Kick Drum Mic

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Rocket Boy

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I'm thinking of a few different options here:

Audix D6: Audix seems to make good stuff, and what I've heard with it seems to have a sort of "finished" sound. I've also heard it's less senstitive to placement and I dont really want to be stuck with one sound nessecarilly.

Beta 52: I've heard it described as the "Weezer" sound.

AKG D112: I've used it on kick before when being recorded by someone else and wasnt really happy with the sound we ended up with for that record. Could have been the way the engineer eq'ed it though.

Heres the oddball that I really want an opinion on...
Sennheiser MD421: How would this compare to the other three as a kick mike? Might be the way to go since I could also use it on electric guitars and other things.
 
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there all good mics, but hands down the beta 52 is the industry standard i got one and you can do whatever with it. Its tuff, and it sounds great....the akg one is ok
the audix in my opinion in more of a metal click sound to it
not a fan
have you looked into a beyer 88 i think it is?
 
I have the D112 and I'm pleased as punch with it. It has a really deep low end to it and not alot of attack.
 
i like my beta 52...ive got a really good workable attack sample i made that i like to mix in with it and use it to get a lot of drum
 
I don't have the Audix, but here is a taste of the other mics.
This is the same hit through the 3 mics, there is not EQ, compression, etc...

The first is the 421 a couple inches from the batter head pointing at the beater.

The second is the D-112 a couple inches from the batter head pointing between the beater and the shell

The third is the Beta 52 in the hole

http://www.farviewrecording.com/audio/kicktest.wav
 
I just use a D112, it gets the sound I like. Ideally I'd also have a subkick.
 
RE-20 or Senn.421 or blue kick ball or Senn. E602.

The kick ball has 3 differant frequency responses to taylor your sound. The 602 has extended low end and the kick seems in your face. The 421 takes EQ really well and could pretty much sound like all the other pre Eq'ed mics with a little work.


I like the RE-20 best probably cause its the one I own. But hey to each his own YMMV.

Will
 
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I'm a D-112 guy too. Works great for me but after reading this thread I want to try out some other mics too!
 
Oh I've played with the Audix D6 too not a bad sounding mic at all personally I think it blows the D112 out the water. What I do like the D112 for is micing Bass amps but that's another thread.

Will
 
I prefer the Beta52, but only because it requires less EQ-ing than the D112.
The D112 is more than useable, I just find the Beta52 will sound better easier.
 
I used a APEX 125 cheap but works love the sound of a RE-20
 
bigwillz24 said:
RE-20 or Senn.421 or blue kick ball or Senn. E609.

The kick ball has 3 differant frequency responses to taylor your sound. The 609 has extended low end and the kick seems in your face. The 421 takes EQ really well and could pretty much sound like all the other pre Eq'ed mics with a little work.


I like the RE-20 best probably cause its the one I own. But hey to each his own YMMV.

Will
Click to expand...

I hopes you mean the 602 :D
 
I used to use a Beyer TG-X50 and it served me well for several years. But once I got my hands on an EV RE20, that has been my kick drum mic of choice.
 
bigwillz24 said:
RE-20 or Senn.421 or blue kick ball or Senn. E602.

The kick ball has 3 differant frequency responses to taylor your sound. The 602 has extended low end and the kick seems in your face. The 421 takes EQ really well and could pretty much sound like all the other pre Eq'ed mics with a little work.


I like the RE-20 best probably cause its the one I own. But hey to each his own YMMV.

Will
Click to expand...

How do you use the RE20 (placement, eq, etc)?
I have a RE27, I haven't done a ton of set recording yet, but that would be my kick mic so far.

Daav
 
Personally, I don't care whether it's an RE20, AKG D112, Shure Beta52, Audix D6 Sennheiser 602 etc... None of them sound the way I want my kick to sound on their own, so they all take some work. Throughout the years have owned or still own all of them. I have never found a kick drum yet that sounded good with one, and not another. In the end they all get the treatment and they all work out. For me, I choose the Sennheiser 602 or the Audix D6 because they are the easieist to deal with logistically.
 
Rocket Boy said:
I'm thinking of a few different options here:

Audix D6: Audix seems to make good stuff, and what I've heard with it seems to have a sort of "finished" sound. I've also heard it's less senstitive to placement and I dont really want to be stuck with one sound nessecarilly.

Beta 52: I've heard it described as the "Weezer" sound.

AKG D112: I've used it on kick before when being recorded by someone else and wasnt really happy with the sound we ended up with for that record. Could have been the way the engineer eq'ed it though.

Heres the oddball that I really want an opinion on...
Sennheiser MD421: How would this compare to the other three as a kick mike? Might be the way to go since I could also use it on electric guitars and other things.
Click to expand...

From that list, I've used all but the Audix. My first choice would always be the Beta 52. Never been happy with the D112. (Once again, I should point out I work at Shure).
But, the only kick drum mic I own is the EV N/D868. That's my favorite.
 
re:

Which mic has more slam for bass drum mic'ing: Audix D6 or Sennheiser E602? I checked the prices out on these guys and since I need a decent kick mic, I may just go and pick up one of 'em! (in conjunction to triggering the bd). The price point is great!

sLaM!
 
Another question:

Favorite SDC for acoustic guitar, but may also be used on overheads. Excluding super cheap ones (such as 603, MK012, C4, stuff like that).
 
One of the best kick drum mics i have ever used was from this guy named kevin bomar in houston texas he ownes south coast recorders he makes them in his shop they are fucking amazing.

If I were you I would check him out. :cool:
 
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