Want to know the secret to capturing the perfect drum sound beyond just good microphones and placement? It’s not enough to use good mics and put them in the right places to get a great drum sound. It’s also important what you use with those mics. If you record in a studio or play live, the right mic tools can really make your drums sound better. With their help in this article, you can keep each drum sound clear, cut down on background noise, and improve the overall tone. Here is a list of essential drum mic accessories that will elevate your performances and records.
Shock Mounts: Eliminating Unwanted Vibrations
Drums generate powerful vibrations, which can cause mic stands to transmit unwanted mechanical noise into recordings. Shock mounts are made to keep mics from being affected by movements that move through the mic stands. When using sensitive condenser mics on drums, toms, or overheads, this is very important.
Why it matters: A shock mount can stop the low-frequency rumbles and thumps that come from floor movements or stage movement, which can make the recording or mix sound better.
Drum Mic Clips and Mounts: Secure and Precise Placement
Mic stands that are too close to your drum kit are a thing of the past. For close mics, special drum mic clips like the Shure A56D or Audix D-Vice can be attached directly to the edges of the drums. They are small, safe, and easy to adjust.
Why it matters: These mounts let you precisely place your mic and save important space, which is especially helpful for live setups where the stage room is limited. If you don’t want to damage the drum shells or wheels, look for bases that have rubber padding. If you’re just getting started, check out top drum mic kits for beginners.
Right-Angle XLR Cables: Clean and Safe Setup
Right-angle XLR plugs on wires can make a big difference in how they look and how safe they are. They are easy to kick or twist because straight joints tend to stick out in an odd way. Right-angle wires fit neatly next to stands and drums.
Why it matters: Neatly arranged cables not only look professional, but they also make it less likely that cables will get disconnected by mistake or make noise during a show.
Risers and Isolation Pads: Reducing Unwanted Resonance
On stage or when recording, putting isolation pads under your drum kit can help keep low-frequency sound from getting into your kick and floor tom mics. Because these items make it less likely for you to touch the stage, resonance won’t get into your mix.
Why it matters: Clearer separation means better sound, especially when mixing after the fact.
Pop Filters for Room and Overhead Mics: Smoothing Harsh Transients
Pop filters are usually used to record vocals, but they can also be artistically used with drum mics. One way to smooth out the sound of drums is to put a pop filter in front of a room mic or a sensitive overhead.
Why it matters: You’ll be able to record the mood of the room without the sharp ,high-frequency spikes that drums can make. Learn more about kick drum miking techniques.
Drum Shields and Acoustic Baffles: Enhancing Sound Separation
Drum shields or acoustic baffles can make mic separation much better in live situations or places that haven’t been fixed. Clear plastic plates or foam dividers like these help stop sound from other instruments and walls from reflecting back into the room.
Why it matters: If your separation is better, your drum mics can be mixed and EQ’d more precisely without being affected by guitars, singing, or other instruments.
Windshields: Protecting Your Mics Outdoors
Wind can mess up your mics if you’re playing or recording drums outside. Windscreens made of foam cut down on wind noise and protect the microphone diaphragm from sudden gusts of air.
Why it matters: It will help you keep the sound clear even in windy outdoor settings.
Tuning Tools and Dampeners for Drums: Take Charge of the Source
Finally, the drum itself is part of making the drum mic sound better, not just what’s between the mic and the mixer. Putting Moongel pads, tuning keys with tension meters, or even wallets on snares can make a big difference in the sound.
Why it matters: A tuned drum will sound better no matter what mic you use. Tuning tools help you hit your ideal pitch and sound every time. Wondering if gear cost makes a difference? Read budget vs high-end drum mics: is the price difference worth it?
Conclusion
Gear is important, but being creative and trying new things is just as important. The right tools will make your setting better, give you more power, and make your drum sound more professional and finished. These mic devices can really improve the sound quality of your recordings, whether you’re in the studio laying down tracks or on stage putting on a high-energy show. Do not only fine-tune your drums, but also your whole mic setup. The smallest item can sometimes make the biggest difference.