Not every microphone serves the purpose when it is necessary to record or amplify the incessant roll of metal drumming. The overwhelming power and sheer level highs plus bass attack of double kicks, blast beats, and cymbals crashing in – necessitate microphones that will withstand those extreme SPLs and yet reproduce every fine detail in its freak-tastic perfection. Be you want to get the huge live sound right on stage or get a very clear and loud sound with drums in the studio, the selection of microphones is essential. Here, we will deconstruct the finest microphones that metal drummers can buy in order to record explosive blast beats and those perfect breakdowns, the way that your drumming skillfully deserves.
Why Mic Choice Matters in Metal Drumming
In playing metal drums, one makes use of hard hits in the drums in the form of the double bass, the snare crack, and the cymbal crashes that are very loud and loud. The microphones must have the loud volume capability without distorting them, must respond instantly and quickly to detect minute differences, and must be isolated to avoid interference in other parts of the kit.
In case of the wrong microphone choice, the sound may become mucky or clipped as well as you may fail to capture the subtle parts of a drummer’s performance. Metal players have to have powerful yet precise mics in order to actually demonstrate what they are playing.
Best Microphones for Metal Drummers
1. Shure SM57
Shure SM57 is an old-time classic of the drum business and can be found on every snare drum in every kind of music, including metal. It is very capable of handling high SPLs because of its pattern that evolves throughout the years, and as a result, it is very suitable for rocking snare hits characterized by extreme loudness in metal.
It is used and preferred by metal drummers due to durability, sharp midrange clarity, and ability to cut through heavy guitar and bass tones.
Pro Tip: Put it close to the drum head but not exactly in the middle to record the sharp hit without making it too harsh.
2. 5Core Drum Mic Kit
A younger player on the scene, the 5Core microphone has been getting ground among metal guitarists for its accuracy and durability.
- 7-piece dynamic drum mic kit
- Mics for kick, bass, tom, snare
- Durable all-metal construction
- Easy setup with XLR connectors
- Includes clamps and sponges
- Comes with professional carrying case
- Ideal for studio and live use
Tip: For a clear, punchy sound that stands out in heavy metal mixes, use the 5Core M100 on snares and toms.
3. Sennheiser e604
For toms and percussion in a metal kit, the e604 is a great pick. It’s easy to put directly on tom rims because it clips on, so it can be set up quickly and used for close miking.
Metal drummers love it because it’s small, strong, and makes a clear sound that works well with metal toms’ high attack.
Pro Tip: Use it on toms to record fast fills and powerful hits with clarity.
4. Beta 52A Shure
The Beta 52A is another well-known kick drum microphone that is known for giving metal players the standard punchy, full-bodied sound they want. One important thing for metal’s regular base is that its low-end reaction stays tight and doesn’t get muddy.
Why metal drummers love it: it’s built to last, has a frequency that’s just right for kick drums, and has a high SPL rating.
For a louder kick sound in the mix, use it with a D6 or an internal mic.
5. The Audix D6
Many people like the Audix D6 for kick drums, and for metal players, a good kick drum mic is very important. The D6’s frequency response is tuned to bring out the low-end punch and the click of the beater, which are both important for a tight and powerful double bass.
Why metal drummers love it: the super cardioid rhythm cuts down on bleed and can handle high SPLs without distorting.
Tip: Put it right inside the hole in the kick drum for the most power and impact.
Check out more about the best kick drum mics for deep, punchy bass.
How to Get the Best Metal Drum Sound
Besides picking the right microphones, here are some other things you can do to improve the sound of your metal drums:
- Close Miking: Techniques for close miking work well with metal’s fast hits and complicated beats. Put the microphones as close to the drums as they won’t physically or sonically affect the sound.
- Mix Mics: A combination of various mics is needed to achieve the complete sound of the kit, such as SM57 on the snare, D6 on the kick, and 5Core M100 on the toms.
- There is a place of close mics, however room mics will give the drums real ambience and depth, and will also sound larger and more dynamic.
- With the right EQ and compression, metal tapping can sound very lively. The drums will sound good in the mix if you use EQ to get rid of unwanted frequencies and compression to manage the highs.
Conclusion
Microphones used in metal drumming require powerful and fast microphones. Oldies such as Shure SM57, Audix D6, and Sennheiser e604 can even be used with the latest models, such as 5Core drum mic kit. The usability is important, but what is more important is the quality of sound in the mic (in some cases, live playing on the stage or a studio recording). As brands such as 5Core set a higher standard, today metal drummers have as many options as they could want to find their real sound.