5 Best Mics For Recording Drums (under 1000$)

Recording drums is a complex yet crucial element of capturing the energy and depth of your music. To achieve a professional sound, choosing the right microphones is essential.

In this article, we’ll delve into a selection of exceptional microphones that offer high-quality sound for drum recording, all under the $1000 mark. Lets Dive in!

Table Of Content:

Shure SM7B

The Shure SM7B is a versatile dynamic microphone cherished by musicians and producers. While commonly used for vocals, it also shines in drum recording. Placing it near the snare drum or on a tom can capture the natural tonal characteristics of the drums with clarity. Its ability to handle high sound pressure levels and provide a smooth, balanced sound makes it a valuable asset in any drum recording setup.

Details:

• Weight: 2.68 Ibs / 1.22 kg
• Dimentions: 34.29 x 17.78 x 11.43 cm
• Connections: XLR
• Material: Stainless Steel

AKG C414 XLII

The AKG C414 XLII is a workhorse condenser microphone that offers multiple polar patterns, allowing you to tailor your recording to specific drum kit configurations. With its nine selectable patterns, this microphone can be used for overheads, room miking, or even close-miking individual drums. The C414 XLII’s transparent and detailed sound quality makes it an excellent investment for drum enthusiasts seeking versatility and sonic accuracy.

Details:

• Weight: 300 grams
• Dimenstions: 28.7 x 24.38 x 13.97
• Connections: XLR
• Material: Aluminum

Sennheiser e904

When it comes to miking toms and other percussion instruments, the Sennheiser e904 excels. This dynamic microphone is specifically designed for close-miking drums, offering a focused and clear sound. Its compact design and cardioid polar pattern make it easy to position on toms, snare drums, or other instruments in a tight drum setup. The e904’s ability to handle high SPLs ensures a distortion-free capture of the drum’s attack and resonance.

Details:

• Weight: 318 grams
• Dimentions: 26.42 x 11.43 x 7.62
• Connections: XLR
• Material: Metal

Rode NT5 Matched Pair

The NT5 is a premium small-diaphragm condenser microphone designed for critical recording applications. Featuring a 1/2-inch gold-sputtered cardioid condenser capsule, it delivers a smooth, balanced sound with very low self-noise. Its exceptionally accurate cardioid polar pattern and wide frequency response make the NT5 ideal for recording everything from acoustic instruments to drum overheads and cymbals to live performances and dialogue on-location.

Details:

• Weight: 200 grams
• Dimentions: 27.61 x 21.59 x 12.83
• Connections: XLR
• Frequency range: 20 – 20k Hz
• Power Requirements: P24 and P48

Audix D6

For a powerful and impactful kick drum sound, consider the Audix D6. This dynamic microphone is tailored for low-frequency instruments and excels at capturing the deep thump of the kick drum. Its cardioid polar pattern and extended low-frequency response ensure that you capture the low-end energy without unnecessary bleed from other drums. The D6’s solid build and specialized design make it an essential tool for achieving a punchy kick sound.

Details:

• Transducer Type: Dynamic
• Frequency Response: 30 – 15k Hz
• Power Requirements: None
• Connector: 3-pin XLRm
• Weight: 254 g / 8.9oz
• Length: 254 g / 8.9oz