Audix
Audix D4
Dynamic, hypercardioid, compact low-frequency instrument mic (floor toms, small kick drums, bass cabinets)
Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.
Power None. Low output: it needs a lot of preamp gain.
- Type
- Dynamic
- Pattern
- Hypercardioid
- Sensitivity
- −57.1 dBV/Pa
- Among 78 dynamics: more output than 22%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 8%
- Max SPL
- 144 dB SPL
- Among 36 dynamics: takes louder sound than 57%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 75%
- Rated range
- 40 – 18k Hz
- Released
- 1997
vs 44 end-address dynamics
More output than 28% of 44 end-address dynamics.
Each stripe is one end-address dynamic with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.
vs 19 end-address dynamics
Takes louder sound than 44% of 19 end-address dynamics.
Each stripe is one end-address dynamic with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Instruments sources recommend it for most
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the spec sheet 2011 rh, p. 2.
Titled "FREQUENCY / POLARS"; "dBm", relative. Distance, room and smoothing not stated.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
Polar pattern
From the spec sheet 2011 rh, p. 2. Approximate
Two full-circle plots ("Lo": 125 Hz to 1 kHz; "Hi": 2 to 16 kHz), "dBSPL" from 0 to -36 dB, each frequency drawn at its own level. Measuring conditions not stated.
Approximate: reading error up to about 1 dB.
In practice
All specs
| From the spec sheet | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | VLM Type D (Very Low Mass diaphragm)"Capsule Technology: VLM Type D". | p. 2 |
| Sensitivity | −57.1 dBV/Pa (1.4 mV/Pa)1 kHz. "1.4 mV / Pa @ 1k"; converted (20 log10 0.0014). The 2000 sheet gives "Sensitivity -72 db" with no reference. | |
| Max SPL | 144 dB SPL"≥144 dB"; distortion not stated | |
| Output impedance | 280 ohmnominal, 1 kHz; also 200 ohm, 2009 and 2000 sheets. "280 ohms". The 2009 and 2000 sheets give 200 ohms. | |
| Rated frequency range | 40 Hz to 18 kHz"40 Hz - 18 kHz"; the older sheets agree. | |
| Powering | none"Power Requirements: None"; not affected by phantom power. | |
| Connector | XLR-3 male, gold-plated"3-pin XLRm"; page 1: "gold plated XLR connector". The 2009 sheet says Switchcraft male XLR. | |
| Weight | 128 g"128 g / 4.5 oz". The 2000 sheet: "4.5 oz / 127 grams". | |
| Dimensions | 39 × 100 mmWidest diameter × length: "21.5 mm in diameter at the base, 39 mm in diameter at the widest point on the grill and 100 mm in length". | |
| Finish | black anodised (hard coat), machined aluminium body"Black Hard Coat"; page 1: "precision machined aluminum body, durable black anodized finish". The 2000 sheet says "Black E-coat". | |
| Supplied accessories | DCLIP heavy-duty snap-on clip; P1 carrying pouch"Supplied accessories". | p. 1 |
| Off-axis rejection | >20 dB | p. 2 |
| Grille | Dent-resistant steel mesh | p. 1 |
| Design | Transformerless, low impedance, balanced output | |
| PlacementAudix | Drums: bottom of the grille 1-2 inches above the head, pointed at the centre; pull back to the rim for more ring, closer for more attack. Cabinets: within 1-2 inches of the grille cloth. Horns: within 1-2 inches of the bell. | p. 2 |
| From the Recording Hacks page | ||
| Released | 1997 | |
| From the spec sheet 2001 rh | ||
| Response chartAudix | The frequency response chart and the polar patterns represent a typical production run | p. 2 |
Documents
- D4 Dynamic Instrument MicrophoneD4_v3_0516
- D4 Dynamic Instrument Microphone spec sheet
- D-4 Sub Impulse Dynamic Instrument Microphone
- Audix D4 | RecordingHacks.com
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © Audix, unchanged, with its original address.
Recommended for
By recording guides, engineers and mic makers, for this mic or an earlier version of it.