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Sound Reinforcement - Forums for Live Sound Professionals - Your Displayed Name Must Be Your Real Full Name To Post In The Live Sound Forums => LAB: The Classic Live Audio Board => Topic started by: Justice C. Bigler on August 23, 2014, 02:22:55 AM

Title: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Justice C. Bigler on August 23, 2014, 02:22:55 AM
I need to pick up a kick drum mic.  :P


Looking at the Audio Technica ATM250DE and the Heil PR48, or something else perhaps?


My uses will be mainly for recording jazz and funk, but I need it to be a good all around mic suitable for many different styles. Not interested in the big three (Beta52, D112, or D6). My budget is $300 or less.







Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Ben Brunskill on August 23, 2014, 03:24:08 AM
I just got the ATM250DE, and I like it a lot. Nice tone to the dynamic capsule, it obviously has  pre-EQ’d sound to it, but it’s not as hyped in the highs and lows as the beta52 or D6.
And it’s not tubby sounding like the D112. I haven’t yet had a chance to try the condenser capsule on a kick, but I have high hopes.
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Robert Piascik on August 23, 2014, 07:34:44 AM
http://forums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/topic,170.0.html

15 pages and over three years of discussion on this over in the lounge
There are as many opinions as there are stars in the sky


Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Hayden J. Nebus on August 23, 2014, 08:10:35 AM
I need to pick up a kick drum mic.  :P


Looking at the Audio Technica ATM250DE and the Heil PR48, or something else perhaps?


My uses will be mainly for recording jazz and funk, but I need it to be a good all around mic suitable for many different styles. Not interested in the big three (Beta52, D112, or D6). My budget is $300 or less.
I bet the PR48 does the job well.
Within your criteria, but outside your current consideration, I'd think about:

an M88( full disclosure, I haven't heard the M88TG, although I imagine it's typical Beyer quality),

a 421 (probably not dishing out what you're looking for on a funky kick but that's your call),

Or an RE20, which I know is a little north of your budget, but worthy of mention.. maybe a used one.

I recall using an AT AE2500, and personally not really caring for either element too much.



Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: David Simpson on August 23, 2014, 10:16:49 AM
I own a Beta 52, Beta 91, M88TG, and a Heil PR48. The PR48 was the last addition to the mic locker as of about a year and a half ago. I quickly found it to be my go to general purpose kick drum mic. I can put it on just about anything and it sounds great with little or no eq. I love the M88 and prefer that for jazz, but if you will just have one go to mic, I'd recommend the Heil.

~Dave
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Chris Hindle on August 23, 2014, 11:26:44 AM

My uses will be mainly for recording jazz and funk, ....... My budget is $300 or less.

For Jazz, it's hard to go wrong with a RE-20. Forget $300. :(
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Justice C. Bigler on August 23, 2014, 01:24:19 PM
http://forums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/topic,170.0.html (http://forums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/topic,170.0.html)

15 pages and over three years of discussion on this over in the lounge
There are as many opinions as there are stars in the sky


That thread is only 3 pages long, and the two mics that I mentioned are only mentioned once or twice. Can't really get a good take on them over the cacophony of D6/Beta91 fan boys. Also, I have access to all of the other mics mentioned n this thread through work. These two are mics that I do not have at my day job.
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Jay Barracato on August 23, 2014, 01:36:46 PM
I would also consider the heil pr30 for what you described

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Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Thomas Le on August 23, 2014, 02:11:24 PM
Apologies on hijacking the thread with a noob Q, but on the dyn+cond kick drum mics, how do you mix on them? Do you flip the phase on one of the capsules?


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Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Rob Spence on August 23, 2014, 02:49:04 PM
Apologies on hijacking the thread with a noob Q, but on the dyn+cond kick drum mics, how do you mix on them? Do you flip the phase on one of the capsules?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

That's polarity you mean.

You might. Listen and flip the switch. Try it.


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Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Jason Raboin on August 23, 2014, 03:26:58 PM
I have a PR48 and love it.  To me it's a nice balance between the pre-eq'd homogenizing B52, D6, or D112 and the classic choices like the RE20, M88, or 421, which sound like the drum but tend to require more eq. once you stick them in the hole.

For Jazz I might reach for the PR40 over the PR48, but for funk I would definitely choose the PR48. 

On my current tour we're using a Telefunken M82, which is also great, but I think it's over your budget.
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Art Welter on August 23, 2014, 03:40:24 PM
On my current tour we're using a Telefunken M82, which is also great, but I think it's over your budget.
Jason,

That M82 did sound great, what do they go for?

By the way, for heavy kick drum mics (pretty much all the good ones), I always like to place the boom facing right so the clip can't unscrew, (and in this case, obscure the fabulous band's name).

Art
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Jason Raboin on August 23, 2014, 04:10:19 PM
I think MAP on an M82 is $399.  We changed it around and the stand does now come from the other side.
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Art Welter on August 23, 2014, 04:21:02 PM
I think MAP on an M82 is $399.  We changed it around and the stand does now come from the other side.
That's an good deal, one of the few mics I'd heard that compared favorably to my favorite, the  EV RE-27, which costs a lot more.
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Robert Piascik on August 23, 2014, 11:01:34 PM

That thread is only 3 pages long


Nope. 15 pages, 149 posts from Jan 2011 til today.

Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Mark Cadwallader on August 23, 2014, 11:15:29 PM
An ATM 25 (not the dual element version) might meet your needs. There was a recent version, ATM 25 SE, that was released a couple years ago as part of AT's 40th anniversary. IIRC, the price was within your budget. Mark C.
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Tim Padrick on August 24, 2014, 12:22:44 AM
I've been using the PR40 for a couple of years.  I like not having the mic make my decisions for me.  Very responsive to EQ (especially on the bottom), and it sounds good on lots o' stuff.
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: RYAN LOUDMUSIC JENKINS on August 24, 2014, 01:28:55 AM
The discontinued Beyer TGX50MKII is a pretty awesome sounding kick drum mic.  Maybe you can find someone willing to sell theirs.
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Tim McCulloch on August 24, 2014, 02:50:07 AM
The discontinued Beyer TGX50MKII is a pretty awesome sounding kick drum mic.  Maybe you can find someone willing to sell theirs.

Or TGX50's daddy, the M-380.  I have both.  The day I got the M-380 I took it to a little festival we were already set up for.  I'd had a Senny MD421 in the kick drum and switched it with the Beyer.  WOW.

If I'd never used the M-380, I'd have probably said WOW about the TGX50, too.  They sound different and the largely figure-8 pattern of the 380 means it might not be a good choice in some situations, so the TGX is the next choice.

As for dual-element mics, I own an ATM250DE and I don't get to use it enough to have a strong opinion, but I get the most mileage out of it when I need 2 independent kick drum sounds available.
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Russ Davis on August 24, 2014, 07:40:35 PM
For Jazz, it's hard to go wrong with a RE-20. Forget $300. :(

For your budget, audition the RE-20's younger cousin the RE-320.  I've got two, and no you can't have one of 'em!  (But if you're near Pittsburgh, I'll loan you one for a test gig)
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Nathan Salt on August 25, 2014, 09:16:31 AM
I'm not actually a fan of the Heil kick mic, found it had way too much bottom end for my liking. Really like the Sennheiser e902
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on August 25, 2014, 03:07:27 PM
It might not be in the same league as some if these other mics but I like my Audix D6. I find it easy to EQ to get a nice punchy thud. Only $179 MF.
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Caleb Dueck on August 25, 2014, 10:20:11 PM
I'm not actually a fan of the Heil kick mic, found it had way too much bottom end for my liking. Really like the Sennheiser e902
We must have different preferences, I like Sennheiser but couldn't stand how thin and clicky the E902 was.  My favorite so far is still the D6, for rock style applications.
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Adam Robinson on August 26, 2014, 11:25:31 AM
We must have different preferences, I like Sennheiser but couldn't stand how thin and clicky the E902 was.  My favorite so far is still the D6, for rock style applications.

I've been out on a tour all summer using the 902 as my sole kick mic and definitely wouldn't describe it as thin or clicky.  It's been great!
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Sndguy (Joel Ashcraft) on August 27, 2014, 02:53:47 AM
I need to pick up a kick drum mic.  :P


Looking at the Audio Technica ATM250DE and the Heil PR48, or something else perhaps?


My uses will be mainly for recording jazz and funk, but I need it to be a good all around mic suitable for many different styles. Not interested in the big three (Beta52, D112, or D6). My budget is $300 or less.

Try an AKG C1000.   It'll surprise you.
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Thomas Le on August 27, 2014, 07:47:30 AM
Try an AKG C1000.   It'll surprise you.

Is it April Fools Day already?
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Justice C. Bigler on August 27, 2014, 01:13:33 PM
Try an AKG C1000.   It'll surprise you.
Nope, sorry. The C1000 is probably my most hated microphone ever. The only way that I would take one is if someone paid me to, and then I would toss it in the lake just to make sure that no one else is cursed with having to use it and then use the money to buy any other microphone.
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Spenser Hamilton on August 27, 2014, 09:08:06 PM

Nope, sorry. The C1000 is probably my most hated microphone ever. The only way that I would take one is if someone paid me to, and then I would toss it in the lake just to make sure that no one else is cursed with having to use it and then use the money to buy any other microphone.

Pretty much :)


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Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Mark R. Spivey on August 28, 2014, 12:23:37 PM
It's interesting that nobody has really mentioned internal with a Beta 91A. Is there a reason for this?
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Thomas Le on August 28, 2014, 12:28:10 PM
It's interesting that nobody has really mentioned internal with a Beta 91A. Is there a reason for this?

It's because everyone knows about that combo with any other dynamic kick drum mic.

Also, you need to change your display name to your real name per forum rules.
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Mark R. Spivey on August 28, 2014, 12:29:30 PM
It is my real name Mark R Spivey
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Thomas Le on August 28, 2014, 12:39:20 PM
It is my real name Mark R Spivey

Your display name doesn't say it so technically you're still breaking the rule.

Sound Reinforcement - Forums for Live Sound Professionals - Your Displayed Name Must Be Your Real Full Name To Post In The Live Sound Forums
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: g'bye, Dick Rees on August 28, 2014, 12:40:53 PM
It is my real name Mark R Spivey

It should say Mark R instead of MR.  Small difference, but everyone else complies.  Join the club and welcome...
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Mark R. Spivey on August 28, 2014, 01:35:13 PM
Sorry... took me a while to find where to make that happen... fixed now.
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: David Morison on August 29, 2014, 08:22:40 AM

Nope. 15 pages, 149 posts from Jan 2011 til today.

Many users excercise the option to view more than the piddlingly small 10 posts per page which seems to be the default, so a 149post thread could yield several different page counts.
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Tommy Peel on August 29, 2014, 04:15:45 PM
Many users excercise the option to view more than the piddlingly small 10 posts per page which seems to be the default, so a 149post thread could yield several different page counts.

Yup, I've got my settings maxed out at 50 per page and wish it would go to 100. This topic is still one page for me.
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: James A. Griffin on August 31, 2014, 06:59:55 PM
I like Sennheiser but couldn't stand how thin and clicky the E902 was. 

That is not my experience with e902.
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: James A. Griffin on August 31, 2014, 07:04:02 PM
The C1000 is probably my most hated microphone ever.

+1.    I'm very surprised that AKG still makes this.   Adding the caveat that I have not heard the updated MK4 version.  Does anyone know if it's any better than the original?

Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Justice C. Bigler on August 31, 2014, 08:44:10 PM
+1.    I'm very surprised that AKG still makes this.   Adding the caveat that I have not heard the updated MK4 version.  Does anyone know if it's any better than the original?


The C1000 was SO bad, that even it's offspring should be banished from professional audio. There's no redemption from that level of terrible.
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Caleb Dueck on September 01, 2014, 12:18:18 PM
That is not my experience with e902.
Hmm, more time with an E902 needed then. 
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Nathan Salt on September 02, 2014, 07:39:33 AM
Yeah, I've found the e902 to require the least work. Has a nice tight, punchy sound which I can have sitting higher in the mix without overpowering everything
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Josh Hana on September 02, 2014, 12:23:24 PM
For Jazz, it's hard to go wrong with a RE-20. Forget $300. :(

With a full locker, I always go for the RE-20 for jazz gigs.
I like the M88, I think for funk that would be a great choice.
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Brian Lemmon on September 02, 2014, 03:57:32 PM
I'm also a fan of the Sennheiser e902. I've been using it for the last three years. Sounds great with little EQ needed. Highs aren't over hyped; low end isn't exaggerated. Solid mic.
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Jon Arrigo on September 12, 2014, 10:35:42 PM

It's interesting that nobody has really mentioned internal with a Beta 91A. Is there a reason for this ?

while I have personally never been a fan of the beta 91 or the beta 91a

The original sm91a is a killer kick mic !  if you have not tried one try it . You owe to yourself and your subs to thoroughly give them a work out . They may be a little hard to find today .But they are well worth the investment and time to find one. I personally find it to be ne of my favorite go to kick mic's along with a re-20  original d12e, m88 , and 380 , beta 52 , and the new mic's from heil are all good ...my 2cents worth .
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Justice C. Bigler on September 12, 2014, 11:09:00 PM
It's interesting that nobody has really mentioned internal with a Beta 91A. Is there a reason for this ?

The original sm91a is a killer kick mic !  if you have not tried one try it . You owe to yourself and your subs to thoroughly give them a work out


So, my original question was about a kick drum mic to be used primarily for recording jazz and funk, but that could also serve as an all around kick drum mic.


I'm not mixing heavy metal bands for big live shows these days.
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Jon Arrigo on September 12, 2014, 11:17:32 PM
Well in response to your original question I would have to say a m88  would be my favorite jazz mic on the kick pedal side , I have even used it along with a 421 and re20 .
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Uwe Riemer on September 13, 2014, 08:17:02 AM
It's interesting that nobody has really mentioned internal with a Beta 91A. Is there a reason for this ?

while I have personally never been a fan of the beta 91 or the beta 91a

The original sm91a is a killer kick mic !  if you have not tried one try it . You owe to yourself and your subs to thoroughly give them a work out . They may be a little hard to find today .But they are well worth the investment and time to find one. I personally find it to be ne of my favorite go to kick mic's along with a re-20  original d12e, m88 , and 380 , beta 52 , and the new mic's from heil are all good ...my 2cents worth .

Since you mentioned the beta91a, Id like to share a little story.

About two years ago I mixed a unkown band on a rig that I was also systeching.
By chance a Heil drumkit was flying around and one of the cable guys brought a brand new beta91a.
So I had the chance to compare the PR48 and the beta.
Man was this PR48 sounding good, deep low end and very nice attack, but I managed to combine both mikes to an even better sound.

What I forgot to tell   ::) :
Because I didnt trust the patch guys, I had engaged phantom power on both mikes, so after some songs decided to switch phantom power off of the PR48.
What you might guess already, my favorite mike turned out to be the beta91a and not the PR48.

The BE of the next band followed my advice to use the same combination on kick, but the poor guy was not up to my skills  8) , I always knew Im the Kickdrumizer.........
until the beater head of that kick drum died.
So the kick of the former band came back on stage and down went my "superior skills", because now the sound also came back.

Hope that helps

Uwe ( owns two beta91a )



Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Michael Kim on September 19, 2014, 03:21:13 PM
Although there have been some votes for the e902, I personally love the e901.

The amazing ease of setup alone would make me consider this mic. I found mine could also be a bit thin, but placing it on a softer surface within the drum head helped with any clicking. I just used a hoodie at the time.
Title: Re: Recommend me a kick drum mic
Post by: Mac Kerr on September 19, 2014, 03:25:47 PM
Quest Love has a 901 in and a 902 out.

Mac