PreSonus DM-7: Complete Drum Microphone vs Shure PG ALTA 7-Piece Drum Microphone

Overview and Package Contents

Both the PreSonus DM-7 and the Shure PG ALTA 7-Piece Drum Microphone kits are designed to provide complete coverage for acoustic drum kits. These packages eliminate the need to purchase individual microphones separately, offering a consolidated solution for recording kick, snare, toms, and overheads. The PreSonus DM-7 is marketed as a complete microphone set suitable for multitrack recordings of acoustic drum kits, guitar cabinets, and ensembles. The Shure PG ALTA kit similarly aims to cover all essential drum components with a curated selection of dynamic and condenser microphones. Each package contains seven microphones in total, ensuring that every drum in a standard kit can be miked individually while capturing room ambience.

Microphone Count and Configuration

The total microphone count is identical between the two competitors, with both packages offering seven distinct microphones. This configuration allows for a standard setup involving one kick mic, multiple tom and snare mics, and a pair of overheads. The PreSonus DM-7 divides its count into one kick mic, four tom/snare mics, and two overhead condensers. The Shure PG ALTA kit distributes its seven microphones as one kick mic, three tom/snare mics, one instrument mic, and two condenser instrument mics for overheads. While the total number is a tie, the distribution of dynamic microphones for tom coverage differs slightly between the two brands.

Kick Drum Microphone Performance

The kick drum microphone is critical for capturing the low-end foundation of the drum kit. The PreSonus DM-7 includes the BD-1 cardioid dynamic microphone, which is specifically designated for kick drums and bass amps. This microphone is designed to handle high sound pressure levels associated with bass instruments. The Shure PG ALTA kit features the PGA52 Cardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone. Both units are dynamic microphones with cardioid polar patterns, suggesting similar directional rejection capabilities. The choice between the BD-1 and the PGA52 often comes down to brand preference and specific frequency response characteristics known to engineers familiar with these model numbers.

Tom and Snare Microphone Coverage

Coverage for toms and snare drums is where the PreSonus DM-7 holds a quantitative advantage. The PreSonus kit includes four ST-4 cardioid dynamic microphones with adjustable rim-mounts. These are intended for toms, snare, guitar amps, and more. In contrast, the Shure PG ALTA kit provides three PGA56 Cardioid Dynamic Snare/Tom Microphones. While Shure includes an additional PGA57 instrument microphone that could be used on a tom, the PreSonus set provides four dedicated units out of the box for these positions. This gives the PreSonus user immediate coverage for a four-tom setup without needing to repurpose an instrument mic.

Overhead and Condenser Quality

Overhead microphones are essential for capturing cymbals and the overall spatial image of the kit. Both packages utilize small-diaphragm condenser microphones for this purpose, which are generally preferred for their transient response and high-frequency detail. The PreSonus DM-7 includes two OH-2 cardioid small-diaphragm condenser microphones. The Shure PG ALTA kit includes two PGA81 Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphones. Both sets provide a stereo pair for overhead duties. The specification indicates that both brands recognize the need for condenser technology in this position to accurately capture the decay and shimmer of cymbals.

Included Accessories and Hardware

Hardware inclusion varies slightly between the two packages, particularly regarding mounting clips and windscreens. The PreSonus DM-7 explicitly mentions that the OH-2 overhead microphones come with clips and foam windscreens. This is a practical inclusion for protecting condenser capsules from moisture and wind noise during recording. The Shure PG ALTA kit lists 1x A25D Break-resistant Microphone Clip in its features. While Shure specifies a break-resistant model number for at least one clip, the PreSonus package highlights the inclusion of windscreens, which are not explicitly listed in the Shure feature set provided. These accessories contribute to the out-of-the-box usability of each kit.

Price and Overall Value

Price is the most significant differentiator between these two studio microphone packages. The PreSonus DM-7 is listed at $314.99, while the Shure PG ALTA 7-Piece Drum Microphone kit is priced at $659.00. This represents a price difference of over $340, with the PreSonus option costing less than half the price of the Shure kit. When calculating the cost per microphone, the PreSonus kit averages approximately $45 per mic, whereas the Shure kit averages roughly $94 per mic. For studios operating on a budget, the PreSonus DM-7 offers a compelling value proposition without sacrificing the total microphone count or the basic configuration required for a full drum kit recording.

Final Recommendation

Choosing between these two kits depends largely on budget constraints and brand affinity. The PreSonus DM-7 is the recommended choice for users prioritizing value and immediate tom coverage, thanks to its lower price point of $314.99 and inclusion of four dedicated tom microphones. It also provides foam windscreens for the overheads, adding practical value. The Shure PG ALTA kit may appeal to engineers who prefer the specific PGA series microphone models and are willing to pay the premium price of $659.00 for brand recognition and specific hardware like the A25D clip. However, based on specification density and cost efficiency, the PreSonus DM-7 delivers a more accessible entry point for complete drum mic coverage.