As a drum player, when it comes to micing your drum kit, you may find yourself at a disadvantage. This is because you do not play a single solitary instrument. Instead, you play several distinct instruments that come together to create a solid and cohesive sound.
This means that you have to find a mic kit that is capable of processing and uniting the different sounds of your kit in a way that is complementary.
Of course, we understand that this can be a very difficult task to accomplish. After all, different mics have different strengths and weaknesses. For example, a mic that could be perfect for the bass drum may not be able to pick up the cymbals.
If you want to mic your drum kit, then you have to find a mic kit that covers all bases.
Currently, there are hundreds of different mic kits available. And you may find it difficult to choose the best one for you. Especially if you don’t have the information you need beforehand.
So to aid you in your search, I’ve assembled a list of the best mic kits available online. These drum mic kits will provide you with all the equipment you need when micing your drum set.
I’ve also put together a helpful buyer’s guide, which contains all the information you need when finding the best drum mic kit for you.
OUR TOP PICK
First up, we have the Shure condenser microphone kit. Considered a trailblazer among the drumming community, Shure promises to deliver a high-quality sound for every session.
The kit includes a PGA53 cardioid dynamic kick drum microphone, 3 x PGA56 cardioid dynamic snare/tom microphones, a PGA57 cardioid dynamic instrument microphone and 2 x PGA81 condenser microphones.
Beyond the microphones, you will also relieve microphone clips, drum rim mounts and 7 XLR cables. All this equipment will allow you to mic every part of your drum kit.
The microphones feature a sleek and industrial design and they are all of professional quality. This means that they are promised to deliver a top-quality sound and performance.
With these microphones, you can also mic a variety of different instruments. This might come in handy if you’re in a band and you want to start performing or recording your music.
This kit demonstrates why Shure has been a microphone trailblazer for nine decades. As they continue to deliver high-quality microphones to drum players in need.
Pros
- 7 piece kit: The Shure drum mic kit features seven different microphones, which can be used to cover all aspects of your drum kit.
- Microphone clips: The Shure kit also comes with the addition of break-resistant microphone clips. Assuring that they remain safe and damage-free during travel and recording sessions.
- Drum rim mounts: The kit also features 3 break-resistant drum rim mounts, which can be used to secure your microphones. The break-resistant material assures that it will be protected from damages during use.
- Zippered carrying case: To complete the set, you will also receive a stylish carrying case for all your equipment. This will make travel easier and more comfortable.
Cons
- Phantom power: You will need phantom power for the 2 overhead condenser mics. You'll also need XLR cables.
EDITORS CHOICE
The next product on our list is the Pyle-Pro 7 piece wired dynamic kit. This product may be an ideal choice for a beginner who wants a mic kit that can mic every part of their drum set.
The mic kit has been designed to be compatible with a range of musical instruments. And includes everything you need to reinforce for your set.
Inside the kit, you’ll find 1 x bass drum mic, 4 x compact drum mics, 2 x condenser mics with holders, 4 x universal mounts and 2 x condenser windscreens.
All this equipment is capable of micing every element of your drum kit. The large bass drum mic can be easily attached to your bass drum. Where it will be able to pick up any low frequency sounds you create.
The compact mics are ideal for capturing the sound of your snare drums. And the condensers are primarily used for overhead recording. Allowing them to capture the cymbals, piano and vocals if necessary.
The mic kit also comes with a convenient and lightweight carry case, which can be used to store all the equipment provided.
The case also comes with a set of keys, to assure the safety and protection of the microphones.
Pros
- 5 drum microphones: The Pyle-Pro wired dynamic kit features 5 drum microphones which can be used for close and precise recording. The larger microphone is also perfect for micing your bass drum.
- 2 condenser microphones: The kit also includes the addition of 2 condenser microphones which can be used to capture other sounds such as cymbals and vocals.
- 4 universal mounts: The Pyle-Pro kit features 4 universal mounts, which will allow you to attach the microphones to your drum set.
- Carry case: The overall kit can be neatly stored away in the provided carry case, which will keep the microphones safe during travel.
Cons
- Hardware: You'll still need to buy some decent stands for the overhead mics and bass drum.
BEST VALUE
Although there are many different microphones, dynamic mics have remained the most popular among hardcore drummers. And the Shure dynamic microphone kit proves exactly why.
In this kit, you will receive 3 x SM57’s which are industry-standard mics perfect for micing snare drums. These microphones feature a contoured frequency that can capture sound in a fast and accurate way.
You will also receive a Beta 52A, the best microphone for micing your bass drum.
All these microphones can be easily attached to your drum set by using the provided A56D mounting systems.
You can fix these small and secure mounts to any part of your drum kit. From the drum rims to the cymbal stands. The mounts feature captive parts. Assuring that you won’t lose any mount pieces during recording sessions.
The equipment itself is also portable and can be easily carried in the stylish carry case included in the set. The lightweight case features a padded interior which will assure the safety of the microphones during travel.
This set is an ideal choice for a beginner who wants a simple yet effective mic kit for their set.
Pros
- 3 SM57s: The Shure dynamic mic kit features 3 SM57s which are the perfect microphone for snare drum and toms.
- Beta 52A: The kit also includes a Beta 52A which is capable of picking up lower frequencies, making it the best microphone for capturing the sound of your bass drum.
- A56D mount systems: Mount systems capable of being attached to almost any part of your kit. Captive design assures that no individual pieces can go missing over time.
- Carry case: Kit can be stored inside a provided carry case which features a padded interior for extra protection.
Cons
- Extra kit: You'll need to buy XLR cables and a small bass drum mic stand, to position it.
RUNNER UP
The CAD audio stage 7 premium mic pack is a 7 piece mic, perfect for the the drummer that wants an all-in-one set up that includes stands and cables. Inside the pack, you will find 1 x D10 cardioid dynamic mic, 3 x D29 dynamic tom mics, 1 x D19 dynamic snare mic and 2 x C9 instrument condensers for overhead recording.
You can use the D10 cardioid dynamic mic when wanting to mic your bass drum. The moving-coil mic has been specifically designed to amplify low-frequency sounds.
The coil microphone can also amplify electric guitars and electric bass cabinets. While the D19 cardioid dynamic has been designed to reinforce the snare drum.
You have the ability to attach this mic anywhere on your drum kit, thanks to the included drum clips.
To mic your toms, use the D29 dynamic tom mic. Designed to reinforce the sound of the tom-toms, this microphone is capable of being used on a variety of other percussion instruments.
The C9 condenser mics are ideal for overhead placement. This allows them to capture the sound of the overall set.
The condenser microphones are also perfect for capturing vocals and piano accompaniments. The equipment comes with a portable vinyl case, which is ideal for packing and transporting your equipment.
Pros
- D10 cardioid dynamic mic: The perfect microphone for capturing the sound and beat of your bass drum.
- D29 dynamic tom mics: The CAD premium mic pack also includes 3 D29 dynamic tom mics, which can be used for reinforcing the sound of your tom-tom drum.
- D19 dynamic snare mic: Includes D19 dynamic snare mic, which can be used to heighten the sound of your snare drum.
- C9 condenser mics: Ideal for overhead placement, can be used to capture the sound of cymbals and vocals if needed.
Cons
- Average sound quality: Many buyers for the product have described the overall sound quality to be average.
RUNNER UP
The Neewer 7 piece dynamic mic kit includes 1 bass drum mic, 4 small tabour mics and 2 condenser mics.
This means that you will be able to mic almost every aspect of your kit. This will come in handy when performing at venues or in a recording studio.
The bass drum mic has been designed primarily to reinforce the sound of your kick drum. As it is capable of registering loud and low sounds. You can use the tabour mics to mic your snare and tom-tom drums.
You can use the condenser microphones for overhead recording. This allows them to capture the sound of the set and any other necessary instruments.
All these mics can be easily attached to your drum kit with the 7 compatible clamps included in the pack.
The kit also features 4 drum clamps, which will allow you to fix the mics to any of your instruments. Assuring their stability during practice or recording sessions.
Beyond this, the kit also comes complete with 2 foam windscreens for the condenser microphones. The equipment can be easily packed away into the provided carry case.
The case itself features an industrial and sleek design. The interior features padding for extra protection.
Pros
- Big bass drum mic: This can be used to capture the low-frequency sounds of your bass or kick drum.
- Tabour mic: These can be used to reinforce the sound of your snare and tom-tom drums.
- Condenser mics: Ideal for overhead placement, can be used to amplify the sound of cymbals, pianos and backing vocals.
- Compatible clamps: Includes clamps that are capable of matching with almost every kind of microphone stand.
- Hard case: Comes with an aluminium case, which is great for gigging or giving as a gift.
Cons
- Additional items needed: Needs phantom power for the 2 condenser mics, so ensure you have a mixer or soundboard that provides this.
Best Drum Mic Kit Buying Guide
Purchasing a drum mic kit is not entirely an easy task. As I've previously mentioned, certain microphones are only capable of executing a single job. And so it is wise to invest in a mic kit that has all areas of your drum kit covered.
Down below I have compiled together an informative buyer’s guide. This will detail the different types of microphones you can use to mic your drum set.
It will also outline their benefits as well as some key elements that you should always be considering. By consulting this buyer’s guide, you will be able to find a drum mic kit that meets your needs.
Types of Microphone
When you want to mic your drum kit, there are three types of microphone you'll encounter in your search. Dynamic microphones, Condenser microphones and Ribbon microphones. These mics are the most common and beneficial when it comes to micing your drum set.
Dynamic Microphones
Dynamic microphones can convert sound waves into an electrical signal through the use of electromagnetic waves.
Typically a dynamic mic takes the form of a plastic diaphragm that has been encased in a wire mesh.
Because of their large size and shape, dynamic microphones require high levels of sound pressure to register a signal. However, drums naturally meet this particular requirement due to their bombastic nature.
Dynamic mics are highly regarded when it comes to micing drum sets, as their simplistic design and sturdy build make them less susceptible to damage when dropped or hit by a drumstick.
Condenser Microphones
As has been previously seen in this article, most drum mic kits will feature both dynamic and condenser mics. This is because it provides a versatility that is needed when recording an instrument that is already so versatile in its nature.
Although dynamic mics are still considered the most popular for drum recording, condensers are quickly catching up.
Condenser microphones use electric charge plates when operating, which means they do not rely on a coil, like other microphones. This makes them a lot lighter in their overall build. However, condenser mics will need an outside power source to charge the electric plates. This is referred to as 'phantom power'.
Overall, condensers are also more sensitive to sound than dynamics, which is why they are often favoured for overheard placement when recording.
Ribbon Microphones
Similar to dynamic microphones, ribbon microphones use electromagnetism to convert sound. However, instead of a diaphragm, these microphones use aluminium ribbons which are suspended between the dimensions of a magnet.
Ribbon microphones can often deliver a silky response but they are also highly fragile, which makes them easy to damage during more rowdy recording sessions.
However, their design has become more industrial in recent years and this has greatly improved their popularity among drummers.
Source: Modern Drummer
Musical Genre
Another element that should always be considered when purchasing a drum mic kit is the genre of music you intend to use it for. Different musical genres will require different mic setups depending on their pace and style.
For example, if you want to use the mic kit to record some jazz music, then you will not require a very large set-up. Jazz as a musical genre works best when considering the band as a whole and so you will want to prioritise the overall kit.
This can be executed through the use of some basic overhead condensers and perhaps an individual mic for the snare and bass.
If you compare this to another genre of music such as rock, you will instantly see a major difference.
When micing a rock set, you will need to mic each drum, so you may experience the full effect of the sound. So you must know what genre you are going to be playing before purchasing a mic kit. As it could mark a major difference in the microphones and equipment you require.
Source: Modern Drummer
Best Drum Mic Kit - FAQ's
Do you need to mic drums?
In some cases, micing a drum is not necessary. This is especially true when you are performing in a small venue with little space or equipment.
However, if the room is large enough and can handle the amount of sound, it is also good to have at least one mic attached to the bass or kick drum. This will help to elevate the overall sound of the mix.
Source: Sound on Sound