Product ReviewsShure DMK57-52 Wired Drum Dynamic Microphone Kit

Shure DMK5752 - solid performance and good value from a small drum mic kit

I have engineered both live and recorded sound for over thirty (30) years and have extensive experience with both of the microphone types provided in the DMK5752 kit.

The Shure DMK5752 microphone kit contains the following:

1x Shure Beta 52A kick drum mic
3x Shure SM57 instrument mics
3x Shure A56D drum mic clips
1x Shure plastic lockable case with cutouts for the above

The Beta 52A is a high-output cardioid mic that is designed for high-SPL applications; specifically kick drums. I love the sound of the Beta 52A and have used it to mic kick drums on over a hundred different drum kits. The sound is deep and punchy and not boomy. This mic is not prone to overload even with drummers that like to pound their kick drums into submission. The 52A works well on either head but, obviously, you'll get more 'click' or 'pop' if you put the mic on the beater head. In my opinion the mic is comparable in performance to the Audix D6 but at a more reasonable price point. The 52A seems to work best when placed directly in front of the 'port' on the front head spaced 1-2 inches from the port. This position permits a full and accurate capture of the attack and 'punch' with enough beater 'pop' and head resonance to sound natural. I like the threaded mount point that is an integral part of the microphone so you CAN'T lose the mic clip! I also love that in a live sound reinforcement application I can set up a short stand, thread the mic onto it, connect the mic cable, roughly position the whole thing in front of the kick drum and know that I'm going to get decent sound for the whole performance even if things are less than optimal due to a quick set change.

The SM57 is a classic general-purpose cardioid dynamic instrument mic that is great for snare (especially on top) and toms (especially rack). SM57s are incredibly durable and sound as good on a guitar cab as on the drums. You can even use them for vocals! Re-purposing these mics is easy and yields flexibility. I do it often. I would caution that they roll off at about 16 kHz, so I wouldn't necessarily use them as overheads or cymbal mics where the highest frequencies are very important.

The A56D rim clips are modular, solid and strong; very useful for avoiding 'stand clutter' around the drum kit.

The only shortcoming of this kit is that it isn't enough by itself when in the studio; it leaves you short of overheads, cymbal mics and (possibly) toms. In the studio I typically supplement this kit with the following:

1x Shure Beta 98 on snare bottom
2x Shure KSM44 overhead
2x Sennheiser MD421 on toms (if needed)
2x Rode NT5 on hi-hat and ride
2x sE Electronics VR-1 room mics (ambience)

Yes, this is a fairly elaborate setup, but you CAN get very professional results in the studio with it. Of course the strategy in the studio is to capture it ALL and only use what you need; you aren't forced to use any particular track in your mix if it doesn't sound right.

Live sound is different, however, and I dump some of the extra mics when I do reinforcement - especially if the venue is small or if rapid set changes are needed. Often I can still do quite well if I just focus on the kick, snare and toms which is exactly where this kit shines. I frequently leave my other drum mics at home and just take this kit.

At a discounted street price of $369 and MAP of $399 this kit is a good value and should find its way into both your heart and your mic locker. Rock on!Read full review...

Very good mics at affordable price.

This mic pack is truly a workhorse. SM57 has been used for decades for recording loud distorted guitars with powerful results. Also used for recording drums, becouse it can deal with high SPL (sound presure level) and are clean sounding mics. Check on youtube the shootouts of this mic with others brands. Are quite revealing. The Beta52 are best suited for kick drums and guitar basses. It captures the low frecuencies very well, giving a punchy sound. For the price of the kit, is a very good deal, live and studio use (and abuse). Get two used sennheiser MD421 for high and mid toms, and a pair of overheads mics (like the rode NT5 MP)and you're done. Ready to rock with your drums.Read full review...

Great drum kit mics

The Shure DMK57-52 mic kit is awesome. Brings out the the best sound for drums & easy to setup. I always wanted this kit & I finally bought it at the best price possible, $100.00 less than what it normally sells for anywhere. Sounds great!!Read full review...

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Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: boyntonproaudio...

Good mic, ok mounting bracket

These mics work well for my congas in a live performance setting. *** I have to turn the mounting bracket upside down in order to get it to securely attach to the congas head before I put the stem/ mic holder as they are designed for drum kit rims. The plastic pivots downward due to gravity- I plan to tighten it w/ screwdriver and give it another trial. Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: kraftmusic

Industry standard, tried and true, what more could you ask for?!

Excellent sound quality, as I would expect from Shure. The tom mounts are very flexible and provide a lot of control over mic placement. The tom mics are industry standard, tried and true, SM 57s. What's not to like?! The bass drum mic, the Betat 52A, provides excellent bass reproduction and punch. The recordings I have made have been fantastic.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: recyclebiz

Great package.

What more could you want for a great drum mic setup? The Beta52a is great on kick drum AND bass guitar. The SM57s are a no brainer. Plus it comes with everything you need to mount on your drums. This is a very good package to have for the studio or for live performances.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: unique_squared_inc

Does the trick

Best kick mic in the industry. 57 is great on snare but use the others under symbols or as overheads. Have audix mic for Tom’s.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: techietoystore

Drumming s

Good choice

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: recyclebiz

BEST PRICE TO QUALITY

I have not much experience with other products but MAN this is a beast for the price!

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: audiobargain

Awesome kit of amazing mics!

Great quality for a great price.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: alejort-5