Best Drum Mic Kits for Every Budget

Having trouble figuring out which microphone is best for your drum set? Don’t worry, our guide on all-purpose mics will help you out. After all, they say the best mic is the one you already have! You know that drum kits generally produce a broad range of frequencies, right?

From low to high. When you have a bunch of individual drums at home that need to be mic-ed, the price of the studio-grade mics you’re looking at can easily skyrocket. That’s where drum mic kits come in handy – they provide an affordable alternative to get great sound without breaking the bank.

Getting a microphone kit for your whole kit is usually more cost-effective than buying them separately. You won’t have to go through all the trouble of selecting mics for each piece of your set either. If you’re on the hunt for some great mics to use for recording drums or even doing live performances, take a look at our top picks. We also have some helpful buying advice in this guide too.

Top Drum Mic Kits Review

To bring you the best drum mic kit selection, our team has done some serious research – poring over consumer and professional reviews, analyzing sales data and more. As a result, we’ve curated this top 6 list of quality and popular choices.

1. Audix DP7

Specifications:

Price: $999/£941/€999

Number of mics: 7

Type: 5 x dynamic, 2 x small diaphragm condenser

Pattern: Cardioid/hypercardioid

Switching: -10dB pad switch, 150Hz roll-off (ADX51)

Accessories included: Carry case, 4 x Audix DVICE rim mounts, 3 x DCLIPs, 1 x MC1 clip, 2 x windscreens

Audix is known for its customized drum sounds that reduce the muddiness of our drums and make them sound more punchy and crisp. This is made possible through their ‘pre-EQ’d’ feature. Audix’s DP7 kit includes a bunch of their D-series mics – D6 for bass drum, 2 D2s and a D4 for rack and floor toms, an i5 (which is supposedly better than Shure’s SM57) for snare, plus two ADX51 condenser mics as overheads.

If you’re after a vintage sound, the Audix voicing may not be the best option as some people prefer the versatility of a flatter frequency response. However, there’s still various options available, and when you want to get modern pop, rock and metal sounds quickly without any fuss – both onstage and in the recording studio – you can’t beat the DP7.

Pros:

  • Get amazing modern audio with just a few tweaks

  • Mounting systems included

Cons:

  • The voicing isn’t for every style

2. AKG Drum Set Premium

Specifications:

Price: $1,999/£1,420

Number of mics: 8

Type: 5 x dynamic, 2 x large diaphragm condenser, 1 x condenser

Pattern: Cardioid

Switching: Voice switching on D12 VR, pad and filter on C214s and C451 B

Accessories included: Integral or external clips, shockmounts for C214s, carrying case

When it comes to drum mics, AKG is the name you have to remember. They were the first to design and produce models like the D12 and D112 bass drum mics. With the Drum Set Premium, you get AKG’s D12 VR and 4 D40 mics for your snare and toms, plus 2 C214 large diaphragm condensers and 1 C451 B as a hi-hat mic.

You need to use phantom power in order to get the full functionality of the D12 VR. If that power isn’t available, the mic will work in it’s standard form. If you’re in the market for an overhead drum mic, then you should check out the C214s. They’re derived from the popular C414 which has been used to record thousands of percussion tracks. These mics offer a similar experience with simplified features and no multiple polar patterns like its bigger sibling.

AKG does have some more budget-friendly options when it comes to mic kits for drums, but their Drum Set Premium is unbeatable – especially if you are looking at live or studio applications. It provides all the industry-standard parts and tools you need – a real no-brainer.

Pros:

  • An awesome range of reliable models for stage and studio use – a must-have for any musician!

Cons:

  • No hoop mounts included

3. Earthworks DK7

Specifications:

Price: $2,999/£2,130/€3,333

Number of mics: 7

Type: Condenser

Pattern: Cardioid

Switching: N/A

Accessories included: 4 x hoop clamps, 3 x clips, 7 x windshields, carrying case

If budget isn’t a problem, the Earthworks DK7 is an awesome pick. Its mics replicate those you’ll find in a hospital and offer sound quality with plenty of detail. Inside the package, you’ll get 4 DM20s (for snare drums/toms), 2 SR25mp overhead mics, and one SR20LS. The DM20s can be directly attached to your drum rim with the in-built gooseneck feature, enabling you to get a perfect placement without needing any external stands.

Earthworks is all about quality – no unwanted sounds and total accuracy with the desired ones. It’s a pricey purchase but you will be glad you made it as time goes by.

Pros:

  • Pristine audio quality

  • Stylish design

  • Precise placement

Cons:

  • Comes at a high price

4. Lewitt DTP Beat Kit Pro 7

Specifications:

Price: $1,099/£1,299

Number of mics: 7

Type: 4 x dynamic, 2 x condenser, 1 x dynamic/condenser

Pattern: Cardioid/supercardioid

Switching: Pad/voicing (bass drum and condensers)

Accessories included: Hoop mounts, windshield, clip, omnidirectional condenser capsules

Lewitt’s been getting a lot of praise for their mics that offer a ton of features. The DTP Beat Kit Pro 7 includes one such mic. The DTP 640 REX is special because it contains both condenser and dynamic capsules, so you get to enjoy the benefits of two different mics in one device. You can expect to hear strong attack along with a full-bodied sound. You can also adjust the way your bass drum sounds without going all the way to the mixer. This means you’ll get your desired sound faster!

In addition to everything else in the kit, there are four dynamic mics – one MTP 440 DM for snare drums and three DTP 340 TTs for toms. Plus, the LCT 340 condensers offer adjustable low-cut filters and adjustable gain levels. This highest-tier model also offers the option of exchanging the regular cardioid microphone for an omni-directional one.

If you’re looking for a versatile drum kit with plenty of features, the DTP Beat Kit Pro 7 is the way to go. This set is packed with great options, allowing you to customize it as needed.

Pros:

  • Lots of sound-crafting features

  • Great response

  • Affordable

Cons:

  • You might need to take some time to get familiar with all the choices available.

5. Audio-Technica ATM-DRUM4

Specifications:

Price: $499/£355

Number of mics: 4

Type: 2 x dynamic, 2 x condenser

Pattern: Hypercardioid/cardioid

Switching: N/A

Accessories included: Clips, carry case

Not everyone prefers to mic individual elements of their drum kit – in a live setting when you need some basic amplification or in the recording studio, a kick, snare and two overhead mics are usually sufficient. The Audio-Technica ATM-DRUM4 is the perfect setup – a dynamic mic for kick and snare, plus two pencil condensers for overheads. It also comes with a very popular bass drum mic (ATM250) and an ATM650 with hypercardioid polar pattern.

The ATM450 has no filters or pad switches, but you can still easily get a great sounding drum kit with this setup.

Pros:

  • Easy miking solution for a natural kit sound

Cons:

  • To have a full close-micing setup you’ll need to get some extra tom mics

6. Audix FP7

Specifications:

Price: $499/£354

Number of mics: 7

Type: 5 x dynamic, 2 x small diaphragm condensers

Pattern: Hypercardioid/cardioid

Switching: N/A

Accessories included: 4 x DFLEX hoop mounts, 6 x mic clips, road case

This kit includes mics to record as if you had a 5-piece drum set, and they are all Fusion mics, like Audix’s more expensive D-series. 1 f6 mic for bass drums, 3 f2 mics for toms, an f5 dynamic mic on snare and a pair of condenser f9 mics. No need to toy around with knobs and buttons; these are set in stone. To tweak settings, you just have to go to your mixer or audio interface.

The Fusion series isn’t just for live use – we’d definitely recommend using these mics while recording too. They’re rugged and built to last, have an impressive handling capability of 139dB SPL, and the dynamic mics are hypercardioid patterned to prevent sound leakage. Audix is selling its DFLEX hoop-mounted holders with a carry case and the FP-7. It’s perfect for budget-conscious people who want to experience the Audix sound quality.

Pros:

  • Audix’s ‘pre-EQ’d’ sound on a budget

Cons:

  • No pad or filter switch

7. Shure DMK57-52

Specifications:

Price: $399/£579

Number of mics: 4

Type: Dynamic

Pattern: Cardioid

Switching: N/A

Accessories included: 3 x hoop clamps and clips

To mic a snare, toms or keep the bass out of your sound? You should get an SM57. The Shure DMK57-52 pack is a great choice and especially if you don’t need overhead mics. It’s got 3 SM57s and the awesome BETA 52A bass drum mic from Shure. Close-miking a drum set is made easier with this no-fuss solution.

You get A56D hoop mounts and the BETA 52A’s own clip, so you won’t forget any mics! Plus, if you have extra mics lying around, it’s even better. This package doesn’t cover all of your audio equipment needs but it’s a great option for live gigs as it comes with industry-standard mics at an affordable price.

Pros:

  • Simple close-miking solution for small kits

Cons:

  • It’ll only cover four drums

  • You’ll need to add overhead mics

8. Sennheiser Evolution 600 Series

Specifications:

Price: $999/£709

Number of mics: 7

Type: 5 x dynamic, 2 x condenser

Pattern: Cardioid/supercardioid

Switching: N/A

Accessories included: Hoop mounts, clips, windshields, carry case

If you’ve had your drums mic’d up at a gig, chances are you’ve come across Sennheiser’s e 604s. These short dynamic mics have become quite popular with drummers who want to get that ‘live’ sound – they’re easy to place around the kit and have an amazing full frequency response.

Sennheiser’s MD 421 is widely loved in the studio, and this pack of mics offers four e 604’s for snare and toms, an e 602-II dynamic kick drum mic and a pair of e 614 condenser mics. All perfect for recording drums! Sennheiser includes hoop mounts with this kit, which makes attaching them to a drum super easy and quick compared to other brands.

Pros:

  • Convenient placement

  • Industry-standard mic solutions

Cons:

  • No pad or filters on the condensers

9. Shure PGADRUMKIT7

Specifications:

Price: $499/£539/€568

Number of mics: 7

Type: 5 x dynamic, 2 x condenser

Pattern: Cardioid

Switching: N/A

Accessories included: 3 x hoop mounts, 3 x clips, 7 x XLR cables, carry case

If you’re a live drummer and don’t have a lot of money to spend, then Shure’s PG ALTA series are exactly what you need. The PGADRUMKIT7 package comes with seven mics, making it perfect for a five-piece drumming setup, including the overheads.

Shure’s PG ALTA series mics are made with their renowned durability and make positioning easy and hassle-free. Best of all, they sound phenomenal! The PGADRUMKIT7 includes a PGA57 (for snare), a PGA52 (for bass drum), 2 x PGA81 condenser mics, and three PGA56 tom mics – all named according to the familiar Shure numbering.

The tom mics come with rim mounts, while the PGA52 has its own built-in clip. You get clips for the remaining three mics and 7 XLR cables – all included in the package! It’s an amazing deal and provides you with everything you need.

Pros:

  • Get yourself a great deal on a kit that’ll take care of all your needs

  • Cables included

Cons:

  • Not much at this price

10. sE Electronics V Pack Arena

Specifications:

Price: $999/£710

Number of mics: 7

Type: 5 x dynamic, 2 x small diaphragm condenser

Pattern: Cardioid/supercardioid

Switching: Voice switching on V KICK, pad and filter on sE8

Accessories included: 3 x hoop mounts, clips, carry case

Over the last two decades, sE Electronics has been giving us high-end microphones at wallet-friendly prices. Their V Pack Arena drum mic kit is no exception – it includes seven mics, all tailored for capturing drums perfectly. The V Pack Arena is similar to many of the other packs here – with five dynamic mics & two condensers. It also has four voicing modes which let you choose between vintage and modern tones. That way, you can customize the overall response and high-end handling to your liking.

The V Beat drum mics have a low design and better background noise reduction. They’ll make sure there’s not too much bleed between your toms. You’ll also find the sE8 overheads stocked with multi-position pads and filter switches that help keep your sound clear and well-defined. This whole set comes in a sturdy road case, with hoop mounts for the tom mics and clips for the rest. You can also get smaller versions of it, called Club and Venue configurations.

Pros:

  • Quality microphones

  • Great features

  • Mounts included

Cons:

  • Nothing of note

Best Drum Mic Kits: Buying Advice

If you’re shopping for mics to use with drums, either in the studio or live, you need to be aware of what features to look out for.

Connections

XLR cables are the most common choice these days. It’s best to avoid quarter-inch cables, as they can be unbalanced and lead to additional line noise. When buying drum mics, it’s sensible to make sure they come with decent cables, that have a length of at least twenty feet – this will ensure their practicality.

Clips

For your bass and overhead mics, all you need are some standard threaded mic mounts that can be attached to any mic stand. But for the snare and toms, a drum mic set usually comes with clips that you can use.

Always go for clips that grip the rim snugly. Make sure these clips are compatible with your rims, as some shallow rims like mesh heads might not be suitable.

Snare and Tom Mics

If you’re aiming for the best sound from your drums, it’s important to invest in high-quality cardioid dynamic mics. For the snare, you’ll likely want a super-cardioid mic to ensure that you get maximum clarity and focus. You need mics that are tough and as small as you can get them – you will inevitably whack ’em with your drum sticks no matter how careful you are.

Bass Drum Mic

A cardioid or super-cardioid dynamic mic would be perfect for your kick. Make sure it can handle frequencies of 40Hz or lower — 20Hz is even better. Again, you need something that can handle the SPL (sound pressure level) from your kick drum and give you a really powerful bass sound. It should be strong and sturdy too so it’ll last.

Overhead Mics

To get the perfect sound from your drum kit, you’ll need some top-notch condenser mics. It’d be great if they have their own boom stands, but those don’t cost too much either.

The prices of drum sets have gone down quite a bit recently and you can get one with 7 mics included (1 snare, 3 toms, 1 kick and 2 overheads). It all depends on how many mics you think you need for the best sound. If you’re recording then having more mics is generally better. If you’re doing a live gig, 4 mics should be more than enough to get good sound and make mixing easier.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for accuracy in sound, the Earthworks DK7 drum mic kit won’t disappoint. However, remember that these mics are incredibly powerful and will record your drums in great detail – so be sure to use them responsibly! If you’re a newbie when it comes to mic’ing up your kit, then this will simplify your sound-shaping. The voicing is more ‘user-friendly’, so it’s easier to get the desired result quickly and without too much effort.

The Lewitt DTP Beat Kit Pro 7 is a great investment, especially if you’re looking to capture different drum sounds or take your music career to the next level. It offers great value for money and lots of flexibility. AKG Drum Set Premium is a great choice for those who are looking for industry standards in one quality package. If you’re looking to save some bucks, Shure and Audio-Technica have some really good budget options.

Check out the great deals available on Earthworks DK7, Audix DP7, Lewitt DTP Beat Kit Pro 7 Mic Kit and AKG Drum Set Premium today!

FAQ for Best Drum Mic Kits

How many mics do I need to record drums?

The quantity and type of mics needed depends on the size of the room and what you’re looking to record. If it’s a live setup, you’ll usually want at least 7, whereas if you’re doing studio work then it depends on what sound you’re going for. If you know what you’re doing, it’s possible to get great drum recordings with only two or three mics. Plus, it’s a great solution if you’re on a tight budget and don’t want to splurge.

Having 7-8 mics will improve your recording sound and at the same time teach you more about the recording process. This will take your production to a whole new level and provide superior results. Basically, how many mics you should use to record drums depends on your budget and the quality of sound you want to achieve.

How do you set up the drum mics for recording?

Dialing in the mics for recording drums is a real art and takes expertise in musical genres and basic drum kit setup. Plus you need a great ear if you want professional sound results. If you’re not sure how to start, it might be a good idea to find a professional or put in the effort to learn more about it.

It’s important to pay attention to the drum heads you’re using and how they’re tuned – older heads might need replacing before you can record if they’re harder to tune. If you’re putting together a drum kit, make sure you have a bass, snare, hi-hat and toms in there. Cymbals can be tricky to get the tone right for, so it’s worth investing in quality ones even if your budget is tight.

How do you place an overhead drum mic?

When it comes to overhead mics, there’re various techniques. Eddie Kramer’s method is one of them- it involves placing three mics (left, center, right) in a triangular shape above the drums. To get the Glyn Johns sound, place 3 mics at 11 and 3 o’clock around the snare (from your standpoint as a drummer). They should be an equal distance away from the drum.

A popular way to mic up the drums is by placing two cardioids on either side of the kit. You can also get a more comprehensive sound of your whole setup by adding overhead mics that capture the entire instrument range. Trial and error is the best way to determine the most effective technique for an overhead drum mic. With some experimenting, you’ll eventually find what works and sounds best for your situation.

What is the standard tuning for drums?

Tuning a drum is an art and there’s no single solution which works for everyone. That being said, if you want to get the best performance out of your drum, there are certain practices you can follow. Remember to go for a pure pitch as the sound it produces is much better, plus our ears prefer something we can actually hum along to. Too much tension in the head will cause dissonances and make the drum sound unclear and hard to hear clearly in a mix.

Quality drums are essential for peak performance. Features like bearing edges, shells and hardware can make a huge difference in the sound quality and it’s easier to tune them too. Plus, they’ll stay in tune for longer. To get the most out of playing drums, just keep two things in mind – they’ll make all the difference. And you’ll definitely see a huge improvement in your performance!

Who is the most famous drum player?

There are tons of famous drummers around, so choosing one will definitely anger the fans of the others. Obviously opinions on this are divided, but for us there’s no doubt: Buddy Rich is the undisputed king of drumming, even all these years after his passing. Most modern day drummers still look up to him and strive to get to his level.

Buddy Rich was a legend when it came to playing the drums – his skills were out of this world and he had incredible strength and speed. His drumming journey started from a young age, as he’d use utensils like knives and forks to make beat. By the time he was 5, he was already playing ‘Stars and Stripes Forever’ on drums on Broadway!

Rich was known for his accuracy, speed and fluid playing style. His impact on music is immeasurable, reaching from jazz to rock. The renowned Gene Krupa even went so far as to call him “the greatest drummer ever to have drawn breath.

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