The best microphones for drums

The bass or kick drum is a prominent instrumental element in most songs.

It's the kick drum that will make people dance. 

Here are recommendations from our product line for a superb bass drum sound:

DTP 340 REX

• Dynamic instrument microphone
• Switchable sound characteristics
• Cardioid polar pattern

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DTP 640 REX

• Dual-element instrument microphone
• Dynamic and condenser capsule in one housing
• Three switchable sound characteristics
• Cardioid polar pattern

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Some songs can be named by hearing just the sound of the snare.

A lot comes from great playing, the snare drum model, and its tuning. 

But the microphone to capture it plays an important role as well. Here are great choices from our line:

MTP 440 DM

• Dynamic instrument microphone
• Lively and punchy sound
• Cardioid polar pattern

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Snare bottom mics

For extra details, record the snare bottom with an additional mic.

Here are suitable options:

DTP 340 TT

• Dynamic instrument microphone
• Maximum clarity
• Supercardioid pattern

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LCT 140 AIR 

• Small diaphragm condenser microphone
• Two distinct sound characteristics
• Excellent transient response 
• Cardioid polar pattern

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Especially with modern studio productions and for a distinct live sound, you may want to aim for an isolated tom sound without spill from other parts of the drum kit.

For tom toms, we recommend the

DTP 340 TT 

• Dynamic instrument microphone
• Maximum clarity
• Supercardioid pattern

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For the floor tom, we recommend the

DTP 340 REX 

• Dynamic instrument microphone
• Switchable sound characteristics
• Cardioid polar pattern

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Overhead microphones record the cymbals, but also the whole drum set.

Typically we use condenser mics for overheads.

Small diaphragm condenser microphones typically sound more true to the source, and due to the lighter weight easier to put into position.  

Large-diaphragm microphones provide a fuller and bigger sound. 

Small diaphragm/Pencils

LCT 040 MATCH stereo pair 

• Perfectly matched stereo pair
• Well-balanced sound with pleasant high-end
• Durable and light aluminum housing
• Cardioid polar pattern

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LCT 140 AIR stereo pair

• Perfectly matched stereo pair
• Choose between two sound characteristics
• Low-cut filter and PAD
• Cardioid polar pattern

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Large diaphragm

LCT 441 FLEX 

• Studio allrounder
• High-end specifications
• Eight polar patterns incl. three reversed ones

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LCT 640 TS 

• 1" multi-pattern studio microphone
• Full, crisp, and well-balanced sound
• Revolutionary Dual Output Mode
• POLARIZER plugin to create any pattern after the fact
• Stereo capabilities

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The right microphone will make drum recording an exciting adventure rather than an uphill battle.

We hope this article helped to narrow down your choice. But always remember there are no hard rules. TRUST YOUR EARS!

If you need more information or have a specific question, feel free to contact us on your preferred channel:

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Make yourself heard.