DPA 4055 Kick Drum Microphone
Best professional tool for capturing nuanced kick drum sound.
Capture the true character of your kick drum with this professional microphone. It features a flat frequency response, allowing you to shape the sound to your exact preferences without pre-EQ. Its asymmetric design offers flexible placement options, whether inside or outside the drum. Built for durability, it can withstand the rigors of live stages and studio environments. An integrated capsule shock mount and internal wind damping effectively isolate the mic from vibration and unwanted noise. With a maximum SPL of 164dB, it handles intense transients with ease, making it ideal for capturing the full attack and impact of a kick drum.
$611.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
273
/ 3367
#273 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
+20%
Above average
Frequency Response
2020
/ Hz - kHz
Who it's for
- Audio engineers seeking transparent and accurate kick drum sound
- Live sound engineers and studio professionals working with powerful drummers
- Touring professionals and studio owners needing a resilient and adaptable microphone
Who should skip it
- Aspiring producers and small studios with limited equipment budgets
- Engineers preferring a pre-EQ'd kick sound straight from the microphone
- Musicians and engineers seeking a versatile, multi-purpose microphone for various sources
Performance breakdown
Transient Response
Captures the sharpest kick drum attacks with incredible speed and precision.
Sound Neutrality
Flat frequency response provides a clean slate for professional sound shaping.
SPL Handling
Easily manages extreme volume levels without distortion or signal clipping.
Placement Versatility
Asymmetric design makes positioning inside tight kick drums remarkably simple.
Isolation Quality
Internal shock mounting effectively rejects stage rumble and unwanted mechanical vibrations.
Build Durability
Rugged construction stands up to the demands of constant touring life.
Key Specs
Frequency Response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Max SPL
164 dB SPL peak
Impedance
380 Ω
Sensitivity
-54 dB re. 1 V/Pa
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Connectivity
XLR
Power Source
Phantom Power (P48)
Weight
241 g (8.5 oz)
Know before you buy
Unlike many kick drum mics that come with a pre-baked 'scooped' EQ curve, the 4055 provides a neutral starting point. This gives you full control to shape the kick drum's tone during mixing rather than being locked into a specific sound profile from the start.
While specifically engineered for the high SPL and transient response of a kick drum, its flat frequency response and open cardioid pattern make it a capable choice for other low-frequency sources like bass cabinets or floor toms that require high-impact clarity.
Yes, the unique shape allows you to position the microphone closer to the drum head or through smaller sound holes without the bulky housing getting in the way. It offers much more flexibility than traditional, cylindrical kick drum mics when you are trying to find the 'sweet spot' inside the shell.
No, the 4055 features an integrated capsule shock mount and internal wind damping. These components are designed to isolate the mic from stage vibrations and air blasts, keeping your signal clean even in high-volume live environments.
The 4055 is built to handle a maximum SPL of 164 dB, which is exceptionally high. It is designed to capture the sharp, intense transients of a kick drum without distorting or clipping, even when placed directly inside the drum.
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