Back to Instruments

Drum Overhead Mics

3 style variations available

Professional live sound settings for Drum Overhead Mics

Style 1

Jazz/Natural Kit

Compression
Gate
EQ

Compression

Threshold:-25 dB
Ratio:3:1
Attack:Medium (15 ms)
Release:Slow (150 ms)
Hold:20 ms
Gain:2–4 dB
Target GR:1–4 dB

Preserves dynamics for a natural jazz kit sound. Light gain reduction for balance.

Gate

Threshold:-40 dB
Attack:Fast (0.5 ms)
Release:Slow (200 ms)
Hold:50 ms

Subtle gating to reduce noise in quiet settings.

EQ

Mid:-2 dB at 800 Hz (reduce harshness)
High:+2 dB at 10 kHz (air)
Low Cut:150 Hz, 12 dB/octave
High Mid:+2 dB at 5 kHz (clarity)

Captures a balanced, natural jazz drum kit.

Style 2

Pop/Polished Sheen

Compression
Gate
EQ

Compression

Threshold:-22 dB
Ratio:4:1
Attack:Medium (10 ms)
Release:Medium (120 ms)
Hold:15 ms
Gain:3–5 dB
Target GR:3–6 dB

Smooths dynamics for a polished pop overhead sound. Moderate gain reduction for sheen.

Gate

Threshold:-38 dB
Attack:Fast (0.2 ms)
Release:Medium (150 ms)
Hold:30 ms

Reduces bleed for a clean pop mix.

EQ

Mid:-3 dB at 500 Hz (reduce mud)
High:+3 dB at 14 kHz (sparkle)
Low Cut:200 Hz, 12 dB/octave
High Mid:+4 dB at 7 kHz (cymbal sheen)

Creates a polished, shiny overhead sound for pop.

Style 3

Rock/Bright Cymbals

Compression
Gate
EQ

Compression

Threshold:-20 dB
Ratio:4:1
Attack:Medium (10 ms)
Release:Medium (100 ms)
Hold:15 ms
Gain:3–5 dB
Target GR:3–6 dB

Glues cymbals together for a bright rock sound. Moderate gain reduction for cohesion.

Gate

Threshold:-35 dB
Attack:Fast (0.2 ms)
Release:Medium (150 ms)
Hold:30 ms

Reduces bleed if needed, but use sparingly.

EQ

Mid:-3 dB at 600 Hz (reduce clutter)
High:+4 dB at 12 kHz (air)
Low Cut:200 Hz, 12 dB/octave
High Mid:+4 dB at 6 kHz (cymbal clarity)

Emphasizes bright, crashing cymbals for rock.