The Sontronics DM-1S is a small-diaphragm, clip-on cardioid condenser mic designed specifically for snare drum, developed in cooperation with top producers and drummers.
If you’ve ever miked a drum kit (and you wouldn’t be here if you haven’t), you know that snare presents the greatest challenge. Getting bulky dynamic mics in between drums and under cymbals and hi-hat is one thing, (especially if the drummer’s puts rack toms on either side of the snare) but keeping them out of the way of “Animal” and his flailing drum sticks while trying to capture the resonance and snap of the drum is another. And if you want to use the studio’s better small-diaphragm condensers on the snare, keeping them out of harm’s way is even more crucial. Then there’s the issue of stands, especially if you’re using two mics on top and one underneath. You wind up building a forest of metal while trying to sneak the stand’s tripods under the kick drum and cymbal stands (without bumping the drums) and keep their legs from overlapping. From a visual standpoint, it’s a nightmare for TV or concerts. Even with a five-piece fusion kit, it’s enough to make you swear off (or at) drummers. Or, you could simplify your setup with a single Sontronics DM-1S clip-on snare mics and get a better sound than you thought possible.
Sontronics DM-1S:-Just the Facts:
- Designed specifically for snare drum, also great for other percussion instruments
- Small-diaphragm cardioid condenser mic
- High-SPL handling (135dB)
- -10dB pad
- Supplied with mic clip that mounts on drum rim
- Covered by Sontronics’ lifetime warranty
Sontronics DM-1S-Behind the Grille
The heavier diaphragms of moving-coil mics (otherwise known as dynamics) have more inertia to overcome when hit by an acoustic wave, which means initial parts of transients are lost. So why are they so prevalent in drum miking? Because they exhibit a natural compression, which makes them easier to record. However, that compression also shortens the resonance of the snare, and resonance is where the money is. What’s recording engineer to do? Sontronics has the solution in the form of the DM-1S, a purpose-built condenser mic specifically to capture the money on toms-attack and resonance.
The DM-1S is a high-sensitivity (hotter output), small-diaphragm condenser mic with a -10dB attenuation pad that’s capable of capturing up to an impressive 135db SPL. Along with a highly compliant, transient-friendly diaphragm and wide frequency response, the DM-1S is designed to capture all the classic characteristics of your snare; the snap, crack, rattle, and punch that drive a mix. The DM-1S has slightly different frequency response than its sister mic, the DM-1T tom mic, in order to provide exceptional results for their respective specialties: snare and toms. The DM-1S comes with a mic clip that lets you set up quickly and position your mic wherever you need it-either on a mic stand or an additional rim mount. Like all Sontronics microphones, the DM-1S is covered by a unique lifetime warranty.
Applications
The DM-1S is ideal for kit snare and orchestral snare drum, but users report that they also give incredible results on cajón, djembe, and doumbek.
DM-1S recommended uses:
- Snare drum
- Cajón
- Djembe
- Doumbek)
What the pros are saying about the DM series:
Sontronics mics have received rave reviews, awards, and are featured on the touring kits and studio set-ups of major drummers including Dave Grohl, Aerosmith's Joey Kramer, Dom Howard of Muse, and Blur's Dave Rowntree.
"We were using the DM-1S and another mic (that costs ten times more) and we had to keep checking
the patching because we thought the DM-1S was the thousand-pound mic. It is just incredible!" - Mark Rankin, producer (Florence & The Machine, Adele, Plan B, Queens of the Stone Age)
"I'm so impressed by the sound of these mics (DM-1S/T) for all my studio and live performances in all genres (rock, jazz, world music), I rely on these mics. Just amazing." - Marito Marques, Drummer/Producer
"The DM-1B sounds better than my vintage Neumann U47fet, which is saying something, and the DM-1S is one of the best close mics I have ever used. Amazing!" - Andy Gray, producer/composer (Radiohead, Gary Numan, Enter Shikari, TT3D, CSI Miami)
"DM-1B sounds absolutely brilliant, right out of the box, with no need for any EQ. The DM-1B, DM-1T, and DM-1S truly capture my drums without any need for any enhancement. The results are amazing!" - Pete Parada, drummer (My Chemical Romance, The Offspring)
Sontronics DrumPacks
The award-winning DM-1T and DM-1S are now available with Sontronics’ DM-1B kick drum microphone in two multi-mic sets: DrumPack and DrumPack Plus. Click the links to find out more.
The DM-1S gives you all the snap, growl, and punch you desire from your snare, both live and in the studio. Order yours today. For more information, call or chat online with your PAD Studio Specialist.
Specifications
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Pad: 0dB, -10dB
- Frequency response: 30Hz - 20kHz
- Sensitivity: 8mV/Pa -42dB ±2dB
- (0dB = 1V/Pa @ 1,000Hz)
- Impedance: ≤200 ohm
- Equivalent noise level: 14dB
- (A-weighted)
- SPL (for 0.5% THD @ 1,000Hz):
- 135dB (with -10dB pad switched in)
- Power: Phantom power 48V required
- Connector: 3-pin XLR
- Dimensions: 3-6/8" x 7/8" x 7/8" (95 x 22 x 22mm)
- Weight: 3.2 oz. (90g)
- Comes with: mic clip
