Four Fusion Series percussion microphones, ready to perform.
These high precision instrument microphones are designed to fill the specific needs of artists and engineers for both studio and live applications.
The Audix FP Series QUAD pack is the simplest and most effective combination of microphones that will allow you to capture the depth and imaging of a full drum kit. With kick, snare and two overheads, the QUAD incorporates the better of two miking techniques: close miking and overhead (ambient) miking.
Close Miking: The f6 for kick drum and the f5 for snare are considered two essential microphones for drummers. The kick and snare are considered the core of any drum kit and the foundation for every groove. Close miking insures that they will be captured in the mix. If either the kick or the snare is unable to be heard, there is simply no groove. Being high SPL dynamic microphones, the f6 and f5 excel at “close miking”. This miking technique is required in order to capture the attack and percussive sound of the drum. Also, by having the mic close to the source of the sound, it helps to isolate the sound of each drum and separate it from the rest of the kit.
Overhead (ambient) miking: Supporting the idea that “less is more”, there are many engineers who will use just two overhead mics to capture the natural sound of the complete drum kit. With two overhead mics, positioned correctly, it is absolutely true that you can capture the transients, tonality and balance of the kit in a completely phase-coherent manner. The f9, which is a pre-polarized condenser microphone with a 14mm gold sputtered diaphragm, is designed specifically with overhead applications in mind. Due to its cardioid pickup pattern, high sensitivity and slim pencil design, the two f9 mics can be easily positioned overhead to provide a nice stereo image of the entire drum kit.
The Blend: With contemporary music and with the volumes typically generated on stage, it is more practical and effective to create a blended effect of close miking and overhead miking – the exact intent of the FP QUAD. The f6 will help provide the earthshaking lows and the attack of the kick; the f5 will reinforce the depth and crack of the snare; the overheads will pick up the high-hat, tom fills, cymbals and the ambiance of the entire kit.
