Shure
Shure PGA56
Best compact dynamic microphone for capturing clear snare and tom sounds.
Capture crisp snare attacks and deep tom resonance with the Shure PGA56 dynamic microphone. Designed for close miking in live sound environments, this compact mic from the durable PG ALTA series fits easily around drum kits. Its cardioid pattern effectively rejects off-axis noise and minimizes feedback, while the frequency response is tuned for drums. An integrated stand mount with a quick-release swivel allows for flexible positioning up to 180 degrees, and an included drum rim mount enables quick setup without an extra stand.
$83.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
850
/ 1735
#850 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-84%
Below average
Type
Dynamic (Moving Coil)
/ Dynamic (Moving Coil)
Who it's for
- Drummers needing fast and precise mic placement
- Engineers wanting punchy drum sounds without complex EQ
- Budget-conscious musicians seeking reliable, long-lasting gear
Who should skip it
- Beginners expecting a ready-to-use kit out of the box
- Producers looking for a versatile, multi-purpose studio microphone
- Engineers working in tight setups prone to cymbal bleed
Performance breakdown
Transient Response
Captures sharp snare hits and tom attacks with impressive, snappy clarity.
Off-Axis Rejection
Cardioid pattern effectively isolates drums while ignoring surrounding stage noise.
Build Durability
Rugged construction withstands the inevitable accidental strikes during intense live performances.
Mounting Versatility
Included rim mount makes positioning around crowded drum kits incredibly simple.
Frequency Tailoring
Tuned specifically to emphasize drum resonance without requiring heavy post-processing.
Compact Form Factor
Small footprint allows for precise placement in tight, cluttered drum setups.
Key Specs
Type
Dynamic (Moving Coil)
Frequency Response
50Hz - 15kHz
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Output Impedance
200 ohms
Sensitivity
-57 dBV/Pa
Dimensions
1.753" diameter, 3.672" length, 3.634" height including stand adapter
Weight
10.12 ounces
Connector
3-pin male XLR
Features
- Ideal for snare and tom drums
- Dynamic microphone design
- Cardioid pattern for noise rejection
- Integrated stand mount for easy placement
- Rugged construction for durability
- Tailored for clear drum reproduction
- Includes drum rim mount for quick setup
What customers say
The Shure PGA56 is highly regarded as a top value choice for entry to mid-level drum miking. Customers consistently praise its professional sound quality delivered at an accessible price. The microphone captures snare and tom attack with crisp clarity. Its cardioid pattern effectively reduces cymbal bleed, leading to cleaner mixes, particularly in smaller settings. A universally appreciated feature is the integrated swivel joint, which greatly simplifies placement on crowded kits. While robustly built, its performance excels on snare and rack toms. The PGA56 successfully balances budget needs with reliable audio standards, making it a highly recommended workhorse for rehearsal and home recording.
Know before you buy
While it is specifically tuned for the punch and resonance of snare and tom drums, its dynamic design and cardioid pattern make it a capable choice for other high-volume sources like guitar cabinets or brass instruments.
No, the PGA56 includes a drum rim mount that clips directly onto your drum hardware, allowing you to position the mic without taking up extra floor space.
The cardioid pattern focuses on the sound directly in front of the microphone while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. This is essential for live environments, as it helps isolate your drum sound and minimizes feedback from nearby stage monitors.
No, the PGA56 is a dynamic microphone and does not require phantom power. You can plug it directly into any standard XLR input on your mixer or audio interface.
Yes, the PGA56 features a rugged construction with a quick-release swivel designed for the rigors of live performance. It allows for up to 180 degrees of adjustment, making it easy to find the perfect angle for your drum heads.
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