What is the primary purpose of the Shure NXN6?

The Shure NXN6 is specifically designed as a professional tool for capturing the isolated sound of toms and snare drums. It is suitable for both high-end live sound reinforcement and studio recording sessions.

What is Revonic dual-engine technology?

Revonic is Shure's patented technology that uses two transducers instead of one. This design allows for more accurate sound reproduction and better control over the microphone's output and rejection characteristics.

How does the supercardioid pattern benefit drum miking?

The supercardioid pattern is narrower than a standard cardioid, meaning it picks up sound primarily from the front and rejects sound from the sides. This is crucial for drums to prevent 'bleed' from nearby cymbals or other instruments on a noisy stage.

What accessories are included with the NXN6?

The microphone comes complete with an AD6 Drum Mount for easy rim attachment and a zipper pouch for safe storage and transport. These accessories are designed to make setup and travel more convenient for professional drummers and engineers.

Is the NXN6 suitable for studio use?

Yes, while it is rugged enough for live stages, its Revonic dual-engine technology provides the clarity and accuracy required for professional studio recording. Its ability to isolate sound makes it an excellent choice for tracking drums in rooms with less-than-ideal acoustics.

How does the NXN6 compare to the Shure SM57 for drums?

While the SM57 is a cardioid microphone and a versatile classic, the NXN6 features a supercardioid pattern and dual-engine technology. This typically results in better isolation and a more modern, detailed sound reproduction specifically tailored for toms.

Can the NXN6 be used for vocals?

While it is a dynamic microphone, it is specifically voiced and physically designed for instrument use, particularly toms. For vocals, Shure offers other Nexadyne models or classics like the SM58 and Beta 58A which are better suited for handheld use.

Does the NXN6 require phantom power?

No, the NXN6 is a dynamic microphone and does not require 48V phantom power to operate. It can be plugged directly into any standard XLR microphone input on a mixer or audio interface.

What is the typical price for the Shure NXN6?

The Shure NXN6 is typically positioned in the professional mid-range for drum microphones, with a standard retail price of approximately GBP 207. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.

What finish does the NXN6 have?

The microphone features a sleek, professional black finish. This allows it to remain unobtrusive on stage and match the aesthetics of most modern drum hardware.

How durable is the NXN6 construction?

Consistent with Shure's manufacturing standards, the NXN6 features a durable construction designed to withstand accidental drumstick hits and the rigours of frequent touring. It is built to maintain performance over long-term professional use.

What is the benefit of the AD6 Drum Mount?

The AD6 Drum Mount allows the microphone to be clipped directly onto the rim of the drum. This saves floor space by eliminating the need for a separate microphone stand and ensures the microphone stays in a consistent position relative to the drum head.

Gear article

Shure NXN6 Nexadyne Tom Microphone

The Shure NXN6 Nexadyne is a professional dynamic microphone specifically designed for capturing toms and snare drums in live and studio environments. It features Shure's patented Revonic dual-engine transducer technology to provide high-fidelity sound reproduction with superior off-axis rejection.

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Overview

The Shure NXN6 Nexadyne is a specialist dynamic microphone engineered for percussion applications, particularly floor toms, rack toms, and snare drums. It represents a modern advancement in Shure's drum microphone lineup, prioritising isolation and accuracy. The unit is finished in a professional black aesthetic and is built to withstand the physical demands of touring and high-impact stage use.

Revonic Dual-Engine Technology

At the core of the NXN6 is Shure's patented Revonic dual-engine transducer technology. Unlike traditional single-diaphragm dynamic microphones, this system utilises two calibrated transducers to provide more precise control over the microphone's response. This technology is designed to deliver a clearer signal that requires less corrective EQ, ensuring that the natural character of the drum is captured accurately from the source.

Sound Character and Polar Pattern

The NXN6 employs a supercardioid polar pattern, which is essential for drum miking where multiple sound sources are in close proximity. This tight pickup pattern focuses on the specific drum it is aimed at while significantly reducing 'bleed' from adjacent cymbals or other drums. The result is a highly isolated sound that facilitates easier mixing on noisy stages. The frequency response is tailored to capture the full body and attack of percussion instruments without becoming muddy.

Design and Accessories

Durability is a hallmark of the NXN6 design, consistent with Shure's reputation for rugged hardware. The microphone is supplied with the AD6 Drum Mount, a specialized clip that allows for secure and easy attachment directly to drum rims, reducing the need for additional microphone stands in cramped stage setups. A protective zipper pouch is also included for safe transportation between venues.

Market Comparison

While the Shure SM57 has long been the industry standard for snare drums, the NXN6 offers a more modern alternative with enhanced isolation due to its supercardioid pattern and dual-engine design. It sits alongside other high-end dynamic options such as the Sennheiser MD 441-U or the Electro-Voice RE20, though the NXN6 is more specifically compact and optimised for the physical constraints of drum mounting. Compared to vocal-centric models like the Beta 58A or e945, the NXN6 is voiced specifically to handle the high SPL and low-mid frequencies characteristic of tom-toms.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Shure NXN6?: The Shure NXN6 is specifically designed as a professional tool for capturing the isolated sound of toms and snare drums. It is suitable for both high-end live sound reinforcement and studio recording sessions.
What is Revonic dual-engine technology?: Revonic is Shure's patented technology that uses two transducers instead of one. This design allows for more accurate sound reproduction and better control over the microphone's output and rejection characteristics.
How does the supercardioid pattern benefit drum miking?: The supercardioid pattern is narrower than a standard cardioid, meaning it picks up sound primarily from the front and rejects sound from the sides. This is crucial for drums to prevent 'bleed' from nearby cymbals or other instruments on a noisy stage.
What accessories are included with the NXN6?: The microphone comes complete with an AD6 Drum Mount for easy rim attachment and a zipper pouch for safe storage and transport. These accessories are designed to make setup and travel more convenient for professional drummers and engineers.
Is the NXN6 suitable for studio use?: Yes, while it is rugged enough for live stages, its Revonic dual-engine technology provides the clarity and accuracy required for professional studio recording. Its ability to isolate sound makes it an excellent choice for tracking drums in rooms with less-than-ideal acoustics.
How does the NXN6 compare to the Shure SM57 for drums?: While the SM57 is a cardioid microphone and a versatile classic, the NXN6 features a supercardioid pattern and dual-engine technology. This typically results in better isolation and a more modern, detailed sound reproduction specifically tailored for toms.
Can the NXN6 be used for vocals?: While it is a dynamic microphone, it is specifically voiced and physically designed for instrument use, particularly toms. For vocals, Shure offers other Nexadyne models or classics like the SM58 and Beta 58A which are better suited for handheld use.
Does the NXN6 require phantom power?: No, the NXN6 is a dynamic microphone and does not require 48V phantom power to operate. It can be plugged directly into any standard XLR microphone input on a mixer or audio interface.
What is the typical price for the Shure NXN6?: The Shure NXN6 is typically positioned in the professional mid-range for drum microphones, with a standard retail price of approximately GBP 207. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.
What finish does the NXN6 have?: The microphone features a sleek, professional black finish. This allows it to remain unobtrusive on stage and match the aesthetics of most modern drum hardware.
How durable is the NXN6 construction?: Consistent with Shure's manufacturing standards, the NXN6 features a durable construction designed to withstand accidental drumstick hits and the rigours of frequent touring. It is built to maintain performance over long-term professional use.
What is the benefit of the AD6 Drum Mount?: The AD6 Drum Mount allows the microphone to be clipped directly onto the rim of the drum. This saves floor space by eliminating the need for a separate microphone stand and ensures the microphone stays in a consistent position relative to the drum head.