Audix D6X Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone
Best professional microphone for capturing powerful and clear kick drum sounds.
The Audix D6X is a dynamic instrument microphone built upon the acclaimed D6 design, perfect for stage, studio, and broadcast. It excels at capturing extended low-frequency sounds from kick drums, toms, and bass cabinets. This lightweight, compact mic features Audix's VLM capsule technology for deep lows and a transformerless design for clear, interference-free performance. Its easy-to-operate switch offers three distinct sound profiles: Deep, Balanced, and Natural, providing ultimate tonal flexibility for any application.
$299.00
More D6 Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
269
/ 3337
#269 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-41%
Below average
Package Contents
6
/ DX microphone, mic clip, and zippered bag
Who it's for
- Audio engineers seeking extensive sound sculpting options.
- Recording engineers prioritizing efficient, high-quality drum tracking.
- Live sound engineers needing reliable, road-ready drum microphones.
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious home studio owners or emerging bands.
- Novice engineers or those with limited mixer inputs.
- Producers seeking a completely uncolored, flat kick drum capture.
Performance breakdown
Low-End Definition
VLM capsule technology delivers punchy, articulate bass response for kick drums.
Tonal Versatility
Three selectable sound profiles allow for quick adjustments across different genres.
Sound Isolation
Cardioid pattern effectively rejects unwanted stage bleed from surrounding instruments.
Positioning Ease
Compact, lightweight frame makes tight placement inside kick drums effortless.
SPL Handling
Handles extreme sound pressure levels without distortion during aggressive performances.
Build Durability
Rugged construction ensures reliable performance in demanding live touring environments.
Key Specs
Package Contents
D6X microphone, mic clip, and zippered bag
Length
2 in
Diameter
0.8 in
Transducer Type
Dynamic
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
0.842 mVrms/Pa @ 1 kHz 0.5 meter
Max. SPL
>144 dB
Connectivity Type
XLR
Features
- Three selectable filters for tone flexibility
- VLM dynamic capsule tech for deep lows
- Cardioid polar pattern for sound isolation
- Lightweight and compact for easy positioning
- Recessed switch for convenient operation
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Audix D6X for its exceptional sound quality, particularly its ability to capture a powerful and clear kick drum tone with minimal effort. Users frequently highlight its robust low end and articulate attack, making it a go to choice for live performances and studio recordings. Many appreciate how easily it achieves a professional sound, often requiring little to no equalization. This microphone is celebrated for its reliability and consistent performance, delivering impressive results across various musical genres. Its straightforward operation and superior audio reproduction are key factors in its high regard.
Know before you buy
The D6X features a switch that lets you choose between Deep, Balanced, and Natural settings. Deep emphasizes sub-frequencies for a modern, punchy kick sound, Balanced provides a versatile curve for most genres, and Natural offers a flatter response for a more organic, acoustic tone.
Yes, while it is optimized for kick drums, its ability to handle high sound pressure levels makes it an excellent choice for floor toms and bass guitar cabinets. The cardioid polar pattern helps isolate these instruments from the rest of the kit or stage noise.
No, the D6X is a dynamic microphone and does not require phantom power. You can plug it directly into any standard XLR microphone preamp or interface.
The D6X is built on the foundation of the original D6 but adds the flexibility of selectable tone profiles. While the original D6 is known for a fixed, pre-EQ'd sound, the D6X allows you to adjust the frequency response directly on the mic to better suit different drum shells or musical styles.
The switch is designed to be recessed to prevent accidental changes during performance, but it remains accessible enough to toggle with a small tool or a fingernail. It is a practical solution for quick sound checks without needing to adjust your EQ settings on the mixing console.
Yes, the D6X is very compact, measuring only 2 inches in length and 0.8 inches in diameter. Its small footprint makes it much easier to position through small resonant head ports compared to larger, bulkier kick drum microphones.
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