The 11 Best Overhead Mics for Drums (With Audio)

Seeking the perfect overheads? These 11 mics offer exceptional clarity and depth for drum recordings. Listen now.
Nick Cesarz
Drum Overheads
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When it comes to recording drums, the sound of your overheads can make or break your record. You need to get your hands on a set of mics that are both in your budget and that will deliver great results.

I’ve included some audio samples for microphones I’ve either used myself, or have tracked with in the past. Be sure to listen on studio monitors or high-quality reference headphones. All the audio examples below have no EQ or compression added, aside from anything that may have been used on the way in.

If you’re really on a tight budget and are just starting out, the microphones listed below will be a perfect choice for home recording. You won’t get the most amazing results ever, but these might be a good starter option to learn on.

Quick Picks

  1. Soyuz 013 FET Matched Pair
  2. Neumann KM 184 Stereo Set
  3. Shure KSM137 Stereo Pair
  4. Behringer C-2
  5. Rode M5 Matched Pair
  6. Audio-Technica AT4041SP
  7. Neumann U 87 Ai Stereo Set

  1. 1. Soyuz 013 FET Matched Pair

    Soyuz

    013 FET Matched Pair

    Matched pair of small diaphragm condenser microphones. Features transformer color and FET design. Ideal for drum overheads, acoustic instruments, and detailed recordings. Includes -20dB pads, mic clips, and wooden carrying case. Handmade in Tula, Russia.
    View at Sweetwater Sound
    See all retailers Sweetwater Sound, Guitar Center, +2 more

    Overview

    Recently, I had the chance to check out a newer set of mics from a company I was unaware of—the Soyuz 013 FET Stereo Pair. These mics as overheads blew me away. They sound extremely flat and smooth, while still retaining enough low-end material without muddy mids. Watch my video below to hear them in action. Read the full review of the 013s here or watch the video below.

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    They sound fantastic on drums and would be a excellent choice for any drummer looking to upgrade from a budget pair. These are the best overhead microphones under $1500 on the market.

  2. 2. Neumann KM 184 Stereo Set

    Neumann

    KM 184 Stereo Set

    Cardioid, hypercardioid, or omni directional patterns. Compact design for studio and field use. Ideal for acoustic instruments. Clear, precise sound quality with minimal noise. Solid storage box included. High compatibility with various recording setups.
    View at Sweetwater Sound
    See all retailers Sweetwater Sound

    Overview

    Neumann makes expensive microphones. For the price, these are the best sounding drum overhead mics and will give you the highest quality drum recordings.

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    You can hear them in the mix on my band’s song Shine On. The KM184s are industry standard microphones and have been used on tons of records.

    Your cymbals will shine and your drums will sound big and full. Many engineers swear by these mics and often use them on tons of different applications.

    They are extremely detailed microphones and can handle very high SPL. In addition to drum overheads, these microphones sound excellent on acoustic instruments.

    Performance

    Here’s a raw recording of the KM184s as drum overheads:

  3. 3. Shure KSM137 Stereo Pair

    Shure

    KSM137 Stereo Pair

    Small-diaphragm cardioid microphone. Gold-layered Mylar diaphragm for enhanced sound quality. Transformerless preamplifier for clean signal. Includes carrying case and stereo microphone adapter. Highpass filter reduces low-frequency noise. Compatible with various instruments.
    View at Sweetwater Sound
    See all retailers Sweetwater Sound, Guitar Center, +1 more

    Overview

    A company we have yet to see on our list is Shure. For those wondering, I have purposely left out the Shure SM81 pencil condenser microphone. I have never been a fan of that mic and think that the KSM137s far outshine in performance and sound. They’re also cheaper.

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    The Shure KSM137 set is tough as nails. I’ve relied on these mics on tour for about six years and they’ve always held up—even after being dropped or falling over on a stand.

    These are middle-of-the-road in terms of cost, but still perform well and sound incredible. Most microphones above the $600 mark sound great, but it’s really up to your personal taste.

    While you can use these microphones for your drum overheads, you can also use them on hi-hats if need be. Acoustic instruments also sound excellent with these microphones.

    Performance

    Hear the microphones on a kit — no EQ or compression:

  4. 4. Behringer C-2

    Behringer

    C-2

    Two matched studio condenser microphones. Cardioid polar pattern for sound isolation. Requires phantom power (+48 V DC). Includes low-frequency rolloff and -10 dB pad. Suitable for vocals, acoustic instruments, and field recording. Solid build quality.
    View at Sweetwater Sound
    See all retailers Sweetwater Sound

    Overview

    Behringer is a company that has prided itself in making high-quality, affordable products. The C-2 Stereo overhead mics for drums are no different. These are the best budget overhead drum mics. Even so, they will deliver decent results for the money.

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    The Behringer C-2 mics are the most affordable set of drum overheads available, coming in right around $60 USD.

    You’re not only limited to just recording drums with these types of microphones. You can also dream up other applications for your overhead microphones: recording piano, acoustic guitar, room microphones, etc. The only other thing to note about these overhead mics for drums is that they are thin sounding.

    If you’re primarily recording cymbals and later on replacing the close microphones with samples, you’ll have no issue with these. Be prepared to use a lot of EQ cuts on these, as they are also harsh in the high end.

  5. 5. Rode M5 Matched Pair

    Rode

    M5 Matched Pair

    Matched pair of small-diaphragm condenser microphones. 1/2-inch gold-sputtered cardioid capsule. Low noise, full frequency response. Ideal for acoustic instruments and choirs. Includes WS5 windshields and RM5 mounts. XLR cables and stands required separately.
    View at Amazon.com
    See all retailers Sweetwater Sound, Guitar Center, +1 more

    Overview

    Next up on our list is the Rode M5. These drum overheads will sound significantly better than the Behringer mics, giving you a fuller sound with a less-harsh high end. Rode makes killer microphones for an affordable price. Just like the C-2, this is a stereo pair of pencil condenser microphones that will give you a nice overhead recording.

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    These drum overhead microphones provide more detail in your recording and will require less-aggressive EQ moves. The Rode M5 is perfect for the studio recording or any live application. They’re durable and cheap, so you know you can tour with them.

    At around $100 each, you won’t be going wrong, especially if they’re your first matched stereo pair of microphones.

    Side note: Another excellent microphone from these guys is the Rode K2. It’s perfect for recording a mono overhead or also works great as a room microphone.

  6. 6. Audio-Technica AT4041SP

    Audio Technica

    AT4041SP

    Two AT4041 studio condenser microphones. Smooth, extended frequency response with high-frequency rise. Transformerless output for high SPL handling. Precision-milled back plate for charge linearity. Includes wood box and clips. Suitable for recording and live sound.
    View at Sweetwater Sound
    See all retailers Sweetwater Sound, Amazon.com
    Pros
    • Sweet, warm, yet clear response
    • Can handle loud drum peaks without distortion
    • Rugged build
    Cons
    • Fixed cardioid pattern only
    • The “sweet” top end can still accentuate harsh highs in some rooms

    Overview

    The AT4041s give a nice and crispy high-end without sounding harsh. They are perfect for cymbals, overheads, room mics, on acoustic guitar, pianos, horns, and even are useful as a snare bottom microphone. These microphones feature a transformer-less design, giving you a quieter noise floor.

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    Included in the protective vinyl case is the two microphones, two stand clamps, and two windscreens. Everything about these overhead mics for drums screams quality.

  7. 7. Neumann U 87 Ai Stereo Set

    Neumann

    U 87 Ai Stereo Set

    Factory-matched stereo set includes two U 87 Ai microphones. Features a cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 pickup pattern. Compatible with various audio interfaces and mixer setups. Ideal for stereo recording applications.
    View at Guitar Center
    See all retailers Sweetwater Sound, Guitar Center, +1 more

    Overview

    If you have a ton of money to spend on your studio build, you should get two Neumann U87s to use as drum overheads. They are by far the best sounding microphone and you’ll also be able to use this microphone on tons of different applications.

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    If you want to hear them in the context of a mix, you can hear them on my band’s song 30 Seconds.

    https://open.spotify.com/track/1gYljiHmr5La4rMkzEbXRE?si=71751bcd804443cc

    They’re punchy, full of life, and yet, not so brittle in the top-end. You’ll be able to track amazing sounding vocals, record guitars, amplifiers, you name it. Now there are some microphone makers who are essentially making U87 clones. Some come close, others are way off.

    Performance

    Have a listen to them on drums as overheads:

Top Pick
Neumann

KM 184 Stereo Set

Cardioid, hypercardioid, or omni directional patterns. Compact design for studio and field use. Ideal for acoustic instruments. Clear, precise sound quality with minimal noise. Solid storage box included. High compatibility with various recording setups.
View at Sweetwater Sound
See all retailers Sweetwater Sound

If you aren’t a fan of the options above, these are also incredible on drum overheads:

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