, and vibrant sound that makes it distinct from other drum mics in the market.
2 - Rode M5 Microphones
- Crips sound detailing
- High-quality sound
- 10-year guarantee
- Great value for money
- Durable and long-lasting
- It is costly
- Doesn’t come with a mic holder
- Makes it buzzing sound when you play a chord
- The music is not very rich and detailed
Rode is dominating the industry and make super amazing drum mics that continually wow drummers. This magnificent M5 condenser microphone is no exception. However, they are walking extra miles to ensure that they come out with the best.
Rode conceived and constructed this with highly advance machinery, to give better high-superiority control. Years of study went into the production of this fantastic mic, and the result is proof of its wonder.
3 - AKG Pro Audio C414 XLII Stereoset Vocal Condenser Microphone
- Comes with tons of onboard control
- It has a high and low cut filter
- Great for vocal performance and recording drums
- Comes with a shock mount, windscreen and pop filter
- Drummers can easily merge the two settings to get a unique voice
- It is a midrange sound with a boxy sound
This impressive drum mic came in pairs and appreciated for the unusual sounds it often produces. It does amazingly well when it comes to recording diverse kinds of sounds, from the sounds of kid’s violins to the booming sounds of your drums.
AKG pro comes with polar patterns, which you can set according to your immediate needs. Most often, you might want to record some sounds up close. In that case, you can easily use the attenuation level, which goes to – 18dB. If you must avoid unnecessary noise, then you have to use the attenuation. At the same time, they can deliver up to 158 dB when needed.
4 - Shure KSM137/SL Stereo Pair
- It is excellent at capturing sound separately
- The two mics make use of the cardioid pattern, which helps to eliminate noise
- It can also capture sounds of other acoustic instruments like guitars
- The low-cut switch helps to get rid of unwanted low-frequency noise
- They come with a stand
- They don’t have an edge, compared to other mics
- Not durable
Here is another durable drum mic that comes with its exceptional versatility when used for recording. Just as professional mic uses cardioid polar patterns, so does this drum mic. That alone has made it one of the most top drum mics in the market.
The reason many regards Shure KSM137/SL as one of the best is due to its ability to withstand high sound pressure. What this means is that you can bash your drums as loud as you can, but this drum would capture everything without noise.
5- Miktek PM10
- Comes with a capsule design, which helps for sound reproduction
- Highly optimized for snares and tom-toms
- It is durable, sturdy and accurate
- Helps to achieve a high-quality recording
- It is expensive
Although this drum mic is a bit more expensive, it has excellent sound quality. If you’re looking for a drum mic that would survive all the sweat and tears, then this impeccable drum mic is up for the challenge. With Miktek PM10, all you will experience is nothing but full and robust sounds. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to use it on a live performance, in a studio or at home, it always delivers.
6- Audix D6 Dynamic
- Can handle distortion and screeching
- It eliminates noise when recording
- It is very portable
- Has a very high sound quality
- It is affordable
- Not very durable
The cutting edge design is the first thing that would attract you to this excellent drum mic. With this, you will look like a professional without hassles. For this drum mic to perform at its best, you would need to place it near the floor toms. This mic can handle any screech, distortion without wavering. Audix D6 Dynamic is one of the best drum mics in the market, with its high-quality sounds and clear playback. One of the features that makes it an edge is the quick and response it gives when capturing sounds.
7- Neumann KM 184 MT Stereo Microphone
- The sound quality of this drum is awe-inspiring
- The technology it uses helps it to achieve a dynamic range or more than 130Db
- It comes with a small circuit and yet, with a great and natural sound
- You can fine-tune the mic using a software
- It is durable and sturdy
- You will have to pay separately for each capsule you get
If you’re looking for a mic that is best at natural sound reproduction, then you’ve got yourself a deal. When it comes to this fantastic mic, it can perform even from both short or long distances. You can use it for a live performance or studio recording, and it would be top-notch. The cardioid pattern is there to ensure that there is no noise, thereby improving sound quality.
8- Behringer C-2 Microphones
- Ultra-low noise
- It is highly affordable and cheap
- It can reproduce natural sounds
- It produces high-quality sounds
- It is best for both live and studio recordings
- When compared to other drum mics, it doesn’t have an edge
- Too small for some users
- Not best for a live performance
- The two mics don’t often give the same output
This masterpiece offers excellent value for your money, with a light diaphragm that helps for frequency response. It also comes with impressive detailing, both for a live performance and studio recording. In case you’re not financially bouyant, you will not regret going for this fantastic drum mic, as it comes with impeccable sound quality. For more information, please visit Metal Drum Machine.