Overhead mics for drummers
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I know a lot of jazz guys to record drums like that, and this would be one of my top options if I had to as well.
However, you’ll get the clearest and most authentic drum sound if you buy two of these to use as a matched pair. You won’t spend too much, and you’ll get a good feel for how they work with your kit.
sE Electronics
sE Electronics is the final brand to mention that drummers tend to love.
So, you should save up for a pair and then use your dynamic microphones as close mics for the snare and toms.
Sound Pressure Levels
All microphones have a maximum sound pressure level. You’ll want them equidistant from the snare drum to avoid phase issues, angled slightly downward for ideal cymbal capture and balanced kit sound.
Should Overhead Mics Be Matched Pairs or Can Different Models Be Mixed?
I’d strongly recommend using matched pairs for overhead mics.
It can also be used on drum shells thanks to high SPL handling and built in pad.
Transparency is its best trait, it captures sound sources and ambience without altering the sound. Cymbals sound crisp but not too bright. We ended up with an initial shortlist of 23 promising options for detailed analysis.
We then collected and analyzed the most current feedback and ratings from online retailers, music gear publications, discussion forums, videos and review publications.
While other microphones pick out individual drums and details, the overheads do a lot of the “heavy lifting” and record a massive chunk of the sound.
So, in order to do this job, overhead mics need to be either suspended above (like the Nady OHCM-200) or on a mic stand that is high above the drum set. Plus, many of the best drum overhead mics are versatile enough to work beautifully on acoustic guitar, piano, room ambience, or even guitar amps, so they’re not just limited to drum work.
In this guide, I’ve pulled together a list of the best matched pairs available today, based on user feedback, expert opinions, and real-world performance.
The key lies in measuring cost-effectiveness against your specific sonic requirements, ensuring that whether you’re investing in entry-level or professional-grade options, the microphone’s capabilities align with your recording environment’s demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Height Should Drum Overhead Microphones Be Positioned for Optimal Sound Capture?
I position my drum overhead microphones 24-40 inches above the cymbals.
Those two switch features are incredibly useful when it comes to setting these up as drum overheads.
Something to note is that these mics are quite long. You can buy both condenser and dynamic mics suitable for use as drum overheads, so understanding what both are will help you to prioritize.
And that is exactly what the sE8 is for, a small mic with a wide dynamic range that you don’t normally see in a small diaphragm “pencil” condenser mic.
This wider dynamic range allows it to better capture sonic details and dynamic nuances, which expands the use of this pair from overheads to being a good multi-instrument mic.
Its low noise design enables it to be used on quieter, more nuanced sound sources while its high headroom with two selectable pads gives you leeway to mic even the most aggressive drummer without compressing or distorting at the circuitry level.
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“Huge sound” is usually achieved from giving as much dynamic range as possible to a given element. These technical factors, combined with signal-to-noise ratio performance and phantom power requirements, determine whether you’ll capture those crisp, detailed cymbal transients or end up with muddy, compressed overhead tracks that’ll haunt your mix.
They’re cheap microphones, but they feel a lot more rigid than the Behringer C-2s, and that gives you the impression that their quality is a lot better.
These mics also work brilliantly as hi-hat mics, so it’s a good idea to get these when you want affordable overheads and then use one as a hi-hat mic when you eventually get better overheard mics somewhere down the line.
I’d suggest closely looking at these and the Behringer C-2s to see which mics you prefer.
Polar pattern: Cardioid
Frequency response: 50Hz – 20kHz
Max SPL: 134dB
Weight: 0.37 lbs.
Audix ADX51
The Audix ADX51Microphone (compare price on Sweetwater and Amazon) is a great high-quality condenser to get as a single option to consider.
Learn more. Over 16,700 rating sources were then processed using the Gearank Algorithm to produce a rating score out of 100 for each set of mics. While you’ll find comparable performance to the AKG C451 B at a fraction of the cost, this small-diaphragm cardioid excels at rejecting ambient noise and delivering the transient response that makes overhead recordings truly shine in your mix.
Best For: Musicians, audio professionals, and content creators who need a versatile small-diaphragm condenser microphone for recording drums, acoustic instruments, and vocals in both home and professional studio environments.
Pros:
- Switchable 20dB pad allows handling of high sound pressure levels from drums and loud instruments without distortion
- Exceptional clarity and transient response across full 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency range with professional-grade sound quality comparable to higher-end models
- Cardioid directionality effectively minimizes ambient noise while the robust metal construction ensures durability
Cons:
- Simple design may lack advanced features found in more expensive microphones
- Requires XLR connection and phantom power, limiting compatibility with basic recording setups
- Small diaphragm design may not capture the same warmth and body as large-diaphragm condensers for certain vocal applications
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Behringer C-2 2 Matched Studio Condenser Microphones
Budget-conscious drummers and home studio enthusiasts will find exceptional value in Behringer’s C-2 matched condenser pair, which delivers surprisingly clear overhead recordings without the premium price tag typically associated with studio-quality microphones.
These mics will pick up the overall sound of your drums, and they’ll set the tone for what your drum mix will sound like.
Choosing overheads can be a bit daunting with so many options available, so here’s a list of some recommended picks to make things a bit easier.
Shure KSM137 – Best Overall
The Shure KSM137 Microphones (compare price on Sweetwater and Amazon) are undoubtedly one of the best matched pairs on the market.