Your bass drum provides the foundation that gets everyone in the groove, and when it’s time to mic it up, there are lots of incredible mics at very affordable prices that won’t compromise on sound. Sweetwater is swarming with stellar kick mics engineered for exceptional performance that will satisfy even the most discerning listeners. Whether you’re miking up a house kit on the stage riser or tracking drums in your studio space, here are some bass drum mics that will deliver a sound you’ll love.
- Best Bass Drum Mics from $100 to $199
- Best Bass Drum Mics from $200 to $299
- Best Bass Drum Mics over $300
Best Bass Drum Mics from $100 to $199
Audix D6 Cardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Mic
Our first stop is the hardworking Audix D6, a cardioid mic designed for spectacular sonic results without having to rely on perfect positioning. Centered or offset, down low or in the middle, the Audix D6 captures optimal bass-frequency performance wherever you place it. Engineered for effective transient response from its VLM diaphragm and sporting a 30Hz–15kHz frequency response with 144dB max SPL, it’s tailor-made for bass drum recording and even works great for bass guitar amp cabinets.
Shure Beta 52A Supercardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Mic
With its supercardioid pickup pattern, impressive 174dB max SPL performance, and tank-like durability, there are lots of reasons the Shure Beta 52A is a budget-friendly standard for miking bass drums in stage and studio settings. You’ll find the tonal sweet spot of your bass drum with remarkable ease for tracks and set lists alike. Plus, with a presence boost at 4kHz, transient punch really comes through.
Universal Audio SD-5 Dynamic Mic with Hemisphere Modeling
Shaping your bass drum’s tone at the source has never been as accessible as it is with the Universal Audio SD-5. This supercardioid mic houses Hemisphere Modeling technology, packing a quintet of available mic models onboard that replicate decades of premier recording quality across a variety of genres to adapt to any artist’s style. On top of its integrated Proximity, Filter, and Axis parameter controls, the SD-5’s all-metal, vintage-style chassis gives it an elegant look that equally exceeds its price point.
Sennheiser e 902 Cardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Mic
From the boom of bass drums to the tonal complexities of tubas, the Sennheiser e 902 melds impressively deep sonic detail with heavy-duty dependability for a fantastic, value-packed kick-mic option that’ll really deliver onstage. Clean and precise, this cardioid mic captures the attack of your instrument beautifully, ensuring not only reliable low end but also vivid articulation. It comes complete with a threaded stand mount and dedicated carrying case.
Best Bass Drum Mics from $200 to $299
Electro-Voice ND68 Supercardioid Dynamic Bass Drum Mic
Need enormous bass response with a precisely equalized midrange complement? The Electro-Voice ND68 is radio ready. Not only will it sound awesome on your bass drum, but it also excels on low strings, bass guitar, and other deep-shelled drums. The ND68’s crisp and clear capture capabilities come from its supercardioid design, which prevents bleed from neighboring cymbals and amplifiers in live settings.
sE Electronics V Kick Supercardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Mic
Compact and tonally efficient for a range of instruments including bass drums, floor toms, and timpani, the sE Electronics V Kick is an excellent choice for engineers who love options. Switch between Classic and Modern voicings to best suit the artist or project at hand. The V Kick rounds it all out with fabulous quality craftsmanship, including a premium metal enclosure, stainless steel mesh grille, and gold-plated XLR terminal.
AKG D112 MKII Cardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Mic
Simply put: the AKG D112 MKII packs the premium recording punch that every bass drum deserves, and it won’t break the bank either. Its max SPL of 160dB welcomes virtually any signal you send its way, preserving the presence and tonal definition you need without distortion. You’ll also love its flexible mounting design, making it easy to reach any angle or depth within your bass drum or on bass amp cabinets. With its stylish scheme and silhouette, the D112 MKII looks great while doing it!
Shure Nexadyne 2 Kick Drum Mic
Mic up with the Shure Nexadyne 2, and you’ll achieve a level of sonic detail that few other kick mics can claim. Courtesy of its Revonic dual-engine transducer, the Nexadyne 2 both drastically reduces handling noise and optimizes a wider range of acoustic performance from your bass drum, enhancing the desirable frequencies of the instrument from the lowest 20Hz fundamentals all the way up to 16kHz.
Beyerdynamic TG D70 Dynamic Kick Drum Mic
Working to keep off-axis ambience at bay, the Beyerdynamic TG D70’s hypercardioid polar pattern is the rock-steady kick mic you’ve been dreaming of. Prioritizing punchiness, low-frequency thump, and an upper-midrange rise, the TG D70 offers a first-class ticket to the warm impactful translation that high-quality recordings demand. Complete with its anti-rumble elastic suspension system, superior isolation, and excellent feedback resistance, count on crystal-clear takes time and time again.
Sennheiser MD 421 Kompakt Microphone
Carrying all the performance perfection that engineers have so long coveted now in a smaller, more streamlined package, the revamped Sennheiser MD 421 Kompakt is an impressively space-efficient iteration that you’ll love to have at your disposal. Its legendary dynamic, high-SPL cardioid performance provides serious professional-grade functionality for bass drum applications while serving floor and rack toms with equal attention to sonic detail. It’s also a force to be reckoned with, thanks to a road-ready housing. Spring for the Sennheiser MD 421 Kompakt with MZH drum microphone clip and instantly apply this iconic mic to any tom rim right out of the box.
Audix D6X Dynamic Kick Drum Mic
Expanding on everything we love about the D6, the Audix D6X provides a trio of filters to skyrocket the low-end potential of your kit. Choose from Deep, Balanced, and Natural filters to shape your tone and match the vibe of the song you’re recording or the band you’re miking up. Like the D6, the D6X features an exceptional 144dB max SPL and VLM dynamic capsule technology for superb capture and transient clarity. No matter the occasion, the D6X will deliver.
Best Bass Drum Mics over $300
Earthworks DM6 SeisMic Kick Drum Mic
Hit it with as much intensity as the moment requires, and the supercardioid Earthworks DM6 SeisMic absolutely stands up to it. Backed by a 10mm diaphragm, 150dB max SPL handling, and a full 20Hz–20kHz frequency response, every sonic detail and rhythmic subtlety is preserved with fidelity. Onstage, the DM6 SeisMic will stand up to the earth-rattling footfalls of even the rowdiest rockers. The cherry on top is the included M2-R ball mount, which provides all the positioning freedom as you could need.
Lewitt DTP 640 REX Dual-capsule Bass Drum Mic
Giving new meaning to sonic versatility, the Lewitt DTP 640 REX is a dual-element microphone that combines the powerful handling of a dynamic bass drum mic and the clarity of a condenser microphone. In addition to a pre-attenuation pad, the DTP 640 REX’s “Enhanced Frequency Response” switch with three settings enables you to EQ the tonal traits of each mic element. With the included pigtail Y cable, each element is broken out to its own XLR connector, so you can record and process the dynamic and condenser elements individually.
AKG D12 VR Dynamic Kick Drum Mic
Efficiently equipped with triple-filtering convenience, the deluxe and phantom-powered AKG D12 VR is an outstanding choice for professional studios and live sound engineers. Select from a low-frequency boost, a midrange cut, or a presence-boosted combination of the two for the perfect blend of power, roominess, and clarity. Its insanely high 164dB SPL handling, musically rich C414 transformer, and bass-optimized capsule chamber all contribute to serve stunning bass-drum performance on a silver platter.
DPA 4055 Pre-polarized Condenser Kick Drum Mic
Hailed by many engineers as the king of live kick mics, the DPA 4055 presents gorgeous bass-drum energy potential with precise tone. With its cardioid polar pattern and flat, full, and effortlessly shapeable 20Hz–20kHz frequency response, you can expect every nuance to surface with incomparable clarity. For drummers with the heaviest feet, its distortionless 164dB max SPL is quite an advantage, too. Its asymmetrical shape makes for easier placement precision within the drum. Rounded out with an unwavering shockmount system, the DPA 4055 will not be outperformed.
Better Your Bass Drum Sound at Sweetwater
It’s easy to overlook the quality of your bass drum’s recorded or monitored tone until it’s too late — but don’t worry, we’ve got your back! No matter if you’re just getting started, looking to improve your recorded tone, or buckling down on a clear and faithful solution that’s going to exceed your client’s expectations, Sweetwater has all the kick mic options you could ever hope to compare. Not sold on a winner? Give your knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700 to dive into the details and narrow down a mic that’s ideal for your personal application and budget. Your better bass drum sound starts here!
