Looking for the best microphone for recording drums? Whether you're a seasoned engineer or just starting out, capturing great drum sound can be tricky. You’ve got loud transients, overlapping frequencies, and multiple sound sources happening all at once. But with the right drum microphones and some essential mic placement knowledge, you can create professional-sounding drum recordings anywhere, from world-class studios to home setups.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- How to prepare your kit before recording
- Which drum mic setups work best
- How to choose the right Sontronics drum microphones
- Overhead and close mic techniques
- Common questions about miking drums
Let’s dive in.
Preparing Your Drum Kit for Recording
Before you even place a mic, the quality of your drum sound starts with the instrument itself. These steps are often overlooked, but they’re essential for clean recordings.
Make sure:
- Your drum kit is properly tuned to your room and genre
- All stands, pedals, and lugs are tightened to avoid rattles and squeaks
- Your drum heads are in good condition (replace if worn or dented)
- The drummer is comfortable with click tracks, in-ears, or headphones
- Cymbal positioning avoids contact with other drums or hardware
Pro tip: Record a short test take before final tracking. If something’s rattling, squeaking, or sounding flat, it’s better to fix it now.
Treat the Drum Kit as One Instrument
When you record drums, don’t think of it as miking individual pieces. The drum kit is a single, dynamic instrument, where everything bleeds into everything else.
- Cymbals will bleed into snare mics
- Toms can resonate with the kick
- Room reflections can enhance or harm the overall sound
This is why overhead microphones and room microphones are just as important, if not more, than your close mics. They capture the overall space, tone, and performance of the kit.
Best Microphones for Kick, Snare, and Toms
If you’re building your drum mic setup, start with these three core elements. These are the drums that anchor your sound, and they deserve dedicated microphones.
- Best Kick Drum Microphone: Sontronics DM-1B
The kick drum delivers both low-end power and beater attack. You want a mic that can handle extreme SPL and still capture detail.
- The DM-1B is a large-diaphragm condenser designed for low-frequency sources
- Captures deep low-end and midrange click without the need for heavy EQ
- Perfect for rock, metal, pop, jazz, and everything in between
Mic tip: Position just inside the resonant head hole for a punchy, modern sound. Pull it back a few inches for a more rounded tone.
- Best Snare Drum Microphone: Sontronics DM-1S
Snare mics need to be tough and precise. The snare is the most hit instrument, literally and sonically.
- The DM-1S handles high SPL with ease
- Delivers a crisp, tight snare sound with excellent body and snap
- Rejects bleed effectively from nearby hats and cymbals
Mic tip: Place 2–3 inches above the rim, angled toward the centre. Use high-pass filters to clean up low-end rumble.
- Best Tom Microphones: Sontronics DM-1T
Tom mics should capture both attack and sustain, with minimal boxiness.
- The DM-1T is voiced specifically for rack and floor toms
- Provides warm tone and punchy attack without sounding harsh
- Great for multi-tom kits in rock, funk, or prog styles
Bundle options: All three mics come individually or as part of our DRUMPACK (5-piece) or DRUMPACK PLUS (7-piece) microphone sets.
Best Overhead Microphones for Drums
Overheads define the overall character and stereo image of your drum kit. Even with close mics, your overhead drum mics shape the listener’s perspective.
Why Overhead Mics Matter
- Carry the cymbal detail, snare crack, and kit balance
- Capture ambience and natural reverb from the room
- Provide phase reference for aligning other mics
Sontronics Overhead Mic Options
- Best for natural sound: APOLLO 2 stereo ribbon mic
- Smooth, warm top-end
- Captures full stereo field with natural realism
- Ideal for jazz, orchestral, acoustic, and vintage-inspired tones
- Best for precision and brightness: STC-1S stereo pair
- Matched small-diaphragm condensers
- Excellent for pop, indie, rock, and tight studio control
- Suitable for X/Y, ORTF, or spaced pair setups
- Personal favourite: ORPHEUS in Glyn Johns setup
- Large-diaphragm multi-pattern condenser
- Used with one above the snare and one over the floor tom for a vintage stereo sound
- Perfect for quick setups or minimalist sessions
Should You Mic Hi-Hats and Cymbals?
Overheads often capture enough hi-hat, but in dense mixes or modern productions, close-miking can help.
- The Sontronics STC-1 works well on hi-hats, offering crisp transients and clarity
- For tighter isolation, try the STC-1 with hypercardioid capsule, it focuses more on the hats and reduces bleed from snare or crashes
Placement tip: Position 4–6 inches above the top hat, pointing at the edge, not the bell.
Best Drum Mic Setups for Home Studios
You don’t need 8+ inputs to get a great drum recording. Start simple and expand as needed.
2-Mic Setup:
Great for acoustic sessions, demos, or lo-fi styles. With careful placement, you can capture surprisingly full results.
4-Mic Setup:
This classic home studio setup gives you close control with natural room feel.
Best Drum Mics for Live Sound
Live environments need mics that are tough, feedback-resistant, and easy to set up.
- The DM-1 series is built for stage use, road-ready, durable, and sonically consistent
- Combine with STC-1S overheads for a complete live rig
- Use cardioid or hypercardioid patterns to reduce stage bleed
Drum Recording FAQs
Q: Do I need separate mics for studio and live use?
Not necessarily. Many Sontronics mics are designed to perform in both environments. Setup and acoustics make the biggest difference.
Q: Can I record drums with just overheads?
Yes, but you’ll lack control over the low-end and snare. Adding a kick and snare mic gives you more flexibility in the mix.
Q: What’s the best drum mic bundle for beginners?
The Sontronics DRUMPACK or DRUMPACK PLUS gives you pro-quality results out of the box, whether you’re in a home studio or recording live.
Q: How do I reduce mic bleed?
Some bleed is good, it gives realism. Use cardioid or hypercardioid mics, proper angles, and always check your phase alignment.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to recording drums, but with great preparation, thoughtful mic choice, and good placement, you can capture recordings that feel alive and powerful. Whether you're going minimal or full-multi-mic, Sontronics offers the tools to help you get there.
Need help building your drum mic setup?
Explore our DRUMPACK bundles or contact us to build a custom solution for your studio or stage.