What is included in the Audix Studio Elite 8 package?

The package contains eight premium microphones including the D6 for kick, i5 for snare, and SCX25A condensers for overheads. It also includes DVICE rim mounts to facilitate easy setup without excessive stands.

What is VLM technology?

VLM stands for Very Low Mass. It is Audix's proprietary capsule design that uses a lightweight diaphragm to ensure fast transient response and high accuracy when capturing percussive sounds.

Can the D6 microphone handle high volume?

Yes, the D6 is designed to handle very high sound pressure levels (SPL) without distortion. This makes it ideal for placement inside or just outside a kick drum.

What microphones are used for the overheads in this kit?

The kit utilizes the SCX25A condenser microphones for overheads. These are known for their phase-coherent response and ability to provide a detailed stereo image of the kit.

Is the SCX1HC included in this set?

Yes, the SCX1HC is a hypercardioid condenser microphone included in the Studio Elite 8. It is typically used for micing hi-hats or other sources requiring tight directional isolation.

Does this kit require phantom power?

Yes, several microphones in the kit, such as the SCX25A and SCX1HC, are condenser microphones. These require +48V phantom power from a mixing desk or audio interface to operate.

What are the DVICE mounts used for?

DVICE mounts are rim-mount clips that allow microphones to be attached directly to the drum hoops. This saves floor space by reducing the number of traditional microphone stands needed.

How does the i5 compare to other snare mics?

The i5 is a durable dynamic microphone designed for snare and instruments. It is built to handle high SPLs and provides a clear, punchy alternative to industry standards like the Shure SM57.

Who is the primary audience for the Studio Elite 8?

This kit is designed for professional drummers, sound engineers, and recording studios. It is intended for those who need a complete, high-fidelity solution for drum tracking.

What is the typical price of this microphone set?

The Audix Studio Elite 8 typically retails for approximately £2,502. This price reflects the inclusion of eight premium, specialized microphones and mounting hardware.

Is this kit suitable for live sound or just studio use?

While specifically branded as a 'Studio' package due to the high-fidelity condenser mics, the durable dynamic mics like the D6 and i5 are also frequently used in demanding live sound environments.

How does this set handle phase issues during recording?

The inclusion of phase-coherent microphones like the SCX25A helps maintain a solid stereo image. Proper placement using the provided mounts ensures time-alignment is easier to manage during the mix.

Gear article

Audix Studio Elite 8 8-Piece Studio Microphone Package

The Audix Studio Elite 8 is a professional-grade collection of eight microphones designed for high-fidelity drum kit recording in studio environments. The kit utilizes Audix’s proprietary Very Low Mass (VLM) capsule technology to provide accurate transient response and high sound pressure level handling across the entire drum set.

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Overview

The Audix Studio Elite 8 is a comprehensive microphone solution tailored for sound engineers and drummers who require a complete, high-end toolkit for capturing acoustic percussion. The package includes dedicated microphones for every element of a standard drum kit, including the kick drum, snare, toms, hi-hats, and overheads. By grouping these specific models together, Audix provides a consistent sonic signature and a simplified workflow for professional recording sessions.

Microphone Composition

The set is anchored by several of Audix's most renowned designs. For low-frequency capture, the D6 is employed for the kick drum, known for its ability to handle high SPLs. The i5 dynamic microphone is included for snare duties, offering durability and precision. For toms, the kit typically includes D-series microphones, while the overhead and hi-hat duties are managed by high-quality condensers.

Notably, the package features the SCX25A and SCX1HC condenser microphones. The SCX25A units serve as phase-coherent stereo overheads, providing a detailed and expansive image of the entire kit. The SCX1HC is a hypercardioid condenser suited for isolated tasks such as hi-hat micing.

Neumann TLM 103 Studio Set Microphone Nickel

Key Features and VLM Technology

A defining technical feature of the Studio Elite 8 is the use of VLM (Very Low Mass) capsule technology. This design allows the microphone diaphragms to react with extreme speed to acoustic impulses, resulting in superior transient response and accuracy. This is particularly critical for drums, where the initial 'attack' of the hit defines the character of the sound. Additionally, the kit includes DVICE rim mounts, which allow for direct attachment to the drum hoops, reducing the number of microphone stands required in a studio space.

Sound Character

The sonic profile of the Studio Elite 8 is described as clear, natural, and exceptionally accurate. Unlike entry-level bundles that may colour the sound significantly, this collection is designed to capture the 'true' sound of the instrument. The overhead SCX25A condensers provide a full-bodied, transparent representation of the cymbals and room ambience, while the dynamic mics offer the punch and isolation necessary for modern mixing techniques.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other professional offerings, the Studio Elite 8 occupies a premium tier. While the Neumann TLM 103 or TLM 102 are frequently used for studio vocals and general purpose recording, they do not offer a multi-mic drum solution in a single package. Similarly, the Shure SM7B is a legendary broadcast and vocal mic but lacks the specific frequency tailoring found in the Audix D6 for kick drums. The Audix kit competes directly with other high-end multi-mic arrays by providing a specialized tool for every specific drum voicing.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Audix Studio Elite 8 package?: The package contains eight premium microphones including the D6 for kick, i5 for snare, and SCX25A condensers for overheads. It also includes DVICE rim mounts to facilitate easy setup without excessive stands.
What is VLM technology?: VLM stands for Very Low Mass. It is Audix's proprietary capsule design that uses a lightweight diaphragm to ensure fast transient response and high accuracy when capturing percussive sounds.
Can the D6 microphone handle high volume?: Yes, the D6 is designed to handle very high sound pressure levels (SPL) without distortion. This makes it ideal for placement inside or just outside a kick drum.
What microphones are used for the overheads in this kit?: The kit utilizes the SCX25A condenser microphones for overheads. These are known for their phase-coherent response and ability to provide a detailed stereo image of the kit.
Is the SCX1HC included in this set?: Yes, the SCX1HC is a hypercardioid condenser microphone included in the Studio Elite 8. It is typically used for micing hi-hats or other sources requiring tight directional isolation.
Does this kit require phantom power?: Yes, several microphones in the kit, such as the SCX25A and SCX1HC, are condenser microphones. These require +48V phantom power from a mixing desk or audio interface to operate.
What are the DVICE mounts used for?: DVICE mounts are rim-mount clips that allow microphones to be attached directly to the drum hoops. This saves floor space by reducing the number of traditional microphone stands needed.
How does the i5 compare to other snare mics?: The i5 is a durable dynamic microphone designed for snare and instruments. It is built to handle high SPLs and provides a clear, punchy alternative to industry standards like the Shure SM57.
Who is the primary audience for the Studio Elite 8?: This kit is designed for professional drummers, sound engineers, and recording studios. It is intended for those who need a complete, high-fidelity solution for drum tracking.
What is the typical price of this microphone set?: The Audix Studio Elite 8 typically retails for approximately £2,502. This price reflects the inclusion of eight premium, specialized microphones and mounting hardware.
Is this kit suitable for live sound or just studio use?: While specifically branded as a 'Studio' package due to the high-fidelity condenser mics, the durable dynamic mics like the D6 and i5 are also frequently used in demanding live sound environments.
How does this set handle phase issues during recording?: The inclusion of phase-coherent microphones like the SCX25A helps maintain a solid stereo image. Proper placement using the provided mounts ensures time-alignment is easier to manage during the mix.