- Curious about the best microphones for toms?
- Wondering how many tom mics you need?
- From Audix to Sennheiser and more, we’ve got you covered.
- Also, check our guide to the best kick drum mics.
Modern production techniques have seen a rapid rise in the immediate requirement to close-mic most pieces of a contemporary drum kit. This adds a heightened level of control for both stage and studio use and gives more processing options in post-production.
However, this was only sometimes the case. Until the late 70s, many engineers were happy to let the overheads capture all of the tom work, often with a mono overhead! Many modern engineers would need help with this arrangement after becoming so accustomed to the multiple mic arrays we utilize in our productions nowadays.
Engineers often prefer dynamic options for toms, opting for variants incorporating an inbuilt mic clip to enable easy placement. You will almost always see some variant on the cardioid polar pattern, which shouldn’t surprise anyone because this arrangement rejects spillage and extraneous noises.
Bearing all of this in mind, let’s take a deep dive into the five best Tom Mics for the stage and studio in 2023.
What Is The Best Mic For Toms?
Out of the 5 models I tested, I felt the Audix D2 exceeded the rest. Its versatility and modest pricing range made it hard for me to overlook it compared to others.
This isn’t to say that the D2 was without competition, as I found the Sennheiser e 604 to be a great all-rounder for both the studio and stage. With a rugged build quality and serviceable sound, I wouldn’t hesitate to reach for this one if caught in a pinch.
Lastly, the Samson DK705 rounds out this list as a great budget option for students curating their first mic array.
- Sennheiser e 604 (Best All-Rounder)
- Audix D2 (Our Pick)
- Earthworks DM20
- Audio Technica ATM230
- Samson DK705 (Best Budget)
1. Sennheiser e 604
Overview
The Sennheiser e 604 is a popular mic widely used on stages and studios worldwide. This is likely due to this microphone’s rugged, reliable build quality and accessible pricing.
Features
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Dynamic
- 40hz-18khz frequency response
- Reinforced fiberglass body
- Integrated mount
- Low susceptibility to distortion
Review
Upon handling the Sennheiser E604 for the first time, I quickly acknowledged how rugged this microphone felt in my hands. Bending it to extremes while mounting it to a rack tom did not result in any of the anxiety that may have arisen from handling a more plastic-feeling microphone in the same manner.
I can see why this mic is such a staple for live engineers in clubs worldwide.
Another aspect of the e 604 that I thoroughly appreciated was its sound quality. With a frequency response of 40hz-18k, I found it useful for both rack and floor toms and could be a backup mic for snares or percussion.
I did not notice any distortion-related artifacts when the mic was subjected to higher SPLs, and all in all, it passed my tests with flying colors.
2. Audix D2
Overview
The Audix D2 is a highly versatile dynamic microphone that impressed me during testing. It’s high build quality and professional sound will surely please even the most discerning engineer. I also liked its brother, the D4, for lower frequency sounds, such as floor toms, bass cabinets, and smaller kick drums.
Features
- Hypercardioid polar pattern
- Dynamic
- 68hz-18khz frequency response
- Versatile with the ability to endure multiple uses
- Hard coat black finish
- Low impedance
Review
The Audix D2 impressed me right off the bat with its low mid-response. It was, by far, my favorite microphone for rack toms, capturing a lovely attack and full body that gave my toms authority in any mix.
Its hypercardioid polar pattern also greatly benefited me within a live setting as it was less prone to spillage and rejected a considerable amount of noise from cymbals, guitar cabinets, and bass throughout my time with this great microphone.
The black hard coat finish was pleasing aesthetically but served a dual purpose of protecting the microphone from stray drum hits and other hazards. Over the time I was using this mic, it endured several incidents that should have damaged the finish, but I’m pleased to report that it all remained intact.
3. Earthworks DM20
Overview
The Earthworks DM20 is the only condenser option on my list, and this, in turn, makes it the most expensive. Does a premium price point entail a premium sound? That is subjective, but I noticed an inherent top-end clarity and low mid-punch that was pleasing to listen to.
Features
- Cardioid polar pattern
- The only condenser mic on our list
- 20hz-20khz frequency response
- Robust build quality
- Great rear rejection
- Included rim mount
Review
The Earthworks DM20 stands alone as the only condenser microphone on this list, but its construction isn’t the only factor that separates it from the pack.
I found this microphone to possess a brilliant top end and punchy low mid, an inherent musicality encapsulated by this upper-range microphone that was apparent in the other selections on my list. This could be attributed to it being a condenser microphone, or maybe this is just the Earthworks difference.
Sound quality aside, I found the Earthworks DM20 to be a robust and well-built microphone, giving me no concerns for its well-being after numerous long sessions and transportation between studio locations.
The included rim mount worked well on various drum heads and saved a lot of space within the studio live room, making for a more comfortable drummer and better performance.
4. Audio Technica ATM230
Overview
The Audio Technica ATM230 is another solid entry within the mid-range price point, boasting an excellent frequency response and heavy-duty metal construction. It only does a little to separate itself from the pack, but its reliability and sound more than make up for its modest demeanor.
- Features
- Hypercardioid polar pattern
- Dynamic
- 20hz-12khz frequency range
- Durable metal shell
- Integrated mic clip
Review
The Audio Technica ATM230 delivers what it promises in spades without ever falling short or going beyond. Mind you, these aspects of the microphone are respectable, and only some products introduced to the market need to break the mold or innovate.
I was especially impressed by how well the ATM230 performed across various drums, never faltering to provide the appropriate level of bass response or attack I was seeking from the different toms I tested this microphone on. The ATM230s Hypercardioid polar pattern and low profile kept the sound focused and omitted any unwanted spillage from hi-hats or cymbals.
The build of the Audio Technica ATM230 is another feature of this product that warrants commendation; its durable metal shell alleviates any concerns concerning how this microphone will hold up over years of use.
5. Samson DK705
Overview
I felt obliged to include the Samson DK705 kit in this shootout. The DK705 includes a full mic array featuring 4 Q72 tom microphones, all for less than what some of the other single mics on our list cost, making this an excellent option for students and home producers alike.
Features
- 4x q72 Tom Mics and a single Q71 kick mic
- Clips for all associated microphones
- Dynamic
- 50hz-16khz frequency response
- Hyper Cardioid polar pattern
The Samson DK705 packs a considerable amount of value for money into a single mic kit, and for the sake of this article, I will be focusing solely on the Q72 tom mics that are pre-packaged in this ensemble “of which you receive 4”.
Initially, I wasn’t expecting much from this budget mic kit due to its exceptionally low price but I was pleasantly surprised by its characteristic sound. They benefit from being paired with nicer mic preamps, but I even tested them with something more aligned with what a consumer in this price range would be using, and I was genuinely pleased with the performance of the tom mics in this kit.
With so much good to say about the Samson DK705 microphone kit and such a low price, you must ask yourself where the corners were cut, and I can say that I did notice an inherent lack of low-end when compared to some of the other microphones on this list. This is likely explained by the 50hz roll-off listed in the specifications of the DK705 mic kit.
Despite this, I would recommend this set to a student who needs a mic array or even as a live solution for new venues on a budget. An eye towards upgrading towards something more substantial is warranted, but these will surely last you a few years while you build the required funds to get there.
What To Look For In a Tom Mic?
Frequency Response
It is essential to purchase a microphone with a frequency response applicable to the frequency range of tom drums. I’d recommend 50hz-12khz at minimum for a microphone intended to record tom drums.
Mounting Clips
Mounting clips are a desirable feature that are incorporated directly into the design of a few of the microphones on this list. If the mounting clips aren’t incorporated into the microphone chassis, you must use a separate clip or a mic stand.
Integrated mounting clips are a preferable option, as mic stands can be awkward to set up among a complete drum kit and have the potential to slip or hinder the drummer’s performance during recording.
SPL
The sound pressure level, or SPL, is another factor to consider. Microphones subject to an SPL rating that is too low are likely to encounter poor performance, and even failure when subjected to the SPL encountered when recording tom drums.
Polar Pattern
The microphone’s polar pattern is important because it directly influences what it will pick up when in use. Any polar pattern that is a variation of the cardioid polar pattern is suitable for recording tom drums as a cardioid polar pattern is more able to reject unwanted sound sources than other polar patterns, such as figure 8s, or omnidirectional that are utilized with some other microphones.
Wrapping Up
This guide to the best tom microphones for stage and studio has provided many options for close miking your tom drums in the studio and on stage. With suitable microphones for all skill levels and budgets, I’m confident that you will be well on your way to obtaining the drum sounds you have always dreamed of in no time at all.
