The Best Percussion Microphones for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to our ultimate guide on the best percussion microphones for beginners. This article is designed to help you understand the different microphone options and techniques, ensuring you can capture the best sound for your drumming projects.

Simple Setup for Beginners

For a straightforward and budget-friendly approach, positioning a single microphone just above the front rim of the kick drum between the snare and rack toms is an excellent choice. Use either an omni-directional mic or a directional mic pointed upwards or towards the quieter elements of your drum kit. If you prefer a microphone with more top-end detail and wider soundstage, go for a condenser mic. For those looking to tame overly bright cymbals, dynamic mics are a better option, and aiming the mic downward can further reduce brightness and cymbal harshness.

Vintage and Modern Vibes

For achieving a vintage vibe or modern jazz sound, a 2-4 mic technique often works well. Close-mic the kick drum and/or snare, and then add one or two overhead or out-front mics. Some popular choices for these positions are:

Shure SM57 for the snare AKG D112, Audix d6, Heil PR48, and Shure Beta-52 for the kick drum Condenser microphones such as Audio-Technica, Audix, Shure, or ribbon microphones from AEA and Royer for overhead or out-front positions

Modern Drum Recording Solutions

For those looking for a more turnkey solution, the 500 Yamaha EAD10 drum module with built-in mic and trigger pickup is an excellent choice. A trigger sensor clips to the top rim of the kick drum, capturing the sound while also providing a built-in stereo pair of microphones. The processing unit combines sampled sounds with live drum signals, making it a versatile option for various recording styles.

Modern-Rock Close-Mic Sound

If you prefer a more extensive set of microphones, drum mic kits from brands like Audix, Avantone, Miktek, Sennheiser, and Shure offer a larger collection of microphones. These kits typically include 6-8 microphones for kick, snare, rack, floor toms, overheads, and sometimes hi-hats. This setup provides detailed sound control but can take up more tracks.

Economical and Accurate Three-Mic Setup

An economical and surprisingly accurate method involves using just three microphones: one on the kick drum and two boundary mics. Boundary microphones, such as Pressure Zone Microphones (PZMs), are placed on baffles, 2-12 feet from the kit and separated by the same distance. These mics work best in a live room, where you can adjust the room tone and intimacy by moving the microphones closer or further from the kit. This setup eliminates the need for gobos and provides a highly representative sound of the kit.

Experiences and Techniques

Many experienced drummers and producers have successfully used this three-mic technique and were amazed by the results. Give it a try—you might be surprised by how well it works! This method not only saves tracks but also simplifies your recording process while still capturing a rich and detailed sound.

If you are a beginner, the choice of microphone and technique can seem overwhelming. By following these guidelines, you can start capturing high-quality drum sounds without breaking the bank or investing in a large number of microphones. Happy drumming!