Sound As Good Recorded As You Do Live: the Best Snare Mic
Learn the features to look for and how to choose the best snare mic for your budget and situation, along with our Top 5 recommendations!
The snare drum is arguably the most important element of a drum kit, as it provides the backbeat and drives the rhythm.
When it comes to recording drums, having the best snare mic possible ensures that the snare drum sounds optimal, both in live performances and in the recording studio.
This article will explore various snare mics, their features, pros, and cons, and help you find the best snare drum mic for your needs.
Overview of the Snare Drum Mic
The snare drum has always been an integral part of any drum kit or percussion setup. However, it wasn't until the advent of recording technology that the need for snare drum mics arose. The earliest attempts at capturing the sound of a snare drum were done with dynamic microphones. These mics were able to handle the volume and dynamic range of a drum set, but lacked the detail and clarity needed for recording.
As recording technology advanced, so too did the need for better snare drum mics. The cardioid pickup pattern was developed in the 1940s, which allowed for greater isolation of the snare drum sound and eliminated background noise. This made snare drum mics more effective at capturing the natural sound of a drum set.
Dynamic moving coil microphones, such as the Shure SM57, became the go-to mic for recording snare drums. Their robust construction and versatile sound made them a popular choice among sound engineers. In fact, the SM57 is still considered one of the best snare drum mics today.
In the 1960s and 70s, condenser mics began to be used for recording drums. While they were initially more expensive and fragile than dynamic mics, they offered a greater level of detail and clarity. This made them ideal for capturing the nuances of a snare drum's sound.
Today, there are a wide variety of snare drum mics available on the market. Some of the best mics for recording snare are reviewed in this article, including the Shure SM57, Sennheiser MD 421, Audix i5, Beyerdynamic M201TG, and the Heil Sound PR 30B. Each of these mics offers a different sound and can be utilized for various playing styles.
So the history of snare drum mics has evolved significantly in the past century. From basic dynamic mics to the versatile and natural sound of modern cardioid and condenser mics, there are now many options available for capturing the sound of a snare drum.
Types of Snare Mics
Dynamic Mics
Dynamic mics are the most common type of microphone for snare drums. They have a moving coil that generates an electrical signal when it vibrates from sound waves. Dynamic mics are durable, handle high sound pressure levels well, and are great for capturing the natural sound of snare drums.
Condenser Mics
Condenser mics use a capacitor to convert sound waves into an electrical signal. They require external power and are more sensitive than dynamic mics, making them suitable for capturing more detailed and nuanced snare drum sounds. However, they may not be as durable as dynamic mics.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Snare Mic
Frequency Response
The frequency response of a microphone determines how it captures different frequencies. A good snare mic should have a wide frequency response to accurately represent the snare drum's sound.
Polar Pattern
The polar pattern of a microphone refers to its sensitivity to sound from different directions. Cardioid polar patterns are ideal for snare mics, as they focus on sound from the front and reject background noise, resulting in a more natural sound.
Durability
Snare mics need to withstand high sound pressure levels and potential physical impacts. Choose a durable mic that can handle these challenges without sacrificing sound quality.
Background Noise Elimination
A good snare microphone should eliminate background noise from other drums and instruments, ensuring that the snare drum sound is clear and isolated.
Top 5 Best Snare Mics
Shure SM57
The Shure SM57 is a legendary dynamic mic widely regarded as the best snare drum microphone. It features a cardioid pickup pattern, excellent durability, and a pneumatic shock mount system that reduces handling noise. The SM57 delivers a beautifully detailed sound with a tight cardioid pattern that isolates the snare drum from other instruments.
Sennheiser MD 421
The Sennheiser MD 421 is a versatile dynamic mic with a wide frequency response and a cardioid polar pattern. Its robust build and ability to handle high sound pressure levels make it a great choice for snare drums. The MD 421 provides a natural sound with a tight cardioid pattern that rejects background noise.
Audix i5
The Audix i5 is a dynamic mic designed specifically for snare drums, with a frequency response tailored to capture the snare drum's unique characteristics. Its cardioid polar pattern ensures a focused sound, and its durable build can handle the rigors of recording and live performances.
Beyerdynamic M201TG
The Beyerdynamic M201TG is a dynamic mic with a hypercardioid polar pattern, providing excellent isolation from background noise. Its frequency response is tailored for snare drums, and it has a reputation for capturing beautifully detailed snare sounds.
Heil Sound PR 30B
The Heil Sound PR 30B is a dynamic moving coil microphone with a wide frequency response and a cardioid polar pattern. It is known for its ability to capture a natural and balanced snare sound while rejecting background noise from other drums and instruments.
FAQs About Snare Drum Mics
Can I use a condenser mic for snare drums?
Yes, condenser mics can provide more detail and nuance in snare drum recordings, but they may not be as durable as dynamic mics.
How many mics do I need for recording drums?
A basic drum recording setup requires at least two mics: one for the kick drum and one for the snare drum. However, more advanced setups may use multiple mics for each drum and cymbal.
What is the best mic placement for snare drums?
The best mic placement for snare drums typically involves positioning the mic 1-2 inches above the rim of the drum, angled slightly towards the center.
Should I use a separate mic for the top and bottom of the snare drum?
Using two mics can provide a more balanced and complete snare sound, capturing both the attack of the stick hitting the drum and the resonance of the snares themselves.
Do I need a shock mount for my snare mic?
A shock mount can help reduce handling noise and vibrations, leading to a cleaner snare drum sound.
What is the best mic for recording a drum set?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best mic for recording a drum set depends on various factors, including your budget, desired sound, and recording environment.
Can I use the same mic for live performances and studio recording?
Yes, many mics are versatile enough to be used for both live performances and studio recording, such as the Shure SM57 or the Sennheiser MD 421.
How do I prevent bleed from other drums when recording?
Using directional mics with tight polar patterns, such as cardioid or hypercardioid, can help minimize bleed from other drums and instruments.
What is the difference between dynamic and condenser mics?
Dynamic mics use a moving coil to generate an electrical signal, while condenser mics use a capacitor. Dynamic mics are generally more durable and better suited for high sound pressure levels, while condenser mics are more sensitive and detailed.
Can I use a dynamic mic for other acoustic instruments?
Yes, dynamic mics can be used for a variety of acoustic instruments, such as guitar amps, brass, and woodwinds, in addition to snare drums.
Summary of the Best Snare Mics
In conclusion, snare drum mics are a crucial aspect of recording snare drums and capturing the nuances of playing drums.
- The best microphones for snare sounds are usually dynamic microphones with a cardioid polar pattern, as they offer a focused pickup pattern that eliminates background noise. However, using a versatile microphone such as a condenser mic in combination with a dynamic microphone can provide a more balanced signal response and enhance the overall snare drum sound.
- It is important to experiment with different snare drum microphone placement techniques and mic types to find the best sound that complements the music being played.
- Finding the best snare mic involves considering factors like frequency response, polar pattern, durability, and background noise elimination.
By choosing the right snare mic, you can capture the perfect snare drum sound and elevate your recordings to new heights. Once again, here are our favorites:
Best Value for the Money: Shure SM57
Best Premium Option: Sennheiser MD 421
Best Budget Option: Audix i5
Best Hypercardioid Option: Beyerdynamic M201TG
Best for Isolation: Heil Sound PR 30B
Thanks for checking us out, and keep rockin’!
*FYI, when you make a qualifying purchase through one of our links, we might receive a small commission from Amazon or other retailers, at no additional cost to you, which helps us to fund this site. It's a way to find what you're looking for while supporting us in the process!