Top 5 Overhead Mics under 300 € | Drum Recording | Thomann

Guys, these mics knocked my socks off when I tested them. What a sound you can get for really little money now is amazing! Here is our Top 5 selection of the best overhead mics you can get for under 300€ for your future drum recordings. What do you think? //Simon
Download the indvidual mic tracks here: bit.ly/3mtsXDp
Choose your favorite mic pair here: bit.ly/3fRape0
Interesting bits and pieces:
0:00 Introduction
0:15 t.bone sct 140
0:50 Rode M50
1:54 Rode NT5
2:23 Rode Oktava MK012
2:52 Lewitt LCT 040 Match
3:27 Simon's conclusion
4:44 Let's play some drums
Other drum mic videos: bit.ly/3lqqoAM
Webshop: www.thomann.de
Facebook: / thomanninternational
Twitter: @thomann / thomann
Instagram: @thomann.music / thomann.music
Pinterest: / thomannde
Visit our blogs:
GER: www.thomann.de/blog/de/
ENG: www.thomann.de/blog/en/
FRA: www.thomann.de/blog/fr/
ESP: www.thomann.de/blog/es/
ITA: www.thomann.de/blog/it/
NED: www.thomann.de/blog/nl/
FIN: www.thomann.de/blog/fi/"
#drumbash #thomann #drumrecording #overheadmics

Came for the mic comparison, stayed for the filthy grooves

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Yeah. Glad you like them. :) //Simon

[@Ramshackled17]

same

[@scottmacgregor4622]

Thanks for demo'ing all the mics, Simon. The Lewitt's definitely had a little more of the detailed/accentuated high end I was looking for. After watching this video, I ended up ordering a pair of the Lewitt LCT 040's. I can't wait to try them out on my hand drums.

[@thekimbyungyong]

The Rode NT5 is like a well-balanced microphone. The NT5 microphone doesn't distort the sound, so I think it's so good.

[@Chercht]

I really liked the Lewitt pair, really crisp highs and nice snare nuances. I got the NT5 set a few years ago but actually have not many occasions to use them. Still nice to have, they still compare quite good in the tested field and still have a good price value. Nice grooves as always, really spices up the videos even more! :)

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Thanks a lot Chercht! //Simon

[@augmentedkeys5971]

I've been eyeing the Lewitt's and your great review and you helped me decide on them.

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Perfect. Glad I could help. Is there anything you‘d like to see in a future video? //Simon

[@myeend]

The only thing more surprising than the low price of the great sounding T-bones, is how great your playing is! Nice work!

[@kimseniorb]

Oktava is the best mic on the budget for sure. No high end hype, extended low end, and their capsule extensions are just superb. I have 4 cardioid of those, 2 sticks I use with omni capsules and 2 more hyper capsules which are great for acoustics. Best deal in the world

[@jorisverhasselt]

This was exactly what I asked for! Nice grooves btw

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Great. Glad I could help! //Simon

[@gabrieldillon11]

Love the lewitt simon, thanks for another great review Simon

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Thanks Gabriel. Glad you like it. //Simon

[@nykretus]

Thanks for the downloads that will help a lot and hear them in my own monitors.

[@brothadanny614]

Another great Review! Rode makes very nice and affordable microphones and the NT5's are a great example of that. Thanks for the review ✊

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Thanks a lot, Daniel! //Simon

[@kenwebster5053]

Yep, I picked the Rode NT5 & Lewitt from this test as well. Listening through Sennheiser HD 650 phones.

[@florianveit2013]

Great stuff, keep it coming!

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Thanks a lot Flo! What would you like to see next? //Simon

[@vasvaribela]

Nice comparison. Great playing!!!!!!

[@razvanlupu7507]

...and the drumming is awesome,kudos👍

[@NominalTopic]

i ordered the Lewitts because of this video. Great job!

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Awesome! Thank you! //Simon

[@AnthonyMcBazooka]

The Rode M5 are incredible value for money. Added to my wishlist.

[@elliot245]

The NT5s had a nicely balanced sound and sounded great. Also the t.bones are very good for their low price.

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Right? I was super surprised about the t-mics.

[@drumyogi9281]

Thank you so much for using dynamics while testing these. It helps out a lot!

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Your welcome. Where are you from, Jason?

[@drumyogi9281]

@@ThomannsDrumBash Greenville California. I just moved to Chico California last year though. What about yourself?

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Cool. I‘ve only been to Los Angeles in California :). I live close to Cologne, Germany. //Simon

[@JamieSandel]

I’ve had the M5s for years and they work so well for drum overheads specifically. But I am realizing that they can be the slightest bit thin/hollow sounding

[@buenmin799]

duuuuuuude, your drumming!!! i love your pocket. i think im going with the lewitts :)

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Thanks a lot Buen Min! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻👍🏻 //Simon

[@martinpurisic4459]

The winner for me is the Rode NT5. Don't know what it is, but compared to others its the most balanced and warm-sounding pair. Love these kind of videos, keep up the great work!

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Thanks a lot martin. NT 5 sound great. //Simon

[@BillRayDrums]

I've been using the Behringer C2 SDCs as overheads and I'm extremely pleased with what they deliver for the amount I paid for them.

[@johnwolffmusic5243]

the groove !! yerrr !!! thanks

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Thanks John! What instrument do you play? //Simon

[@stephkirwin1898]

what a beautiful drum kit. I have the lewitt's which I bought for my acoustic guitar and drum kit . its fine for my needs

[@dereferenced_nil_pointer]

Great comparison, Simon. Lewitt sounds great, and for some reason I really like Oktava. I guess they both could be very useful depending on what kind of sound you're trying to get.

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Thanks Denis! That’s right. It all comes down to the context and taste :). //Simon

[@tedc6694]

Love the top end of 040 on acoustic guitar

[@jannevaatainen]

T.Bones sounds excellent! Very close to Oktavas, which are my personal go to overheads, as they have very smooth high end.

[@pawmansubhajitghosh203]

I loved the tbone bought a pair

[@Slitter_the_Dubstep]

Nice! You didnt lie when you said that there would be more gear videos! I especially like this because i could really use some better overheads as well

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

🙂 Glad I could help! //Simon

[@razvanlupu7507]

Hi,sir.Great job you do here and usefull.I liked the Lewitt 040 more because of the delicate highs,they have a sort of "expensive" sound,so to speak.

[@Soundwolfrock]

Your groove ist outstanding ! Mics are different, but not too much. Lewitt 140 and Rode NT5 would be my choice !

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Thanks a lot! //Simon

[@chaoscinereous]

those M5s have terrific cymbal capture, i quite liked it, even more so than the lewitt 040 that i was considering. i close mic my drums, so the priority in my overhead sound is definitely the cymbals. those m5s just have such a smooth sound for a pair that costs less than the 040. both are certainly the best value deals on the market for overheads rn tho

[@Belou240]

This video should be called “Filthy and Juicy Drum Grooves (feat. Mic Comparison)

[@boobo3763]

Yes, the Lewitts will need to be eq'd a bit (little shrill on the top), but iI really like the way they sound here... Hate to say it. Wanted to love the Octavas... All depends on how it sounds when YOU are doing YOUR thing in your own studio... One thing to consider is that he is playing some pretty dark cymbals here, actually. So if something sounds bright here, then, well, ya know...

[@LucasDrums]

I would definitely go with the Rode NT5 or the Lewitt! ✌

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Totally with you! 🙂 //Simon

[@mattddrums1]

Was thinking the same thing brother. Which I’m gonna look into both a little further because I was set on the Lewitt but the NT5 might sound a tad clearer in my opinion. Any thoughts?

[@LucasDrums]

The two overheads are really very similar, but yes, Rode's ones sound a little clearer and more articulate in my opinion, too!

[@drumfun844]

Important how to use or for what. And how many other mics you will use...If you will use only a few mics you´ll need good overheads with full body spectrum with low mids... like NT5...BUT if you´ll use mics on each drum, the LEWITs are perfect choice because of BRILLIANT HIGHS and if you are interested in brilliant cymbals with nice stereo sound with glossy highs and crispy punchy sound, you will love them....and for low mids you will use mics on each drum and you will get perfect full spectrum sound with bottoms and grispy cymbal highs....

[@tomford8286]

They all sound good and captured that sucky snare well.

[@JasonWelchMusic]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Do an overhead shootout using only dynamic mics. (Such as, but not limited to....) Heil PR31-BW Rode podmic SM57 SM7B And/or any other dynamic mic you have on hand. Im subscribing now! You are a fantastic drummer.

[@06szymonszymanski]

Amazing comparison and playing Simon👌 Lewitt is the best sounding to my ears and also wallet friendly

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Thanks a lot Szymon! Glad you like it! //Simon

[@kidamazed]

Wow, this guy has a great groove!

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Hi @kidAmazed! Thanks a lot. Glad you dig it. Have a nice sunday. //Simon

[@kidamazed]

@@ThomannsDrumBash You got it man! Can I ask a question? The video was awesome but it was a bit confusing with the comment about adding low end. Was that an eq thing or did you add a mic to the kick drum? How much did that effect the sound? I wanna know how the overheads sound alone. Thanks!

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Hi @@kidamazed In the video we added a kick drum mic to the overhead signal but you can download the individual mic tracks (without the kick mic signal) out of the video description to get a better picture of the overhead‘s sound. //Simon

[@kidamazed]

@@ThomannsDrumBash Thanks man! I'll look into that.

[@solitudeparade]

Super tasty, clean playing

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Thanks a lot! Do you play drums too? //Simon

[@solitudeparade]

yeah, a longtime guitarist that goofed on all my drummers kits over the years, but finally got my own kit a couple years ago

[@jarmainragul3367]

Lewitt. For me the best overall sound and best stereo picture in my opinion here. But yes, a hard decision to find the best here.

[@Zundaaa]

That stereo jumped into my face too!

[@soundvillage5977]

Wuaat. The Lewitt is absoluteley crappy. Especially in the heights.

[@kimseniorb]

Yes they are way too brittle.

[@CaptainShitacularAVL]

@@soundvillage5977ok bro lol

[@markgalasso245]

Easily the best was the Lewitt LCT 040. Really good drumming & clean, even Technique. Thanks

[@kimseniorb]

Its too overhyped 5khz upwards

[@jannevaatainen]

@@kimseniorb Exactly. Gets irritating and not pleasant. NT5 is in the middle and T.Bone and Oktava have the smoothest high end.

[@Siralantoon]

He makes that look very easy. I know it's not..☺️ fun test too

[@DonaldMerrit]

I'm a little late to this party but I have the road M5 and I like the lewitt best

[@ralfkirsten124]

2:14 Best roll ever..!!

[@maungshane]

Rode NT5

[@davidb_dj]

Hello, thanks for this great comparaison. Snare and toms are also recorder with overhead mics ? Thanks

[@hjalmarbackstrom5883]

Really helpful! Would have been nice to hear Superlux S241too

[@libremocion9273]

Hi Simon! Thanks for the video. I have a doubt. Im a looper-one-man-band Artist and I have bought the rode ntg2 because I had a dynamic mic (shure sm58 beta) but there is a lot of movements to adapt de mic to te different instruments that I use (percussion, guitar, flutes, singing bowls, voice...). I thougt that will be great to have a directional shotgun mic and bring the different instruments to the same área. But I have a problem now, the mic takes too much ambient noise and the feedback noise (excuse my english) appears soon on live performance. Do you know about some mic apropiate for my needs?

[@Anerosguru]

Terrific shootout! I've been interested in the Rode NT5's and you provided a great opportunity to hear them. Thanks so much! Did you say you were using a separate preamp with them? If so, which one?

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Hi Brian. Thanks a lot. Yes. We currently use an Audient Preamp which has a pretty clean signal. All the best, Simon

[@gogolbordelo8617]

The best pair under 300 euros is Line Audio CM3/CM4. They sell directly to clients.

[@HR2635]

I acutally have a pair of the t.bone sc140.. they are amazing for the price! .. just for fun: I just tried running them through the Antares Mic Mod (Km184 (w)) and they sound stellar in the mix.

[@nirelsharon]

Great shootout! What is the db meter behind you?

[@AlexandreCriado]

The Tbone don't sound "bad" but they lack some definition and dynamics... For a full miked drum kit, i'd go with the Lewitts cos the shine is really beautiful, if I'd have only snare/BD/overhead mics I'd go with the Rode NT5s that are more balanced Also if I'd need a warmer overall sound and to catch more toms, I'd go with a pair of large condenser mics like AKG C3000, it can be surprisingly good!

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Hi Chacal. I was pretty surprised about the t.bones as well. Big fan of the lewitt cause of their brilliance and punch. Unfortunately never had the chance to try the AKGs. //Simon

[@AlexandreCriado]

@@ThomannsDrumBash I recall seeing In Flames back around 2000's and they got two C3000B as overheads, and the cymbals sound was very rich and powerful

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Ok. Cool. Maybe there is a video here on KZbin from that time :) //Simon

[@ctld5266]

lewitt are too bright.

[@climbingbeggars4285]

For me,Oktava wins,no doubt about it.

[@johannesimmonen2125]

What device you use to record? Like where do you connect these mics?

[@Drumsholic]

Lewitt 040 is the BEST!!!

[@burnradio9681]

Thanks for this video. A shame that you added that bass drum signal though. Now we have no idea what these mics sound like at the low end.

[@kidamazed]

Yeah, this was my concern as well. And what does that mean anyways? Is it an extra mic or what? Confusing.

[@juanperezpianistaflamenco]

To me if I have to use only those 2 mics to capture the drums the most complete and realistic sound would be the Rode NT5.

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Hey Juan. NT5s are great mics. I like em too! Thanks for the feedback //Simon

[@pawmansubhajitghosh203]

T-bone is my favourite among these

[@JamieSandel]

EDIT: Now that I listen back, the t-bone is actually pretty similar to the Oktava in that respect. And kind of has better transients... Super interesting how distinct they all are. The Lewitts are the clearest and most spacious on the highs for sure, but the Oktavas would be great in a situation where you don’t have a snare mic- It gives a lot of body and a balanced level to the snare, moreso than with the other more brilliant mics

[@HR2635]

have the t.bone... had the 040 matched... have a Se8 set and others... t.bone: ok for simple cymbal spot mics.. and snare.. for OH, transients are bad, and nasty highs, 040 sound awesome.. unfortunately VERY badly RF shielded (tried 3 pairs), if you room is well shielded and all phones are off: get them...

[@kevinseverance120]

Awesome video! I just picked up the Lewitt LCT 040 matched pair and couldn't be happier. Question: what is that stack you're using near the floor tom? Looks like a 16" K EFX on top, but what's beneath it? I'm a huge stack enthusiast and love the way it sounds!

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Hi Kevin. Thanks a lot for your comment. Glad you like it. Yes, it's a 16" K EFX Crash on top of 16" A Heavy Crash //Simon

[@kevinseverance120]

@@ThomannsDrumBash awesome, thank you!

[@alzhaimar]

What mic are you using for the kick drum?

[@TheOgruffydd]

Keep the same performance for each mic please!

[@johnwolffmusic5243]

hello simon i am playing irish tradd music on the fiddle and also a singer ang guitare player .. i was intrested in you mic demo because i am looking for mics to record trikky irish pickink tunes on the guitare on this rang of price ( tony mac manus style ) if you ve got any advice .. regard john

[@onehalph]

May I ask where the microphones were placed during the test (at what height) and what stereo method did you use (XY, AB, ORTF...)? Thanks

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Hi. Honestly can‘t tell you the exact height. I think it was about one and a half arm length on top of the cymbals. And we used the AB stereo method. //Simon

[@jcdrums2798]

good very good....

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Thanks a lot! //Simon

[@FedeMexMarzo]

AKGs ?

[@agork]

Lewitt wins. Octava was surprisingly close to the t.Bone mics

[@steeltruedrum]

Great video! Thanks, Simon. NT5 is winner here (imho). I'm trying to choose between SE8 or NT5. What do you think?

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Hi Ivan. I honestly don’t know how the SE8 sounds. Let me check and I’ll get back to you ASAP. //Simon

[@sotirissugahgalore]

@@ThomannsDrumBash great video! please do an update, add the se7 and the se8 in the equation. i'm looking on these two pairs, can't find anything for the se7 on youtube. I think se8 is the winner for little more money. I'd love to hear what you think.

[@Junga.Jonathan]

1:56 Michael Jackson - Workin' Day and Night (groove)

[@la666e]

or Mezzoforte - Garden Party

[@jcdrums2798]

hello simon i got the tbone sc140, can you explane me the 2 level settings on the mic please? thanks for that!

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Hi! Yes I can. -10 and -20 is a pad which reduces the gain input lebe by 10 or 20 db. The one underneath is a low cut filter which means that you cut off either from 75 Hz or from 150 Hz. So everything underneath is cut off.

[@mure4256]

Tbone!!!!!

[@joshleeming7796]

What kick mic are you using in this video?

[@bobbywhitewolf]

An industry standard is the Shure Beta 52 . You can find some good deals on used ones.

[@HR2635]

Lewit 040 unfortunately are extremely sensitive to electrical interference (mobile phones and computers and current not 100% stable).. tried 2 matched pairs... unbearable noise!... sad.. cause they sound AMAZING!... but cannot live with that sensitive mics.

[@thomasvlaming729]

What mics where used for the last part of the video? (the let's play some drums part)

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Hey Thomas. I think we used the Lewitt mics again! //Simon

[@thomasvlaming729]

@@ThomannsDrumBash Thanks! I'm really struggling to pick a set of small diaphragm condenser mics. I will be using them on acoustic guitar, upright piano and as overheads on a drumkit. What mics would you recommend (maybe even mics that aren't in this video)? I'm a bit concerned about the brilliance/presence in the Lewitt microphones, but I should say on your drumkit it sounds great. I find it hard to choose a set of mics from just youtube videos. The Rode NT5's do sound a bit more balanced, but maybe it lacks the hype of the lewitt mics. And to be perfectly honest, I'm a bit biased by the size of the Lewitt mics, they're so small haha

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Hey Thomas. Sorry for the late reply. The Lewitt are pretty small but sound huge 😅 and your right, the nt5 sound a little bit more balanced but at the end it comes down to what kinda sound you like to achieve. From my personal experience I always add highs to the signal and take of a little bit of low mids so why not pick a mic that already does that...just a way of thinking but maybe that helps for your decision. //Simon

[@DjCamme98]

Do you had use a bass drum mic ?

[@SoundsToBlowYourMind]

Yeah, he explains around 1:38 that you are listening to the overheads, plus a bass drum mic. There would never be this much bass drum sound from the overheads alone.

[@chrisogrady28]

Back in the days when you could get a PAIR of Oktavas for €300 😭

[@marcpatzelt2430]

So this is recorded only with the overheads?

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Yep. Overheads and a little bit of Kick Mic. //Simon

[@marcpatzelt2430]

@@ThomannsDrumBash Than that's a great sound. I think I'm gonna go with the Lewitt when I'm gonna start recording myself.

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

@@marcpatzelt2430 👍🏻 great choice! //Simon

[@coldacre]

you've mislabelled the 4th mic as "Rode Oktava MK012". Oktava is its own brand, nothing to do with Rode.

[@addthisto]

oktava

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

Great Choice! What would be your favorite Snare Mic? //Simon

[@kimseniorb]

@@ThomannsDrumBash albini uses 012 as a go to snare mic, and an omni pair for rooms. Terrific little mics these are

[@Alexedoff]

Октава имеет самый естественный, насыщенный и натуральный звук,- так как мы слышим.

[@DuroSamples]

I think the engineers at Lewitt are over 60. These mics are so hyped up in the hi-med and high frequencies. My least favorite. Thanks for sharing.

[@DuroSamples]

Maybe next time repeat the same pattern for all mics??? NT5: Hands down. Lewitt: Over hyped and harsh. No thank you...

[@studio4ffofficial]

would have helped to play the same beat and keep the same dynamics for each mic. playing the crashs hard on one pair and mellow on thenext brand makes the comparison almost useless, sorry

[@andigal7961]

Thanks for the comparisson, but it's really annoying you play different grooves at each one.

[@MichaelBuchzik]

no difference with Apple Airpods ... LOL

[@ThomannsDrumBash]

😂👍🏻 //Simon

[@nickgoogle4525]

Lewitt sounds horrible, the t-bone somehwat dull . The rest does not differ that much IMO.

[@VEGAN-X]

YOUVE GOTTA PLAY THE SAME TUNE WITH EACH MIC TO BE FAIR , UNACCEPTABLE