SHURE PGDMK6 DRUM MICROPHONE PACKAGE
If you have ever tried to record a set of drums, you will know that it is not an easy task to get a good sound, especially if you are a beginner at recording. Further, correctly micing a set of drums for recording purposes, or for live venues for that matter, can be a very expensive task, especially if one wants use a separate microphone for each individual drum. Fortunately, the engineers at Shure recognized how daunting this problem can be, and they developed the Shure PGDMK6 Drum Microphone Package to help solve the problem.
Most people who are familiar with Shure microphones easily recognize the most popular models, such as the best selling SM Series (i.e., SM57 or SM58) or the slightly more expensive Beta Series (i.e., Beta 57A or Beta 58A). However, Shure also makes a more affordable series of microphones called the Performance Gear Series or PG for short. The PG Series of microphones are more affordable than the SM or Beta Series, and yet they still deliver some of the great qualities that musicians and consumers who choose Shure products have come to expect.
The Shure PGDMK6 Drum Microphone Package comes complete with everything that you will need to do a good job at micing a set of drums well. The package contains a total of 6 microphones, as well as all of the necessary accessories required to start recording or micing a set of drums right out of the box. The package contains one Shure PG52 Microphone, three Shure PG56 Microphones, and two Shure PG81 Condenser Microphones.
The Shure PG52 is a dynamic cardioid microphone that is specifically designed to reproduce the low end punch of a bass drum. The Shure PG56 is also a dynamic cardioid microphone, and it is specifically designed for close micing of drums. A “dynamic” microphone has a moving coil cartridge. The PG52 and PG56 have a simple, but strong dynamic moving coil with a neodymium magnet which can withstand relatively high sound pressure levels without distorting. The Shure PG81 is a condenser microphone with a flat response, which makes it a good choice for overhead use or for micing cymbals.
For more specific details on each of these individual microphones, and suggestions on how to use them to record a set of drums, the reader may wish to read my individual reviews on each of them by clicking on the following links:
See my review of the PG52 at
http://www.epinions.com/content_402638474884
See my review of the PG56 at
http://www.epinions.com/content_405328662148
See my review of the PG81 at
http://www.epinions.com/content_403403869828
The PGDMK6 Drum Microphone Package also comes with a 15 foot long XLR to XLR Cable for each microphone. The Package also contains three A50D drum mounts for the three PG56 Microphones. The PG56’s can be easily secured to the drum mount with the simple turn of a screw. The A50D drum mounts can then be clipped onto the rim of the snare or the tom toms. They are both flexible and sturdy, and permit very close up micing of the snare and the tom toms without the necessity of cumbersome microphone stands to get in the way of flailing drumsticks. All of the microphones, cables, and drum mounts can be stored or transported in the sturdy carrying case that comes with the Shure PGDMK6 Drum Microphone Package.
Well how much does the Shure PGDMK6 Drum Microphone Package cost. I was saving this best part for last. If you were to buy each of these microphones separately, it would be quite a lot of money. The PG52 microphone lists for $245.00 and can be had for a discounted price of $119.95. The three PG56 microphones list for $143.50 each, and can be had for a discounted price of $69.95 each. The two PG81 microphones list for $181.45, and can be had for a discounted price of $129.95 each. Sold separately, the individual microphones would sell for a discounted price of $589.70. However, when sold as a complete package, the Shure PGDMK6 Drum Microphone Package, including all the accessories I mentioned, sells for a list price of $975.14, and can be had for a discounted price of a mere $399.95 at most large musical instrument chain stores. To me, this represents an incredible bargain at this price.
Well I would like to thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Shure PGDMK6 Drum Microphone Package, but now if you will excuse me, I must get back to my practicing.
