#10 Best Microphones for Hi-Hats 2023

Suppose you need the best microphones for Hi-Hats to help provide a clear sound. In that case, the products below will provide great features for the microphone. Make sure you consider the products we choose because the list of best microphones for Hi-Hats in this article comes with the best ratings from other products.

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Hit-hat becomes the essential part of the drum. The hit-hats will always be there to keep the beat. To maintain the clarity of the hi-hat sound and give maximum results, you will need the best microphones for Hi-Hats. With this microphone, you can pick up a wide variety of sounds.

Not only will the hit-hat sound come out clearly, but it can also limit the range of the snare microphone, so everything sounds sharper. The guide we have prepared below will make it easier for you to get a lot of information before you buy the best microphones for Hi-Hats. We also include a list of products that are worth considering with the features they have.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Do I need a hi-hat mic?

Since your playing style includes many hi-hats, the best microphones for Hi-Hats will be a perfect choice. Because the hi-hat has a reasonably high frequency, using the best microphones for Hi-hats will provide a sound quality that sounds better than those without a hi-hat microphone. This will also provide a stable sound output that reduces the high-hat’s loud noise.

For a hi-hat, what kind of microphone do I need?

Best microphones for Hi-Hats must be able to filter noise and handle high-pressure SPL to give the listener a comfortable sound. Thus, a condenser microphone with a small diaphragm and a cardioid or super-cardioid polar pattern is the right choice because it will work well in handling hi-hats with stunning sound quality results.

What features do the best microphones for Hi-Hats need?

It takes a small diaphragm condenser that does a great job of helping ensure that the hi-hat can cut the hiss out of the top end as accurately as possible. With a small diaphragm, this will tend to sound very detailed and hi-fi, especially at higher frequencies.

Another feature that is no less interesting is the high-pass filter. This microphone filter helps eliminate the low-end rumble/buzz from the kicks and toms. In addition, having a microphone will also help the sound quality. It provides an extra layer of protection against microphone distortion and overloading.

What are the things to consider when choosing the best microphones for Hi-Hats?

  1. Sound quality: Consider the good quality of the microphone. Usually, the Hi-Hat will produce high sound frequencies. Therefore, you must get a small-diaphragm condenser microphone. This will stabilize the sound produced.
  2. Diaphragm: Pay attention to the diaphragm on the microphone. With small-diaphragm cardioid condenser mics, producing sound on the Hi-Hat will be more effective because the small diaphragm will capture a narrow frequency range and the sound needed.
  3. Polar Pattern: The cardioid pickup pattern is very important because your hi-hat microphone needs to be able to reject a large amount of sound from the rest of the kit.
  4. Build & Design: The material used to make the Hi-Hat microphone is also essential. Choose one that has a strong metal body, such as aluminum. With this material, you can be sure that no radio frequency interference will make it difficult for you when using the microphone in locations near transmitter stations or wireless microphones.
*Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct. Read more
Name Rank Check Prices
Perception 170 Professional Instrumental Microphone AKG
AKG
Perception 170 Professional Instrumental Microphone
#1 Amazon Akg.com eBay
M3 Multi-Powered Condenser Microphone Rode
Rode
M3 Multi-Powered Condenser Microphone
#2 Amazon Rode.com eBay
SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone Shure
Shure
SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone
#3 Amazon Shure.com eBay
LCT 040 Match Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Lewitt
Lewitt
LCT 040 Match Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
#4 Amazon Vintageking.com eBay
B-5 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone Behringer
Behringer
B-5 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
#5 Amazon Thomannmusic.com eBay
sE7 Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone sE Electronics
sE Electronics
sE7 Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
#6 Amazon Soundpro.com eBay
C 451 B Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone AKG
AKG
C 451 B Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
#7 Amazon Akg.com eBay
E614 Super-Cardioid Condenser Microphone SENNHEISER
SENNHEISER
E614 Super-Cardioid Condenser Microphone
#8 Amazon Bhphotovideo.com eBay
V67N Small Diaphragm Condenser Instrument Microphone MXL
MXL
V67N Small Diaphragm Condenser Instrument Microphone
#9 Amazon Zzounds.com eBay
KM 184 Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Neumann
Neumann
KM 184 Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
#10 Amazon Guitarcenter.com eBay

10 List of Best Microphones for Hi-Hats

  • AKG Perception 170 Professional Instrumental Microphone
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    #1

    AKG Perception 170 Professional Instrumental Microphone

    Best Switchable Attenuation Pad

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    This small, lightweight microphone is ideal for placing around your hi-hats. AKG P170 has the clarity and transient response of an excellent small condenser transducer diaphragm. As a result, it provides an unparalleled professional audio experience. Whether used in the studio, live on stage, or even broadcast. This microphone also assures you that there will be no radio frequency interference when used around communication equipment that can interfere with frequencies.

    With its durable metal body build quality and slim design, it will allow for easy repositioning while recording. You can use this microphone anywhere in hot or humid conditions. It is a versatile and durable microphone ideal for all acoustic instruments, drum overheads, and hi-hats.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Lightweight and compact
    The sound quality is exceptional
    It has a switchable attenuation pad
    Rugged, long-lasting, and great value for money
    Well-equipped for travel. Can withstand some rough handling during the trip

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    It requires a phantom power source
    The sound isn’t as dynamic or clear as it could be

    What other experts liked

    AKG Perception 170 is a great mic to add to your home studio. It has an affordably priced, durable build and great sound
    Shout4music

    What other experts didn't like

    The mic clips are too easily bent. This could be a problem for some people with delicate equipment or who want to avoid unnecessary hassle when using microphones in professional settings.
    Gem Tracks
  • Rode M3 Multi-Powered Condenser Microphone
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    #2

    Rode M3 Multi-Powered Condenser Microphone

    Best Design of Exceptional Quality

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    This condenser microphone is perfect for live performances. It is powered by a built-in battery, ideal for live performances as you don’t need a phantom power mixer. You can also use it in the studio with live play settings to get the most out of it. In addition, rode M3 can produce a balanced tone that is not too sharp, so it is perfect for hi-hats.

    It also has a microphone sensitivity that makes it possible to place the microphone far away from the hi-hat yet still be able to record all the notes precisely. For live performances, this microphone provides the best sound quality of any other microphone. This microphone is a rugged, robust, polarized condenser ready to take on high-intensity setups.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Sturdy stand mount
    Rejects noise quite well
    Design of exceptional quality
    Battery and phantom powering
    Used for a variety of instruments
    A market-leading 10-year warranty
    Powered by a battery and a phantom

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    For its size, it is pretty heavy
    Struggles to cut through on-stage vocals

    What other experts liked

    It extended frequency response with smooth extremes.
    Sound on Sound

    What other experts didn't like

    The machining of the thread on this one is not very smooth.
  • Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone
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    #3

    Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone

    Best Clear and Pure Sounding

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The Shure SM81 is a cardioid condenser that has set the gold standard in an acoustic recording. This microphone deserves to be considered on our selection of best microphones for Hi-Hats which ideally works well for recording acoustic piano and guitar. The interesting thing about this microphone is the sensitivity feature that can capture very low volumes without being harsh.

    This budget-friendly microphone has a cardioid pickup pattern that can capture hi-hat tones without sound leakage from other drums. in addition, to guarantee authentic replication of the sound you want to create, this microphone has a high output and smooth response curve. This microphone can withstand humid and harsh environmental conditions because it is made of solid metal.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Extremely neutral response
    Very clear and pure sounding
    Frequency pad with locking function
    Versatile Exterior made of tough steel
    Low-distortion mic with a neutral sound
    Excellent for high-end recording frequencies

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Lower middle resolution in the middle
    More precise positioning for optimal audio recording
    Costs a lot

    What other experts liked

    This is easily my favorite mic I have of its kind. I can use it on almost anything from drum overheads to guitar and a lot more. Great quality.

    What other experts didn't like

    It had plastic covering the threading that attaches to the mic stand, making it completely unusable.
    Eli Johnson
  • Lewitt LCT 040 Match Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
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    #4

    Lewitt LCT 040 Match Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

    Best Lightweight Aluminium Body

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    This hi-hat microphone will be an excellent choice for you as it is affordable yet designed with quality and advanced design. The LEWITT LCT 040 is a small diaphragm condenser for acoustic instruments and drums. This microphone offers a balanced sound with a sweet high-end that lets hi-hats shine. In addition, this condenser provides the definition and accuracy that the LCT range is known for in its stripped-down design. Specially designed with an optimized capsule with an instant transient response, it will work optimally on your hi-hats.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Lightweight aluminum body
    Strong performance for the price
    The LCT 140 Air's dual voicing is particularly useful
    LCT 040 Match stereo set can handle a lot of routine studio jobs

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Product specifications lack detail

    What other experts liked

    If you need an affordable pair of tell-it-like-it-is mics that are useful in a number of applications, these certainly deserve a look.
    Sound on Sound

    What other experts didn't like

    A few months old, one of the mics suddenly stop responding.
    Rangdap
  • Behringer B-5 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
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    #5

    Behringer B-5 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

    Best Swappable Polar Patterns

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    This microphone’s pro-level output makes it an excellent option for home studios. This hi hat microphone that has good quality at an affordable price is a condenser microphone for recording hi-hats that will not let you down. In addition, this microphone stands out because it is one of the few microphones on the market that includes both omnidirectional and cardioid capsules.

    The Behringer B-5 captures precise audio and transmits it without noise which helps to produce a pure, natural sound. This microphone is an option you can consider as it can capture the intricacies of the hi-hat with outstanding clarity and detail.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Cost-effective
    Swappable polar patterns
    Low cut and input attenuation are switchable

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    The 3-position slide switch has a cheap feel to it
    Buying two does not make a stereo pair because each model has a distinct sound

    What other experts liked

    The B-5 mic is a versatile recording device that can handle any type of sound with grace and ease.
    Gem Tracks

    What other experts didn't like

    I bought two of these a while back and just recently gave them a thorough run-through. At first, they sounded pretty different, and I found that a little disconcerting.
    Jeff Porrello
  • sE Electronics sE7 Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
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    #6

    sE Electronics sE7 Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone

    Best Quality Condenser Capsule

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    sE Electronics sE7 is a back-electric condenser microphone with a small diaphragm designed for piano, drums, guitar, or anything that requires a pencil-mic design. Its small diaphragm can accurately capture Hi-Hats’ sound while eliminating bleeding from other drum equipment. Having a compact design, this microphone can be placed over Hi-Hats so you can play drums without worrying about the mic.

    This microphone is constructed from class-A circuitry and utilizes a transformerless output to avoid harsh highs and aid in a pleasant bottom end. It can also capture sound with clarity and neutrality across its frequency response. In addition, it features an interchangeable high-pass filter and pre-attenuation pad at an affordable price. It’s an affordable and reliable alternative to your Hi-Hats.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Switchable low-cut filter
    High-quality condenser capsule
    Switchable pre-attenuation pad
    All-metal housing with gold-plated XLR connector

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Not come with a case

    What other experts liked

    They are working wonderfully, with full sound, bright, and suitability directional.

    What other experts didn't like

    It didn't come with the transparency that I probably would have gotten if I'd spent a few hundred dollars more
    Sweetwater Customer
  • AKG C 451 B Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
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    #7

    AKG C 451 B Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

    Best Bright Sparkly Sound

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Priced at a high level, the Samsung subsidiary, AKG, offers premium-level audio equipment with high quality. Its products feature on par with its competitors. Designed with a small sensitive diaphragm, it captures rich transient signals with excellent results. With its stable level, this microphone can capture the high sound of drums and acoustic guitars’ flat sound. This hi hat microphone guarantees maximum results for use in the studio, live performances, or anywhere that provides the best results for Hi-Hats.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Well built
    Bright sparkly sound
    Great on drums and acoustic guitars

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Expensive
    Finicky performance

    What other experts liked

    I would always use this microphone on hi-hats because it's very crisp, clear, not too bright, and lets me do what I must when mixing.

    What other experts didn't like

    Too much harshness and bleed. We can’t recommend this for live vocals
    Higher Hz
  • SENNHEISER E614 Super-Cardioid Condenser Microphone
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    #8

    SENNHEISER E614 Super-Cardioid Condenser Microphone

    Best Fast Transient Response

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    This microphone is compatible with all types of Hi-Hats on the market, giving you the sound you want. With its robust body quality and superior sound sensing technology, the SENNHEISER E614 is a high-quality microphone for Hi-Hats. In addition, this super-cardioid condenser microphone is designed with a minimalist design that will enhance even the most demanding performances.

    With the level of stability offered by this microphone, you will get an even and consistent volume throughout the use of this microphone. This hi hat microphone will be an excellent choice for you as it offers great Hi-Hats sound results that do not require time-consuming tuning and mixing.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    It offers a fast transient response
    Includes a microphone pouch and clip
    Offers flat response from 40 Hz to 20 kHz
    Super cardioid pattern provides durability
    Captures all the shimmer and contact of hands

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Not compatible with some MIDI equipment

    What other experts liked

    It has a very clear and bright sound, is durable, and will never disappoint if you want to perform anything for long hours.
    Sweet Heart Flute

    What other experts didn't like

    This microphone is not compatible with some MIDI equipment
    Techapel
  • MXL V67N Small Diaphragm Condenser Instrument Microphone
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    #9

    MXL V67N Small Diaphragm Condenser Instrument Microphone

    Best Pencil Microphone

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The MXL V67N is a small-diaphragm condenser that offers a mostly flat frequency response to capture sound naturally. This makes this microphone ideal for stringed instruments and, most importantly, cymbals/percussion. to add versatility to this microphone, the V67N includes two interchangeable capsules with diaphragms equipped with cardioid and Omni capsules.

    V67N microphones are internally wired with world-class Mogami cables for sonic integrity in every session. Hand-selected components and transformer-balanced outputs provide a solid bottom end and an open top. This makes the microphone perfect for choirs, guitars, and more. In addition, this powerful condenser microphone provides precise clarity that will enhance the sound output.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Pencil microphone
    Ideal for bright instruments
    Two interchangeable capsules
    Transparent sound with a crystal clear tone
    A flat response that leaves recordings pure and natural

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Poor quality

    What other experts liked

    Amazing mic for acoustic instruments at a very reasonable price. The mic itself comes in a very nice wooden box.
    Rayne Rivers

    What other experts didn't like

    This works great on steel and nylon-stringed guitars but requires a lot more juice from the preamp to make it go.
    Tape Op
  • Neumann KM 184 Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
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    #10

    Neumann KM 184 Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

    Best Elegant and Compact Styling

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    It has a high price tag, but this high-end microphone has outstanding performance that is worth the price. The Neumann KM1834 is a high-end microphone perfect for hi-hats that will add clarity, sharpness, and crispness to your hi-hats. With a warm and rich tone, this microphone is great for recording various situations.

    This microphone can provide the fizz that will make hi-hat sounds so good. This cardioid polar pattern condenser microphone is high quality with a small size that excels at handling proximity effects. It has a KM 184 frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz. So this microphone is ideal for recording or live performances with hi-hats. This microphone is a high-end microphone that is perfect for your hi-hats.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Elegant, compact styling
    Exceptional high-level response
    Recording of the highest quality
    It handles the proximity effect well
    Frequency response that’s perfect for hi-hats

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Quite costly
    There is no low cut or switchable attenuation pad
    When using two microphones, you cannot fine-tune each drum

    What other experts liked

    The KM184 has great detail, fast response, and other signs of quality.

    What other experts didn't like

    I find the ease of use a bit challenging in that the clip is a bit unforgiving with the mic fitting so tight, that I can see where it might scrape the paint.
    Paul Ryan

Conclusion: Best Microphones for Hi-Hats

You should use the best microphones for Hi-Hats to produce the clear sound that your hit-hats have. You will get many benefits from this microphone. As a drummer, it’s a good idea to keep the best microphones for Hi-Hats ready to use at any time. That’s why immediately determine the hit-hat microphone product we have recommended above.

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