In this video, I’m comparing 6 different pairs of drum overhead microphones. We’ll listen to each mic pair in isolation and blended with close mics, and we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each one.

The mics we’re comparing are:
– Neumann KM184
– sE Electronics sE8s
– Warm Audio WA14
– AKGC414 XLS
– Lauten Audio LA320
– Warm Audio WA67

We’ll also discuss some of the factors to consider when choosing a drum overhead microphone, such as sound quality, price, versatility, and which I thought was the best value.

Download the free .wav audio stems of this comparison to listen more closely/apply your own EQ/etc – download them below!

Video Time Stamps:

0:00 – Intro
1:12 – Microphone List and Price Details
2:02 – What to Listen For
2:21 – Microphone Playing Test (overheads only, no compression or EQ)
4:48 – Why I picked each pair of mics
6:45 – Microphone Playing Test (overheads + close mics, no compression or EQ)
8:54 – Winners/Losers and my thoughts
15:29 – Favorite pair of overheads in a full mix

Thanks to Zzounds for making this video possible, here are links to every mic discussed in today’s video:
sE8 – $260 https://www.zzounds.com/item–SEESE8OMNI?siid=288512
WA-14 – $324 https://www.zzounds.com/item–WAUWA14?siid=207986
Lauten – $600 https://www.zzounds.com/item–LAULA320?siid=325322
KM184 – $850 https://www.zzounds.com/item–NEUKMS184?siid=33438
WA67 – $900 https://www.zzounds.com/item–WAUWA67?siid=286431
C414 – $1,100 https://www.zzounds.com/item–AKGC414XLII?siid=89273