The BEST kick drum microphone?

The eternal forum question. Is there a correct answer? Probably not. There are so many great kick drum microphones available on the market, and the “best” one depends on a variety of factors, including the sound you’re going for, your budget, and your personal preferences. That being said, some popular kick drum microphones that are often recommended by audio professionals include:

1. Shure Beta 52A: This is a popular choice for many engineers, as it has a frequency response tailored for kick drums. This one is a super-cardioid pattern with an integrated stand mount and an extremely rugged shell. Max spl is listed at 174 dB, with a response extending down to 20 Hz. If you can’t get a good-sounding kick with this one, it is not the mic’s fault.
2. AKG D112: Another popular choice, the AKG D112 has a large diaphragm dynamic capsule that can handle high sound pressure levels. This time it’s a Cardioid pattern, and claims to be overload proof (160 dB max SPL) down to 20Hz! The latest mkII model now has an integrated mount, eliminating the need for the clip the previous model used.
3. Audix D6: The Audix D6 is another cardioid favorite, espeically for rock and heavier music. This one only goes down to 30Hz with a max 144 dB rating, but people love it for floor tom as much as kick drums. Years ago I used to hear about these unglueing themselves internally and breaking on tours pretty often, but that doesn’t seem to be a common complaint in recent years.
4. Electro-Voice RE20: Although not specifically designed for kick drums, the Electro-Voice RE20 is a popular choice for many engineers due to its warm and natural sound. It is a cardioid pattern mic that rolls of significanly below 45 Hz. It can be difficult to position due to the size and weight, though often favored for drums without a hole in the resonant head. There is also a two position switch to alter the response to roll off below 400 Hz, though that’s not typically used for micing drums in my experience.
5. Sennheiser e602-II: This microphone has a cardioid polar pattern and a low sensitivity to off-axis sound, which makes it a good choice for isolating the kick drum sound in a mix. If you can afford to jump up to the e902, it is certainly worth a listen. It is my personal favorite kick mic and one I have carried for years. Paired with a set of Shure SM27 large diaphragm stage condenser mics, these three mics are a great minimal way to mic a drumkit and get a natural sound.

Ultimately, the best kick drum microphone for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences, so it’s a good idea to try out a few different options before making a decision. Borrow or rent them if you can before shelling out your hard earned cash. Ultimately, I can get a pretty passable kick sound with just an SM57, so don’t over think this or feel like you need to spend a ton of cash. Have fun and find what works best for you!