Earthworks DM20 vs Shure BETA 98

In this video I'm comparing the Earthworks DM20 against the Shure BETA 98. The 2 mics are very similar and here you can listen to the differences between them.

Timestamps
0:00 Intro
1:17 Specs
2:32 Rim Mounts
3:40 Shootout Description
5:08 Snare Hits
6:07 Rack Tom Hits
6:43 Floor Tom Hits
7:20 Rock Groove
8:07 Half Time Shuffle Groove
9:20 Tom Groove
10:03 Conclusion

#drummic #shuremic #earthworksmic


Drum Kit | Sakae Trilogy
Sakae Trilogy 10", 12", 13", 16", 22" x 14" kick
Rogers Londoner 12", 13", 16", 22" x 14" kick

Snare Drums
Sakae Trilogy 14" x 6.5"
Tama S.L.P Classic Dry Aluminium 14" x 5"
Tama S.L.P G Bubinga 14" x 6"
Rogers Dynasonic Big R COP 14" x 5"

Cymbals
Istanbul Agop 30th Anniversary 14" hats, 18" crash, 20" ride
Zildjian A's 14" new beat hats, 16" & 18" crashes and 21" sweet ride

Mics
Earthworks DK7 DM20
sE Electronics VR1
Shure DMK 57/52
Shure BETA 98
Audio Technica AT2050

Preamps
Focusrite Clarret 8 Pre
Focusrite Clarett Octopre
Focusrite Saffire Pro 40

Cameras
Canon EOS M100 x2
Canon EF-M 22mm
Canon EF-M 15-45mm
Blackmagic Design ATEM mini
iPhone 12 mini

[moo_im_a_cow]

You don't know how much I've been wanting a comparison of these two specific mics for drums. Thank you.

[weschilton]

As someone with decades of recording experience, I see the Earthworks' as studio recording mics and the Shure's as live mics. The overly hyped low end, I found to be right in that woofy 100-150hz range, which tends to get cut any way--especially when recording in smaller rooms like yours. I would find myself having to do a lot of work to clean up the Shure's in a mix.

However, in a live situation they would already sound full and have a lot of attack. It is interesting to note that the Shure's hyped sound was most noticeable on the full mix--which is a good indicator that isolated mic comparisons only tell part of the story. Unlike the Earthworks' mics, the Shure's colored the entire kit, and I found they also had a slightly harsh upper midrange in the cymbals, where the Earthworks' were much smoother. Looking at the frequency charts, I can see why!

Its also important to note that he Shure's have quite a bit higher self noise that most other SDCs... something that can matter a lot in a studio environment, but not as much live.

I think its kinda funny when viewers favor the pre-eq'd thing so much. Inexperienced ears invariably tend to favor louder, hyped sounds... and there is a place for that sometimes. But these days, I much prefer a flatter more accurate response. Its SO much easier to work with.

I see no difference in build quality, I have Shure mics that are over 40 years old and still look new. Shure builds very tough and very good mics. These would be excellent for live touring drummers.

[dannykihoalu]

As much as I love the DM20s, I have to say in this shootout the Beta 98s blow them away. The bottom end punch and high end attack is just more mix ready.

[ClayMcClain]

Years ago, the Earthworks began showing up on so many different drum set YouTube videos - how to and instructional videos, etc. Yet, there were no direct comparison videos between the Earthworks and Shure Beta 98 mics. I always thought that was suspicious! Thank you Bob Irving for bringing clarity to this matter. I'll stay with the Shure Beta 98.

[billyhughes]

Great compare. The BETA 98 (like you said) does sound pre EQd -- in the lows and the upper midrange to my ears. The DM20 is more neutral and even, ..especially the topend. BTW -- you have a new sub.

[peterwarren]

I much prefer the Shure additional top and bottom Eq. Thanks for doing the video!

[patrickfouhy]

The Shure seemed to have snappier transients, but not necessarily in a good way. Also most too snappy. The Earthworks certainly made the hi-hat and other cymbal bleed sound less abrasive, and had overall a warmer sound for the snare.

On toms, I suppose it could be a toss up for me, depends on the situation.

Great video!

[TheReal_Animale]

Very usefull comparison vid again. The Beta has got more bass. Best heard with the single tom strikes and the sustain. The Earthworks makes the deep curve flatter, to my ears that’s the same as ‘thinner’. More compressed, but with loss of lows.

Basically what the narrator says, but the clarity he talks about concerning the Earthworks (again: to my ears) goes hand in hand with less depth.
I’d take the Sure, the price difference, size and the versatility of the clip holder rim & mic pole (which in most cases means drum stand mount as well) are all in favor of the Sure.

[TheMadSciontist]

I bought the dm20's and I returned them for the beta 98's they just sounds so much better IMO.

[stephenbender]

Awesome video bro! Your breakdown was super accurate...I got way more clarity out of the EW mics, better attack in particluar, but with more cymbal bleed. The Shure mics have more body and character with less bleed, and are DEFINITELY my preference. Give me body and low end all day and I can always eq highs in post-recording. Thank you again for this content, definitely no other vids out there like it.

[GonzoAudioTips]

To my ears there’s not enough of a difference to justify the extra cost of the Earthworks! Shure is a workhorse always

[job_lewis]

I’d love to hear Beta 98 or DM20 vs. DPA 4099 in such a well made comparison

[alyxonfire]

top notch review, drums and the drumming sounded fantastic!

[MabuyoshiSenjutsu]

I'll pick Shure Beta 98 any day!!

Sheesh! This babies can hold their own weight against Earthworks! Added on my wishlist!

[adrianlevi]

I find the EW more transparent and neutral as its top end has a clarity and airiness that the beta doesn't . Otherwise both work nicely.

[carlheinz]

A drummer fiend of mine brought over his new Earthworks mic kit and it was very satisfying. The Shures have a bit more polish hype PRE-EQ'd vibe ...I wouldn't mind either. . I like saving a little money on the Shure though

[Incountry]

EW are very good, yet the Shure have a slightly more headroom and clarity but it’s only marginal and down to your requirements, my studio is DEAD so Shure would be my preference…. Issues, you’ll need to purchase more mics for other items.

I’m looking at the Audix DP7 and an additional pair of i5 mics for Hi Hat & Ride cymbals having 9 in total…

[willfest]

I must say, I was impressed with the shure and I have previously liked the earth-works. both good

[joeqmix]

thanks for doing this. Very informative.

[mlhbrx]

Both sounded identical to me, except for the floor tom. With the Beta 98, the floor tom sound was fuller with more sustain.