AKG D112 MKII Review: The Classic Kick Drum Microphone

The AKG D112 has defined kick drum sound for over three decades. First introduced in 1985, this large-diaphragm dynamic microphone became the industry standard for capturing the punch and weight that modern productions demand. The MKII update adds convenient features while preserving the sonic characteristics that made the original legendary. At $199, the D112 MKII delivers professional kick drum tone at an accessible price.

Design and Build Quality

The D112 MKII features a distinctive egg-shaped body that immediately identifies it on stages and in studios worldwide. This unique enclosure houses a large diaphragm specifically designed for low-frequency reproduction. The shape also facilitates positioning inside bass drums where space constraints challenge conventional microphone designs.

The integrated stand mount simplifies setup, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware. A single thumbscrew adjusts the angle, allowing quick positioning during soundcheck. The mount attaches to standard microphone stands without adapters.

Build quality reflects AKG’s professional heritage. The durable housing survives the rigors of touring while the bass-specific diaphragm handles the massive SPL levels that kick drums generate. The all-metal construction provides shielding against electromagnetic interference.

The MKII version adds a flexible integrated mount that wasn’t present in the original design. This update improves vibration isolation and simplifies positioning compared to the original D112’s separate mount.

Sound Characteristics

The D112 delivers the punchy, focused kick drum sound that has dominated popular music for decades. The frequency response exhibits a pronounced presence peak around 4kHz that emphasizes beater attack, helping kick drums cut through dense mixes. Simultaneously, the extended low-frequency response captures the chest-thumping weight that defines powerful kick drum sounds.

The built-in low-frequency chamber acts as a bass resonator, extending response down to approximately 20Hz. This design feature captures the subsonic content that smaller microphones miss, providing the foundation that dance and electronic music demands.

High-frequency response rolls off gradually above the presence peak, reducing bleed from nearby cymbals and toms. This natural filtering simplifies kick drum processing by minimizing unwanted high-frequency content.

The cardioid polar pattern focuses on the sound source while rejecting sound from the sides and rear. This directional characteristic helps isolate the kick drum from the surrounding kit, though some bleed inevitably reaches the microphone in loud stage environments.

Kick Drum Positioning Techniques

Position affects the D112’s captured sound dramatically. Placing the microphone inside the bass drum, aimed at the beater impact point, maximizes attack and click. This position delivers the aggressive, modern kick sound prevalent in rock and metal.

Moving the microphone toward the resonant head or outside the drum increases low-frequency content while softening the attack. This position suits jazz, acoustic, and vintage-style productions.

Distance from the batter head influences the attack-to-sustain ratio. Closer positions emphasize the transient while further positions allow more shell resonance to develop.

The D112’s integrated mount allows angle adjustment that affects tone. Aiming directly at the beater impact point maximizes attack while angling toward the shell edge captures more low-frequency resonance.

Bass Amp and Other Applications

While designed for kick drums, the D112 excels on bass amplifiers and floor toms. The extended low-frequency response captures bass guitar’s fundamental frequencies effectively. The presence peak adds definition that helps bass cut through without excessive volume.

Floor toms benefit from the D112’s low-frequency extension and punch. The attack emphasis helps floor toms maintain presence in fast passages. Some engineers prefer dedicated tom microphones, but the D112 provides excellent results when shared between kick and floor tom during smaller productions.

Comparison with Alternatives

The Shure Beta 52A ($189) offers an alternative kick drum character with slightly more aggressive attack and extended low-end. Engineers choose between these two standards based on the specific production requirements and personal preference.

The Audix D6 ($199) provides a more pre-shaped response that requires less EQ for modern kick drum sounds. Some engineers prefer its ready-to-use character while others favor the D112’s more natural response.

The Sennheiser e602 II ($179) delivers excellent kick drum performance at a lower price point, though some engineers prefer the D112’s established character.

Value Proposition

The D112 MKII justifies its $199 price through reliable performance, professional sound quality, and legendary status. Studios worldwide stock D112s because they consistently deliver the expected kick drum sound. This predictability has value in professional environments where experimentation time is limited.

The MKII updates improve the original design without sacrificing the sonic characteristics that made it an industry standard.

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The AKG D112 MKII is available at Guitar Center, Musician’s Friend, ProAudioStar, and Amazon with various bundle options.