AKG D112 vs. BETA52

[moelar2]

Well, these seem to be two very popular kick mics out there. What do you think?

I've wondered what the general opinion out there is for along time. I did a little investigation of my own for my own sake and found that the D112 needs too much EQ to get the sound I like; a Punchy Cannon.
The beta52 sounded exactly like that, a freaken cannon! I also tried the Audix D4 and was quite impressed with it. If it wasn't for the fact that I already own a beta52, I'd probably admit that the D4 has potential to sound better with less hassle. You can pretty much put the D4 anywhere in the kick and it will sound phat!

I haven't had the priviledge of working with sennheiser, but I hear they are great.

Oohh...How the hell could I have forgotten?? A condenser kick mic that really sounds AWESOME is the sm91, by shure. I tried this one out on a different occassion and was be-dazzled by its performance. It was a little more punchy though, more like the D112, except with moderation, slower decay or something like that.

Heres' my ranking for Punchy Cannon Sound:
1. beta52
2. audix d4
3. sm91
4. D112

For a Punchy Mid range sound:
1. Sm91
2. D112
3. sm91
4. beta 52

Flexibility:
1. D4
2. Beta 52
3. D112
4. Sm91

Finally, for deep full bass sound:
1. beta52
2. d4
3. sm91
4. d112


Any comments, experiences, concerns, regrets...etc...???? tell me what you think.

 

[memo]

I haven't tried the sm91 and D4 but I've had quite a bit of experience with the D112 and Beta52.

It seems to me that the Beta52 captures that clicky/punchy (what's popular these days) kick sound a bit better. This is probably due to it's frequency range with the mid-lows boosted.

The D112 is know for it's more bassy and deep sound. It does not have the presence of the Beta52 but it still gives you a totally different sound alternative.

Regardless of the mic (unless it's real shitty) your choice of kick and resonant heads. Size of a mic hole in the front head. What kind of beater you use. Whether you use a damnar (or similar) pad or not. How you muffle the drum and how you tune it play a huge roll in getting a good sound.

 

[James HE]

Check out the ATM25. you can get that nice deep puncy sound, that punchy-mid sound, or a nice deep resonante sound. Placing this mic in a kick to get the results you want take more effort than a B-52, but to me sounds a lot better and more focused. I have an ATM25 and a Beta 52. I've been putting the 52 on floor toms. WOW! that's the shiznit! massive tom sound...
I've only used the D-4 and D112 in live situations... I like having 2 kick drum mics, I can easily get whatever a certain drummer is looking for. I do wish I had a D-4 and D-112 too. Also a RE-20... now that would be sweet...

-jhe

 

[moelar2]

Its very typical that people have totally different experiences with similar equipment. In contrast to memos post, it seems to me that the beta52 is much more for the deep sound than the d112. My experience both in live and recording environments has allowed me to set the d112 aside as the "clicky" one. Memos is totally right though, the head, beater, and even "kicking" technique play a significant role in determining the end result.

James..

I've heard of the ATM25, and may have even seen it, but i haven't heard it. I think u pretty much hit it on the nail when you said that the difference is that you have to play with the mic a little more than the typical kick mics; I firmly belive that the difference between a good mic and bad mic is the level of easiness with which one can attain a desirable sound. That may be a bold statement, but I think it holds some fundamental truth to it. I used the samson R11, which cost me 3mics/$60.00 at Sam ash, on toms for various projects [due to lack of $$$] and in the end, I doubt anyone would have been able to tell. The toms sounded big and present, as they would had I used some d2's, 57's etc...

Beta52 on floor toms? Interesting...

 

[enemyofthesun]

I haven't had the priviledge of working with sennheiser, but I hear they are great.

Well the sennheiser E602 has a real deep/dark low feel to it. I didnt like it on kicks drums as much as my two D112s.

I did find it to be fantastic though for miking overdriven bass cabs.. being a bass player I love that!

 

[Tekker]

What would be the best compatible mic with the D112, using two mics at the same time? On a web page I saw a guy that said he loved using the SM91 and the D112. I've only used the D112, but according to moelar2's chart the Beta52 and SM91 would be the two I would choose to get a "Punchy Deep Cannon" (I guess) sound. But since I already have the D112 I would like to know what would work best with this to get a similiar Punchy/Bassy sound.

Thanx for any feedback on the subject

-tkr

 

[enemyofthesun]

well I use a compressor before the preamps and it gives you a lot more punch/power. give that a try.

 

[moelar2]

Tekker,

I can actually see how the D112 can work well with the sm91. the sm91 will give you a really punchy "thuddy" mid range sound. The d112 is not a bad mic, its just not my favorite. You can definitely work with it though and get really good sound. I just believe it takes much more messin' around and suffers more from bad drums than the other mics. in your situation, I would either get the sm91 or the d4. the sm91 will probably be more compadible, but you have to worry about phantom power. the d4 is more convenient; its small and you can virtually just pop it in anywhere in the drum an it'll sound good. Plus, its a pretty deep sounding mic too.

 

[Tonewoods]

I'd take a Beyer Soundstar, EV 666, or a WE salt-shaker over either one in a heartbeat...

 

[Tekker]

How much are the SM91s and where can I get one. I have a music technology buyer's guide and the SM91 is not in there.

 

[Tekker]

How much are the SM91s and where can I get one. I have a music technology buyer's guide and the SM91 is not in there.

 

[moelar2]

You know, I don't think guitar center carries it anymore. Go to the Shure site and look for a list of vendors that would carry it. Its about $200.00. I'm actually considering buying one myself now that i got all excited about it.

 

[moelar2]

Trekker,

The sm91 is actually the older model, the new one is the beta91. It goes for $219.99 [same as d112]. Its "C" coded at guitar center, which if i remember correctly means that only select stores are continually stocking up on them. What you might want to do is call your local guitar center, ask them if they have it in stock, if they don't, tell them to do a "chainwide inquiry." They have access to all their inventory in all 80+ stores, so they can find it. Once they find it, they can ship it into the store. They might ask you to leave a 25-50% deposit before they do that. this mic is worth it, so i suggest you persue it before tis' too late!!

 

[Cave Dweller]

D4???? are you sure???
i have had nothing but bad luck with the Audix D4, and i have used it (or tried to)on several occaisons in the studio and live and have been really unimpressed with it on kick. i have resorted to my D112 every time. the d4 seems to have a very "small" sound.

Try the sennheiser 421. it is graet on so many things:
kick, snare, toms, guitar, bass, vocals. it has a built in 5 position bass roll off switch

 

[Tekker]

moelar2,

Thanx for the advice, I'll have to check up on the Beta91 the next time I go in for drumsticks or something, I just wish that I would've known about this bbs before I bought the D112, (and my Behringer mixer ).

-tkr

 

[moelar2]

tekker,

Hey man, don't be ashamed about your behringer. you got to work with what you got, not with what some of the patronizing people around here will use to build themselves up with. Just make do with what you have, and there is no shame in owning "affordable" gear - just make it work; you're in control, not the mixer.

cave dweller,

I'm sorry you havent had the same experience. Audix has fortunately been great to me. I wish I could try sennheiser, but it looks like im gonna have to take your word for it, since i have no need for it at the time.

 

[Link]

Try this....If you want a big kick sound, and you have the bucks (or you can probably hire em out anyways) Try a sennheiser MD421 inside the kickdrum, and then outside the drum about 20-30cm away, use an EV RE-20. This is about the best combo for a kick you could possibly want. Buit remember, The drum has gotta sound good before you even try to mic it up or your wasting your time...Even with a good mic you can't get a crappily tuned kick to sound good!

 

[jdier]

I have both the D112 and the Beta 52. I find that the sound I get from them has much more to do with the sound of the drum than the mic. Well tuned and played kicks sound good with either mic, poorly tuned drums need more work.

Last drummer I recorded I tossed a 57 in the kick as a test. His kick was so well tuned and had such a balanced sound, even the 57 sounded pretty darn good.

Overall I find that the D112 is more likely to have the right sound right away. The Beta 52 is a bit more roomy/round sounding. Sometimes the 52 needs some high end added in.

Both great mics in my opinion.

 

[Adam P]

I recently used an ATM25 inside a few inches off the beater head, and a Beta 52 about a foot outside the bass drum. Bussed the two together, and I think it came out sounding pretty good. I also made a "tunnel" around the bass drum using some extra stands and a heavy packing blanket.

 

[Warhead]

I'm new to the ATM25 (been using the E/V ND868) and it's pretty damn nice. Takes EQ well and seems versatile enough.

War