Sign up to the Drum Helper mailing list for exclusive tips, guides, lessons, and reviews. Hi! In this guide we’ll take a look at the best hi hat mics for your drum set. It has a very clean sound that delivers crisp hi hat notes well. https://media.blubrry.com/mdpodcastmikeandmike/p/www.moderndrummer.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/Episode_239.mp3, MD Podcast Episode 205: Gretsch Badge History, Listener Questions, Snare Drum Giveaway, and More, Episode 57: Building Dynamics, Shannon Forrest, and More, Listen to a Sound File of Zildjian’s 22-inch Swish Knocker, VIDEO – TreeWorks Chimes NAMM Show 2014 New Gear Coverage. Shure drum and percussion microphones cover every shell and cymbal smarter. The Rode M3 is designed and made in Australia to a very high standard and includes an industry leading 10-year warranty. That's why we collected 50 large-diaphragm condenser mics in Sweetwater's Studio A and recorded female and male vocals through each under carefully controlled conditions. Recording Hacks – Neumann Mic Shootout: U87i vs U87ai Randy Coppinger – Lawson L47 II vs. Heil PR40 Randy Coppinger – Audio Technica AT4060 vs. Neumann u87Ai This microphone features a lightweight half-inch true condenser transducer diaphragm that delivers great clarity and transient response. This is the best hi hat mic on the market because it has a superb frequency response and the directional pattern is very smooth. Next up for review is this excellent value and highly versatile Rode M3 Condenser Microphone, and this is the best hi hat mic for the money. I hear more stick definition and a more open high end. This is another great mic for deep tones — low voices, toms, bass cabs, kicks, and the like. My main hi hats are the Sabian Paragon 13" Hats in natural finish. The Rode M3 performs very well both in the studio and on stage. to give you my top recommendations. MD Podcast Episode 239: Clave Variations, Hi-Hat Mic Shootout, Contest Announcement, and More Drumming has always been my passion, and I have been playing the drums for over 15 years. Other features include a 21 mm gold vapor capsule, miniaturized electronics, and an extremely small footprint. The Mojave Audio MA-101 FET is equally notable, but for a different reason. I'm using these for studio work. Episode 239: Clave Variations, Hi-Hat Mic Shootout, Contest Announcement, and More. By submitting, you agree to receive communications (emails & texts) from Modern Drummer. Next up, Mike and Mike compare and contrast a handful of microphone options for hi-hat. It’s a well-built and versatile microphone that makes it suitable for all acoustic instruments such as acoustic guitars. Dating back as far as the 1920s, the hi-hat cymbal is ubiquitous in modern music—and for good reason, with nearly a century of presence in the drummer's toolbox. In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss ways to create new rhythm motifs based on the son and rumba clave. This allows greater flexibility when recording and makes it a perfect choice for working with drums. Today, we’re diving into a specific sound that occupies the top end of the frequency spectrum: hi-hats. It’s a sturdy, dependable and accurate microphone that provides great value for money considering it performs as well as microphones that are far more expensive. Enjoy the lowest prices and best selection of DW Hi-Hat Stands at Guitar Center. Offering up a variety of sounds depending on how it's used, the hi-hat is struck closed or played with the pedal to produce a … But don’t stop there! Included with this microphone are two interchangeable capsules, but the cardioid capsule is the choice when using this for hi hats. Next up, Mike and Mike compare and contrast a handful of microphone options for hi-hat. But we’ll talk about overhead primarily because that’s what it’s mainly known for. I hear this on both the sessions (with different cymbals). Use your mic’s pickup pattern! Sit in during weekly conversations between Modern Drummer managing editor, Mike Dawson, and MikesLessons.com founder and MD columnist, Mike Johnston, as they geek out on drumming technique, practice methods, and favorite exercises and offer insight on the latest gear and industry happenings. This item will ship to United States, but the seller has not specified shipping options. It features a pressure-gradient transducer with a shock-mounted diaphragm capsule for smooth performance. With hi-hat, I found the wider VoxGuard kept more hi-hat sound out of the room, but that the sound captured from the hat was a little clearer and crisper via the Mudguard. This hi hat mic features a low inherent noise and a high overdrive protection, enabling it to deliver consistent distortion free recordings even at high sound pressures. For additional episodes visit: moderndrummer.com/mikeandmikepodcast. Roll off bass to reduce low-frequency leakage. Copyright © 2021 Modern Drummer Publications. It’s a useful mic on guitars but I avoid them on snare drums because of their off axis sound, which I find colours the hi hat in an unpleasant way. If you’re getting too much hi-hat, move the snare mic so that the back of the mic is aimed at the hi hat. We set up the mics underneath the marimba like you would on the field, located exactly the same distances side-to-side and from diaphragm to bar. For the money this is the best hi hat mic because it is an affordable yet high quality condenser microphone that is very neutral sounding and delivers a noise-free transmission. For a beginner or a touring professional, in the studio or at the show, we’ve got the options to help you customize the coverage to your kit. It is a substantial piece of kit and it feels weighty due to its rock solid build quality. They can literally do anything. So ultimately, it all comes down to a compromise. Most commonly seen on vocals and speech/VO applications, the SM7B also excels on loud sources such as drums, brass, hi-hat, guitar and bass cabinets... and many more. Drum Helper is one of the most popular free drumming resources on the web, dedicated to helping you achieve the most from playing the drums! The SCX1HC condenser microphone is a number one choice for miking hi-hat both live and in the studio. It also helps to prevent the drummer from hitting the mic with the sticks. Place microphone or adjust cymbal height so that puff of air from closing hi-hat cymbals misses mike. The AKG P170 is a small yet rugged and robust microphone that is perfect for drum overheads and hi hats. It is also very lightweight and very easy to position with a drum set. Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone. Receive updates & special offers from Modern Drummer and our advertising partners. When you move the two hi-hat cymbals together there’s a lot of air pressure moving out from the sides and any microphone placed there will only pickup the classic wind pop and result in a very poor pickup quality. (Updated: September 10, 2020) The AKG Perception 170 is the perfect mic or recording percussive instruments, as well as a bunch of other tasks. Behringer is well known for its affordable and high quality products, and this B-5 microphone delivers clear sounds and is well constructed. I'm looking into getting a great hi hat mic soon and I was wondering what mics you like and why. Putting a mic on the hi-hat is something that seems to be a knee-jerk reflex a lot of the time when recording drums, but actually the hi-hat might work just as well without one if you get the right drum overhead position, which is useful if you are short on channels. Right now, I'm considering the AKG C451B or the Neumann KM184. When mixing drums, the hi-hat typically doesn’t get as much consideration as low end elements. I’ve compared sound, performance, durability and cost Although it might not deliver the ultra-premium sounds of more expensive microphones, this microphone captures accurate sounds and a noise-free transmission that is comparable to microphones that are far more expensive. I rarely mic the hat, but when I do some of the ones that have worked for me when I want to 'capture' the hi-hat AKG 414 Beyer MC 930 but more often, I want something from the hi-hat but I'm not quite getting it in the overheads, then I like to try anything and everything stuff that has worked for me in the past EV RE-10 SM 57 an old Unidyne While every mic has it's own unique voice and response, these broader characteristics and differences can be found in all Large and Small Diaphragm Condenser microphones. It really captures subtle tones and accentuates differences in how the hi hats are played with each stroke. Use a boom, and place the mic above the hat, on the outside of the hat, angled away from the drum kit. Definitely see if it works for your vocalist in any vocal mic shootout… I’m Gideon - thanks for checking out Drum Helper. If you want a microphone to record hi hats that isn't noisy and doesn't cost too … This is a versatile microphone that also sounds great as overheads as well as all acoustic instruments. In the closed position – thicker hi-hats have a brighter, more articulate sound, while thinner hi-hats are darker with less projection. Marimba Microphone Shootout. For non-Pro Tools users, there is a folder named Audio Files inside the Kick Drum Mic Shootout folder. They also introduce how to enter a new giveaway of a 22″ Dream Gorilla ride. This microphone delivers crystal clear mids and high-end frequencies, making it perfect for cymbals and overheads. AKG’s perception line consists of affordable but professional quality microphones that are built to last and are ideal for all manners of sound recording. There’s always a mic combo that suits your sticks. Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Overall the Shure SM81 is the best hi hat mic because of its wide frequency response and beautifully detailed sound reproduction that really captures the nuances of hi hats and cymbals. In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss ways to create new rhythm motifs based on the son and rumba clave. It represents the gold standard for recording acoustic instruments with incredibly detailed sound reproduction. One of the most common choices for a "desert island microphone," the SM7B is a cardioid large-diaphragm dynamic mic with a smooth, flat, and wide-range frequency response. There may be affiliate links on this website, which means I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. Usually, a lot of bleed from the rest of the drum kit is also picked up at the hi-hat position so it’s crucial that these things are taken into consideration. This Behringer hi hat mic features a gold-sputtered diaphragm and gold plated XLR connectors for maximum signal integrity. (See photos and read the technical details.) To reduce hi-hat leakage into snare-drum microphone, use small cymbals vertically spaced 1/2” apart. Beautifully detailed … microphone slightly toward hi-hat to pick up both snare and hi-hat. This microphone delivers professional results no matter whether it is used in the studio or on stage. Episode 239: Clave Variations, Hi-Hat Mic Shootout, Contest Announcement, and More. It captures shimmering high frequencies without sounding too sharp, and that’s why it’s the best choice for hi hats. Contact the seller- opens in a new window or tab and request a shipping method to your location. This microphone has a balanced, clean sound that is perfect for hi hats and it’s an excellent investment for your studio toolkit. 2. Remember that cardiod mics like the SM57 will reject sound to the rear. AKG is a brand … The best way to compare mics is by hearing them! In this article we will look at a couple of examples, including the SM57 on snare and offer some thoughts not just about why this happens but why it matters. Most orders are eligible for free shipping! Find the Closed Hi Hats sound you are looking for in seconds. The first thing that jumped out at me when playing the first sample is the sound of the high-hats in the middle third of the file (MK-012). Microphone positioning The files are named so that the tracks should stay in the proper sequence and groupings. If you mic hi-hats, make sure that the snare drum mic is picking up as little of the hi-hats as possible by placing the mic properly and/or using a noise gate (a dynamic processor used to filter unwanted noise). This microphone is one of the best hi hat mics because it is able to capture the nuances of hi hat cymbals with a good level of detail and realism. After answering a listener question, the show concludes with picks of the week. Condenser microphones are not known to be the most durable pieces of equipment, but surprisingly this is certainly a very robust and durable microphone. AKG Pro Audio C451B Instrument Condenser Microphone – Best Overall Hi Hat Mic. The Cardioid capsule has a 6dB presence boost around 6kHz, which to my ear makes the hi-hats so brash sounding that I want to turn the track down. What other options would you recommend? In first place we have this ultra-premium sounding Shure SM81-LC Condenser Microphone that has a very linear and wide frequency range. All Rights Reserved. 6 Best Home Recording Studio Packages (Feb 2021), 5 Best Vocal Mics For Drummers (Feb 2021), 5 Best U87 Clones That Are Affordable (Feb 2021), Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone, Rode M3 Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone, AKG P170 Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone, Linear frequency response for precise sounds, Excellent value and well-balanced sound reproduction, Designed and made in Australia with 10 year warranty, Internally shock mounted 1/2 inch condenser capsule, Gold-sputtered diaphragm condenser microphone, Pressure-gradient transducer with shock-mount, Lightweight 1/2 inch condenser transducer diaphragm, Affordable and professional quality microphone, Includes: windshield, adapter and carry case, Pickup pattern: cardioid or omnidirectional, Includes: Suspension mount, windscreen and carry case. Shipping and handling. Select all those files and import them directly into a 24/96 session that you create with your DAW. You can reduce bleed in your snare mic by being strategic about placement. On top of these reasons, when I did a comprehensive cajon mic shootout a few years back comparing several mic choices, combinations and positions, I came to the conclusion that funnily enough, my favorite method for recording a cajon is with a single Shure SM57 aimed at the top third of the playing board (somewhere in between the center “kick” and top “snare/hi-hat” in order to capture all of our … If you're having difficulty hearing the differences feel free to email us at mics[at]soundpure.com for the full length hi-res audio files to compare for yourself. The sound is balanced and not too sharp, which is ideal. Hey guys. You can use either a dynamic mic or, better yet, a small-diaphragm condenser mic for the hi-hats. In our blog articles “5 Tips for Mixing High End” and “8 Tips for Taming Harsh Treble in the Mix” we provided some general tips for managing high end in a mix. This microphone offers great value for money. In the semi-open position – thinner hi-hats a have a nicer “sizzly” sound, while thicker ones have a less pleasant “clangy” sound. This is the classic radio-voice mic, best known for its extremely low proximity effect due to its open design. The Shure SM-81 drum mic is a good alternative to the large-diaphragm condenser when it comes to recording drum overheads. Modern Drummer Podcast With Mike and Mike is a show that explores the topics that drummers love the most. Many will place the mic facing straight down, and in doing so, it may pick up some of the snare and perhaps a bit of the kick, depending on how loud the drummer plays. Who knows, with a good hi hat sound, you may be reaching for the hi hats … It’s a true workhorse that will sound great for all applications. We've put together an objective shootout comparing the most popular mics used to amplify marimbas and vibraphones in marching band, drum corps, and indoor drumline. You can also use it for hi hats, percussion, and even snare. The SCX1 will handle sound pressure levels of 130 … Thanks a lot.-Owen As a close-mic on a hi-hat, this would be a great choice. Place single microphone a few This is a fantastic piece of equipment for the money and despite its affordable price tag it is also features a rugged and durable construction that will allow it to serve you for years. Opt out through the unsubscribe link in any marketing email. This microphone has a very low noise and rejects sound that isn’t in its directional pattern. Another excellent feature this microphone has is a selectable three-step low frequency response, with a choice of flat, 6 or 18 dB roll-off. This microphone delivers professional results at an affordable price, and it features a high quality construction. Clamp on Hi Hat Microphone holder. It has very low noise characteristics and it offers excellent value for money considering its price range. Vocal Mic Shootout Hear 50 Vocal Mics Side by Side. Podcast (mike-and-mike): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:15 — 27.6MB), Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | RSS. They also introduce how to enter a new giveaway of a 22″ Dream Gorilla ride. Still, the point is made that different mics “hear” the hats differently and that, depending on the hats and the occasion, a different mic may yield a better result than just using the same mic for hats on every single session. Next up on our list is this high quality Behringer B-5 Condenser Microphone – the best hi hat mic to buy on a budget. Download FREE Closed Hi Hats sounds - royalty-free!