What’s the Best Mic for Kick Drums?

Instruments Drums and Percussion
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Hey everyone,

I’m diving into the world of recording and I want to focus on capturing my kick drum sound perfectly! I’ve been doing some research, but I’m still a bit overwhelmed with all the options available.

What to Look For?

Here are some things I’m considering when searching for the best kick drum mic:

  • Sound Quality: What mics give you that punchy sound that really brings a kick drum to life?
  • Durability: Since kick drums can take a beating, I need something that can withstand the intensity of live performances as well as studio recordings.
  • Versatility: Is there a mic that works well for both live settings and studio recordings?
  • Budget: I’m looking for something affordable but effective. Any recommendations that won’t break the bank?

Mics I’ve Heard About

I’ve stumbled upon some popular choices like:

  • Shure Beta 52A - Seems to be the industry standard.
  • Audix D6 - I’ve heard that it has a nice low-end response.
  • AKG D112 - A classic that many swear by.

I’d love to hear your personal experiences! What are your go-to mics for kick drums? Are there any hidden gems I should know about? Thanks in advance for your help!

Looking forward to hearing your recommendations!

Cheers,
hannah68

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I’m a huge fan of dynamic mics for kick drums, like the Shure Beta 52a. They excel at handling loud sounds and provide a punchy low end.

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I agree! Dynamic mics like the Audix D6 also work great. They have very good low-end response and are durable for live settings.

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Don’t overlook condenser mics! The AKG C451 is fantastic if you want to capture a more detailed sound, especially in studio settings.

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5

Condenser mics can catch subtleties well, but they may not handle high SPLs like dynamics. Good for studio use but tricky live.

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Ribbon mics like the AEA R84 give a warm, vintage sound, but they can be sensitive. Anyone tried them on kick drums?

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I’ve tried it! It adds a nice character but needs a good preamp due to its low output.

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What about placement? I’ve heard that having the mic inside the kick can really enhance the thump.

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Absolutely, mic placement is crucial! A few inches inside the drum can get that punchy sound. Experimenting is key!

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I’ll stick with my dynamic mics. Can we all agree that they’re versatile? Can’t beat the reliability in any situation!

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Totally! Less chance of damage, especially on the road. But I still think there’s a place for condensers.

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So, what’s the conclusion? Dynamics for live, condensers for studio, or is there room for ribbons too? I’m confused!

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I highly recommend the AKG D112. It’s been a standard in the industry for years, providing a punchy sound that really captures the low end of kick drums. The ability to handle high SPLs is a major plus too!

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That’s interesting! I’ve heard great things about the Shure Beta 52A as well. It has a great frequency response and is also very durable. Anyone had experience with both?

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The Audix D6 is fantastic for live settings! It really emphasizes the attack of the kick. I’ve used it on several occasions and it always delivers a solid sound. Can’t go wrong with that choice.

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I’ve used the Beta 52A too! It’s very versatile. However, I feel like the D112 gives a warmer tone. It really depends on what sound you’re aiming for!

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For a budget option, look into the MXL A-55 KICK. It’s surprisingly decent for the price! I’ve been impressed with its performance, especially when recording at home.

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That’s a good tip! I wonder if anyone has tried using the Audio-Technica ATM250DE? It’s a dual-element mic—great for capturing both the attack and the resonance.

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I’ve never tried the ATM250DE, but I’ll vouch for the Sennheiser e902. It’s a tight mic that captures all the nuances of the kick drum without getting muddy. Perfect for studio recordings!

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Great recommendation! I’m curious if anyone prefers dynamic mics over condensers for kick drums. I sometimes wonder if I’m missing out on that option.