Drum Mics on a Budget

[ChainReaction]

I am going to soon be purchasing drum mics, but there are a few limitations involved with the purchase. Of course, price is always a limiting factor; I have a budget of about $400, but my total expenses should preferrably not exceed $500. Furthermore, one of the channels is out on our mixer, therefore leaving us with three stereo channels and two mono channels.

I am fairly certain that it will be necessary to procure both a bass and snare mic, at the least. I am fairly set on an SM57 for the snare, as that seems to be the most viable option. For the bass, I was considering the Shure Beta52A, but I am uncertain as to whether or not this is superior to the AKG D112. From what I understand, these mics are approximately equal in quality-if anyone could offer further insight into this, it would be appreciated immensely.

For condensors, I was considering the Samson Pencil Condensors, putting each one into one of the mono channels on the mixer. If anyone knows about the quality of these mics or can suggest others, please inform me. This still leaves open another channel, with which I do not what to do.

If anyone has any suggestions given my current conditions, or any recommendations of any kind, please reply. Thank you kindly.

[Mr. E]

I am fairly certain that it will be necessary to procure both a bass and snare mic, at the least. I am fairly set on an SM57 for the snare, as that seems to be the most viable option. For the bass, I was considering the Shure Beta52A, but I am uncertain as to whether or not this is superior to the AKG D112. From what I understand, these mics are approximately equal in quality-if anyone could offer further insight into this, it would be appreciated immensely.


I prefer the AKG D112, it has alot more punch and audible high end clarity than the Beta 52. The Beta 52's frequency response only goes up to 10k while the AKG's goes up to 17K. That's a big difference.

[airborne50caliber]

The akg d112 is consider to be the industry standard. But try them to see which you prefer. If you do get the akg, david mellor says to try and point it backwards.

[ChainReaction]

Airborne, what do you mean by pointing it backwards?

I've pretty much decided on the D112 and SM57, but the rest are still up in the air. i've been looking at overheads...what is yalls experience on that? Behringer, Nady, SAmson and MXL all make fairly cheap ones...do you guys know if any of them are any good?

Also, what about room mics? I was hoping to get one that could double for vocals, maybe the MXL 990.

[airborne50caliber]

Airborne, what do you mean by pointing it backwards?

well, instead of pointing the grille into the bassdrum, you have it so the grille is facing out.. ive never tried it, just a tip from a top producer.

[ChainReaction]

okay, thanks. Know anything about condensers?

[airborne50caliber]

Nady over the four you mentioned, with MXL coming close behind.

[Moseph]

Nady over the four you mentioned, with MXL coming close behind.

I disagree. I can't stand Nady mics. Especially the low-ends. It all sounds very trashy.

Actually, of all the brands you've mentioned, I don't like any of them for small-diaphragm condensers. MXL makes 3 decent large diaphragm condenser mics, but for the most part, the cheap-end smalls sound tinny.

For $200, AKG makes a decent small for overheads (you can get a pair via Musician's Friend): the C 430. They don't compare to more expensive models, but they sound a bit better than most mics costing $100/each

[kevbud187]

I disagree. I can't stand Nady mics. Especially the low-ends. It all sounds very trashy.

Actually, of all the brands you've mentioned, I don't like any of them for small-diaphragm condensers. MXL makes 3 decent large diaphragm condenser mics, but for the most part, the cheap-end smalls sound tinny.

For $200, AKG makes a decent small for overheads (you can get a pair via Musician's Friend): the C 430. They don't compare to more expensive models, but they sound a bit better than most mics costing $100/each

I agree the MXL is a better choice than Nady. Also I think I might put some money towards getting a new mixer. But thats just me:)

[ChainReaction]

What kind of mixer would you recommend?

[airborne50caliber]

I agree the MXL is a better choice than Nady.

I shall check out more of their mics then. I tried an MXL once and it was all rather noobish.

[mmetalmilitiaa]

how would you put the condensor in the mono channel.

condensors require phantom power, correct?
the mono channels do not provide phantom power, I believe.

[airborne50caliber]

I believe they do indeed, actually.

[kevbud187]

What kind of mixer would you recommend?
mackie > allen & heath > yamaha > alesis > berhinger

[10571z]

mackie > allen & heath > yamaha > alesis > berhinger

imo even though behringer are last on that list they are still good (for the price).....But if your like full pro i wouldnt recommend berhinger.....:)

but i think mono channels do have phantom power...

[kevbud187]

ya mono channels do. most of the time not individually but they do have mono channels