Microphones for Bass Drum

This category contains microphones for bass drum. Bass or kick drums produce very high sound pressure levels (SPLs) at low frequencies, and so require microphones that can cope with both these issues. Most well-known manufacturers produce large diaphragm dynamic microphones specifically for the purpose, which are capable of handling the high transients, and have frequency responses contoured to capture the deep lows. The standard position for kick drum mics is inside the shell, pointing towards the reverse side of the ‘batter’ head (the one that the beater is hitting). Large diaphragm condenser mics with cardioid or super-cardioid polar patterns are popular choices for placing the mic outside the shell. Another popular type of kick drum mic is the boundary or ‘PZM’ mic, which is usually placed on the floor of the shell. The nature of the design lends itself to excellent low frequency reproduction, and they are especially good in live situations, where good separation and feedback rejection are essential.