Audix D4

The Audix D4 is a dynamic microphone designed with "sub-impulse" technology, which samples sound at a higher rate than other microphones in order to capture a truer image of sound below 100 Hz.   It is also fitted with a capsule designed to capture high SPL levels, up to 144 dB.   It has a flat frequency response from 60 Hz to 1 kHz, and captures from 38 Hz to 19 kHz. This microphone is perfect for use on bass drums, floor toms, timpani, piano, and any other instrument requiring precise reproduction of loud and/or low frequency sounds.

This microphone just may be my favorite.   I've used it countless times in both live and recording settings. It sounds great on drums.   It has a low profile, which makes it easy to squeeze into the complications of any drummer's set up. It says it is specifically designed for floor toms and bass drums, but I like using it for all the toms.   I've used it on the bass drum for a few recording sessions and found it very nice.   It had a lot of attack and a very controlled sound.   I commonly use an AKG D112 on the bass drum, and have found that the D112 provides a stronger low-end wallop, but the D4 wins out in capturing a more realistic and controlled sound from the bass drum.   The drum mounts that can be purchased with the Audix microphones are nice and easy to use, but when I'm recording, I prefer to have my mics their own on stands.

I love great sounding toms with little work needed and little fear of my equipment breaking.   The Audix D4 has always come through.   It holds up to beatings, and comes in handy for situations when a dynamic microphone with a tight sound and broader frequency range is needed.

Although the Audix D4 is specifically designed for use on high SPL instruments with low frequency ranges, it is good for other uses as well.   In one recording session, I was tracking guitar.   The guitarist and I were having a difficult time creating the sound he wanted.   He was playing out of a Marshall TLS with a 4 x 12 cabinet, and I had an SM57 a few inches from one of the speaker cones. (A typical, right from the book recording set up)  He wanted a more tight and crisp sound - But as I told him he was playing out of a Marshall.   Finally I thought, the D4 for has a higher frequency range than an SM57, maybe it will do the trick.   And Walla! It did.

I've also used the Audix D4 with great success when recording acoustic guitar, didgeridoo, and hand percussion.

Compared to other tom mics. The D4 is my favorite.   Skip buying the Audix D2s for the rack toms, smaller drums, and other hand percussion.   The D4 out performs them. - Adam