AKG D112 MKII Professional Dynamic Bass Drum Microphone
Description
AKG D112 MKII Professional Dynamic Bass Drum Microphone
The AKG D112 MKII is a compact, purpose-built kick drum microphone that positions quickly on drum hardware and delivers articulate low-end capture with minimal fuss. Its presence peak is tuned to isolate every element of bass drum character—from beater attack to shell resonance—making it equally effective across jazz, rock, electronic, and hybrid production sessions. The design balances professional construction with straightforward operation, yielding a naturally defined kick drum tone that sits well in the mix with minimal EQ intervention.
Frequency Response & Polar Characteristics
Operating across a 20–17,000 Hz frequency bandwidth, the D112 MKII captures the full articulation window of kick drum sources with clarity. Its cardioid polar pattern locks in focused on-axis pickup while rejecting bleed from surrounding kit elements, and the integrated hum-compensation coil minimizes electrical noise—essential for clean drum isolation in tracking. With a maximum SPL rating exceeding 160 dB, this mic handles the peak transients of hard-struck drums without compression or distortion artifacts.
Physical Specs & Connectivity
Weighing just 300 g (10.6 oz.) and measuring 115 mm in length with a 70 mm diameter, the D112 MKII mounts to existing drum hardware without adding unwanted mass or resonance. Output is delivered via a balanced XLR male 3-pin connector with a sensitivity of 1.8 mV/Pa (−55 dBV), and the mic's 210 Ohm electrical impedance integrates cleanly with standard audio interfaces and console inputs requiring ≥2,000 Ohm load impedance.
Key Features
- Frequency bandwidth: 20–17,000 Hz
- Maximum SPL (0.5% THD): >160 dB
- Cardioid polar pattern for focused pickup
- Dynamic microphone capsule
- Integrated hum-compensation coil
- Sensitivity: 1.8 mV/Pa (−55 dBV)
- Electrical impedance: 210 Ohms
- Balanced XLR male 3-pin output
- Operating temperature range: −10°C to +60°C (14°F–140°F)
- Length: 115 mm (4.53 in.)
- Diameter: 70 mm
- Net weight: 300 g (10.6 oz.)
The D112 MKII merges high-SPL headroom, tight cardioid rejection, and proven AKG engineering into a workhorse mic that captures consistent, defined kick drum tone across any studio tracking or production session.
More Information
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At a Glance
The AKG D112 MKII is a studio-grade kick drum microphone that captures articulate low-end detail and beater definition with a presence peak tailored for mix clarity. Its cardioid pattern rejects off-axis bleed, the 20–17,000 Hz bandwidth preserves full drum character, and the balanced output integrates cleanly into any interface or console with minimal setup. Use it to achieve a punchy, naturally EQ'd kick tone that sits immediately in a mix without heavy processing.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Kick drum isolation
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Jazz
Not the best pick for
- – Vocal recording
- – Ambient instrument miking
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the frequency range and SPL handling of the D112 MKII?
The D112 MKII operates from 20–17,000 Hz and handles a maximum SPL exceeding 160 dB at 0.5% THD, making it capable of capturing the full articulation of kick drums without distortion even under hard striking.
How does the cardioid pattern help isolate the kick drum?
The cardioid polar pattern provides focused on-axis pickup of the kick drum while rejecting off-axis sound, and the integrated hum-compensation coil minimizes electrical interference, both critical for clean kick drum isolation in live and studio environments.
What connector and impedance does the D112 MKII use?
The mic outputs via a balanced XLR male 3-pin connector with 210 Ohm electrical impedance and 1.8 mV/Pa sensitivity; it requires a console or interface input impedance of at least 2,000 Ohms.
Is the D112 MKII suitable for both studio and live performance?
Yes, the D112 MKII is engineered for both studio sessions and live performance, delivering consistent, defined kick drum tone across rock, jazz, electronic, and recording contexts with straightforward operation and professional durability.
How compact is the D112 MKII and how does it mount?
The D112 MKII weighs 300 g (10.6 oz.) and measures 115 mm long with a 70 mm diameter, allowing it to clip securely to drum hardware without adding unwanted mass or affecting resonance.