Piece Drum Microphone
Piece Drum Microphone
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 Samson 7KIT 7 Piece Drum Mic Kit System STANDSCABLES  US $279.00
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 CAD Audio Stage 7 7 Piece Drum Microphone Pack With Carry Case Stage7 New US $971.90
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 Audix Fusion 4 Cable Professional Microphone US $40.00
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 3 SHURE A56D Drum Microphone Mount Mic A 56D NEW US $78.99
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 Audix Fusion 6 Pack Drum Microphones w 2 Cymbal Condenser Mics Hard Case US $150.00
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 Electro Voice DK5 Drum Mic Bundle 5 PL35 PL33 EV microphone package US $209.99
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 Classic Audio Technica AT MB Midnight Blues Drum Mic Microphone 7 Piece Set US $150.00
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 Samson 5KIT 5 Piece Drum Microphone System5 XLR Cables US $138.00
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 Shure DMK57 52 Drum Mic Pack Beta 52 52a SM57 SM 57 DMK US $419.00
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 Sennheiser E604 Dynamic Cable Professional Microphone NO RESERVE US $274.99
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 Yamaha SKRM100 SUBKICK Low Frequency Capture Microphone US $329.00
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 7 Pc Microphone Drum Kit Mic Set Mounting Accesories Carrying Case US $169.99
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 Gently Used Shure PGDMK6 XLR 6 Piece Drum Microphone Kit US $300.00
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 CAD Audio Touring7 7 Piece Premium Drum Microphone Pack With Carry Case New US $291.52
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 ALCTRON T 8400 COMPLETE 7 PIECE DRUM MICROPHONE SET NEW US $189.52
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 Shure PGDMK6 6 Piece Drum Microphone Kit w Case Cables Mic Stands US $429.99
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 SHURE DMK57 52 DRUM MIC KIT DMK5752 PROAUDIOSTAR NYC US $333.99
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 CAD Premium 7 Piece Drum Microphone Pack US $249.99
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 NEW AUDIO TECHNICA MB DK4 DRUM MICROPHONE KIT w 4 MIC US $109.95
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 NEW AUDIO TECHNICA MB DK6 DRUM MICROPHONE KIT w 6 MIC US $229.95
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 Nady DMK 5 Drum Microphone Package 5 Total MicrophonesFree Carrying Case US $109.95
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 MXL 770 Professional Studio Condenser Microphone Mic Cable Extended Warranty US $99.95
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 CAD Stage 7 Drum Microphone Pack STAGE7 Mic Kit ProAudioStar US $199.00
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 Sony sra 3 Tube Mic Microphone and Instrument Pre Amp US $499.00
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 Samson 7 Piece Drum Kit Professional Microphone US $52.00
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 Audix D6 Sub Impulse Kick Drum Mic Excellent Condition Only used Twice US $129.99
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 NEW Audix DP5A 5 piece Drum Mic Package DP 5A D6 D4 D2 US $507.00
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 FOUR Seventh Circle Audio N72s W Chassis Mint Neve 1073 Mic Preamp CLONE x4 SCA US $1,735.00
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 Audix DP7 DP 7 Piece FREE EXPRESS SHIPPING Drum Microphone Kit Mic i5 D2 D4 D6 US $899.00
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 Sennheiser e 835 6 Pack Vocal Microphones Mic SKB MC6 Free Extended Warranty US $499.90
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 Digital Reference DRDK4 4 Piece Drum Mic Kit US $99.99
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 KM 211 1 Boom Arm Tele Mic Boom Black US $35.99
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 Audix DP 7 7 Mic Drum Mic Package US $899.00
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 Audix DP Elite 8 Microphone Set 8 Drum Mics SHIPS FREE US $1,999.00
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 Shure DMK5752 Drum Microphone Package US $399.00
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 SHURE DMK57 52 DRUM MIC KIT DMK 5752 57 PROAUDIOSTAR US $399.00
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 Digital Reference DR DRM7 7 Piece Drum Microphone Set US $129.00
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 Audix DP7 7 Piece Drum Kick Snare Mic XRTA CABLES US $899.00
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 Royer SF 12 Stereo Coincident Ribbon Mic US $2,695.00
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![Audix DP 7 Drum Microphone Package With Case And More 3383]](http://www.paleroom.com/images/e/130683208147_0.jpg) Audix DP 7 Drum Microphone Package With Case And More 3383] US $899.00
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 ShureSM57LCFREE 2 DAY SM 57 Instrument Drums Guitar Vocal Mic NEWBAGCLIP US $99.00
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 Samson 5 Piece Drum Microphone Kit SADK5 US $186.99
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 Audix DP7 7 Piece Drum Package Kick Snare Mic STAND US $899.00
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 AKG Rhythm Pack 1x D 112 2x C 430 and 3x D 40 DRUM MIC KIT 6 FREE XLR US $699.00
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 Miktek PMD4 4 Piece Drum Microphone Kit US $699.00
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![NEW AUDIX FP5 5 PIECE DRUM MIC PACKAGE w CASE 4385]](http://www.paleroom.com/images/e/380239550531_0.jpg) NEW AUDIX FP5 5 PIECE DRUM MIC PACKAGE w CASE 4385] US $329.00
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 Shure DMK57 52 Drum Microphone Kit NEW DMK SM57 Beta52 US $399.00
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 Audix FP Quad Fusion Drum Microphone Pack Bundle w Free Stands and Cables US $399.00
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 VINTAGE Beyerdynamic M201 M201N Dynamic Mic Revox M3500 US $249.00
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 Samson SADK7 7Kit 7 piece Drum Mic Set US $375.61
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Audix D6 Kick Drum Microphone With Cable And Stand $229 Includes one Audix D6 Sub Impulse kick microphone, one Gear One 20' mic cable, and one DR Pro DR-256 low-profile tripod mic stand with fixed boom. Audix D6 Sub Impulse Kick Microphone:The Audix D6 Sub Impulse kick microphone is great onstage or in the studio for kick drums, percussion, and bass cabs. The special edition D6 drum mic has a cardioid pickup pattern and a frequency response of 30Hz to 15kHz. Its transformerless design, low impedance, and balanced output allow interference-free performance even with long cable runs. One-piece body precision machined from solid aluminum.Gear One Microphone Cable:For serious-minded musicians, Gear One's XLR cables have the strength and durability to withstand more than everyday use. Since your cable is your sound, this XLR mic cable's superior wiring allows your signal to be quiet, eliminating frustrating hums, buzzing, and crackles.DR Pro DR256:The DR Pro DR256 is a basic low-profile tripod microphone stand with telescoping boom. The boom is 19" and extends to 31". It is height adjustable from 9" to 17". The tripod legs extend to 19" per side.Dedicated to manufacturing premium stands for the professional studio musician, DR Pro gear is sure to deliver superior performance. Their gear is strong, lightweight, and uses a durable powdercoated finish paint, tougher tubing, and precision mechanical parts. Plus, DR's industry-standard designs make it easy to integrate DR mic stands into any studio or stage setting.Audix D6:Designed for low-frequency reproductionOne-piece body precision machined from solid aluminumCardioid pickup patternDynamic transducerFrequency response of 30Hz-15kHz144dB max SPLMusician's Gear MS-220:Thread adapterTubular legAdjustable height from floor to top thread 35" to 61-7/8"Fixed boom: 30-1/4"DR Pro DR256:Built to surpass industry standardsFully adjustable standLightweight construction Powdercoated finishesStronger tubingPrecision machiningHeight adjust: 9"-17" Telescoping boom adj.: 19"-31" |
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Audix Dp-Quad 4-Piece Drum Microphone Pack $599.99 This DP-QUAD 4-piece drum mic kit from Audix contains the D6 bass drum mic, the i5 instrument mic and 2 ADX-90 condenser mics. While some drummers prefer close miking every mounted tom and floor tom, a compelling case can be made for the 4 piece miking strategy. The D6 is a great bass drum mic that sounds great wherever you place it, the i5 picks up the snare with crisp attack and full body, and two overhead ADX51s do a great job of picking up the toms, hi-hat, and cymbals. This 4 piece pack comes equipped with stand adaptors and individual pouches for each microphone.Details1 x i5: The i5 works for snare (top or bottom) and toms (it is also an excellent mic for instruments or guitar cabs). It features a protective steel grill, is easy to set up and use, and has a clean accurate sound.1 x D6: The D6 works for kick drum, floor tom, djembe, cajon and other low-pitched percussion instruments. It features extended low end for larger drums, accurate frequency response, natural sound. 2 x ADX51s: The ADX51 is designed to capture the acoustics of the instrument being miked while at the same time isolating it from the rest of the instruments on stage. It is especially suited to extended mid and high frequency signals. |
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Audix D-2 Drum Microphone $129 The Audix D2 drum mic is a dynamic hypercardioid drum and instrument microphone with warm, contoured response for added bottom and punch. Ideal for drums, sax, and brass. "The king" of mics for toms. This drum microphone is great for congas and kick drums too. VLM noise-rejection capsule. Compact design for easy placement. The Audix D-2 is milled from a solid block of aluminum for strength and lightness. 44Hz-18kHz response, 144dB handling.Contoured response for added bottom and punchPerfect for toms, sax, and brassMilled from solid aluminumVLM noise rejection |
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Audix D6 Sub Impulse Kick Drum Microphone Black $199 The D6 is an American-made instrument microphone designed for live and studio performance. Characterized with a cardioid pick-up pattern and a frequency response of 30Hz-15kHz, the D6 instrument mic is an ideal choice for kick drum, bass cabs, and other instruments requiring low frequency reproduction.The Audix mic comes in a transformerless design, low impedance, and a balanced output allows interference-free performance even with long cable runs. The D6 mic, a one-piece body precision machined from solid aluminum, consists of a durable hard coat anodized finish.Applications:Live Stage - Coffeehouse to stadiumKick drum, floor tom, djembe, cajon acoustic bass, electric bass cabsStudio - any instrument requiring precise low frequency |
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Audix D6 Kick Drum Microphone With Cable And Stand 2 Pack $449 This 2-pack features 2 Audix D6 Sub Impulse Kick Drum Mics, as well as a pair of Gear One Mic Cables, and DR PRO Low Profile Stands.Audix D6 Sub Impulse Kick Drum MicThe D6 is an American-made instrument microphone designed for live and studio performance. Characterized with a cardioid pick-up pattern and a frequency response of 30Hz-15kHz, the D6 instrument mic is an ideal choice for kick drum, bass cabs, and other instruments requiring low frequency reproduction.The Audix mic comes in a transformerless design, low impedance, and a balanced output allows interference-free performance even with long cable runs. The D6 mic, a one-piece body precision machined from solid aluminum, consists of a durable hard coat anodized finish.Gear One Mic CableFor serious-minded musicians, Gear One's XLR cables have the strength and durability to withstand more than everyday use. Since your cable is your sound, this XLR mic cable's superior wiring allows your signal to be quiet, eliminating frustrating hums, buzzing, and crackles.DR PRO DR256 MS1500BK Low Profile Mic Boom StandThe DR Pro DR259 keeps things simple with a basic low-profile tripod microphone stand with telescoping boom. The boom is 19" and extends to 31". It is height adjustable from 9" to 17". The tripod legs extend to 19" per side.Dedicated to manufacturing premium stands for the professional studio musician, DR Pro gear is sure to deliver superior performance. Their gear is strong, lightweight, and uses a durable powder-coated finish paint, tougher tubing, and precision mechanical parts. Plus, DR's industry-standard designs make it easy to integrate DR mic stands into any studio or stage setting.Audix D6 Sub Impulse Kick Drum MicApplications:Live Stage - coffeehouse to stadiumKick drum, floor tom, djembe, cajon acoustic bass, electric bass cabsStudio - any instrument requiring precise low frequencyGear One Mic CableSturdy construction for enhanced signal and performanceFlexible mic cable design eliminates kinks and twists for a tangle-free performance in-studio and onstage |
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Audix D6 Limited Edition Kick Drum Microphone With Cable And Stand $229 Includes an Audix D6 Limited Edition kick microphone, Gear One 20' mic cable, and DR Pro DR-256 low-profile tripod mic stand with fixed boom. Audix D6 Sub Impulse Kick Microphone:The Audix D6 Sub Impulse kick microphone is great onstage or in the studio for kick drums, percussion, and bass cabs. The special edition D6 drum mic has a cardioid pickup pattern and a frequency response of 30Hz to 15kHz. Its transformerless design, low impedance, and balanced output allow interference-free performance even with long cable runs. One-piece body precision machined from solid aluminum, this limited edition version has a brushed aluminum finish.Gear One Microphone Cable:For serious-minded musicians, Gear One's XLR cables have the strength and durability to withstand more than everyday use. Since your cable is your sound, this XLR mic cable's superior wiring allows your signal to be quiet, eliminating frustrating hums, buzzing, and crackles.DR Pro DR256:The DR Pro DR256 is a basic low-profile tripod microphone stand with telescoping boom. The boom is 19" and extends to 31". It is height adjustable from 9" to 17". The tripod legs extend to 19" per side.Dedicated to manufacturing premium stands for the professional studio musician, DR Pro gear is sure to deliver superior performance. Their gear is strong, lightweight, and uses a durable powder-coated finish paint, tougher tubing, and precision mechanical parts. Plus, DR's industry-standard designs make it easy to integrate DR mic stands into any studio or stage setting.Audix D6:Designed for low-frequency reproductionOne-piece body precision machined from solid aluminumCardioid pickup patternDynamic transducerFrequency response of 30Hz - 15kHz144dB max SPLMusician's Gear MS-220:Thread adapterTubular legAdjustable height from floor to top thread 35" to 61-7/8"Fixed boom: 30-1/4"DR Pro DR256:Built to surpass industry standardsFully adjustable standLightweight construction Powdercoated finishesStronger tubingPrecision machiningHeight adj.: 9"-17" Telescoping boom adj.: 19"-31" |
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Audix Custom 4-Piece Drum Microphone Package $399.99 Includes D6 mic, 3 ADX90 mics and 4 - 20' mic cables.The D6 MicrophoneThis American-made instrument mic is designed for live or studio performance and characterized by its superb cardioid pick-up pattern and low-end centered 30Hz-15kHz frequency response. The D6 is an ideal choice for kick drum, large hand percussion, bass cabs, and other instruments requiring low frequency reproduction. Transformerless design, low impedance, and balanced output allow interference-free performance even with long cable runs. The one-piece, precision-machined sold aluminum body fhas an injury-resistant hard coat anodized finish.The ADX90 MicrophoneWith a smooth, uniform response over a frequency range of 50Hz-18kHz, the ADX90 is lightweight, compact, and extremely easy to use. Designed with an integral clamping system, it's perfect for drums, percussion instruments, and a variety of other instruments such as woodwinds and brass. It features a cardioid pickup pattern and high SPL handling capability (135dB!) that'll pick up the warmth and clarity of instruments without adding boominess. The flexible gooseneck makes it a cinch to get the mic in the sweet spot.The ADX90 operates on phantom power of 9-52V and is supplied with a phantom power adapter, integral clamp, cable, windscreen, and carrying pouch.D6: Dynamic transducer, cardioid pickup pattern, frequency response of 30Hz-15kHz, and 144dB max SPLADX-90: Phantom-powered condenser mic, cardioid pickup pattern, frequency range of 50Hz-18kHz, 135dB max SPL |
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Cad Dsm-1 Drum Microphone Mount $19.99 The DSM-1 microphone mount from CAD is a heavy, die-cast drum mic mount with a slick, locking cam. Attaches securely to any standard drum, yet removes easily. Thick rubber pads protect the drum finish, while a neoprene-surround insert (threaded for standard mic clips) offers additional shock isolation. CAD includes a 3" extender with the DSM-1 microphone mount.Locking cam attaches securely to any standard drum Removes easily Thick rubber pads protect drum finish Neoprene-surround insert offers additional shock isolation Includes 3" extender |
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CAD DSM-1 Drum Microphone Mount $19.99 The DSM-1 microphone mount from CAD is a heavy, die-cast drum mic mount with a slick, locking cam. Attaches securely to any standard drum, yet removes easily. Thick rubber pads protect the drum finish, while a neoprene-surround insert (threaded for standard mic clips) offers additional shock isolation. CAD includes a 3" extender with the DSM-1 microphone mount. |
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Shure A56d Microphone Drum Mount $39.99 Shure's innovative A56D Microphone Drum Mount sets a new standard for versatility. Compact in design, the A56D can be used in a multitude of positions for accurate microphone placement. Live or in the studio, this universal clamp can be mounted virtually anywhere, including drum rims and racks, microphone stands, and cymbal stands. You'll reduce the stage clutter associated with traditional mic stand set-ups.Designed with captive parts to prevent the loss of individual pieces, the A56D mic mount is small, secure, and sturdy, and can be used with any standard microphone, making it a great tool for both musicians and sound engineers.Universal clamp for use with any standard micMounts virtually anywhereReduces stage clutter over traditional setupsCaptive parts prevent loss of individual piecesSmall, secure, and sturdy |
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CAD 4-Piece Drum Microphone Pack $179.99 The CAD 4-Piece Drum Microphone Pack is a carefully selected complement of CAD mics that will accurately reproduce every part of your drum kit's dynamics. They include three TSM411 dynamic mics for snare and toms and a KBM412 large-diameter kick mic. Also included are three DSM-1 mic mounts and a custom road case for safe transport. |
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Sennheiser E604 Drum Microphone 3-Pack $349.95 The response and cardioid pattern of the Sennheiser e604 Drum Microphone is optimized for use on drum sets, while also producing exceptional results on brass and woodwinds. Sennheiser e604 mics handle very high SPLs, with clear, balanced, low-distortion signals similar to high-end studio condenser mics. Lightweight voice coils provide extended high frequency and rapid transient response. Tough reinforced fiberglass bodies take knocks and shocks and suppress impact noise. |
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Cad 4-Piece Drum Microphone Pack $179.99 The CAD 4-Piece Drum Microphone Pack is a carefully selected complement of CAD mics that will accurately reproduce every part of your drum kit's dynamics. They include three TSM411 dynamic mics for snare and toms and a KBM412 large-diameter kick mic. Also included are three DSM-1 mic mounts and a custom road case for safe transport.3 TSM411 dynamic mics for snare and toms1 KBM412 large-diameter kick mic.3 DSM-1 mic mountsCustom road case for safe transport |
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Shure Dmk57-52 Drum Microphone Kit $399.99 The Shure DMK57-52 Drum Mic Kit is a conveniently packaged selection of microphones and mounts, designed to offer a core package of microphones for recording and performing drummers at a great price. The Drum Mic Kit includes 3 Shure SM57 microphones, one Shure Beta 52A microphone, 3 A56D drum-mounting systems, and a lightweight, durable carrying case.A collection of some of the most widely used mics in the world for stage and studio miking of drumsIncludes mics and hardware for core miking of basic setsAlso includes application-specific illustrations of different setupsSuggested Applications:Kick DrumSnare DrumsRack/Floor Toms |
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CAD PRO-7 7-Piece Drum Microphone Pack List Price: $299.99 Sale Price: $190.07  |
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This all-in-one drum microphone package by CAD contains one KM212 dynamic cardioid kick drum mic, 3 TM211 dynamic cardioid tom mics with attached drum mount clips, one SN 210 dynamic cardioid snare mic with attached drum mount clip, and 2 CM 217 cardioid mini pencil condenser overhead microphones with external roll-off and pad... |
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CAD Premium 7-Piece Drum Microphone Pack List Price: $399.00 Sale Price: $249.99 |
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The CAD Premium 7-Piece Drum Mic Pack gives you extended frequency response, superior sensitivity, and faster transient response to give your performance the nuanced, powerful amplified reproduction you want... |
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Pyle-Pro PDKM7 7 Microphone Wired Drum Kit with Mounting Accesories List Price: $293.99 Sale Price: $113.66 |
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This seven-microphone wired drum kit from Pyle Pro is everything you need to record your drums discretely for a full, powerful sound. Hear the ring of the cymbals, the punch of the snares, and the boom of the kick drum, all with independent mics... |
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CAD Pro-7 7-Piece Drum Microphone Pack List Price: $299.00 Used From: $160.00 |
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DMTP7 Seven-piece Drum Mic Touring Pack Contains three TM211s, two CM217s, one SN210, and one KM212 in protective travel case. |
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Samson 5KIT 5 Piece Drum Microphone System+5 XLR Cables Sale Price: $159.00 |
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A comprehensive drum mic set up in a sturdy road case. The Samson 5KIT utilizes state-of-the-art microphone technology and each microphone is engineered to the finest detail for the drum it is to be used on... |
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CAD Audio TOURING7 Premium 7-piece Drum Microphone Pack List Price: $379.00 Sale Price: Too low to display |
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The CAD Touring7 Premium Pack is a seven-piece drum mic pack that includes one D12 dynamic large diaphragm kick drum mic, four TSM411 dynamic tom mics, with clips, 2 GXL1200 instrument condensers for high hats, cymbals or overheads and 4 DMC1 drum mic clips... |
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Shure PGDMK4-XLR Drum Microphone Kit, 4 piece List Price: $552.55 Sale Price: $249.00 Used From: $175.00 |
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An essential drum mic package, the affordable PGDMK4 drum microphone kit includes three PG56 snare/tom microphones, one PG52 kick drum microphone, three A50D drum mounts, four 15-foot XLR-XLR cables, and a durable carrying case... |
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CAD Pro-4 Drum Microphone Pack List Price: $149.99 Sale Price: $99.99 |
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CAD 4 Piece Drum Mic Tour Pack (1) KM-212This dynamic kick mic is new from CAD this year and is perfect for capturing frequencies below 100Hz. Whether from a kick drum or bass guitar, this mic features a large diaphram to capture lows and avoid troublesome interference from highs and pops for the ultimate deep sound generated by kicks... |
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Shure PGDMK6-XLR Drum Microphone Kit with XLR-XLR Cable List Price: $975.14 Sale Price: Too low to display Used From: $325.00 |
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An essential drum mic package, the affordable PGDMK6 drum microphone kit combines two PG81 instrument microphones with three PG56 snare/tom microphones and one PG52 kick drum microphone. It also includes three A50D drum mounts, four 15-foot XLR-XLR cables, and a durable carrying case... |
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Audix DP5a 5-Piece Drum Microphone Pack w/ 5 Free Mic Cables and 1 Mini Boom Stand! Sale Price: $659.00 |
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Putting mics on a drum kit used to be "hit or miss." Mismatched mics can cause even the best drums to sound too thin or too boomy. And in today's music, the drums are more important than ever in establishing the groove, so why risk disaster when Audix - a world leader in instrument mics - offers up specially designed drum mic packages that deliver a rich, balanced sound... |
How to Start Recording Music at Home
It’s perfectly possible to make very high quality recordings at home with today’s computer technology. However, you will need to spend a fair bit of money on software, and hardware (such as high quality microphones and soundcards) in order to achieve this. BUT DON’T WORRY! It is entirely possible to make recordings at home that are very respectable in quality whilst spending only a relatively small amount of money! Even better news…it’s all pretty easy to do!
I like to think of my home recording set-up like an artist’s sketchbook. It’s somewhere to play around with my ideas, record a few vocal takes, put down a basic bass line, some simple drums and maybe a guitar track behind it. It’s then that the magic really starts. On pretty much all music software you can just copy and paste individual parts (or whole sections) around, just like you would do in a word processor. This makes it really easy to swap verses around, try a new drum beat on a different section…anything you can think of really.
Home studio software usually has a good selection of instruments built in, so you can add piano, strings, brass, synth and many more sounds to your songs. If you’re an accomplished keyboard player you can play all these different parts in via a (music) keyboard. If not, you can just play the notes in on screen (and you can change them really easily if you play a wrong note).
Like I said, if you want to do this all at a really high (studio quality) level, then you’ll need to think about investing some serious cash. But most software and hardware manufacturers have realised that there are loads of people like you and me out there, and have produced some really good ‘Entry Level’ cut down versions of their studio quality kit.
What you'll need to get started.
At the most basic level, all you need for recording at home is a microphone, a sound card and a computer running some recording software. Lets look at the hardware first.
Microphones
You can use the same microphone you would use for live shows for basic home recording (the Shure SM58 is a tried and tested classic), but you’ll want to think about getting a studio quality condenser microphone if you want to record higher quality vocals.
Pop Shield
Pop shields are an inexpensive device that attaches to the mic stand, and stops loud blowing and popping noises from reaching the microphone. Singers make these noises mostly when singing ‘P’ and ‘B’ type sounds. You can make basic pop shield by stretching a pair of tights over a wire coat hanger! It won’t be as good as a professional one, but it will do the job pretty well!
Sound Cards
The majority of sound cards that come with computers are not designed for use with music programs. If you try to use them for recording music the quality will be much lower and you will experience large delays which will make recording impossible. If you want to do home recording then you will need a soundcard that has been designed for this purpose.
There are several different types:-
Internal Cards - If you have a PC that has a spare internal card slot, then you can get a relatively inexpensive sound card that can be used for home music production. If you know what you are doing you can fit them yourself, but if you’re in any doubt then please (for your own safety) get someone who knows what they are doing to fit it.
USB / FIREWIRE - there are some great sound cards that attach via USB / FIREWIRE. They usually cost a little bit more, but are really easy to transfer between computers if you use more than one.
Another thing to consider when you are buying a sound card is whether or not it will directly accept the signal from your microphone. It will almost certainly tell you this on the package / website where you buy it from, and may say something like ‘Mic Preamp’. If it doesn’t then you will need to connect it via your mixing desk.
Now lets talk about the software
On the most basic level, the software works by recording each channel of music (e.g. Vocals, Guitar, Drums etc). You can then alter the volumes of each of the different tracks, just like you would do live on a mixing desk. Each separate channel can be chopped up and moved around (just like you can copy and paste text in a word processor). This is what makes recording on computers much more powerful than old style tape recordings. Finaly you can add effects like compression, reverb and delay to individual tracks (or to the whole mix) then your track is about finished.
I’ve always used software from a company called Steinberg. It’s very powerful software and it’s pretty easy to understand. Steinberg produces a very high quality studio program called Cubase 4. They also produce a cut down version for the home user called Cubase 4 Essential, and another piece of software aimed at total beginners called Sequel. There are several other companies that also make great quality, affordable software for home recording.
Once you've got the basics set up, you just need to get recording, and try out new things. Make sure you read the user manual to get full benefit out of these powerful pieces of software.
Good luck, and above all, enjoy your music!
About the Author
Gemma King is a Professional Singer, Songwriter, Vocal Coach and artist Consultant. She regularly writes for her newsletter which is a must read for both amateur and professional singers alike.
Gemma has also written a book on 'How To Become A Singer' which is available on her website now.