DP Series 4-Piece Drum Mic Set

The Audix DP Series QUAD pack is the simplest and most effective combination of microphones that will allow you to capture the depth and imaging of a full drum kit. With kick, snare and two overheads, the QUAD incorporates the best of two miking techniques: close miking and overhead (ambient) miking.

Close Miking:
The D6 for kick drum and the i5 for snare are considered the two microphones every drummer must have. The kick and snare are considered the core of any drum kit and the foundation for every groove. Close miking insures that they will be captured in the mix. If either the kick or the snare is unable to be heard, there is simply no groove. Being high SPL dynamic microphones, the D6 and i5 excel at “close miking”. This miking technique is required in order to capture the attack and percussive sound of the drum. Also, by having the mic close to the source of the sound, it helps to isolate the sound of each drum and separate it from the rest of the kit.

Overhead (ambient) miking:
Supporting the idea that “less is more”, there are many engineers who will use just two overhead mics to capture the natural sound of the complete drum kit. With two overhead mics, positioned correctly, it is absolutely true that you can capture the transients, tonality and balance of the kit in a completely phase-coherent manner. The ADX51, which is a pre-polarized condenser microphone with a 14mm gold sputtered diaphragm, is designed specifically with overhead applications in mind. Due to its cardioid pickup pattern, high sensitivity and slim pencil design, the two ADX51 mics can be easily positioned overhead to provide a nice stereo image of the entire drum kit.

The Blend:
With contemporary music and with the volumes typically generated on stage, it is more practical and effective to create a blended effect of close miking and overhead miking – the exact intent of the DP-QUAD. The D6 will help provide the earthshaking lows and the attack of the kick; the i5 will reinforce the depth and crack of the snare; the overheads will pick up the high-hat, tom fills, cymbals and the ambiance of the entire kit. With the DP-QUAD, drums will maintain their sound integrity and critical presence, regardless of the size of the room and PA system.