Audix
Audix Dynamic Instrument Microphone - i5
Best versatile dynamic microphone for live instrument and vocal recording.
The Audix i5 is a versatile dynamic microphone built for clear and accurate sound across stage, studio, and broadcast applications. It excels with instruments like guitar and bass cabinets, as well as vocals and speech. Its cardioid pattern ensures excellent isolation and feedback control, making it a reliable choice for live performances. Featuring a robust VLM diaphragm, the i5 handles high sound pressure levels without distortion, delivering natural sound quality. Designed, assembled, and tested in the USA, this microphone is sturdy, compact, and easy to position.
$105.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
269
/ 3337
#269 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-79%
Below average
Type
Dynamic
/ Dynamic
Who it's for
- Drummers and guitarists seeking punchy, clear instrument recordings
- Touring musicians needing gear that survives constant travel
- Sound engineers miking loud brass or aggressive percussion
Who should skip it
- Performers needing a handheld microphone for active stage movement
- Vocalists looking for a dedicated mic for lead performances
- Engineers working with extremely tight, crowded drum kits
Performance breakdown
SPL Handling
Handles aggressive guitar cabinets and loud drums without a hint of distortion.
Isolation Performance
Tight cardioid pattern effectively rejects unwanted stage bleed and ambient noise.
Build Durability
Rugged construction stands up to the rigors of constant touring and transport.
Versatility
Equally capable on snare drums, guitar amps, and vocal applications.
Positioning Ease
Compact form factor makes finding the sweet spot in tight spaces simple.
Sonic Accuracy
VLM diaphragm delivers a natural, punchy response across the frequency spectrum.
Key Specs
Type
Dynamic
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Frequency Response
50 Hz - 16 kHz
Impedance
280 ohms
Sensitivity
1.6 mV/Pa @1k
Maximum SPL
In excess of 140 dB
Connectivity Technology
XLR
Microphone Type
Dynamic
Features
- Clear and accurate sound reproduction
- Cardioid pattern for isolation
- Handles high SPLs over 140 dB
- Sturdy, compact, and easy to position
- VLM diaphragm for natural sound
- Designed, assembled, and tested in the USA
- Versatile for instruments, vocals, and speech
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Audix i5 for its exceptional value and reliable performance across various applications. Its tight transient response and natural mid-range punch make it a favorite for snare drums, delivering a finished sound needing little adjustment. Users also value its focused ability to capture guitar cabinets, cutting clearly through dense mixes without harshness. The microphone's robust construction ensures durability for both studio work and demanding live shows. Its tight cardioid pattern provides excellent isolation, minimizing unwanted stage bleed. While its distinct sound profile suits rock and metal well, the consensus celebrates the i5 as a versatile, professional tool that significantly outperforms its accessible price point.
Know before you buy
The i5 is specifically designed to handle high sound pressure levels exceeding 140 dB, meaning it can capture loud guitar amps without distortion. Its cardioid pickup pattern also helps isolate the amp from other stage noise.
Yes, the i5 is versatile enough for vocals and speech in addition to instruments. While it is a dynamic microphone, its VLM diaphragm provides a natural, clear sound that works well for both studio and live vocal applications.
No, the Audix i5 is a dynamic microphone and does not require phantom power to operate. You can plug it directly into any standard audio interface or mixer using an XLR cable.
Yes, the i5 features a compact, rugged design that makes it easy to position in tight spaces, such as between drum hardware or close to a snare drum.
The Very Low Mass (VLM) diaphragm allows the microphone to respond quickly to transients, resulting in a more natural and accurate sound reproduction compared to standard dynamic capsules.
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$105