KickTone Microphone
Better Science. Better Sound.
Let’s face it — bass drum microphones have been a stodgy old product category that has seen little change or innovation in decades. The KickTone Microphone disrupts all that. It is a breakthrough in the design of dynamic mics dedicated to capturing the full spectrum of sound naturally produced in the resonant chamber of a bass drum. Built around a specially manufactured hemp diaphragm that’s both stiff and lightweight, it provides excellent damping characteristics. Additionally, a second, co-axial dynamic structure picks up the higher-frequency transients that give a bass drum its snap. The result is a punchy, well-defined sound that instantly grabs a listener’s attention. If all this wasn’t enough, the KickTone is easily the coolest-looking mic you’ve ever seen.
Other bass drum microphones on the market today have design goals similar to KickTone’s, but suffer from issues such as large size, heavy weight (making them unstable on a mic stand), high cost, and worst of all, a lack of the full, round sound that drummers and sound engineers crave. In short, they routinely fail to live up to their promise. This is why the KickTone team created a radically new and different design concept.
Mounting Options
The KickTone mic can be mounted in two ways. You can mount it on a standard microphone stand, but even better, you can attach it directly to a bass drum’s resonant head with a proprietary slide bracket, supplied with each mic, that quick-connects it to any KickPort. (KickPort is a widely-used bass drum sonic enhancer, and is a registered trademark of KickPort International, LLC.) That keeps it securely locked in the drum’s sweet spot, where it won’t block the view of your drum head artwork or get kicked out of position by an energetic singer.
Innovative Design
The KickTone also features a second mid-range driver, allowing you to capture a more rounded sound with just one mic. Traditional “SubKick” setups often require multiple microphones to capture both the low-end subharmonics and the beater’s attack. With KickTone, what used to be done with three or four mics can now be accomplished with two or three, making it an efficient solution for drummers and engineers alike.
In Use
The KickTone delivers consistent results across a range of bass drum sizes, from 20″ to 24″ kicks. Its compact design makes it easy to position, especially in limited space environments. For live applications, it offers quick, reliable setup, and for studio sessions, it provides a unique sonic signature that blends the best qualities of a SubKick with added high-end detail.
Creative Applications
Beyond bass drums, the KickTone can be used creatively in various settings. Consider using it on a bass amp, under a piano for low-end richness, or even under a floor tom for the deepest tone you’ve ever heard. Its versatility opens up a world of new sonic possibilities.
