Nice dynamic mic for kick drum

tobymusic · 3rd December 2004

I´m looking for an alternative microphone for kick drums. A dynamic microphone....so what do you guys like for kick drums? I want a big, fat, round tone! MD421 or RE20? D12 might be nice but it´s out of production...let me know what you think!

Thanks!

HudHudson · 3rd December 2004

My faves are Sennheiser e602 and AKG D-112.

Telecastr · 3rd December 2004

lately i hate D112s. i've been using a Beta 52 and i love it. i've also tried the Audio Technica AE2500. it's got a dynamic and condensor in one. i've yet to like the sound of it/ maybe i just haven't found the right drum for it, or maybe it just sucks. try a Beta 52 or an RE20. i've never used a 421 on kick so i can't comment on that.

Scinx · 3rd December 2004

Ive had good results with a Sennheiser e602 and a 421.

mitgong · 3rd December 2004

Audix D4. Haven't heard the D6(?). I generally hate D112, although they make great vocal mics.

alphajerk · 3rd December 2004

i dont know what peoples beef with the D112 is. i can make it sound fine in just about any instance. its ALL about placement. get it wrong and it sounds like a basketball at midcourt but get it right and its a nice kick tone. but generally, any kick mic can sound just fine [dynamic mics with a short throw in the HF]... for me its ALL about placement. i dont stick a RE20 where i stick a D112 or a 421 or even some condensor mic.

tobymusic · 3rd December 2004

Thank you guys, keep it coming!

I personally like my U47fet outside the KIK, but I usually have to EQ it quite a bit.

I also tried the MD421 but couldn´t get it quiet right with that one...so how´s the Beta 52 like compared to the infamous D112?

chadly · 3rd December 2004

Am I the only one here using a D6 on the inside and a "dynamic" speaker-turned-microphone on the out?

Telecastr · 3rd December 2004

Quote:

Originally posted by alphajerk
i dont know what peoples beef with the D112 is. i can make it sound fine in just about any instance. its ALL about placement. get it wrong and it sounds like a basketball at midcourt but get it right and its a nice kick tone. but generally, any kick mic can sound just fine [dynamic mics with a short throw in the HF]... for me its ALL about placement. i dont stick a RE20 where i stick a D112 or a 421 or even some condensor mic.

i can get a D112 to be workable in most cases, just not without a lot of EQ, no matter where it's placed. of course i don't just put all the different mics in th same spot. for the album i'm working on now, i used a beta 52. i hardly touched the EQ. i think i may have dipped out some low mids by about 3 db, but other than that the sound was there. i tried a D112 before the Beta and it sucked. maybe it was just the sound i was going for that day, but i generally find myself not liking how the D112 sounds on kick. i will second using for vocals though.

Dave Martin · 3rd December 2004

I've been fairly content for the last year with a Beta 52 inside and a Yamaha Subkick outside.

Ruudman · 3rd December 2004

Any opinions on Beyer M88?

ruudman

gamrecords · 3rd December 2004

I've gotten good results with a Beta 52, and also recently purchased an Audix 6 which I think is really nice also.
Never have loved the D112.

mb

Steffmo · 3rd December 2004

I have a Beta 52, D12, D112, Senn 602, RE20 and 421s.

They all work for certain applications and drums.

I think the Beta 52 is most like a modern version of the D12....its wide and unhyped.

If you a proponent of the "tick/boom" sound, or do metal..I think the 602 is the best thing going. Good boost at 5 k and a sucked out a 400.

I like the D112 on floor tom. The 602 hits me better on kick.

not_so_new · 3rd December 2004

Quote:

i dont know what peoples beef with the D112 is. i can make it sound fine in just about any instance. its ALL about placement. get it wrong and it sounds like a basketball at midcourt but get it right and its a nice kick tone.

Same here. I love my 112 but it takes more to get it in the right place. 52's seem a little ticky for me and the D6 is way hyped for my taste, great on it's own but in the mix I am always messing with it to get it to sit right.

Quote:

any opinions on Beyer M88?

Yep I love it!!!

Oh you mean for kick?? Not bad, not my first choice but I would probably use it over some of the other things mentioned here. Some people swear by them, to each his own I guess.

bnath · 3rd December 2004

..:

I've been using an re-20 for the beater and a Subkick for the outer head, phase aligned with an IBP. Although, I am thinking about picking up an Audix d4 or d6 to substitute with the RE-20.

Anyone know what the sonic differences are between the d6 and d4? Apparently the d6 is supposed to have quite a bit of low end, but I noticed that the SPL handling of the d4 is nearly 20db higher than the d6...

b :*

HudHudson · 3rd December 2004

Also curious about the M88 on kick. I use it on floor tom all the time so it definitely has the ability to capture the attack and low end.

dhughes · 3rd December 2004

Quote:

Originally posted by chadly
Am I the only one here using a D6 on the inside and a "dynamic" speaker-turned-microphone on the out?

I've done that exact setup many times. Works great, usually.

robinrosedrumme · 3rd December 2004

I use an M88 for kick all the time and it sounds GREAT!! But you HAVE to use a windscreen or a popfilter on it for kick.(a clean sweatsock works too).....Check the Beyer site for the filters......

brownmouse · 3rd December 2004

i've been pretty happy with an audio technica atm-25.
joshua

Don · 3rd December 2004

I like the Beta 52...But I'm really likeing the D6 alot..seems a easier to get good tones from..almost a throw it in there and press record type of thing..Haveing said that I'll prob. have trouble the next time I use it..LOL

Jason Poulin · 4th December 2004

I don't mind a 421 but the B52 is the best!

only my opinion on my experiences though

Jason

michaelhoddy · 4th December 2004

I like Beta 91 or Sennheiser 421 inside, Soundelux U195 (in fat mode) or (surprisingly) Neumann M147 outside.

I've used the D6 live and like it. However, it probably wouldn't be my first choice in the situations where I get to use two mics, one for attach and punch, and one for "thud." The D6 has the low-end thing down better than any purpose-built kick mic I've used, but it doesn't do as well on the attack side of things as the Beta 91, or as well on the punch side of things as the 421.

However, for a single mic that you can stick in a drum, I like it.

Don't like the D112. Had an AE2500, and couldn't get a good sound out of it. The dynamic/condenser idea is cool, but I think it depends on the fact that you'd put the two mic elements in completely different places if you were trying to get a combination of low end and attack. I could often get either the dynamic OR the condenser to sound good, but never both at the same time in the same location.

RichT · 4th December 2004

Quote:

Originally posted by brownmouse
i've been pretty happy with an audio technica atm-25.
joshua

Yup, my ATM-25 is my go-to kick mic.

Loads of attack and plenty of wumph as well.

Cheers,
Rich

stinkybuffalo · 4th December 2004

First, the tuning of the drum makes a huge difference. Second, it completely and totally depends on how the drummer plays the kick drum. Taking those two into mind here are my most often choices (i always experiment though with random wierd mics).

Loose tuning+Hard playing=Senn 602...the beef and attack match really well, but don't use this mic unless the player consistently plays strong on kick. otherwise gets tubby and plastic sounding.

Tighter tuning+Mod. to Hard playing=RE20(Great overall tone w/good placement; AT 4033/AKG414... all three mics present a very EQuable kick sound. 4033 is slightly hyped around 4K it seems.

I personally don't like the D112 or Beta 52 for kick because I can tell that is the mike being used. For floor toms they work great though.

All of this IMHO.

3rd December 2004	#1
tobymusic Music CrAZy Joined: Nov 2003 Location: Continental Europe Posts: 751 Thread Starter	Nice dynamic mic for kick drum I´m looking for an alternative microphone for kick drums. A dynamic microphone....so what do you guys like for kick drums? I want a big, fat, round tone! MD421 or RE20? D12 might be nice but it´s out of production...let me know what you think! Thanks!

3rd December 2004	#5
mitgong Gear addict Joined: Oct 2002 Location: ITHACA, NY Posts: 394	Audix D4. Haven't heard the D6(?). I generally hate D112, although they make great vocal mics. __________________ Get back to work! http://scaramangaindustries.com/

3rd December 2004	#6
alphajerk There is only one Joined: Jun 2002 Location: asheville NC Posts: 5,260	i dont know what peoples beef with the D112 is. i can make it sound fine in just about any instance. its ALL about placement. get it wrong and it sounds like a basketball at midcourt but get it right and its a nice kick tone. but generally, any kick mic can sound just fine [dynamic mics with a short throw in the HF]... for me its ALL about placement. i dont stick a RE20 where i stick a D112 or a 421 or even some condensor mic. __________________ "i must invent my own systems or else be enslaved by other men's'" william blake __________________________ email: barrett [at] alphajerk [dot] com

3rd December 2004	#10
Dave Martin Moderator emeritus Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 3,152	I've been fairly content for the last year with a Beta 52 inside and a Yamaha Subkick outside. __________________ Dave Martin Java Jive Studio www.javajivestudio.com Nashville, TN

3rd December 2004	#12
gamrecords Gear nut Joined: Nov 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 112	I've gotten good results with a Beta 52, and also recently purchased an Audix 6 which I think is really nice also. Never have loved the D112. mb __________________ ...champagne for my real friends, and real pain for my sham friends... Tom Waits

3rd December 2004	#2
HudHudson Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2004 Location: Austin, Texas USofA Posts: 1,671	My faves are Sennheiser e602 and AKG D-112.

3rd December 2004	#3
Telecastr Lives for gear Joined: Jul 2004 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 621	lately i hate D112s. i've been using a Beta 52 and i love it. i've also tried the Audio Technica AE2500. it's got a dynamic and condensor in one. i've yet to like the sound of it/ maybe i just haven't found the right drum for it, or maybe it just sucks. try a Beta 52 or an RE20. i've never used a 421 on kick so i can't comment on that.

3rd December 2004	#4
Scinx Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2003 Location: USA Posts: 581	Ive had good results with a Sennheiser e602 and a 421.

3rd December 2004	#8
chadly Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2004 Location: Midwest Posts: 535	Am I the only one here using a D6 on the inside and a "dynamic" speaker-turned-microphone on the out?

3rd December 2004	#11
Ruudman Lives for gear Joined: Mar 2003 Location: Norway Posts: 3,086	Any opinions on Beyer M88? ruudman

3rd December 2004	#13
Steffmo Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2004 Location: West Haven, CT Posts: 3,018	I have a Beta 52, D12, D112, Senn 602, RE20 and 421s. They all work for certain applications and drums. I think the Beta 52 is most like a modern version of the D12....its wide and unhyped. If you a proponent of the "tick/boom" sound, or do metal..I think the 602 is the best thing going. Good boost at 5 k and a sucked out a 400. I like the D112 on floor tom. The 602 hits me better on kick.

3rd December 2004	#15
bnath Gear nut Joined: Dec 2002 Location: Seattle Posts: 138	..: I've been using an re-20 for the beater and a Subkick for the outer head, phase aligned with an IBP. Although, I am thinking about picking up an Audix d4 or d6 to substitute with the RE-20. Anyone know what the sonic differences are between the d6 and d4? Apparently the d6 is supposed to have quite a bit of low end, but I noticed that the SPL handling of the d4 is nearly 20db higher than the d6... b :*

3rd December 2004	#18
robinrosedrumme Gear interested Joined: Nov 2004 Location: belgium Posts: 20	I use an M88 for kick all the time and it sounds GREAT!! But you HAVE to use a windscreen or a popfilter on it for kick.(a clean sweatsock works too).....Check the Beyer site for the filters...... __________________ Paul Zahl

3rd December 2004	#19
brownmouse Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,399	i've been pretty happy with an audio technica atm-25. joshua

3rd December 2004	#20
Don Gear maniac Joined: Jul 2002 Location: Orlando Fl Posts: 198	I like the Beta 52...But I'm really likeing the D6 alot..seems a easier to get good tones from..almost a throw it in there and press record type of thing..Haveing said that I'll prob. have trouble the next time I use it..LOL __________________ Don

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4th December 2004	#21
Jason Poulin Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2003 Location: Sudbury, On. Canada Posts: 1,780	I don't mind a 421 but the B52 is the best! only my opinion on my experiences though Jason __________________ If it don't sound like a record... don't press record

4th December 2004	#22
michaelhoddy Gear nut Joined: Jul 2004 Location: yes Posts: 77	I like Beta 91 or Sennheiser 421 inside, Soundelux U195 (in fat mode) or (surprisingly) Neumann M147 outside. I've used the D6 live and like it. However, it probably wouldn't be my first choice in the situations where I get to use two mics, one for attach and punch, and one for "thud." The D6 has the low-end thing down better than any purpose-built kick mic I've used, but it doesn't do as well on the attack side of things as the Beta 91, or as well on the punch side of things as the 421. However, for a single mic that you can stick in a drum, I like it. Don't like the D112. Had an AE2500, and couldn't get a good sound out of it. The dynamic/condenser idea is cool, but I think it depends on the fact that you'd put the two mic elements in completely different places if you were trying to get a combination of low end and attack. I could often get either the dynamic OR the condenser to sound good, but never both at the same time in the same location. __________________ Michael Hoddy

4th December 2004	#24
stinkybuffalo Gear interested Joined: Nov 2004 Location: St. Louis/ O'Fallon Posts: 25	First, the tuning of the drum makes a huge difference. Second, it completely and totally depends on how the drummer plays the kick drum. Taking those two into mind here are my most often choices (i always experiment though with random wierd mics). Loose tuning+Hard playing=Senn 602...the beef and attack match really well, but don't use this mic unless the player consistently plays strong on kick. otherwise gets tubby and plastic sounding. Tighter tuning+Mod. to Hard playing=RE20(Great overall tone w/good placement; AT 4033/AKG414... all three mics present a very EQuable kick sound. 4033 is slightly hyped around 4K it seems. I personally don't like the D112 or Beta 52 for kick because I can tell that is the mike being used. For floor toms they work great though. All of this IMHO.