Cant decide on what kick mic to get

[DrummerStrummer]

Hello everyone. Im havin a hard time deciding what mic to buy. As of right now the Audix D6 is winning me over but im still not a 100% sure. Im also looking into the the Shure beta 52 and the AKG D112. Some opinions on the 3 mics I mentioned would be greatly apreciated, Im hopeing it'll help me make up my mind cause its driving me crazy haha. Thanks!

 

[Seafroggys]

I have the D112, its a very round sounding mic. The D6 has boosted lows and highs, making it more ideal for metal. Not sure about the Beta 52.

 

[Bodhisan]

I'm recording Americana type acoustic stuff, and let me tell you: A ribbon mike about 12" from the beater is perfect for my taste.

 

[Farview]

The D112 will work on more instruments and in more styles of music that the other two.

The Audix and Beta 52 are voiced for kick drum, lows and snap. They are fine kick mics, but aren't useful for much else.

The D112 was actually designed for capturing upright bass and cello. So it has all the lows, but it still has the mids. This makes it really good for micing up a bass cabinet because it captures the growl.

For kick, just take out the mids you don't want. Speaking of that, with the D112, you can take out the mids that you want to take out instead of what the mic company thinks you need.

 

[pohaku]

Others to consider are the AT ATM25 and the Beyer M380 or 380TG. You can also use an RE20 if you have one.

 

[dgatwood]

I'm recording Americana type acoustic stuff, and let me tell you: A ribbon mike about 12" from the beater is perfect for my taste.

I assume that's either heavily muffled or mounted sideways so the air motion is diffused by the magnets? I've heard of people miking kicks with ribbons, but yikes, I know I sure wouldn't... not even with <$100 Chinese ribbons....

 

[Big Kenny]

Others to consider are the AT ATM25 and the Beyer M380 or 380TG. You can also use an RE20 if you have one.

+1, especially the atm25, great for lotsa stuff

 

[boingoman]

Don't get the wrong one, whatever you do.

 

[zbert]

The D112 has that "classic" rock sound. Used on a million recordings. To me it's a bit of a one trick pony. Sounds great on rock but I've not always liked it on other styles of music. Lately I've been loving the Audix D6. Nice thick sound. I've even had luck using it on jazz. Takes eq really well for me. Kick mics are like vocal mics. Different mics for different colors. I also use a SM7, Sennheiser 421, AT pro 25. I just sold my Sennheiser 603. Good mic too.

 

[Big Kenny]

Don't get the wrong one, whatever you do.

Amen brother!

 

[Bodhisan]

I assume that's either heavily muffled or mounted sideways so the air motion is diffused by the magnets? I've heard of people miking kicks with ribbons, but yikes, I know I sure wouldn't... not even with <$100 Chinese ribbons....

Air motion? Maybe if the mike was directly in front of the beater -- which wouldn't work, there could be enough air to be worried about. But a foot in back of the action is a safe zone. I think you could kick like hell (now, mind you, the mike is on the drummer side, not in front of the drum) and still not drum up enough air motion that would equal a puff directly into a ribbon from a vocalist. Of course, just my thoughts. FYI: I've used both a Shinybox 23 and Apex 215 dual ribbon, with the Apex sounding incredibly vibrant, capturing both a kettle drum type vibration feel along with a nice thud. It sounds sooooooo good. You've got to have a good kick drum sound to begin with, however, to capture. The mike can't create something that's not there.

 

[Daisy]

Don't get the wrong one, whatever you do.

Amen brother!

You don't want to know what happens to people who get the wrong one.

It ain't pretty.

 

[bubbagump]

The Audix and Beta 52 are voiced for kick drum, lows and snap. They are fine kick mics, but aren't useful for much else.

....

For kick, just take out the mids you don't want. Speaking of that, with the D112, you can take out the mids that you want to take out instead of what the mic company thinks you need.

I have found the D6 to be incredible on bass cabs. As for kick... well, for damn near anything that is "modern" sounding (rock, country, pop, etc..) it is great. Jazz... well, it depends on the gig and the kit. However, the point I am more after is your latter one.... heck a 57 can work on kick and a little EQ and compression will do wonders.... so don't think you HAVE to have a special kick mic to mic a kick drum... dig?