Best Microphones for Bass Drum Under $200 2026
Affordable microphones for bass drum under $200 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026
#1
⭐
4.5/5
(11 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Sennheiser E 902
by
Sennheiser
Electronic
Live Sound
Rock
Key Feature:
• Professional live and studio standard
✓ PROS
- • Exceptional low-frequency response
- • Professional live and studio standard
✗ CONS
- • Requires precise positioning
- • May emphasize attack over natural tone
Sennheiser E 902Dynamic bass drum microphoneSpecially for bass drumstubasand other bass instrumentsPolar pattern:...
⭐
4.5/5
(11 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 179355
$175
#2
⭐
4.9/5
(30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Audio-Technica Pro 25 AX
Studio Recording
Hip-Hop
Live Sound
Key Feature:
• Professional live and studio standard
✓ PROS
- • Designed specifically for kick drums
- • Professional live and studio standard
✗ CONS
- • Requires precise positioning
- • May emphasize attack over natural tone
Audio-Technica Pro 25 AX, Dynamic MicrophoneLow-cost dynamic microphonewhich is particularly suitable for the recording...
⭐
4.9/5
(30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 181534
$171
#3
⭐
4.4/5
(33 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Shure PGA52
by
Shure
Studio Recording
Electronic
Hip-Hop
Key Feature:
• Professional live and studio standard
✓ PROS
- • Exceptional low-frequency response
- • Built-in shock mount reduces vibrations
✗ CONS
- • Requires precise positioning
- • Limited to bass drum applications
Shure PGA52Dynamic bass drum microphonePG Alta SeriesCardioid50 - 12000 Hz150 Ohm94 dB SPLSensitivity at 1 kHz: -55...
⭐
4.4/5
(33 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 360108
$164
#4
⭐
5.0/5
(6 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
AKG D 112 MKII
by
AKG
Live Sound
Electronic
Studio Recording
Key Feature:
• Handle extremely high SPL
✓ PROS
- • Handle extremely high SPL
- • Exceptional low-frequency response
✗ CONS
- • May emphasize attack over natural tone
- • May need EQ for desired sound
AKG D 112 MKIIDynamic microphoneSuitable for bass drumselectric basstubasSuccessor to the D112 but with improved...
⭐
5.0/5
(6 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 362012
$193
#5
⭐
4.6/5
(28 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Audix D4
by
Audix
Rock
Live Sound
Electronic
Key Feature:
• Professional live and studio standard
✓ PROS
- • Built-in shock mount reduces vibrations
- • Handle extremely high SPL
✗ CONS
- • May need EQ for desired sound
- • Requires precise positioning
Audix D4Special microphoneFor floor toms and bass drumsProfessional dynamic microphoneHypercardioid polar...
⭐
4.6/5
(28 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 160141
$190
#6
⭐
4.7/5
(26 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
EV PL 33
by
EV
Live Sound
Electronic
Rock
Key Feature:
• Built-in shock mount reduces vibrations
✓ PROS
- • Designed specifically for kick drums
- • Exceptional low-frequency response
✗ CONS
- • May emphasize attack over natural tone
- • Limited to bass drum applications
EV PL 33Dynamic microphoneEspecially suited for bass drumsPolar pattern: Super cardioidImpedance: 150 OhmFrequency...
⭐
4.7/5
(26 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 223255
$116
#7
⭐
5.0/5
(10 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
AKG Perception Live P2
by
AKG
Electronic
Live Sound
Studio Recording
Key Feature:
• Professional live and studio standard
✓ PROS
- • Exceptional low-frequency response
- • Built-in shock mount reduces vibrations
✗ CONS
- • Limited to bass drum applications
- • Requires precise positioning
AKG Perception Live P2Dynamic bass drum and wind instrument microphoneCardioidFrequency range: 20 - 16000 HzMaximum...
⭐
5.0/5
(10 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 240586
$105
How to Choose the Best Microphones for Bass Drum
Budget Planning
- • Under $200: Entry-level
- • $200-$500: Intermediate
- • $500-$1000: Advanced
- • $1000+: Professional
Quality Check
- • Sound clarity & tone
- • Build materials & finish
- • Hardware durability
- • Overall craftsmanship
Key Features
- • Your musical style
- • Skill level match
- • Intended use case
- • Brand reputation
Frequently Asked Questions
Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced microphones for bass drum typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.
