Try pointing it directly at a drum kit from in front of the kit. Aim it directly at the trunk that connects the toms to the kick drum, and you’ll get a great ‘open sounding’ balanced drum kit with just 1 mic! Leave a comment and let me know how it goes!

From Amazon:
Behringer ECM8000 Omnidirectional Measurement Condenser Microphone

The Behringer Measurement Microphone ECM8000′s linear frequency response and omnidirectional polar pattern allows you to carry out measurement and alignment tasks with minimum hassle and maximum precision, making it a perfect complement for Behringer’s Ultra-Curve Pro DSP8024 or any other real-time analyzer. Its rugged construction ensures years of trouble-free use.

Phantom powered, +15 V to +48 V Delivered in a rugged hard case with microphone clip and stand adapter

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• Cardioid polar pattern, ultra-thin diaphragm, transformerless preamplifier circuitry.
• Switchable pad (25dB, 15dB) for very high input SPL sources.
• Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier for transparency, extremely fast transient response, no crossover distortion, and minimal harmonic and intermodulation distortion
• Low self-noise and extended frequency response.
• Three-position switchable low-frequency filter reduces background noise and counteracts proximity effect
• Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier for transparency, extremely fast transient response, no crossover distortion
• Cardioid polar pattern, ultra-thin diaphragm, transformerless preamplifier circuitry
• Switchable pad (25dB, 15dB) for very high input SPL sources

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The versatility of the C 1000 S makes this an extremely popular model, and one ideally suited for all kinds of recording and live sound applications.If no phantom power is available, the mic can be powered by a standard 9 V battery, making it perfect for mobile use. With its battery monitoring electronics, the C 1000 S now features a reliable LED warning light. The red LED above the the microphone switch lights up when the remaining battery life falls below 45 minutes. The polar pattern can quickly be switched from cardioid to hypercardioid simply by attaching the PPC 1000 Polar Pattern Converter provided to the microphone capsule. The PB 1000 Presence Boost Adapter also supplied with the C 1000 S adds 3 to 5 dB of high-end enhancement between 5 and 9 kHz, improving clarity of speech and adding definition to instrument sounds.

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Ideal for applications such as conferences, group discussions, interviews, home video production, lectures, and recordings. The mic can be placed on a large surface such as a table, floor, wall, or lectern. Element Type: Electret Condenser Frequency Response: 50 Hz to 16 kHz Polar Pattern: Hemispherical Impedance: 1600 ohms, unbalanced Sensitivity: 20 mV/Pa (-54 dBV/Pa) The Crown Sound Grabber II is a Pressure Zone Microphone®

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Easy!
We use this microphone for recording National Board teacher candidates and their classes. The sound is clear and the cord is long so you can move around a classroom easily. It’s easy to use and does the job!

5 Stars Sound-Grabber-II Conference Microphone.
Excellent, fast service. The Sound-Grabber-II Conference Microphone is exactly what we needed for recording meetings. No problem transcribing. Can hear everything on the tape.

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The C 411 condenser acoustic pickup with its tailored frequency response is ideal for acoustic guitar, mandolin, violin and most other stringed instruments. Placing the small ultra-light C 411 on or near the bridge will reproduce a clear and uncolored sound without changing the balance of the instrument. Attaching the C 411 is easy with the included non-marring reusable adhesive compound. The C 411 is the stethoscope for your acoustic instruments. Polar pattern: figure 8 (vibration pickup, Frequency range: 10-18,000 Hz, Sensitivity: 1 mV/ms2 (vibration pickup), Max. SPL for 1 % THD: approx. 100 dB SPL,impedance: 200 Ohms unbalanced. 9 to 52 volts phantom power or battery powering from B 29 L or AKG bodypack transmitters, Connector: C 411: 3-pin male XLR; Cable length: 3 m (10 ft.), Finish: matte black. Size: 27 x 14 x 9.5 mm (1 x 0.5 x 0.3 in.), Net/shipping weight: 18 /225 g (0.3/7.9 oz.). Standard accessories: adhesive compound. Optional accessories: for C 411 L: B 29 L battery power supply, MPA III L MicroMic phantom power adapter.

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MXL is proud to announce the newest addition to the V67 series, the V67Q Stereo microphone. This mic is the perfect addition to the home recording or studio environment. A fixed 90 degree XY pattern delivers a spacious stereo image, but also minimizes loss when translating to mono. The width can be adjusted later with panning if desired, as the left and right signals are delivered on separate balanced XLR connectors. The open tonality of the microphone compliments close micing by capturing the natural reverb of a room, provides an easy solution for drum overheads, and fits nicely under the lid of a grand piano. Follow the link above to hear a sample of the V67Q on guitar as well as other microphone samples.

Type:
Condenser pressure gradient mic two 22mm capsules
Diaphragm:
Gold-Sputtered
Frequency Range:
20Hz-20kHz
Polar Pattern:
90° XY Stereo
Impedance:
100Ω Per Side
Sensitivity:
20mV/Pa
S/N Ratio:
80dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)
Equivalent Noise Level:
14dB (A weighted IEC 651)
Max SPL for 0.5% THD:
132dB
Power Requirements:
Phantom Power 48V ±4V
Size:
47mm x 184mm
Weight:
2.35Lb
Metal Finish:
Gold/Green

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Omni Pickup Pattern Offers Full Coverage; Condenser Element & Omnidirectional Polar Pattern; Freq Resp: 50 Hz – 18,00 Hz; Imp: 1000 Ohm +/-30% ; Includes Lr44 Battery & 1/4″ Adapters; Boundary Microphone; Permanently Attached 1.5M, 4.9″ Cable With 3.5Mm M

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Omni Pickup Pattern Offers Full Coverage; Condenser Element & Omnidirectional Polar Pattern; Freq Resp: 50 Hz – 18,00 Hz; Imp: 1000 Ohm +/-30% ; Includes Lr44 Battery & 1/4″ Adapters; Lavalier Microphone; Integrated 6M, 20″ Cable With 3.5Mm Mini Plug; Inc

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great mic, low cost
High quality lavialier mic. You can pay more for one of these, but why bother? If you’re looking for a pro quality, wired lavalier microphone, this unit will do the job admirably.

4 Stars Good microphone
I am happy with the purchase though I wasn’t aware it was mono (i.e. would only record to one track). Easily fixed by duplicating it in the other track but wish it recorded to both. Also discovered a nasty buzz when microphone is attached to my HG21 Canon and the Canon is plugged in. Took some trial and error to discover what the issue was. Have to use battery power to the HG21 to eliminate it which required buying a larger battery (which I intended to do anyway). Pleased with the purchase even with these issues.

5 Stars Here’s Something Amazing: Amazon Doesn’t Link To Replacement Batteries For This Mike Even Though They Are Noted In Reviews
So, I put one of these mics in my shopping cart on the recommendation of other users only to find that one of the additional items suggested by Amazon DOESN’T include the L-45 replacement batteries mentioned by reviewers, one of whom noted that a package of these batteries was purchased on Amazon. How _helpful_, Amazon! For extra fun, try using Amazon’s amazing search “feature” with the seach key “L-45 batteries”.

5 Stars Basic
I don’t use expensive video equipment so this microphone is perfect for my needs. The sound quality is good and it works well with my Kodak Zi8. I doubt you can beat it for the price.

1 Star Very low volume, useless on all fronts
I bought this mic about 2 months ago along with the Kodak Zi8 camera. The volume is so low that it makes the mic completely useless. I have NO IDEA what the other reviewers are talking about, and it’s interesting I’ve now found the same reviewers/reviews on other sites. Makes me wonder if those reviews were seeded by the company – how many people go around posting their Amazon purchase / reviews elsewhere?

It works the same every time I have tried it – with my camera, with my laptop. It’s a total waste of money and I recommend that nobody buy this.

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Using manufacturing breakthroughs pioneered by M-Audio’s popular Luna and Solaris, the new Nova cardioid redefines the entry-level price point for quality studio condenser microphones. The 1.1″ evaporated gold diaphragm mounted in a solid brass capsule ensures recordings that are faithful to the source, and the Class A solid state electronics are engineered for low noise, distortion and coloration. You’ll be amazed at how much microphone Nova gives you for the money.

Specifications

• type: large diaphragm condenser, gold evaporated
• polar pattern: cardiod
• frequency response: 20Hz-18kHz
• sensitivity: 16 mV/Pa (-36dBV)
• max. SPL for 0.5% THD: 128dB
• equivalent noise level: 14dB A-weighted
• output impedance: 200 ohms
• recommended load impedance: > 1,000 ohms
• preamp topology: Class A FET preamp
• power requirement: 48V phantom power
• connector: 3-pin male XLR
• grille and body: wire mesh grille and body, all brass
• finishing: silver nickel plating
• size/weight: 7.3″ (h) x 1.9″ (w); 23 oz.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Best in class by a mile.
This is a very good microphone to make music. It has a ‘large cardioid’ which is very good for picking up vocal and instrumental sounds. I play the violin and guitar. So it is essential that mic placement doesn’t effect the tonal quality too much. It costs $100 but sounds well like one worth twice its price. This microphone does require to be powered, so you need to have phantom power capabilities in your preamp/audio interface. If you wish to consider a computer/laptop as your direct end point and not a mixer, then please invest in a good preamp. Latency is a HUGE issue in most pre-amps. If you just wish to record speech, latency shouldn’t be a problem at all. I use the Yamaha Audiogram 3 and would highly recommend it. It is beyond better than most of the preamps on Amazon which are of poor quality.

I hate the cheap plasticy feels of most products. This mic has a very solid metalic feel to it. I found a used for a great deal and it still works like a charm. Mine came with a soft case. So if your’s doesn’t I would recommend one. I would surely recommend a pop filter if you wish to record singing or speech. It makes a huge difference and isn’t very expensive. This mic is very under-rated. It should well be the best selling non-usb condenser mic.

Sound Quality : 4.5/5

Durability: 4.5/5

Value: 5/5

Overall: 5/5

4 Stars Best microphone you can get under $200.00
I have been recording and engineering for more than 30 years. I own quite a number of excellent microphones ranging from AKG, Rode, Audio Technica and more. I was helping a friend mix a song he recorded on his digital work station and told him how impressed I was by the sound of his vocal tracks. He pulled out the M-Audio Nova and said that was the microphone he had used on all of the vocals. When he told me it was around $100.00 new I had to have one. I have microphones that cost 5 to 6 times more than this mic but honestly this mic ranks right up there with them. Don’t think the cheap mic comes with a cheap sound, it is an excellent vocal or acoustic instrument microphone. (Remember it is a condenser and needs to be powered by your mixer, recorder or pre amp)

5 Stars Great for musicians
I am using two of this since a year (together with m-audios mobile pre and a Mac notebook). It is just great to record with this mics. You like examples? Hear this http://www.ecliptic.ch/Horn/home.html

5 Stars A very good mic
As Rick says, this is the best under $200 mic going.

It is crisp and clear and warm and clean.

I like it on acoustic guitar, and placement is not critical.

I like it on my voice and it seems to have less quirks than the Oktava 319 and MXL 990, both of which I have.

It is very hefty and solid and tracks recorded with it stand out. Vocal prescence is excellent.

I am quite happy with this mic.

Deal-wise, I was fortunate enough to get a B-stock lightly handled show mic.

It came with a cable and case and cost ME less than $60 delivered.

Extremely hard to beat at that price. It even came with a cable.

This mic is a very good deal at the 99 bones it is advertised at currently.

You could easily spend more and get less.

4 Stars Best microphone you can get under $200.00
I have been recording and engineering for more than 30 years. I own quite a number of excellent microphones ranging from AKG, Rode, Audio Technica and more. I was helping a friend mix a song he recorded on his digital work station and told him how impressed I was by the sound of his vocal tracks. He pulled out the M-Audio Nova and said that was the microphone he had used on all of the vocals. When he told me it was around $100.00 new I had to have one. I have microphones that cost 5 to 6 times more than this mic but honestly this mic ranks right up there with them. Don’t think the cheap mic comes with a cheap sound, it is an excellent vocal or acoustic instrument microphone. (Remember it is a condenser and needs to be powered by your mixer, recorder or pre amp)

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