Just wanted to drop in and say Thanks for this video! It’s been 20 years since I last researched kick mics for permanent mounting inside my drum (after much experimenting I went with a Beyer M88). I’m awaiting a brand new kick now so am starting the research journey anew. The info presented was practical and very helpful. Cheers!
The Beyer M88 is amazing! We didn’t have one when we did this video. Hope you have lots of fun with it. Ideally, you need a Neumann Fet 47 to pair it with!
three years late to seeing this.... thought I'd add my 2 cents: I had a live gig where the B91 had a problem, so last minute I threw a Beyer M88 into the kick and was shocked at how nice it sounded, just sitting on the inside padding. Very thick, nice top end, no EQ needed. For studio work, my mic choices are a bit more varied. I have the AT 250DE (dual diaphragm) and like it pretty close to the beater head inside of a more padded kick. The Earthworks SR20LS is okay, but not quite enough body, so I find I use a SubKick with it or a U47Fet on the outside (most decent large diaphragm condensers which can handle a higher SPL will work if the 47 is too expensive). Of course, as you said, the D112 is a great all-round kick mic and my B52 sometimes gets used, but not as much as all the others.
My best mate has an M88 that we use a lot. I’ve also built a sub kick - should probably make a little video about it. The fet47 is on my “to buy” list too!!!
One variable: the boundary mic got a completely different target as the others (at least the ones I'm familiar with) were pointed directly through the center of the drum at the beater. Not to be an arse, but I feel they got a raw deal. So much sonic information was rejected from the get-go due to their placement. Don't get me wrong, it's a wonderfully put together video. I surely haven't made a better one... or one at all lol. I'd just love to hear the others with more shell... I've recently pulled my 52A in favor of the D112. Now I'll be tossing in one of my boundary mics to see how that tastes :) Thanks for the reminder that all's fair game.
Very rare for me to only use one kick mic. I tried to place the mic in a neutral position so that listeners could work out which mics to use in and which mics to use out. Perhaps the compromise was unhelpful. The boundary mics always sound too much like a gig to me as that’s what nearly all touring engineers use. My preference is for something with attack inside (D112 again recently) and then something more honest outside (Fet47 or a 414).
Thanks, a very useful video! Nice natural approach soundwise, one could really hear the differences and none of the sound clips were too fancy or super cool :-) so therefore it was easy to imagine what the mics actually do. -Imre from Hellsinki, Finland- :-)
Stumbled across this video cause I'm looking at getting the telefunken. I own most of the others and on this kick I think the D6 sounded best, which is my go to paired with the 91. However, what I will say is the center of the front head is the worst place for putting a hole. Having it offset results in a much more pleasing tone. I also own a Heil PR40 which I think is basically the same as the telefunken, minus the switches, which I love for recording, but doesn't translate as well live. So essentially, you've saved me some money. Thanks.
I have a 414 B-ULS which is beautiful for micing up anything, but I am mainly doing live sound these days, so my 91 is the in in mic, and the d6, or whatever else i choose, even though it is a little bit in, is my outside mic, I'm basically spending the next 6 days trying to find stuff to dump money into to get me below tax levels lol. Thanks for the reply though.
I highly recommend getting a Sontronics DM1B to try. I've got one of those and it's excellent! I've used the Beta52, D112 and Audix a lot for live stuff... and they're all decent mics, can't go too far wrong with any of them (although the modern D112 build quality has really gone downhill, so it's not as sturdy). But I do prefer that Sontronics, it's a lovely lovely thing! 👍👍
The Audix D6 is really good for getting a nice attack. Works well as a live mix too, especially for rock stuff. I think the Beta 92 is a fantastic mic for live but I’m not keen on using the boundary type kick mics in the studio. The beta 92 has such a scooped sound that you can’t get away from.
Thanks for the video. I will look back at this when I need to record a Kick Drum... I would be interested in the Zoom Videos and other Studio Recording/Mixing Videos. Hope you're well.
Dave, I liked that Sennheiser inside the kick. ...and I have a "proverbial" question... guitars: pickups and mics installed at factory, in evey conceivable place and manner...WHY, then, don't drum/percussion manufacturers pre-install "factory-preferred" mics inside drum kits (or as an upgrade option". In studio, it takes FOREVER to properly mic a drum kit...and I am NEVER truly happy with "the sound"....always tweaking before (and even during) mixdown!!!...at the console...prior to FINAL.
I'd imagine the stores want to keep selling us the next greatest thing! I still really like the sound of a D112 some people think it is a bad microphone as there's so many newer ones. A good drum well tuned is the most important aspect of the sound in my experience. Hope all is well with you, Douglas. :-)
@@davespeakmanmusic Can't argue with that "properly tuned drumkit"....and...I'll add, the best way to de-tune a kit is to move it or transport it... Yes, on the "next biggest and best thing"... on the other hand mic manufacturers AND the outlets BOTH stand to gain sales enormously with pre-mic'd kits...drummers wouldn't get grey hair as soon, sound/recording engineers would likely sigh with relief, bandmates -forever thankful, and new industry heroes would appear instantly in major musicians' mags...just think of the possibilities...sound guys just run cables to the various components of the kit (or a drumkit box)...soundcheck...slight tweaking...play/perform/record....isn't THAT the way it's SUPPOSED to be??? ...here...still raining....but making indoor progress on projects...all is well....and I trust it is with you, also. This was a pretty thorough vid one ONE part of a kit....not enough time to do a single vid on setting up and mic'ing an entire kit on RUclips (kinda my point, too). Take care of yourself, Dave. My best to you and all your pals who help make things function at your studio. .... Crossbow (soaking wet, in Florida).
All these mics sound great on kick. I've noticed that the size of the kick, heads, etc can make one mic sound better over another and vice versa when changing out the kick drum, especially if it's different size and type of batter head. I find the articulation of the Tele interesting as it seems more hifi than the others. In the end for me my top three, and not just from your videos but from previous experience with all of them are; D112, D6, and Beta 91a
Yes, any of them are absolutely useable. Hugh’s kick drum is really nice and has been tuned properly - in my experience that is how you get a good kick drum sound! I change favourites all the time - they all have applications for me. Thanks for the feedback. 😀
I am a drummer player , senheiser 421 wins , natural sound and awesome deep low end., the second not too bad is the d122 but not also so hi Fi and a little thin suond
I love the MD421 for so many things! I need more of them! The D112 has the classic sound for sure. What microphone do you use for recording your kick drum? 😀
@@davespeakmanmusic MD 421 live and home studios on Tom Tom floor Tom and bass drum , my setup is a Ludwig kit whit double bass brums 24 x 14 Tom 13 14 floor 16 18 , all 421 except one shure sm 58 on top snare and bottom and overhead 3 akg 414 condenser , for ambient one Neumann tlm 47 , this is the most important mic for added punch and reverb including of course the snare, mic pre focusrite Isa 828 and true sound on Neumann , plug-ins ssl 9000 console brainworks and mastering multiband compressor l2 waves., distressor and compressor harware on Neumann , is very important I played hard rock 80 and lot of metals and Metallica cover
@@nicolatorri6325 great setup! Room mics are great for getting depth into the sound. I use a Coles 4038 for mono room - sounds great heavily compressed (I use an 1176 on the way in). I love 414s as overheads for rock stuff. I got an AEA R88 in January and have been using that as a Blumlein overhead for some stuff - it works really well.
@@davespeakmanmusic The 421 doesn’t have amazing deep low end. It’s pretty flat when it comes to bass/proximity effect. If anything it’s a pretty neutral/flat mic in the low/low mids, and then has a pretty aggressive lift from about 1khz to 15khz. I think what your hearing/liking is it’s punch in the lows/low mids because it’s not scooped like a lot of bass drum mics.
I have a 22” x 14” if you think another comparison video would be useful. To be honest the 20” kick has a great attack anyway and a really balanced bottom end which I felt was perfect for this comparison. Maybe we should do a video comparing 18”, 20”, 22” & 24” kicks. Then again, the difference between woods and manufacturers makes just as much difference…
@@davespeakmanmusic Hey Dave, brilliant tests. Based on what I heard in your video I bought the Beta 52 for my 18 INCH Yamaha Absolute Custom Birch used in small to medium gigs. What a beast - sound is quite amazing. From Missouri, cheers buddy
The comparison is not accurate. You need to position the microphone diaphragm in the same way relative to the resonant head. This is not done and the bass balance is incorrect.
That bass drum sounds horrible. It doesn’t matter which is being used. First, make the drum sound good or get a different drum. I think the hole in the center is a bad start.🤓
Just wanted to drop in and say Thanks for this video!
It’s been 20 years since I last researched kick mics for permanent mounting inside my drum (after much experimenting I went with a Beyer M88). I’m awaiting a brand new kick now so am starting the research journey anew.
The info presented was practical and very helpful. Cheers!
The Beyer M88 is amazing! We didn’t have one when we did this video. Hope you have lots of fun with it. Ideally, you need a Neumann Fet 47 to pair it with!
@@davespeakmanmusic indeed! Of the latest options on offer now the DPA 4055 is on the shortlist.
three years late to seeing this.... thought I'd add my 2 cents: I had a live gig where the B91 had a problem, so last minute I threw a Beyer M88 into the kick and was shocked at how nice it sounded, just sitting on the inside padding. Very thick, nice top end, no EQ needed. For studio work, my mic choices are a bit more varied. I have the AT 250DE (dual diaphragm) and like it pretty close to the beater head inside of a more padded kick. The Earthworks SR20LS is okay, but not quite enough body, so I find I use a SubKick with it or a U47Fet on the outside (most decent large diaphragm condensers which can handle a higher SPL will work if the 47 is too expensive). Of course, as you said, the D112 is a great all-round kick mic and my B52 sometimes gets used, but not as much as all the others.
My best mate has an M88 that we use a lot. I’ve also built a sub kick - should probably make a little video about it. The fet47 is on my “to buy” list too!!!
One variable: the boundary mic got a completely different target as the others (at least the ones I'm familiar with) were pointed directly through the center of the drum at the beater. Not to be an arse, but I feel they got a raw deal. So much sonic information was rejected from the get-go due to their placement.
Don't get me wrong, it's a wonderfully put together video. I surely haven't made a better one... or one at all lol. I'd just love to hear the others with more shell... I've recently pulled my 52A in favor of the D112. Now I'll be tossing in one of my boundary mics to see how that tastes :) Thanks for the reminder that all's fair game.
Very rare for me to only use one kick mic. I tried to place the mic in a neutral position so that listeners could work out which mics to use in and which mics to use out. Perhaps the compromise was unhelpful. The boundary mics always sound too much like a gig to me as that’s what nearly all touring engineers use. My preference is for something with attack inside (D112 again recently) and then something more honest outside (Fet47 or a 414).
Thanks, a very useful video! Nice natural approach soundwise, one could really hear the differences and none of the sound clips were too fancy or super cool :-) so therefore it was easy to imagine what the mics actually do. -Imre from Hellsinki, Finland- :-)
Glad you found the video useful. 😀😀
Stumbled across this video cause I'm looking at getting the telefunken. I own most of the others and on this kick I think the D6 sounded best, which is my go to paired with the 91. However, what I will say is the center of the front head is the worst place for putting a hole. Having it offset results in a much more pleasing tone.
I also own a Heil PR40 which I think is basically the same as the telefunken, minus the switches, which I love for recording, but doesn't translate as well live. So essentially, you've saved me some money. Thanks.
Sounds like you have plenty inside kick mics! A 414 or fet47 would be a useful outside kick mic.
I have a 414 B-ULS which is beautiful for micing up anything, but I am mainly doing live sound these days, so my 91 is the in in mic, and the d6, or whatever else i choose, even though it is a little bit in, is my outside mic, I'm basically spending the next 6 days trying to find stuff to dump money into to get me below tax levels lol. Thanks for the reply though.
I've seen other videos with shootouts on toms and I had the same reaction: Audix surprised me with its roundness.
They’re all great mics!
I highly recommend getting a Sontronics DM1B to try. I've got one of those and it's excellent! I've used the Beta52, D112 and Audix a lot for live stuff... and they're all decent mics, can't go too far wrong with any of them (although the modern D112 build quality has really gone downhill, so it's not as sturdy). But I do prefer that Sontronics, it's a lovely lovely thing! 👍👍
Thanks for the recommendation, I’ll keep my eye out for a good deal on one. :-)
Had use de beta 52. Using the beta 91a
But the audix sounds so nice.
I am thinking about buying the audix
The audix is a great mic for inside kick. I think it usually needs an outside kick mix as well to add a little bottom end.
@@davespeakmanmusicis the audix used mainly on studio application? or it is good mic for live music?
The Audix D6 is really good for getting a nice attack. Works well as a live mix too, especially for rock stuff. I think the Beta 92 is a fantastic mic for live but I’m not keen on using the boundary type kick mics in the studio. The beta 92 has such a scooped sound that you can’t get away from.
The M82 is great and versatile.
Yes, great on sousaphone too!
Thanks for the video. I will look back at this when I need to record a Kick Drum... I would be interested in the Zoom Videos and other Studio Recording/Mixing Videos. Hope you're well.
Thanks Nathan. All good here, hope all is well with you :-)
Dave, I liked that Sennheiser inside the kick. ...and I have a "proverbial" question... guitars: pickups and mics installed at factory, in evey conceivable place and manner...WHY, then, don't drum/percussion manufacturers pre-install "factory-preferred" mics inside drum kits (or as an upgrade option". In studio, it takes FOREVER to properly mic a drum kit...and I am NEVER truly happy with "the sound"....always tweaking before (and even during) mixdown!!!...at the console...prior to FINAL.
I'd imagine the stores want to keep selling us the next greatest thing! I still really like the sound of a D112 some people think it is a bad microphone as there's so many newer ones. A good drum well tuned is the most important aspect of the sound in my experience. Hope all is well with you, Douglas. :-)
@@davespeakmanmusic Can't argue with that "properly tuned drumkit"....and...I'll add, the best way to de-tune a kit is to move it or transport it... Yes, on the "next biggest and best thing"... on the other hand mic manufacturers AND the outlets BOTH stand to gain sales enormously with pre-mic'd kits...drummers wouldn't get grey hair as soon, sound/recording engineers would likely sigh with relief, bandmates -forever thankful, and new industry heroes would appear instantly in major musicians' mags...just think of the possibilities...sound guys just run cables to the various components of the kit (or a drumkit box)...soundcheck...slight tweaking...play/perform/record....isn't THAT the way it's SUPPOSED to be???
...here...still raining....but making indoor progress on projects...all is well....and I trust it is with you, also. This was a pretty thorough vid one ONE part of a kit....not enough time to do a single vid on setting up and mic'ing an entire kit on RUclips (kinda my point, too). Take care of yourself, Dave. My best to you and all your pals who help make things function at your studio. .... Crossbow (soaking wet, in Florida).
All these mics sound great on kick. I've noticed that the size of the kick, heads, etc can make one mic sound better over another and vice versa when changing out the kick drum, especially if it's different size and type of batter head. I find the articulation of the Tele interesting as it seems more hifi than the others. In the end for me my top three, and not just from your videos but from previous experience with all of them are; D112, D6, and Beta 91a
Yes, any of them are absolutely useable. Hugh’s kick drum is really nice and has been tuned properly - in my experience that is how you get a good kick drum sound! I change favourites all the time - they all have applications for me. Thanks for the feedback. 😀
Nice video !
Cheers dude. Hope you're well x
DPA 4055, BEST KICK DRUM MIC EVER!
D6 wins !
It works well yea - especially if you add an outside kick mic to get a bit more weight...
I am a drummer player , senheiser 421 wins , natural sound and awesome deep low end., the second not too bad is the d122 but not also so hi Fi and a little thin suond
I love the MD421 for so many things! I need more of them! The D112 has the classic sound for sure. What microphone do you use for recording your kick drum? 😀
@@davespeakmanmusic MD 421 live and home studios on Tom Tom floor Tom and bass drum , my setup is a Ludwig kit whit double bass brums 24 x 14 Tom 13 14 floor 16 18 , all 421 except one shure sm 58 on top snare and bottom and overhead 3 akg 414 condenser , for ambient one Neumann tlm 47 , this is the most important mic for added punch and reverb including of course the snare, mic pre focusrite Isa 828 and true sound on Neumann , plug-ins ssl 9000 console brainworks and mastering multiband compressor l2 waves., distressor and compressor harware on Neumann , is very important I played hard rock 80 and lot of metals and Metallica cover
@@nicolatorri6325 great setup! Room mics are great for getting depth into the sound. I use a Coles 4038 for mono room - sounds great heavily compressed (I use an 1176 on the way in). I love 414s as overheads for rock stuff. I got an AEA R88 in January and have been using that as a Blumlein overhead for some stuff - it works really well.
@@davespeakmanmusic overhead old style whit a little warm sound are the Neumann u87 with daking preamp or chandler germanium
@@davespeakmanmusic The 421 doesn’t have amazing deep low end. It’s pretty flat when it comes to bass/proximity effect. If anything it’s a pretty neutral/flat mic in the low/low mids, and then has a pretty aggressive lift from about 1khz to 15khz. I think what your hearing/liking is it’s punch in the lows/low mids because it’s not scooped like a lot of bass drum mics.
Nice comparison, thanks. Is the D6 overloading or is it just port hole noise?
Thanks, no it just has a clicky sound to get the kick to punch through. 😀
@@davespeakmanmusic Ok, thanks!
No problem. I recently did a video comparing drum overheads too which may be of some interest to you:
ruclips.net/video/pP-KUWjYo9c/видео.html
I have 2 D6 mics and they both do this lol. This confirms for me no more Kick drum for my D6s.
I quite like the D6 sound!
How about 14X22 kick drum to start with ?
I have a 22” x 14” if you think another comparison video would be useful. To be honest the 20” kick has a great attack anyway and a really balanced bottom end which I felt was perfect for this comparison. Maybe we should do a video comparing 18”, 20”, 22” & 24” kicks. Then again, the difference between woods and manufacturers makes just as much difference…
Great video!!!! Thank you!!! Wich one you recomend for a grestch 18" bass drum with no hole on the head and hi tunned?
Thanks. What style of music are you playing?
@@davespeakmanmusic bebop and hardbop mostly
I like the shure beta 52a for that sound. :-)
@@davespeakmanmusic great!! Thanks!!!!
@@pedroahets no problem!
Beta 52
I love the beta 52a!
@@davespeakmanmusic Hey Dave, brilliant tests. Based on what I heard in your video I bought the Beta 52 for my 18 INCH Yamaha Absolute Custom Birch used in small to medium gigs. What a beast - sound is quite amazing. From Missouri, cheers buddy
No disrespect but that's bass drum head sounds super tight and sounds like trash on all the microphones.
Thanks for your feedback. Sorry that you didn’t find the video useful.
Audix D6 ....
Certainly has the attack
The comparison is not accurate. You need to position the microphone diaphragm in the same way relative to the resonant head. This is not done and the bass balance is incorrect.
It still gives a ballpark sound of the flavour of each microphone. Without hearing the song that the kick will be in - it’s all irrelevant anyway.
That bass drum sounds horrible. It doesn’t matter which is being used. First, make the drum sound good or get a different drum. I think the hole in the center is a bad start.🤓
Ok bud. 🤧