We are about to buy a kick drum mic & are curious how the beta 91 compares with the d112. Also I've seen some pretty good deals on an ev re20 lately. Is it worth considering for primarily kick drum?
I've had limited use with the beta91 but can still say that it is hands down the most natural sounding kick drum mic I've used. I love that mic. Though I don't own it, I would strongly recommend you purchasing it (I used it after i purchased my current mic).
Personally, I'm not into the D112 - I own the Beta52. I would venture to say though that the beta91 is mid ground between the 52 and d112, at least thats what it sounds like to me.
Audix D4 is also another good mic. Its small, very rugged, and very good sounding. Its an awesome live on-the-road mic and can hold its ground against the above mics in the studio.
If you can afford it, the Beta 91 sounds HUGE. It is capable of some real chest-thumping, body-moving bass sound.
I'd say it's a good match for techno or hip-hop for sure.
The RE20 is just a great mic. You will like it on everything, and you could record a whole album with one. My only warning is that if you buy it for kick, you'll probably find yourself wanting to use it more on vocals . . . making you have to buy yet another kick mic.
It's sound is very old-school. It's probably been the most used mic for kick throughout the 60's to present. And ironically, it is also the most used voice-over and broadcast mic through the same time span.
The d112 will give you a very familiar sound. It's probably what you're hearing on a lot of modern pop and rock records. It's the "safe" choice. Some of us really like the Audio Technicas, as well.