Getting a good sound from your drum set doesn’t require a large investment. If you are recording, performing live or just starting out, there are good drum mic kits that cost below $150 and give stunning results. The right kit can also help achieve punchy kicks, crisp snares, and clear cymbals. In this article, we highlight three top affordable drum mic kits, including 7- and 9-piece sets so you can choose what fits your needs best.
To know more, Read: Dynamic vs. Condenser Drum Mics—Which Should You Buy for Your Needs?
What to Expect From Cheap Drum Mics
While looking for a good budget mic for the drums, check the following features:
- Sound Quality: Prioritize mics with a balanced frequency response and the ability to handle high sound pressure levels, especially for kick and snare.
- Durability: Look for lower-priced drum mics with better clips and those made with solid metals since these types of mics take a lot of beating.
- Versatility: Dual mics for kick, tom, monopole overheads, and dedicated mics should be included.
- Ease of Setup: When labeled correctly, color coding speeds up the tedious coffee break mics job.
- Compatibility: Check if the kit is compatible with your interface or mixer and whether phantom power is required for the condenser overheads.
- Accessories: Valuable accessories include a sturdy case, description parts, and proper handling guidelines along with protective covers, which safeguard your valuables.
Following these criteria enables you to get the most out of your budget drum mic kit in terms of performance and durability.
1. Behringer BC1200 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit:
The Behringer BC1200 kit is ideal for budget-conscious musicians as it provides a cost-effective round drum miking convenience kit. This set contains everything needed for a complete mic’d drum kit; it includes a large-diaphragm kick mic, four dynamic mics for the snare and toms, and two overhead condenser mics, all housed in a rugged carry case with die-cast construction caps. Each mic is tailored to its respective position, ensuring complete kit coverage.
Pros:
- Full kit coverage with dedicated mics for each drum and cymbal
- Sturdy die-cast construction for reliability on stage and in the studio
- Includes all necessary clips, windshields, and a carry case.
- Bleed reduction and tight mixes provided by focused cardioid mics.
- Affordable Pricing.
Cons:
- Overhead mics lack pad and high-pass filter switches.
- Sound quality is good but not as detailed as premium kits.
- Stiff clips that are difficult to adjust.
- Not suited for advanced or professional studio use.
- Limited options for future upgrades.
2. 5 Core DM 9RND Drum Mic Kit (9-Piece):
For coverage on the entire kit, the 5 Core DM 9RND Drum Mic Kit offers a thorough solution that is budget-friendly. This all-metal 9-piece kit provides studio-level punchy kicks and crisp snares along with clear overheads. The color-coded mics, along with universal clips, make setup easy for both beginners and pros. The rugged construction ensures durability for both studio and live use. It is a complete kit that offers unmatched value and versatility. This kit is perfect for anyone who wants to achieve professional results while on a budget.
Pros:
- Complete 9-Mic Kit: Includes dedicated microphones for kick drum, snare, toms, and cymbals, giving you full coverage for your entire drum set.
- Powerful Bass Drum Mic: The kick drum mic captures deep, rich low frequencies and can handle loud volumes without distortion.
- Easy Setup: Color-coded microphones and universal clips make it simple to identify and mount each mic quickly.
- Durable Construction: Built with rugged metal bodies and comes with a sturdy carry case, making it tough enough for regular studio use and live gigs.
- Great Value: Offers a professional all-in-one solution at an affordable price, ideal for home studios and drummers starting out.
Cons:
- Overall, I liked the Drum Mic Kit. I was expecting 3 days of delivery, but I received it after 4 days, which is negligible.
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3. Samson DK707 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit:
The Samson DK707 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit offers a complete, affordable solution for drummers needing reliable mics for live and studio use. It includes dedicated mics for kick, snare, toms, and overheads, all housed in a rugged carry case. Known for solid sound quality and easy setup, this kit is ideal for beginners and gigging musicians on a budget. Its durable construction and high SPL handling make it a dependable choice for various recording environments.
Pros:
- Full kit coverage with dedicated mics for kick, snare, toms, ands.
- Good off-axis noise rejection and high SPL handling for loud sources.
- Easy setup with swivel adapters, rim clips, and a sturdy carry case.
- Durable build quality stands up to regular gigging and transport.
Cons:
- Overhead condensers require phantom power to operate
- Clips for tom and snare mics can be stiff or prone to breakage over time
- Sound quality not as refined as other brands.
- No pad or high-pass filter switches on the overheads.
Tips To Get The Most Out Of Budget Drum Mics
- Shifting the Clarity Center: As with cheaper drum kits, investing time into experimenting with mic placement to shift clarity capture zones while reducing bleed will greatly boost returns.
- Regular Care and Maintenance: To enhance lifespan, avoiding drops, regular cleaning, and storing devices in their dedicated cases will do wonders.
- Buy Overheads First: For improved performance, buy dedicated overheads first. Then, if needed, gradually buy additional microphones as requirements increase.
Conclusion
Recording and live sound on a budget is possible when you have the right drum mic kit. Under $150, The 5 Core DM 9RND drum mic kit, Behringer BC1200, and Samson DK707 kits offer amazing value, full coverage, and solid construction. Prioritize sound fidelity, ruggedness, and flexibility of the components, and capturing unmatched drum recordings will be made possible.