I review products independently and only recommend products I would use myself. If you purchase through a link, I may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.
Drum mic clips are a must-have for any drummer tracking in the studio or performing live.
Having the right mic clips will ensure that your microphones stay firmly put and allow you to capture a great sound without worrying about them slipping out of place.
A good quality drum mic mount will be durable enough to withstand the rigors of touring as well as offer flexible positioning to make it easy to adjust the microphones exactly where you need them.
In this article, I’ll be reviewing the best drum mic clips available, so you can be sure you’re getting the most reliable and versatile option for your drums.
What are the Best Drum Mic Clips?
| Image | Recommended ProductsProduct | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Most Sturdy
|
|
||
Best Overall
|
|
||
Budget Pick
|
|
||
Most Flexible
|
|
||
Fastest Setup
|
|
How I Tested and Selected the Best Drum Mic Clips and Mounts
Having played over a hundred shows, I’ve learned the absolute importance of reliable drum mic clips. They’re the unsung heroes of stage performances, ensuring the mics stay put amidst energetic drumming.
Throughout my playing career, I’ve tried and tested dozens of options, and I ended up with five good ones that I always recommend to people when they ask for advice.
When testing the clips and mounts out, I looked at compatibility, stability, ease-of-use, durability, and overall value.
Durability is non-negotiable. I tested these clips to ensure they are able to withstand relentless movement and vibrations on stage. A solid grip on the drum rims is crucial—no room for slipping or repositioning mid-show.
I also ensured that these clips allowed me to position the microphone precisely where I needed it to capture the best sound without the mic being intrusive.
Lastly, I also looked for versatility. I selected clips that can handle different mic sizes and fit various drum configurations. That adaptability makes them a staple in my drumming setup.
In-Depth Drum Mic Clip Reviews
Shure A56D Universal Drum Mic Mount
Shure A56D Universal Drum Mic Mount Review
In terms of stability, ruggedness, and versatility, the Shure A56D is a strong contender for the best drum mic mount on the market, and it boasts an incredibly sturdy all-metal construction.
This solid metal Shure A56D mic clip is one of the most robust and roadworthy options that fits all different types of drum microphones.
The Shure A56D is a hoop-mounted drum mic clip that supports a wide range of placement options. What makes this the best drum mic mount is the fact it’s incredibly robust. Shure’s stepped hoop clamp is ultra-secure and won’t loosen over time.
This drum mic clip is perfect for attaching all types of drum mics on snares, toms, and floor toms, and it’s ideal for recording studios and on stage. Not only is it sturdy and easily adjustable, but the A56D also won’t move at all once set to the desired position on a drum hoop.
Cheaper drum mic clips are nowhere near as strong or dependable as the Shure A56D. It’s reliable and built to last.
I’ve always loved how the low-profile design doesn’t get in the way of my playing while staying firmly attached to the drum hoop.
I highly recommend the Shure A56D as the best drum mic clip for any drummer who is serious about recording drums in the studio or looking for a robust and free-from-obstruction drum mic mount for live use.
Pros
- Extremely durable metal construction
- Stays firmly in place with no mic travel
- The ultimate choice for serious drummers for studio and tours
Cons
- Pretty expensive per unit
K&M 24030 Drum Microphone Holder
K&M 24030 Drum Microphone Holder Review
The K&M 24030 Drum Microphone Holder is a professional level drum mic mount that is rock-solid in use, and it’s approved by many of the world’s top sound engineers and drummers for its superior reliability and ease of use.
This is the best professional-level option on the market, and one I’d highly recommend above others.
Included with the K&M 24030, you receive a drum mic holder that clips onto any hoop with the included thumbscrews and thread.
When installed, it offers excellent stability. It won’t wobble or move- it will hold the microphone precisely in the right position throughout a performance.
It also offers excellent noise and shock absorption. The mount features rubber inserts that do a good job at reducing unwanted sounds and vibrations.
The K&M 24030 is the best drum mic clip for drummers and sound techs who want a small and discreet clamp that is guaranteed to stay firmly put, night after night on tour.
This is the best mic clip if you’re serious about performance. I found the unit’s build quality to be very high, and it has a reassuring weight that feels especially sturdy and robust.
The K&M 24030 is my top recommended clip for any drummer seeking a sturdy and simple-to-use product that perfectly holds snare and tom mics in place.
Thanks to its compact design, ease of use, stability, and noise absorption features it is a fantastic drum mic mounting solution that allows for good adjustability.
Pros
- Lightweight and unobtrusive design
- Sturdy and easy to mount
- Rubber inserts that absorb noise and shock, reducing unwanted sounds
Cons
- Not ideal for odd-shaped or large microphones
Shure A50D Drum Mic Mount
Shure A50D Drum Mic Mount Review
The affordable Shure A50D Drum Mic Mount is a sturdy drum mic clip that securely holds snare and tom mics perfectly in place. It is effortless to use, and despite being lightweight, it’s built to withstand knocks and hits!
This compact and affordable Shure A50D is a durable and versatile drum mic mount that fits perfectly on most drum hoops. It will comfortably meet the needs of most drummers.
Despite being made from a firm plastic material, I found the unit’s build quality to be very high, and it’s far more robust than I expected.
It’s flexible, yet it will hold up to very heavy playing on stage without slipping or breaking.
If you are looking for the best drum mic clips that won’t break the bank, then the Shure A50D is one of the best options you can buy on a budget. It’s simple to use, versatile, lightweight, and affordable, and it won’t let you down!
Pros
- Amazing performance and value
- Rock-solid in operation
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- Very little negatives for the price
Audix D-VICE Gooseneck Drum Mic Mount
Audix D-VICE Gooseneck Drum Mic Mount Review
The Audix D-VICE Drum Mic Mount is another top option, favored by professional drummers and sound engineers for its ease of positioning.
The gooseneck design means you can push, pull, and rotate the microphone to your ideal placement. It’s incredibly flexible and ideal for finding the perfect sound at a live gig.
I found the easily adjustable gooseneck to be unobtrusive and it didn’t interfere while I was playing. It takes up a small footprint, and it’s versatile, lightweight, and compact.
The Audix D-VICE drum mount offers fantastic adjustability, and it will accommodate any drum microphone with the included clip. The unit clips onto the drum hoop both quickly and securely.
Overall the D-VICE is an excellent drum mic mount solution. These drum mic clamps will fit almost any rim, and it has a solid grip that is reliable and sturdy. It’s one of the best drum mic clips for live use and studio performances.
Pros
- Good value for money drum mic mount
- Excellent adjustability and positioning
- Sturdy and dependable
Cons
- Some of the plastic components feel a little cheap
- Not very compact
Audix D-FLEX Rim-mounted Drum Mic Clip
Audix D-FLEX Rim-mounted Drum Mic Clip Review
The Audix D-Flex Drum Mic Clip is a more affordable drum mic mounting solution, yet still dependable for drum recording and gigs.
The Audix D-FLEX mounts onto any drum hoop with a large clip that locks into place with an adjustable metal thumbscrew. It offers excellent positioning and a variety of adjustability options for perfect placement.
This versatile mount attaches firmly not only to drum rims but it can also mount to percussion such as congas, mic stands, or cymbal stands.
The construction quality is good, and the Nylon material is resilient to knocks and impacts. The brass threads and screws also function well. But it lacks quality somewhat compared to more expensive all-metal construction drum mic clips on the market.
Nonetheless, this is still a solid drum mic mount, and it offers excellent bang for your buck considering the price tag.
The Audix D-FLEX also includes a mounting clip so you can slot your snare mics or any other type of dynamic microphone right into it.
Pros
- Very easy to use and fits drum rims as well as stands and other percussion
- The dual pivot design offers excellent flexibility for positioning
- Affordable price tag
Cons
- Butterfly jaws are not as sturdy as the other mounting options listed above
- Materials are not especially heavy-duty
Drum Mic Clips Buyer's Guide
Drum microphone clips, also known as drum mic mounts or clamps, serve a crucial role in both recording and live sound contexts, enabling precise placement of microphones to capture the best possible sound from the drum kit.
They offer a more streamlined setup process and can help achieve a cleaner, more focused sound during recording or live performances. Here’s a deeper dive into why drummers and sound engineers use drum microphone clips:
Efficient Space Usage
By attaching directly to the drums, mic clips eliminate the need for extra stands or equipment around the drum kit. This can make setup easier and quicker, especially in tight spaces or complex stage setups.
Close Mic Placement
The clips allow for the convenient placement of microphones close to each individual drum. This enables the capture of the unique sound of each drum, which can then be mixed individually.
Stability
Microphone clips provide a secure attachment, reducing the risk of the microphone moving or falling during performances. This ensures consistent sound quality.
Ease of Use
Drum mic clips are generally easy to use, with a simple attachment mechanism that allows for quick setup and removal. This can be particularly beneficial in live performance situations where time is of the essence.
Features to Look For in Drum Mic Clips
When choosing drum mic clips, there are several key features you should consider to ensure that they meet your specific needs and provide the best possible sound quality:
Sturdy Construction
The clip should be made of durable materials like metal or high-strength plastic to withstand the rigors of live performances and frequent use. They should also be able to survive being thrown about in a hardware case or sound engineer’s box.
Stability and Security
Once attached to the drum rim, the drum mic mount will need to provide a secure hold for the microphone. The clip should attach securely to the drum rim, ensuring the microphone doesn’t move or fall off at all during performances.
Shock Absorption
Some drum mic clips feature built-in shock absorption to minimize handling noise and vibrations from the drums. This can result in cleaner, clearer recordings by reducing unwanted noise.
Ease of Use
The clip should be easy to attach and remove from the drum to allow for quick setup and removal. This will be particularly beneficial in live performance situations where time is of the essence for setup and teardown.
Unobtrusive Design
Unobtrusive drum mic clips improve a drummer’s setup ergonomics and visual aesthetics. An unobtrusive mic clip won’t interfere with a drummer’s setup, and in terms of aesthetics, they’ll also not distract from the visual presentation of the drum kit.
Drum Mic Clip FAQs
How Do You Attach Drum Mic Clips?
The exact process might vary slightly depending on the design of the mic clip and the type of counterhoop a drum has, but the basic principle is the same.
First, you’ll need to securely attach the clip to the rim of the drum, and typically this is on the far edge furthest away from the drummer.
Once the clip is secured, attach the microphone and adjust the angle so that it will point toward the area of the drum you want to capture. This could be the center of the drum head, the edge, or somewhere in between, depending on the sound you’re aiming for.
