Overhead mics for drummers

You’ll avoid the phase issues that come with mismatched gear, and you’ll be surprised at how much more “real” your drum recordings feel. You’ll get consistent frequency response and stereo imaging across your kit. Cardioid mics effectively isolate the drum kit while rejecting background noise, which prevents unwanted ambient sounds from cluttering your recordings.

If your ride cymbals border more on the bright side, the more natural sound of the sE7 will be a lifesaver when you start mixing the raw tracks recorded with it.

Aside from being one of the better budget overhead drum mics, this also makes the sE7 a good versatile studio mic that can work with other acoustic instruments. Large-diaphragm condensers tend to work the best, as they have a wider pickup range.

Buying a single overhead is a good way of saving money, as you can get a higher-quality microphone for the same price as a lower-quality matched pair.

However, you’ll have an easier time getting a good drum mix if you use a matched pair, and a matched pair will give you a clearer picture of your drums in most settings.

Cardioid patterns are common. The skills come with time, but that’s why I suggest newer drummers only get affordable drum mics.

The better the sound quality is of a mic, the easier your drums will be to mix. While other microphones pick out individual drums and details, the overheads do a lot of the “heavy lifting” and record a massive chunk of the sound.

So, in order to do this job, overhead mics need to be either suspended above (like the Nady OHCM-200) or on a mic stand that is high above the drum set.

Cymbals sound crisp but not too bright. The brand mainly offers luxury microphones that are more expensive than the common choices in the market.

With that being said, you’ll get some of the best drum sounds you’ve ever had with Earthworks overhead mics, so they’re well worth the higher prices.

Behringer

Behringer is a fantastic brand to consider if you want affordable microphones.

Learn more. This is measured in SPL or “sound pressure levels”. 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. You’ll want them equidistant from the snare drum to avoid phase issues, angled slightly downward for ideal cymbal capture and balanced kit sound.

Should Overhead Mics Be Matched Pairs or Can Different Models Be Mixed?

I’d strongly recommend using matched pairs for overhead mics.

They even come in an awesome wooden box. However, I’ve found that performance-oriented overhead mics justify their higher costs through improved sound clarity, reduced background noise, and greater sensitivity that captures essential drum kit details. Your drums will come out sounding great, and you’ll only need to do a few tweaks here and there to get them to sound even better.

Polar pattern: Cardioid

Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz

Max SPL: 156dB

Weight: 0.62 lbs.

Audio-Technica AT4041

The Audio-Technica AT4041 Microphones are my final suggestion, and these are another high-tier option to use in any kind of professional setting.

In some cases, they do a much better job of picking up detail. Its cardioid pattern focuses on your drum kit while minimizing room reflections and bleed from other instruments.

Best For: Drummers, engineers, and musicians seeking professional-quality overhead drum capture, acoustic guitar recording, and small ensemble work at an affordable price point.

Pros:

• Rugged all-metal construction with switchable attenuation pad handles high SPLs up to 155 dB for durability in demanding studio and live environments
• Lightweight half-inch true condenser diaphragm provides excellent clarity and transient response for capturing detailed cymbal shimmer and instrument articulation
• Cardioid pickup pattern effectively focuses on intended sources while minimizing background noise, room reflections, and bleed from other instruments

Cons:

• Some users report humming issues that may affect recording quality in certain setups
• Warranty protection is not guaranteed when purchased from unauthorized sellers, limiting buyer protection
• Requires phantom power (48V) which may necessitate additional equipment for some recording configurations

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When I’m selecting overhead mics for drum recording, I focus on five critical specifications that’ll make or break your cymbal sound, including polar pattern configuration, frequency response characteristics, and the mic’s ability to handle extreme sound pressure levels without distortion.

It can also be used on drum shells thanks to high SPL handling and built in pad.

Transparency is its best trait, it captures sound sources and ambience without altering the sound. Some mics have switchable dB pads to raise the SPL handling when you need to, while others have other features that alter the pickup pattern somehow.

Weight

Weight is a fairly minor feature to look out for, but it’s something that can make a difference if you plan on hitting the road with your overhead mics.

Most condenser mics range from 0.2 lbs.

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.

While omnidirectional mics capture sound from all directions, they’re typically problematic for overhead applications since they pick up excessive room noise and can create phase issues when combined with other drum mics, ultimately compromising the clarity you’re trying to achieve.

Frequency Response Range

Understanding frequency response proves absolutely critical when selecting overhead mics, since you’ll need equipment capable of capturing the complete tonal spectrum that drums and cymbals produce across their wide dynamic range.