11 Best Drum Mic Kits For Recording Drums

drum mic kit

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Investing in a quality drum mic kit is the most convenient and cost-effective way of equipping yourself with the tools you’ll need to record a full acoustic drum set.

An all-in-one drum mic kit includes all the mics you’ll need to record a full drum set in one convenient package. And a full range of drum microphones will help you to achieve the best sounds possible while in the studio.

Drum microphone sets vary largely in quality and price, but in this article, I’ll present to you the best drum microphone kits that possess excellent sonic capabilities, while offering good bang for your buck.

What are the Best Drum Mic Kits?

Image Recommended ProductsProduct Features Price
Premium
Earthworks DK7 Drum Mics
  • Outstanding 7-piece mic package
  • Compact, durable, and rugged
  • True-to-life, natural sounds
Best
Audix DP7 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit
  • 7 Premium drum microphones
  • Designed, made and tested in USA
  • Complete drum recording package
Telefunken DC7 Drum Microphone Package
  • 7-Piece drum mic kit
  • M82 kick drum mic with a moving-coil diaphragm
  • M80-SH dynamic microphones for snare and toms
Budget
Beyerdynamic TG Drum Set Pro Medium Drum Microphone Kit
  • 7-Piece drum mic kit
  • TG D71 kick drum mic with 148dB max SPL handling
  • 4x TG D35 mics for toms and snare
Shure DMK57-52 Drum Microphone Kit
  • 4 High performance microphones
  • Industry leading quality
  • Versatile & legendary performance
Sennheiser 600 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit
  • Premium 7 piece drum mic kit
  • Renowned Sennheiser quality
  • 10-Year guarantee
PreSonus DM-7 Drum Microphone Set
  • 7-piece drum mic kit
  • Multidimensional recordings
  • Affordable price tag
Shure PGA7 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit
  • 7 High quality drum mics
  • Legendary Shure quality
  • Well-balanced and clear
Audix FP7 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit
  • Great value 7 mic package
  • Rugged Audix quality
  • All-in-one recording solution
Sennheiser e604 Dynamic Mic Kit
  • Supreme tom microphones
  • 40hz-18kHz Frequency response
  • Crystal clear and detailed sound
Samson 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit
  • Affordable 7 piece drum mic kit
  • Includes durable carry case
  • Includes attachments and clips

How I Tested and Selected the Best Drum Mic Kits

I conducted a meticulous testing process for various drum mic kits, to ensure optimal performance and suitability for diverse musical scenarios.

Sound quality was paramount, and I critically evaluated how each mic captured the nuances of different drum set components. From the punch of the kick to the shimmer of cymbals, I sought a balanced and authentic representation.

Durability and build quality were also scrutinized through extensive use, ensuring the mics could withstand the rigors of live performances and studio sessions.

Ease of setup and adjustment was a key consideration, recognizing the importance of efficient workflow during time-sensitive situations.

Furthermore, I examined the mic kits’ ability to handle high volumes without distortion, a crucial factor for dynamic drumming styles.

This comprehensive testing process aimed at identifying drum mic kits that not only met but exceeded the expectations of a professional drummer in terms of sound quality, durability, versatility, and ease of use.

Best Drum Mic Kit Reviews

Premium

Earthworks DK7 Drum Mic Kit

These mics capture a remarkably true-to-life natural sound from a drum set. They are perfect for drummers or recording engineers seeking a highly professional sound.
Sounds
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
Ease-of-Use
4.5
Value
4.0

    Earthworks DK7 Drum Mic Kit Review

    The Earthworks DK7 microphone set is a premium-priced option, but it is an outstanding package that includes everything you need to record incredible-sounding drums.

    The included microphones perform exceptionally well and do a fantastic job of capturing the natural sound of a drum set into recordings.

    In terms of sound, I’d say that the quality of the tones captured by these microphones is second to none.

    They have excellent transparency and attention to detail, largely thanks to the Earthworks microphones being condenser mics, unlike most drum microphones which are dynamic mics, and don’t offer the same level of clarity.

    Each of the seven condenser microphones included in the DK7 kit has been built to withstand the rigors of recording, touring, and rehearsing. The metal units are sleek and streamlined yet feel totally solid.

    The Earthworks DK7 comes with RimMounts, which make it easy to attach each mic to its designated drum. These mounts clamp securely onto the drum shell or can be mounted on a mic stand easily.

    The DK7 by Earthworks is my highest-recommended drum microphone set. With seven high-quality condenser mics, you can achieve remarkably clear, detailed recordings of your entire acoustic drum kit.

    If you are looking for a convenient, one-stop solution for drum recording, then the Earthworks DK7 has you covered.

    Included you’ll receive one SR20LS mic, two SR25 mics, and four DM20 mics, as well as a hardcase, a total of seven windscreens, three MC1 mic clips, and four RimMount mic clips.

    Pros

    • Incredibly roadworthy and durable, while also being compact easy to mount
    • Handles extremely high sound pressure levels (SPLs) with ease
    • Captures acoustic drum kits with stunning clarity

    Cons

    • Requires a recording interface with 7 channels of phantom power
    • Expensive price tag
    Best

    Audix DP7 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit

    This professional set contains 7 robust, award-winning microphones that are tailored to capture the sounds of a complete drum set with fantastic detail. I love the build quality, sound, and design of these mics.
    Sounds
    4.5
    Build Quality
    5.0
    Ease-of-Use
    4.0
    Value
    4.5

      Audix DP7 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit Review

      In a close second place, we have a complete premium drum-recording solution – the Audix DPD 7-piece drum mic kit. This fantastic pack includes everything you will need to begin recording professional-quality drums.

      Included with this pack you’ll receive 7 professional microphones used for recording a full drum set and all the mic mounting clips within a protective aluminum flight case.

      Audix has developed this award-winning package with microphones to work in tandem to capture all the drums as naturally and effectively as possible.

      All of the microphones in this package are industry standard microphones that are utilized by drummers and sound engineers in studios and on stages around the world.

      I’ve used these microphones on so many different occasions, and they’ve always produced top-tier drum sounds. 

      Included in the pack is a D6 for kick, i5 for snare, 2 X D2’s for rack toms, a D4 for floor tom, and 2 X ADX51 condenser mics for overheads.

      These drum microphones deliver a clear and powerful sound and can handle high sound pressure levels without distorting. The microphone units are ultra-low mass yet highly rugged and durable.

      This drum mic pack represents an outstanding selection of microphones designed to meet the demands of today’s professional drummer. It is the best drum mic kit available on the market.

      Pros

      • Audix's flagship drum microphones
      • Award winning package
      • Incredible, realistic detail and clarity

      Cons

      • High price tag, but a valuable investment

      Telefunken DC7 Drum Microphone Package

      With seven premium Telefunken drum mics included, this comprehensive set guarantees an outstanding sound when recording drums or performing live.
      Sounds
      4.5
      Build Quality
      5
      Ease-of-Use
      4.5
      Value
      4.5

        Telefunken DC7 Drum Microphone Package Review

        If you’re looking for a drum mic set that is equally suited to be used in the studio as it is onstage, the Telefunken DC7 7 Piece Drum Mic Kit is a superb option. 

        Built with the level of durability that this German mic manufacturer is known for, the DC7 consists of some of the finest drum mics available. 

        I’m particularly impressed by the versatility of the M82 kick drum mic, which sets the standard for the rest of the mics in this package. 

        You can capture your bass drum with one of five different sounds with an innovative switchable EQ filter and a high-boost feature. 

        Another aspect of this mic set that impressed me is the detail with which the M60 FET picks up overheads without sounding too harsh, which is a common issue with some condenser mics positioned above the cymbals. This mic also doubles up as a great tool for recording acoustic instruments in the studio. 

        For the snare and toms, Telefunken sticks with the solid and reliable M81-SH, of which there are three included in this set. These mics have a max SPL handling of 135dB and a wide frequency response that is ideal for these drums. 

        Rather than just providing the mics in the DC7 set, Telefunken has gone one step further and housed them in a roadworthy hardshell flight case, which also contains an XLR cable for each mic with convenient right-angled female connectors for simple placement.

        Pros

        • Captures every detail of a drum set
        • Each microphone is built like a tank and guaranteed to last
        • Comes in a protective flight case with seven XLR cables

        Cons

        • Best suited to 5 or 4-piece drum kits
        Budget

        Beyerdynamic TG Pro Medium Drum Mic Kit

        This affordable mic set covers all bases when it comes to recording drums or projecting them for live shows. It contains a total of seven specifically chosen mics, and is a great-sounding choice for the price.
        Sounds
        4
        Build Quality
        4
        Ease-of-Use
        4.5
        Value
        5.0

          Beyerdynamic TG Pro Medium Drum Mic Kit Review

          The Beyerdynamic TG Drum Set Pro 7 Piece Drum Mic Kit provides you with seven microphones, each chosen for a specific purpose. I like that Beyerdynamic has included four TG D35 dynamic mics in this set, as these are well-known for being versatile and reliable.

          If you use two toms in your drum kit, you’ll have one of the TG D35s left over as a utility mic, which can be very useful, particularly when you need a bigger sound when using them for live drums. I’d recommend placing two of the mics on the snare – one on top and one underneath if you want a huge sound. 

          I’m a big fan of Beyerdynamic’s aesthetic designs, and this drum mic set impresses on that front. 

          With their stylish matte black finish, the mics look fantastic when positioned around the drums!

          The TG D71 is a great addition and is capable of achieving thick, crisp kick drum sounds by highlighting the prominent frequencies with its semi-cardioid polar pattern. Then there’s the pair of TG 153 condenser overheads, with their small-diaphragm design and focused directionality for capturing the details of a drum set. 

          Overall, this Beyerdynamic drum mic set’s simplicity and ease of use make it the perfect choice for recording engineers and drummers who want a great sound without the high cost of other options.

          Pros

          • Very easy to set up and position around a drum kit
          • Great at handling loud drummers
          • Each microphone can be used for other instruments

          Cons

          • The condenser microphones sound a little harsh in the upper mids
          • Doesn’t include a hard case

          Shure DMK57-52 4-Piece Drum Mic Kit

          These four Shure drum microphones are renowned for their durability and sonic capabilities for both live and studio use. They offer excellent sounds and reliability at a modest price.
          Sounds
          4.0
          Build Quality
          5.0
          Ease-of-Use
          4.0
          Value
          4.0

            Shure DMK57-52 4-Piece Drum Mic Kit Review

            Shure has produced a winner for this category of best drum mics with the excellent quality Shure DMK57-52 4-Piece Drum Mic Kit.

            Included inside are 3 x SM57 microphones and 1 x Beta 52A kick drum microphone. The Shure SM57 is the industry standard snare drum mic, and a high-performing choice for toms, whilst the Beta 52A kick drum mic is a renowned, premium selection for kick drums.

            These are some of the best drum mics around and represent the industry standard for recording drums in live applications as well as in the studio. 

            They are a popular choice for performers, producers, and engineers everywhere.

            The SM57 is the most popular instrument microphone in the world and offers versatile, legendary performance. Both the SM57 and Beta 52A are extremely durable and rugged dynamic microphones.

            These professional quality mics are built to last and are able to withstand the rigors of touring.

            Also included in this drum mic kit is a heavy-duty carrying case as well as three rugged drum mounts to attach the SM57s to your drum hoops.

            The high performance and versatility of these microphones in conjunction with their reliability make these my top pick for the best drum mics on the market and a fantastic investment all-round.

            Pros

            • Fantastic value for money
            • Won't ever need upgrading
            • Highly versatile and durable

            Cons

            • Set doesn't include overhead mics

            Sennheiser 600 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit

            A professional-grade drum mic pack includes 7 drum microphones from Sennheiser’s flagship range. These excellent-sounding mics are robust and particularly easy to mount on a drum set.
            Sounds
            4.5
            Build Quality
            5.0
            Ease-of-Use
            4.5
            Value
            4.5

              Sennheiser 600 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit Review

              Up next we have the Sennheiser 600 Drum Mic Kitwhich features 7 instrument-specific drum microphones for complete drum recording.

              This professional-grade drum mic pack includes 7 drum microphones from Sennheiser’s flagship range of mics. They deliver a balanced and clear sound and are all resilient to high sound pressure levels.

              The microphones included are 1 X e602 for kick, 4 X e604 for snare and toms, and e614 overhead condenser mics. All the microphones include a 10-year guarantee for your peace of mind.

              All of these professional quality microphones are used on arena tours by professional drummers around the world.

              I particularly like the e604 dynamic microphones for toms. They are small and unobtrusive and are well built.

              In addition to this, the clamps allow for optimal positioning on the drums, even on the snare drum.

              The e602 microphone is a premium kick drum microphone that captures and delivers clear and punchy kicks on stage and in the studio. It is a light microphone yet is ultra-tough.

              Overall this is a very effective drum microphone solution, featuring some of the best drum mics in the industry. Sennheiser has developed highly functional mics that perform brilliantly and deliver balanced and clear signals.

              Pros

              • Sennheiser's flagship drum microphones
              • Incredibly rugged and resilient
              • Utilized by professionals around the world

              Cons

              • Expensive drum mic package

              PreSonus DM-7 Drum Microphone Set

              The DM-7 by PreSonus is a comprehensive selection of drum mics that have all of the capabilities required to record a full drum set with clarity.
              Sounds
              4.0
              Build Quality
              4.0
              Ease-of-Use
              4.0
              Value
              4.5

                PreSonus DM-7 Drum Microphone Set Review

                PreSonus is a brand that offers high-quality recording and live sound gear at very reasonable prices, as is evident with this DM-7 drum mic set. With seven specifically chosen microphones, this set facilitates detailed and clear drum recordings. 

                For capturing kick drums, you get a PreSonus BD-1 which emphasizes the prominent low-end and lower midrange frequencies. This mic produces a punchy, thick sound that is compatible with any bass drum. 

                Depending on your preferences, the BD-1 can be positioned inside the kick drum or outside the rear skin. It can handle high SPLs, and therefore you won’t need to worry about clipping when recording bass drums. 

                Additionally, the DM-7 set includes four ST-4 microphones. These dynamic mics are durable, able to handle extremely high SPLs, and have a focused directionality. They’re great for snare drums and toms. 

                The ST-4 mics are roadworthy and have a wide frequency response. They’re great all-rounders and can be used to capture all styles of drumming. Using them with a preamp of your choice is a great way to enhance their accurate and tight sound. 

                Finally, you get a pair of OH-2 condenser mics. These microphones are ideal for overheads, being placed in the XY position above your cymbals, but they can also be used for vocals, pianos, or acoustic instruments. 

                I’ve done a full studio recording with these mics before, and I loved how easy they were to work with!

                Considering it includes seven high-quality drum microphones, the PreSonus DM-7 is excellent value.

                Pros

                • Includes high-quality clips, attachments, and a carry case
                • Thick and punchy kick recordings
                • Very versatile and practical mics for the money

                Cons

                • Requires an interface with 7 or more XLR inputs

                Shure PGA7 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit

                Shure’s more affordable line of drum mics includes 7 purpose-built microphones to capture a full drum set. They are rugged and deliver punchy, full-bodied sounds across the board.
                Sounds
                3.5
                Build Quality
                4.0
                Ease-of-Use
                3.5
                Value
                4.5

                  Shure PGA7 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit Review

                  Up next for review we have this complete drum recording solution from Shure, which features 7 specifically selected microphones to deliver excellent sound quality when recording a full drum set.

                  These microphones are from the PG ALTA range, which honors Shure’s 90-year tradition of manufacturing exceptionally high quality audio products. This Shure PGA7 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit has been designed to deliver rock-solid sound and reliability at an accessible price for aspiring drummers.

                  Included in the kit is 1 X PGA52 kick drum mic, 1 X PGA57 mic for snare, 3 X PGA56 mics for toms and 2 X PGA81 overhead condenser microphones. Also included in the generous pack are 7 XLR cables that measure 15 feet each, all the clips and mounts you’ll need plus a protective carry case.

                  These microphones sound fantastic. They have smooth frequencies and I love how they deliver a clear and concise sound. 

                  All of the dynamic mics excellently pick up a full and well-rounded sound from the drums, whilst the overheads are sensitive and crisp.

                  Although these microphones are not Shure’s flagship range, and do not offer quite the legendary performance of the SM57 or Beta 52A, these mics share similar frequency patterns to their expensive counterparts. They are just as rugged and deliver a rich and full sound.

                  Pros

                  • Great value package
                  • Quality exceeds price
                  • Rock-solid sound and reliability

                  Cons

                  • Might need upgrading to premium mics
                  • Shure SM57 is better for snare and toms

                  Audix FP7 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit

                  These optimally tuned drum microphones represent a good affordable solution for any drummer looking to start recording drums at home or mic up a drum set on stage.
                  Sounds
                  3.5
                  Build Quality
                  4.0
                  Ease-of-Use
                  4.0
                  Value
                  4.5

                    Audix FP7 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit Review

                    Audix has really delivered a great package with the affordable Audix FP7 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit – containing 7 optimally tuned drum microphones that are designed to work in harmony together.

                    Despite the affordable price tag, I’d say this is definitely a roadworthy and formidable set of drum microphones that delivers excellent results.

                    Included in the pack are 7 microphones that are well built with durable metal casings and are resilient to high sound pressure levels.

                    The kit consists of an f5 for snare, three f2 mics for toms, two f9 condensers for overhead use, and one f6 for a kick drum. Also included with the set are mic clips and mounts. The kit is housed inside an aluminum carrying case.

                    These microphones give the drums an immediately impressive sound, and have a full dynamic range that really brings the drums to life!

                    The f6 mic delivers a punchy low end from the kick whilst the f5 on the snare drum and toms are equally impressive in capturing clear and defined sounds. The f9 overheads are pin-sharp and easily capture all the nuances of the cymbals.

                    This microphone set is the ideal all-in-one starter kit for any drummer looking to begin recording quality drum sounds. This is one of the best drum mic kits available for the money right now.

                    Pros

                    • Fantastic performance for price
                    • High quality attachments included
                    • Optimally tuned microphones

                    Cons

                    • Not Audix pro level range, but still high quality

                    Sennheiser e604 Dynamic Mic Kit

                    A set of three premium e604 Sennheiser mics that are perfect for use on toms. Highly robust and functional, they are very easy to mount thanks to their small footprint.
                    Sounds
                    4.5
                    Build Quality
                    4.5
                    Ease-of-Use
                    4.5
                    Value
                    4.5

                      Sennheiser e604 Dynamic Mic Kit Review

                      Although this is not a full drum set recording solution, this is a set containing 3 X e604 microphones, and these are in my opinion some of the best drum mics to use for toms.

                      For the price you may not receive the fantastic value of the AKG Session drum mic kit, or Shure PGA 7 drum mic kit, both of which contain 7 microphones. However, with this product you will receive 3 of the best dynamic drum mics, and will never require an upgrade.

                      The e604 delivers a fantastic frequency response range of 40Hz-18kHz with a tight cardioid polar pattern to capture the direct sound of the drums.

                      These microphones are designed near perfectly, being virtually bulletproof and leaving a very small footprint on the drum set with its miniature size. 

                      I find the small design to make it so easy to position these in a variety of ways compared to other mics. 

                      Sennheiser puts absolute faith in the quality of these microphones with a 10-year guarantee.

                      The mic is attached neatly to hoop of the toms and snare drums with a mic clip that is easy to use and the microphone is never an obstruction due to its practical size.

                      The sound obtained from these microphones is crystal clear. They capture a smooth and detailed response that has just the right amount of high-end attack as well as warmth that hits just the right spot.

                      The Sennheiser e604 dynamic mic kit delivers brilliant results, combining an excellent tonal response and rock-solid build. The e604 is a difficult mic to beat, and makes a great investment in the future of your drum recording.

                      Pros

                      • Best drum mics for toms
                      • Very small and practical size
                      • 10-Year guarantee

                      Cons

                      • Incomplete package for recording a drum set

                      Samson 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit

                      An excellent set of low-cost drum microphones that provide a smooth and reliable performance. The pack also includes all the attachments and clips for setting everything up.
                      Sounds
                      3.0
                      Build Quality
                      4.0
                      Ease-of-Use
                      4.5
                      Value
                      5.0

                        Samson 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit Review

                        The affordable Samson DK707 Drum Mic Kit is a low-cost set of drum microphones that offers a solid performance all round.

                        These Samson drum microphones have been tuned to capture a wide frequency range and they are compact and versatile. The drum mic kit includes a durable carry case as well as all the necessary mic clips and adaptors to get started.

                        This drum mic kit does offer fantastic value, and these are capable microphones. But it is worth noting that this pack will not offer the quality of the premium audio brands that feature in this list.

                        The microphones themselves do deliver reasonable sound quality and they perform their role as an affordable solution for drum recording. The response is fairly flat but surprisingly clear.

                        I would recommend this as a very first drum mic kit for a beginner looking for an introduction to recording drums.

                        However, you will eventually require an upgrade to a premium drum mic kit to achieve better quality recordings further down the line.

                        Pros

                        • Low cost microphones
                        • Surprisingly durable units
                        • Includes carry case and clips

                        Cons

                        • Will eventually require an upgrade
                        • Not the greatest build quality

                        Drum Mic Kit Buyer's Guide

                        Quality-sounding drums lay down the foundation of any mix. Smooth, balanced, and well-rounded drum tones make for an enjoyable listening experience regardless of the musical genre.

                        The recording process in a studio will typically follow a proven formula of one microphone per drum (close micing) and two or more overhead microphones, and also some room mics if available.

                        To have fantastic-sounding drums on a mix, the very first step is to capture great sounds at the source with the best drum mics and drum set you have access to.

                        This requires recording good-sounding drums that have been tuned correctly, ideally with brand-new drum heads.

                        Recording drums is undoubtedly one of the trickiest and most time-consuming parts of the recording experience, but the rewards of a well-thought-out recording approach make it well worth the effort.

                        How Many Mics Does a Drum Mic Kit Include?

                        Ideally, you want to look for a drum mic kit that offers a larger quantity of microphones.

                        This will allow you to experiment with different microphone positions and capture each individual drum set component effectively.

                        The most popular drum mic kits on the market amongst drummers such as the Earthworks DK7 and the Sennheiser 600 drum mic set include 7 drum microphones, consisting of the following:

                        • 1x Kick drum mic
                        • 1x Snare drum mic
                        • 3x Tom drum mics
                        • 2x Overhead drum mics

                        It’s important to remember that quality is more important than quantity when it comes to drum microphones, and the recording approach is crucial.

                        Two or three well-placed quality microphones will lead to a better result than ten poor-quality microphones that are set up incorrectly.

                        I have achieved fantastic drum sounds from a single kick drum microphone as well as a single condenser microphone.

                        It is largely about placement, as well as the quality of the room and the drums and cymbals themselves.

                        But of course, the best quality drum sounds will always be achieved at professional recording studios, with a large number of microphones and in a room with brilliant acoustic sound properties.

                        What Equipment Do I Need to Record Drums?

                        After you have purchased your set of drum microphones, you will also need various other components to begin recording drums into a computer.

                        Computer & DAW

                        You’ll need a computer with a DAW (digital audio workstation), such as Logic, ProTools, or Ableton Live. This software will enable you to record, mix, and edit your drums.

                        Recording Interface

                        Crucially, you will need a drum recording interface that has enough XLR inputs to accommodate all your microphones.

                        Audio interfaces can be expensive, but it’s definitely worth finding one that delivers a clean signal response and has warm preamps and converters.

                        XLR Cables

                        Once you have the microphones and the audio interface, you will also require XLR cables which are ideally 5 meters long or more.

                        If you are utilizing a 7-piece drum mic kit, you will need 3 microphone stands. One of these is for the kick drum mic and the remaining 2 are for the overhead drum mics.

                        Mic Clips & Mounts

                        All of the drum mic kits in this guide include drum mic clips that allow the tom mics to be attached to the hoops of the drums for easy and convenient microphone placement.

                        When it comes to the kick drum, you can place the kick drum mic directly inside the bass drum (through the porthole), or alternatively, invest in a kick drum mic stand.

                        Overhead Drum Mic Stands

                        Overhead drum mic stands are a necessary component as they mount the overhead drum mics from above for the best sound quality. Overhead mic stands are free-standing, and you’ll need two to position the stereo pair of overheads.

                        There are a variety of overhead drum mic stands to choose from. You’ll want to select the ones that offer good stability and a range of adjustment. Most include boom arms for setup versatility.

                        The Final Setup

                        Now you should have all the microphones all set up on the drum kit, and the functionality to capture and record all the drums you desire! The drum set with all 7 microphones (1 kick, 1 snare, 3 toms, 2 overheads) should look like this!

                        7 piece drum mic setup

                        Top Tips for Recording Drums

                        • Use the best-sounding drums and cymbals you have. Capturing great drum sounds begins right at the source, so if you have a professional-level drum set it will sound much better in the recordings.
                        • Make sure that your drum kit is well-tuned and tightly assembled. Using brand-new drum heads will also help to ensure that you get the best possible sounds.
                        • Position your microphones carefully for the best sound quality. The close mics for drums should be placed close to the source, with snare and tom mics mounted directly on the rim of the drums. The overhead mics should be positioned high up so that they capture a wide stereo image.
                        • Consider the acoustics of a room. If the room is too reflective, you may need to cover up the walls and doors with blankets or other sound-absorbent materials.
                        • Ensure your audio interface and gain levels are set up correctly. This will avoid clipping, and you’ll want enough headroom to allow for any editing or mixing later on.
                        • Avoid phasing issues. You can do this by ensuring the overhead mics are an equal distance from both the center of the snare drum.
                        • Practice and consider recording to a click track, as this will result in tighter and more consistent-sounding drum recordings.
                        • Use drum dampening to muffle any unwanted overtones. This will allow you to achieve tighter and more focused drum sounds from the snare, kick, and toms.

                        Final Thoughts

                        There is a lot of experimentation and microphone positioning involved in drum recording, and as I have mentioned there are ways of recording drums with anything between 2 and 20 microphones.

                        Having a greater number of microphones at your disposal offers you greater recording flexibility as well as a cleaner and more direct pickup from each individual drum set component.

                        This list features the best drum mic kits available to suit all different budgets. It is important to remember that quality does reflect price, and when purchasing recording equipment you will either buy nice or buy twice.

                        The best drum microphones deliver unmistakably smooth and crystal clear sounds that you can hear on popular music recordings.

                        The Shure DMK57-52 4-Piece Drum Mic Kit offers you the same premium quality microphones that are heard on classic hit recordings at an affordable price and allows you the opportunity to invest in overhead microphones at a later date. This kit includes the best drum mics available for the money.

                        If you are on a budget but you want a full drum recording solution with 7 drum microphones, the Audix Fusion FP7 Drum Mic Kit is the best drum mic kit at a modest price. It delivers renowned Audix quality and brings drums to life with clear detail.

                        If you are prepared to spend for the best drum mic kit at a premium price then the Earthworks DK7 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit is the best drum mic kit for you. It is an award-winning set that has been meticulously developed to deliver the best drum sounds possible.

                        I hope this buyer’s guide has helped you with your search for the best drum mics available on the market. They will all offer years of reliable service for all of your drumming needs both live and in the studio.

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