Best Drummer Vocal Mic for Studios and Live Performances
An important element of a modern-day band is having each member contribute to singing so as not to put so much pressure on the main vocalist during a live performance. Thus, if you aspire to join a band, it is important to take training sessions to improve your vocals.
Advancements in music technology have greatly helped in achieving such teamwork. To put it into context, there has been an emerging trend not only for high-quality drumming equipment. It also relates to respective accessories and more improved microphones, specially made for the drums and drummers’ vocals.
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There are different types of microphones in the market. Some microphones require stands and others that are outstanding. The choice you make depends on its uses. For example, if you have a studio, a stand microphone may be fit because you do not need to keep moving around with it while performing.
You need to know that microphones have different designs, weights, and capabilities. Some can block background noises completely; hence, they are very efficient for drummers. Before getting one, you should also check on how easy it is to carry and whether the material used for it is durable enough.
My name is Chad, and I am 28 years old. Having played in various bands, I have become fond of drums and other equipment such as drummer vocal mic options that do a perfect job. I have noticed that the microphones have been greatly enhanced to function better during live performances where there are so many background noises. Thanks to these advancements, when you go to a heavy metal concert, you equally hear the voices of the drummers, guitarists, and vocalists.
However, it may be hard to choose the right microphone to fit your needs without extensive research and comparison of models available. Therefore, in this article, I am going to share my experience by reviewing some of the best vocal mics you can find in the market.
Reviews of the Best Mics for Drummers
Contents
Below you can read about the six best gadgets that I have found to work perfectly in any setting. These are my favorites, and I believe that by the time you read the final words, you will decide on the mics for you and your team.
1. Shure GLX-D Digital Wireless Headset System with SM35 – The Best Headset Microphone for Drummers
Specifications:
- Connector Type: XLR Connector
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Number of Channels: 1
- Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
- Item Weight: 4.85 Pounds
Shure GLX-D is a modern and classy headset microphone. It is a wireless device that does not require a wire connection between the transmitter and receiver. This is the thing I love about it after having seen wired microphones, causing messes on stage during live performance. You can hold the mic and move around without fearing that you might step on a wire and disrupt the whole system.
The product is easy to use because of its lightness. It weighs only 4.85 pounds, which makes it portable. If you are performing in a hall or outside, you can carry the microphone to the location by hand.
It does not require any machine to lift, nor does it need to be pushed around like the old systems. In fact, you can pack it in a backpack, and no one may notice that you are carrying such a powerful system.
It has a small volume that can fit in a backpack as it measures only 18.2*13*4.2 inches. The ability to occupy such a small volume indicates that you may use the device in a stage that is quite small with no room for large equipment. Therefore, it is very efficient for beginners who are into drumming and doing vocals.
The microphone in the set does not require to be held by hand. You can set it up around your head and ears because it is light, and then continue playing your instruments without destruction.
It has an adjustable gooseneck that enables it to optimize sound and make it professional. It is also tight-fitting, but you can fasten it depending on the size of your head. Therefore, when using it, you do not have to keep thinking about the mic falling off.
The microphone has a windscreen that helps to prevent the sound of wind from finding a way into the system. It also prevents the sound of breathing from being heard when you are busy performing a masterpiece on stage.
What’s included:
- Digital wireless system with headset transmitter
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- It is not operated by hand; hence, it is suitable for drummers and other performers who have to use multiple instruments at the same time.
- It is very light, hence easy to carry.
- The microphone and transmitter communicate through a wireless connection.
- It has an inbuilt lithium battery that can last up to sixteen hours.
- When performing for long hours, you have to be near the source of power.
2. AKG C520 Professional Head-Worn Condenser Microphone with Standard XLR Connector – A Vocal Microphone for Drummers
Specifications:
- Connector Type: XLR Connector
- Power Source: Wireless
- Number of Channels: 1
- Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
- Item Weight: 0.68 Pounds
AKG C520 is a product of AKG, a company that began the production of microphones in 1949. The organization has gained a competitive advantage in producing premium sound devices, using innovations as the main strategy. With the firm’s advantage in the industry, you can build high expectations with this product.
It weighs 10.9 ounces. Therefore, it is comfortable to wrap around your head, using the headband. You can perform for long hours without being bothered by the weight of the product because it is almost unnoticeable.
It has plastic bows that you wrap around your ears to hold on to the mic firmly. This prevents it from falling off while performing, especially when you are singing and drumming at the same time.
The microphone is adjustable. You can coil it so that it stays in the position that you desire. This is a super cool feature because the company understands that users have different sizes and shapes of heads. Thus, each person has a position that he or she prefers. Note that coiling the gadget does not damage it because it was created to be adjusted depending on the liking of the user.
Like every other high-quality microphone, AKG C520 has a windshield. The shield plays the role of putting off breathing, and wind sounds so that they do not find their way in the output. It, therefore, produces a clear and professional sound that cannot be matched by the use of any other instrument.
It has two booms on the left and right sides. These are flexible, and you can adjust them depending on the size of your head. If your head is small, you can make the booms shorter and then fasten them so that they can hold your head tight and not fall when you make movements.
The product also has a shield that protects the gadget from getting moistured due to sweating or high humidity in the atmosphere. The ability to prevent water from finding its way in the microphone enhances its durability. It can last for years without getting spoilt, and this may save you a lot of money since it is a premium gadget.
What’s included:
- AKG Pro Audio C520 Professional Head-Worn Condenser Microphone with Standard XLR Connector
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- Very light.
- Water-resistant.
- It has a windshield that contributes to the superior quality of sound that it produces.
- It is made of durable metal and plastic.
- The plastic material that touches the cheekbone may make you uncomfortable depending on the size of your head.
3. Audio-Technica ATM73cW Cardioid Condenser – The Best Headworn Microphone
Specifications:
- Connector Type: XLR Connector
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Number of Channels: 1
- Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
- Item Weight: 0.14 Pounds
Audio Technica will work for any drummer looking for a sleek and simple microphone. Its simplicity goes hand in hand with the weight of the gadget, which is only 2.24 ounces. This makes it suitable for multitasking among drummers, guitarists, and singers.
If your work is to play the drums and sing, the only weight that you may feel when using this gadget is that of the drumsticks only. You may not even remember that you have the Audio Technica model with you until the performance is over.
It has a headband design that enables one to multitask. This also enhances its stability while on the head, just like any other microphone with this design. What is even more special about this item is that it does not have wires or plastic that can bother you.
It is just a simple product with a headband and microphone that you have to set on the side of the mouth. It can pick sound from this position comfortably; hence, it does not have to be placed at the center.
The microphone operates on phantom power or batteries. Phantom power is a direct current that is transmitted using the same cable as the sound. If you do not have a source of this power, you can run the microphone using batteries. Make sure that you check the size of the batteries that will fit in to avoid buying the wrong ones.
The ability of the microphone to run on batteries makes it very efficient for outdoor use. If you are presenting a piece to a gathering outside, this device may be the best fit for you because it does not require AC to function. However, a pair of batteries may not last for a very long time. If your performance takes a few hours, you need to buy additional batteries to secure you from running out of power.
What’s included:
- Audio-Technica ATM73cW Cardioid Condenser Headworn Microphone
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- It has a sleek and compact design.
- It has a headband; hence, it does not require to be operated by hand.
- It uses either batteries or phantom power.
- The mic may not stretch to the center of the mouth so that it picks sound from the side.
4. Shure SM58S Vocal Microphone – The Best Headset Mic for Singing Drummers
Specifications:
- Connector Type: XLR Connector
- Power Source: Wired
- Number of Channels: 1
- Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
- Item Weight: 1.4 Pounds
For anyone who wants an exemplary live performance and a breath-taking studio recording, SM58S is the best microphone for the job. It has a spherical filter that works the same way as a windshield. It prevents the sound of breath and that of wind from entering the output system.
It also has a cardioid pattern that picks up only the main sound while blocking background noise. These two features enable the gadget to produce a very professional sound that moves the crowds during live performances.
The mic has a shock mount system that absorbs the noise or sound created when handling it. The shock absorber, therefore, enables the gadget to minimize sounds that arise when it is held or mounted for performance in a studio.
The mesh grille, which also works as the windshield, enhances the performance of this microphone. It ensures that the sound produced is smooth and clear despite any way the performer handles it. This also makes it durable because the mesh stays intact for quite some time. Even if it falls, you can pick it up and continue with your performance as if nothing has happened.
The gadget produces a warm sound when the frequency is low, and it has a bass roll-off and a brightened midrange that improves the quality of sound. The frequency range of the gadget is between 50 and 15,000 Hz.
It is a microphone that operates while mounted on a position according to the height of the performer. This is advantageous in that you do not have to keep holding on it. Therefore, you can play the drums freely while it picks up your sound from the mounted position.
It is made of military quality material that does not wear out easily. This capability enables it to withstand high pressure and produce quality sound despite the harsh conditions in the surrounding.
It has an on and off button that you may use to control the gadget while on stage. This allows for flexibility because you can control the sound that you want the crowd to hear. The simplicity of the control button also makes it suitable for use by both newbies and experienced onstage performers.
What’s included:
- Shure Cardioid Dynamics, XLR, Black, 4.90 x 3.30 x 10.30 (SM58S)
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- It is made of military-grade material that is durable.
- It has an on and off switch that makes it easy to control.
- It produces a high-quality sound that balances between low frequency, bass, and midrange.
- It is wired, meaning that you have to use it in a static position or within the wire.
5. Shure BETA 56A Supercardioid Swivel-Mount Dynamic Microphone – The Best Headset Mic for Drummers
Specifications:
- Connector Type: XLR Connector
- Power Source: Wired
- Number of Channels: 1
- Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
- Item Weight: 1.4 Pounds
The Shure BETA 56A is another super-cardioid microphone. I love the super-cardioid feature because it means that the gadget can focus on receiving only the sound that is directed to the head of the microphone. It rejects the sounds coming from the sides because these are not necessary, and they are not in the main focus.
It has an adapter that is used to mount it on a stand. This comes in addition to an XLR connector that is located next to the adapter. These two make it easy to set up; all you have to do it to fasten the mic to the stand with each connector in the right position. Anyone can complete the setup without facing difficulties.
It is a small and compact gadget that fits in hand perfectly. This is unlike other mics whose full bodies may not fit in one hand despite being as efficient as this one.
Due to the compactness, it does not fall off a stand easily once it is mounted. This is why it is one of the finest vocal microphones for drummers. You can hit the stand with a drum stick, and the mic will remain in position. Therefore, if you are a drummer that wants a mic to withstand pressure, Shure 56A will not disappoint you. It will make your experience better, and you will enjoy every minute of performing using this gadget.
Another reason drummers love this mic is that the adapter can be adjusted up to 180 degrees. This means that you can set it so that it faces your direction, hence enabling you to use it while seated on the drum throne. When you set the angle correctly, you can perform for hours. The mic will continue to be efficient because it is sturdy and has a polar pattern for filtering necessary from unwanted sounds.
It is made of durable die-cast metal. The metal has a silver lining that adds to the beauty of the gadget. The mesh, on the other hand, has a matte and steel make that enhances its durability. This also enables it to absorb shock and not produce the sound because this would lower the quality of the output. The material is also resistant to wear and tear even when under high pressure.
What’s included:
- The Shure Beta 56A microphone
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- It comes with a pouch that is used to carry the mic.
- It weighs only a pound.
- It is very compact.
- It is made of durable die-cast metal and steel.
- It is not wireless.
6. Sennheiser e935 Cardioid Dynamic Handheld Mic – One of the Best Products Produced Ever
Specifications:
- Connector Type: XLR Connector
- Power Source: Wired, Wireless
- Number of Channels: 1
- Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
- Item Weight: 1.4 Pounds
If you have used a mic before, you know that there is a need to consider the polar pattern of the gadget. With a cardioid or super-cardioid mic, you are assured of good quality sound. And this Sennheiser E935 is one of the mics that will fulfill your needs with its cardioid pattern. The pattern gives it the capability to filter unnecessary sounds so that the output may consist only of the voice of the person performing a musical or a vocal on stage.
The mic box comes with four items that include the microphone, the pouch for carrying the gadget, a manual, and a microphone mount. The mount has a three to five-inch stand adapter, which is quite flexible.
It is created by Sennheiser, a company that specializes in the production of sound systems. The organization aims to achieve excellence by using innovation to create unique products. Therefore, you can be sure that the E935 series has been built using modern techniques that make it stand out from similar gadgets in the market.
With a weight of 1.4 pounds, it is a great drummer vocal mic stand. It may also be used in studios and on live performance stages by musicians of all genres.
What’s included:
- Sennheiser Professional E 935 Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphone
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- It is compact.
- It comes with a pouch as an accessory.
- It is cardioid, hence produces superior quality sound.
- It is not wireless as well.
Which Drum Mic Will Work the Best for You?
As mentioned earlier, having a vocal microphone greatly improves your band’s live performances. Therefore, you should not let the mic you choose to be the reason fans don’t go wild.
Among the factors to consider, make sure to whether you want your vocal microphone mounted or not. In making this decision, you have to remember that specific drum set microphones work best when mounted.
For example, Shure SM58S has to be mounted for it to operate efficiently. So, if you are using this microphone, you might experience a mesh of microphones surrounding you as you play, and some drummers may feel trapped. Therefore, in such a scenario, a headset microphone such as Shure GLX-D would work best for you. However, if you are singing in only some performances, there is no harm in considering the mounted vocal microphones.
The other factor is that of background noises. You need to use a microphone that captures less of the background noises so that your vocals can be easily audible, especially during live performances.
Finally, the issue of costs is an important consideration. You want something that offers value for money. The important thing is that with the microphones reviewed here, there is something for every drummer’s needs.
Which factors do you consider when buying a mic? How has your experience been with any of the above microphones? Share your stories in the comments below and let’s discuss the best mics in the industry.
