Recording a bass drum and getting that deep, powerful sound just right isn’t always easy. The microphone you use can make a big difference in how your drum sounds in the final mix. In this guide, we’ll go over the best microphones for capturing bass drum sound. Whether you’re working in a studio or setting up for a live performance, we’ll help you find the right mic to make your bass drum stand out.
AKG D112 MKII Cardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone
The AKG D112 MKII Cardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone is a top choice for capturing the powerful sound of a bass drum. It features a built-in flexible mount that makes it easy to position and use in any setup. The bass chamber is designed to deliver deep, punchy tones, while the large diaphragm ensures accurate and clear low-end sound. It also has a hum-compensation coil to reduce unwanted noise, so your recordings stay clean.
Trusted by musicians and audio professionals for over 30 years, this microphone is a reliable option for live shows and studio recordings. It connects via XLR, works with amplifiers, and is built to last with its sturdy black design. With a cardioid pickup pattern and a sound pressure limit of 160 dB, it handles loud bass drums effortlessly. The package includes the microphone and a quick-start guide to get you started quickly. Purchase the AKG D112 MKII Cardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone here.
Audix D6 Cardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone
The Audix D6 Cardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone is an excellent choice for capturing clear and powerful kick drum sounds. It delivers the drum’s natural tone without distortion, thanks to its cardioid pickup pattern, which blocks out background noise for focused sound. The VLM diaphragm responds quickly to the beater’s strike, ensuring accurate reproduction of the drum’s attack and tone.
With a frequency range of 30Hz to 15kHz, the D6 emphasizes deep, punchy lows, making it perfect for kick drums and other bass-heavy instruments like bass guitars. Designed for both live and studio use, it features XLR connectivity and can handle up to 144dB SPL, ensuring reliability even in loud environments. The microphone is lightweight, durable, and comes in a sleek black design, making it a versatile and dependable tool for capturing low-frequency sounds. Order the Audix D6 Cardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone here.
Shure Beta 52A Supercardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone
The Shure Beta 52A Supercardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone is designed specifically for kick drums and bass instruments, delivering clear, powerful sound with its tailored frequency response. It features a built-in stand adapter with an XLR connector, making setup quick and easy, even inside a kick drum. This microphone handles high sound pressure levels with studio-quality performance, while its supercardioid pattern ensures excellent feedback rejection and reduces unwanted background noise.
The hardened steel mesh grille offers durability, and the advanced shock mount system minimizes vibrations and mechanical noise. Equipped with a neodymium magnet, it provides a strong signal with minimal noise, making it a reliable and sturdy choice for both studio and live use. Buy the Shure Beta 52A Supercardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone here.
Sennheiser e 602-II Cardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone
The Sennheiser e 602-II Cardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone is designed to deliver powerful bass with its large diaphragm capsule, enhancing low-end sound. It can handle sound pressure levels over 155 dB, making it perfect for loud kick drums and other bass instruments. The microphone’s cardioid pattern effectively isolates the sound, ensuring that only the desired audio is picked up while rejecting unwanted noise from the sides and rear.
Its durable construction ensures reliable performance, even in high-pressure environments. With a 10-year warranty, this microphone offers long-term reliability for both studio and live use. Purchase the Sennheiser e 602-II Cardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone here.
Picking the right microphone for your bass drum is key to getting the best sound. Whether you’re recording in the studio or playing live, mics like the AKG D112 MKII, Audix D6, Shure Beta 52A, and Sennheiser e 602-II all bring something special to the table. By focusing on factors like sound quality, durability, and noise control, you’ll find the perfect mic to help your bass drum stand out and make your music sound great.
