AUDIX D6

If you are a sound professional or if you want to get into sound reinforcement or recordings, you know the importance of the microphone. Without this equipment, you will not be able to capture, broadcast or record sound. If you want to provide a professional result , you must correctly choose the microphone you need.

The choice depends on several criteria. Among the most important points to consider are the type of microphone (dynamic, condenser, etc.) and polar pattern (omnidirectional, directional, bidirectional, cardioid microphones, etc.). Next, there is the sound source to capture or record.

Be aware that there are microphones designed specifically for one or more sources. For example, there are microphones designed for vocals and others designed for instruments . When we talk about instruments, there are several including dynamic instruments (snare drums, basses, toms, bass drums, etc.).

Concerning the latter, it is the bass and the power that most interest sound lovers and the public. The bass must be solid and the details must be perceived so that the sound is as natural as possible. Without a good microphone for a dynamic instrument , it is impossible to achieve this result.

There are many microphones for kick drums , basses, toms and others. AUDIX D6 is one of them. It's a microphone from the American brand Audix. Should you choose it for your dynamic instruments? We tested it to help you answer this question.

AUDIX D6 Overview

Many brands offer microphones for taking and recording sounds . If you are looking for a model intended for drums, bass and percussion, the Audix brand offers you its D6.

When you order this microphone, you get a cardboard box containing the microphone, a mounting bracket and a soft pouch with zip closure to store the microphone and easily take it when traveling.

Looking at the microphone closely, you can see that it is sturdy. Its body was made with forged aluminum and the grille is made of steel. The black anodized finish is impeccable. The brand pulled out all the stops, including the serial number. Instead of sticking a simple label, she laser engraved the model and serial number directly on the microphone. Although it looks sturdy and massive, it is still light and compact. It weighs only 217g and measures 51 x 117mm.

When we open the microphone (it is also easy to screw and unscrew), we see a mess of wires covering the top, despite this, we still see that there are sufficient openings on the sides to reduce sound pressure and to let the interior breathe. As for the connection, the microphone has a Switchcraft XLR connector .

The AUDIX D6 on a technical level

The AUDIX D6 is presented by the Audix brand as a dynamic microphone with cardioid polar pattern . Its frequency range is from 30 Hz to 15 kHz . It can handle sound pressure up to 144 dB SPL , as it is supported by a Very Low Mass (VLM) diaphragm that allows it to absorb sound waves and record quality sounds. These features make it a perfect mic for kick drums, toms, basses, etc.

When we look at the frequency response curve, we see that there is a peak from 35 Hz up to 80 Hz and an attenuation between 90 Hz and 600 Hz . Another peak then appears before 1000 Hz to give clarity to the sound. In short, on a technical level, the curve and the SPL prove that it is a perfect microphone for supporting dynamic instruments and this is also how it is presented by the Audix brand.

Focus on sound quality

To obtain a bass drum sound that hits in the chest, several criteria must be met. You need a good drummer, good drums and a good microphone. This last element should not be taken lightly, especially when recording live or in the studio , because the acoustic sound of the target instrument will not be perceived as it should.

You shouldn't choose just any microphone for your dynamic instruments. You need a microphone designed specifically for this type of instrument. There are now several types of microphones for kick drum , floor tom, bass amp, etc.

Among these microphones, there is the AUDIX D6. On paper it seems like a perfect mic for dynamic instruments, but how does it actually perform in practice? We have tested it for you and will communicate our feedback in terms of sound quality in the following lines.

We first tested it with the bass drum. As a result, it offers significant bass . We feel the boom, but there is still a bit of a lack of mids. The microphone becomes aggressive like metal or hardcore.

We also tested it on the floor toms, and the result was the same. The bass is well defined . The stick strokes are heard, but there is still a little lack of midrange. In short, it's an aggressive microphone, a rock'n'roll microphone.

Note, however, that it is less aggressive compared to bass drum microphones like the AKG D 112, the Electro-Voice RE20, the Sennheiser MD 421-II , the Shure Beta 52 or the Audio-Technica ATM25. Those familiar with these kinds of microphones as well as fans of higher tones should push the gain a bit or ask the drummer to powerfully hammer the kicks when using the AUDIX D6.

The sound engineer can also push the mixer's mic preamp, but this can cause noise in the system and impact the final sound. In addition, even if the brand provides instructions, the microphone is quite difficult to configure on the mixing desk. If the settings are not optimal, the D6 only gives a rubbery bass sound . Echoes and handling noises are also heard.

The real problem with the AUDIX D6 is the midrange and the power. The sound is lacking and for balance you have to play a little with the mixing console or add another microphone. This disadvantage mainly concerns the sounds on stage. This point is not very important, or even insignificant for a small-scale recording with classic equipment such as an 8-track mixing desk, classic amps, and others in a recording studio.

In a studio, the AUDIX D6 displays excellent sound performance . This dynamic microphone with cardioid polar pattern becomes a professional microphone in the studio (or home studio). With the D6, you'll have a precise, natural sound and feel the boom you're looking for when the drummer hits. This is possible, because it has a VLM diaphragm .

It is particularly effective with low frequency instruments such as bass drums, large toms or even bass speakers Thanks to its wide frequency which goes from 30 Hz to 15 kHz , as well as its ability to withstand a pressure level of up to 144 dB SPL , it allows you to obtain the sound you need, without adjustments. complex and without having to increase the gain.

Besides these points, in the studio, it is easy to use given its compact size and light weight. You can easily mount it on a desktop computer or mixer. You can also easily attach it to a microphone stand.

Technical characteristics of the AUDIX D6

• Application: bass drum , floor tom , bass amp , djembe , cajon
• Transducer type: dynamic , VLM type E , transformerless
• Frequency response: 30 Hz – 15 kHz
• Characteristics: cardioid
• Impedance: 200 ohms
• Circuit voltage: 2.2 mV
• Power required: none
• maximum. SPL: 144 dB
• Finish: black
• Weight: 217g

AUDIX D6: advantages and disadvantages

The AUDIX D6 microphone is a professional quality microphone . First of all, it is light, compact and stylish, easy to install. This microphone is intended for anyone who wants to capture or even record the sound of a dynamic instrument. It is suitable for anyone looking to achieve quality sound that is both professional and detailed.

It's aggressive, but that's the case with most microphones intended for dynamic instruments. This aggressiveness is also one of its assets, because thanks to this, we hear all the hits, ranging from those on the bass drum, on the toms or even the rendering of the speakers.

It also displays a wide frequency response ranging from 30 Hz to 15 kHz . It is also a microphone that has a VLM quality diaphragm and is able to withstand up to 144 dB of pressure . The small downside is that these advantages are only perceived in the studio. It's different on stage.

On stage, the AUDIX D6 lacks a little aggression. The drummer needs to put a little force into his hits so that all the details can be perceived. If the drummer has little punch, an additional microphone should be added. If none of these options are possible, you need a sound engineer who can make the necessary adjustments on the mixing board.

It requires experience and advanced technical and sound skills, because the instruction manual provided by the brand does not make things easy. In addition to the aggression that is lacking on stage, there are also the mids that are reduced. The sound on stage is therefore less balanced and unnatural without a good sound engineer and the necessary equipment (mixing desk, amp, etc.).

Alternatives to the AUDIX D6

The AUDIX D6 is among the most affordable microphones in terms of dynamic instrument mics. If you're looking for a more affordable alternative, the AKG D 112 MKII might interest you. However, it is a little heavier and more imposing compared to the AUDIX D6. Regarding its frequency response, it ranges from 20 Hz to 17 kHz with a max SPL of 160 dB . The Shure Beta 52 is also an affordable alternative. In addition, its max SPL reaches 174 dB and the frequency response ranges from 20 Hz to 10,000 Hz .

There are other alternatives like the Sennheiser MD 421 or the Audio-Technica ATM25. They are more expensive than the AUDIX D6, but they are among the best dynamic instrument mics on the market. For the former, the frequency response is 30 to 17,000 Hz and the max SPL is 160 dB . For the second, the frequency response is 30 to 15 00 Hz . Its max SPL is 140 dB .

The Electro-Voice RE20 is also an interesting alternative, but it is very expensive. It is even more expensive than a Blue Yeti, a Neumann microphone or even a Rode NT USB. The frequency response is 45 Hz to 18 kHz . If you have the budget to invest in a more professional microphone, the Electro-Voice RE20 may meet your needs.

Our opinion on the AUDIX D6

To conclude, the AUDIX D6 is a good microphone design, compact and lightweight. It is more suitable for studio recordings. For recordings and shots on stage, you need to pair it with an additional microphone or make adjustments to increase the gain and midrange.

In any case, it still meets users' expectations, because the sound it provides remains of high quality. Its frequency response, the acoustic pressure it supports and the sound reproduction it achieves make it a perfect microphone for dynamic instruments.

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