How to Mic Up a Drum Set
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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To mic up a drum set, place a microphone at each drum, add overheads above the kit, and connect each one to its own mixer or interface input with an XLR cable. The kick drum gets a microphone shaped for low frequencies, and the snare and toms get compact microphones mounted close to each head.
Place the kick drum microphone first
Start with the kick drum, since it sets the low end of the kit. Place the microphone inside the drum or just outside the front head, aimed toward the beater, and use its stand adapter to hold it steady. Listen for a clear attack with body behind it, then move the microphone a little closer to the beater or a little farther back until the sound sits right.
Mic the snare and toms
Mount a compact microphone on the rim of the snare and on each tom, aimed down at the head near the edge where the stick lands. Keep the microphone close to the head so it picks up the drum it sits on more than the drums beside it. Check that the mount holds the microphone clear of the stick path so a hit cannot knock it loose.
Add overhead microphones above the kit
Set overhead microphones on stands above the kit, spread across the cymbals and aimed down at the drums. These microphones capture the cymbals and tie the kit together, so raise them when the cymbals dominate and lower them when the drums need more presence in the mix. Keep both overheads at the same height so the kit sounds even from side to side.
Connect each microphone to its own input
Run an XLR cable from each microphone to its own input on the mixer or interface, and set the gain low before you raise it to a healthy level. Dynamic microphones do not need phantom power, so leave 48V off on their inputs and switch it on only for a condenser microphone that lists it as its power source. Label each input with the drum it carries so you can find it fast while mixing.
Check the balance and adjust positions
Have the drummer play the kit as it will be played, then listen to each input on its own and in the full mix. Move a microphone when a drum sounds thin or distant, and recheck the overheads after any move, since a shift at one drum changes what the overheads hear. When each drum comes through on its own input and the cymbals sit clearly above, the setup is ready.
What you need
Shure BETA 52A Kick Drum Microphone
A supercardioid dynamic microphone shaped for kick drums and bass instruments, with a built-in locking stand adapter and a shock mount that limits mechanical noise and vibration.
- XLR output
- Polar pattern: Supercardioid
- 2 year warranty stated
Sennheiser e602 II Evolution Series Dynamic Bass-drum
A cardioid dynamic bass-drum microphone with a large diaphragm capsule for bass response and an integrated stand mount, rated for sound pressure above 155 dB.
- XLR output
- 10 year warranty stated
Sennheiser Professional E 604 Compact Dynamic Cardioid
A compact cardioid dynamic microphone made for drum sets and percussion, with sound pressure handling above 160 dB and a drum clip in the box.
- XLR output
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- 10-year warranty stated
Shure PGA56 Dynamic Microphone
A cardioid dynamic snare and tom microphone with a swivel joint and a drum mount that attaches to drum rims, so no extra mic stand is needed.
- XLR output
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- 2-year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Dynamic Mic for Drums, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Do drum microphones need phantom power?
Dynamic drum microphones do not need phantom power, so leave 48V off on their inputs. Switch 48V on only for a condenser microphone that lists it as its power source.
How many microphones does a drum set need?
Start with a kick drum microphone and overheads, then add microphones for the snare and toms when you want more control over each drum in the mix.
Where should the overhead microphones go?
Place them above the kit, spread across the cymbals and aimed down at the drums. Raise or lower them until the cymbals and drums sit in balance.
Can I use the same microphone for every drum?
A microphone shaped for kick drums suits the kick, while compact microphones suit the snare and toms. Matching the microphone to the drum gives each drum its own input and more control in the mix.
Ranked dynamic microphones lists
More how-to guides
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