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.
)
