The 7 Best Tom Mics (2023)

You need a specific type of microphone to properly capture the sound from your tom drums. There are many mics made specifically for this purpose. Also, easily mountable tom mics can make things easier during setup.

My top recommended tom mic is the Audix D2, due to its warm sound reproduction and low impedance.

My second recommended tom mic is the Shure SM 57, an incredibly popular, affordable, and versatile microphone for drums.

The 7 Best Tom Mics (2023)

Let’s compare these in more detail.

Few mics give the natural, interference-free sound quality like the Audix D2. It is particularly great for rack toms as its hypercardioid pickup pattern isolates the tune of the drums. 

Rack toms produce a unique low-pitched sound but a higher frequency than the kick drum or floor tom. To get the best sound out of them, you need a mic that compliments them. This is where Audix D2 mics show their true color.

It has a compact design, making it easy to move. It also has a scratch-resistant spring steel grille to add to its durability. 

Transducer type	Dynamic
Max SPL	144 dB
Power requirements	None
Frequency Bandwidth	68-18,000 Hz

Even though it may not have an array of applications as compared to other mics, the D2 is a master of its trade that is bringing the sound of rack toms to life.

The Shure SM 57 is exceptional for close quarters all the while maintaining a reputation for its toughness. I mean, butterfingers, constant bumps, or long life, it really can withstand it all!

This is one of the most popular and versatile microphones ever made. If you’ve ever made your way onto a stage or into a recording studio, you’ve probably seen an SM57 mic somewhere.

The SM-57 can easily detect extreme sound levels on the higher end of the spectrum. What results is a lack of distortion.  Another commendable quality of these mics is the cardioid polar pattern minimizing the background noise.

Transducer type	Dynamic
Max SPL	190 dB
Power requirements	None
Frequency Bandwidth	40-15,000 Hz

Over decades as a staple in a musician’s life, the Shure SM 57 has rightfully earned its stripes. It’s a complete package especially if you are just starting out and don’t want to empty your pockets.

The Audix D4 is very similar to the previously mentioned D2 microphone, but the D4 is much more suited to floor toms due to it being better suited for deeper sounds.

The Audix D4 has a hyper-cardioid pattern. The microphone captures an isolated sound and gives you feedback control with high gains. It is great for handling high SPL levels without distorting which is a problem for most mics.

Boasting small dimensions, the D4 is a very mobile microphone. Its construction makes it easy to install and carry. This battery-powered mic is lightweight and super convenient.

Transducer type	Dynamic
Max SPL	144 dB
Power requirements	None
Frequency Bandwidth	40-18,000 Hz

The Audix D4 is made for the specific purpose of capturing the deep sounds of percussion. As expected, it does its job really well.

There is a reason this microphone has been used by some of the greatest musicians of all time. The AKG C414 XLII captures incredible sounds for every occasion. It’s a great option to use when recording toms in the studio.

You can switch between 5 primary polar patterns – Omnidirectional, Cardioid, Wide-Cardioid, Hypercardioid, Figure-8, and 4 hybrid polar patterns. It also has an LED light to indicate the current pattern of the mic. A feature unlike any other. 

The versatility of this mic is impeccable, it’s suitable for any musical situation and it is fairly simple to use, making it the ideal choice for many.

Transducer type	Condenser
Max SPL	140 dB
Power requirements	448C phantom power
Frequency Bandwidth	20-20,000 Hz

If you have the budget, you really can’t go wrong with the AKG C414 XLII. Keep in mind that this is a pricey and fragile mic so you should take good care of it.

Sennheiser’s MD 421-II has been a popular choice as a tom mic. The feedback rejection of the mic and bass roll-off isolates the sound of the toms and reproduces it in its natural tendency. This makes it ideal for both studio and live performances.

The MD421-II is one of those mics that’s handy to have for many different recording situations. Although it’s a bit pricey, it offers quite a lot of versatility that you won’t get from purpose-built tom mics.

The mic features a 5-stage bass switch that is the shining star behind the mic’s versatility. Plus, the design is incredibly eye-pleasing.

Transducer type	Dynamic
Max SPL	150 dB
Power requirements	None
Frequency Bandwidth	30-17,000 Hz

Sennheiser MD421-II stays true to its reputation and produces incredible sound. Despite the price range, it is a nice microphone to have in the studio and on stage.

This is another mic that is specifically made for drums. You can put it on your rack toms or floor tom and the ATM230 will give you a good response. 

It’s a compact mic that can be clipped on the rim, so it’s a good one to sneak on stage. Also, it has a rugged, all-metal body, so you can expect heavy-duty use without worrying about damage. 

Since this mic is made for drums, it handles high SPL levels with ease. Not only that, its low-end reception is phenomenal as well.

Transducer type	Dynamic
Max SPL	140 dB
Power requirements	None
Frequency Bandwidth	30-12,000 Hz

The ATM230 works with the hyper-cardioid polar pattern, which isolates the intended sound and controls feedback on par with the best mics in town.

The Sennheiser E604 is an easy-to-use mic with a very handy clip-on mount. This mic can be attached to the rim so that it stays close to the action. It has very decent sound quality and it’s a popular tom mic for this reason.

Once you clip it and tighten the screws, you won’t have to worry about it falling off! The E604 picks up both high and low-end frequencies beautifully. Being near the tom head, it delivers great sustain and attack, exactly as the tom intends. 

This is a low-noise microphone with an integrated tripod mount with a simple and easy-to-use design. The affordability adds that much more value to the product.

Transducer type	Dynamic
SPL	160 dB
Power requirements	None
Frequency Bandwidth	40-18,000 Hz

Sennheiser is an established name in the audio industry. If you want a reliable tom mic without spending a fortune, then you should look into the E604.

Setting Up Mics on Toms

Clip-on or mounted stand, it’s really up to your personal preference on how you want to mic your toms. 

If you place your cymbals higher, then a stand works just fine. No hindrance in the kit and no high-frequency noise either.  However, if you do place your cymbals closer or even want to hide your mics during a live show, stick with clipping the mic onto the rim.

Here’s a video to demonstrate the process:

Do You Even Need Mics for Each Tom?

There are many different approaches to miking drums. You don’t necessarily need to mic every drum but it gives you the most versatility.

Some sound engineers ditch miking up individual drums altogether and just go for an overhead mic setup. For more information, check out our guide on how to record drums.

Tune Your Drums Properly

No amount of high-end professional studio equipment can make your kit sound good if it is not tuned well. Honestly, your first step should be to learn how to tune according to the music you are playing. Get in touch with your instrument. There are plenty of guides online to help with this. A drum tuner can also help you along the way, but they’re not a perfect solution.

Conclusion

At first, buying recording gear can be a tentative decision. Setting it up, even more so. So, keep in mind that you don’t have to be a professional sound engineer to be good at this. All it takes is a good ear and some experience to develop this skill. 

Any of the tom mics mentioned in this list will do a fine job of capturing the sound. The differences between each are quite subjective and no matter the choice, they are all particularly well suited for tom drums.

My top pick is the Audix D2, a great mic with warm sound reproduction and low impedance.

My budget pick is the Shure SM 57, an incredibly popular, budget-friendly, and versatile mic for drums.