Even though headset is definitely most unrestricting for drummer, I would be worried about accidentally cursing in the mic or drenching it in sweat during live performance :D Also Sweetwater made KILLER video on comparing mics for singing drummers, which convinced me to get Beta 56A with gooseneck, because it seems to have the best bleed rejection amongst all shown mics.
For sure, I tend to make a few jokes and comments to the other band members (usually appreciation based haha), which might not be appropriate for the audience to hear 😅
Another method I cobbled together from spare parts in the basement: Use a standard round-based mic-stand, drop a 25-pound barbell-weight down the shaft, then attach a boom-arm salvaged from a standard tripod mic-stand. This can be placed behind your drum-throne to either side and supports the Shure Beta 56 over your shoulder. It’s cheap and minimizes your footprint on a small stage, but has the obvious drawback of additional weight to carry to the gig. I like the Hercules stand as well, it’s just a little more money up-front.
Great video! I actually sing while playing drums in both of my bands. I use IEMs with the Behringer P2 and the KZ-ZST earphones. My mic setup consists of a standard boom mic stand positioned to my left with a SM58. Quite bulky to be honest so that Beta 56A could be a great option eventually!
Wish I watched this video sooner... I currently run the Audio-Technica ATW-901a/H System 9 headset/wireless combo, and it has gotten very annoying after a while, especially with the addition of monitors. Thanks for the information!
Thank you man for this video. It helped me a lot!!! :-) One extra thing, I'm actually buying an optogate that can gate the mic when you're not singing. I'd definitely suggest it.
I do a lot of vocals for my band( Present Day Alter, new EP on Spotify) as a drummer. My current mic is one of those cheap ones that come with a stand/cable/mic combo. Its not the best thing ever; been thinking of upgrading. I sing plenty loud, so it doesn't matter in small rooms; I actually think it helps train my projection. But for outdoor shows and bigger events, it would be helpful to have a better microphone. I personally don't like headset mics; most of the time, the ones people have are speaking mics, and they sound strange, probably due to the size of the diaphragm( I also have feelings about wireless; they seem to have a mousy quality). I had an idea to take a normal vocal mic, and somehow attach it to some sort of head gear. aesthetics don't matter to me so much; I once wrapped a sure sm58 around my neck and angled it upward in my shirt because we only had two stands (this was when i was on rhythm guitar). that sm56 you showed might be the ticket, so long as the weight isn't too extreme.
I just can’t get behind the thinking of not using a headset because the look. Dude, no one cares. You know what they do care about is you having to restrict your playing because you have a fat piece of metal in your face. When I have to contort my neck because I want to do an elaborate drum fill and my microphone is in a position that is not as well suited for Tom work then I say get over yourself and focus on what makes you sound better. I have never heard anyone say “That was an awesome singing drummer but he looked ridiculous with that tiny headset he was wearing”. If you truly do not like playing with a headset for logistical reasons or comfort issues that is one thing, but i have seen too many drummers who show up with a dented drum kit, dirty cymbals and a torn dirty t-shirt yet they are worried about how a headset mic makes them look.
You’re absolutely right! I think because I’ve heard a few people talk (in online forums) about headsets looking like a “boy-band” type thing, I’d just got it in my head that that was how most people thought about it… but at the end of the day, if it does the job and makes a drummers life easier, then it should definitely be an option! Thank you for sharing!
I will be buying everything here haha! Cheers for the great video
Even though headset is definitely most unrestricting for drummer, I would be worried about accidentally cursing in the mic or drenching it in sweat during live performance :D
Also Sweetwater made KILLER video on comparing mics for singing drummers, which convinced me to get Beta 56A with gooseneck, because it seems to have the best bleed rejection amongst all shown mics.
For sure, I tend to make a few jokes and comments to the other band members (usually appreciation based haha), which might not be appropriate for the audience to hear 😅
Another method I cobbled together from spare parts in the basement: Use a standard round-based mic-stand, drop a 25-pound barbell-weight down the shaft, then attach a boom-arm salvaged from a standard tripod mic-stand. This can be placed behind your drum-throne to either side and supports the Shure Beta 56 over your shoulder. It’s cheap and minimizes your footprint on a small stage, but has the obvious drawback of additional weight to carry to the gig. I like the Hercules stand as well, it’s just a little more money up-front.
It isn't stupid if it works! Nice one, always a fan of fabricating something together from spare parts!
Great video! I actually sing while playing drums in both of my bands. I use IEMs with the Behringer P2 and the KZ-ZST earphones. My mic setup consists of a standard boom mic stand positioned to my left with a SM58. Quite bulky to be honest so that Beta 56A could be a great option eventually!
Nice setup! For sure, the Beta 56 is a smaller footprint, so it stays out of the way better :)
Great suggestions. I'll keep this in mind in case I ever do vocals and drums together one day.
Cheers, glad you liked it :)
Wish I watched this video sooner... I currently run the Audio-Technica ATW-901a/H System 9 headset/wireless combo, and it has gotten very annoying after a while, especially with the addition of monitors. Thanks for the information!
Thank you man for this video. It helped me a lot!!! :-)
One extra thing, I'm actually buying an optogate that can gate the mic when you're not singing. I'd definitely suggest it.
I do a lot of vocals for my band( Present Day Alter, new EP on Spotify) as a drummer. My current mic is one of those cheap ones that come with a stand/cable/mic combo. Its not the best thing ever; been thinking of upgrading. I sing plenty loud, so it doesn't matter in small rooms; I actually think it helps train my projection. But for outdoor shows and bigger events, it would be helpful to have a better microphone. I personally don't like headset mics; most of the time, the ones people have are speaking mics, and they sound strange, probably due to the size of the diaphragm( I also have feelings about wireless; they seem to have a mousy quality).
I had an idea to take a normal vocal mic, and somehow attach it to some sort of head gear. aesthetics don't matter to me so much; I once wrapped a sure sm58 around my neck and angled it upward in my shirt because we only had two stands (this was when i was on rhythm guitar). that sm56 you showed might be the ticket, so long as the weight isn't too extreme.
I used to use shure 425 iem but have been trying out kz and cca iems and the sound is easy better and cheaper
what about the microphone, electro voice ND44? it is suitable for Singing Drummer?
I just can’t get behind the thinking of not using a headset because the look. Dude, no one cares. You know what they do care about is you having to restrict your playing because you have a fat piece of metal in your face. When I have to contort my neck because I want to do an elaborate drum fill and my microphone is in a position that is not as well suited for Tom work then I say get over yourself and focus on what makes you sound better. I have never heard anyone say “That was an awesome singing drummer but he looked ridiculous with that tiny headset he was wearing”. If you truly do not like playing with a headset for logistical reasons or comfort issues that is one thing, but i have seen too many drummers who show up with a dented drum kit, dirty cymbals and a torn dirty t-shirt yet they are worried about how a headset mic makes them look.
You’re absolutely right! I think because I’ve heard a few people talk (in online forums) about headsets looking like a “boy-band” type thing, I’d just got it in my head that that was how most people thought about it… but at the end of the day, if it does the job and makes a drummers life easier, then it should definitely be an option! Thank you for sharing!