Shure PG Alta Drumkit6 Mic Set

106
| SEPTEMBER 2015 WWW.MUSICRADAR.COM/RHYTHM
GEAR REVIEW
S
hure is a name that has been
synonymous with quality
microphones for many years, with
the SM57 and SM58 in particular
often recognised as the industry standard
for snare and vocal mics respectively. The
Shure PG Alta microphone range is designed
as a more accessible option for live and
studio use than the original Beta series. The
Alta family boasts a microphone for every
occasion, from vocals to a range of
instrument and drum applications.
Build
The PGA drum kit sets are available in the
UK as a four-piece set (kick, snare and two
toms), and the newer ‘PGADrumKit6’ – kick,
snare, two toms and an overhead pair. This
six-piece set is perfect for close-miking a
four-piece drum kit.
Each microphone set is supplied with
a PGA52 for kick drum, PGA57 for snare,
PGA56s for toms (all cardioid dynamic)
and a pair of phantom powered PGA81
cardioid condensers for use as overheads
(six and seven-piece sets only). In terms
of frequency response across the board,
this collection should be more than enough
for everyday live and studio use. Some
of you may recognise the familiar titles
borrowed from the Shure Beta range.
For instance, the PGA52 is paralleled with
the original Beta 52A kick mic, while the
PGA57 is comparable to the Beta 57A or
the famed SM57.
The bundle comes complete with a soft
carry case, drum mount clips for the
PGA56s, a 4.6m XLR to XLR cable for each
mic and a thread adaptor for the PGA52
(for connection directly to a mic stand).
Unfortunately there are no clips or stand
adaptors supplied for any of the other mics,
although happily, they should be compatible
£ 3 5 9 All new, all inclusive drum microphone
packages from audio giant Shure
SHURE PG ALTA
DRUMKIT6 MIC SET
WORDS: TOM BRADLEY
with any generic stand. Each mic is fi nished
in metallic black with a matching grille for,
as Shure puts it, an “unobtrusive visual
presence”. In plain English, they really do
look quite fantastic.
The kick and tom mics are fi tted with a new
‘swivel joint and quick-release latch’ system.
This means the mic can be screwed directly
into a stand or clip, rotated and secured in
place using the bicycle-style quick release
mechanism. Shure reckons this makes for
extremely quick and easy positioning.
Hands On
First out of the box comes the sleek and
lightweight carry case accompanied by
the six included XLR cables – a welcome
addition for a ‘plug and play’-type set of
this nature. The box also includes velcro
cable ties for the XLRs and of course an
instruction booklet containing not only tech
spec, but also some handy tips on best
practices for miking your kit. With the case
unzipped it is clear to see that ample
protection is offered for each microphone;
snugly supported by the dense polyethylene
foam. This will unquestionably allow them
to stand up to the inevitable knocks and
scrapes of life on the road. The mics
themselves feel reassuringly weighty and
the metallic black gives them an elegant
appearance.
Setting up the mics with today’s kit
of choice, a Tama Starclassic Bubinga, is
easily accomplished. Starting by securing
the ’56s to the toms using the supplied rim
mounts it becomes apparent that the
adjustability options of these clips are ample;
allowing the mic to be positioned not only at
the desired angles, but also permitting a
varied choice of distance from the playing
surface. The mounts also feel incredibly
sturdy when clamped to the die-cast hoops
THE SWIVEL JOINT AND QUICK
RELEASE LATCH ARE WELCOME
FEATURES AND ARE AESTHETICALLY
PLEASING AS WELL AS PRACTICAL
TOM MICS
Kick and tom mics have
swivel joint and quick-release
latch which makes for quick
and easy positioning
of the toms with no signs of movement
whatsoever. The swivel joint and quick-
release latch are welcome features and work
not only practically, but are aesthetically
pleasing too. As previously mentioned, all
other mics in the set require external stands
or mounts which will increase the overall
price slightly. So at the very least, the
addition of a snare clip for the ’57 would
be a useful move.
With the mics on stage, set up and ready
to be soundchecked, the kick is of course the
Also try…
1
AKG SESSION
1 SET
We say: “ An excellent
roadworthy set which
provides more than
simply sound
reinforcement. Frankly,
this mic set offers far
more than the retail
price might suggest. ”
2
SAMSON 7KIT
DRUM MICS
We say: “ At this
price-point, the
7Kit is well beyond
budget territory – but
remains considerably
cheaper than buying
individual mics. ”
RHY246.gear_shure.indd 106 05/08/2015 15:16