Yamaha DSU50 Stereo Condenser Drum Microphone and Trigger Pickup

If you want full-kit drum sound without turning your setup into a maze of mic stands, the Yamaha DSU50 stereo condenser microphone and accompanying trigger pickup offers a streamlined alternative. Designed specifically for acoustic drums, the DSU50 mounts to the bass drum hoop and faces the player, capturing a wide, natural stereo image of the entire kit from a single point. Its matched-pair condenser capsules in an XY configuration deliver balanced detail from kick punch to cymbal shimmer, while an integrated kick-trigger output supports hybrid layering when paired with the Yamaha EAD50. From rehearsals and livestreams to studio tracking and stage monitoring, the DSU50 delivers professional results with a setup that stays fast and clean.

Matched XY Condenser Capsules Capture the Full Kit

At the core of the DSU50 is a custom matched pair of condenser capsules arranged in an XY stereo configuration for accurate imaging and consistent response. Voiced under Yamaha’s sound direction and refined with input from an experienced recording engineer, these drum-optimized capsules are tuned to handle the complex dynamics of a full kit. The result is a clear, balanced stereo picture that captures both power and nuance without the phase alignment challenges of traditional multi-mic setups.

Drum-Optimized Capsule Design Preserves Natural Character

The DSU50’s Yamaha-exclusive capsules were co-developed with a leading Japanese microphone manufacturer and tuned specifically for acoustic drums. This design delivers natural, lifelike sound across the full frequency range, maintaining low-end definition and clean cymbal detail while preserving the character of the kit. The result is a focused, consistent drum sound that translates reliably across different rooms and stages.

Integrated Kick Trigger Supports Hybrid Performance

Beyond stereo capture, the DSU50 includes a dedicated kick-trigger output that converts each bass drum hit into a trigger signal for the EAD50. The trigger sensor is designed for stable, responsive detection across a wide dynamic range, ensuring soft strokes and hard hits translate accurately. This makes it easy to layer electronic kick sounds or effects in sync with acoustic playing for modern performance, streaming and production workflows.

Low-Noise Housing Maintains a Clean Stereo Image

Inside the DSU50, the microphone and sensor sections are physically isolated in a low-noise structure that reduces vibration and mechanical interference. The microphone assembly is mounted on a floating structure to minimize unwanted handling noise while maintaining stable performance in high sound-pressure environments. A slim housing profile helps prevent interference with tom placement, allowing standard kit layouts to remain unchanged.

Flexible Mounting and Expansion Potential

The Yamaha DSU50 condenser microphone mounts directly to the bass drum hoop using the included clamp for fast setup, or can be positioned on a microphone stand via the built-in 3/8" threaded mount when a different capture perspective is preferred. A 5-pin XLR to dual 3-pin (L/R) pro-grade breakout cable is included for clean, reliable stereo signal transmission over longer cable runs. Lastly, a second DSU50 microphone can be added to expand the stereo image or capture additional room detail without moving to a full multi-mic configuration.