Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $369

Standard/Professional

$100

$401+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Earthworks DM20". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Earthworks DM20 is a powerhouse small-diaphragm condenser microphone designed specifically for close miking snare drums and toms, both on stage and in the studio. Its compact and rugged build makes it a favorite among drummers and audio engineers alike, ensuring it withstands the rigors of live performances without sacrificing sound quality. With an ultra-fast impulse response and a near-perfect cardioid polar pattern, the DM20 captures every detail of your performance, from the sharpest attacks to the subtlest nuances, delivering a drum sound that feels alive and present.

Its right-angle capsule head and sturdy gooseneck design allow for precise positioning, while the included RM1 RimMount eliminates the need for cumbersome mic stands, keeping your setup clean and efficient. The DM20's ability to handle high sound pressure levels up to 150 dB without distortion ensures that even the most dynamic drummers can perform with confidence.

The microphone is engineered to offer exceptional rejection of cymbals and ambient noise, ensuring your drums remain the focus. Whether you're recording in the studio or performing live, the Earthworks DM20 provides a robust and reliable solution with pristine sound quality that captures the true character of your drums.

Key Features:

  • Cardioid polar pattern
  • Frequency range: 20Hz – 20kHz
  • Sensitivity: 8 mV/Pa (-42 dBV/Pa)
  • Max SPL: 150 dB
  • Requires phantom power (24-48V)
  • Includes RM1 RimMount and PW1 foam windscreen
  • Rigid gooseneck and durable microphone head design
  • Ideal for tom and snare drum miking

Product specs

Brand Earthworks
Model DM20 DrumMic Small Diaphragm Cardioid Gooseneck Condenser Microphone
Finish Silver
Year 2017 - 2020
Categories Microphones

FAQs

What is the primary application of the Earthworks DM20 microphone?

The Earthworks DM20 is designed primarily for use with drums, specifically toms and snares, providing high-quality sound capture with its small-diaphragm condenser design.

What polar pattern does the Earthworks DM20 use, and what does it mean for drum recording?

The Earthworks DM20 features a cardioid polar pattern, which focuses on capturing sound from the front while minimizing ambient noise from the sides and rear, making it ideal for isolating drum sounds in a live or studio setting.

How does the gooseneck design of the Earthworks DM20 benefit drum mic placement?

The gooseneck design of the Earthworks DM20 allows for precise and flexible positioning, ensuring optimal placement for capturing the best sound from drums without interfering with the drummer's performance.

Is the Earthworks DM20 suitable for live performance as well as studio recording?

Yes, the Earthworks DM20 is versatile enough for both live performances and studio recording, offering high durability and sound quality in various environments.

How would you describe the sound signature of the Earthworks DM20?

The Earthworks DM20 is known for its clear, natural sound with a fast transient response, making it ideal for capturing the detailed dynamics of drum performances.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Earthworks DM20 & DK25/L Drum Microphone System Reviewed

Video thumbnail for Earthworks DM20 & DK25/L Drum Microphone System Reviewed by Sweetwater

Earthworks DM20 & DK25/L Drum Microphone System Reviewed

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Earthworks DM20 vs Shure BETA 98 by Bob Irving

Earthworks DM20 vs Shure BETA 98

Bob Irving

Bob Irving

Video thumbnail for Earthworks DM20 vs Shure SM57 by Bob Irving

Earthworks DM20 vs Shure SM57

Bob Irving

Bob Irving

Video thumbnail for Drum Micing: Earthworks DM20 vs Shure KSM 32 vs Sennheiser MD 421 vs SM7B vs BETA 57 by Recording Studio Loser

Drum Micing: Earthworks DM20 vs Shure KSM 32 vs Sennheiser MD 421 vs SM7B vs BETA 57

Recording Studio Loser

Recording Studio Loser

Video thumbnail for Spot The Differences Between These Snare Drums With The Earthworks DM20 by Earthworks Audio

Spot The Differences Between These Snare Drums With The Earthworks DM20

Earthworks Audio

Earthworks Audio

Reviews

PROS

  • Unbelievably open and honest sound quality

  • Fantastic sound resolution across almost all frequency spectra

  • Significantly better transient response compared to other mics

  • Heavy-duty, seemingly unbreakable metal construction

  • High-quality audio with minimal EQ needed

  • Easy to adjust mic positioning and height

  • Ideal for both live performances and studio recordings

CONS

  • Susceptible to bleed, may require gating techniques

  • Some units have clamp issues, difficult to open

  • High price point might be a concern for some

  • Directional characteristics could be more narrowly focused

  • Requires a preamp with a pad function for loud sources

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Earthworks DM20.

Comparisons

  • The DM20 has been compared favorably to SM57, M80, 421, and e604 in terms of punch and clarity on snare and toms.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The DM20 offers impressive natural cymbal bleed, making it easier to mix compared to other mics.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report the DM20 delivers a surprisingly addictive punch and a clear, focused tone.

    Source
  • Noted for making toms sound notably larger, enhancing the overall drum sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The DM20 significantly enhances side-stick sounds on snare drums.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Earthworks Audio: DM20 DrumMic / CMK4 Mic Kit | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Earthworks DM20 shines with its sturdy build and impressive sound quality, particularly for close drum miking. Its gooseneck design allows for easy positioning, which is a plus in cramped studio settings. However, the RM1 clips struggle to maintain grip, leading to frustrating adjustments during sessions. While the tonal clarity is commendable—offering a bright and smooth sound that rivals higher-end mics at a more accessible price—musicians may need to tape the mics in place to avoid slips. Ultimately, the DM20 offers great value for its sound, but the design flaws in the mounting system may deter some users.

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kevin Parker uses Earthworks DM20

Kevin Parker

Singer, Guitarist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via Photo

"Tame Impala - InnerSpeaker (Live From Wave House)" on YouTube, Kevin Parker is seen using the Earthworks DM20 microphone.

See how Andrew Huang uses Earthworks DM20

Andrew Huang

Singer, Guitarist

First Of October

...
Verified via Facebook

can be seen at 0:20 in this post

See how Jonathan "Sugarfoot" Moffett uses Earthworks DM20

Jonathan "Sugarfoot" Moffett

Drummer

Michael Jackson (band)

...
Verified via Earthworks Audio

Listed here as using this microphone

See how David Raouf (rdavidr) uses Earthworks DM20

David Raouf (rdavidr)

Drummer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this post David talks about the gear he uses. David uses a Earthworks DM20 on the bottom of his snare as well as his toms

See how Wyatt Stav uses Earthworks DM20

Wyatt Stav

Drummer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video wyatt umboxes mics for his dw kit. one mic he uses is an earthworks dm20

See how Joseph "Joey" Mullen uses Earthworks DM20

Joseph "Joey" Mullen

Drummer

Paramore

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see Joey has DM20s on his bongos

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Earthworks DM20, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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