Condensers and SPL handling

[The549]

I'm wanting to buy a kick drum mic, although I don't want to budget over $50 (hahaha). It will be part of a digital multitrack setup so I can tweak EQ and compression like hell after tracking. I like a bass drum sound that is very wet, low, and a tad boomy.

Should I go for the KBM412 or get the MXL990 condenser? What happens to condensers when placed right on a kick drum? Will it be damaged short term or long term, and if so would that distortion sound bad on a recording?

Thanks!

[hairylarry]

Hi,

I went through the whole cheap kick thing about a year ago and studied and searched.

It's pretty damn hard to get a good kick under $100.

I got these on eBay used except the Superlux is new.

1 - Audio Technica ATM25 kick mic cardiod dynamic $62.11
1 - Peavey 520i dynamic instrument mic also used for vocals and kick - $111.92
1 - Superlux FK-2 - $45

I can't compare them because I haven't used all of them for kick yet. I do like the ATM25. It has great sound live and it is a very versatile mic. Last week I used it on a Leslie cabinet live and the organ sounded great.

The Peavey is also a versatile mic. I haven't put it on kick drum yet. But it is good for horns, vocals, even acoustic guitar.

The Superlux FK-2 is more of a dedicated kick mic. I haven't used it yet but I have heard great recordings made with this mic. It's under $50 but the other mics are better bargains because of everything else they can do.

Thanks,

Hairy Larry

[boingoman]

Originally Posted by The549

I like a bass drum sound that is very wet, low, and a tad boomy.

First thing to do is make sure your kick sounds like that by itself. A mic isn't a magic sound-maker.

[ofajen]

Originally Posted by boingoman

A mic isn't a magic sound-maker.

Shhh! Careful! Someone's likely to try to have you burned at the stake for such heresy!

Cheers,

Otto

[The549]

I've always been good at tuning drums, so that's never been a problem. I use the signal from the condenser overheads most which is why I'm not worried as much about an accurate expensive mic.

If anyone knows what happens with a condenser that is placed close to a kick drum I'd appreciate it.

[mshilarious]

Originally Posted by The549

If anyone knows what happens with a condenser that is placed close to a kick drum I'd appreciate it.

Your question is too general. The issue is which condenser, and how close is close? The MXL in question is rated 0.5% THD @ 130dBSPL. Clipping will generally be higher than that, a wild guess would be 140dBSPL. Apparently the pad does not prevent the capsule from clipping with that mic, because the SPL rating is the same. Other condensers have higher ratings. Some condensers, such as the Shure Beta 91, are specifically designed to go inside a kick (without a front head).

Now, where are you going to put the mic? In the hole? 1" from the beater? 6" out front? You will experience different SPLs for all those positions, and of course dependent on the drummer.

I will say that generally a close-miced kick can exceed 140dBSPL, and most condensers placed really close, if they don't overload, often don't sound too good (with the exception of mics like the Beta 91 mentioned above). Most people using condensers on kick are giving it a little bit of distance. It doesn't take much; even 3"-6" will drop SPLs a good bit. Any condenser near the hole should be protected with a windscreen.

I have read reports that extended use of a large diaphragm mic can stretch the diaphragm, but I have not tested that myself.

[Harvey Gerst]

The new ADK S7 condenser mic is rated at 150 dB SPL with the pad kicked in.

[The549]

Originally Posted by mshilarious

Your question is too general. The issue is which condenser, and how close is close? The MXL in question is rated 0.5% THD @ 130dBSPL. Clipping will generally be higher than that, a wild guess would be 140dBSPL. Apparently the pad does not prevent the capsule from clipping with that mic, because the SPL rating is the same. Other condensers have higher ratings. Some condensers, such as the Shure Beta 91, are specifically designed to go inside a kick (without a front head).

Now, where are you going to put the mic? In the hole? 1" from the beater? 6" out front? You will experience different SPLs for all those positions, and of course dependent on the drummer.

I will say that generally a close-miced kick can exceed 140dBSPL, and most condensers placed really close, if they don't overload, often don't sound too good (with the exception of mics like the Beta 91 mentioned above). Most people using condensers on kick are giving it a little bit of distance. It doesn't take much; even 3"-6" will drop SPLs a good bit. Any condenser near the hole should be protected with a windscreen.

I have read reports that extended use of a large diaphragm mic can stretch the diaphragm, but I have not tested that myself.

Thanks. If I do get the condenser I'll be putting up a windscreen at about 6 inches then.