Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (6)
$149.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$149.00
Amazon
5.0 (6)
$149.00 New
$134.95 Used (Like New)
Reverb
$149.00 New
$134.95 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$149.00
zZounds
5.0 (1)
$149.00
B&H
5.0 (1)
$149.00
Thomann
4.9 (14)
$155.00 $154.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $148

Standard/Professional

$75

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Audio-Technica ATM230 Hypercardioid Dynamic Drum Microphone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Audio-Technica ATM230 Hypercardioid Dynamic Drum Microphone is your go-to solution for capturing the punch and power of your drum kit. Compact yet mighty, this mic is specifically engineered to handle high SPL environments, making it perfect for miking toms, snares, and other percussion instruments. Its hypercardioid polar pattern minimizes background noise, ensuring your drum's sound is front and center.

This microphone's robust, all-metal construction is designed to withstand the demands of both live performances and studio sessions. The rare earth magnet inside guarantees improved output and transient response, delivering a sound that's both rich and detailed. The low-profile design offers flexible placement options, allowing you to mic up even the most complex drum setups with ease. Whether you're recording or performing live, the ATM230 ensures your drum's sound is captured with clarity and precision.

Key Features:

  • Hypercardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of the desired sound source
  • Handles very high SPL at close range
  • Big, warm low-frequency response with excellent attack
  • Low-profile design permits versatile placement around the drum kit
  • Rare earth magnet for improved output and transient response
  • Rugged, all-metal construction for years of trouble-free use
  • Includes AT8665 drum mount and a protective pouch

Product specs

Microphone Type Dynamic
Polar Pattern Hypercardioid
Frequency Response 20Hz-12kHz
Output Impedance 595 ohms
Connector XLR
Weight 14.6 oz.
Included Accessories AT8665 drum mount; soft protective pouch

FAQs

What is the primary application of the Audio-Technica ATM230 Hypercardioid Dynamic Drum Microphone?

The Audio-Technica ATM230 is designed primarily for close-miking drums and percussion instruments, providing excellent isolation and clear sound capture in both studio and live settings.

How does the hypercardioid polar pattern benefit the Audio-Technica ATM230?

The hypercardioid polar pattern of the ATM230 offers focused sound pickup from the front, reducing unwanted ambient noise and feedback, which is ideal for capturing the nuances of drum kits in noisy environments.

Is the Audio-Technica ATM230 compatible with standard XLR connections?

Yes, the ATM230 features a standard XLR connector, making it compatible with most audio interfaces, mixers, and recording equipment.

What frequency response does the Audio-Technica ATM230 offer?

The Audio-Technica ATM230 provides a frequency response of 20Hz to 12kHz, allowing it to effectively capture the full range of drum and percussion sounds.

Does the Audio-Technica ATM230 come with any accessories?

Yes, the ATM230 includes an AT8665 drum mount and a soft protective pouch, ensuring secure placement and easy transport.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Winter NAMM 2016: Audio-Technica ATM230 Dynamic Microphone

Video thumbnail for Winter NAMM 2016: Audio-Technica ATM230 Dynamic Microphone by Sweetwater

Winter NAMM 2016: Audio-Technica ATM230 Dynamic Microphone

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Audio Technica ATM230 Drum Microphone by Ultimate Studios, Inc

Audio Technica ATM230 Drum Microphone

Ultimate Studios, Inc

Ultimate Studios, Inc

Video thumbnail for [NAMM] Audio-Technica ATM230 by Audiofanzine in English

[NAMM] Audio-Technica ATM230

Audiofanzine in English

Audiofanzine in English

Video thumbnail for L&M @ NAMM 2017: Audio Technica ATM230 Tom Mic by Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

L&M @ NAMM 2017: Audio Technica ATM230 Tom Mic

Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

Reviews

PROS

  • Compact profile, easy to use around the drum kit

  • Excellent frequency response, tone, warmth, clarity, and punch

  • Great isolation, minimizes bleed from other drums

  • Versatile, also excels as a guitar cabinet mic

  • Provides dynamic range and beautiful attack on drums

  • Bright and punchy sound, with a nice low end

  • Solid construction and durable design

  • Comes with a functional drum clip and high-quality padded case

  • Hypercardioid pattern reduces side and rear sound pickup

  • Offers great value, high performance at a reasonable cost

CONS

  • Not as great for kick drums without significant EQ and outboard gear

  • Lacks some thump on the floor tom compared to certain competitors

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audio-Technica ATM230 Hypercardioid Dynamic Drum Microphone.

Setup and maintenance

  • It's recommended to place overheads equidistant from the snare to avoid a flammed sound due to mic timing discrepancies.

    Source
  • Using too many mics on a drum kit can lead to muddiness and phase issues, particularly with toms, which can be challenging to mix.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The ATM230 is suggested for capturing attack on snare and toms, indicating its strong performance in high-impact recording scenarios.

    Source
  • The ATM230's durable build is praised, with users noting it withstands frequent repositioning and occasional stick hits during intense sessions.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The ATM230 setup is designed for versatility across genres like Country, Metal, Rock, and Pop, underscoring its adaptability in varied musical contexts.

    Source
  • Users highlight the ATM230's strong off-axis rejection, making it ideal for isolating tom sounds in a dense drum kit setup.

    Source
  • The ATM230 is noted to provide a full, accurate response with minimal EQ adjustment, making it suitable for live shows where quick setup is essential.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Utilizing a Focusrite Clarett and OctoPre can enhance the mic setup by providing low latency and improved recording quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The ATM230 is compared favorably to the ATM25, with users noting that both offer a "fat" sound and are easy to position on toms.

    Source
  • The ATM230 is mentioned alongside the Audix D6 and Sennheiser e604, with preference often based on desired tom sound character and budget constraints.

    Source
  • The Audio-Technica ATM230 is praised for its beefy and snappy sound on toms with minimal EQ, making it a preferred choice over the VBeats for some users.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the ATM230's tight hypercardioid pattern, which captures the tom sound "right out the gate" without much need for additional EQ.

    Source
  • Some owners report that D4 clips can break easily, indicating potential durability concerns for those frequently adjusting or transporting mics.

    Source
  • Users find the ATM230 delivers the desired tom sound with a combination of beefiness and snap, which aligns well with expectations for tom mics.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Audio-Technica: ATM230 Dynamic Mic | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Audio-Technica ATM230 is a game-changer for drummers, delivering punchy, lifelike sound that outshines the competition during studio sessions. Its hypercardioid design excels in off-axis rejection, making it perfect for capturing toms and kick drums without unwanted bleed. The compact size and durable build are a bonus, enhancing maneuverability in tight setups. However, the included rim mount falls short of expectations, lacking the versatility of competing products. Despite this minor setback, the ATM230 establishes itself as a top contender in the world of dynamic mics, setting a new standard that many will likely follow.

positive

Audio-Technica ATM230 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Audio-Technica's ATM230 is a focused powerhouse for tom miking, delivering punchy sound with a tailored frequency response that excels in close-miking scenarios. Its robust build ensures durability, while the compact design makes it live-friendly. However, its specificity means it may not shine with other instruments, limiting versatility. Though priced reasonably at £140, the three-pack option offers exceptional value. Overall, the ATM230 is a stellar choice for drummers seeking quality, though those needing a multi-purpose mic might want to look elsewhere.

positive

Review: Audio-Technica ATM230 — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

The Audio-Technica ATM230 is a rugged, dynamic mic that shines particularly on toms, delivering a powerful low-end response and a crisp attack that many sound mixers rave about. Its build quality is impressive, making it robust enough to withstand the rigors of live performance. However, while it excels in isolation and handling noise, its high-frequency response can be a bit grainy, lacking the airy detail some may desire. For drummers seeking a dependable mic for toms and percussion, the ATM230 is a strong contender, but it might require some EQ adjustments for optimal brightness on snares or other instruments. Overall, it's a solid pick for the price, balancing durability and sound quality effectively.

positive

Audio-Technica AE2300 & ATM230

soundonsound.com

The Audio-Technica ATM230 shines as an exceptional tom mic, offering robust construction and ease of positioning that any drummer will appreciate. While it excels in capturing the depth of toms, it falls short as a snare mic, lacking brightness and requiring overheads for added clarity. The compact design is a major plus, making it easy to integrate into cramped setups. Overall, it’s a practical option that delivers solid performance at a reasonable price, though users should consider its limited high-frequency reach.

positive

Audio Technica ATM230 & AE2300 Review - Modern Classics?

musictech.com

The Audio-Technica ATM230 showcases impressive performance tailored for toms, delivering solid low-end and punchy mids. Its hypercardioid design effectively minimizes off-axis sound, making it a strong contender for live settings. However, its specialized voicing limits versatility, confining its best use primarily to toms rather than other percussion. While it competes well against renowned models like the MD 421 and Heil PR 30, it may not replace them entirely for those seeking broader applications. Overall, the ATM230 is a reliable choice for drummers who want a dedicated tom mic, but its lack of flexibility keeps it from being an all-rounder in the studio.

positive

Reviewed: Audio-Technica ATM230 Hypercardioid Dynamic Microphone - Mixdown Magazine

mixdownmag.com.au

The Audio-Technica ATM230 Hypercardioid Dynamic Drum Microphone is a well-crafted tool that shines in its specialized role for drummers. Its hypercardioid pattern effectively isolates drum sounds, making it perfect for tight setups. High SPL handling ensures distortion-free sound, even up close to the skins. However, while its durability and design are commendable, the microphone's performance might not be versatile enough for those seeking a multi-purpose mic. Overall, it excels in its niche but may leave some users wanting more flexibility.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Art Cruz uses Audio-Technica ATM230 Hypercardioid Dynamic Drum Microphone

Art Cruz

Drummer

Lamb of God

...
Verified via Instagram

Art is using ATM230s (or something very similar) on his floor toms on the Into Oblivion tour

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Audio-Technica ATM230 Hypercardioid Dynamic Drum Microphone, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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