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audiosorcerer
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April 1, 2024
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Last Updated on April 1, 2024
The hi-hat is an integral part of any drum set, providing a rhythmic backbone that can vary from subtle nuances to a driving force. Capturing it accurately is paramount for both live performances and studio recordings. This brings us to the quest for the perfect hi-hat mic. Read on to learn about our top 5 picks! Included in this guide: Best Overall Neumann KM 184 Cardioid Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone 4.7 Runner-up Shure SM81 Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone 4.8 Top Pick Beyerdynamic M 201 Hypercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone 4.5 Top Pick Audio-Technica AT4041 Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone 5 Lowest Price Sennheiser e 614 Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone 4.5 Related Article: The Best Drum Sticks Of 2024: Find Your Perfect Match The Neumann KM 184 cardioid small-diaphragm condenser microphone is our top recommendation for miking hi-hats. It’s a fantastic microphone that has gained popularity for its exceptional audio quality and versatility. Despite being one of the smallest mics out there, the KM 184 provides outstanding sound clarity with the lowest self-noise. Moreover, it has quite the durable build that Neumann products are known for. With a wide frequency response, the KM 184 mic is capable of capturing both high and low frequencies accurately. Plus, it can handle high sound pressures (up to 138 dB SPL). As such, the loudest hi-hats are a breeze for it. Pros Cons The Shure SM81 small-diaphragm condenser is a versatile and reliable mic designed to capture the tiniest sound details. With its cardioid polar pattern, this mic is precise in isolating the source and minimizing unwanted background noise coming from the rest of your drum set. Primarily, the mic’s frequency response spans from 20Hz to 20kHz. This guarantees accurate reproduction and stunning clarity when recording hi-hats. Moreover, its durability (despite being a condenser type) allows it to withstand use in both live performances and recording studios. On top of that, the Shure SM81 mic has a switchable low-frequency response. Such a feature allows you to adjust the microphone settings according to different recording situations. Giving you a choice of flat, six, or 18 dB roll-off, this mic makes a perfect tool for working with hi-hats. Pros Cons Designed with a hypercardioid polar pattern, the Beyerdynamic M 201 mic features precise sound capture. Using it, you can record your hi-hat with exceptional clarity while rejecting unwanted noise from the sides and rear. As such, it guarantees a crisp representation of every hi-hat hit without interference from surrounding instruments. Furthermore, its compact design and durable construction allow for versatility in placements as well as use. This makes it a reliable choice for drummers who need a mic that can keep up with their beats. Pros Cons For an outstanding dynamic rangewhen recording hi-hats, the Audio-Technica AT4041 small-diaphragm condenser mic is the perfect choice. It captures the crispiest sounds while minimizing ambient noise thanks to its cardioid polar pattern. The small diaphragm design is what makes this mic work excellently with hi-hats, offering an unmatched transient response. In addition, its wide frequency response ensures clear sound-capturing capabilities. So, whether you’re a drummer or a recording engineer, the Audio-Technica AT4041 is what you need. Not only does it perform greatly inside the studio, but it also excels in other settings. Pros Cons Sennheiser is a company famous for crafting quality products at affordable price points. As for the e 614 small-diaphragm condenser microphone, it’s no exception. For a cymbal mic on the lower end of the price range, this is the real deal. Specifically built for overhead applications, its super cardioid pattern ensures precise sound capture from the hi-hats while eliminating ambient noise. Moreover, the small-diaphragm condenser allows for accurately reproducing transient details. On top of that, the mic’s high SPL handling capabilities allow it to capture the dynamic range of hi-hats. From the subtle taps to the more dynamic crashes, it does this without introducing distortion. Overall, it’s a versatile mic, whether in a studio or on the stage. Pros Cons Related Article: The Top 5 Best Drum Mic Kits Of 2024 What’s the ideal number of hi-hat mics I should use? In most setups, one hi-hat mic works well. Yet, you can use two mics for more detailed emphasis on the sound of your hi-hats (preferably one above and one underneath). What type of mic is best for hi-hats? A mic with a small diaphragm condenser is often a better choice. That’s due to its ability to capture transient details and provide clarity. That said, dynamic mics with a suitable frequency response also work well. How should I position the hi-hat mic? To capture the best balance of brightness and details, try to place your mic near the edge of your hi-hats (five to ten centimeters above the top cymbal). Additionally, ensure that the mic is facing away from the snare drum to avoid unwanted noises. What features should I look for in a hi-hat mic? Look for mics with high SPL handling, fast transient response, and a decent frequency response. Furthermore, versatility, durability, and ease of positioning are also important. How does the polar pattern affect hi-hat miking? A cardioid or supercardioid polar pattern mic allows for focused sound capture from the front. At the same time, it minimizes interference from sounds of other drum components coming from the sides or rear. Concluding the best mics for hi-hats, the Neumann KM 184 delivers unmatched precision, making it our top choice. As a solid runner-up, the Shure SM81 combines durability with amazing sounds. That said, if you’re looking for value without compromise, the Sennheiser e 614 should be your go-to choice. If you found this guide helpful, please consider subscribing to our blog for more music production tips, product reviews, and buying guides. Also, you can support new content by contributing to ourtip jar. "Some of the links within this article are affiliate links. These links are from various companies such as Amazon. This means if you click on any of these links and purchase the item or service, I will receive an affiliate commission. This is at no cost to you and the money gets invested back into Audio Sorcerer LLC."Image Product Features Price 
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Audio-Technica, Beyerdynamic, Hi-Hat, Neumann, Review, Sennheiser, Shure
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