Drum Mic Bundle Reviews: Complete Kit Packages Compared

Drum mic bundle reviews compare the complete kit packages that manufacturers offer for recording full drum sets. These bundles provide coordinated microphone selections at package pricing, simplifying the purchasing decision while typically offering savings over individual purchases. Understanding what each bundle provides enables choosing the right package for specific needs and budgets.

What Bundles Typically Include

Standard bundles cover essential positions: kick drum (one microphone), snare (one microphone), toms (two to four microphones depending on package), and often overhead options or enhancement microphones.

Premium bundles may add hi-hat microphones, room microphones, or additional close mics for comprehensive coverage. The expanded contents suit professional applications requiring full flexibility.

Most bundles include carrying cases and necessary clips. The complete package provides everything needed to begin drum recording immediately.

Shure PGADRUMKIT Series

The PGA Drum Kit bundles offer entry-level performance at accessible pricing. The PGADRUMKIT5 includes kick, snare, and three tom microphones; the PGADRUMKIT7 adds two overhead condensers.

Sound quality meets expectations for the price point. The microphones capture usable drum sound suitable for demos, home recording, and learning.

The package includes carrying case, clips, and cables. The complete contents enable immediate use without additional purchases.

Best for: beginners, home studios, educational settings, and budget-conscious applications where professional-level quality isn’t required.

Audix FP Series

The Audix FP5 and FP7 bundles provide the company’s fusion series microphones in coordinated packages. The FP5 includes kick (F6), snare (F5), and three toms (F2); the FP7 adds two overhead condensers (F9).

Sound quality exceeds many entry-level bundles. The microphones capture detailed drum sound suitable for serious recording applications.

The i-series bundles (i5, D2, D4 combination) offer alternative configurations using different Audix models for varied tonal options.

Best for: intermediate users seeking quality upgrade from entry-level bundles while maintaining budget consciousness.

Sennheiser E600 Series

The Sennheiser e 600 Drum Kit provides kick (e602-II), snare (e609), and four tom microphones (e604) in the company’s evolution series.

The e604 clip-on design simplifies tom positioning significantly. The rim-mount clips eliminate floor stand requirements for toms.

Sound quality represents professional capability. These microphones appear on major studio recordings and professional touring rigs.

Best for: professional applications, touring musicians, and users prioritizing setup efficiency.

AKG Drum Set Session

The AKG Drum Set Session provides a comprehensive package including kick (D112 MKII), snare (P4), toms (multiple C430 small-diaphragm condensers doubling as overheads), and accessories.

The inclusion of condenser microphones distinguishes this bundle from purely dynamic offerings. The C430s provide different overhead character than large-diaphragm alternatives.

The D112 MKII kick microphone represents a proven industry standard. This alone provides significant value within the bundle.

Best for: users seeking condenser overhead options included in their bundle while maintaining quality close mics.

Premium Bundle Options

The Shure DMK57-52 provides SM57s for snare and toms plus Beta 52A for kick. This professional-level combination appears on countless commercial recordings.

The Audix DP7 includes D6 (kick), i5 (snare), D2/D4 (toms), and ADX51 (overheads). This comprehensive package covers all standard positions with quality components.

Premium bundles command higher prices but provide microphones suitable for professional studio recording without upgrade requirements.

Evaluating Bundle Value

Calculate individual microphone prices to determine bundle savings. Most bundles offer 15-30% savings over separate purchases.

Consider whether all included microphones will be used. A bundle with six tom mics provides little value if four-tom configurations are never recorded.

Evaluate upgrade potential. Bundles providing quality in some positions while requiring upgrades elsewhere may ultimately cost more than well-chosen individual purchases.

Making the Right Choice

Match bundle contents to actual recording needs. Simple three-mic setups don’t require seven-piece bundles.

Consider growth potential. Starting with a quality five-piece bundle and adding individual premium pieces over time provides practical upgrade path.

Read user reviews beyond promotional materials. Real-world experience reveals how bundles perform in practical applications.

Handling bundles in person when possible reveals build quality and ergonomics that specifications cannot convey.