The 10 Best Mic For Toms Of 2024, Researched By Us

Harlan Ellison By, Harlan Ellison
Updated
Shure PGA56-XLR Cardioid Swivel-Mount Dynamic Snare/Tom Microphone
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Shure PGA56-XLR Cardioid Swivel-Mount Dynamic Snare/Tom Microphone

The Shure PGA56-XLR Cardioid Swivel-Mount Dynamic Snare/Tom Microphone is the perfect choice for drummers, percussionists and more. With a tailored microphone cartridge design for clear reproduction of sound source, a swivel joint with quick release latch with a design similar to bicycle component-locking technology for extremely quick and easy positioning, and a cardioid polar pattern that picks up audio from the source while rejecting unwanted noise. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: XTUGA DI7 7-Piece Wired Dynamic Drum Mic Kit

The XTUGA DI7 wired dynamic microphone is a high output supercardioid microphone that delivers studio quality sound even at extremely high sound pressure levels. The compact microphone is specifically designed for professional sound reinforcement and project studio recording. Its extremely uniform supercardioid pickup pattern provides high gain before feedback and excellent rejection of unwanted noise. Read Review

3. Best Convenience: CAD Audio Stage4 4-Piece Drum Mic Pack - Includes Kick Mic

The CAD Audio Stage4 4-Piece Drum Mic Pack provides you with all the tools necessary to help you sound like a pro, at a fraction of the cost. These custom drum mics are high-quality and were designed for use in live performances. Their integrated clips save on stand expenditure, while the heavy-duty soft-sided zippered carry case makes transporting your drum set easy. Read Review

4. Best Versatile: Sennheiser e904 Cardioid Dynamic Mic for Toms/Snare Drums

Sennheiser e904 Dynamic Mic for Toms/Snare Drums offers full, impressive, lively sound. Its compact body is ideal to mount on toms and snares, and the dynamic cardioid pattern delivers an excellent sound profile. The robust metal casing ensures a long life span. Read Review

Tom has a very unique voice that needs the right microphone to be captured properly. If you are thinking of buying a mic for toms, you will have lots of options. But what kind of microphone should you get? How can you choose the best one? Keep reading to find out more. We all know how important it is for any musician to have the right gear and equipment. 

However, it’s not as simple as just buying any old mic that might catch your voice well and sound good under these circumstances – there are many things you need to consider first if you want to get the most out of your performance. Here is our list of the best mic for toms you can consider 

After nearly 15 hours of research, we were able to come up with many top products from prominent brands like Shure, Xtuga, Cad audio, Sennheiser pro audio, Lewitt, Darverson, Earthworks, Tonor, Elgato, Trophyrak, Razer, Movo, Hyperx, Blue microphones, Novik neo, Audio-technica. Among them, Shure PGA56-XLR Cardioid Swivel-Mount Dynamic Snare/Tom Microphone seems to be the first product you can rely on. Alternatively, if you're simply looking for a good-looking option, you may go with XTUGA DI7 7-Piece Wired Dynamic Drum Mic Kit.

Our article today focuses mainly on giving you guidelines and tips to be able to buy the right product that best suits your needs. Explore with us right here.

Our Top Picks

  • Updated industrial design with black metallic finish and grille for unobtrusive visual presence
  • Cardioid polar pattern picks up audio from the source while rejecting unwanted noise
  • Swivel joint with quick release latch with a design similar to bicycle component-locking technology for extremely quick and easy positioning
  • Tailored microphone cartridge design for clear reproduction of sound source
  • Drum mount included for quick attachment to drum rims, no additional mic stand required
TOP Choice #2 XTUGA DI7 7-Piece Wired Dynamic Drum Mic Kit
Our Score:
9.6
XTUGA
  • SIMPLE INSALLMENT AND CONNECTION :A built-in dynamic locking stand adapter with an integral XLR connector simplifies installation. Each instrument microphone is designed with the standard thread 3/8" or 5/8" to match all types of microphone stand. The stand adapter keeps the microphone securely in place, even if it is struck by a drumstick.
  • HIGH OUTPUT DESIGN DRUM MICROPHONE:The compact microphone is a high output supercardioid dynamic microphone designed for professional sound reinforcement and project studio recording. Its extremely uniform supercardioid pickup pattern provides high gain before feedback and excellent rejection of unwanted noise.
  • SUPERCARDIOID DYNAMIC INSTRUMENT MICROPHONE:The microphone is a high output dynamic microphone with a tailored frequency response designed specifically for kick drums and other bass instruments. It provides superb attack and punch, and delivers studio quality sound even at extremely high sound pressure levels.
  • ADAPTABLE AND WIDE RANGE OF APPLICATIONS:Typical microphone applications include close miking of tom-toms and other percussion instruments, as well as guitar amplifiers, brass instruments, and woodwinds. All mics comes with standard XLR connectors to allow compatibility with most audio instruments.
  • PACKING INCLUSIONS: One big drum mic;4 small drum mics;2 condenser mics with the holder; 4 thread clip ; thread inserts; 4 clamps for snare/tom mics;2 wind screens for condenser mics;7 pcs XLR to XLR Audio Cables;1 aluminum carry case.
TOP Choice #3 CAD Audio Stage4 4-Piece Drum Mic Pack - Includes Kick Mic
Our Score:
9.4
CAD Audio
  • In use on professional tours throughout the world
  • Heavy-duty soft-sided zippered carry case
  • Includes D19 snare, (2) D29 Tom, D10 kick
  • Integrated clips save on stand expense
  • 4 high quality custom drum mics
4 Sennheiser e904 Cardioid Dynamic Mic for Toms/Snare Drums
Our Score:
9.2
Sennheiser Pro Audio
  • Full, impressive, lively sound for drums and percussion
  • Excellent sound profiling,adapts to all percussive styles
  • Robust reinforced metal casing
  • 10 year warranty
  • Compact body ideal for mounting on toms and snares
  • Uniform super cardioid pickup pattern ensures high gain before feedback and maximum isolation of the desired sound source
  • Tailored frequency response for powerful yet smooth and natural sound on percussion instruments
  • Highly durable steel mesh grille to prevent wear and abuse
  • Solid full-metal, die-cast body suited for rough daily touring routine
  • Corrosion-resistant gold-plated 3-pin XLR output connector
6 Cardioid Dynamic Tom Snare Drum Microphone Mic
Our Score:
8.9
Darverson
  • XLR male output connector
  • Small plastic body metal mesh grill
  • Cardiod Dynamic microphone
  • Good for the tom drum
  • Go with the Fixed Holder Mountasy to assemble and use
  • Earthworks DM20 DrumMic Close Miking Tom & Snare Cardioid Microphone - RM1 RimMount - PW1 Foam Windscreen - User's Manual - Earthworks 15 Year Parts & Labor Warranty
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz
  • Sensitivity: 8mV/Pa (-42dBV/Pa)
  • Compatibility: Snare and Tom Drums
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • What You Get: 1 x Microphone with Power Cord(1.5m), 1 x Foldable Mic Tripod, 1 x Mini Shock Mount, 1 x Pop Filter and 1 x Manual. (Note: It is not compatible with Xbox.)
  • Plug and Play: With a USB 2.0 data port, the TC-777 is plug and play, no any additional driver is required. Ideal for conference, distance learning, streaming, chatting, podcasting, recording, Zoom, Skype, YouTube video, etc.
  • Versatility: The shock mount can be unscrewed and attached to a boom stand with 5/8'' threaded insert directly. Note: If the threaded insert your stand comes with is 3/8'', then the 3/8'' female to 5/8'' male threaded screw adapter is needed (not included).
  • Cardioid Pickup Pattern: This mic has a cardioid pickup pattern that captures the clear, smooth and crisp sound in front of the microphone and suppresses unwanted background noise.
  • Easy to Install: Without any assembly, only need to unfold the three-legged stand directly and adjust the position of the pop filter, then it can be plug and play.
  • Proprietary Clipguard technology makes distortion virtually impossible
  • Superior circuitry ensures seamless audio signal transmission
  • Condenser capsule with a tight cardioid polar pattern captures speech with precision
  • Up to 24-bit / 96kHz analog to digital conversion delivers lush detail
  • Use the Wave Link app to control Wave: 3 and up to seven other audio sources, plus create two independent mixes
10 TrophyRak Upgraded USB Microphone
Our Score:
7.9
TrophyRak
  • 【Package List】 USB Mic * 1, Metal Shock Mount * 1, Scissor Arm Stand * 1, Desk Mount Clamp * 1, POP Filter * 1, Foam Mic Cover * 1, 1.5M USB A to B Cable * 1, User Manual * 1. We provide Easy-to-Reach customer support and 24/7 guidance. Order it Now with No Risk.
  • 【Great Sound of Fidelity】 Equipped with a 16mm large diaphragm, wide frequency response (20Hz to 20KHz) and professional sound chipset, TrophyRak USB mic provides a perfect combination of clarity, warmth, extended dynamic range and high SPL capability. The cardioid condenser capsule enables the mic to capture pristine and accurate sound and cancel noise from surroundings, perfect for recording and communicating.
  • 【Upgraded USB Mic Set】 TrophyRak TR-PRO-057 USB Microphone is the latest USB condenser microphone. With the latest sound field surround technology and noise reduction chip, the recording mic makes your voice more clear than ever before.
  • 【Plug & Play Design】 The TrophyRak TR-PRO-057 microphone is easy to connect with both Mac and Windows computer, no need any extra driver software or sound card. Please Notice: Not compatible with Xbox and Cellphone ends.
  • 【User-Friendly Design】 With a convenient volume knob and Echo knob, TrophyRak USB recording microphone is much easier for you to use. Great for Gaming, Podcast, Live Streaming, YouTube on PC.
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best mic for toms?

You may know that best mic for toms is a kind of product many customers are hesitant to pay for. It is not due to its quality but the fact that there are many factors you must consider. Nevertheless, all your worry is not a problem for us. Our knowledgeable staff will help you with the right decision.

Tech-evaluated and high-rated products are available in our list of eligible items. Here are some indispensable things you shouldn’t ignore:

Polar Pattern/Directionality

Directionality is the way a microphone picks up sounds from its surroundings. One microphone can detect sound in all directions simultaneously. Most other microphones can only pick up one direction at a time. This can be advantageous depending on the circumstances.

Frequency Response

The frequency response refers to the range of frequencies that a microphone can detect, usually 20hz-20Khz. Knowing the frequency range is not enough. What you need is the microphone's responsiveness to certain frequencies. Before you choose a microphone, think about the recording you are going to do. A microphone with a higher frequency, such as a dynamic microphone, may be better suited for recording bass, drums, and other musical instruments.

Response Flatness

Although it might seem that flat responses are the best, a treble lift is sometimes an advantage. This applies especially to vocals. This can cause the PA system to become more sensitive to howling. The signal from speakers often gets in the microphone, creating a hissing sound. Many dynamic microphones have a treble lift, which lends itself to many vocals.

Impedance

This is measured in Ohms (symbol O) and refers to the microphone's ability to receive an audio signal or AC current. Mics with a low impedance (600O and lower) retain better audio quality when used on cables that are longer than 16 feet. High impedance signals that other microphone components may be of lower quality can sometimes indicate a low quality signal.

Type Of Microphone

The energy of sound waves is captured by microphones, which can then convert it into electricity in various ways. You can either use a condenser microphone or dynamic microphone to accomplish this.

Connections

After you have chosen the mic type you prefer, it is time to think about how you will connect it to your system. There are two options: wireless or wired.
Traditional wired microphones transmit sound signals via a cable. They can be a hindrance to performers' movement, particularly during large productions. A wireless microphone is a good option if you need to be mobile. These wireless microphones use radio waves to transmit signals to the receiver.

Maximum Sound Pressure Level

This measurement is often expressed as decibels (dBs), and it is the highest volume the microphone can tolerate without distortion.

Attenuation Switch

Have you ever wondered what those switches at the back of Rode Videomic are for? Attenuation switches are the switches at the back. Attenuation switches on microphones reduce the output of the mic by a specific amount. This is usually between -10dB and -20dB. The microphone will become four to sixteen times more quiet than usual.

FAQs

What Microphone Is Recommended For Determining The Direction Or Noise Source Location Of Sound?

Multiple free-field microphones, placed in predefined patterns and combined with appropriate software allow spatial transformations of complex sound pressure fields to be projected to map the acoustic energy flows. Because of their general value and matching phase specifications, array microphones make a great choice for large-channel count acoustic testing. Because they allow the user to identify specific microphones quickly and easily, Transducer Electronic Data Sheets (TEDS), are highly recommended.

What Is A Polar Plot And How Is It Used?

Polar plots, also known as beam patterns, show an angular dependence on the sound pressure measured by the microphone. A polar plot shows how sound pressure levels are affected by different angles of incidence. The typical angle of incidence is a 180-degree arc, with the microphone in the middle. As you move away from the centre, your pressure amplitude will decrease. The frequency dependence of measured sound pressure is not shown in polar plots. They are only obtained at one frequency. Because the pattern of the beam will vary at different frequencies, it is important to specify the measurement frequency with polar data.

What Should I Do When My Miniature Microphone Gets Soaked In Water Or Sweat?

A microphone is best if it's not in contact with water. However, sweat can be a problem if the environment is professional. The microphone should be shaken to remove any water. It must then dry, perhaps near a heat source such as a radiator. Never use a hairdryer. After they have been sweat-filled, omni microphones should be rinsed in demineralized waters and dried.

Which Levels Can The Microphone Handle?

A microphone's dynamic range is the difference between its lowest and highest levels.
It is not just a function the microphone, but the preamplifier that goes with it. A microphone's dynamic range is directly related to its sensitivities.

Which Microphone Is Recommended For Low Frequency Measurements?

Low frequency can be referred to as a relative term. The standard 1/2" condenser test microphones and the measurement grade microphones have an -3dB point between 1 Hz and 3 Hz. This is enough for most applications. Some specialty microphones can measure down to 0.1 Hz and exceed this limit.

What Is The Noise Floor Of A Microphone?

The cartridge thermal noise specification defines the microphone's noise floor. Important to remember that preamplifier noise can have an impact on the mic and preamplifier combo's noise floor. You can also measure the sound pressure by limiting other components of the measurement chain like power supplies or data acquisition systems.

How Do I Clean My Miniature Microphone Cable From Tape Remains?

Over time, residue from glue and tape can etch the cable making it less able to withstand braking. Organic oil can be used to clean the cable (e.g. Olive oil and lukewarm warm water can be used to clean the cable. Ecotech2 Multidegreaser by Finish Line has been reported to have good results.

Does The Size Of A Microphone Impact Its Frequency And Dynamic Range?

It is important to consider the size and sensitivity of your microphone. Microphones of smaller dimensions and higher sensitivity are more capable of measuring high amplitudes or frequencies. However, microphones with a larger diameter or more sensitive can measure higher frequencies and have lower noise floors.

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About Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison is a writer and audio equipment enthusiast. He's particularly interested in home theater HiFi audio, and he has been the editor of The Audio Insights since its inception. Harlan is known for his sharp wit and scathing critiques, but he also has a great love of music and audio gear. When he's not writing or editing, Harlan can be found listening to music or watching movies with his wife.