Audix i5

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punkin

punkin

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Anyone have or used these mics? I went in to pick up a couple more SM57's today. Well, they were out and the sales guy pointed me to the Audix i5. He said they were very similar but with a slightly tighter pattern. "Perfect for tom micing and guitar cabs". For $95 it seemed like a decent deal but I never heard of them before.

I walked away but just wondering.

Oh, I did do a quick search...didn't see much info.


Thanks
 
My experience with them is that they are a LOT brighter sounding than a SM-57.

"Tinty" is how I would describe it's sound. If the sound is bass heavy/ high frequency anemic, I could see them working out okay.
 
I have an I-5 and a couple of 57's. In most situations I prefer the I-5 over a 57 on snare. I know I'll probably get bashed for saying that, but try it! I do also use it on guitar cabs, usually along side a 57 off axis. Its kind of fun to blend the 2 sounds. I like options. As far a tom mic, I probably would use something else but I'm sure you could make it work if you had to. You can't go wrong with an I-5.
 
Thanks guys...I like to keep my ear out and I'm not affraid to try new stuff. The SM57 has a rep...and I know why...got them. Just trying to weed out the sales pitch from the facts. It's about the same price as the SM57 (new of course) and I was told it was a "killer mic for toms dude" by the GC kid. He did mention that they were selling like crazy but then...in the back of my mind I'm thinkin' yea... because you're out of SM57's.

N E way...thanks...

BTW...what would be your first choice for TOM mics?
 
i5

Well I sell them...I'll get that out of the way first.

but it's the only mic I use on snare anymore...Well I just used an AKG535 yesterday but I was going for a different sound.

The i5 works well on gtr...But I don't like it as much as my other mics for that. I use R121, 4047, U195 and Blue Bottle more for gtr's.

But I think the i5 sounds very good on snare..just as beefy but with more top...I'm sick of 57's..I EQ way to much with them. the i5 doesn't need nearly as much and the snare cracks.

I hate 57's on gtr....I've used them for so many years I think in the last 5 yrs I've done all my recordings with out them....Ok I lied again...I use 57 for bottom snare...That's it. Gtr recording with a 57 sounds like a gazoo...Sounds like the amp is holding it's nose...Using the Royer mixed with something like the 4047 or U195 sounds more like you are in the room...I hear the wood on the cab not just the speaker.

I use an i5 as my vocal mic live....backups only I'm not a singer. But I do like that mic. Even if I only use it on snare it's worth it. I did test it on toms and it was cool as well...But again I have other mics for that.
 
Well there ya have it...it's sounding like it's worth a look. Thanks for the reviews all.
 
It's my "go to" snare mic every time. I have 57's, but it is just a nicer mic. I like it on guitar, but a 57 has been fine as well. Better than both IMHO is the Sennheiser 609 silver.

Pete
 
Wierd. My I5's seem much smoother on top than my 57's. Definately a neutral to dark mic. I have used them on cabs, and even a lead vocal (screamer), and they seemed to take the edge off these sources.
 
REALLY! What pres are you using...? When I use it on snare I'm using a TG2. I have used it with LTD-1 and 1272...Still was brighter then 57. I'm not saying harsh...Just more open sounding...but not dark at all.

What converters do you use?
 
I have been using i5s on my drum kit for a few months now and I think they are just swell. They are certainly gunning for the SM57 market and honestly it is just a subjective thing. I prefer them to the 57s on my drums, but I prefer a 57 on guitar cabs. Though, the i5 is very e609ish on guitar to give a reference. My guitar player swears by his e609 as opposed to a 57 which is my preference. Whatever... just another tool in the tool box. If it sounds good it is good.
 
faderjockey said:
...But I think the i5 sounds very good on snare..just as beefy but with more top...I'm sick of 57's..I EQ way to much with them. the i5 doesn't need nearly as much and the snare cracks.
Click to expand...
Intriguing. And if the extra top (I see it's a broader shelf Vs a 57) happens to not translate into more hat' due to being tighter (one can hope :D ) that would be very cool.
Ineresting I was just re-visiting Audix. Some had noted that the D4 was a way to get that 421 tilt' but in a small package.
On a FWIW note, I've tried the OM5 in place of 57 on snare. Nada. Too much low mid in the worng spot or something.
Wayne
 
I have loved my OM5 on certain voices in live situations, my voice included. It is a very "hot" mic, lots of gain.

Pete
 
OM5 And now squarely off topic...

Same here, I have a set of four for vocal. Generally they're right in there. Sometimes it seems to get this breathy mid too-close thing going, otherwise...

Now how's that for a bunch' a theoretical BS. :D
 
I get the breathy mid thing too from time to time. Glad to know it isn't operator error or isolated incident. I notice that when I just let it rip it serves the purpose very well. When someone knows how to "work" a mic for performance, it really shines.

Pete
 
I love my i5. I haven't used it at all one snare, because I always use my beta56 there. I've used the i5 on toms, percussion, horns, and rhodes piano, and have been happy every time. It seems to have a rounder tone than the 57, with more bottom end. I haven't noticed more top end, but I wasn't looking for top end in the sources that I used the i5 on.

Cheers,
Zach
 
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