The AKG D112 is really one of those mics that does what
it says on the tin. It's a kick drum microphone that can take
big SPLs and is really robust and well made. I invariably end
up removing the front skin when I'm miking up the kick drum
as even the skins with holes in are always too small or in the
wrong position. I always start by putting the mic about 6 inches
inside the shell and a little off centre and I'll work from
that. Your perception of the sound will change as the other
instruments come into the track and as I hear the song and if
I think the kick needs some more definition I might move it
closer to the skin or try a harder beater. I always record it
through a TL Audio mic pre and what I like about the AKG D112
is that with a bit of EQ you can tailor the bottom end really
accurately. You can either roll it off or start bringing stuff
up at 50 or 60 cycles to get some weight into the kick and that’s
always still there when you come to mix.
One of the odd things about the AKG D112 is that you get a very
different but definitely usable sound from the mic if you use
it the other way round with the mesh grill pointing away from
the drum. Although it's a lower signal it still sounds like
a kick drum mic with a slightly more open character even though
it picks up a bit more spillage from the rest of the kit. All
kicks get EQ'd, taking out some middle around 5/600hz and adding
some top and bottom. I know there are a lot of mics with deliberately
tailored curves like the Audix
D6 on the market but I’m pretty happy with
the AKG D112 as it gives me the options in the mix.JS.
