AKG Drum Mics

106
| FEBRUARY 2015 WWW.RHYTHMMAGAZINE.CO.UK
GEAR REVIEW
T
his pair of AKG mics differs
considerably in design, intended
use and price. The bigger of the
two – the D12 VR – is a reference
quality bass drum mic suitable for both
recording and live work, while the more
diminutive D40 is a bulletproof workhorse
built primarily for stage use.
Build
Lookswise, the D12 VR’s twin grilles and full
metal casing are a clear nod in the direction
of the company’s legendary D12 mic but
under the bonnet is a set of modern
components. Plugged into the mixing desk in
the normal manner, the D12 VR works as a
regular passive dynamic mic; it has an
ultra-thin diaphragm to pick up every scrap
of detail and an optimised bass chamber to
capture the low frequencies. Add in
Phantom Power and three active fi lter
presets can be engaged to shape the sound
further. Coloured LED lights indicate which of
the fi lter presets are selected while a handy
graphic above the sliding switch gives a
visual indication of each fi lter setting. AKG
reckons that as well as offering different
options in the studio the fi lter settings also
make nailing a killer live sound a breeze,
especially when switching from one band’s
kick drum to that of the following act. With a
frequency range that begins at a trouser-
fl apping 17Hz and climbs to 17,000Hz plus a
whopping 164dB maximum sound pressure,
even the most lead-footed Neanderthal
would struggle to make it peak out. In
common with all premium AKG mics, the
D12 VR is manufactured in Vienna.
In contrast to the D12 VR, the D40 is a
compact and unpretentious dynamic mic
that has been designed to withstand nightly
abuse. Described by AKG itself as being
suitable for ‘rough stage use’ it is equipped
From £79 Two new microphones from
Austrian audio giant AKG
AKG
DRUM MICS
WORDS: ADAM JONES
with a protective metal casing and grille and
has a built-in windscreen/pop fi lter. A
frequency range of 50Hz to 20kHz and a
maximum SPL of 156dB enables it to be
placed in front of all manner of instruments.
Hands On
We test the mics in a studio setting, starting
with the D12 VR, positioning it just in front of
the ported and Kickported front head of my
bass drum. In its unfi ltered passive
dynamic mode the D12 VR puts the kick
right at the heart of the mix, giving
such a quality sound that the EQ
pots remain untouched. The
combination of attack and
depth delivers focus and
‘oomph’ in equal parts.
Dialling in the middle
fi lter preset (red light)
scoops out some of
the mid-range
IF THE D12 VR IS A SERIOUS SOUND-SCULPTING
TOOL THEN THE D40 HAS BEEN BUILT TO
CAPTURE AN INSTRUMENT IN THE SONIC
EQUIVALENT OF A WAR ZONE
DYNAMIC MIC
Robust D40 has a
protective metal casing and
grille and has a frequency
range of 50Hz-29kHz
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2
LEWITT MTP
440 DM
We say: “ Lewitt’s audio
experience is evident in
the road-proof build and
excellent sound
reproduction. ”
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1
SE ELECTRONICS
X1D
We say: “ This is an
excellent kick drum mic;
its wide frequency
response and
robustness make it
suitable for other
instruments too. ”
RHY238.gear_AKG.indd 106 12/17/14 3:12 PM