AKG Drum Set Session I High Performance Drum Microphone Set
Description
AKG Drum Set Session I High Performance Drum Microphone Set
The AKG Drum Set Session I is a professional-grade drum miking solution engineered to capture clarity and punch across the entire kit with minimal setup friction in the studio. The included rim clamps and stand mounts integrate seamlessly into existing hardware, while the compact aluminum case makes transport between sessions effortless. This is a purpose-built system for producers and engineers who demand accurate, multi-track drum capture without compromise.
Design & Build
Each microphone features durable metal casing and rugged spring steel grills with scratch-resistant finish, engineered to withstand the physical demands of intensive studio work and session recording. The P2, P4, and P17 models all feature symmetric output with 3-pin XLR connectors, ensuring reliable connectivity and standard compatibility across any professional mixing chain and DAW setup.
Audio Performance
The system balances dynamic and condenser technologies to isolate and define each drum element in the mix: the P2 bass drum mic handles extreme SPL with a 157 dB max SPL for capturing beater attack and deep low-end definition, the P4 toms and snare mics deliver 152 dB SPL headroom to preserve crack and articulation, and the P17 overhead condensers provide wide frequency response (20 Hz–20 kHz) with switchable -20 dB pad for controlling cymbal peaks up to 155 dB SPL without distortion. Together, they provide the frequency separation and transient detail necessary for professional drum tracking with maximum flexibility in the mix.
Key Features
- 1× P2 bass drum microphone (cardioid, 20 Hz–16 kHz, 157 dB max SPL)
- 2× P17 overhead condenser microphones (1/2" diaphragm, cardioid, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 135/155 dB max SPL)
- 4× P4 tom and snare dynamic microphones (cardioid, 40 Hz–18 kHz, 152 dB max SPL)
- 4× H440 rim clamps for quick drum mounting
- 2× stand mounts for overhead microphone positioning
- P17 phantom power requirement: 48V ±4V IEC 61938
- P17 preattenuation pad: switchable -20 dB
- All microphones: 2.5 mV/Pa sensitivity (P2 and P4), 15 mV/Pa sensitivity (P17)
- Recommended load impedance: 2000 ohms (P2, P4), 1000 ohms (P17)
- Symmetric 3-pin XLR connectors on all microphones
- Durable aluminum carrying case included
- Metal casing with spring steel grills and scratch-resistant finish
The Drum Set Session I combines the transient handling of dynamics with the frequency response of true condensers, delivering a complete multi-track miking solution ready for professional drum recording with full control over tone-shaping and mix integration.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | China |
Reviews
At a Glance
The AKG Drum Set Session I delivers studio-ready drum tracking with a balanced blend of dynamic and condenser microphones: a 157 dB SPL bass drum mic, four tom/snare dynamics, and two full-range overhead condensers with a switchable -20 dB pad for cymbal definition. This system captures tight transient detail and wide frequency separation (20 Hz–20 kHz on overheads), making it ideal for home and professional studio sessions where you need tight, defined drum sounds without phase complications. Use this for polished drum recordings when you want off-the-shelf compatibility and minimal mic placement guesswork.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Touring
Not the best pick for
- – Home Recording on a budget
- – Practice
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in the Drum Set Session I?
The set includes one P2 bass drum mic, two P17 overhead condenser microphones, four P4 dynamic mics for toms and snare, four H440 rim clamps, two stand mounts for overheads, and a durable aluminum carrying case. All microphones feature 3-pin XLR connectors and are ready to connect to any professional mixing chain.
Will these mics handle loud live stages and cymbal crashes?
Yes. The P2 bass drum mic handles up to 157 dB SPL, the P4 tom and snare mics reach 152 dB SPL, and the P17 overheads deliver up to 155 dB SPL with the switchable -20 dB pad engaged, making the system suitable for touring and high-volume live reinforcement.
Do I need a mixer with phantom power?
The P17 overhead condensers require 48V phantom power (±4V IEC 61938); your mixing console, interface, or preamp must supply this. The P2 and P4 dynamic microphones do not require phantom power.
How does this compare to single-microphone drum solutions?
The Drum Set Session I pairs dynamics (P2, P4) for punchy, phase-coherent close miking with full-range condensers (P17) for natural overhead capture, delivering clarity and frequency separation across the entire kit. Single-mic setups sacrifice definition and transient control, while this system is engineered to capture each drum element distinctly.
Is setup fast for touring or session work?
Yes. The included H440 rim clamps and stand mounts integrate into standard drum hardware, and all mics use symmetric 3-pin XLR connectors for plug-and-play compatibility. The aluminum carrying case keeps everything organized and transport-ready.