SAMSON DK705 Drum Mic 5-piece Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It
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This samson dk705 drum mic 5 piece review covers a kit designed for standard drum setups. It includes two Q71 dynamic microphones and three Q72 dynamic microphones. The Q71 targets bass drums with a low-end focus. The Q72s handle snares and toms with a frequency response of 50 Hz to 16 kHz. Both mic types feature cardioid pickup patterns to reduce feedback. The kit weighs 2.2 pounds and comes in charcoal. It includes mounting hardware and a hardshell case. XLR cables are not included. This set offers a complete solution for miking a five-piece kit without needing separate purchases for each drum.
What stands out
- Includes two Q71 and three Q72 dynamic microphones for a full five-piece kit
- Q72 frequency response of 50 Hz to 16 kHz captures snare and tom attack
- Cardioid pickup patterns on both mic types reject off-axis noise and feedback
- Comes with swivel-style mount for Q71 and rim clips for Q72s
- Packs into a protective hardshell case for easy transport
Who it fits
Good fit for
This kit suits drummers who need a complete, ready-to-use solution for a standard five-piece acoustic kit. It is ideal for live performers who require high SPL handling and feedback rejection. Studio musicians recording drum tracks will appreciate the tailored frequency responses for kick and snare/toms. If you want a single package that includes all necessary mics and mounting hardware for a full kit, this set provides a practical, spec-driven option. The included hardshell case adds value for gigging musicians who travel frequently.
Who should skip it
You should look elsewhere if you need XLR cables, as they are sold separately. This kit is not suitable for electronic drum kits, which use different triggering methods. If you require condenser microphones for detailed overhead recording, this dynamic mic set will not meet your needs. Drummers with non-standard kits, such as those with more than five pieces, will need additional microphones. The Q71 is specific to bass drums, so it will not work well for snare or tom duties compared to the Q72.
Verdict: The Samson DK705 offers a complete, spec-focused solution for miking a standard five-piece acoustic drum kit. It provides reliable dynamic microphones with tailored frequency responses for each drum type.
Key specs explained for drum mics
5-Piece set
This kit includes five microphones to cover a standard drum kit. You get two Q71 mics for the bass drum and three Q72 mics for snares and toms. This arrangement covers the essential components of a typical acoustic setup. It simplifies your recording process by providing dedicated microphones for each part of the kit.
Dynamic microphones
The Q71 and Q72 units use dynamic elements. These are built to handle extremely high sound pressure levels without distortion. They maintain a wide dynamic range, making them suitable for both high-volume drumming and quieter sessions. This type of microphone is durable and less sensitive to off-axis noise, which helps reduce feedback.
Cardioid pickup patterns
Both microphone types feature a cardioid polar pattern. This design rejects noise coming from the sides and rear of the mic. It reduces audio bleed from other instruments and minimizes feedback issues during live performances. This isolation keeps your recorded audio clean, which is crucial when mixing individual drum tracks in a studio environment.
Frequency response tailored to low-end
The Q71 is designed to capture the low frequencies of a bass drum. It records the full range from the body of the drum to the punchy attack. This focus ensures you get the necessary bass tones for your mix. It is an excellent choice for live sound and studio recording where bottom end clarity is important.
50 Hz to 16 kHz frequency response
The Q72 mics cover this specific range to handle snares and toms. A slight boost in the upper midrange brings out attack and clarity. This response captures the full range of each drum, ensuring they sound their best. This makes them versatile for various musical styles, whether you are playing in a live band or recording.
2.2 pounds weight
The entire kit weighs 2.2 pounds. This light weight makes it easy to transport to gigs or rehearsals. It packs into a hardshell carry case for protection. The manageable weight ensures you can set up and break down quickly without struggling with heavy gear, which is practical for mobile musicians who travel frequently.
Design and Build Overview
The Samson DK705 kit is finished in a charcoal color, according to the listing. This neutral tone helps the microphones blend into standard drum setups without drawing visual attention away from the player. The set weighs 2.2 pounds. This light total weight makes the kit easy to transport for gigging musicians or to move around a home studio. You can carry the entire package without significant strain.
The layout includes two Q71 dynamic microphones and three Q72 dynamic microphones. The Q71 is paired with a swivel-style mic mount. This mount allows you to angle the microphone precisely toward the bass drum head. The three Q72 microphones use tension-mounted rim clips. These clips attach directly to the drum rims, securing the mics for snares and toms. This mounting system keeps the hardware tight and stable during play.
All components pack into a hardshell carry case. This case provides protection for the microphones and mounting hardware during transport. The included hardware is designed for quick setup. You do not need to search for separate stands or clips for the basic configuration. The design prioritizes portability and straightforward installation for standard five-piece drum kits.
Setup And Everyday Use Guide
Setting up the Samson DK705 is straightforward because the kit includes all necessary mounting hardware. You do not need to purchase additional stands or clips for basic installation. The Q71 microphone for the bass drum uses a swivel-style mount. This allows you to adjust the angle easily to capture the low-end frequencies effectively. The three Q72 microphones for the snare and toms use tension-mounted rim clips. These clips attach directly to the drum rims, securing the mics in place without drilling or complex rigging.
The microphones are built to handle high sound pressure levels. This means you can use them during loud jam sessions or live performances without worrying about distortion. The cardioid pickup pattern rejects off-axis noise. This feature helps reduce audio bleed from other drums and cymbals. It keeps your recorded or amplified signal clean and focused on the intended instrument.
Portability is a key aspect of daily use. The entire kit, including all five microphones and hardware, packs into a hardshell carry case. This case protects the equipment during transport. The total weight of the set is 2.2 pounds. This light weight makes it easy to carry to rehearsals or gigs. Note that XLR cables are sold separately. You will need to provide your own cables to connect the microphones to your mixer or audio interface. The setup process is quick, allowing you to start playing or recording with minimal delay.
Before You Buy This Kit
You need XLR cables to connect these microphones to your interface or mixer, as they are not included. Check that your recording gear supports dynamic microphone inputs. The Q71 and Q72 elements handle high sound pressure levels, but you must ensure your preamps can provide sufficient gain for clean signal capture. Keep the hardshell case closed when transporting to protect the charcoal-finished mics from impact. This analog kit sits alongside electronic drum sets in your setup. It serves as a dedicated capture tool for acoustic kits or hybrid setups. It does not replace an e-drum module. You use it to record or amplify acoustic sounds. Verify your stage space allows for the included rim clips and swivel mounts. Regularly wipe the microphone heads with a dry cloth to maintain consistent performance. This practical approach ensures longevity without complex maintenance routines.
Check before you buy
- Verify you have XLR cables for connection
- Check preamp gain for dynamic mic inputs
- Confirm space for rim clips and swivel mounts
- Ensure case fits your transport vehicle
The product at a glance
Samson DK705 5-Piece Drum Mic Kit
Best for: Standard 5-piece drum kits
- Piece Count
- 5-Piece
- Weight
- 2.2 pounds
View on Amazon: Samson DK705 5-Piece Drum Mic Kit Affiliate link
The Samson DK705 is a five-piece dynamic microphone set designed for standard drum kits. It includes one Q71 mic for kick drums and four Q72 mics for snares and toms. The cardioid pickup pattern reduces feedback and bleed. The kit weighs 2.2 pounds and includes mounting hardware. It suits drummers needing a complete, portable solution for live or studio recording.
Pros
- Includes five dynamic microphones for a standard kit
- Cardioid pickup pattern rejects off-axis noise
- Q71 tailored for low-end bass drum capture
- Q72 mics boost upper midrange for attack clarity
- Comes with a hardshell carry case
Cons
- XLR cables are not included
- Dynamic mics may lack detail for quiet playing
- No integrated preamp or phantom power
Good fit if
- You need a complete mic set for a standard 5-piece kit
- You play in loud environments where feedback rejection matters
- You want a portable kit with a hardshell case
Skip if
- You already own individual microphones
- You require condenser mics for studio detail
- You need a kit with included cables
Verdict: Samson DK705 5-Piece Drum Mic Kit is a practical choice for drummers who need a complete, durable setup for live performance. It fits players prioritizing feedback rejection and portability over studio-grade detail.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Samson DK705 5-Piece Drum Mic Kit |
|---|---|
| Piece Count | 5-Piece |
| Weight | 2.2 pounds |
| Color | Charcoal |
| Model | DK705 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best use for the Samson DK705?
This kit is best for standard five-piece drum kits during live performances. It prioritizes feedback rejection and portability over studio-grade detail. The design suits players who need a durable, complete setup for stage use rather than quiet recording environments.
How many microphones are in the Samson DK705 kit?
The kit contains five microphones in total. It includes two Q71 dynamic microphones and three Q72 dynamic microphones. This count allows you to cover the bass drum, snare, and toms with dedicated mics for each component.
What is the total weight of the Samson DK705?
The entire set weighs 2.2 pounds. This lightweight construction makes it easy to transport for gigs or rehearsals. The low weight contributes to the kit's reputation for portability without sacrificing the durability needed for live sound.
Does the Samson DK705 include mounting hardware?
Yes, the kit includes all necessary mounting hardware for basic installation. You can attach the Q71 to the bass drum using its swivel-style mount. You also get clips for the Q72 mics on snares and toms, requiring no extra purchases.
What color are the Samson DK705 microphones?
The microphones are finished in charcoal. This neutral color helps the gear blend into standard drum setups. It keeps the visual focus on the player rather than the equipment during live performances or video recordings.
Can the Samson DK705 handle high volume levels?
Yes, the Q71 and Q72 elements are designed to handle high sound pressure levels. This makes them suitable for loud drum kits on stage. You do not need to worry about distortion when miking close to loud cymbals or heavy hits.