If you’re looking for a microphone to capture the sound of drums, there are many options out there.
But if your budget is limited and you want to get the best bang for your buck, an overhead mic should be on top of your list.
In this article we’ll discuss overhead mics in general and suggest different models that will help you make an informed decision about what’s best for your needs.
When drummers have to compete with the other instruments and vocals for the audience’s attention, a mic may be needed.
A good overhead mic can capture everything that is going on at once without picking up any of the unwanted sounds around them.
Drummers need a microphone that can pick up the sound accurately, without being too sensitive. The best overhead drum microphones are those which are designed to be placed over the drums in order to capture the sound accurately.
Best Overhead Mics
Let’s start off with a very well-known option!
1. Rode M5 Matched Pair Cardioid Condenser
The Rode M5 Matched Pair is a cardioid condenser microphone. It is perfect for recording vocals or instruments in the studio, live sound reinforcement, and broadcasting applications.
The Rode M5 Matched Pair is made of cast metal with anodized aluminum capsules that are hand-tuned to provide consistent performance when used in pairs.
The Rode M5 matched pair cardioid condenser microphone is a great addition to any studio.
With a flat frequency response and broad dynamic range, the Rode M5 gives you an accurate recording.
The stereo-matched pair design allows for true left/right channel separation with 180° polar patterns that make it easy to capture instruments or vocals in stereo.
The Rode M5 Matched Pair Cardioid Condenser Microphones are a set of two microphone condensers that have been matched for stereo recording.
They feature interchangeable capsules and offer high sensitivity, low self-noise, extended frequency response, and wide dynamic range.
The Rode M5 Matched Pair Cardioid Condenser microphones are a great option for those who need two matched mics on the go.
These microphones can be used in any situation, from interviews to voice-over and even live instruments if you set up correctly. Especially good for drums!
The condenser mic features an 80Hz high pass filter which helps reduce unwanted low frequency noise that might come through from your environment.
- Small-diaphragm Matched Pair Cardioid Condenser Microphones
2. Rode NT5 Matched Pair Cardioid Condenser
The Rode NT5 Matched Pair Cardioid Condenser Microphones are a great way to make your instrument or voice sound crystal clear in videos, podcasts, live performances and more.
They feature a matched pair of cardioid condenser capsules for warm, rich vocal projection that is perfect for solo or group vocals.
The supercardioid pattern minimizes off-axis coloration and maximizes the gain before feedback with no proximity effect.
The mic has an exceptional SPL handling and low proximity effect, making it perfect for recording acoustic instruments.
It also features a 10dB pad that makes the sound more sensitive when recording loud sources of audio like drums or guitar amps.
The Rode NT5 Matched Pair Cardioid Condenser is one of the best sounding, most versatile microphones available on the market today.
- Small-diaphragm Matched Pair Cardioid Condenser Microphones
BEST OVERHEAD MICS
What Are Overhead Mics?
Overhead microphones, also known as “room mic,” “ceiling mic” or “scoop” mics, are directional audio microphones that pick up a sound from the ceiling.
They can be used to record live performances and lectures with excellent quality.
These types of microphones may have either a cardioid or figure-8 pickup pattern and they’re often used in conjunction with other microphone types such as condenser and ribbon.
3. Shure KSM141 Stereo Pair Omnidirectional/Cardioid Condenser
If you are looking for a microphone that is perfect for recording vocals, instruments, and speech in any situation, then the Shure KSM141 Stereo Pair Omnidirectional/Cardioid Condenser Microphone is the one for you.
The Shure KSM141 has an extended frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz with a wide dynamic range.
This means it captures every detail of your sound without distortion or noise. It also features two interchangeable capsules to allow you to switch between omnidirectional and cardioid pickup patterns on the fly.
You can even use this microphone as a stereo pair if desired!
The Shure KSM141 has two different modes, omnidirectional and cardioid, which are useful for different purposes.
This microphone is great for capturing instruments like drums in live performances or recording sessions, as well as dialogue in the studio or on location.
If you’re looking to improve your audio recordings with an affordable mic, this one might be perfect for you!
It has two interchangeable capsules, one omnidirectional and the other cardioid, which can be used together or separately.
This mic also features a low-cut filter switch that removes unwanted low-frequency sounds from your recordings.
If you are looking for a high-quality microphone with great sound reproduction then this may be the right choice for you!
- A mechanical polar pattern switch for highly consistent cardioid and true omnidirectional polar...
- Ultra-thin, 2. 5 micron, 24 Karat gold-layered, low mass Mylar diaphragm for superior transient...
- Class A, discrete, transformer less Preamplifier for transparency, extremely fast transient...
- Premium electronic components, including gold-plated internal and external connectors
- Subsonic filter eliminates low frequency rumble (less than 17 Hz) caused by mechanical vibration
4. AKG C214 Stereo Pair Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser
The AKG C214 Stereo Pair Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser is a product that has been designed to provide the best possible sound quality with its wide frequency response and high SPL handling.
This microphone can be used for vocals, speech, string instruments, brass instruments, drums and more. But what makes this microphone so great?
The AKG C214 Stereo Pair is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone, which features two matched microphones in one housing.
The C214 stereo pair offers excellent performance for all types of recording applications including vocals, acoustic instruments and drums.
It’s one of the most popular microphones in this range and has become a go-to mic for engineers looking to capture the warmth of an instrument while still retaining excellent transient response.
The AKG C214 is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone. The mic has been designed to be used in recording applications where the sound source is distant from the microphone and it is desirable that both sides of the stereo signal have an even amplitude.
- 2 x C214
- 2 x Elastic spider suspensions
- 2 x Windscreen
- 1 x Aluminum carrying case
5. sE Electronics sE4400a Matched Pair Condenser
The sE Electronics sE4400a Matched Pair Condenser Microphone is a set of two microphones that are made to work together.
They provide unmatched clarity and detail in the recording process for any type of voice or instrument.
They also has a switchable bass roll-off filter, which cuts down on excess low frequency rumble from windy environments without sacrificing sound quality.
When you are looking for a condenser microphone, it is important to know that there are two types of microphones.
Condenser mics are a staple of the recording industry. They work by converting sound waves into electricity and then amplifying it so that we can hear it on our devices.
You may be wondering what’s with all the numbers? Well, 4400 is not just any number — it’s an indication of how sensitive this mic is!
This is a great all-around mic, especially suited to capturing drums and other instruments.
6. Beyerdynamic MC 930 Stereo Set Small-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser
Beyerdynamic’s MC 930 is a high-quality, universal condenser microphone set, featuring an exceptional price to performance ratio.
The set includes two matched MC 930s, two EA 19/25 elastic suspensions, and two WS 53 windshields, all packed in a rugged case.
Each MC 930 microphone features a wide frequency response of 40 20,000 Hz and a signal-to-noise ratio of 71 dB. The MC 930 is suitable for miking choirs, orchestras, and solo instruments.
Due to the switchable pre-attenuation of 15 dB, it provides excellent performance at high sound pressure levels.
The switchable bass roll-off filter compensates for proximity effects.
The MC 930 is phantom powered (11 52 V) and is suitable for live applications and installations.
Due to its cardioid polar pattern, the MC 930 has a high gain before feedback and eliminates noise from the rear.
Exceptional XY stereo recordings may be achieved by using both MC 930 microphones simultaneously.
The MC 930 microphone set is not only a first-class tool for both studios and sound contracting systems, where excellent sound and maximum gain before feedback is required.
Since 1924 Beyerdynamic has remained a German family-owned company committed to continuous research and innovative developments for the audio market.
All over the world, Beyerdynamic is known for the use of the latest technologies and a high-quality standard. All Beyerdynamic products are made in Germany.
- Includes 2 matched MC 930 true condenser microphones, 2 EA 19/25 elastic suspensions, 2 WS 53 wind...
- Microphones have cardioid polar pattern for universal applications
- Very low self-noise, extraordinary signal-to-noise ratio
- Very high SPL capability (140 dB); switchable pre-attenuation (15 dB)
- Switchable low-pass filter at 250 Hz
7. LyxPro SDPC-2 Stereo Pair Pencil Condenser Microphone
The LyxPro SDPC-2 Stereo Pair Pencil Condenser Microphone is a high quality microphone that has a wide array of uses.
This mic can be used for podcasting, voiceovers, instrument amplifiers, and much more.
The LyxPro SDPC-2 comes with two different capsules which allows the user to select the sound they desire whether it be dry or wet sound.
What happens when you combine the best of both worlds?
The LyxPro SDPC-2 Stereo Pair Pencil Condenser Microphone is a stereo pair microphone that features 2 matched condenser mics, cardioid pattern, and low noise.
- Pro-Grade Pencil Condenser Microphones Suit Overheads, Acoustic & Woodwind Instruments
- Stereo Pair Most Accurately Captures Even Slightest Audio Nuances for Recording
- 3 Included Capsules (Omni, Cardioid & Super Cardioid) Customize Pickup Pattern
- Frequency Response of 30Hz-18kHz; Sensitivity of -38dB ± 3dB (0dB=1V/Pa at 1kHz)
- Bonus: 2 Windscreens, Aluminum Carrying Case, 2 Smooth-Tilt Microphone Clips
What Makes A Great Drum Overhead Mic?
I’m going to talk about what makes a great drum overhead mic.
The drums are the heart and soul of any good music. The drum kit is the most important instrument in a band, as it provides the backbone for all other instruments to play off of.
A great overhead microphone should be able to capture every nuance and sound that comes out of a drum kit with clarity and accuracy.
Drum overhead microphones are used by sound engineers who want a natural and realistic sounding drum kit.
These mics are positioned high above the drummer’s head in order to capture all of the nuances that make up a great drum kit performance.
Which Microphones Are Considered To Have The Best Quality?
Many people are curious about what microphones have the best quality. There are many different types of microphones with different price ranges and qualities.
There are many different types of microphones out there, each with its own advantages. Microphones can be classified into two groups: dynamic and condenser.
Dynamic mics have a more affordable price point but offer lower quality audio, while condenser mics typically cost more but produce higher sound fidelity.
Which mic is best for your needs depends on what you want to record and the type of equipment you already have available to you.
Sometimes it can be a difficult decision to decide which microphone has the best quality.
There are plenty of microphones that all have their pros and cons, so it’s up to you to figure out what is most important for your needs.
We all know it is important to have the best quality sound equipment, but what exactly constitutes good quality?
We have narrowed it down to 3 key aspects:
- Performance.
- Sound quality.
- Durability.
Which Type Of Microphone Is Most Durable?
The microphone has become an essential part of every professional musician’s setup, but what type of mic is best for a gigging musician?
Whether you’re performing on the street, at a festival, or in your living room, there are many factors that should be considered when choosing the best microphone.
The old saying goes that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. But in the world of audio, you might be surprised to find out that this is not always true.
There are some techniques and technologies that have been around for a while and are still being used even though there may be newer options available.
There are many different types of microphones on the market that have their own set of pros and cons.
For example, some are more sensitive than others in certain environments; meaning they pick up a lot more sound and can cause feedback or distortion if not used properly.
If you’re looking for a microphone that can withstand the wear and tear of being on stage, then there are some things to consider.
Whether it’s your first time buying or not, finding the perfect mic is important. What are you looking for?
- How long do you want it to last?
- Do you need something more durable than most mics out there?
- Is cost an issue?
It pays off to think about these things before making a purchase.
What Is A Good Room Mic?
A good room mic has many benefits for the home recording musician.
The question of what is a good room mic can be answered in a variety of ways. To some, it may seem like the answer to this question is obvious and that there really isn’t much more to say about it.
However, for those who are new to home recording or curious about what microphone they should buy first, we get asked this question all the time.
Now, you might be wondering why you would need an extra mic to record just one room. The answer is simple: each type of mic records sound differently and it’s always good to have more than one option available when recording audio.
Many people are confused about what kind of microphone to use for room audio. There are many different types, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
We hope this article on the best overhead mics has been a useful buyer’s guide and helped in letting you make a smart purchase. Do you have any more questions on overhead mics? Hit us up in the comments.
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Great content as always, Matt! Thanks!
Appreciate the comment, Puja.