{"id":9875,"date":"2022-08-10T09:00:49","date_gmt":"2022-08-10T08:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gear4musicblog.kinsta.cloud\/?p=9875"},"modified":"2022-09-29T16:53:23","modified_gmt":"2022-09-29T15:53:23","slug":"5-essential-mics-for-live-bands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Essential Mics For Live Bands &#8211; Live Mic Buying Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\/#What_mics_do_bands_need\" >What mics do bands need?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\/#1_Live_vocal_mic\" >1. Live vocal mic<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\/#Whats_a_good_live_vocal_mic_for_a_band\" >What\u2019s a good live vocal mic for a band?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\/#2_Guitar_cab_mic\" >2. Guitar cab mic<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\/#Whats_a_good_guitar_cab_mic_for_a_live_band\" >What\u2019s a good guitar cab mic for a live band?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\/#How_many_mics_should_a_guitar_have\" >How many mics should a guitar have?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\/#3_Bass_cab_mic\" >3. Bass cab mic<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\/#Whats_a_good_bass_cab_mic_for_a_live_band\" >What\u2019s a good bass cab mic for a live band?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\/#4_Kick_drum_mic\" >4. Kick drum mic<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\/#Whats_a_good_kick_drum_mic_for_a_live_band\" >What\u2019s a good kick drum mic for a live band?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\/#5_Snare_drum_mic\" >5. Snare drum mic<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\/#Whats_a_good_snare_drum_mic_for_a_live_band\" >What\u2019s a good snare drum mic for a live band?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\/#Final_thoughts\" >Final thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><strong>We discuss the 5 essential mics for live bands every group should own, regardless of genre, style or budget, perfect for creating better sound onstage<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Perhaps you\u2019re in a cover band and you\u2019re turning up to gigs where the mics are inadequate. Or maybe you\u2019re in a rock band and your live sound isn\u2019t consistent across different venues. Or maybe you\u2019re a budding sound engineer or venue owner looking to improve the quality of sound for your stage. Either way, you should invest in some good mics.<\/p>\n<p>In this buyers&#8217; guide, we\u2019ll be showing you why bands need their own microphones, how many mics a group should have, and which specific mics they need to own &#8211; whether you have guitars, vocalists, drummers, trumpet players, or all of the above.<\/p>\n<p>Disclaimer: we\u2019re specifically talking about microphones in a live scenario here. Of course, we could say you need multiple condenser mics, overheads, and a mic for each drum if you want to record live shows or use them in the studio too, but that\u2019s not really viable unless you\u2019re a professional touring band. We\u2019ll get to that eventually in another article, but for now, we\u2019ll keep it simple with the five most important mics for a live band.<\/p>\n<p>So, let\u2019s cut to the chase\u2026<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;72b2aac8-2a26-4106-af58-67527d130293&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;What mics do bands need?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_mics_do_bands_need\"><\/span>What mics do bands need?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Typically, a live band needs five microphones at a bare minimum and they&#8217;ll almost always be dynamic with a cardioid polar pattern. This effectively rejects off-axis sound i.e., the sound of the other musicians and instruments.<\/p>\n<p>In summary, a band needs the following mics for live shows: vocal microphone, guitar cab microphone, bass cab microphone, kick drum microphone, and snare microphone. But why? Let\u2019s dig deep. To be specific, we\u2019re talking about bands with the following setup \u2013 singer, guitarist, bass player, drummer.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;72b2aac8-2a26-4106-af58-67527d130293&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;1. Live vocal mic&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Live_vocal_mic\"><\/span>1. Live vocal mic<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Singers, you need your own mic, not least because you don\u2019t want to share a microphone that hundreds of people have used.<\/p>\n<p>Hygiene reasons aside, it&#8217;s important to have a mic that you know you can rely on at each gig.<\/p>\n<p>You may have a signature sound, style of performance, or penchant for the way a mic feels in your hand. Your <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA_Equipment\/Vocal-Mics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">live vocal mic<\/a><\/strong> is an extension of you \u2013 the same way a guitarist chooses a guitar or a drummer chooses a snare. If you\u2019re wondering what type of microphone a singer needs for a live show, a dynamic cardioid microphone is widely regarded as the best.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why dynamic?<\/strong> Dynamic mics are far more rugged and hard-wearing than any other type. The benefit for musicians is that they can withstand years of use, drops, knocks, and transport. They also don\u2019t need a power supply to work, so you can just simply plug into the PA system and you\u2019re good to go. Additionally, they can handle high sound pressure levels (SPL) which means they\u2019re great for all manner of vocals. And an extra bonus &#8211; they&#8217;re cheaper than the likes of condenser or ribbon microphones.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why cardioid?<\/strong> The reason for this is that the cardioid polar pattern rejects any off-axis noise and ensures that your voice is the only thing the microphone picks up.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_a_good_live_vocal_mic_for_a_band\"><\/span>What\u2019s a good live vocal mic for a band?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The industry-standard live vocal microphone is arguably the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-SM58-Dynamic-Cardioid-Vocal-Microphone\/4ZW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure SM58<\/a><\/strong>, closely followed &#8211; or beaten, depending on your preference &#8211; by the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-Beta-58A-Dynamic-Microphone\/1UW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure Beta 58A<\/a><\/strong>. Both are perfect for any type of live vocals. You can read the comparison between the SM58 and Beta58A <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/gear4musicblog.kinsta.cloud\/shure-sm58-vs-shure-beta-58a-which-is-right-for-you\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a><\/strong> to find out which one is right for you. To learn more about the Shure Beta Series check out this blog here &#8211; <a href=\"http:\/\/gear4musicblog.kinsta.cloud\/what-are-shure-beta-mics-and-why-do-i-need-them\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WHAT ARE SHURE BETA MICS AND WHY DO I NEED THEM?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re just starting out \u2013 the SM58 will never let you down. In fact, it&#8217;s likely to outlive you. More than one vocalist? Check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-SM58-Dynamic-Cardioid-Vocal-Microphone-3-Pack\/279M?_gl=1*1oqvw03*_ga*MTEzMDM1MTMwMy4xNjU0MjU2NTgx*_up*MQ..\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>SM58 3-pack<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Shop now | <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-SM58-Dynamic-Cardioid-Vocal-Microphone\/4ZW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure SM58 Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphone<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Shop now | <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-Beta-58A-Dynamic-Microphone\/1UW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure Beta 58A Dynamic Microphone<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12752 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/Shure-SM58-600x300.jpg\" alt=\"Shure-SM58\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/Shure-SM58-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/Shure-SM58-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/Shure-SM58-480x240.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/Shure-SM58.jpg 980w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;72b2aac8-2a26-4106-af58-67527d130293&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;2. Guitar cab mic&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Guitar_cab_mic\"><\/span>2. Guitar cab mic<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re an electric guitarist playing with an amp onstage, you need a good-quality guitar cab mic.<\/p>\n<p>Using the same mic for each gig retains your signature sound and ensures you get the sound\u00a0<em>you<\/em> want out front.<\/p>\n<p>Again, the dynamic microphone is the best choice for touring musicians. A cardioid, or ideally supercardioid, polar pattern is also ideal.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why dynamic?<\/strong> Again, it comes down to its hard-wearing capabilities \u2013 both in physical and sonic nature. A <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/gear4musicblog.kinsta.cloud\/what-is-a-ribbon-microphone-benefits-applications\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ribbon<\/a><\/strong> or condenser microphone\u2019s capsule is far too sensitive to travel with. A slight knock or bump and you\u2019re potentially going to damage it.<\/p>\n<p>However, dynamic microphones can take years of (ab)use. The fact that they can handle levels louder than a jet engine means you\u2019re not going to run into any trouble with a fully turned up <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Guitar-and-Bass\/Vox-AC30C2-Custom-Combo\/CE8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VOX AC30<\/a><\/strong> or Marshall stack. The mic can handle it.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why cardioid?<\/strong> You can read our explanation of microphone polar patterns <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/gear4musicblog.kinsta.cloud\/microphone-polar-patterns-everything-you-need-to-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a><\/strong> to gain a better understanding. Again, the cardioid pattern ensures the sound of your amp is the only thing the mic picks up. This means your sound engineer can really bring out the qualities of your <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Guitar-Amps.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">guitar amp<\/a><\/strong>, creating a better chance of your guitar solos sounding superb.<\/p>\n<p>Supercardioid is also ideal &#8211; this is just a far tighter pattern with greater off-axis rejection.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_a_good_guitar_cab_mic_for_a_live_band\"><\/span>What\u2019s a good guitar cab mic for a live band?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-SM57-Dynamic-Instrument-Microphone\/4ZV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure SM57<\/a><\/strong> is widely regarded as the best guitar cabinet microphone on the market today. This has been the case since it was released in 1965. Used by the likes of Steve Albini and every United States president since Lyndon B. Johnson \u2013 it\u2019s safe to say the SM57 is as versatile as you need it to be.<\/p>\n<p>The smaller head ensures you capture the exact sound source, which is perfect for guitar cabinets of all sizes. You can also position it in a wide variety of areas on the speaker cone to get a different \u201cfeel\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Plus, it&#8217;s one of the best microphones for recording acoustic guitar on a budget or playing acoustic guitar in a live band scenario. And it&#8217;s widely regarded as one of the best snare mics too, but we\u2019ll get to that in a moment.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_mics_should_a_guitar_have\"><\/span>How many mics should a guitar have?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>You only need one microphone per guitar cab, but you can use two if you want to use a stereo mic technique. Recording acoustic guitar or electric guitar is another story entirely.<\/p>\n<p>Shop now | <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-SM57-Dynamic-Instrument-Microphone\/4ZV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-10473 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/SM57-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"SM57\" width=\"429\" height=\"429\" \/><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;72b2aac8-2a26-4106-af58-67527d130293&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;3. Bass cab mic&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Bass_cab_mic\"><\/span>3. Bass cab mic<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Some engineers will argue with me on this but hear me out. One of the main reasons you need a bass cab microphone is to retain the quality and unique \u201cfeel\u201d of your bass amp and its speakers.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve spent hundreds, if not thousands, on a particular sounding bass amp, you don\u2019t want to lose the quality of sound coming from the speakers when you DI it.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, the engineer will almost always use a DI box to capture the sound of a bass amp as it\u2019s easier to mix the bass, and that\u2019s fine. But if you add the sound of a bass cab mic into the mix, you have even more sonic options.<\/p>\n<p>This is especially useful if you\u2019re in a band that relies heavily on distorted bass tones or you use a bass tube amp with a whole host of unique qualities. Dynamic and cardioid mics are key here. Specifically, supercardioid, if possible.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why dynamic?<\/strong> As always, it comes down to sound pressure level with a dynamic mic. You\u2019re likely to turn your bass up pretty loud so you can hear it on stage. A dynamic mic will be able to handle that volume and it&#8217;s robust enough to withstand the constant sound pressure, gig after gig.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why supercardioid?<\/strong> Bass amps push a lot of air around and unless you\u2019re a very treble-heavy player, you want to get as much detail into the live mix as possible. The supercardioid polar pattern rejects all the sound around it, concentrating on a single spot of the bass cab.<\/p>\n<p>Top tip: with a bass cab mic, you want to record slightly off-axis and off-centre to get the fullest sound with added detail.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_a_good_bass_cab_mic_for_a_live_band\"><\/span>What\u2019s a good bass cab mic for a live band?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The likes of the<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Sennheiser-e609-Silver-Supercardioid-Dynamic-Microphone\/WJU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Sennheiser e609 Silver Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone<\/a><\/strong> or the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-Beta-52A-Bass-Drum-Microphone\/1UT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure Beta 52A<\/a><\/strong> are some of the best bass cabinet microphones around. They can handle the lower frequencies well and provide incredible detail at louder volumes.<\/p>\n<p>Sennheiser&#8217;s e609 has a flat body shape, allowing it to be placed closer to your amp. Suitable for bass and guitar cabs, it has been designed for touring, owing to its rugged mesh grille, advanced shock mount design, and low self-noise. The hum-compensating coil is perfect for bass players as bass cabs tend to pick up unwanted hum, depending on the venue and quality of electrics onstage.<\/p>\n<p>The Shure Beta 52A Bass Drum Microphone appears twice here. It\u2019s one of the best bass cab mics in the world thanks to its supercardioid polar pattern, almost indestructible design, and advanced shock mount system that can withstand the heaviest of bass players (and drummers) who like to play loud.<\/p>\n<p>It has been fine-tuned to harness super-low sub frequencies \u2013 making it ideal for bass cabinets. The key benefit here is that it provides that all-important midrange punch which you need in a live band. You also get a gentle top-end boost for some extra presence onstage too.<\/p>\n<p>Shop now | <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Sennheiser-e609-Silver-Supercardioid-Dynamic-Microphone\/WJU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sennheiser e609 Silver Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Shop now | <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-Beta-52A-Bass-Drum-Microphone\/1UT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure Beta 52A Bass Drum Microphone<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-10479 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/Drums_Beta92A_Close_Horizontal-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"BETA52A\" width=\"545\" height=\"363\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/Drums_Beta92A_Close_Horizontal-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/Drums_Beta92A_Close_Horizontal-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/Drums_Beta92A_Close_Horizontal-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/Drums_Beta92A_Close_Horizontal-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/Drums_Beta92A_Close_Horizontal-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/Drums_Beta92A_Close_Horizontal-1280x854.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/Drums_Beta92A_Close_Horizontal-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/Drums_Beta92A_Close_Horizontal-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 545px) 100vw, 545px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;72b2aac8-2a26-4106-af58-67527d130293&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;4. Kick drum mic&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Kick_drum_mic\"><\/span>4. Kick drum mic<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Not all stages and drum kits are created equal. If you have a hollow stage, you\u2019re going to lose all the power and \u201ckick\u201d from your kick drum unless it\u2019s mic\u2019d up.<\/p>\n<p>Most venues will already have a kick drum to hand, but it comes down to sonic signature and reliability. How many times have you turned up to a gig to find that the house kit is absolute garbage and you wish you brought your own? The same goes with a microphone.<\/p>\n<p>Your kit&#8217;s kick and snare are arguably the most important parts (of course, high hats are too\u2026 but just hear me out). So, the higher the quality mic on your kick, the higher quality your performance will be. You want the audience and your bandmates to really feel that kick coming through!<\/p>\n<p>You only really need three mics for a drum kit, as per the Glyn Johns method, but considering you won\u2019t need to mic up cymbals or overheads at small venues, you\u2019re all set with a kick and snare mic to start.<\/p>\n<p>You can rely on the venue\u2019s tom and cymbal mics for now if you\u2019re just starting to perform live.<\/p>\n<p>Again, you guessed it \u2013 dynamic mics with cardioid polar patterns are preferable here.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why dynamic?<\/strong> Kick drums move a lot of air around, and their high transients (explosive sound) will potentially break or damage more sensitive microphones like ribbons or condensers. They also spend a lot of time on the floor and could potentially be kicked around \u2013 it happens! Dynamic mics are designed to be tough.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why cardioid?<\/strong> You need the detail to come through in a kick drum. The detail is where you get the \u201cpunch\u201d from. A cardioid polar pattern will take the direct impact of the beater whilst capturing enough of the weight and bass from within the kick drum, giving you a well-rounded sound.<\/p>\n<p>This ensures your kick has the right amount of concentrated treble and surrounding bass. Again, supercardioid is preferable here as too much off-axis noise will encourage a \u201cboominess\u201d that drowns out the detail.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_a_good_kick_drum_mic_for_a_live_band\"><\/span>What\u2019s a good kick drum mic for a live band?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>There are two industry-standard kick drum mics we recommend: the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-Beta-52A-Bass-Drum-Microphone\/1UT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure Beta 52A\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>and the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/AKG-D112-MKII-Kick-Drum-Microphone-with-Flexible-Mount\/18Z9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AKG D112 MKII Kick Drum Microphone.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Shure&#8217;s Beta 52A Bass Drum Microphone is an industry-standard kick drum mic. The deeper construction of the microphone provides a touch more bass than most microphones out there, pulling the super-low sub frequencies to the forefront of your sound for a seriously powerful punch.<\/p>\n<p>The Neodymium magnet offers greater sensitivity and a higher output, so your sound engineer will be able to bring out the best qualities of your kit and your performance. An advanced shock mount system then eradicates vibration noise. This is perfect for kick drums on a raised platform as it means any vibrations from the hollow ground won\u2019t make it into the mix.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, the supercardioid polar pattern ensures there\u2019s minimal bleed from other sound sources.<\/p>\n<p>The AKG D112 MKII Kick Drum Microphone features an integrated hum-compensating coil which keeps unwanted noise to an absolute minimum \u2013 perfect for noisy venues and full band setups. Its high SPL capability of 160dB lets you capture the loudest kick possible without distortion creeping in.<\/p>\n<p>A cool feature of this mic is its narrow-band presence boost at 4kHz. This complements the low end, allowing you to cut through the mix at all times \u2013 everyone is going to hear your kick!<\/p>\n<p>Shop now | <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-Beta-52A-Bass-Drum-Microphone\/1UT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure Beta 52A Bass Drum Microphone<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Shop now | <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/AKG-D112-MKII-Kick-Drum-Microphone-with-Flexible-Mount\/18Z9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AKG D112 MKII Kick Drum Microphone with Flexible Mount\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-10476 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/D112-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"AKG D112\" width=\"441\" height=\"441\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/D112-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/D112-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/D112.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 441px) 100vw, 441px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;72b2aac8-2a26-4106-af58-67527d130293&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;5. Snare drum mic&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Snare_drum_mic\"><\/span>5. Snare drum mic<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This is perhaps the most important mic for a drummer to have. Your snare is the truest representation of your sound and playing style, so it&#8217;s important to have a microphone that represents this accurately in a live mix.<\/p>\n<p>A snare drum mic means you can turn up to a gig confident that the sound engineer will capture the qualities and detail of your snare. Your audience will hear every hit, roll, and ghost note with complete accuracy. Of course, most venues will have one, and they\u2019ll likely have the one we\u2019re going to recommend, but it\u2019s always a good idea to have your own.<\/p>\n<p>A dynamic microphone with a cardioid or supercardioid polar pattern is an absolute essential for the live set-up.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why dynamic?<\/strong> Dynamic mics are designed to handle high-pressure sound levels and fast transient noises. Snare drums deliver explosive sounds at high volume. You\u2019ll need to close-mic a snare in a live gig to get the detail, and a dynamic mic will be able to handle the hard hits from the snare.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why cardioid?<\/strong> Cardioid will reject the sounds from the rest of your kit, stopping the toms or cymbals from interfering with your snare sound in the mix. The cardioid\u2019s focused point of recording will capture the detail of your snare and retain all the qualities of your wood, skin, and even the dampening sound of your moon gel.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_a_good_snare_drum_mic_for_a_live_band\"><\/span>What\u2019s a good snare drum mic for a live band?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Used for recording the snare on AC\/DC&#8217;s <em>Back In Black,<\/em> the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-SM57-Dynamic-Instrument-Microphone\/4ZV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure SM57<\/a><\/strong> is the industry standard. It was also counted on for Kurt Cobain\u2019s vocals on <em>Nevermind. <\/em><\/p>\n<p>Any buyers&#8217; guide to live mics will have the Shure SM57 in. It\u2019s one of the essentials. There are plenty of other options out there, of course, but the Shure SM57 is easily the most popular snare microphone of all time. This is because it\u2019s essentially indestructible and can handle a wide range of sound sources at huge sound pressure levels without distorting \u2013 like your snare!<\/p>\n<p>The gentle presence boost at 4kHz provides extra clarity, so you can enjoy the details of different snare drums. It\u2019s also under \u00a3100, which is incredible value for such a world-renowned snare mic.<\/p>\n<p>But if you can\u2019t quite stretch your budget to the SM57, the<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/SubZero-Dynamic-Instrument-Mic-with-Cable-and-Low-Mic-Stand\/1NRT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> SubZero Dynamic Instrument Mic with Cable and Low Mic Stand<\/a><\/strong> is another great option. It&#8217;s perfect for bands who are just getting started or venue owners who want to ensure a positive experience and good sound quality for performers and sound engineers alike.<\/p>\n<p>Shop now | <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-SM57-Dynamic-Instrument-Microphone\/4ZV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Shop now | <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/SubZero-Dynamic-Instrument-Mic-with-Cable-and-Low-Mic-Stand\/1NRT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SubZero Dynamic Instrument Microphone<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-10477 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/SM57_drum_desat-1024x680.jpg\" alt=\"Sm57 snare\" width=\"581\" height=\"386\" \/><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;72b2aac8-2a26-4106-af58-67527d130293&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Final thoughts&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_thoughts\"><\/span>Final thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>At the end of the day, most professional venues have a range of microphones for you and your sound engineer to use. So don\u2019t panic just yet if you\u2019re about to play your first gig.<\/p>\n<p>But if you want to make sure you\u2019re getting the best sound possible, use your own microphone whenever you can, especially if you\u2019re a singer. You\u2019ve invested in quality instruments so there\u2019s no point in letting them down with poor-quality microphones.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s like buying a guitar with old, mismatched strings, not warming up your voice, or playing a snare with a broken skin &#8211; you\u2019re not going to get the best sound possible. So why risk it?<\/p>\n<p>That wraps up our live mic buying guide. Post a comment below if you have any questions, or let us know if you think we\u2019ve missed any microphones you\u2019d recommend for live bands.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA_Equipment\/Microphone.html&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;SHOP MICROPHONES&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;e6ee07a9-4e60-40b4-a547-e1aa0a89644a&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;gcid-a3f0e0c4-68cb-4983-969e-b86a5466020b&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; button_border_radius=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; button_on_hover=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||true|false&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;13.3vw||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;9px|45px|9px|30px|true|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;15px|45px|15px|30px|true|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;||height: 44px !important;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-a3f0e0c4-68cb-4983-969e-b86a5466020b%22:%91%22button_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22button_border_color%22,%22button_icon_color%22,%22button_bg_color__hover%22%93}&#8221; custom_css_main_element_tablet=&#8221;width: 258px !important;||height: 55px !important;&#8221; custom_css_main_element_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; button_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; button_bg_color__hover=&#8221;#f08000&#8243; button_bg_enable_color__hover=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; button_text_color__hover=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_icon_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; button_icon_color__hover=&#8221;#000000&#8243; custom_css_main_element_phone=&#8221;width: 258px !important;||height: 55px !important;&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this buyers&#8217; guide, we\u2019ll be showing you why bands need their own microphones, how many mics a group should have, and which specific mics they need to own &#8211; whether you have guitars, vocalists, drummers, trumpet players, or all of the above.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":12822,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph \/-->\r\n<p>There are five essential mics that any serious group, band, or live outfit with more than two performers should own.<\/p>\r\n<p>Perhaps you\u2019re in a cover band and you\u2019re turning up to gigs where the mics are inadequate. Or maybe you\u2019re in a rock band and your live sound isn\u2019t consistent across different venues. Or maybe you\u2019re a budding sound engineer or venue owner looking to improve the quality of sound for your stage. Either way, you should invest in some good mics.<\/p>\r\n<p>In this buyers' guide, we\u2019ll be showing you why bands need their own microphones, how many mics a group should have, and which specific mics they need to own - whether you have guitars, vocalists, drummers, trumpet players, or all of the above.<\/p>\r\n<p>Disclaimer: we\u2019re specifically talking about microphones in a live scenario here. Of course, we could say you need multiple condenser mics, overheads, and a mic for each drum if you want to record live shows or use them in the studio too, but that\u2019s not really viable unless you\u2019re a professional touring band. We\u2019ll get to that eventually in another article, but for now, we\u2019ll keep it simple with the five most important mics for a live band. So let\u2019s cut to the chase\u2026<\/p>\r\n<hr \/>\r\n<h3>What mics do bands need?<\/h3>\r\n<p>Typically, a live band needs five microphones at a bare minimum and they'll almost always be dynamic with a cardioid polar pattern. This effectively rejects off-axis sound i.e., the sound of the other musicians and instruments.<\/p>\r\n<p>In summary, a band needs the following mics for live shows: vocal microphone, guitar cab microphone, bass cab microphone, kick drum microphone, and snare microphone. But why? Let\u2019s dig deep. To be specific, we\u2019re talking about bands with the following setup \u2013 singer, guitarist, bass player, drummer.<\/p>\r\n<hr \/>\r\n<h3>1. Live vocal mic\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n<p>Singers, you need your own mic, not least because you don\u2019t want to share a microphone that hundreds of people have used.<\/p>\r\n<p>Hygiene reasons aside, it's important to have a mic that you know you can rely on at each gig.<\/p>\r\n<p>You may have a signature sound, style of performance, or penchant for the way a mic feels in your hand. Your <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA_Equipment\/Vocal-Mics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">live vocal mic<\/a><\/strong> is an extension of you \u2013 the same way a guitarist chooses a guitar or a drummer chooses a snare. If you\u2019re wondering what type of microphone a singer needs for a live show, a cardioid dynamic microphone is widely regarded as the best.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Why cardioid?<\/strong> The reason for this is that the cardioid polar pattern rejects any off-axis noise and ensures that your voice is the only thing the microphone picks up.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Why dynamic?<\/strong> Dynamic mics are far more rugged and hard-wearing than any other type. The benefit for musicians is that they can withstand years of use, drops, knocks, and transport. They also don\u2019t need a power supply to work, so you can just simply plug into the PA system and you\u2019re good to go. Additionally, they can also handle high sound pressure levels (SPL) which means they\u2019re great for all manner of vocals. A bonus is that they\u2019re also cheaper than the likes of condenser or ribbon microphones.<\/p>\r\n<h4>What\u2019s a good live vocal mic for a band?<\/h4>\r\n<p>The industry-standard live vocal microphone is arguably the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-SM58-Dynamic-Cardioid-Vocal-Microphone\/4ZW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure SM58<\/a><\/strong> cardioid dynamic vocal microphone, closely followed - or beaten, depending on your preference - by the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-Beta-58A-Dynamic-Microphone\/1UW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure Beta 58A<\/a><\/strong>. Both are perfect for any type of live vocals. You can read the comparison between the SM58 and Beta58A <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/gear4musicblog.kinsta.cloud\/shure-sm58-vs-shure-beta-58a-which-is-right-for-you\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a><\/strong> to find out which one is right for you.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you\u2019re just starting out \u2013 the SM58 will never let you down and will likely outlive you. More than one vocalist? Check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-SM58-Dynamic-Cardioid-Vocal-Microphone-3-Pack\/279M?_gl=1*1oqvw03*_ga*MTEzMDM1MTMwMy4xNjU0MjU2NTgx*_up*MQ..\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>SM58 3-pack<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-12752 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/Shure-SM58-600x300.jpg\" alt=\"Shure-SM58\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" \/><\/p>\r\n<hr \/>\r\n<h3>2. Guitar cab mic<\/h3>\r\n<p>If you\u2019re an electric guitarist playing with an amp onstage, you need a good-quality guitar cab mic.<\/p>\r\n<p>Using the same mic for each gig retains your signature sound and ensures you get the sound\u00a0<em>you<\/em> want out front.<\/p>\r\n<p>Again, the dynamic microphone is the best choice for touring musicians. A cardioid, or ideally supercardioid, polar pattern is also ideal.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Why dynamic?<\/strong> Again, it comes down to its hard-wearing capabilities \u2013 both in physical and sonic nature. A <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/gear4musicblog.kinsta.cloud\/what-is-a-ribbon-microphone-benefits-applications\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ribbon<\/a><\/strong> or condenser microphone\u2019s capsule is far too sensitive to travel with. A slight knock or bump and you\u2019re potentially going to damage it.<\/p>\r\n<p>However, dynamic microphones can take years of (ab)use. The fact they can often handle levels louder than a jet engine means you\u2019re not going to run into any trouble with a fully turned up <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Guitar-and-Bass\/Vox-AC30C2-Custom-Combo\/CE8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VOX AC30<\/a><\/strong> or Marshall stack. The mic can handle it.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Why cardioid?<\/strong> You can read our explanation of microphone polar patterns <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/gear4musicblog.kinsta.cloud\/microphone-polar-patterns-everything-you-need-to-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a><\/strong> to gain a better understanding, but, again, the cardioid pattern ensures the sound of your amp is the only thing the mic picks up. This means your sound engineer can really bring out the qualities of your <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Guitar-Amps.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">guitar amp<\/a><\/strong>, creating a better chance of your guitar solos sounding superb.<\/p>\r\n<p>Supercardioid is also ideal - this is just a far tighter pattern with greater off-axis rejection.<\/p>\r\n<h4>What\u2019s a good guitar cab mic for a live band?<\/h4>\r\n<p>The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-SM57-Dynamic-Instrument-Microphone\/4ZV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure SM57<\/a><\/strong> is widely regarded as the best guitar cabinet microphone on the market today. This has been the case since it was released in 1965. Used by the likes of Steve Albini and every United States president since Lyndon B. Johnson \u2013 it\u2019s safe to say the SM57 is as versatile as you need it to be.<\/p>\r\n<p>The smaller head ensures you capture the exact sound source, which is perfect for guitar cabinets of all sizes. You can also position it in a wide variety of areas on the speaker cone to get a different \u201cfeel\u201d.<\/p>\r\n<p>Plus, it's\u00a0one of the best microphones for recording acoustic guitar on a budget or playing acoustic guitar in a live band scenario. The Shure SM57 is also widely regarded as one of the best snare mics too, but we\u2019ll get to that in a moment.<\/p>\r\n<h4>How many mics should a guitar have?<\/h4>\r\n<p>You only need one microphone per guitar cab, but you can use two if you want to use a stereo mic technique. Recording acoustic guitar or electric guitar is another story entirely\u2026<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\" wp-image-10473 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/SM57-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"SM57\" width=\"429\" height=\"429\" \/><\/p>\r\n<hr \/>\r\n<h3>3. Bass cab mic<\/h3>\r\n<p>Some engineers will argue with me on this but hear me out. One of the main reasons you need a bass cab microphone is so you retain the quality and unique \u201cfeel\u201d of your bass amp and its speakers.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you\u2019ve spent hundreds, if not thousands, on a particular sounding bass amp, you don\u2019t want to lose the quality of sound coming from the speakers when you DI it.<\/p>\r\n<p>Of course, the engineer will almost always use a DI box to capture the sound of a bass amp as it\u2019s easier to mix the bass, and that\u2019s fine. But if you add the sound of a bass cab mic into the mix, you have even more sonic options.<\/p>\r\n<p>This is especially useful if you\u2019re in a band that relies heavily on distorted bass tones or you use a bass tube amp with a whole host of unique qualities. Again, dynamic and cardioid mics are key here. Specifically, supercardioid, if possible.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Why dynamic?<\/strong> As always, it comes down to sound pressure level with a dynamic mic. You\u2019re likely to turn your bass up pretty loud so you can hear it on stage. A dynamic mic will be able to handle that volume and is robust enough to withstand the constant sound pressure, gig after gig.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Why supercardioid?<\/strong> Bass amps push a lot of air around and unless you\u2019re a very treble-heavy player, you want to get as much detail into the live mix as possible. The supercardioid polar pattern rejects all the sound around it, concentrating on a single spot of the bass cab.<\/p>\r\n<p>Top tip: with a bass cab mic, you want to record slightly off-axis and off-centre to get the fullest sound with added detail.<\/p>\r\n<h4>What\u2019s a good bass cab mic for a live band?<\/h4>\r\n<p>The likes of the<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Sennheiser-e609-Silver-Supercardioid-Dynamic-Microphone\/WJU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Sennheiser e609 Silver Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone<\/a><\/strong> or the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-Beta-52A-Bass-Drum-Microphone\/1UT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure Beta 52A<\/a><\/strong> are some of the best bass cabinet microphones around. They can handle the lower frequencies very well and provide incredible detail at louder volumes.<\/p>\r\n<p>Sennheiser's e609 has a flat body shape, allowing it to be placed closer to your amp. Suitable for bass and guitar cabs, it has been designed for touring, owing to its rugged mesh grille, advanced shock mount design, and low self-noise. The hum-compensating coil is perfect for bass players as bass cabs tend to pick up unwanted hum, depending on the venue and quality of electrics onstage.<\/p>\r\n<p>The Shure Beta 52A Bass Drum Microphone appears twice here. It\u2019s one of the best bass cab mics in the world thanks to its supercardioid polar pattern, almost indestructible design, and advanced shock mount system that can withstand the heaviest of bass players (and drummers) who like to play loud.<\/p>\r\n<p>It has been fine-tuned to harness super-low sub frequencies \u2013 making it ideal for bass cabinets. The key benefit here is that it provides that all-important midrange punch which you need in a live band. You also get a gentle top-end boost for some extra presence onstage too.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\" wp-image-10479 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/Drums_Beta92A_Close_Horizontal-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"BETA52A\" width=\"545\" height=\"363\" \/><\/p>\r\n<hr \/>\r\n<h3>4. Kick drum mic<\/h3>\r\n<p>Not all stages and drum kits are created equal. If you have a hollow stage, you\u2019re going to lose all the power and \u201ckick\u201d from your kick drum unless it\u2019s mic\u2019d up.<\/p>\r\n<p>Most venues will already have a kick drum to hand, but it comes down to sonic signature and reliability. How many times have you turned up to a gig to find that the house kit is absolute garbage and you wish you brought your own? The same goes with a microphone.<\/p>\r\n<p>Your kit's kick and snare are arguably the most important parts (of course, high hats are too\u2026 but just hear me out). So, the higher the quality mic on your kick, the higher quality your performance will be. You want the audience and your bandmates to really feel that kick coming through!<\/p>\r\n<p>You only really need three mics for a drum kit, as per the Glyn Johns method, but considering you won\u2019t need to mic up cymbals or overheads at small venues, you\u2019re all set with a kick and snare mic to start.<\/p>\r\n<p>You can rely on the venue\u2019s tom and cymbal mics for now if you\u2019re just starting to perform live.<\/p>\r\n<p>Again, you guessed it \u2013 dynamic mics with cardioid polar patterns are preferable here.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Why dynamic?<\/strong> Kick drums move a lot of air around, and their high transients (explosive sound) will potentially break or damage more sensitive microphones like ribbons or condensers. They also spend a lot of time on the floor and could potentially be kicked around \u2013 it happens! Dynamic mics are designed to be tough.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Why cardioid?<\/strong> You need the detail to come through in a kick drum. The detail is where you get the \u201cpunch\u201d from. A cardioid polar pattern will take the direct impact of the beater whilst capturing enough of the weight and bass from within the kick drum, giving you a well-rounded sound.<\/p>\r\n<p>This ensures your kick has the right amount of concentrated treble and surrounding bass. Again, supercardioid is preferable here as too much off-axis noise will encourage a \u201cboominess\u201d that drowns out the detail.<\/p>\r\n<h4>What\u2019s a good kick drum mic for a live band?<\/h4>\r\n<p>There are two industry-standard kick drum mics we recommend: the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-Beta-52A-Bass-Drum-Microphone\/1UT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure Beta 52A\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>and the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/AKG-D112-MKII-Kick-Drum-Microphone-with-Flexible-Mount\/18Z9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AKG D112 MKII Kick Drum Microphone.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p>Shure's Beta 52A Bass Drum Microphone is an industry-standard kick drum mic. The deeper construction of the microphone provides a touch more bass than most microphones out there, pulling the super-low sub frequencies to the forefront of your sound for a seriously powerful punch.<\/p>\r\n<p>The Neodymium magnet offers greater sensitivity and a higher output, so your sound engineer will be able to bring out the best qualities of your kit and your performance. An advanced shock mount system then eradicates vibration noise. This is perfect for kick drums on a raised platform as it means any vibrations from the hollow ground won\u2019t make it into the mix.<\/p>\r\n<p>In addition, the supercardioid polar pattern ensures there\u2019s minimal bleed from other sound sources.<\/p>\r\n<p>The AKG D112 MKII Kick Drum Microphone features an integrated hum-compensating coil which keeps unwanted noise to an absolute minimum \u2013 perfect for noisy venues and full band setups. Its high SPL capability of 160dB lets you capture the loudest kick possible without distortion creeping in.<\/p>\r\n<p>A cool feature of this mic is its narrow-band presence boost at 4kHz. This complements the low end, allowing you to cut through the mix at all times \u2013 everyone is going to hear your kick!<\/p>\r\n<p>\u00a0<img class=\" wp-image-10476 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/D112-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"AKG D112\" width=\"441\" height=\"441\" \/><\/p>\r\n<hr \/>\r\n<h3>5. Snare drum mic<\/h3>\r\n<p>This is perhaps the most important mic for a drummer to have. Your snare is the truest representation of your sound and playing style, so it's important to have a microphone that represents this accurately in a live mix.<\/p>\r\n<p>A snare drum mic means you can turn up to a gig confident that the sound engineer will capture the qualities and detail of your snare. Your audience will hear every hit, roll, and ghost note with complete accuracy. Of course, most venues will have one, and they\u2019ll likely have the one we\u2019re going to recommend, but it\u2019s always a good idea to have your own.<\/p>\r\n<p>A dynamic microphone with a cardioid or supercardioid polar pattern is an absolute essential for the live set-up.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Why dynamic?<\/strong> Dynamic mics are designed to handle high-pressure sound levels and fast transient noises. Snare drums deliver explosive sounds at high volume. You\u2019ll need to close-mic a snare in a live gig to get the detail, and a dynamic mic will be able to handle the hard hits from the snare.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Why cardioid?<\/strong> Cardioid will reject the sounds from the rest of your kit, stopping the toms or cymbals from interfering with your snare sound in the mix. The cardioid\u2019s focused point of recording will capture the detail of your snare and retain all the qualities of your wood, skin, and even the dampening sound of your moon gel.<\/p>\r\n<h4>What\u2019s a good snare drum mic for a live band?<\/h4>\r\n<p>Used for recording the snare on AC\/DC's <em>Back In Black,<\/em> the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-SM57-Dynamic-Instrument-Microphone\/4ZV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure SM57<\/a><\/strong> is the industry standard. It was also counted on for Kurt Cobain\u2019s vocals on <em>Nevermind. <\/em><\/p>\r\n<p>Any buyers' guide to live mics will have the Shure SM57 in. It\u2019s one of the essentials. There are plenty of other options out there, of course, but the Shure SM57 is easily the most popular snare microphone of all time. This is because it\u2019s essentially indestructible and can handle a wide range of sound sources at huge sound pressure levels without distorting \u2013 like your snare!<\/p>\r\n<p>The gentle presence boost at 4kHz provides extra clarity, so you can enjoy the details of different snare drums. It\u2019s also under \u00a3100, which is incredible value for such a world-renowned snare mic drum.<\/p>\r\n<p>But if you can\u2019t quite stretch your budget to the SM57, the<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/SubZero-Dynamic-Instrument-Mic-with-Cable-and-Low-Mic-Stand\/1NRT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> SubZero Dynamic Instrument Mic with Cable and Low Mic Stand<\/a><\/strong> is another great option. It's perfect for bands who are just getting started or venue owners who want to ensure a positive experience and good sound quality for performers and sound engineers alike.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\" wp-image-10477 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/06\/SM57_drum_desat-1024x680.jpg\" alt=\"Sm57 snare\" width=\"581\" height=\"386\" \/><\/p>\r\n<hr \/>\r\n<h3>Final thoughts\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n<p>At the end of the day, most professional venues have a range of microphones for you and your sound engineer to use. So don\u2019t panic just yet if you\u2019re about to play your first gig.<\/p>\r\n<p>But if you want to make sure you\u2019re getting the best sound possible, use your own microphone whenever you can, especially if you\u2019re a singer. You\u2019ve invested in quality instruments so there\u2019s no point letting them down by mic\u2019ing them up with poor-quality microphones.<\/p>\r\n<p>It\u2019s like buying a guitar with old, mismatched strings, not warming up your voice, or playing a snare with a broken skin - you\u2019re not going to get the best sound possible. So why risk it?<\/p>\r\n<p>That wraps up our live mic buying guide. Post a comment below if you have any questions, or let us know if you think we\u2019ve missed any microphones you\u2019d recommend for live bands.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[244,111],"tags":[290,169,161],"class_list":["post-9875","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-live-sound-guides","category-live-sound","tag-guide","tag-live-sound","tag-shure"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>5 Essential Mics For Live Bands - Live Mic Buying Guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In this buyers&#039; guide, we\u2019ll cover everything you need to know about mics for live bands. 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We&#039;ll recommend some of our top picks too.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gear4music Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Gear4music\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-08-10T08:00:49+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-09-29T15:53:23+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/08\/5-Essential-Mics-For-Live-Bands-Live-Mic-Buying-Guide.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1330\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"665\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Lee Glynn\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@gear4music\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@gear4music\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Lee Glynn\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"14 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Lee Glynn\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/53abe44abe1d8dcd2de212b8fdceb42c\"},\"headline\":\"5 Essential Mics For Live Bands &#8211; Live Mic Buying Guide\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-08-10T08:00:49+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-09-29T15:53:23+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":3494,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/storage.googleapis.com\\\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\\\/2022\\\/08\\\/5-Essential-Mics-For-Live-Bands-Live-Mic-Buying-Guide.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Guide\",\"Live Sound\",\"Shure\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Guides\",\"Live Sound &amp; DJ\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\\\/\",\"name\":\"5 Essential Mics For Live Bands - Live Mic Buying Guide\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/5-essential-mics-for-live-bands\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/storage.googleapis.com\\\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\\\/2022\\\/08\\\/5-Essential-Mics-For-Live-Bands-Live-Mic-Buying-Guide.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-08-10T08:00:49+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-09-29T15:53:23+00:00\",\"description\":\"In this buyers' guide, we\u2019ll cover everything you need to know about mics for live bands. 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