Best Microphones for Bass Drum Under $200 2025

Affordable microphones for bass drum under $200 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

Audix D4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Audix D4

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
Sennheiser E 902 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Sennheiser E 902

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
Shure PGA52 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Shure PGA52

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
Audio-Technica Pro 25 AX - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

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
AKG D 112 MKII - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

AKG D 112 MKII

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
AKG Perception Live P2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

AKG Perception Live P2

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
EV PL 33 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

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

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.

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