What is included in the PGADRUMKIT4?

The PGADRUMKIT4 includes four microphones: one kick drum mic, one snare mic, and two tom mics. It is designed for basic drum reinforcement or minimal recording setups where overheads are not required.

How does the PGADRUMKIT6 differ from the 4-piece set?

The PGADRUMKIT6 includes all the microphones from the 4-piece set but adds two small-diaphragm condenser microphones. These are used as overheads to capture cymbals and provide a better sense of space and definition.

What extra features does the PGADRUMKIT7 offer?

The PGADRUMKIT7 is the most complete set, providing an additional microphone compared to the 6-piece kit. This extra mic can be used for a third tom or to double-mic a snare for more tonal control.

Is a kick drum stand included in the bundle?

Yes, the Shure PGA Drum Kit Bundle includes a choice of low microphone stands specifically designed for capturing the kick drum. This ensures the microphone can be placed correctly inside or at the port of the drum.

Are these microphones suitable for live use?

Yes, the bundle is explicitly designed for both studio recording and live venues. The rugged design of the PGA series makes them durable enough for regular stage use.

Can I use these microphones with a Yamaha Rydeen kit?

Absolutely. These microphones are designed to be universal and will work effectively with any acoustic drum kit, including the Yamaha Rydeen series. The included mounts are compatible with standard drum rims.

Do the overhead microphones require phantom power?

Yes, the small-diaphragm condensers included in the PGADRUMKIT6 and 7 require +48V phantom power from a mixer or audio interface. The dynamic microphones in the kit do not require phantom power.

Can the tom microphones be used on a snare?

Yes, the tom and snare microphones in the PGA series are often similar in design and can be used interchangeably depending on the specific sound or positioning you require. The PGADRUMKIT7 specifically suggests using the extra mic for a snare if needed.

What is the typical price for this bundle?

The typical price for this Shure bundle is approximately £371, though this may vary depending on the specific configuration chosen and the retailer. It represents a significant value compared to purchasing the microphones individually.

Who is the primary audience for the Shure PGA Drum Kit Bundle?

The bundle is aimed at self-recording drummers, home and project studio owners, and sound engineers. It is also an ideal solution for live venues needing a reliable drum miking kit.

Are cables included in this specific bundle?

The manufacturer description mentions the choice of both style and stand, but does not explicitly list XLR cables as a standard inclusion in every package. Users should check their specific retailer bundle for cable inclusions.

How does this kit handle high volumes?

The PGA series is designed by Shure to handle high sound pressure levels (SPL) common in acoustic drumming. This ensures that the audio remains clear without distortion even during heavy playing.

Gear article

Shure PGA Drum Kit Bundle

The Shure PGA Drum Kit Bundle is a comprehensive microphone solution designed for recording and amplifying acoustic drums in home studios, project studios, and live performance environments. Based on the Shure PG Alta series, the bundle provides various configurations to suit different kit sizes and recording requirements.

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Overview

The Shure PGA Drum Kit Bundle is a curated selection of microphones from Shure's PG Alta (PGA) series, specifically chosen to provide a turnkey solution for capturing acoustic drums. It is marketed toward self-recording drummers, studio engineers, and live venue operators who require a reliable and professional-grade microphone setup. The bundle is designed to be versatile, offering different tiers of microphone counts to accommodate various drum kit layouts and recording techniques.

Configurations and Contents

The bundle is available in three distinct packages to suit different needs:

PGADRUMKIT4: A streamlined four-microphone set including one kick drum microphone, one snare microphone, and two tom microphones. This is intended for basic reinforcement or minimalist recording.
PGADRUMKIT6: An expanded six-microphone set that adds two small-diaphragm condenser microphones for use as overheads. These overheads are designed to capture cymbals and provide a sense of spatial depth and stereo imaging.
PGADRUMKIT7: The most comprehensive option, which includes the components of the PGADRUMKIT6 plus an additional snare/tom microphone. This allows for miking three toms or utilizing a top-and-bottom snare microphone setup.

Every bundle includes a dedicated low-profile microphone stand specifically for the kick drum to ensure precise positioning.

Sound and Character

The microphones within the PGA series are engineered to provide a clear and detailed representation of the drum kit. The dynamic microphones in the set are optimized for high sound pressure levels (SPL), making them suitable for the percussive attack of snares and toms. The inclusion of small-diaphragm condensers in the 6 and 7-piece bundles allows for the capture of high-frequency transients and 'air', which is essential for realistic cymbal reproduction and kit definition.

Suitability and Use Cases

This bundle is particularly well-suited for drummers looking to transition into home recording or for small-to-medium-sized venues needing a consistent house drum mic set. Because the bundle includes specific mounting hardware and a dedicated kick stand, it simplifies the setup process for those who may not have an existing collection of microphone accessories. It provides a professional standard for those using kits such as the Yamaha Rydeen, Tama Superstar Classic, or Ludwig Neusonic series.

Comparison to Alternatives

While there are many high-end individual microphones available for drum recording, the Shure PGA Bundle offers a cost-effective alternative by grouping essential tools into a single package. Compared to buying individual microphones, these bundles provide a matched sonic character across the kit. For users of high-performance shells like the DW Performance Series or Natal Arcadia Acrylic, these microphones offer a reliable way to capture the specific resonance of these kits without the complexity of sourcing disparate microphone brands.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the PGADRUMKIT4?: The PGADRUMKIT4 includes four microphones: one kick drum mic, one snare mic, and two tom mics. It is designed for basic drum reinforcement or minimal recording setups where overheads are not required.
How does the PGADRUMKIT6 differ from the 4-piece set?: The PGADRUMKIT6 includes all the microphones from the 4-piece set but adds two small-diaphragm condenser microphones. These are used as overheads to capture cymbals and provide a better sense of space and definition.
What extra features does the PGADRUMKIT7 offer?: The PGADRUMKIT7 is the most complete set, providing an additional microphone compared to the 6-piece kit. This extra mic can be used for a third tom or to double-mic a snare for more tonal control.
Is a kick drum stand included in the bundle?: Yes, the Shure PGA Drum Kit Bundle includes a choice of low microphone stands specifically designed for capturing the kick drum. This ensures the microphone can be placed correctly inside or at the port of the drum.
Are these microphones suitable for live use?: Yes, the bundle is explicitly designed for both studio recording and live venues. The rugged design of the PGA series makes them durable enough for regular stage use.
Can I use these microphones with a Yamaha Rydeen kit?: Absolutely. These microphones are designed to be universal and will work effectively with any acoustic drum kit, including the Yamaha Rydeen series. The included mounts are compatible with standard drum rims.
Do the overhead microphones require phantom power?: Yes, the small-diaphragm condensers included in the PGADRUMKIT6 and 7 require +48V phantom power from a mixer or audio interface. The dynamic microphones in the kit do not require phantom power.
Can the tom microphones be used on a snare?: Yes, the tom and snare microphones in the PGA series are often similar in design and can be used interchangeably depending on the specific sound or positioning you require. The PGADRUMKIT7 specifically suggests using the extra mic for a snare if needed.
What is the typical price for this bundle?: The typical price for this Shure bundle is approximately £371, though this may vary depending on the specific configuration chosen and the retailer. It represents a significant value compared to purchasing the microphones individually.
Who is the primary audience for the Shure PGA Drum Kit Bundle?: The bundle is aimed at self-recording drummers, home and project studio owners, and sound engineers. It is also an ideal solution for live venues needing a reliable drum miking kit.
Are cables included in this specific bundle?: The manufacturer description mentions the choice of both style and stand, but does not explicitly list XLR cables as a standard inclusion in every package. Users should check their specific retailer bundle for cable inclusions.
How does this kit handle high volumes?: The PGA series is designed by Shure to handle high sound pressure levels (SPL) common in acoustic drumming. This ensures that the audio remains clear without distortion even during heavy playing.