Overhead microphones are at the heart of any high-quality drum recording. Even if you’ve attained amazing sounds from your close-miked kit, your drum mix will fall to pieces if your overheads aren’t up to snuff. Whether you use large-diaphragm condensers, small-diaphragm condensers, or ribbon microphones, you should use the best-quality mics you have. In this article, we’ll dive into the best overhead drum microphones.
Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!
Large-diaphragm Condenser Mics
AKG C414 XLII/ST Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
A pair of AKG’s legendary large-diaphragm condensers
For drum overhead duties, few mics are more legendary than the AKG C414. The AKG C414 XLII is the latest version of this fantastic mic, and the AKG C414 XLII/ST large-diaphragm condenser microphones are a matched pair of these indispensable studio staples. The subtle presence bump yielded by these microphones coaxes every ounce of tone out of your drum kit without even a hint of high-frequency brittleness or shrillness — an essential for cymbal miking. You also get nine polar patterns, three dedicated bass-cut filters, a “Peak Hold” LED, and a lock mode. This duo has a carrying case, two windscreens, a stereo bar, and two spider-type shock mounts.
Neumann U 87 Ai Set Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
The most ubiquitous studio mic in the world
In professional circles, the Neumann U 87 is the microphone; every studio should have at least one. While the U 87 is best known as a vocal mic, it’s impossible to dispute the effectiveness of using a stereo pair as drum overhead mics. The U 87 Ai is Neumann’s modern iteration of this legendary workhorse, boasting updated electrical components while retaining the venerable U 87 sound. If you want to create a larger-than-life drum mix with gobs of vintage-tinged sizzle, then a stereo pair of U 87 Ai large-diaphragm condenser microphones will exceed your expectations. They also make superb room mics! Moreover, you get three polar patterns, a low-frequency roll off, and a -10dB pad. The Neumann U 87 Ai set of large-diaphragm condenser mics comes with genuine Neumann accessories, including a wooden storage box, shockmount, pop filter, and mic cable.
Mojave Audio MA-301fet Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
A healthy dose of modern FET magic
The Mojave Audio MA-301fet is a modern FET condenser mic that excels on every sound source, including drum overheads. Placing a stereo pair of these large-diaphragm beauties above your kit will capture every detail with amazing clarity. They will infuse your drum mix with a warm, full-bodied sound with none of the shrillness or high-frequency fizziness you’ll get with many other contemporary condenser mic designs. You also get plenty of studio-worthy features, such as three polar patterns, a low-cut filter, and a -15dB pad. The Mojave Audio MA-301fet comes with a carrying case and a shockmount.
Small-diaphragm Condenser Mics
Neumann KM 184 Stereo Set Small-diaphragm Cardioid Microphones
This set tackles any source with elegance
Small-diaphragm condensers are among the most commonly used microphones for drum overhead applications, and the Neumann KM 184 is in the upper echelons of this mic class. These cardioid-only mics offer excellent off-axis rejection, which results in a rock-solid stereo image of your drum set. Their low self-noise, exceptionally clear sound, and robust SPL handling yield a clean, accurate sonic picture of your drums. The Neumann KM 184 stereo set arms you with two of these excellent small-diaphragm cardioid microphones. Plus, it comes with a wooden case, a pop filter, and mic clips.
Earthworks QTC50mp Omnidirectional Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
A stereo pair of brutally honest mics
If you’re aiming for an audiophile-quality recording, then you need microphones capable of capturing the true-to-life sound of your drums. The Earthworks QTC50 is such a mic. This brutally honest small-diaphragm condenser microphone boasts an omnidirectional polar pattern, along with Earthworks’ Time Coherent Response technology, yielding an unmatched degree of clarity and an impulse response and diaphragm settling time that are second to none. Moreover, its SPL handling and nonexistent proximity effect ensure a crystal clear representation of your drum set with rock-solid stereo imaging. The Earthworks QTC50mp provides you with a matched stereo pair of these amazing omnidirectional small-diaphragm condenser mics, plus a hard case and mic clips.
DPA 2012 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphones
A mighty SDC stereo set
Above all else, microphones deployed as drum overheads need to be tough. Otherwise, they may let you down when you need them the most. That is what makes the DPA 2012 such a great mic; it will withstand whatever abuse you dish out without so much as a whimper. Not only does the 2012 have a thick, super-rugged, exceptionally roadworthy housing, but it also boasts incredible SPL handling — a must-have feature for anything that comes anywhere near drums — and a natural frequency response that captures the best your kit has to offer. The matched stereo pair of DPA 2012 small-diaphragm condenser microphones includes two foam windscreens and a convenient zip case.
Shure SM81 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
A duo of small-diaphragm perfection
When people talk about using a Shure SM81, the first instrument that comes to mind is an acoustic guitar. After all, that’s the SM81’s number one studio application. True professionals know that this mic’s usefulness isn’t limited to delicate acoustic instruments; its ample SPL handling and natural sound reproduction also lend themselves perfectly to drum overhead duties. The SM81’s uniform cardioid polar pattern gives it excellent isolation with minimal off-axis coloration, and its ultra-smooth frequency response curve yields a realistic character without even a hint of high-frequency harshness — an essential characteristic for any mic that comes anywhere close to your cymbals. The stereo pair of Shure SM81 small-diaphragm condenser microphones comes with carrying cases, swivel adapters, and foam windscreens.
sE Electronics sE8 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
A quality stereo pair doesn’t need to be expensive
A high-quality stereo pair of small-diaphragm condensers for around $500? No, you’re not dreaming. This set of sE Electronics sE8 small-diaphragm condenser microphones is as real as it gets. The sE8 exhibits the perfect sonic character for drum overhead applications: detailed and balanced with superior transient response compared to anything else in its class. You’ll especially appreciate these microphones’ silky-smooth top end. You’ll never have to worry about harsh or distorted transients with the sE8, even with loud cymbals and a smash-and-bash drummer. The sE8 also exhibits unbelievably low self-noise. This stereo pair of sE Electronics sE8 microphones comes with a metal storage case, windscreens, a stereo bar, and mic clips.
Lauten Audio LA-120 V2 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone Pair
A value-laden SDC pair with transparent sound
Another budget-friendly choice for drum overhead microphones is the Lauten Audio LA-120 V2. And, like everything else in Lauten Audio’s lauded stable of microphones, the LA-120 V2’s sound and performance are off the charts. The true-to-life sound, exceptional transient response, and subtle natural compression of this stereo pair of Lauten Audio LA-120 V2 small-diaphragm condenser microphones enable your drum tracks to sit comfortably in the mix. Plus, their interchangeable cardioid and omni capsules supply you with plenty of sonic flexibility. This stereo set of Lauten Audio LA-120 V2 microphones comes with windscreens and mic clips.
Telefunken M60 FET Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
A high-end master set with absolute sonic purity
The Telefunken M60 FET is a small-diaphragm condenser designed to capture any source with absolute sonic purity. The Telefunken M60 FET small-diaphragm condenser microphone master stereo set gives you a matched pair of these splendid mics, with cardioid, omnidirectional, and hypercardioid capsules included for maximum versatility. This set exhibits an ultra-fast transient response with out-of-this-world detail, definition, and presence. Moreover, these microphones’ clear, glassy top end is guaranteed to make the most of your drum kit. This is the set to get if you want uber-detailed drums without even a trace of shrillness or scratchiness. The M60 FET master stereo set comes with a carrying case, shockmounts, windscreens, and cables.
Ribbon Mics
Royer R-121 Ribbon Microphone
A sweet, matched pair of Royer ribbons
If you’re looking for something different for your overheads, then you can’t go wrong with a ribbon mic, and this matched pair of Royer R-121 ribbon microphones gives you what’s arguably the most popular model in the recording industry — in stereo! The R-121’s sweet-sounding top-end response is a surefire cure for shrill-sounding drum kits, leaving you with a warm, natural tone with a flat frequency response. And if you’re worried about distorting these mics or damaging their ribbon elements, then don’t — their robust SPL handling ensures that they can keep up with even the most manic drummers. This matched pair of Royer R-121 ribbon mics comes with two wooden storage boxes.
AEA NUVO N8 Ribbon Microphone
A stereo pair of ribbons with classic sound
Another ribbon microphone that begs to be deployed for overhead duties is the AEA NUVO N8. Boasting a similar topology to a vintage R44, the N8 delivers a classic sound that’s nearly impossible to replicate any other way. That said, the N8 includes plenty of modern upgrades, including built-in phantom-powered electronics for optimal performance with any preamp and a rugged design that’s more than capable of withstanding high-SPL sound sources. With the N8, your drum overheads will take on an exquisite warmth but with plenty of detail and clarity and no appreciable distortion. This matched pair of AEA NUVO N8 ribbon microphones comes with a travel case, a stereo bar, windscreens, a Posi-Lok mic hanger, a Blumlein coupler, and mounting hardware.
Let Sweetwater Level Up Your Drum Tracks
Want to elevate your drum tracks? Call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700to level up your overhead microphones today!
