Best Mics For Toms | Top 5 Picks By The Locals

 

Do you have a hobby of recording drums? Particularly recording tom drums, you need a good set of microphones to proceed.

So here we are with the collection of top-notch quality best mics for Toms. Tom mics help you to get a different drum sound that is under your control.

If you are in hurry to buy the best microphones to record tom drums then check Top 4 choices.

Best Tom Mics for Recording | List of Top 4 Mics for Tom s

IMAGE	DETAILS
Top Pick	Shure SM58S Microphone Shure	50Hz to 15KHz Frequency Cardioid polar pattern Built-in Pop filter	CHECK ON AMAZON
Runner Up	Shure SM57-LC Microphone	40 Hz to 15kHz Frequency Cardioid polar pattern XLR Cable	CHECK ON AMAZON
Budget Choice	Shure SV200-W Microphone	50 Hz to 15kHz Frequency Unidirectional polar pattern XLR Cable	CHECK ON AMAZON

1. Shure SM58 S Microphone

There is one more top-quality mic of Shure brand best for toms.

It is Shure sm58. Shure is one of the most popular, creditable creators of microphones. Their mics are not only of the best quality but are budget-friendly too.

The best performance of the Shure SM58 makes it one of the most favorite microphones of recorders, music producers, streamers, and vocalists.

The Shure SM58 offers a circumspectly tuned recurrence lift to around 4000Hz for smooth, velvety vocals that hang out in the blend.

The SM58 Microphone is broadly viewed as the world’s most well-known receiver.

Intended for proficient vocal use in sound fortification and studio recording, the Shure SM58 mouthpiece utilizes an exceptionally productive inherent circular channel that limits wind and impact commotion.

The SM58’s customized voice reaction is an unbelievable sound that has gotten a world norm. It tends to produce quality sound thus captivating the audience heed towards itself.

This worthy mic is a multi-functional mic and best suitable for toms. As it gives a long-term battery to work and is very reliable and durable in terms of usage. 

Features of Shure SM58 Microphone

• Cardioid polar pattern.
• Provides the frequency response of 50Hz to 15KHz
• Lightweight, almost 0.661lbs.
• 6.3 inches long and 2 inches wide
• Comes with a protective carrying case and a stand adapter
• Handles the unbelievable amount of pressure.
• Built pop filter that provides smooth and natural sound.
• Low-priced product.
• The microphone has an on/off switch.

2. Shure SM57-LC Microphone

On top of our list of the best microphones for toms, is the Shure sm57-LC mic.

It is a top-notch quality mic producing premium quality sound. The shape of the Shure SM57 microphone is quite different from a conventional microphone.

It is one of the highly-using microphones for instrument recording as it is ideal for toms, studio use, and the stage.

Its versatility makes it a more desirable microphone and quite reliable at such a price. The Shure SM57 is a first-class device in the melody industry.

This mic is a multi-functional mic used for various functions. Legendary artists and the latest newcomers use this renowned microphone.

The SM57 differs from microphones designed solely for picking up vocals in several ways. It is different from other mics produced by the same brand.

The SM57 does not contain this particular change to hold frequencies on a better scale, with a frequency reaction of 40Hz to 15KHz.

This frequency range is also suitable for recording instruments, your podcasts, or for gaming and YouTube videos.

Without this change, the microphone picks up resonance precisely as it is reproduced, thus creating an ideal soundtrack each time.

It’s a classic yet up-to-date mic. This unique mic is ideal for toms who just desire their quality sound of drums. 

 Features of Shure SM57 Microphone

• Shure sm57 offers a uniform cardioid polar pattern which is very good at rejecting any unwanted noises from the outside.  
• Its frequency response is quite tailored and is specifically kept in a range of 40 Hz to 15kHz so that one can record the best quality vocals.
• It has shock-mounted cartilage that minimizes any transmitted sound giving you a smooth operation.
• It is quite convenient for you to tilt the mic forward up to 45 degrees and up to 80 degrees backward.
• Includes an on and off button which is a plus point as it will make it easier for the users to operate it. 
• Comes with an XLR cable 25 ft in length. 

3. Shure SV200-W Microphone

Lets us introduce you to one more quality mic of Shure. It is Shure SV200 which is a powerful Cardioid misused for toms, streaming audio, speech, and video.

This microphone has a transformer and provides an XLR-XLR connector. This worthy and ideal mic has an easy set-up to be used by all types of users.

Even a small board can use this microphone. It is known worldwide for its consistent and pure sound, which delivers all the sound precisely.

The receiver has a cardioid polar pattern that effectively retains the unwanted sound at the back of the capsule.

There is no doubt that all products from the American company Shureare are known for their low sound and quality. 

This multipurpose mic has a dynamic design. It can be used for several purposes such as for recording vocals, back up and lead singing, or recording an instrument.

It’s an all-purpose mic. No matter if you are using it in a studio or at home it sound quality would not change and would be excellent and amazing. So just order this great mic and make your work easier. 

Features of Shure SV200 Microphone

• Includes an XLR cable.
• Frequency response of 50 Hz to 15 kHz.
• Cardioid pickup pattern, which helps to reduce feedback.
• Weighs 1.59 pounds.
• High SPL level of -10 dB.
• Designed with 100 ohms impedance. 
• Comes with an on and off switch.

4. Sennheiser MD421-11 Microphone

Sennheiser is another best brand that tends to provide a broad spectrum of vocal microphones in different styles or applications for any kind of performance but it is well suited for toms.

It is also considered a perfect microphone for recordings, podcasting, broadcasting, studio use, etc.

It works on electric guitar, drums, bass, percussion, and almost anything. Despite this, it provides a clear natural, and best sound, it has a great sound quality.

It works best on a louder instrument. The Sennheiser MD42 is a unidirectional vibrant voiced microphone that intends for expert-stated use for toms with proper strengthening, and studio soundtrack.

Its highly proficient integrated spherical filter minimizes the “pop” sound of wind and breath.

The well-known Sennheiser MD42 is a vibrant vocal microphone use to emphasize the warmth and clarity of direct and backing vocals.

Due to its best performance, it is still the top choice of all the users especially for toms users around the world as it tends to work for a long time without disturbing the audience and also to produce quality sound. 

Features of Sennheiser MD421 Microphone 

• Frequency response from 30Hz to 17KHz, which provides a better focus and clean and clear sound capture.
• Cardioid polar pattern, which blocks the unnecessary nearby sounds.
• Sensitive, thus helps to record louder instruments.
• 100 ohms impedance level.
• Maximum SPL level of -10 dB.
• Comes with a five-position bass roll-off switch

5. Lewitt LCT 440 Microphone

Lewitt LCT  is one of the top-worthy mics, best in terms of producing unique sounds.

This mic genuinely speak for themselves and have proved themselves to be the best option for all users, especially for toms.

It’s a fantastic vocal mic, intended to perform well for an assortment of sound sources. Its hearty 140 dB most extreme SPL implies that it can deal with the most intense sources you can hurl at it.

It is a very reliable and durable mic used for various purposes as it is equipped with many additional features.

It utilizes similar very good quality segments as the Prestige models, bundled in a rough, snazzy, and minimized case. It is designed with a long time battery life and low sensitivity to external sounds.

The LCT 440 PURE accompanies an enemy of shake holder, an attractive pop channel, a windshield, and a defensive leatherette sack.

Features of Lewitt LCT 440 Microphone

• Lewitt LCT 440 is equipping with a flexible large-diaphragm condenser.
• Performs efficient multi-tasking.
• Designed with 440’s frequency leveling until around 1 kHz and the most significant boost up of 5 dB at 13.2 kHz. 
• Lewitt LCD 440 has a cardioid polar pattern that enhances its performance.
• 150 to 200 ohms impedance.
• This brand is reliable, durable, and the best in terms of producing quality sound.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing Mic

Condenser of Microphone 

Condenser matters a lot while purchasing a mic for toms.

A good Condenser mic always tends to make the sound of the drum more clear and audible. So you need to consider the mic with the finest Condenser for toms. 

Polar pattern

Second, on our list, is the polar pattern of the mic which has a huge impact on the voice of drums.

The polar pattern is the ability of the microphone to pick up voice from different angles.

The area in which the microphone tends to capture sound is called the polar pattern of that mic. You need to look for the quality of the polar pattern when buying a mic for toms. 

Easy Set-Up

The next important feature of good microphones for toms is that they should be having an easy setup or it must be user-friendly, which means that it should be pretty easy for a user to operate the mic without facing any difficulty.

The functions and features of the microphone should not be too much complicated to be used.

Focused and clear sound

A good microphone should be able to filter out unwanted sounds. It is especially crucial while using them for toms because they do produce a lot of noise.

The best for tom is that which shows high sensitivity to the voice of the drum but low sensitivity to the external noise. 

 So, keeping in mind the above-mentioned points, we have gathered a list of some of the best and top-quality mics for toms.

They are the best in all the features and hence not very expensive that you can afford. So let’s have a look at our collection and then go in-depth with the article to check its features, pros, and cons.

Final Thoughts on Best Mic for Toms 

We tried our best to give you a detailed list of the top microphones for toms. We gathered a list of the top 12 mics after considering all the points in mind which are necessary for the great mic for toms.

All the above-mentioned mics belong to the great brand production and speak for their greatness and uniqueness.

They all are multi-functional mics and designed with many additional accessories to make your work easier.

The topmost important thing about these mics is that they are not expensive to buy. They all are according to your pocket so you get them without any hassle. 

If you need our suggestion to get the most premium quality and budget microphones for toms, then we will recommend you four mics from our collection. They are unbeatable mics and will work at their best. They are:

1. Shure SM58S Microphone
2. Shure SM57-LC Microphone
3. Shure SV200-W Microphone

These are the top-notch quality mic producing crystal clear sound and working efficiently for hours.

They are very reliable, durable, and sturdy mics, equipped with extra accessories. They have different prices but all are under $300.

So you can get whatever meets your requirement and pocket. But we assure you that these mics will work with you for a long time without disappointing you. So order the mic which suits you best. 

FAQs on The Best Tom Mics 

How can we connect the Shure SM57-LC Microphone with a computer?

You can connect this microphone with your PC or computer through USB.

To do so you will be needing an XLR cable, which is already included in the package, and finally an audio interference.

The audio interference will connect with the computer with the help of a USB. You can also use XLR to USB adapters but you will need to purchase them separately as they don’t come with this mic.

Are batteries required for the Shure SM57-LC Microphone?

No, you would not need any kind of batteries for this microphone since it uses an XLR cable for connection.

It is a wired mic with a dynamic design. All you have to do is to plug in the XLR cable of this mic and the power will be supplied for this mic to operate.

Can we connect the Sennheiser MD421-11 mic with a MacBook?

Yes, you can connect this mic with a MacBook through a USB. Since it is a wired mic so you will be needing an XLR cable and a USB audio interference that would be able to accept an XLR as input.

You can find many USB audio interferences in the market. We will like to recommend M-Audio, MOTU, and Apogee. All these will make good USB audio interference.

Does the Sennheiser MD421-11 microphone come with an XLR cable?

No, we are sorry the Sennheiser MD421-11 microphone does not come with an XLR cable. But since it’s a dynamic mic and is wired as well so you will have to purchase one separately for this mic.

You can find many reasonable and good quality XLR cables on Amazon.

Is the Shure SM58 a good microphone for outdoor use?

Yes, whether you want to purchase it for indoor use or outdoor recording this mic would always be an ideal choice since it works perfectly both in and outside.

It works great for outdoor events and concerts but you have to make sure you use the right speakers or amplifier for a good output.

It also has an on and off switch so you can turn it immediately off while not recording to avoid any disturbance for the audience.

Does an XLR comes with the Shure SM58 mic?

No, we are afraid, the XLR cable is not included in the package of the Shure SM58 microphone. It uses a 3- pin XLR cable which you have to purchase separately.

You can look on Amazon for a 10 ft 3-pin XLR cable for your mic to buy.

Which speaker or an amplifier is good to purchase with the Shure SM58 mic?

Well, that depends on you as you will find many of them in the market each with different prices and quality.

So, it’s totally up to you to decide which one to purchase according to your needs and requirements. But make sure whatever product you are purchasing should have a cable port to be attached to the mic.

Does the AKG C 414 XLII mic require phantom power?

Yes, since this is a condenser mic and most of such microphones use phantom power. However, very few use XLR cable as well. condenser microphones work on internal power so the AKG C 414 XLII mic requires phantom power of 48 volts as its power supply.

Which kind of microphones dynamic or cardioid is better for recording toms?

Well, you are going to find amazing microphones which will either be dynamic and condenser. Both dynamic and condenser microphones work perfectly but they are designed for a different purpose.

A condenser mic would be ideal for recording instruments especially acoustic ones. It is very sensitive to noises.

Whereas dynamic microphones are less sensitive and are good for recording vocals and raps etc. as they are good with powerful and strong noises.

So, if you are confused about which one should you choose, we would suggest you get your hands on a condenser microphone.

Can I use a dynamic mic for recording Toms?

Well, yes you can use a dynamic microphone for recording toms. You will find several good dynamic products in the market.

You have to look in for certain features and specifications in the mic before the purchase. Since adjusting the mic with your drums or toms is a bit tough task so you have to make sure to choose a mic that comes with some clips, clamps, or mounts just to make it easier for you to attach the mic while recording.

Also, look for the frequency range and pickup pattern and make sure they’re good enough to reject background noises. 

Do I have to purchase a separate mic for recording the toms in the studio and outdoor?

Well, a lot of people do that they use separate microphones while recording inside the studios and separate ones for their live performances.

But you don’t have to be afraid. You just have to do some hard work for looking for a microphone that would be ideal for both indoors and outdoors.

In case if you are a newbie to technology and mics you will get very confused.

Some dynamic microphones available in the market work well for both purposes. So, if you have a good budget you can purchase one for both live and indoor recording.

Which pickup pattern works well for recording toms?

Whether you are buying a condenser microphone or a dynamic one it’s always good to check which pickup pattern the microphone is using.

Most of the microphones come with the cardioid polar pattern, super-cardioid polar pattern or unidirectional, and figure 8, etc.

Each one is designed to work in indifferent environments. cardioid polar patterns and supercargoes polar patterns are the most popular ones and usually, people choose any of these two as per their needs.

Super cardioid polar is more directional than the cardioid polar pattern so you have to use pop filters with them. While cardioid polar patterns are brilliant at rejecting background noises and thus ideal for toms.