The 10 Best Room Mics for Drums

Crush that drum sound. These 10 room mics capture space, vibe, and power for killer drum recordings.
Nick Cesarz
All products featured are independently chosen by DrumSpy. We may earn a commission from purchases made through retail links. See our ethics policy.

Do you want to improve the quality of your drum recordings? Adding room microphones will help capture the room’s sound and give your drum recordings a more natural feel. 

But, how do you know which room microphones to buy? And, how can you afford them? In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to find a good pair of room microphones for drums that are both affordable and high quality.

Quick Picks

  1. Coles 4038 Stereo Matched Pair
  2. Shure KSM32
  3. Audio-Technica AT4050
  4. Earthworks TC20mp
  5. R88 MK2 Stereo Ribbon
  6. Beyerdynamic M 160
  7. Neumann U87Ai Set Z
  8. AEA R84 Passive Ribbon Microphone
  9. Neumann TLM 102
  10. SE Electronics T2

  1. 1. Coles 4038 Stereo Matched Pair

    Coles

    4038 Stereo Matched Pair

    Matched stereo pair of BBC-designed ribbon microphones. Frequency response: 30 Hz to 15 kHz. Bi-directional polar pattern. Low transient distortion, high sensitivity. Includes carrying case, XLR adapter, and microphone stand adapter. Ideal for drum overheads.
    View at Amazon
    See all retailers Amazon.com
    Pros
    • Warm, smooth top end
    • Natural midrange character
    • Excellent for overheads
    • Durable design
    Cons
    • Expensive for beginners
    • Fragile ribbon element
    • Less “air” compared to modern condensers

    Overview

    The Coles 4038 is a legendary ribbon microphone that is great for drum room miking. For rooms, utilize a spaced pair to get a big, smooth stereo sound. 

    Read more Read less

    The result gives a soft yet punchy sound that is also great for overhead microphones. The Coles 4038 is an excellent choice for drum room miking because it has a low sensitivity to the ambiance and produces a clean, clear sound.

  2. 2. Shure KSM32

    Shure

    KSM32

    Embossed single-diaphragm, side-address cardioid condenser microphone. Low self-noise, extended frequency response. Suitable for studio and live applications. Includes padded carrying bag and swivel mount. Champagne finish. Ideal for vocals and instruments.
    View at Amazon.com
    See all retailers Sweetwater Sound, Amazon.com

    Overview

    Shure KSM32s are excellent drum room microphones that have a cardioid polar pattern. In addition, these mics have a low-frequency filter which is helpful for recordings that need more bass. 

    Read more Read less

    The Shure-quality construction and the 15dB switches pad make the Shure KSM32 one of the best drum room mics on the market. I highly recommend them for a new pair of drum room microphones for anyone in need. They are a great value and will provide you with years of trouble-free operation.

  3. 3. Audio-Technica AT4050

    Audio Technica

    AT4050

    Large-diaphragm condenser mic. Three switchable polar patterns. High-SPL capability. Gold-vaporized dual diaphragms. Nickel-plated brass acoustic baffle. Excellent for vocals and acoustic instruments. Suitable for professional recording and live sound.
    View at Sweetwater Sound
    See all retailers Sweetwater Sound, Guitar Center, +1 more
    Pros
    • Multi-pattern flexibility
    • High SPL tolerance
    • Good off-axis / figure-8 performance
    • Reasonable self-noise
    Cons
    • Potential for harshness in some rooms
    • More “honest / neutral” than characterful

    Overview

    Audio-Technica’s AT4050 is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone that delivers exceptional clarity and transient response. In addition, it features a fixed cardioid pattern that rejects off-axis noise and coloration. 

    Read more Read less

    The AT4050 also has a 10dB pad and a low-cut filter that help to reduce noise and unwanted rumble. The result is a clean, transparent sound that is perfect for capturing the nuances of drums in a room setting. 

    In addition, the Audio-Technica AT4050 is an excellent choice for drum room microphones and is sure to capture the full range of your drums’ sound.

  4. 4. Earthworks TC20mp

    Earthworks

    TC20mp

    High-definition omnidirectional small-diaphragm condenser mics. Massive 150dB SPL handling. Ruler-flat frequency response (9Hz to 20kHz). Suitable for close-miking drums and high-volume sources. Effective as drum overheads. Natural sound reproduction.
    View at Sweetwater Sound
    See all retailers Sweetwater Sound, Amazon.com

    Overview

    Earthworks TC20mp microphones are excellent drum room microphones. They have a small-diaphragm condenser, which allows them to handle massive SPLs and produce uncolored recordings. 

    Read more Read less

    They also have an omnidirectional polar pattern, which ensures that they capture the natural sound of the drums. However, they require 24-48V phantom power, so check that your audio interface can provide this before you purchase them. 

    Earthworks TC20mp microphones are an excellent choice for drum room mics, and they will help you produce high-quality recordings of your drums. They also work great on drum overheads, and overall, they’re some of the best drum microphones available.

  5. 5. R88 MK2 Stereo Ribbon

    AEA

    R88 MK2 Stereo Ribbon

    Passive stereo ribbon microphone. Utilizes two figure-of-8 ribbons in Blumlein configuration. Requires high impedance and good clean gain. Compatible with AEA RPQ/TRP preamps. Ideal for orchestral, choral, and various instruments. Short breakout cable.
    View at Sweetwater Sound
    See all retailers Sweetwater Sound, Guitar Center, +2 more

    Overview

    The AEA R88 MkII Stereo Ribbon Microphone is an excellent microphone for capturing the natural sound of drums. In addition, the microphone has a high SPL rating, ideal for capturing loud drums. 

    Read more Read less

    The AEA R88 also has a great stereo spread, allowing you to capture a wide range of frequencies with one microphone. This makes it perfect for drum room microphone applications. Overall, the AEA R88 is ideal for anyone looking for a high-quality drum room microphone.

  6. 6. Beyerdynamic M 160

    Beyerdynamic

    M 160

    Dynamic double ribbon microphone. Hypercardioid directional characteristic. Frequency response: 40 - 18,000 Hz. Suitable for miking drums, guitar amps, acoustic guitars, brass, and strings. High impulse fidelity. Handcrafted precision. Compatible with M 130 for M/S stereophony.
    View at Sweetwater Sound
    See all retailers Sweetwater Sound, Guitar Center, +2 more

    Overview

    Fun fact: the drum recording of Led Zeppelin’s “When The Levee Breaks” was recorded using a pair of Beyerdynamic M160s. A lot of that sound is the magic of the lobby of Headly Grange, but you can get an idea of how this mic sounds by listening to that song.

    Read more Read less

    Thanks to its smooth, natural sound, Beyerdynamic’s M 160 is a popular choice for drum room microphones. A stereo pair of these microphones can capture a wide range of frequencies, from the deep rumble of the kick drum to the sharp snap of the snare. 

    The Beyerdynamic M 160 rejects off-axis sounds well, making it easier to achieve a clean, focused sound. Ribbon mics are often used in pairs, and the Beyerdynamic M 160 is no exception. 

    A stereo pair of Beyerdynamic M 160s can provide a detailed, immersive sound that brings out the best in any drum kit.

  7. 7. Neumann U87Ai Set Z

    Neumann

    U87Ai Set Z

    Cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 polar patterns. Excellent for vocals and instruments. Transparent sound reproduction. High-quality build with shock mount included. Compatible with various preamps. Ideal for studio and live settings.
    View at Amazon.com
    See all retailers Guitar Center, Amazon.com

    Overview

    The Neumann U87 is one of the most popular drum room mics. The mic is well known for its clear and transparent sound, and it can be used in either mono or stereo setups. 

    Read more Read less

    Many engineers swear by them for drum room mics, as they provide a classic sound that is very versatile. While they are not the cheapest option, many users feel that they are worth the investment due to their quality and consistency. 

    So whether you are recording in a studio or live setting, the Neumann U87 pair is an ideal option for your room mics.

  8. 8. AEA R84 Passive Ribbon Microphone

    AEA

    R84 Passive Ribbon Microphone

    4.6
    #1 in Microphones
    Passive ribbon microphone. Figure-8 polar pattern. Large Ribbon Geometry for natural sound. 2.35" aluminum ribbon element. Requires preamp gain. Compatible with Cloudlifter CL-1 for additional noiseless gain. Floor noise -130dB. Ideal for vocals and instruments.
    View at Sweetwater Sound
    See all retailers Sweetwater Sound, Guitar Center, +2 more
    Pros
    • Smooth top end
    • Good low-end extension and full body
    • Useful on many sources
    • Good value for a premium ribbon mic
    Cons
    • Slight “dark” character
    • Large size & weight
    • Coloration may not suit every mix style

    Overview

    AEA’s R84 is a large ribbon microphone that provides a marvelous clarity and richness of sound that is perfect for capturing the warm sound of drum shells. 

    Read more Read less

    Its smooth, 3D-sounding reproduction of drums in a room setting is second to none, making it an essential tool for any engineer or producer looking to capture the true essence of a drum recording. 

    The AEA R84 is also an excellent choice for any situation where a high-quality, large-diaphragm microphone is needed, such as recording choirs or orchestras. With its superior sound quality and versatile applications, the AEA R84 is a must-have for any serious audio engineer or producer.

  9. 9. Neumann TLM 102

    Neumann

    TLM 102

    Compact large-diaphragm studio microphone. Cardioid polar pattern. Maximum sound pressure level of 144 dB. Fast transient response. Slight boost above 6 kHz for vocal clarity. Integrated pop screen. Elastic suspension for reduced noise. Available in black or nickel. Stand mount included.
    View at Amazon.com
    See all retailers Amazon.com, Musician's Friend

    Overview

    If you’re looking for a great mic in your drum room, the Neumann TLM 102 is a great option. It’s a large-diaphragm condenser mic that sounds great on drums and can handle high SPLs. 

    Read more Read less

    It has a balanced and natural sound, ideal for stereo or mono room setups. Plus, it’s less than half the price of Neumann’s top-of-the-line U 87. So if you’re looking for a great-sounding, high-quality mic that won’t break the bank, the Neumann TLM 102 is a perfect choice.

  10. 10. SE Electronics T2

    SE Electronics

    T2

    Titanium-sputtered dual-diaphragm true condenser capsule. Four selectable polar patterns: omni, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure-8. Low-cut filter and attenuation pads. Includes custom shockmount and metal case. Durable, robust construction.
    View at Amazon.com
    See all retailers Amazon.com

    Overview

    The sE Electronics T2 is a flawless microphone for drum room recordings. It’s a large-diaphragm condenser, so it captures all the detail and nuance of the drums. And because it’s a condenser, it has lightning-fast transients, which is excellent for capturing the attack of the drums.

    Read more Read less

    The sE Electronics T2 is also Neutral sounding so that it won’t color the sound of the drums. It’s also versatile – it can be used for stereo or mono room setups. And it’s affordable so that it won’t break the bank. So if you’re looking for a perfect microphone for drum room recordings, the sE Electronics T2 is a great option.

Top Pick
Coles

4038 Stereo Matched Pair

Matched stereo pair of BBC-designed ribbon microphones. Frequency response: 30 Hz to 15 kHz. Bi-directional polar pattern. Low transient distortion, high sensitivity. Includes carrying case, XLR adapter, and microphone stand adapter. Ideal for drum overheads.
View at Amazon
See all retailers Amazon.com

That’s it for our list of the ten best room microphones for drums! We hope this article has helped you in your search for the perfect microphone for your next recording session. The Coles 4038 stereo pair is a top pick for most engineers, but it’s pricey (same with the Neumann U87s). If you’re starting out, maybe skip on the room mics. But if you want something more budget friendly, go with the Earthworks set.

Leave the first comment