The DP Elite 8, as the name implies, is the ultimate combination of 8 microphones needed to mike up a 5 piece drum kit. All mics perform equally well whether it be on a live stage or in the studio. Included in the DP Elite 8 drum mic package is the D6, Audix's flagship kick drum mic, two- D2's for rack toms, one D4 for floor tom, the i5 for snare, a pair of SCX1C's for overhead miking, and the SCX1-HC for high-hat. Also included are four D-Vice rim mount clips for the snare and tom mics, and three heavy duty tension fit mic clips for the SCX1 microphones.
Everything is conveniently packaged in a foam-lined aluminum carrying case road case for safe keeping when the mics are not in use.
CLOSE MIKING
The D6 for kick drum and the i5 for snare are considered must-haves for every drummer. 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. By having the mic close to the source of the sound, it helps to isolate and control the sound of each drum.
OVERHEAD MIKING (ambient)
Supporting the idea that “less is more”, many engineers 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 SCX1 condenser microphone with a 21mm gold sputtered diaphragm, is designed with overhead applications in mind. Due to its cardioid pickup pattern, high sensitivity and pencil design, the two SCX1 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 stereo image of the entire kit from overhead. 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 D2 and D4 capture the attack and decay of rack and floor toms; the SCX1HC is the quinessential microphone for hi-hat. With the SCX1 for overheads, drums will maintain their sound integrity and critical presence for both stage and studio regardless of the size of the room or PA system.
PACKAGED SET OF 8 DRUM MICS