Overhead mics for drummers

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I typically look for microphones offering 20 Hz to 20 kHz response, though I’ll admit that wider ranges like 16 Hz to 20 kHz provide even better results for capturing subtle low-end nuances from kick drums. When looking for drum kit mics, you need to get ones with very high SPL levels.

Drum kits can produce up to 130 decibels, so you need to get microphones with SPL numbers that are higher than 130.

All the microphones that I’ve listed above have high SPL ratings, so you’ll be safe with any of them, but keep this aspect in mind if you choose to get other microphones to use as overheads.

Condenser microphones with small diaphragms tend to have the highest SPL handlings, whereas large-diaphragm condensers have slightly lower SPL handlings.

Body Shapes

As I mentioned earlier, you get two main body shapes for overhead drum microphones.

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If you’re looking to get drum microphones, the most important ones to get first are your overheads. By recording from above, these microphones inevitably get a bit of everything when they pick up the hi-hats.

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The sE Electronics sE7 is a back-electret small diaphragm condenser microphone designed with versatility in mind. Some mics are a bit higher, and this can be something to look out for. The high-frequency sensitivity up to 20 kHz becomes essential for recording cymbal brightness and drum attack transients accurately, while balanced mid and high-frequency emphasis enhances overall clarity.

Many of the brand’s mics have very high SPL ratings, making them work wonderfully for drum sets.

When it comes to overhead mics, the brand only has a few appropriate options, but they all sound amazing.

Earthworks

Earthworks is one of the leading microphone brands in the world at the moment, especially among drummers. At 4.2 stars across user reviews, it’s not groundbreaking equipment, but the metal construction, included clips, and portable case make this kit a practical starter solution for multi-track recording.

Best For: Budget-conscious drummers and beginners who need complete microphone coverage for their entire drum kit without investing in premium studio equipment.

Pros:

  • Complete 7-piece kit provides dedicated mics for every drum component with professional XLR outputs
  • Durable metal construction with independent clips and included portable storage bag for easy transport
  • Directional pickup patterns effectively reduce background noise and bleed between instruments

Cons:

  • Mixed reviews on sound sensitivity with some users wanting more responsiveness
  • Limited frequency range (50 Hz to 16 kHz) may not capture the full spectrum of some drumming styles
  • Not considered top-tier equipment quality, ranking as an entry-level option rather than professional grade

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Phenyx Pro PDM35 Overhead Condenser Drum Microphone

While many overhead mics struggle to capture the full spectrum of drum kit frequencies, the Phenyx Pro PDM35 stands out with its impressive 20,000 Hz frequency response range, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious drummers who refuse to compromise on sound quality.

This refers to how much volume the microphones can take before they start distorting and sounding ugly. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

“Huge sound” is usually achieved from giving as much dynamic range as possible to a given element. They’re one of my favorite matched pairs of overhead mics, purely due to the price-to-value that you get when you buy them.

They have very thin diaphragms that give them an excellent transient response, and they have very low self-noise, thanks to the intuitive internal circuitry.

overhead mics for drummers

These mics feature cardioid pickup patterns that effectively isolate your kit while rejecting unwanted feedback, plus they include a 4 dB boost in the 1-8 kHz range that’ll make your cymbals sparkle with enhanced brightness and clarity. They make your drums sound incredibly crisp and clean, and they easily bring out all the subtle nuances that you may play around the kit.

I found them to compete quite closely with the Earthworks SR25 mics.

This weight gets affected by how heavy the bag or case is that holds the condenser mics.

Large-diaphragm mics are always the heaviest options, especially if you have a matched pair of them. Want to learn how to do that? It should also be from a trusted brand.

You can get a decent drum mix with only overheads, and that’s why they’re the most important microphones in your setup.

P.S.

Their relatively compact design also makes them easy to position in tight spaces. They’ll serve you very well for a few years.

If you’re more experienced, you should look for something a lot better, but I don’t suggest spending thousands of dollars on overhead mics.

I’d only recommend those top-tier microphones to studio producers who know exactly what they’re doing at all times.

You’ll find all the best and most loved microphones only costing a few hundred dollars.

Best Overhead Drum Mic Brands

There are dozens of excellent audio brands out there.