Overhead mics for drummers

What is an overhead drum mic and how does it function?

When micing up a drum set, there are many different microphone configurations. They’re incredibly detailed, and they tend to give you the exact sound that you hear in person from your drums.

However, it’s good for new drummers to learn how to mix properly, so that’s another reason why getting affordable mics is a better option.

If you’re experienced with microphones and mixing, you should aim to get the best overhead microphones that you can.

Drum Mics vs General Mics

You’ll find that some microphones are advertised as drum kit mics, while others are advertised for a variety of purposes.

This means that you can comfortably place them anywhere in your setup without worrying about cymbals getting in the way.

They come with foam windshields as most matched pairs do, but I particularly love how these sound with those windshields attached.

These mics are quite a bit more expensive than the sE7s, but you’ll also notice a huge upgrade in quality compared to those.

Greater distances create spacious, airy tones but risk introducing unwanted room noise that’ll muddy your mix. 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.

This also makes the pair well suited for ORTF ambient recordings. These reject many of the sounds from behind or the side, and focus on the direction in which the microphone is pointed, meaning you don’t get as much bleed from other instruments.

The LyxPro SDPC-2 has some added options, such as omnidirectional, which can pick up sound from all directions.

The supercardioid pickup pattern provides excellent gain before feedback while rejecting unwanted stage noise, and the universal drum mounts work with most rim configurations using standard XLR connections you already own.

Best For: Drummers and recording enthusiasts seeking a complete, budget-friendly microphone solution that covers their entire drum kit with professional-grade metal construction and versatile mounting options.

Pros:

• Complete 7-piece kit includes everything needed for full drum coverage from kick to overheads with all mounting hardware included
• High-performance supercardioid pickup pattern delivers excellent gain before feedback and superior noise rejection for stage use
• Versatile compatibility with standard XLR connections and universal drum mounts that work with most rim configurations

Cons:

• Some users reported compatibility issues with certain drum rim clips despite universal design claims
• At 6.34 pounds total weight, the kit may add noticeable bulk when fully mounted on a drum set
• 15 KHz frequency response ceiling is lower than some premium microphones that extend into higher frequencies

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7-Piece Drum Microphone Kit for Stage & Studio Recording

Budget-conscious drummers who need extensive microphone coverage for their entire kit will find exceptional value in this 7-piece drum microphone collection, which delivers professional-grade recording capabilities without the premium price tag that typically accompanies studio-quality equipment.

The brand has a strong collection of drum kit microphones, and all of them are very easy to work with.

There are two or three overhead mic options, but the sE7s are undoubtedly the most popular. It’s the best microphone case out of every option on this list.

Polar pattern: Cardioid

Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz

Max SPL: 145dB

Weight: 0.26 lbs.

What To Look For In an Overhead Drum Mic

Single vs Matched Mics

When looking at drum sets that have microphones set up around them, you’ll mostly see setups where there are two overhead mics.

Pencil condensers are very light, so they’re the easiest to travel with.

You should also consider all your other microphones and how heavy they are. I’ve learned the hard way that even the most expensive condenser microphones can crumble under the acoustic assault of a heavy-hitting drummer if they can’t handle the pressure.

The sweet spot I look for is 155 dB maximum SPL, which accommodates even the most aggressive cymbal crashes and snare hits without breaking a sweat.

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. All these brands sell microphones that tend to work very well for drum kits, whether that’s in studios or on live stages.

Shure

Shure is an incredibly popular audio brand, especially due to their SM57 mics being one of the industry-standard drum kit options.

This model also comes with windshields, which means that if you are recording outside, you can protect the mics from gusts of wind. I appreciate that they include shock-mounted clips and windscreens, though you’ll need 48V phantom power to operate them properly.

Best For: Home studio enthusiasts and budget-conscious producers who need professional-grade overhead recording capabilities for drums, acoustic instruments, and stereo recording applications.

Pros:

• Matched sensitivity within ±0.5dB for accurate stereo imaging at an affordable $100 price point for two microphones
• Includes essential accessories like shock-mounted clips, windscreens, and protective carrying case for complete setup
• Linear frequency response and cardioid polar pattern effectively capture full frequency range while minimizing background noise

Cons:

• Requires 48V phantom power which may not be available on all audio interfaces or mixing boards
• High sensitivity requires careful microphone positioning to avoid picking up unwanted noise
• May need additional pop filters for optimal recording quality in certain applications

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NEEWER 2-Pack Pencil Stick Condenser Mic with Interchangeable Capsules

Budget-friendly doesn’t always mean sacrificing versatility, and NEEWER’s 2-Pack Pencil Stick Condenser Mic proves this point with its impressive interchangeable capsule system that transforms these affordable microphones into adaptable tools for drummers who need flexible overhead positioning options.

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.

The big reason for this is that they’re some of the most affordable microphones available.

Even though they’re very cheap, they do a great job of picking up all your drum sounds and giving you a good platform to mix from.

The sounds aren’t as transparent and accurate as what the other mics on this list give you, but they’re good enough for me to suggest these mics to any beginner or drummer looking for the cheapest option possible.

These mics are very small, and they’re surprisingly well-built.

They give you a good sense of stability and durability.

Overall, the Shure KSM137s are some of the most reliable overhead microphones you can get.

Polar pattern: Cardioid

Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz

Max SPL: 159dB

Weight: 0.22 lbs.

Earthworks SR25 – Premium Option

The Earthworks SR25 Microphones (compare price on Sweetwater and Amazon) are some of the highest-tier drum mics that hundreds of drummers are using at the moment.

You’ll get dedicated mics for every component, including dynamic options for bass and snare, plus two condenser overheads that capture cymbals with surprising clarity. A lot of pencil condensers are relatively small, so you may be surprised by their length.