What is the primary purpose of the Shure NXN2?

The Shure NXN2 is designed specifically for capturing kick drums and other low-frequency instruments. It is intended for professional use in both live sound reinforcement and studio recording environments.

What is Revonic dual-engine technology?

Revonic is a patented Shure technology that uses two transducers instead of one. This design allows for more precise sound capture and natural frequency response, reducing the need for external processing like EQ.

What polar pattern does the NXN2 use?

The microphone features a supercardioid polar pattern. This provides tight directionality, which is excellent for rejecting unwanted noise from the sides and rear, ensuring the focus remains on the kick drum.

Is the NXN2 suitable for touring?

Yes, the NXN2 is built to Shure's renowned reliability standards. It features a hardened grille and a robust chassis, making it durable enough for the demanding conditions of professional touring.

Does the NXN2 require phantom power?

No, the NXN2 is a dynamic microphone and does not require phantom power to operate. It connects via a standard 3-pin XLR cable to any mixer or audio interface.

How does the NXN2 compare to the SM57 for drums?

While the SM57 is a versatile instrument mic often used for snares, the NXN2 is specifically engineered for the low-frequency demands of a kick drum. The NXN2 provides a more tailored response for bass frequencies.

What is the benefit of the supercardioid pattern in a drum kit?

A supercardioid pattern helps isolate the kick drum from other kit components like cymbals or the snare. This reduces 'bleed' into the kick channel, allowing for a cleaner and more controllable mix.

Does this microphone require a specific mounting system?

The NXN2 uses standard microphone mounting threads. Due to its use on kick drums, it is typically mounted on a short boom stand or an internal drum mounting system.

Can the NXN2 be used on bass guitar cabinets?

Yes, because of its Revonic dual-engine technology and low-frequency focus, it is well-suited for capturing the sound of bass guitar amplifiers and other low-end instruments.

What finish does the NXN2 come in?

The microphone features a discreet black finish. This is intended to be low-profile and stylish, ensuring it does not distract from the visual presentation on stage.

Is the NXN2 a replacement for the Beta 52A?

While both are kick drum microphones, the NXN2 introduces the new Nexadyne Revonic technology. It serves as a modern, high-clarity alternative within Shure's professional microphone lineup.

What is included with the NXN2 microphone?

The microphone typically ships as a standalone unit with a standard XLR connection. It is designed to be ready for professional stage and studio integration out of the box.

Gear article

Shure NXN2 Nexadyne Kick Drum Microphone

The Shure NXN2 Nexadyne is a professional dynamic microphone specifically engineered for low-frequency sound capture in live and studio environments. It features Shure's patented Revonic dual-engine transducer technology to provide a precise, natural representation of kick drums with high off-axis rejection.

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Background and Technology

The Shure NXN2 is part of the Nexadyne series, representing a significant technological advancement in Shure's line of dynamic microphones. Central to its design is the patented Revonic dual-engine transducer technology. Unlike traditional single-diaphragm dynamic microphones, this system utilises two sets of transducers to capture sound, which allows for greater control over the frequency response and polar pattern consistency.

This technology was developed to address the common challenges of capturing low-frequency transients, aiming to provide a 'mix-ready' sound that requires minimal intervention from sound engineers. The microphone follows Shure's long-standing tradition of durability, designed to withstand the rigours of professional touring.

Operational Features

The NXN2 is characterised by its supercardioid polar pattern, which is highly directional. This pattern is essential for kick drum applications where isolation from other elements of the drum kit—such as the snare or cymbals—is critical. The hardened grille provides physical protection for the dual-engine components, ensuring longevity in high-impact environments.

Key functional aspects include: * Revonic Dual-Engine Transducer: Ensures high-fidelity capture and natural frequency representation. * Noise Rejection: The supercardioid pattern offers excellent isolation, reducing bleed in live settings. * Physical Build: Finished in a discreet black, the chassis is built to Shure's reliability standards for both stage and studio use.

Sonic Character

The primary sonic goal of the NXN2 Nexadyne is authenticity and clarity. By utilizing the dual-engine design, the microphone captures the punch and weight of a kick drum without the muddy buildup often associated with low-end capture. Shure describes the output as an 'authentic' sound that reduces the necessity for extensive EQ adjustments, allowing the natural character of the instrument to sit clearly in a live or recorded mix.

Comparison with Industry Standards

While Shure is well-known for industry standards like the SM58, SM57, and Beta 58A, the NXN2 represents a more specialised approach to low-frequency capture. Compared to general-purpose dynamic microphones like the Sennheiser MD 441-U or the Electro-Voice RE20—which are often used for broadcasts and instruments—the NXN2 is specifically tuned for the high SPL (Sound Pressure Level) and frequency requirements of kick drums.

In contrast to vocal-centric models like the Sennheiser e945 or e935, the NXN2 focuses on the low-end definition. It differs from niche tools like the Shure 520DX 'Green Bullet' by providing a clean, high-fidelity signal rather than the intentional lo-fi, saturated character preferred for harmonica and blues applications.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Shure NXN2?: The Shure NXN2 is designed specifically for capturing kick drums and other low-frequency instruments. It is intended for professional use in both live sound reinforcement and studio recording environments.
What is Revonic dual-engine technology?: Revonic is a patented Shure technology that uses two transducers instead of one. This design allows for more precise sound capture and natural frequency response, reducing the need for external processing like EQ.
What polar pattern does the NXN2 use?: The microphone features a supercardioid polar pattern. This provides tight directionality, which is excellent for rejecting unwanted noise from the sides and rear, ensuring the focus remains on the kick drum.
Is the NXN2 suitable for touring?: Yes, the NXN2 is built to Shure's renowned reliability standards. It features a hardened grille and a robust chassis, making it durable enough for the demanding conditions of professional touring.
Does the NXN2 require phantom power?: No, the NXN2 is a dynamic microphone and does not require phantom power to operate. It connects via a standard 3-pin XLR cable to any mixer or audio interface.
How does the NXN2 compare to the SM57 for drums?: While the SM57 is a versatile instrument mic often used for snares, the NXN2 is specifically engineered for the low-frequency demands of a kick drum. The NXN2 provides a more tailored response for bass frequencies.
What is the benefit of the supercardioid pattern in a drum kit?: A supercardioid pattern helps isolate the kick drum from other kit components like cymbals or the snare. This reduces 'bleed' into the kick channel, allowing for a cleaner and more controllable mix.
Does this microphone require a specific mounting system?: The NXN2 uses standard microphone mounting threads. Due to its use on kick drums, it is typically mounted on a short boom stand or an internal drum mounting system.
Can the NXN2 be used on bass guitar cabinets?: Yes, because of its Revonic dual-engine technology and low-frequency focus, it is well-suited for capturing the sound of bass guitar amplifiers and other low-end instruments.
What finish does the NXN2 come in?: The microphone features a discreet black finish. This is intended to be low-profile and stylish, ensuring it does not distract from the visual presentation on stage.
Is the NXN2 a replacement for the Beta 52A?: While both are kick drum microphones, the NXN2 introduces the new Nexadyne Revonic technology. It serves as a modern, high-clarity alternative within Shure's professional microphone lineup.
What is included with the NXN2 microphone?: The microphone typically ships as a standalone unit with a standard XLR connection. It is designed to be ready for professional stage and studio integration out of the box.