Kick Drum Mic Opinons

[dannygold]

I have access to several kick mics for an upcoming session and I probably won't have time to try them all. Any thoughts on the sound I"m likely to get from each:

EV RE20
SM7
SM57
EV RE38
D112
Beta 52
ATM 250

Various Condensers... but I don't think the studio will want me putting those inside the kick so if I use one it will be externally in addition to one of the above, used inside.

And yes, I understand it's all dependent on placement, the kick, the player, tuning, etc. Still, these mics all obviously have a certain sound. Can you comment on that sound? If you're looking for a point of reference of what I'd LIKE it to sound like... I love the kick sound on "Mysterous Ways" by U2:

YouTube - U2-Mysterious Ways

[warhead]

I like the E/V ND868 in, CAD M179 out.

Works for me on pretty much any well tuned kick.

War

[anguswoodhead]

I use an AKG D112 with the Earthworks Kick Pad - placed in the right zone I find just this single mic combination gives me the best result.
Nice balance of tops and bottoms - still use a bit of EQ depending on the style of music / sound you want.

[HeavyG]

Originally Posted by warhead

I like the E/V ND868 in, CAD M179 out.

Works for me on pretty much any well tuned kick.

War

That is great advice...except it doesn't even come close to answering his quesion. I say D112 and RE20...both solid choices.

[tINY]

I'd use the RE38 just because it's cool...




-tINY

[Sqye]

421 here....almost always my fav....leaves some options open...

that said, i'd take the re-20 over the rest, incl. the d112 - anyday...

sm7 could be interesting, though - never used it on kick...


now, now, tiny - they're talking about MICS. ..MICS, not GUNS....
if there was a 45 in your collection, he'd pro'ly pick that one, as well.....
......wussuh matter, tiny, no 57 for you? ....you sure the 38's not too small?

no ak47s in the stash, although a nice u47 would be nice....

[in the red]

421, 112, re20, sm7, beta 52, they are all good. it really depends on the kick, the player and your sense of aestetics. each project needs its own sound. i couldn´t say which of the above is my favorit. the 112 is the first i reach for though.

[leaper]

If u want a tight close kick sound go RE20 on account of it's low proximity effect. If u want something with a woofy low end go for D112.

If you don't have time to test everything then a bit of EQ ing on either of these mics should get you there.

Placement, like you said, is essential. if you go in close with the 112, it has more hi mid pointiness than the RE 20 and it will boost the bass end at the same time. so the trick is to get a balance between the 2 elements.. i usually place the 112 to get the right low end and then end up adding obscene amounts of hi mid EQ (if it's a rock gig).

RE 20 is more balanced from the start as far as low and hi end go. It seems to work the other way round: place for optimum klick and then EQ the low end and also add a bit of klick. Less obscenity required with RE 20 EQ though.

If you have a 421 lying around.. and the time.. it's well worth trying it out in conjunction with the 112. The 421 will give a natural klick while the 112 will add body (if needed).

May the luck of the leprechauns be with you!

[Byrne]

WARREN HAS GONE EPIC!

It's like an isolationist regime, a Mongol-stopping utility, and a Pink Floyd album cover rolled into one, and it's fantastic.

I'm going to buy something from Front End just because of this. Seriously.


As far as the mics, I'm a D6 guy so my opinion doesn't weigh here. I just wanted to say something about Warren's barrier system.

[river]

I'd try the RE38, about the same capsule diameter as the RE20, but then there are 16 different filter settings also. I use one on snare, set flat and get amazing punch from it, so if you go with something else on kick, use it on snare.

[dangoudie]

Originally Posted by leaper

If u want a tight close kick sound go RE20 on account of it's low proximity effect. If u want something with a woofy low end go for D112.

If you don't have time to test everything then a bit of EQ ing on either of these mics should get you there.

Placement, like you said, is essential. if you go in close with the 112, it has more hi mid pointiness than the RE 20 and it will boost the bass end at the same time. so the trick is to get a balance between the 2 elements.. i usually place the 112 to get the right low end and then end up adding obscene amounts of hi mid EQ (if it's a rock gig).

RE 20 is more balanced from the start as far as low and hi end go. It seems to work the other way round: place for optimum klick and then EQ the low end and also add a bit of klick. Less obscenity required with RE 20 EQ though.

If you have a 421 lying around.. and the time.. it's well worth trying it out in conjunction with the 112. The 421 will give a natural klick while the 112 will add body (if needed).

May the luck of the leprechauns be with you!

That is one of the best post replies I've read on here - it's exactly the kind of answer that someone asking this kind of question is looking for.

[pootkao]

^Exactly.

All these posts from guys saying "I like this mic, I like that mic..." ... well, what the hell good is that? The guy listed what he's got available and asked for some input. So stop listing off only mics you've got in your locker and actually HELP.

[tINY]

Well, he didn't say what kind of kick (large/small diameter - shallow or deep - front head or no) and he didn't say what type of music.

Of course, the style of the bass player figures in sometimes too....




-tINY