Audix D2 Professional Microphone

I bought the Audix D2 to see how it would record on gms 12" and 13" rack toms.

I was using Shure SM57s through a focusrite octopre set with slight compression (about 10 o'clock on the compression knob) and getting reasonable results.

Switching to the D2 offered slightly more punch and warmth than the 57. It is also very focused, a bit more than the 57. The D2 has less thinness than my particular 57s do, and it provides this without any extra mud. I am close micing enough (about 2-3 inches from the heads) to reject other sounds, but it seems to do well tracking the toms and ignoring the cymbals, kick, snare and other surrounding noisemakers.

I prefer the D2 over the 57 - the warm heft has got me sold.

I liked it enough on the 13" tom to buy another for the 12" tom. I like my second D2 over the 57 on that 12" tom for the same reasons.

One that I bought used had dings from drummers hitting them. I could not hear any problems with these slightly abused mics - they seem to be built very durable. I don't know if I'd use 'em as a hammer, but my 57 has more leverage for tapping in nails anyway.

I gave this a "good" rating because I don't feel qualified to give it an "excellent" rating. I have not tried the sennheiser 421s, my overheads are not schoeps, and i do not do this for a living. I am on a budget. For the cost of this mic + d-vice clip, I cannot imagine a better value. It gets me into what I would consider a very good sound at an affordable pricepoint.

The d-vice clip works very well on my tom hoops. They are typical stamped metal hoops, and the clips are nice and adjustable and put the mic where I want it. It is nice to be able to twist this into position and it stays there - and I don't feel like I'm about to break them while adjusting. They are durable.

I recommend 90 degree mic cable fittings on the cords to keep the profile down. With the mic + xlr plug sticking up, then the cord having ample room, it gets in the way of cymbals.

Make sure that you are getting what you think you are purchasing. There is the mic, the mic clip is separate, make sure you get that because a normal clip won't work. Then, the d-vice will be extra but if you need a way to suspend this over the tom, then get that too. Finally, the case - if you want it, make sure it is included. Don't forget to ask if it smells like smoke or pets if you care about that (pictures won't reveal that, now, will they?)