The 7 Best Drum Overhead Mic Stands
A drum overhead mic stand is generally used in recording studios, practice spaces, and on stage. These types of stands can get the microphones up very high and provide very stable support for heavier large condenser microphones.
If you don’t wanna break the bank, in most cases, you can use a regular vocal microphone stand, with one small caveat. Microphone stands that lack adequate weight distribution can tip over easily. Grab some sandbags and put them on the feet to get a little more stability.
Local music shops normally don’t carry these types of bigger stands so you usually will need to order them online. In this article, we will detail the best drum overhead mic stands you can buy. They range in price significantly, from affordable to very expensive.
1) On-Stage SB96+
On-Stage SB96+ Studio Boom Mic Stand
Generally, any product that you purchase from On Stage will most likely be extremely cheap and poorly made. The
Product Overview
The SB96+ drum overhead mic stand has a removable 7 inch arm extension, a 40-tooth boom clutch, an extra long telescoping boom arm, a solid steel counterweight, reaches a height of 76 inches, as well as locking casters.
This drum overhead mic stand is perfect for anyone starting a home project studio or drummers who need overhead microphone stands for the stage.
The products On Stage designs are founded on a promise of affordability, durability, and innovation. I’m glad they have changed my opinion on their products.
Hands on with the SB96+
The stand has a black powder-coated finish, which is a nice touch. The adjustment knobs are made from cheap plastic and feel as if they would break easily if you traveled with these stands.
I once had an earlier model of this stand that I toured with and the plastic knobs broke right off inside my hardware case. The casters are made from very cheap plastic and the locks do very little to keep the stand in place.
Even though they don’t work great, there’s a slim chance that your microphones will be flying all over the place under your studio floor isn’t level.
Most drum overhead mic stands offer an adjustable counterweight on the boom arm. The
The
It’s definitely a great value.
2) On Stage SMS7650
On-Stage SMS7650 Hex Base Studio Boom Microphone Stand
The
Product Overview
Moving on, we have the
For a little more, you can eliminate the sandbags. Instead of a height of 76 inches, you get a whopping 82″ boom with a steel counterweight.
Again, this counterweight is fixed and cannot be adjusted. The only other difference is that this drum overhead mic stand is not power coated.
The best part about this stand is the heavy 17lb base. You’ll be able to use heavy large condenser microphones for your drum overheads with ease.
The casters are removable if you just want to keep it in once place, but I find having the casters on is very useful for keeping the studio clean when not in use.
Hands on with the On Stage SMS7650
Just like with the last stand, this drum overhead mic stand is perfect for any home studio on a budget. The weighted base really helps with extending the boom arm further and the added height is a bonus.
I really wish this mic stand had an adjustable counterweight. It doesn’t seem like a big deal, but once you use one, you’ll understand why they are so useful.
Keeping your microphone balanced helps your stands last longer, as the adjustment knobs don’t need to be tightened and strained all the time.
If it was me and it was between the two On Stage stands, I would definitely pick the SMS7650.
Having the 17lb weight will really come in handy, as I like to use heavier microphones for overheads.
One thing I failed to mention, as well, was the use of a stereo bar. If you have a stereo pair of overhead microphones, similar to the KSM 137s, you could always just buy one drum overhead mic stand and use the XY pattern with a stereo bar.
Some microphone pairs come with a stereo bar included.
3) Ultimate Support MC-125
Ultimate Support MC-125 Professional Studio Boom Microphone Stand
The Ultimate Support drum overhead mic stand is the first one on our list that feels a bit more quality. The only things I found quirky with it are the adjustment knobs, which I will detail more about below.
Product Overview
Featuring rollerblade-style caster wheels and super smooth movement, you’ll be able to roll this stand around your studio with ease.
The MC-125 also features locking casters that really don’t move.
This stand is also the first on our list to feature an adjustable counterweight. This comes in handy when using heavier microphones, like the U87.
The counterweight is made from die-cast and weighs 5.75 pounds. The stand height with casters ranges between 51.5″ – 82.75″.
Hands on with the Ultimate Support MC-125
First off, the casters on this drum overhead mic stand are amazing. When I locked this stand in place, it actually didn’t move when I attempted to roll it around.
Some of the earlier stands on our list feature plastic wheels that slide easily.
Another excellent feature of this stand is the 35
The adjustable counterweight is super easy to use and is very effective when holding a heavy microphone. This is the best drum overhead mic stand for the money thus far.
Let’s talk about the bad now. The MC-125, like all other Ultimate Support stands, features poorly designed boom adjustment knob.
Not only is this knob annoying in use, but it also wears out easily and doesn’t tighten the way you want it. I find myself having to overcompensate on the angle to get it where I want it.
4) Triad-Orbit T3C
Triad-Orbit T3C Tripod Microphone Boom Stand
Triad prides themselves as being the best advanced stand system on the market. The Triad-Orbit stand is definitely the outlier on our list, but it’s definitely worth mentioning.
The industrial
Mechanically, this stand just feels great. You can really tell that it is a quality stand, made from the highest level materials.
Product Overview
The Triad-Orbit system is modular. When you purchase a T3C stand, you’ll need to purchase a boom arm if you so desire.
This piece is essentially, just the base. While this isn’t exactly the best feature, remember that this is a very specialized drum overhead mic stand and is made extremely well.
This mic stand also has a unique feature called articulating legs. You are able to individually adjust leg angles for flexible positioning.
This is perfect for drum sets, where space is a premium.
Hands on with the Triad Orbit T3C
Triad stands utilize pro-grade clutches instead of cheap plastic knobs and thumbscrews. These stands feel really good to handle and definitely will last a lifetime.
If you have ever used a camera tripod before, you’ll understand how this stand works.
I really enjoyed the change from plastic knobs. The drum overhead mic stand also extends to a very high height of 71.5″, without a boom arm.
5) Atlas Sound SB36W
Atlas Sound Sb36w Classic Studio Boom Mic Stand With Air Suspension Ebony
Now we’re getting to the big dogs. This is the type of stand you will definitely see in a major recording studio. It’s the top of the line boom-stand!
This drum overhead mic stand has
Product Overview
One of the greatest features of the Atlas Sound SB36W is the variable, piston-type air suspension system. This ensures your microphones stay safe.
The stand is also equipped with very quiet, ball-bearing swivel casters like you’d see on a road case.
As expected, there is a nice weighted base and an adjustable counterweight to keep things balanced.
The two pieces come together with a gyromatic swivel, made from die-cast. The stand spans from 49″ to 73″ tall.
Hands on with the Atlas Sound SB36W
Wow. Just wow. This is the best stand on the list, by far. I should just end it here. There really is nothing that can beat this stand.
The feel is absolutely incredible.
It feels like a tank when you move it. The Atlas Sound drum overhead mic stand is buil
Obviously, this is not a stand you will take on tour, but it is the ultimate drum overhead microphone stand for in the recording studio.
6) K&M 21430
K&M 21430 Mobile Overhead Microphone Stand
The drum overhead microphone stand from K&M is a solid choice, but not for this price point. I think this one of the worst picks on our list.
Featuring a 22-pound cast-metal base, the K&M drum overhead mic stand does feel a little cheap when compared to the Atlas stand.
Somehow, this stand is more expensive than that one and doesn’t come close with its quality.
7) Latch Lake Music micKing 3300
Latch Lake micKing 3300 - Black
Finally on the list is the most expensive drum overhead mic stand you can buy! And there’s no casters on this stand for some reason!
The Latch Lake Music micKing will last you for many generations due to its solid build quality. Pass it down to your grand kids!
Product Overview
Latch Lake’s microphone stands are top of the line when it comes to build quality. The cost of these stands is a little more, but they are made inside the United States.
They are perfect for anyone with expensive microphones; this stand will keep them safe. Microphone placement is also very easy with the micKing.
It has a 7′ boom and a 7′ mass, combined to be a 14′ stand. Latch Lake claims that their boom system is the strongest system in the world.
Hands on with the Latch Lake stand
No matter which way you look at it, these are exceptional stands. The quality of the build is mind-blowing.
The locking mechanisms work so well on these stands. Yes, they are way too expensive for the average user, but for a full-blown studio build, I’d be torn between this stand and the Atlas Sound stand.
Conclusion
With many options on the market, it can be hard to pick out the best drum overhead mic stand. Our best pick has to be the Atlas Sound SB36w.
It’s definitely one of the more expensive
Now that you’ve got your stands, in addition to overhead microphones, you’ll most likely also want some close mics. Be sure to check out our guide on the best drum mic kits.
Which stand do you like most? Did you end up buying one? Let us know in the comments down below.
If you believe I made any mistakes in the article, please leave me a message and I’ll be sure to make corrections. Thanks for reading.
