When it comes to getting the best out of your drumming experience, it is not just about getting the best drums. For the sake of performance, there are certain accessories that you should not miss in your gear.
And one of them is microphones.
Today, there are so many mics for drums that perhaps choosing the right one may be a bit overwhelming. However, you can always be sure to find something that fits your budget.
The Pyle Pro PDKM 7-piece drum mic is perhaps the best the market can offer. Do not get me wrong; I am saying perhaps because the world of musical instrument technology is still open to a lot more.
I will be reviewing the PDMK7 because I have been using it, and I love it.
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What to consider when buying a drum microphone
First of all, let’s agree that as a drummer, you need a microphone. And not just a microphone but the best you can get around.
This leaves us to wonder what a good microphone should look like.
Consider the following:
The brand
Even though there are many brand choices for mics, that is not always a good thing. There are times you will meet brands that offer very poor quality, which may not help at the end of the day.
But we have some companies known for making the best mics.
Note that there are various types of microphones. In this case, I would advise you to go for a solution that is made explicitly for drummers.
As you may already know, Pyle is one of the best brands in the drum industry. They have been making different drum sets to meet various drum needs.
So, when I first heard about a Pyle mic, I knew it was going to be a dedicated product. Being a drum company, they understand what you need and will do everything to get you where you need to be.
Features
Now, after getting the right brand, you will still need to narrow down further to specifications. I believe you have come up with several brands of interest. Hence, it should be easy to compare their products.
Even within a brand, you will discover there are different solutions aimed at various needs. You can find several mics from the same producer with varying features.
I would advise you to look at the compatibility and portability of each product before making a decision. Also, consider how the performance of the mic.
You want your mic to be as sensitive as possible so that you get the best response from the overhead and the cymbals. High-performing microphones will capture even the lowest tones.
Another important feature would be the accessories that come with your mics. Some brands include things like mounts, while others don’t.
Your budget
Well, it is obvious that if you want to get the best, you have to dig deeper into your pockets. There are cheaper solutions that are too weak to take the heavy pounding of acoustic drums.
If you are looking for the best feature, like what you get with the PDKM7, then you should have a reasonable budget. Make it like an investment. The more you input, the more you are likely to get out.
About the Pyle Pro PDKM7
The Pyle Pro PDKM7 is a standard drum microphone that lets you get the best amplification from your drum set. This is an all-inclusive package from Pyle that comes with everything you need to set up your gig.
With this mic, there is so much you can do. You can record each drum separately. It lets you capture the shimmering rings and clashes of the cymbals as smoothly as possible.
If you want to capture the low-boom of the snare, you can always get it at the right velocity.
Pyle has been considerate enough to include some awesome hardware. The drum mounts it comes with, for instance, lets you connect to standard drum rums with ease.
Configuration
In the box, you will get:
- An owner’s manual
- The PDKM7-A
- Four PDKM7-B
- Two PDMK7C
- Two condenser holders
- Four thread inserts with different measurements.
- Four 3/8 threads
- Four clamps for the snare and toms.
- Two windscreens.
This microphone is designed and come highly recommended for professional gigging. It also great for any level of drummer, as long as you need quality sounds.
It is a high-quality piece that offers service, even for the biggest stage. Being from Pyle, you can never doubt the quality it comes with.
Features include:
- Compact and perfect for close capture
- High-performance functionality
- Highly sensitive that can get the best overhead and cymbal capture.
- It comes with mounts,
- One-year warranty.
Top specifications
- Element: Dynamic/condenser
- Polar Pattern: Uni-directional
- Frequency: response to 50Hz-15kHz/50Hz-14kHz/50Hz-18kHz
- Sensitivity: -58dB (+/-) to -45dB(+/-)
- Connector: Standard XLR.
Build and design
Drummers often have problems getting the right kit to help them record for a long time. As we know, poor quality mics can easily break with constant use.
For this reason, you need to consider the purpose it comes with. Note the difference between commercial mics and those used in a studio setting.
The Pyle Pro PDKM, in this case, is designed for great versatility. It is among the best the market can offers in terms of quality, feel and purpose.
Even the piece is designed to capture from the lowest end sounds to the smoothest audio output based on your needs.
The base microphone is designed for low frequency. It is very small and compact, which lets you easily connect to the toms and snare.
The package also comes with two overhead mics. Let’s just say you will have no trouble getting the ideal, cymbals, pianos and vocals.
You will love the overall size of this microphone. Compared to other products on the market, it is quite compact and portable.
It features 5/8-inches and 3/6-inches threads, which can fit on any standard stand. And the drum mount in this package offers easy assembly.
The setup is pretty basics. It will only take you a few minutes, and you are good to go. Besides, it comes with a user manual that will make everything seem so simple.
Performance
This is the most interesting aspect of this microphone. The technical specification of this mic is better than what you will get in many others. It has most of what you get in more expensive products.
For instance, the S/N ratio is 70dB, which is standard in higher-end mics. Also, it produces a 24-58 Phantom power supply on top of a unidirectional polar pattern. There is no better way to ask for convenience than this.
The accessories that come with this package offer everything you need to start recording.
This microphone comes with a low-price tag. But that should not let you think they are not good. You will be surprised by the quality of sound that comes out.
You will notice its quality from listening to recordings. I was glad every sound came out clearly without any noise. And that is one thing I love about unidirectional microphones.
It eliminates any distortions and other issues that come with mics at this price category. That is why you will appreciate the quality of this piece.
Also, it comes with a built-in equalizer. This feature lets you tune the microphone for the best results ever. It is all about how you need your audio to come out.
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of capturing everything from low to high tones. Also, you do not need about mounting because it is compatible with most mic stands. The XLR connectors make everything come into place very easily.
Pros
- This mic is very affordable
- It comes with an excellent response
- It features two condenser mics
- Portable and compact
- Excellent construction and sturdy.
Cons
- At such a price range, it cannot compete with higher-end brands like AKG, Sennheiser, and Shure.
- It may not be the best for professional recording.
What customer say about it
There is no denying that the Pyle Pro 7-Piece Dynamic Mic Kit is a great choice. It is a perfect choice for those seeking to improve their drumming experience.
However, it always important to check out what other customers are saying before committing to such an investment. Many customers have liked its compact and portable design. It makes it easy to travel with. Also, its affordability sits well with many users.
The price tag does not minimize its quality, which as another reason, it has become very popular.
It is rated at 9/10 in value for money. This is a microphone that can withstand the test of time and serve you for a very long time.
In terms of features, it gets an 8/10. This is because of it a standard recording mic with lots of functions.
Sensitivity and recording sound quality are rated at 7/10 each. These are standard features, considering you will buy the product and a very low price.
Conclusion
In this review of the PDKM7 from Pyle, I aim at presenting to you the features of a great drum microphone. Everything about this piece is outstanding.
However, if you are looking for a more professional solution, it may not be the best. Nevertheless, it is designed for the purpose.