Sontronics DM Drum Mics

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104
Reviews | Sontronics DM Drum Mics
S
ontronics have released three
condenser mics to tackle the
main skins in close drum
miking. The large diaphragm
DM1B is an end-fire cardioid developed
specifically to work with the kick drum.
The DM1S and DM1T models are
response-tuned specifically for snare
(S) and toms (T). The latter two come
with shock absorbing mounts for direct
placement onto the drum itself and all
three mics have a single inset pad
switch: -15dB for the DM1B and -10dB
for the DM1S/T.
The DM1B
First off this mic has a very high SPL
handling limit (155dB SPL with the
pad) so no matter how heavy footed the
drummer it will not go ‘plop’ mid-
session (I did try). The DM1B has a
relatively open HF range which helps
keep the transient response fast and
lively while capturing a sense of air and
space when used outside the drum.
At the other end of the spectrum
there is plenty of bass extension without
sounding overblown like some well
known dynamics. The real character of
the DM1B is in the low-mid and mid
range where it sits farther forward than
nearly all the other mics I usually put on
kick drum duty. For big rich Jazz bass
drums, the mids may need a little
reigning in, but this requires gentle EQ
cuts and not phase-upsetting boosts.
DM1S/T
The snare and tom oriented models are
similarly clear and well delineated in
the mids. The biggest balance challenge
for snare drum recording is between the
low-mid body and the high-mid crack /
smack. The HF extension one expects
from a condenser is there and helps
remove that slight phase mismatch that
dynamics can produce when mixed
forward from overheads and room mics.
This does bring the hi-hat bleed into
sharper focus, but not in a way I find
problematic. The DM1Ts capture a full
and present tom sound with a good
transient punch. My only criticism of
the DM1S / T models is the drum rim
mount which I found a tricky to get
clamped evenly while the curve of the
arm places the mics too far over the
skin for my taste, though they can
always be stand-mounted.
Mic check
As a set the Sontronics DM range blend
well and capture a clear up-close
picture of the drum kit with little need
for EQ in the first instance. Compared
to a set of traditional dynamics the DM
mics present just as much body but
with a HF clarity that makes many
dynamics seem a little nasal. They also
avoid the scooping effect of many
condensers and instead bring the drums
right up to your speakers, rattling lugs
and all. The DM1S and DM1T are
priced competitively and should be
seriously considered if you regularly
record drums and already have a few
pencil condensers for other tasks.
The DM1B is a more expensive
proposition (at £299) but for me is the
standout model, presenting as it does
an unfettered analogue of the kick
drum. Sontronics also make mention of
the DM1B as an all-round bass
instrument mic so I tried it for bass amp
recording with great success, especially
for aggressive Rock and Funk tones.
WHAT is iT?
LD condenser for kick
drum and SD condenser
mics for snare and toms
ConTACT
Who: Time and Space
Tel: [phone]
Web: timespace.com
HiGHLiGHTs
1 Excellent low/low-mid
balance of the DM1B
2 Forward yet balanced mid
range of the DM1S/T
3 Distortion-free high SPL
handling (DM1B)
speCs
DM1B
Diaphragm/Type: Large
diaphragm condenser
Polar Pattern:
Cardioid
Frequency Range:
20Hz to 20kHz
Impedance: ≤200Ω
Max SPL: 155dB with -15dB
pad engaged for 0.5% THD
@ 1kHz
Power: +48v +/-4v
Dimensions:
145 x 70mm
DM1S/T
Diaphragm/Type: Small
diaphragm condenser
Polar Pattern:
Cardioid (end fire)
Frequency Range:
30Hz to 20kHz
Impedance: ≤200Ω
Max SPL: 135dB with -10dB
pad engaged for 0.5% THD
@ 1kHz
Power: +48v +/-4v
Dimensions:
97 x 22mm
priCinG
DM1B
£299
Sontronics DM Drum
Mics | from £119
VerDiCT
BUILD
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VALUE
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EASE OF USE
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VERSATILITY
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RESULTS
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A set of well-tuned drum mics that
deliver balanced clarity right off the
bat and keep EQing to a minimum.
Dedicated drumkit condenser mics with a modest
pricetag? Robbie Stamp thumps the tubs
FMU240.rev_sontron 104 4/21/11 12:44:44 PM