Our Preferred Kick Drum Microphones for Live Performances

Silver Creek Audio
Jul 18, 2024
3 min read

In the exhilarating world of live music, the kick drum often reigns supreme. It's the fundamental pulse of the band, setting the rhythm and driving the energy of every performance. The microphone that captures this essential instrument, therefore, has a significant role to play. For our live performances, the Shure Beta 52A, Audix D6, AKG D112, and Shure Beta91A have emerged as our preferred kick drum microphones.

Let's delve into why these kick drum microphones have become our go-to choices:

Shure Beta 52A

The Shure Beta 52A, a dynamic microphone specifically tailored for kick drums and bass instruments, has consistently proven itself on the live stage. This microphone's robust build, high sound pressure level handling, and optimized frequency response make it a reliable and powerful tool for capturing the deep, resonant punch of our kick drums.

The Beta 52A features a supercardioid polar pattern, ensuring high gain before feedback and superior rejection of unwanted noise. This is a godsend during live performances, where the stage is awash with various sound sources. The microphone's ability to focus on the kick drum while rejecting other sounds keeps our drum sound crisp and clear.

The microphone's frequency response, ranging from 20 Hz to 10 kHz, is meticulously designed to handle the low-frequency impact of kick drums. This microphone captures the deep, thunderous punch of the kick drum with admirable precision, while still picking up the sharp attack of the beater against the drum head.

Lastly, let's not forget the integrated stand mount and the pneumatic shock mount system. These two features facilitate easy and secure positioning of the microphone, minimizing stage vibrations and ensuring a consistently great sound.

Audix D6

Next in our arsenal of preferred kick drum microphones is the Audix D6. This microphone, like the Beta 52A, is a dynamic microphone, renowned for its durability, high SPL handling, and overall sound quality. The D6, however, has its unique charm.

The Audix D6 stands out with its cardioid pickup pattern and a frequency response of 30 Hz to 15 kHz. This range allows the microphone to capture the full spectrum of kick drum sounds, from the deep, low-frequency boom to the higher frequency click of the beater. Its VLM (Very Low Mass) diaphragm helps to react quickly to transients, accurately capturing the complex tonality of the kick drum.

The D6 also sports a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to position inside the kick drum. The microphone's robust build ensures it can withstand the rigors of live performance, and its black anodized finish gives it a sleek, professional look.

AKG D112

A discussion about kick drum microphones wouldn't be complete without mentioning the AKG D112. This dynamic microphone is often hailed as the industry standard for miking kick drums, and for good reason. With its large diaphragm designed to handle high SPLs, the D112 is capable of delivering a rich, punchy sound without distortion. It has a frequency response of 20 Hz to 17 kHz, capturing the full spectrum of the kick drum.

Its cardioid pickup pattern rejects off-axis sounds, focusing solely on the kick drum. The D112's signature feature is its 'bass resonance volume chamber', which produces a unique, resonant kick drum sound that has become a staple in countless performances.

Shure Beta 91A

The Shure Beta 91A is another kick drum microphone that has earned its place in our lineup. This boundary microphone is designed to be placed inside the kick drum, capturing the sound right at the source. The Beta 91A's half-cardioid pickup pattern rejects sounds from the rear and focuses on the sound directly above it, resulting in a highly focused and isolated kick drum sound. With a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, the Beta 91A excels at capturing both the deep, low-frequency thump and the high-frequency attack of the beater. The integrated preamplifier eliminates the need for an external preamp, simplifying setup and reducing stage clutter. The robust, low-profile design of the Beta 91A makes it an unobtrusive addition to the drum kit, yet its performance packs a substantial punch.

Both the Shure Beta 52A and the Audix D6 bring their individual strengths to the table, and we've found that they complement each other perfectly. By using these two microphones in tandem, we've been able to capture a comprehensive and detailed kick drum sound that truly enhances our live performances.

Whether you're a sound engineer, a drummer, or simply a live music enthusiast, understanding the role and impact of the kick drum microphone can significantly elevate your live sound experience. We hope that sharing our experience with the Shure Beta 52A and the Audix D6 can help guide you in your own journey to find the perfect kick drum microphone.