We all have a sound in mind for our kick drum, and the right mic can make a big difference. The best kick drum mics handle high volumes, keep the mix clean, and give you that punchy low-end with clear mids.
In this article, we’ve rounded up our top kick drum mics, covering different sounds, budgets, and mic types for both studio and live setups.
In a hurry?
If you’re short on time, here are our top three picks!
| AKG D112 MKII Kick Drum Microphone with Flexible Mount | A go-to mic that can handle SPLs above 160 dB without distortion. | Check current price |
| Lewitt BEATKITPRO 7-Piece Drum Microphone Set | A full kit with the DTP 640 REX dual-element kick mic. | Check current price |
| Warm Audio WA-47jr FET Transformerless Condenser Microphone | Three polar patterns, rich analog warmth, and clear midrange detail. | Check current price |
Why we’ve chosen these kick drum mics
When putting this list together, we wanted to make sure there would be something for everyone. Whether you’re picking up your first mic or upgrading your setup, each one offers something unique. You’ll find a wide range of price points, dynamic and condenser models, and various polar patterns – something for pretty much every setup.
Some are trusted studio staples, while others are newer, innovative pieces of kit that are changing the microphone game with features such as multi-pattern versatility. Whether you’re recording in the studio or playing live, there’s a mic here to suit you.
The best kick drum mics
1. AKG D112 MKII Kick Drum Microphone with Flexible Mount – Great for high-SPL environments
Key features
- Built-in flexible mount
- Handles SPLs above 160 dB without distortion
- Shaped frequency response with a tailored presence boost
Pros
- Durable, road-ready construction
- No need for an external pad or EQ
- Delivers a tight, defined attack
Con
- Can sound overly boomy around 100Hz
You’ve probably heard of this one. AKG’s D112 MKII has long been a go-to for drummers and engineers looking for a straightforward kick sound. Known for its near-indestructible build and punchy voicing, it handles up to 160 dB SPL without distortion. Plus, the built-in mount makes setup easy. Essentially, you get a solid tone right out of the box.
You might want to tweak the low end a bit to suit your preferences, but for reliability and performance, it’s tough to beat.
2. Lewitt BEATKITPRO 7-Piece Drum Microphone Set – Best for mic’ing in every setting
Key features
- Dual-capsule kick mic with dynamic and condenser elements
- Three selectable sound settings
- Rugged design for durability
Pros
- Captures both attack and depth of kick drum sound
- Includes mounts, overheads, and snare/tom mics
- High-quality build and performance
Con
- May not suit lower budgets
One of our favourite mic packs is the Lewitt BEATKITPRO. It’s a full drum mic’ing solution, with great performance from the DTP 640 REX dual-element kick mic. The mic blends condenser clarity with dynamic punch and offers three voicing options for flexibility.
Also in the pack are overheads, snare, and tom mics, which are just as well designed.
3. Warm Audio WA-47jr FET Transformerless Condenser Microphone – For ambient kick drum capture
Key features
- Three selectable polar patterns (cardioid, omni, figure-8)
- Switchable -10dB pad and 70 Hz high-pass filter
- Includes shockmount, hardmount, and zipper pouch
Pros
- Excellent tonal detail with a smooth, vintage-inspired sound
- Can handle very high SPLs
- Affordable alternative to high-end studio condensers
Con
- Not as rugged as a dynamic mic
If you’re after vintage tone, the Warm Audio WA-47jr is ideal. Inspired by the classic U47, it delivers rich analog warmth with clear midrange detail and high SPL handling. There are three polar patterns and a variety of ways it can be used, whether it’s for drum rooms, ambient kick capture, or blending with a close mic. It’s not ideal inside the drum, but positioned further back, it brings clarity and depth to the sound capture.
4. SubZero 5 Piece Drum Microphone Set with Case and Clamps – Beginner friendly
Key features
- Cardioid kick mic with 50Hz–14kHz frequency response
- Includes dedicated mic clips
- Comes in a hard case
Pros
- Tailored mics for each drum
- Affordable option for a full kit
- Simple setup for small studios
Con
- May not be suitable for professional setups
If you’re building a home setup and want something affordable and easy to set up, while offering great sound capture, take a look at the SubZero 5 Piece Drum Mic Set.
The kick mic in the pack delivers a tight, focused low-end that works well in small or untreated rooms. Its dynamic design and cardioid pattern help isolate the drum sound, and with included clips and a carry case, it’s easy to transport and set up.
5. Audix D6 Kick Drum Dynamic Microphone – A modern kick sound
Key features
- Tailored frequency response with mid-scoop voicing
- Compact design
- Cardioid polar pattern
Pros
- Punchy attack and deep lows
- Built to withstand heavy use
- Versatile
Con
- May not suit all genres
Audix’s D6 is a go-to for stage and studio work thanks to its solid tone and sturdy build. I use this one for home recordings and find it produces great, lower-punchy tones, especially when using my smaller kick drum. It delivers a clean sound with deep low end, needing very little post-processing. While its voicing won’t work for every style, it’s a pretty reliable option.
6. Sennheiser e602 II Dynamic Instrument Microphone – Great for larger kicks
Key features
- Lightweight build
- Low-frequency response from 20Hz to 16kHz
- Integral stand mount with humbucking coil
Pros
- Clear bass tone with excellent isolation
- Ideal for tight spaces
- Handles high SPL with ease
Con
- Lacks high-end articulation
The Sennheiser e602 II is a great choice if you need strong low-end capture (but high-end performance!) without spending too much. Its tailored frequency response brings out depth and fullness, and the lightweight build makes positioning easy. We recommend you use it on larger or more resonant drums, as its isolation and smooth tone work especially well here.
You won’t get much top-end detail, but if heavy low-end is your focus, it’s a solid option.
7. Universal Audio SD-5 Dynamic Microphone with Hemisphere Modeling – Best for classic mic emulation
Key features
- Hemisphere mic modelling with five switchable mic profiles
- Advanced control over proximity, axis, and filtering
- Ultra-high SPL handling
Pros
- Real-time or post-recording mic modelling flexibility
- Suited to any genre
- Includes emulations of iconic dynamic mics
Con
- Requires software integration and higher gain
Universal’s Audio SD-5 offers something different. With Hemisphere mic modelling, you can shape your kick drum tone after recording by choosing from a range of classic dynamic mic sounds. It captures clear low-end, handles high SPLs well, and gives you plenty of post-production flexibility. If you’re working in a software-based studio, it adds a whole new layer of control to your setup.
8. Shure Beta 52A Bass Drum Microphone – Best for live performance and studio
Key features
- Supercardioid pickup pattern
- Tailored to kick drums and bass instruments
- Built-in stand adapter with locking system
Pros
- Handles very high SPL levels
- Excellent isolation from surrounding stage noise
- Rugged and road-ready build quality
Con
- Rear sensitivity can pick up unwanted reflections in tight spaces
Shure’s Beta 52A is another top choice. Designed for live use but just as capable in the studio, it has a rugged build and a supercardioid pattern. Its frequency curve brings out the punch and presence of a kick drum, and the built-in stand adapter makes setup easy. If you need a mic that can take a few knocks and still deliver, it’s ideal.
9. Solomon LoFReQ Sub Mic Trooper – Great ultra-low-end frequencies
Key features
- Captures sub frequencies down to 25Hz
- Figure-8 polar pattern
- In-line gain pad to control output levels
Pros
- Adds weight and depth to recordings
- Lightweight and compact
- Durable construction
Con
- Limited frequency range
We love the Solomon LoFReQ Trooper. It’s built to capture the very bottom of your sound with powerful low-end detail – all in a compact sub mic format.
With a figure-8 pattern and an in-line gain pad, it offers practical control in the studio without the bulk of larger sub mics. While it’s not a full-range mic on its own, pairing it with a standard kick mic adds serious weight and presence to your recordings.
10. Shure Beta 91A Condenser Kick Drum Microphone – Perfect for internal mic’ing
Key features
- Two-position contour switch
- Half-cardioid polar pattern
- Built for easy internal placement
Pros
- Captures low-end depth and top-end detail
- Eliminates the need for a mic stand
- High SPL handling
Con
- May require a preamp for optimal performance
Shure’s Beta 91A is a boundary mic that makes kick drum recording easy. It sits inside the drum on a non-slip base (you don’t need a stand). The half-cardioid pattern focuses on the beater and cuts down on spill, while a two-position switch lets you choose between a natural or scooped tone. With its condenser capsule and high SPL handling, it captures everything from sharp clicks to deep lows.
11. Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone – A great all-rounder
Key features
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Frequency response from 40Hz to 15kHz
- Durable, all-metal construction
Pros
- Highly versatile
- Handles high SPL without distortion
- Excellent background noise rejection
Con
- Limited low-end response
The Shure SM57 is an industry staple. It might not be a dedicated kick mic, but it’s great for capturing attack when paired with a mic that covers the low end. Built to last (following Shure’s rigorous mic tests) and with a tight cardioid pattern for rejecting spill, the SM57 deserves a spot in almost any recording or live setup.
12. Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Cardioid Microphone – Great transparent kick recordings
Key features
- Variable-D technology
- Large diaphragm with humbucking coil
- Mid-bass tone-shaping switch
Pros
- Ideal for detailed mixing
- Excellent off-axis rejection
- Withstands high SPL
Con
- Requires EQ for a more aggressive kick sound
Another high-quality studio mic, the Electro-Voice RE20 has a Variable-D design that removes proximity effect, giving you balanced low-end even up close. It captures a natural kick sound that’s easy to shape with EQ, and handles loud sources with ease. Built for studio and live use, it may sound subtle at first, but it offers great flexibility for polished, professional results.
13. DW Moon Mic System, Chrome – Designed for sub-heavy kick tones
Key features
- Tailored frequency response from 20Hz to 2kHz
- Concave dome housing with large diaphragm design
- Includes DW 7000 stand and L-arm bracket
Pros
- Produces natural low-end tones
- Passive dynamic design
- Reduces unwanted reflections and off-axis noise
Con
- Very specialised
DW’s Moon Mic system is built to capture accurate low-end from your kick drum. Its patented dome design focuses on sub frequencies that standard mics often miss, adding serious weight and presence. And with a 20Hz to 2kHz range and passive operation, it’s ready for studio use straight away. It’s not the most versatile mic, but for low-end depth, it really stands out.
14. SE Electronics V Kick – A versatile kick mic
Key features
- Four switchable voicing options
- Supercardioid polar pattern with strong proximity effect
- Custom DMC7 SB capsule with integrated suspension
Pros
- Exceptionally versatile
- Durable metal design
- Integrated swivel joint for flexible positioning
Con
- Requires careful placement due to pronounced proximity effect
The sE Electronics V Kick is one of the most versatile kick drum mics out there. With four voicing options, you can dial in anything from vintage warmth to modern punch, while its supercardioid pattern keeps the focus tight. It’s built around the DMC7 SB capsule, so it delivers consistent results with plenty of character. Tough and compact, it’s great for both gigs and studio sessions.
15. Lewitt BEATKIT 4-Piece Drum Microphone Set – Designed for live drummers
Key features
- DTP 340 REX contains two switchable EQ settings
- Cardioid polar pattern
- DTP 340 REX, MTP 440 DM, and 2x LCT 040 MATCH
Pros
- Tailored kick voicing switch
- Durable build for touring
- Excellent value for an entry-level set
Con
- Lacks some low-end depth
Our next pick is the Lewitt BEATKIT set, which is a good option if you like the look of the BEATKIT PRO but don’t want to fork out for seven mics. Within this smaller kit is the DTP 340 REX kick mic, which offers two voicing modes, allowing you to shape your sound for both live and studio use.
It delivers punch and clarity, especially with the EQ boost on, and the cardioid pattern helps cut spill. Also included in the pack are snare and overhead mics, making it a very practical kit if you want that ease of setup. Plus, for four mics, it’s a fairly affordable option.
16. SubZero SZC-450 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone – Budget-friendly
Key features
- Wide 30Hz–20kHz frequency range
- Super-directional polar pattern
- Handles SPLs up to 135dB
Pros
- Excellent value
- Isolates the source in noisy rooms
- Includes shock mount
Con
- Not ideal for close-mic’ing
Subzero’s SZC-450 is a budget-friendly condenser that works well for kick drum recording, especially in ambient or room mic setups. Its large diaphragm captures a wide frequency range with clarity, helping to bring out the depth and detail of your kick sound.
The super-directional polar pattern means the capture focuses on the drum while reducing unwanted room noise, which is great for home studios or untreated spaces. With high SPL handling, a sturdy build and an included shock mount, this is a great option for home studios.
How to choose the best kick drum mic for you
Choosing the right kick drum mic starts with knowing the sound you want. For a punchy attack, go for a mic that sits inside the drum. For deeper low-end, try one that can be placed outside the resonant head. Many drummers use both for a full sound.
You should also consider where you’ll use it. Dynamic mics are tough, affordable, and great for live settings. Condenser mics, on the other hand, offer more detail for studio work but need phantom power and a bit more care. Budget plays a role, too. There are great options at every price.
And don’t forget your genre. Rock and metal need mics that handle high SPLs, while jazz or funk might call for something more natural and subtle.
FAQs
What dB should a kick drum be?
In a digital mix, your kick drum should usually peak around -10 dBFS. This keeps it punchy and strong without overwhelming the rest of the track. Keep your gain staging consistent and tweak as needed based on the genre and overall mix.
How do you properly mic a kick drum?
To mic a kick drum properly, place a dynamic mic just inside or at the hole of the resonant head. This captures both the attack and the low-end thump. For extra depth, you can add a sub-kick or an external mic outside the drum to pick up room tone.
Do you need a kick drum mic?
A kick drum mic is essential for capturing the low-end and punch that define the kick. These mics are built to handle high SPL and emphasise bass frequencies, giving you clarity and presence in both live and studio settings.
Final thoughts
The best kick drum mic for you depends on your setup and what you need it to do. Some mics are great for deep sub-bass, others highlight click and attack, and a few strike a balance between the two. But we hope you found the perfect match on our list! Pick what suits your style and setup best, and you’ll be good to go.
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