A drum mic is a microphone typically used with a drum kit. They are often still in use today but have been replaced by radio transmitters, which are more portable. Drum mics are not just for use on drums either, they also work well with other percussion instruments like tambourines, shakers, and other hand drums.
Drum mics come in two different types: overhead and on-the-floor models. The overhead drum mic is generally the most common type because it comes with its own stand. The on-the-floor model can be placed next to the instrument using the supplied snake cable. This article will help you decide which one is best for your needs.
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Shure PG48 |
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Samson Q2UHD |
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AKG D112 |
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Audio Technica AT2020 |
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Behringer XM8500 |
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Overhead Mics
The overhead mic is more versatile than the on-the-floor microphone and is typically used on drums. Overhead mics are also found in other areas of music production other than drums. Some common uses are vocals, bass cabinets, or for guitar amplifiers.
If you are looking for a drum mic then the overhead mic might be your best option. The clutch design makes it easy to change from one instrument to another because there is no need for a stand. This gives you complete freedom to move around with your drum kit and not have to worry about where your mic will be positioned.
It’s worth noting that an overhead mic can also work well with other instruments as mentioned earlier in this article. If you’re planning on using an overhead mic on drums with other instruments, make sure that the instrument you want to use the overhead mic on has low resonance characteristics so it won’t overpower the sound of the other instrument.
On-the-floor Mics
The on-the-floor mic is the type that comes with its own stand and has a cord that can be placed next to the instrument. These mics are usually more affordable than overhead mics because they don’t need to be attached to a stand. They are also less affected by feedback, another common problem with overhead mics.
The downside of these mics is that they have a limit on how close they can come to an instrument. They have to be placed right next to the instrument, which makes them hard to use in small venues or rooms where the best sound requires more distance from the drum kit.
For example, if you’re playing in a club or a small venue, it may not make sense for you to buy this model of the mic because there’s no way for you to get closer than what it already offers. On-the-floor models are the most common type of drum mic because they are easy and inexpensive to maintain.
With just some use of your hands and some tape, you could easily fix any problems that come up with this mic since it doesn’t have as many moving parts as other types may. If you’re looking for something affordable and easy-to-use. This is the “When to use each type of mic.” Drum mics come in two different types: overhead and on-the-floor models.
Expert Tip: The overhead mic comes with a stand which is the most common type because it is easier to use. On-the-floor models come with a snake cable for placement close to the instrument.
When to use each type of mic?
When you want an external sound source that can be placed on your floor or table as well as near your drum set, you need the on-the-floor microphone. However, if you do not have much space or would like to have a more portable microphone, go with the overhead mic.
The Best Overhead Drum Mics: Pros and Cons
Overhead drum mics are great for recording drums, but they have some disadvantages.
Here are 9 Drum Mics that get the job done well.
Nowadays, overhead drum mics are getting more popular with musicians, especially in live situations. They offer great sound and can be easily transported from gig to gig. However, they can be difficult to use and tend not to give you very good isolation when compared to other setups. It’s important to keep this in mind before deciding on a mic for your next live show.
Shure PG48
Shure PG48 is a popular overhead drum mic that many live performers use. Shure offers this mic in three different colors, so you can easily find one that matches your needs. The microphone is built for sound quality and durability but has some limitations compared to other mics.
Nevertheless, this mic provides great sound and value for the price. You can buy them on Amazon for less than $100 or on eBay for around $60.
Countryman Mini Shot
Countryman is a company that makes mic stands and some other audio equipment. The Mini Shot Drum Mic is a no-frills, solid performer with the right size for many setups. It can be used on drums, tambourines, and other percussion instruments. It has a 1/8-inch input and output, so you’ll need to use an adapter if your instrument requires something else.
When it comes to sound quality, this mic does not disappoint. From the moment you plug it in. You’ll get full, rich tones that shine through even in loud spaces like clubs or concerts. It’s also affordable, so you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank on equipment for your next show or practice session.
Samson Q2UHD
The Samson Q2UHD is a great option for drummers who want to record live shows. It has a two-mic configuration, which means you will get two different sounds at the same time. You can also use this mic with both your cardioid pattern and omnidirectional pattern settings to give yourself more options in your recording.
The Q2UHD is lightweight and easy to set up making it a great option for drummers on the go.
AKG D112 (Recording Microphone)
The AKG D112 is a good mic for recording any type of instrument. It’s durable, compact, and has a low price tag. The only downside is that it doesn’t isolate as well as some other mics might. However, this mic is great for novices who are just starting out with live sound.
The AKG D112 is one of the best overhead drum mics on the market because it has a powerful sound and comes in at an affordable price point This microphone is also durable and can be easily transported from gig to gig without any issues. For those who are on a budget or just starting out with live sound, this microphone is a great option for you.
This microphone will give you clear sounds and let you focus on your performance instead of worrying about your equipment.
Audio Technica AT2020
One of the most popular drum mics is the Audio Technica AT2020, its simple design allows for easy transport and takes up little space onstage or offstage. The microphone also sounds fantastic and has a high-quality output perfect for builders getting started on their sound journey.
AKG D19
The AKG D19 is a good first choice for beginners. It boasts a great sound and is lightweight, so it’s easy to transport . The D19 is also durable, so if you have to take it on the road, you don’t have to worry about it breaking on you.
VMS3/USB3.0 by MSK
The VMS3/USB3.0 by MSK is a great option for live use. It features a rugged design and easy portability. In addition to its performance, it has an attractive price tag. The mic’s USB 3.0 connectivity will make it easy for you to plug into your computer or laptop in order to record with the program of your choice. This is a very practical feature that will make your life easier while on the road!
In addition to its USB compatibility, the microphone also has phantom power capabilities which are standard in most recording studios. You won’t have any problems using this mic if you’re mixing or recording anything at home!
Expert Tip: The VMS3/USB3.0 by MSK is capable of giving you a variety of different sounds, making it perfect for all types of music applications!
Behringer XM8500
This mic is one of the most popular choices for drummers. This is because it has a very natural and deep sound, making it great for rock, pop, or folk music. It also comes in a variety of colors to match your style.
In addition to this, the mic has an adjustable polar pattern, which means you can change how it sounds. Try switching to a cardioid polar pattern if you want to get more bass out of your performance. If you want to improve your sound quality and have better isolation, switch to an omnidirectional polar pattern.
TASCAM XM1800
The TASCAM XM1800 is a high-quality overhead drum mic that has great sound. It’s ideal for recording drums and percussion instruments. The design is also very simple so it’s easy to use. This makes it a favorite among many musicians.
Things to Consider when Buying an Overhead Drum Mic
If you are in the market to buy an overhead drum mic, there are a few things that you should consider. Whether you’re playing at home or in a performance setting, an overhead drum mic can help you sound your best.
You should first decide how much money you want to spend on your overhead drum mic as well as what type of sound it will produce. If you need more information on the different types of overhead drum mics and their features, this article can help.
Considerations for buying an overhead drum mic
In order to make a well-informed purchase, consider the following:
- What do you need an overhead drum mic to do?
- How much money are you willing to spend on the mic?
- What type of sound will it produce?
- What size is the mic?
- Will there be a stand included?
- Any additional features that would be beneficial for your needs
Types of overhead drum mics
There are three main types of overhead drum mics. The first type is a condenser mic. This type of mic is typically placed directly on the head of an overhead drum, and will easily produce high-quality recordings if you are playing in a performance setting.
The second type is a dynamic mic. Since it captures sound vibration and converts it into electrical energy, this type of mic must be attached to a stand or tripod in order to function properly. It can still produce high-quality recordings if you’re playing at home, but not as reliably as the condenser mic.
The third type of drum mic is an external microphone mounted over the head of the drum. This kind of microphone requires more setup time than the other two types but allows for greater flexibility in sound quality and positioning options. You can position this kind of mic anywhere you want without having to attach anything else to your drum kit.
Features of overhead drum mics.
There are a few features to look for when shopping for an overhead drum mic. The most important feature is sound quality, which should be your number one priority.
You’ll also want to make sure that the mic has a cardioid pattern that is, it will pick up sounds from in front of it and reject sounds from behind it. This helps avoid feedback during any performance.
The other thing you should consider is how easy the mic is to use, especially if you’re going to be performing on stage. For example, some mics have a fold-down stand or a tripod attached so that they can easily be set up on any surface without having to worry about positioning.
Another thing you should consider is portability-how portable and light the mic is so you can carry it anywhere with ease. You may also want to consider connectivity, as some mics have multiple cables that allow them to be plugged in via USB or XLR cable, which will save time when traveling with the mic as well as space in your case.
Now that you know what features are important it’s time to decide what type of overhead drum mic will work best for you. What do you want to mic?
Different types of drum sets have different needs.
If you’re micing a snare drum, for example, the mic should be at least three feet from the head of the drum and six inches away from the rim.
The mic should also be as close to the center of the head as possible. For a hi-hat or cymbals, it’s recommended that you place the overhead drum mic no more than 1.5 feet off the ground. For a bass drum, an overhead drum mic should ideally be placed about two feet off the floor.
Expert Tip: The most important thing to consider before buying an overhead mic is what you want to use it for and how loud you want your drums to sound in relation to your other instruments.
What is the best overhead drum mic for what I want to mic?
There are differences for every budget and need regarding overhead drum mics. You’ll need to decide what your needs are before you can figure out the best option for you.
Some of the questions you should ask yourself when buying an overhead drum mic would be:
- What kind of drummer am I?
- Do I need a mic that will work in any venue?
- Am I looking for a mic that’s durable or a more cost-effective option?
- How much do I want to spend on my mic?
What do I need for my overhead drum mic?
First, you’ll need to decide what type of mic you’re going to use. There is a variety of types available, and each will be best suited for certain circumstances. For example, an SDC-1 drum mic is best for a loud instrument like a snare drum, while a Shure SM57 is best for an acoustic drum set.
Next, you’ll need to purchase the mic itself. It’s important to note that some mics come with stands, these are helpful if your overhead mic needs to be positioned at eye level or on top of your cymbals.
If you want your overhead mic to be portable and compact, consider buying one that has its own stand, such as a Roland MicroCube. This will make it easy for the mic to fit inside the case of your gear bag without taking up too much space.
Finally, consider buying a shock mount if your overhead drum mic is sensitive enough, this will help ensure that your microphone doesn’t pick up any unwanted vibrations from the floor or other surfaces around it.
How often should I change my overhead drum mic?
When you’re micing a drum set, the frequency of use is one of the most important things to consider. If you use your overhead mic for practice sessions more than once a week, then you’ll want to change it out after about three months.
If you don’t practice often, though, it can last much longer up to six months! The frequency of use also depends on the size of your drum set as well. Obviously, bigger drums require bigger overhead mics.
Conclusion
When you are looking to purchase an overhead drum mic, it is important to consider your needs and what you want out of the mic. What is your budget? What are you trying to mic? How often do you want to change your mic? There are many different options when it comes to overhead drum mics.
So take your time and look through the reviews before making a decision.