Drum microphones are an essential part of any church’s sound system. They help capture the rhythm and beat of the drums, enhancing the overall music experience. However, choosing the right drum mics for church can be a challenging task. There are many different types of drum mics available, each with its own set of features and benefits.
When it comes to selecting the best drum mics for church, there are a few critical things to consider. Firstly, the type of microphone you choose will depend on the size of your church and the type of music you play. Secondly, the quality of the microphone is crucial. You want to ensure that the mics you choose can capture the sound of the drums accurately and with clarity. Finally, the durability and build quality of the drum mics are also important factors to consider.
With so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to know where to start. To help make the decision easier, we’ve researched and tested various drum microphones to identify the best ones for church use. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the top drum mics for churches and what makes them stand out.
Best Drum Mics for Church
When it comes to capturing the sound of drums in a church setting, having the right microphone can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking to record or amplify the drums for a live performance, there are a variety of options available. In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the best drum mics for church to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Shure Drum Mic Kit
If you’re looking for a complete core package of microphones for recording and performing drummers, the Shure Drum Mic Kit is an excellent option at an affordable price.Pros
- The SM57 microphones are the industry standard for snare drum and a reliable choice for toms, with a contoured frequency response that cuts through the mix with exceptional impact.
- The Beta 52A microphone is perfect for the kick drum, with a carefully tailored frequency response for low-end punch and sonic presence.
- The A56D universal drum mounting system can be used to position microphones virtually anywhere, making it a great tool for both stage and studio environments.
Cons
- The carrying case is lightweight and durable, but some users have reported that it could be sturdier.
- The kit includes only three SM57 microphones, which may not be enough for larger drum setups.
- While the A56D mounting system is versatile, some users have reported that it can be difficult to adjust and secure in place.
The Shure Drum Mic Kit is an exceptional value for the performing drummer, with top quality microphones at an affordable price. Whether you’re recording in the studio or performing live, this kit has everything you need to capture the sound of your drums with precision and clarity. The SM57 and Beta 52A microphones are both reliable and high-performing choices, while the A56D mounting system offers flexibility and convenience. While the carrying case could be sturdier, it is still a convenient way to transport your microphones to your next gig or recording session. Overall, if you’re looking for a complete drum mic kit at an affordable price, the Shure Drum Mic Kit is definitely worth considering.
Shure BETA 52A Kick Drum Microphone
If you’re looking for a high-quality microphone to take your church’s music to the next level, the Shure BETA 52A Kick Drum Microphone is an excellent choice. With its tailored frequency response, high output, and superior sound quality, this microphone is perfect for capturing the full range of your drum kit’s sound.Pros
- The built-in dynamic locking stand adapter with integral XLR connector makes setup a breeze, especially if you’re placing the microphone inside a kick drum.
- The supercardioid pattern ensures high gain before feedback and superior rejection of unwanted noise, so you’ll get a clean, clear sound every time.
- The hardened steel mesh grille protects the microphone from wear and tear, making it a durable and long-lasting investment for your church’s music program.
Cons
- The Shure BETA 52A Kick Drum Microphone is a specialty mic designed specifically for kick drums and bass instruments, so it may not be the best choice for other types of music or instruments.
- At 21.6 ounces, this microphone is a bit heavier than some other options on the market, which may be a concern for some users.
- While the price point is reasonable for a high-quality microphone, it may be out of reach for some churches on a tight budget.
If you’re looking to take your church’s music to the next level, the Shure BETA 52A Kick Drum Microphone is an excellent choice. With its superior sound quality, durable construction, and easy setup, this microphone is sure to become a staple of your music program. Whether you’re recording or performing live, the Shure BETA 52A Kick Drum Microphone is a must-have for any serious musician.
One of the standout features of the Shure BETA 52A Kick Drum Microphone is its tailored frequency response, which is specifically designed for kick drums and bass instruments. This means that you’ll get a full, rich sound that captures all the nuances of your drum kit, from the deepest bass notes to the highest cymbals. The built-in dynamic locking stand adapter with integral XLR connector makes setup a breeze, especially if you’re placing the microphone inside a kick drum. And with its supercardioid pattern, you’ll get high gain before feedback and superior rejection of unwanted noise, so you can focus on your music without distractions.
Of course, no product is perfect, and the Shure BETA 52A Kick Drum Microphone is no exception. While it’s an excellent choice for kick drums and bass instruments, it may not be the best choice for other types of music or instruments. At 21.6 ounces, this microphone is a bit heavier than some other options on the market, which may be a concern for some users. And while the price point is reasonable for a high-quality microphone, it may be out of reach for some churches on a tight budget.
Shure BETA 91A Kick Drum Microphone
If you’re looking for a kick drum microphone that delivers a strong low-end response and maximum gain-before-feedback, the Shure BETA 91A Kick Drum Microphone is a great choice. With its half-cardioid polar pattern and two-position contour switch, this microphone is specifically tailored for bass frequency applications and provides superior attack and punch for a studio-quality sound.Pros
- Uniform half-cardioid polar pattern for maximum gain-before-feedback and rejection of off-axis sound
- Precision-engineered low-profile design features integrated preamplifier and XLR connector to maximize setup efficiency while minimizing stage clutter
- Frequency response tailored for kick drum/low frequency applications with a wide dynamic range for use in high SPL environments
Cons
- Requires phantom power to operate
- May not be suitable for other instruments or vocals
- Not eligible for international shipping
The Shure BETA 91A Kick Drum Microphone is a reliable and efficient choice for capturing the internal attack sound of the kick and the thump from the outside. Its low-profile design and integrated preamplifier make it easy to set up and use without cluttering the stage. The two-position contour switch allows you to customize the microphone’s response to maximize attack and clarity depending on the application. While this microphone requires phantom power to operate, it delivers a strong low-frequency response and is specifically tailored for bass frequency applications.
Overall, if you’re looking for a kick drum microphone that delivers a strong low-end response and maximum gain-before-feedback, the Shure BETA 91A Kick Drum Microphone is a great choice. It’s easy to set up and use, and its two-position contour switch allows you to customize the microphone’s response to suit your needs.
Shure PG ALTA 7-Piece Drum Microphone Kit
If you’re looking for a complete package of professional quality microphones to provide excellent sound for full drum kit performance and recording, Shure PG ALTA 7-Piece Drum Microphone Kit is a great option.Pros
- The kit includes all the necessary microphones, mounts, and cables for a full drum kit recording
- The microphones are durable and made of high-quality metal
- The flip-lever locking mechanism makes for easy adjustment and the rim clamps get a good grip
Cons
- The carrying case doesn’t have a place to store cables
- The clips may not fit properly to the drums
- The bass drum mic could have a lower frequency response
The Shure PG ALTA 7-Piece Drum Microphone Kit is a great option for drummers looking to record or perform with a full drum kit. The kit includes all the necessary microphones, mounts, and cables, and the microphones are durable and made of high-quality metal. The flip-lever locking mechanism makes for easy adjustment and the rim clamps get a good grip. However, the carrying case doesn’t have a place to store cables, the clips may not fit properly to the drums, and the bass drum mic could have a lower frequency response. Overall, this kit is a great value for the price and provides excellent sound quality.
GLS Audio ES-57 Instrument Microphone
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to the Shure SM57, the GLS Audio ES-57 is a great option that delivers similar sound quality.Pros
- Uni-directional dynamic microphone that captures sound from one direction, reducing background noise and feedback
- Wide frequency response range of 50 Hz to 15,000 Hz, making it suitable for a variety of instruments and vocals
- Can be used with both Lo-Z XLR 3 Pin Balanced and Hi-Z 1/4″ inputs, making it versatile for different setups
Cons
- The microphone is heavier than some other models, which may be a concern if you plan on using it for extended periods of time
- Some users have reported that the microphone clip that comes with the product is not very sturdy or durable
- While it does deliver similar sound quality to the Shure SM57, it may not be as durable or long-lasting
The GLS Audio ES-57 is a great option for those on a budget who still want a quality instrument microphone. It delivers clear sound with minimal background noise and is versatile enough to be used with a variety of instruments and setups. However, it may not be as durable or long-lasting as some other models on the market.
Overall, the GLS Audio ES-57 is a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly alternative to the Shure SM57 without sacrificing too much in terms of sound quality.
Buying Guide
Choosing the best drum mics for your church can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the technicalities involved. Here are some factors you should consider when buying drum mics:
Microphone Type
There are two main types of microphones: dynamic and condenser. Dynamic microphones are rugged and can handle high sound pressure levels, making them ideal for drums. Condenser microphones are more sensitive and offer a wider frequency range, making them ideal for capturing the nuances of cymbals and other high-frequency instruments. When choosing drum mics, it’s best to go for dynamic microphones for the kick and snare drums and condenser microphones for the overheads.
Number of Microphones
The number of microphones you need will depend on the size of your drum kit and the sound you want to achieve. A standard drum kit will require at least four microphones: one for the kick drum, one for the snare drum, and two overheads. If you want to capture the sound of each drum individually, you will need more microphones.
Polar Pattern
The polar pattern of a microphone refers to the directionality of the microphone. There are three main polar patterns: cardioid, supercardioid, and omnidirectional. Cardioid microphones are the most common and are ideal for capturing the sound of individual drums. Supercardioid microphones are more directional and are ideal for capturing the sound of the snare drum. Omnidirectional microphones capture sound from all directions and are ideal for capturing the sound of the entire drum kit.
Frequency Response
The frequency response of a microphone refers to the range of frequencies it can capture. When choosing drum mics, it’s important to choose microphones with a wide frequency response to capture the full range of frequencies produced by the drums. Look for microphones with a frequency response of at least 20Hz to 20kHz.
Price
The price of drum mics can vary greatly depending on the brand, quality, and number of microphones you need. While it’s important to invest in quality microphones, you don’t need to break the bank to get good sound. Look for microphones that offer a good balance between price and quality.
