Kick Drum Mic Comparison: Sennheiser e902, e602ii, Shure Beta 52A, AKG D-112 mkii

[@bbseatwo]

I used to have a D112, was considering a Beta 52a but very impressed with the e602. This is the best video for comparison due to the quick scene flip. Good one guys.

[@bsybng]

kick only In front of the air hole 0:50 e602 ii 0:58 e902 1:06 beta 52a 1:15 d112 1:21 sm58 grill inside of air hole 1:31 e602 ii 1:39 e902 1:46 beta 52a 1:55 d112 2:02 sm58 in the middle of the bass drum 2:10 e602 ii 2:18 e902 2:27 beta 52a 2:34 d112 2:42 sm58

[@megyalilaballad]

Thank you.

[@SimonChampagne]

Every mic comparison should be done like this. Proper demo sir. Gracias.

[@CheyneyJr]

E602 🙌🏾 best bass drum mic IMO!

[@Peishe]

Sound is ready

[@LanzaroteShowcase]

@@CheyneyJr yes. I have two D112 kick mics and I’ve never been happy with them. It was really almost a relief when the D112 came up and sounded bad, exactly the same as when I use it, just not quite right. The E602 sounds like the kick I’ve always been trying to get.

[@thejasonblackburn]

I've never liked the Beta 52 and this video confirms that even more.

[@austinnevels7447]

Freaking potato

[@hippydippy]

Next to the 58 (which would cool for low-fi recordings), that Shure sounded like crap.

[@jgc_17]

Looked around so much for a proper comparison between the 2 sennheisers and the shure beta, and by far, yours is the best video out there. Thank you

[@101silencio]

@@jgc_17 Thank you so much for the comment!

[@dariosimas5268]

More importantly, your kick drum itself sounds amazing. A lot of times, people forget that’s the most important part of the equation. Great demo! 🤘

[@blalibaba6190]

Great Comparison, thank you! I prefer the D112 as it is a good compromise for all styles, these Sennheiser's here I see more for metal & progressive - I own a e602 and it's very hard to EQ them to get a warm sound. Interesting how good the SM58 works - very focussed - with my Kick Drums (22") I couldn't catch the low frequencies as I wanted but for certain situations the sound will fit. In any case best to record with more than one mic and experiement with combination's. Keep on drumming!

[@jason.martin]

This is a great test, the Sennheiser's really lend themselves to metal and the others to rock.

[@angelorasmijn7306]

I like how the Beta 52 blends in with the whole drumkit.

[@VROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM]

The Beta 52 sounded the second worst by far, dull and lifeless with poor definition, next to the top worst the SM 58.

[@MarcoPolux]

@@VROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM it was moving.... it needs a solid stronger holder. It sounds way better than that.

[@PennyLarson]

Really well done! Thanks for this! I have the e 602, and now I know it's my favorite (from these anyway). It sounded great.

[@TempoDrift1480]

Me too and yep.

[@zechpatrick]

best BD-Mic video i've seen / heard.. very good sounds, very nice playing

[@TonySmithDrums]

I really like the 902.

[@101silencio]

Also my favorite 👌

[@thomasrudder9639]

@@101silencio mine too. Thanks I ordered one last night after watching/listening to your vid. Thanks man.

[@67Stu]

This was very helpful. Overall, I thought the e902 was the one!

[@brianjones3584]

the 602 on a floor tom is very very nice as well =) great video! thanks!

[@101silencio]

I will have to try that! Thanks!

[@Imabassplayer2]

The Shure and AKG really hated that kick. I own the D112 MKI and MKII and they both sound great. Iv'e used a Beta 52 in a studio and had great sounds. Not really sure why they both struggle here. The Sennheiser e602 and e902 sound very similar e902 has more bass with the e602 having more click. Its just what I'm hearing with my studio monitors. Iv'e seen SM57's used as kick mic's and they sound pretty good so the SM58 did a good job. Nice comparison video you did a great job.

[@eastbaymauiboy]

Yeah, I was surprised too. The Beta sounded choked or something

[@joeschlicht]

To me it sounded like the 602 had more bass (through my headphones). Both the 602 and the 902 sounded better than the others in my opinion.

[@moomamedia5414]

A really genuinely useful video, giving me a lot of food for thought. Torn between the e602II and the Beta 52A for my uses. I'll doubtless be back to listen again as this is a superb reference source. Thank you!

[@randywiedmer4656]

excellent shoot out ! We appreciated the time this took. I would do one step further and try all in the context of a song, because that's where it really matters...prolly add another week to your video (labour time) but would put a bow on the entire experiment.

[@american-professor]

e602 and e902 is my kind of tone. Even though I purchased an e602, I kind of preferred e902 a bit more

[@d-rock737]

I own the e902, e602ii, beta 52a, audix d6 and a couple others. I never cared for the akg d112 mkii. My preference is to put the e602ii on inside of the bass drum and the e902 for the outside. Sometimes i’ll even use the beta 52a for the outside. It’s all simply preference. For most genres of music, (not hard hard rock) i’m even fine just using an e902.

[@LucasSheldon]

Kick Only In front of the air hole 0:51 e602 ii 0:59 e902 1:07 beta 52a 1:15 d112 1:23 sm58 Grill inside of air hole 1:31 e602 ii 1:39 e902 1:47 beta 52a 1:55 d112 2:03 sm58 In the middle of the bass drum 2:11 e602 ii 2:19 e902 2:27 beta 52a 2:35 d112 2:43 sm58 Whole Kit In front of the air hole 2:55 e902 Grill inside of air hole 3:13 e902 In the middle of the bass drum 3:31 e902

[@toddkelly6181]

Great and informative shootout...well done! And that snare sounds amazing!

[@estudiotamboril6025]

E602 sounds great in different positions

[@rubenduartejr.7168]

I agree with you

[@livesoundz2576]

Wow can't wait. I have just ordered my e602ii

[@hjalmarbackstrom5883]

I like it a lot too. The most common mic i run into if i come to a live gig is the Beta52, but depending on the speakers at the venue I usually feel pretty bad about it being too hyped and too agressive. Among the "deep bass" kind of mic's the e602 is underrated IMO. This video made me wanna try e602 well inside along with Beyerdynamic M88 by the hole with an angle capturing a bit of the front head sound along with somne of the wind sound (I believe the placement has to be balanced to not give too much of one thing or another). Anyway, two mic's can make a really nice useful sound.

[@LanzaroteShowcase]

@@livesoundz2576 what’s the difference with the mark two?

[@steeltruedrum]

fell in love with e902

[@gui_carvalho_83]

Is fat!!! ♥

[@MagicScottish]

This is so helpful! Great job comparing them.

[@alexx5954]

Thank you for this video. The 602 is a damn good mic!

[@cvee2614]

Love the Pearl bass drum combined with the Beta 52A just at the hole.

[@donovanturvey]

That Shure sounds great. Love how accoustic it sounds. E902 sounds awesome too

[@JuanCarlosMelian]

Jorge Eduardo, un video muy interesante y bien realizado. La verdad es que el 58 no suena mal. Gracias y enhorabuena por el video! Un saludo!

[@Freogeteknet]

The d112 have been a favorite for a long time because of it's versatility! It's easy to eq and can get you both metal and indie type sounds. It's also a killer for floor tom as the low end is a bit higher up. E602 as someone else said is really hard to eq but gives you such a ready to go sound. Beta52 was for a long time one of those "why is this even considered good" type of mics for me. But it has such a musical big low end and paired with another mic (for example the beta91) it's such a good mic! Really starting to love it. I'm starting to get interested in the e902. Seems like a less shaped version of the 602 but still super modern. Maybe best of both worlds?

[@thor_nay]

I love blending an e901 inside with a Beta52a on the hole, it's a killer combination

[@mr.d7429]

E602 or e902?! Decisions, decisions! Thx for this very informative vid bro!

[@eastbaymauiboy]

If you're on the fence but like the 602, get it, save a lil dough and be happy for 2 reasons 🙂

[@mr.d7429]

@@eastbaymauiboy that’s exactly what I did! 😆

[@allgamingnetwork9448]

i plan on getting the e602 tom mics and the e602 bass mics excited for how it will hear

[@NickLeonard]

nice comparison! I liked the e902 best in all positions, e602ii second and D-112 third at least on this kick

[@nancybeckett890]

Great, GREAT job comparing the mics! Sad the Telefunken M-80 wasn't included. Or Beyerdynamic M-88.

[@unclejuju12]

Amazing work and comparison. Really appreciate all the work you put into making this video for all of us!

[@robgracia509]

great video thank you for taking the time to do this it help a lot thank you

[@seanadams69]

Great video! Thanks for the comparisons. Solid drumming too

[@yoshiman106]

Those Sennheisers!!! Damn! Then 2:52 came in, and I know this video is not about snares, but hot damn bro...that snare sound is the tits!!! Very nice vid, and congrats on having an amazing sound.

[@GabrielGarcia-nb5zp]

I love the e902!

[@eastbaymauiboy]

I have an E602 and a B52. I generally like (or have liked) the Shure over the Sennheiser, cuz it's (usually) more boomy and has less attack (or click), which I prefer. This is the first video I've heard where I prefer the 602 over the 52!. What a trip, I guess I should give it another try!...Or at least NOT sell it, and maybe use it on my floor tom, or as a kick mic for certain rooms or situations. Side note: this is a great comparison, but it's missing what may be my favorite kick mic of all...The Audix D6...It's really got the BOOM 💥

[@brianjones3584]

use the 602 inside the bass drum and the 52 outside and blend it. You'll be super happy with that!

[@TempoDrift1480]

That snare tho. Fantastic.

[@MrRoller1978]

Perfect method for comparison! very helpfull, thank you very much! I own 2 602 (like them on Floor toms too), 1 Beta52, I'll probably buy a 902 too after watching this video

[@101silencio]

I’m pretty sure you’ll love it on bass drums👌

[@MrRoller1978]

@@101silencio yep, at the moment, with both my DW bass drum (20" and 22") the e602 is the 'go to mic', I'll check soon a 902... Thanks again for your perfect shootout

[@mojekh]

This is comparison how it should be👍 Thank you Jorge❤️

[@101silencio]

Thanks a lot! I’m doing a new one soon including more microphones!!! Also a tom mic comparison afterwards.

[@mojekh]

@@101silencio Great thank you! I am just using 2 overheads, snare and kick mic, but was disappointed with results of 57/57beta i used on kick.. now i know e602 is for me the way to go :)

[@LanzaroteShowcase]

Special mention to the SM58, not bad!

[@WolfRock13]

I liked 902 the most.

[@mdeasy]

Bravo!!!! excellent video!!!

[@toddyetter]

602 FTW, glad I own 2 originals

[@MiSTeRGrilL127]

E602 ii for sure!!!

[@annekedebruyn7797]

The e902 sounds like the e602 tonewise but with better detail.

[@lukem3980]

e902 seems to be the clear winner with the 602 closely behind

[@TempoDrift1480]

I'm gonna say the 602. Lucky I bought one not long ago.

[@drumfeck5970]

Every situation is different, but I'd honestly go for the SM58 just outside of the hole paired with a subkick. I don't like scooped kicks, even though I know it serves a purpose in different genres.

[@panchoarenas]

Gracias Jorge

[@panicgonrob6769]

Está buenísimo este video . Gracias. Estoy sorprendido por el sonido del sm58 , es un sonido poco profesional pero con un montón de presencia y le da Mucho ataque, así que para tocar rock o Metal en un lugar pequeño creo que es el ideal y mayoritariamente, la mayoría de los bateros tocan en lugares pequeños o con sonido no profesional masivo.

[@101silencio]

Cuando yo sólo tenía un par de SM58s usaba uno justo entrando en el hoyo del bombo. Si puedes equalizarlo quitándole en los 400Hz y realzando los 70Hz puedes obtener un muy buen resultado!

[@pablitoclavoclavito]

3:10 Comparativa de varios micrófonos. ( 3:23 el último es el shure sm58.- que me parece que suena bien en esa posición.)

[@hernanlucia5108]

Sennheiser e602 tremendo

[@miguelpessanha]

602 barely inside of the sound hole was the best. The Beta 52 is the kind of mic that sounds worse as you get closer to the beater, sounds better almost as a kick out mic

[@niteshades_promise]

def not paying for a sure now. sennheiser sounds way better. thanks🤘🏻🍻

[@eliomaalouf]

The e602 is legendary

[@MarcoAzevedo]

To me d112 and sm58!! I feel more atitude with these two mics in this video. May blend the two we can get a very powerful sound! The bass from d112 and definition from sm58.

[@noelcalanimiranda]

Excelente comparación felicidades

[@101silencio]

Gracias!

[@gordongurley3982]

Pretty interesting how when the mic is inside the drum it really affects the snare sound quite a bit.

[@goca8777]

602 top🤘

[@AbdulHadi-wo8uw]

E902 make easy work, awesome

[@shbmlai]

Very good comparison video although only 4 mics compared.

[@101silencio]

I will soon make a new video with more microphones plus a room mic so you may get an idea of the enviroment where the drums are at.

[@apersonontheinternet8034]

TIL you can get basically the same sound out of an SM58 as you can from a Beta52. I knew I didn't like them. SM58 < Beta52 < D112 < E602 < E902. It's only really the Sennheisers that are decent though.

[@Gondim_Matheus]

e602 kicked ass!

[@drumskulpati]

Very proper videos... nice

[@MapleAudio]

Man, I love how the e 602 II sounds with your bassdrum but mine never sounds like that. Always lacks something.

[@hjalmarbackstrom5883]

It's funny to notice that i like the Sennheisers a lot in the middle of the drum, but the Beta 52 at "grill inside of the hole" position.

[@Itsallawesome]

2:20 902 2:12 602

[@101silencio]

Exactly!!!

[@matiaspereira1493]

Gracias!

[@imark7777777]

Very good comparison. It definitely makes me go no wonder when I mix with somebody else's system I've never really liked the kick drum and could never get it the way I wanted it. I'm doing a gig which escalated from managing to possibly providing sound and hay guess what it might be time to buy drum mics sooooo. I like to buy things once and the Sennheiser's are kind of standing out and all the videos I'm watching with the other ones either sounding flat or lacking or almost feeling like they're getting over driven. The other ones definitely seem like they're picking up more of a drum resonant and air movement and less of a full body thump drum sound to me am I crazy?

[@aureliovicentebarretocasti2374]

Mil gracias por esta valiosa información. Me suscribo a tu canal. Saludos✨️ 🎼🎶🎵🎺

[@lisabethlawrence]

This was so helpful! What are you using on your snare? It sounds really nice. Thank you

[@hezekiahcharles6754]

in this case, the 602 wins..... but all in all, it depends on how the drum is tuned, mic choice and mic positioning , to get the best result

[@101silencio]

Of course! ...and don’t forget individual taste.

[@emilianodenardi6312]

Buen video, de acá los Shure los dejo afuera, ni el SM58 (obvio) ni el Beta 52a me gustaron, el resto me gustó dependiendo las ubicaciones, en algunas me gustaron más los Sennheiser y en otras el AKG, cualquiera de las 3 serían buenas opciones

[@101silencio]

Si al AKG le quitas las frecuencias que lo hacen sonar duro, puede quedar sonando super moderno! Me gusta un montón, pero hay que equalizar quitando ciertas frecuencias ''feas'', al menos cuando lo pones en este bombo.

[@nazzarfatahila]

Neta 52a 👍👍

[@pratapbarman9737]

Sennheiser only

[@kywildcatinva7199]

I Prefer the Beta 52A, Probably because I Love that deep Low end crack on a bass drum, Not the hip hop mid to high crack - and probably a little influenced by the music in the past 50 years... many recordings used the Beta 52's very recognizable sound.

[@elevatedmediagroup]

I have both a e902 and a Shure Beta 52a and am wrestling with which to go with an in kick vs the outer kick mic. 🤔 any input?

[@101silencio]

I think the 902 has a snappier attack, so I’d try that one inside. I have used the Beta 52 on the outer head, not in the hole, but against the head instead (like less than 2 inches from touching it) and it captures great “roundness”, you can try to tune down that head to give you the lower note before going too floppy. Share with us your result!

[@WolfRock13]

Although the 602 sounds great too

[@robgracia509]

e602 takes it for the kick drum already has the low punch

[@apg_skywalker_2014]

902 def. for me

[@101silencio]

Beautiful mic!

[@Gretsch0997]

602 all the way

[@MCMRocks]

the only thing this test needs is more mics to compare

[@marklane7847]

I’m using the pearl compact traveler kit right now and using a Solomon lo freq, so I would be leaning towards something more mid to mid low. The beta 52 paired with my lo freq may not blend so well. I like the sound of the sennheiser mics and was also very surprised how the sm58 sound outside. Btw, my kick is an 18” single ply with an aquarium super kick 1 head. Really thumps for what it is. Thanks for the video.

[@mmagoon67]

Why are there so many comparisons with mics that aren't "low frequency"? The sm57, sm58, sm7B and the MD421 are all examples. They aren't kick mics and they all sound bad. Am I missing something?

[@mattddrums1]

Does anyone know which mic has less bleed? E602 or e902? They’re both so sick

[@mattddrums1]

I’m putting one of those on my floor Tom but idk if the e902 is better for that than the 602 would be

[@thomasrudder9639]

602 furshur

[@mavpid]

I need the beta 52a

[@poorkidd]

Wow the sm58 doesn’t sound as bad as I thought it would sound.

[@101silencio]

That was without eq! ...you can start taking the nasty sounds off and end up with very usable tones using a 58 ;)

[@samsmith6062]

An I crazy or does the 58 in context sound the best.

[@audiomatters9523]

If you listen on a good pair of headphones, it doesn't have any deep bass but probably captures the transients better than the rest because it has a smaller diagram. There's no rule to say you can't use 2 mics on a kick drum.

[@FOH3663]

@@audiomatters9523 Agreed, not just deep bass ... it doesn't have any bass at all. There's no rules however, experimentation 𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴.

[@nidhoggvomwalde2280]

Simply sennheiser I think 902 and a sm58 combined.

[@elblopex]

D112 is the more natural sounding, but might not be the proper mic for every kick drum. Especially small ones

[@hrvojehf1513]

Sennheiser forever i use them last 12y next company i say Audix D6

[@pauoltrafernandez7643]

902!

[@JuanSerrano-pt3jr]

buena comparación aunque creo que el d112 estaba en mala posición la line de color deberia estar en vertical.

[@RobKingRC]

Should've added a Audix D6 to the list. Better then all of these.

[@rolandtiiroja]

For metal and harder rock music Sennheisers sound better I guess. But 52A sounds more natural. Better overall mic maybe.

[@xbt34]

The 902 sounds amazing so do the 58(shockingly)

[@ignaciof.3092]

E602 II Amazing for metal Akg is more a folk sound