AudioFu

Best Microphones for Toms Under $500 2025

Affordable microphones for toms under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $500
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Metal For Jazz For Fusion For Live Sound For Studio Recording
Universal Audio SD-3 Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Universal Audio SD-3 Set

by Universal Audio
Fusion Jazz Live Sound
Key Feature:
• Compact clip-on design
✓ PROS
  • • Reduces cymbal bleed
  • • Compact clip-on design
✗ CONS
  • • May need individual channels
  • • Clip mechanism can be fragile

Universal Audio SD-3 Set, Microphone set with Hemisphere Modelling*Set consisting of 3 x SD-3*Dynamic microphone with...

⭐ 4.8/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 590275
$395
Buy at Thomann View Details
Earthworks Audio DM20 Gen2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Earthworks Audio DM20 Gen2

by Earthworks Audio
Live Sound Studio Recording Jazz
Key Feature:
• Optimized for tom frequency range
✓ PROS
  • • High SPL handling
  • • Optimized for tom frequency range
✗ CONS
  • • May sound boomy without EQ
  • • Positioning affects tone

Earthworks Audio DM20 Gen2Gooseneck Condenser MicrophoneFor tom and snare mikingPolar pattern: CardioidFrequency range:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 599012
$472
Buy at Thomann View Details
Audio-Technica ATM350D - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Audio-Technica ATM350D

by Audio-Technica
Fusion Rock Live Sound
Key Feature:
• Easy positioning and setup
✓ PROS
  • • Compact clip-on design
  • • Optimized for tom frequency range
✗ CONS
  • • May sound boomy without EQ
  • • Clip mechanism can be fragile

Audio-Technica ATM350DCondenser Clip Microphone with Drum MountModular design for high flexibility with various...

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 413571
$406
Buy at Thomann View Details
Telefunken M81 SH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Telefunken M81 SH

by Telefunken
Metal Fusion Rock
Key Feature:
• Easy positioning and setup
✓ PROS
  • • Optimized for tom frequency range
  • • Easy positioning and setup
✗ CONS
  • • Clip mechanism can be fragile
  • • Limited to tom applications

Telefunken M81 SHMicrophone for tom'sDynamicDirectivity: SupercardioidFrequency range: 30 - 18000 HzImpedance: 325...

⭐ 4.9/5 (35 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 409496
$362
Buy at Thomann View Details
Lauten Audio Tom Mic - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Lauten Audio Tom Mic

by Lauten Audio
Rock Fusion Studio Recording
Key Feature:
• Compact clip-on design
✓ PROS
  • • High SPL handling
  • • Easy positioning and setup
✗ CONS
  • • May sound boomy without EQ
  • • Positioning affects tone

Lauten Audio Tom MicTom MicrophoneFET capacitorPolar pattern: SupercardioidCapsule: 32 mmFrequency range: 20 Hz - 20000...

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 591500
$428
Buy at Thomann View Details
Audix D2-Trio - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Audix D2-Trio

by Audix
Rock Metal Jazz
Key Feature:
• Optimized for tom frequency range
✓ PROS
  • • Reduces cymbal bleed
  • • Easy positioning and setup
✗ CONS
  • • Positioning affects tone
  • • Limited to tom applications

Audix D2-TrioMicrophone SetSet of 3 piecesDynamic microphones specifically for tomsSuitable for...

⭐ 4.7/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 369924
$439
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Microphones for Toms

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 toms 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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