There are lots of ways to choose microphones for capturing drums, and a near-infinite number of choices in terms of available models for the task. Although microphone selection for such applications can be a daunting proposition, an increasing number of manufacturers have been packaging transducers for drum miking into convenient bundles that are matched for the job, with a wide range of price points to suit your situation. Here’s a look at a variety of options.
FEATURED LISTING: Earthworks Audio DM6 SeisMic
The culmination of a year-long R&D project, followed by six months of intensive beta testing with rave reviews from world-class FOH engineers, Earthworks’ long-awaited DM6 SeisMic kick drum microphone will finally be available on Feb. 14, 2024. Price is $399.
Built for the road, the DM6 SeisMic’s rugged stainless-steel body also ships with a versatile Triad-Orbit M2R ball mount that makes placements a snap. Thanks to its tailored response, the DM6 SeisMic sounds great right out of the box, delivering just what you need — attack and punch; power and speed, with thundering lows and beater detail — without fussing over EQ.
We simply say, “it stomps.” We think you’ll agree.
SPECS
- Type: Condenser
- Pattern: Supercardioid
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20k Hz
- Sensitivity (1kHz): -60 dBV/Pa (1mV/Pa)
- Peak Acoustic Input: 150 dB SPL
- Minimum Load Impedance: 1k Ohm
- Weight: 1.25 pounds
- Price: $399
AKG Drum Set Session 1
- Number of Mics: 7
- Kick Mic: P2
- Snare Mic: P4
- Tom Mics: (3) P4
- Overhead Mics: (2) P17
- Notes: Metal carry case; all mics from AKG’s Perception Live Series
- Price: $484
Audix DP7
- Number of Mics: 7
- Kick Mic: D6
- Snare Mic: i5
- Tom Mics: (2) D2 (rack); D4 (floor)
- Overhead Mics: (2) ADX51
- Notes: Aluminum case; clip-on gooseneck tom and snare mounts
- Price: $1,049
Avantone Pro CDMK-8
- Number of Mics: 8
- Kick Mic: Mondo
- Snare Mic: ADM
- Tom Mics: (3) Atom
- Overhead/Hi-Hat Mics: (3) CK-1
- Notes: Tweed storage case
- Price: $899
Beyerdynamic TG Drum Set Pro Medium
- Number of Mics: 7
- Kick Mic: TG D71 boundary
- Snare Mic: TG D35
- Tom Mics: (3) TG D35
- Overhead Mics: (2) TG 153
- Notes: Soft case; (4) clip-on snare/tom mounts
- Price: $599
https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/
CAD DK7
- Number of Mics: 7
- Kick Mic: D5
- Snare Mic: D25
- Tom Mics: (3) D25
- Overhead Mics: (2) C5
- Notes: Includes aluminum case and clip-on snare/tom mounts
- Price: $199
DPA DDK4000
- Number of Mics: 7
- Kick Mic: 4055 Kick Drum Mic
- Snare Mic: 2012 Compact Cardioid Mic
- Tom Mics: (3) 4099 Core Instrument Mics
- Overhead Mics: (2) 2015 Compact Wide Cardioid Mics
- Notes: Includes Pelican case; (3) gooseneck tom mount clips
- Price: $5,100
Heil Sound HDK8
- Number of Mics: 8
- Kick Mic: PR 48
- Snare Mic: PR 22
- Tom Mics: (3) PR 28
- Overhead Mics: (2) PR 30B
- Hi-Hat Mic: PR 22
- Notes: Includes hard case
- Price: $1,499
Lewitt BeatKit Pro
- Number of Mics: 7
- Kick Mic: DTP 640 REX
- Snare Mic: MTP 440 DM
- Tom Mics: (3) DTP 340 TT
- Overhead Mics: (2) LCT 140 Air
- Notes: Includes carry case
- Price: $999
MikTek PMD7
- Number of Mics: 7
- Kick Mic: PM11
- Snare Mic: PM10
- Tom Mics: (3) PM10
- Overhead Mics: (2) C5
- Notes: Includes aluminum case
- Price: $1,599
PreSonus DM-7
- Number of Mics: 7
- Kick Mic: BD1
- Snare Mic: ST4
- Tom Mics: (3) ST4
- Overhead Mics: (2) OH2
- Notes: Includes hardshell case
- Price: $299
Samson DK707
- Number of Mics: 7
- Kick Mic: Q71
- Snare Mic: Q72
- Tom Mics: (3) Q72
- Overhead Mics: (2) C02
- Notes: Includes hardshell case
- Price: $299
sE Electronics V-Pack Arena
- Number of Mics: 7
- Kick Mic: V KICK
- Snare Mic: V7 X
- Tom Mics: (3) V BEAT
- Overhead Mics: (2) sE8
- Notes: Includes hardshell case
- Price: $1,149
Sennheiser e 600
- Number of Mics: 7
- Kick Mic: e 602 II
- Snare Mic: e 604
- Tom Mics: (3) e 604
- Overhead Mics: (2) e 614
- Notes: Includes hardshell case
- Price: $1,049
Shure PGA Drum Kit 7
- Number of Mics: 7
- Kick Mic: PGA52
- Snare Mic: PGA57
- Tom Mics: (3) PGA56
- Overhead Mics: (2) PGA81
- Notes: Includes carry case and seven XLR cables
- Price: $549
Telefunken DC7
- Number of Mics: 7
- Kick Mic: M82
- Snare Mic: M80-SHB
- Tom Mics: (3) M81-SH
- Overhead Mics: (2) M60 FET
- Notes: Includes flight case and seven 90-degree XLR cables
- Price: $2,495
