What you hear in the video above are bare microphone signals with no extra processing. It is important to note that this AKG P170 microphone is sold as a single unit, and this microphone will need to be purchased in pairs to be utilized for functioning drum overhead mics. The only differences heard are from the mic capsules themselves. A condenser mic is perfect for capturing detailed nuances of drums and cymbals because they are highly sensitive by nature. They did, however, have a bump up in the mid-range that was fairly pronounced by comparison. You can’t believe everything you read. The Rode NT5 condenser mics are the best overhead drum mics I have used. After looking for appropriate options within our budget I decided that a Rode M5 stereo pair looked good. More About The Rode M5 Compact Condenser This award-winning overhead drum microphone is designed and produced by many expert teams with years of experience from Sydney, Australia. There were subtle differences in frequency response for sure in these three mics. Its half-inch cardioid condenser microphone offers full frequency response and low noise. Making quality stereo recordings has never been cheaper, thanks to the launch of Rode's new M5 mic set. Every microphone company is going to send up a litany of specs in its mic’s defense, just as we saw the M5 specifications above, whenever reliability is questioned. They capture expressive, natural, and rich sounds with superb attention to detail. The microphones come packaged in a durable carry case for easy storage and transportation. Australian company Rode have a more-bang-for-the-buck reputation of turning out quality microphones at affordable prices. The stunning Rode M5 condenser microphones are some of the best overhead mics for professional performance at a very attractive price. They are by far the best overhead drum mics given their price and level of performance to pair with a set of overhead drum mic stands . The M5 also doesn’t have a pad switch to decrease the dB sensitivity at all. The NT5s have small diaphragm condenser mics in half-inch capsules. For me at least, my inner “jury” didn’t have to deliberate for long after hearing the recordings. Designed and made in Australia, the M5 is a compact cardioid condenser microphone with low noise and a full frequency response. The M5 is much noisier than the NT5. This is called phantom power and it’s a +48 Volt DC. . Let me state, before closing the book on this case, that I am not endorsed by any microphone company, nor do I have any axe to grind with any of the manufacturers involved in this shootout. What did you think??? Each mic pair was placed in exactly the same spot, with exactly the same settings dialed up on my interface and software. The most important aspect of sound capturing from overhead mics will be the cymbals, as well as room sound and atmosphere. I would say that if you’re on a budget, go with the M5. Rode NT5 MP Condenser Microphones for Drum Set, Matched Pair. The RØDE M5 mics does approach the bench with some clear advantages for drum overheads: the biggest plus, over the CK-1 and the CM217, is that the M5 mics are a matched pair. That can be just the ticket for certain instruments, so I’m definitely going to remember that for future recordings. The one thing I DID have to adjust was the gain for the M5 AND the CM217 mics. Read user reviews for Rode M5-MP Matched Pair Cardioid Condenser Microphones and see over 325,000 product reviews at zZounds.com. The M3 is an obvious contender for drum overheads, given the extended high end, and it does indeed work very well, producing smooth, sizzling cymbals without the aggressive edge of some mics. They just give me more flexibility of processing during a session. Bright and complex sounds are handled exceptionally well, and the microphones produce fantastic results capturing the atmosphere in the room. I am on a bit of a budget as its only a basic home studio for recording mates heavy punk rock bands but i … Similar Products; You read our blog here; you know us. They allow the drums to sound more realistic, natural, and authentic to a listener. The XLR cables were run into my Tascam 16×08 audio interface. Just like you. The purpose of drum overhead mics is to provide a balanced stereo image of the drum set as a whole. They do work amazingly both individually and when in stereo pair. Each capsule was 50″ from the center of the snare drum. The only place where the truth resides is in the testing studio, where fact is separated from fiction, and a microphone’s true colors can be heard. This is always preferential when recording a stereo image. Musician's Friend. If you only have two channels in your mixer, you can effectively record the entire drums with two overhead mics alone. Why?? They are the best drum overhead mics for the money, period. The M5 comes as a complete five-piece shell pack and PDP offers equally fine and attractively priced hardware packs to complete your kit. They capture a full range of frequencies with clarity and the half-inch capsule with gold-plated membrane delivers an unmistakably high-quality sound. I had a look and it seems these might be better for drums rather than a choir but I'm certainly not an expert. Well… I simply found a pair that sound, oh… waaaaay better. Each matched pair is carefully selected to ensure a variation of no more than 1dB between the microphones. As we delve into this RØDE M5 review today, let’s set up the case by stating what we all want out of a mic: “To be… either in the studio or live on stage… a reliable witness!! There are plenty of other articles on our site here that prove you can’t judge a piece of gear by how much it costs. Designed and made in Australia, the M5 is a compact ½" cardioid condenser microphone with low noise and a full frequency response. Leave us a Comment and let us know. There is no external power supply needed; only a button on the appliance that is generally next to the input. They capture expressive, natural, and rich sounds with superb attention to detail. But every trial calls for caution: marketing hype, online verbosity and fake reviews permeate the Web. Still, there are a few differences that set Rode M5 vs AKG P170 apart. Which did you think was the most reliable witness? The cast alloy zinc housing is rugged and durable, and these microphones will last you years of reliable use live and in the studio. I’m really impressed by the sounds these capture despite their highly affordable price tag. They take me there!! I mean, come on… a TEN-YEAR Warranty?!! The CK-s sounded so much more rich, full and just… alive!!! Up next we have this excellent small-diaphragm condenser mic that is produced by AKG audio. The Rode M5 is perfect for … It’s Cardioid and forever shall it stay. Required fields are marked *. The Rode M5 is the industry standard in terms of affordable matched pairs, they are of extreme quality, sound very nice and should last you forever. The Rode NT5 drum overhead microphones are without a doubt some of the best drum overhead mics to buy, and they would make an excellent addition to any drummer’s recording arsenal. All mixing desks, audio interfaces, and microphone preamps will have phantom power. These microphones are utilized by sound engineers around the world as an affordable alternative to the legendary AKG C451B microphones. It got me curious. Know your gear. churning. Designed and made in Australia, the M5 is a compact ½” cardioid condenser microphone with low noise and a full frequency response. The price of the Rode M5 is significantly low and has gained its reputation as a good microphone with lots of good reviews about its immaculate detailing and… 4. Right outta the gate then, those issues are not in the M5’s favor. The metal die-cast units are ultra-rugged and feature gold-plated XLR connectors to ensure the highest signal integrity. Every tiny bit of their functionality and usage is well thought out. Condenser microphones offer an enormous frequency range to reproduce drum sounds accurately and clearly. The signal was then run into my computer and recorded via Pro Tools Ultimate. The Audix F9 offers detailed reproduction for wide frequencies in live and studio applications. So it’s confession time; I can’t hold it in any longer…. Then you've got Serious G.A.S.!! The exact specs are 16dB compared to 19dB. RODEM5 pairdual mount includedmic stand not includedgreat for live drums. The capsules were positioned at an exact 90 degree angle from each other. Your email address will not be published. I have used the M5’s as drum overheads, stereo recordings of choirs, acoustic instruments. It made me wonder…. Lol. To my ears, they just don’t reproduce sound as faithfully and as impressively as the CK-1s. Each of them was excellent at handling the high SPLs that the drum kit put out. A small amount of EQ and you could never tell them apart from microphones of double the cost. sE Electronics sE7 You can get a pack where you get the pair of the sE Electronics sE7 with microphone clips, windscreens and foam pop filters for the same amount as purchasing only two microphones. The stand, cables, interface, software settings and faders were kept completely the same for each pair of mics. Any appeal you want to make on behalf of the losers?? It always comes down to the same thing, doesn’t it? If you’ve passed your judgment, I’ll pass mine… ! I thought, once again, it was no contest: the Avantones made it sound like I was more “there“, next to a real player on a real kit… even with all those lows cut. Within this guide, I’ve featured the best overhead drum mics for the money. 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! Generally, condenser microphones will have a frequency range of 20 – 20000 Hz. Within this package, Behringer also generously includes a pair of custom stand adaptors, windscreens, a stereo alignment bar, and a durable carry case for easy transportation. The CAD mic (shown at right) AND the Avantone both do have this as well. The rode NT2A is a professional, large diaphragm, 1″ inch capsule studio microphone, renowned for its reliability, affordability and high-quality sound. The CK-1 provides three patterns, by contrast. Rode's M5 product web page You can purchase the Rode M5 stereo pair from: Sweetwater. This is actually lower than I usually set it, but I didn’t want to go too extreme for sake of clarity. I see you want to know the answer to that question as well, so… let’s rock this!! This mic is also an excellent multi-purpose instrument mic that also has an interchangeable threaded capsule. Oh, and probably the best part of all about these mics… they’re UNDER $100 for TWO!! Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our ... with the M5 and can't believe the difference in the quality of my recordings. All rights reserved © Gear Acquisition Syndrome!! B&H Photo Video. But it is far better to utilize enough microphones to close-capture each individual drum set component and use the overhead mics to capture room and cymbals. The roll-off switch can also cut out unwanted low frequencies live. The CK-1s? One reason for that must be the larger capsule in the CK-1. Sign up to the Drum Helper mailing list for exclusive tips, guides, lessons, and reviews. If your life we’re on the line in an important court case, and you could only choose one kind of testimony for your defense… which of these three would you choose? Finally, there’s also no high-pass filter on the M5. These overhead microphones are designed and manufactured in Australia with state-of-the-art precision machinery to ensure significantly high-quality control. I’ve compared sound, performance, durability, and cost to give you my top recommendations. churning. The small-diaphragm capsules are very receptive to all of the nuances of the drums. Rode's small-diaphragm NT5 and NT55 models have proven to be very popular in both project and pro studios, though for the past few years the company have been enjoying large-scale success with their video camera microphones, broadcast microphones and some more consumer-style products. Its lightweight half-inch true condenser transducer diaphragm delivers great clarity and transient response. The matched pair of Rode M5 condenser mics are some of the best drum overhead mics on the market, with exceptional quality and value for money. We will be hearing testimony from each of these pairs to ascertain which of them proves to be the most reliable witness to my drum performances here in the studio. But here’s where it gets real: I haven’t used them for drum overheads for quite a while now. Both of the other mic pairs have this. Now all I have to do is finish my article on the six big DRUM OVERHEAD CONFIGURATIONS and we’ll really be in the know!! Much like the AKG P170, this mic is sold as a single unit, and two of these microphones will need to be purchased for the application of recording drums as overhead mics. Did any of the three surprise you?? It was not subtle! These drum overhead mics offer a level of performance that is comparable to that of microphones several times their price. Hi! Just know that the sound quality won’t be … But before the gavel comes down, really listen to those recordings with headphones and make your own determination. ), go… make… sounds!! Okay, now let’s look at all the pertinent facts concerning the M5 mic pair, straight from the horse’s mouth at THIS RØDE WEBSITE: Active Electronics: JFET impedance converter with bipolar output buffer, Maximum Output Level: 13.5mV (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1KΩ load), Dimensions: 100.00mmH x 20.00mmW x 20.00mmD, Warranty: 1 year with free extension to 10 years following registration here. When I first listened to the recordings, I was truly surprised at the big difference between the Avantones and the other mic pairs. They are available in a similar price range, and they do share a number of similarities such as the frequency response range, polar pattern, and self noise level. Drum overhead mics are condenser microphones. If you are looking for quality drum overhead mics on a budget, these are the best overhead drum mics available! … could they be better than what I already have?? The picture below shows how I used my favorite EQ plugin, FabFilter Q3, to apply a low-cut filter at 634 Hz. A fellow drummer told me recently that he’d upgraded his drum overheads to the M5matched pair. Make sure you wear HEADPHONES to really be able to ascertain the differences. So, with that preponderance of audio evidence, I hereby pass my judgment…. It is an excellent quality microphone that is highly versatile and also offers good value for money. It started my G.A.S. A fellow drummer told me recently that he’d upgraded his drum overheads to the M5matched pair. Every list of specs that you read must be taken with a grain of salt. These Behringer C-2 microphones are also ultra-low noise thanks to the transformerless FET input that eliminates low-frequency distortion. These kind of tests are really the only way to cut through the bull#$%@ and find what truly lives up to the reputation of “pro audio”. Full Compass To discuss the Rode M5, stereo microphone techniques, and all things recording and studio related, be sure to check out the Studio Trenches forum right here on Harmony Central. We’re simply performing musicians, recording in the studio, who always want the best bang for our buck when we buy music gear. A result of many years' experience building the award-winning NT5 microphone, RØDE has succeeded in making a high-quality 'pencil' style permanently polarized condenser that will impress even the most demanding of artists and engineers. So I thought, “Let’s do to all three mics what I would normally do during mixdown, and THEN see which one I think sounds best.”. The CAD CM217s, which I used when recording my first album, sounded familiar and capable as always. 9. With their nickel-plated housings, these NT5 microphones are a little larger and heavier than the M5 pair described above. The pickup pattern of overhead drum mics is a cardioid pattern that is the optimal pattern for picking up the source signal of the drums whilst rejecting off-axis sounds that can disrupt the recording. But I don’t care. As you can see on the ten drum channels, no compression or effects of any kind were used in the recording. Well, I couldn’t help it… I thought of one more test to do that might give the M5 another chance to come out on top…. More depth; more width. Description Full Specs Reviews Special Offers Videos Price Promise The Rode M5 is a compact, 1/2 inch cardioid condenser microphone with low noise and a full frequency response. It’s only in using a piece of gear, testing it, and listening to it against comparable pieces of machinery, that a fair judgment can be passed. For this test, the M5 pair, as well as two other pairs, were set up in an XY configuration behind and above me as I played the drum kit. None of them sounded “bad”. The Rode M5 matched pair is an overall great set of microphones that are optimized in terms of their design, features, and performance. Of course, their manufacturers love to speak on their behalf… ! They are far more sensitive than dynamic microphones, and they are equipped to pick up even the subtlest of signals. Excellent. Final Word. I’m all applications, the M5… This matched pair of Behringer C-2 Condenser Microphones offers tremendous value for money. But until that one hits (with a Vic Firth stick!! These are microphones that are utilized by the most prestigious recording studios and legendary producers. Every effort was made to present the mic signals fairly, with no preferential treatment for any. To me, the clear winner, by far, were the Avantone CK-1s! PDP m5 drum kit . There's just the one snare option - a wood shelled 14"x5" with eight double-ended oval lugs. Add to that that the CK-1 comes with THREE capsules (Cardioid, Hyper-cardioid and Omni), and it’s really a no-brainer. A result of many years’ experience building the award-winning NT5 microphone, RØDE has succeeded in making a high-quality ‘pencil’ style permanently polarized condenser that will impress even the most demanding of artists and engineers. The Avantones are not made in a matched pair. These microphones capture natural and balanced sounds with clear sound detailing. And when it comes time to mix my drums in my songs… I want to sound AWESOME, baby. These matched overheads are highly sensitive and capture crisp detailing from all of the drums and cymbals. But after being in the music business for decades, and working for years at a pro audio retailer, I’m well aware of how companies can use different measurement protocols to skew their facts, and thus manipulate our interests. Why Do Condenser Microphones Make The Best Drum Overhead Mics? The P170 is a small yet rugged and robust microphone that is perfect for drum overheads, percussion, and even other instruments such as acoustic guitars. So, if you’re ready to let truth prevail, we’ll show you what we’re talkin’ about instead of just writing about it. I hope you enjoyed and learned something from this review and shootout. This Rode M5 Microphone review looks at the RODE M5 pencil condenser microphones. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Rode M3 Versatile End-Address Instrument Condenser Microphone at Amazon.com. Overhead drum mics play an important part in drum recording. The Rode M5 matched pair condensers are amazing for the price! These drum overhead microphones provide more detail in your recording and will require less-aggressive EQ moves. There was so much more bottom-end and low-mids, that was obvious. Architectural Sign letters Made From Cast Resin. : If you chose number 3, I’ve got bad news for you – it’s the least reliable of any testimony in a court of law! They have characteristics that make them perfect for their application of recording medium-field or far-field drum sounds from overhead. Making any changes now to your own mic cabinet based on this case’s outcome?! For the price, you simply cannot go wrong with this set of drum overhead mics. As always, if it sounds good, it is good! Both capsules were exactly 67″ high off the ground. On the negative side though, the polar pattern of the M5 cannot be changed. Big shout out to the CAD company for helping all us musicians save a ton of CASH!! More…. And because we often save money in the process… you better believe we’ll be doing a lot more of ’em!! We’re all just looking for the best sound possible, right? If these allegations prove true for any microphone, it could be put away for good. Sit behind a kit you can trust with the Pacific Drum M5 5-Piece kit, which features shorter … The M5 makes the perfect drum overhead mics for both home recording and on stage. So, in order to prove which is the most trustworthy… this court is now in session! Rode M5-MP Matched Pair Cardioid Condenser Microphones Ideal for studio recording and live on stage, the Rode M5-MP Matched Pair Cardioid Condenser Microphones is equally at home on a range of acoustic instruments, choirs, or anywhere you would employ a small diaphragm condenser microphone, either individually or as a stereo array. Rode M5 and AKG P170 are two models of pencil microphones often deployed for choirs and instruments. All three mics in today’s shootout are good overhead drum mics. The NT5 is a bit warmer sounding than the M5. Unless you are making a lot of money from recording music, it is not worth investing in a pair of drum overhead mics that cost this sort of money. I know I always do. I did this so that all mics pairs would sound equal in volume when listening, eliminating any unfair advantage the Avantones would have because of its stronger signal reproduction. What did you think?? Pacific Drums M5 Maple Series 5-Piece Drum Shell Kit. A result of many years’ experience building the award-winning NT5 microphone, RØDE has succeeded in making a high-quality ‘pencil’ style permanently polarized condenser that will impress even the most demanding of artists and engineers. What this reveals immediately is that the CK-1 has a much more robust gain structure internally than the other mics, providing us with more strength of signal right off the bat. Designed and made in Australia, the M5 is a compact ½” cardioid condenser microphone with low noise and a full frequency response. This matched pair has been chosen and picked with no more than 1dB of sensitivity difference. The Rode NT5 condenser mics are the best overhead drum mics I have used. It got me curious. Your email address will not be published. Love MUSIC GEAR?! They feature a lightweight diaphragm for wide frequency response and crisp sound detailing for both live and studio use. As we delve into this RØDE M5 review today, let’s set up the case by stating what we all want out of a mic: “To be… either in the studio or live on stage… a reliable witness!! Because these have the dB cut switch AND a high-pass filter switch, unlike the M5s, I would probably tend to use these mics over the RØDE option, honestly. Some mics make better witnesses than others. In at least a couple cases, they’re subtle. They pleased lots of recording artists before RODE created the M5s as a less-expensive option. Now that’s a company that stands behind their products! Stereo live recordings of festivals or drum overheads in the studio are both excellent environments for this highly detailed microphone pairing. 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. The review kit, in Tobacco Burst, is seen here with the 8.155 hardware pack (not reviewed). It was pretty clear. They chocolate-y loveliness coats my caramel grooves with lusciousness like no other overheads thus far and I don’t hear any discrepancies come mix time. The “To Kill A Mockingbird” court trial wasn’t such a nail-biter!! They can handle high SPLs of up to 155dB and are roadworthy for tours and live shows. I’m Gideon - thanks for checking out Drum Helper. ... snare drum and amplifier mic'ing. New rode m5 matched pair – Gearslutz Drumming has always been my passion, and I have been playing the drums for over 15 years. Architectural Sign Letters. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Pacific Drums M5 Five Pc Kit Tob Burst at Amazon.com. The Rode NT5 matched pair of condenser microphones offer a supreme performance at an affordable price, which is comparable to the performance of some ultra-premium drum overhead microphones costing many times more. Yea, yea, I know… I just read the verdict… what am I doing bringing in another exhibit??! Guitar Center. Reviews of this Shop. That’s exactly what we did this week with this well-known RØDE mic. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best overhead drum mics for your drum set. In this buyers review guide article, we’re going to be talking about and discussing the Rode NT2A condenser microphone. The wide cardioid pick-up pattern paired with high sensitivity makes these mics excellent drum overhead microphones. Notice, in the picture below, how the black line, indicating gain, is raised on the M5 (the middle waveform) and the CM217 (the waveform to the right). How Much Are The Best Drum Overhead Mics? But they DO work well as overheads, and price-wise, they are not the most expensive, so you’ll save some money, especially compared to those mics of global esteem, the Neumann KM184 – the holy grail of overhead mics, some say. It can also work surprisingly well as a close drum mic, even on the snare. Your input helps. 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), The Best Overhead Drum Mics Buyer’s Guide. ,-). Rode M5 Condenser Microphones Matched Pair, Rode NT5 Condenser Microphones Matched Pair, Behringer C-2 Condenser Microphones Matched Pair, AKG P170 Condenser Microphone - Single Mic, Audix F9 Condenser Microphone - Single Mic. I did find them to sound identical so it’s not just hype. Overall this is an excellent option if you want a good quality set of drum overhead mics that won’t break the bank. The NT5 has much lower self-noise. Concluding the Rode M5 review. A result of many years experience building the award-winning NT5 microphone, RDE has succeeded in making a high-quality pencil style permanently polarized condenser that will impress even the most demanding of artists and engineers. If this is a crucial need for you, the M5s will do the job and do it well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s776XzCQ4hE. These Rode M5 microphones are seriously impressive. The small-diaphragm Audix F9 Microphone makes fantastic drum overhead microphones when utilized in a pair. Those’ll put ya back $1,500, dude!!! They have an ultra-low noise and full frequency response. Recently used them for a podcast recording. I already own one rode m3 mic which i have been using paired to an akg perception 220 ldc mic (just using what i have). RODE M5 Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone Matched Stereo Pair. It started my G.A.S. What a case, eh?! Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Rode M3 or M5 pair for drum overheads? This matched set of drum overheads have a wide frequency response and deliver a natural true-to-life sound. amazing!! Due to the difficulties of getting these in our country (Malaysia) my purchasing department have suggested a pair of Sennheiser e614. See, most of the time during mixing I set an pretty extreme high-pass filter on the overheads, which essentially cuts out all that low-end richness that I heard in the CK-1s, and instead let’s me EQ the cymbals just right. After this, I put the overhead faders AND the close-mic faders all up, as I would in a mix, and then played them in the same order as the video above: first the CK-s, then the M5s, then the CM217s. 😉. I’ve found that the only way to prove the mettle of any piece of gear is to test it against other machinery in its field and measure the results. There are far more expensive, premium drum overhead mics that cost thousands of dollars. For any microphone to stand up to Pro Audio scrutiny, including the M5 and all the other mics tested in this shootout, they must answer to the following accusations: “This mic does not reproduce frequencies faithfully!”, “The dynamic range reflected by this mic is much too thin!”, “Versatility is sorely lacking in this mic!”, “The frequency response of this mic is not germane to the task at hand!!”. The superb Rode NT5 Condenser Microphones are specific drum overhead mics designed to capture drums and cymbals with incredible depth and detail. Acoustic guitar, for example, especially when it’s strummed. The main difference between condenser and dynamic mics is that the condenser microphones contain active circuitry that requires an additional power source for operation. Both of them were significantly lower in gain than the CK-1 mics. I also don’t care what the price tag says. These microphones are also used by professionals as a workhorse for tours, festivals, and frequent recording sessions. The M5 Matched Pair are an ideal microphone set for studio or live capture. Once this is switched on, the condenser microphone will be powered and able to function. Just like the C-2, this is a stereo pair of pencil condenser microphones that will give you a nice overhead recording. Cast Resin Lettering and Cast Resin Numbers For Property Names As usual for studio work, knowing where those peaks and dips are will allow you to choose the right mic for the right instrument.