Overhead mics for drummers

Hem / Teknik & Digitalt / Overhead mics for drummers

The big reason for this is that they’re some of the most affordable microphones available.

Even though they’re very cheap, they do a great job of picking up all your drum sounds and giving you a good platform to mix from.

The sounds aren’t as transparent and accurate as what the other mics on this list give you, but they’re good enough for me to suggest these mics to any beginner or drummer looking for the cheapest option possible.

These mics are very small, and they’re surprisingly well-built.

Mixing different models creates tonal imbalances that’ll make your drums sound uneven.

How Do I Prevent Cymbal Bleed Into Overhead Mics During Recording Sessions?

I’ll position your overhead mics higher and angle them away from cymbals while using directional microphones. Remember though, none of what you’ve learned will matter if you don’t know how to get your music out there and earn from it.

overhead mics for drummers

You’ll appreciate the maximum 136 dB SPL handling, which means they won’t distort even during your most aggressive playing sessions, though you should note that self-noise levels run slightly higher than premium alternatives.

Best For: Budget-conscious drummers, home studio enthusiasts, and beginners seeking matched condenser microphones for overhead drum recording and stereo applications without spending premium prices.

Pros:

  • Excellent value with surprisingly clear sound quality and 4 dB boost in 1-8 kHz range that enhances cymbal brightness and detail
  • High maximum SPL handling (136 dB) prevents distortion during aggressive playing sessions and extreme dynamics
  • Complete package includes matched pair, custom stand adapters, windscreens, stereo bar, and transport case for immediate use

Cons:

  • Higher self-noise levels compared to premium microphones, which may be noticeable in quiet recording environments
  • High sensitivity can capture unwanted ambient noise in uncontrolled or poorly treated spaces
  • Limited low-end response and requires phantom power, which may not be available in all setups

View Latest Price

Samson C02 Matched Pair Studio Condenser Microphones

For home studio enthusiasts and budget-conscious producers seeking professional-grade overhead recording capabilities without breaking the bank, I’ve found the Samson C02 Matched Pair delivers exceptional value at approximately $100 for two precision-matched microphones.

I’ve found that the best drum overhead mics combine exceptional frequency response with high SPL handling, and my top picks include the AKG P170 with its 20 Hz-20 kHz range and 155 dB maximum SPL, the Samson C02 matched pair offering ±0.5dB sensitivity matching for precise stereo imaging, and the Phenyx Pro PDM35 featuring super-cardioid pickup patterns that reject off-axis noise while capturing cymbals’ full harmonic content—though each requires specific considerations for peak performance.

We are supported by our audience.

We took into account all these data, and selected the highest rated options to recommend above. They don’t take up much room, and you can maneuver them to fit almost anywhere.

Large-diaphragm microphones are a bit trickier to manage, as their bulky frames make them difficult to position in tight areas. Whether you’re capturing ambient room tone with the AKG Perception 170’s crisp detail or need the versatility of Neewer’s interchangeable capsules for various drum configurations, there’s something here for every setup.

These are technically intermediate mics, but they produce pro-level audio.

Their smooth frequency response and high SPL handling make them ideal mics for using as overheads. The brand has a large range of high-quality mixers and interfaces, but many of their mics are aimed at budget buyers.

It’s a good brand to consider if you’re buying overhead drum mics for the first time.

The thing that surprises me the most is just how much quality Rode has put into mics that are so small.

Polar pattern: Cardioid

Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz

Max SPL: 143dB

Weight: 0.22 lbs.

Samson C02

The Samson C02 Microphones (compare price on Sweetwater and Amazon) are another highly affordable option to consider.

These mics aren’t as popular as the Behringer C-2s due to them being about double the price.

You’ll get dedicated mics for every component, including dynamic options for bass and snare, plus two condenser overheads that capture cymbals with surprising clarity. I’ve learned through countless studio sessions that understanding these specifications upfront saves you from disappointing results and expensive do-overs, so let’s examine each factor systematically.

Polar Pattern Selection

Selecting an appropriate polar pattern dramatically affects how your overhead mics capture the drum kit’s overall sound, and I’ve found that cardioid patterns consistently deliver the most reliable results for this application.

You’ll hear more from your drums with condensers than you will with dynamic mics.

The downsides are that condenser microphones are more expensive. Also, the more your mics weigh, the more sturdy the stands might have to be. I personally prefer them over the C-2s, and I think they’re worth spending a bit extra on.

These microphones sit on the brighter side compared to all the mics that we’ve looked at so far.

Despite this limitation, the AT4041SP remains a go-to for precise and high-quality stereo recording, especially for users seeking a reliable, no-fuss option for instrument miking.

Specifications:

  • Type: Condenser
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 20 to 20,000 Hz
  • Sensitivity: -36 dB (15.8 mV/Pa)
  • Impedance: 100 ohms
  • Maximum SPL: 145 dB SPL
  • Dynamic Range: 121 dB
  • Equivalent Noise Level: 16 dB (A-weighted)
  • Power Requirements: 48V phantom power
  • Weight: 4.2 oz (120g per microphone)
  • Extras: Protective carrying case, microphone clips, windscreens

Best Overhead Drum Mics Selection Methodology

The first edition of the best overhead drum mics was published in 2017.

You won’t spend too much, and you’ll get a good feel for how they work with your kit.

sE Electronics

sE Electronics is the final brand to mention that drummers tend to love. Almost every drum setup needs overhead microphones.

While some drums are recorded with individual mics (the kick, snare, and toms will usually have their own microphone), the overheads are designed to pick up the cymbals and hi-hats, as well as some of the “ambiance” of the kit.

These can be experimented with to tailor your own unique sound.

Sensitivity

Microphone sensitivity refers to how much of the original sound source the mic pics up and turns into input signal for the desk or other audio input. You’ll get consistent frequency response and stereo imaging across your kit. Drums are loud, so you don’t need an overly sensitive mic.

Equivalent noise level

All microphones produce some sort of noise whether or not there is a sound source for them to record.

I typically look for microphones offering 20 Hz to 20 kHz response, though I’ll admit that wider ranges like 16 Hz to 20 kHz provide even better results for capturing subtle low-end nuances from kick drums.