Electro-Voice
Electro-Voice ND68 Dynamic Supercardioid Bass Drum Microphone
Best microphone for capturing powerful bass drum sounds in any setting.
Engineered for capturing powerful low-frequency sounds, this dynamic microphone excels with bass drums and other resonant instruments. Its large diaphragm delivers a rich frequency response, while the supercardioid pattern provides excellent isolation from surrounding noise. Designed to handle extremely high sound pressure levels, it maintains clarity even with intense transients. Features include a humbucking coil to prevent interference and a durable grille for longevity, making it a reliable choice for aggressive sound capture.
$194.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
272
/ 3374
#272 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-72%
Below average
Frequency Response
2011000
/ - , Hz
Who it's for
- Drummers and sound engineers seeking a professional, impactful kick drum tone.
- Live sound engineers and studio producers in busy, multi-instrument environments.
- Drummers and engineers needing consistent, distortion-free performance for loud playing.
Who should skip it
- Musicians or studios needing a single microphone for diverse recording tasks.
- Engineers preferring a neutral mic or a different bass drum character.
- Drummers with limited internal bass drum space or specific mic positioning needs.
Performance breakdown
Low-end definition
Captures deep, punchy frequencies with remarkable clarity and minimal mud.
SPL handling
Easily manages the intense air pressure of aggressive kick drum hits.
Off-axis isolation
Supercardioid pattern effectively rejects bleed from cymbals and nearby stage noise.
Build durability
Die-cast zinc and Memraflex grille survive the rigors of constant touring.
Transient response
Fast attack captures the snap of the beater hitting the drumhead.
Interference rejection
Humbucking coil keeps signal clean even in electrically noisy stage environments.
Key Specs
Frequency Response
20 - 11,000 Hz
Impedance
150 Ω
Maximum SPL
> 140 dB
Dimensions
2.39" x 5.63"
Net Weight
0.824 lbs
Case Material
Die Cast Zinc
Connector Type
3-Pin XLR
Element
Dynamic
Know before you buy
Yes, while it is optimized for kick drums, its ability to handle high SPL and capture deep low-end makes it an excellent choice for bass guitar cabinets, floor toms, and other low-frequency percussion.
No, the ND68 is a passive dynamic microphone and does not require phantom power or external batteries to operate.
The supercardioid polar pattern provides a very tight pickup area, which is excellent for isolating the kick drum from the rest of the drum kit, such as nearby cymbals or snare drums.
Absolutely. The ND68 is engineered to handle sound pressure levels exceeding 140 dB, meaning it can capture the intense transients of a hard-hitting drummer without distorting.
Yes, the built-in humbucking coil is designed to reject electromagnetic interference, which helps keep your signal clean even when placed near power cables or other electronic equipment.
The Memraflex grille is specifically designed to resist denting and withstand the rigors of frequent setup and teardown, making it a reliable choice for both studio and live touring applications.
Still have a question?
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