Audix
Audix D6
Dynamic, cardioid, kick-drum mic with a tailored (scooped) response, machined aluminium body
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
- Cardioid
- Sensitivity
- −61.9 dBV/Pa
- Among 78 dynamics: more output than 5%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 2%
- Max SPL
- 144 dB SPL
- Among 36 dynamics: takes louder sound than 57%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 75%
- Rated range
- 30 – 15k Hz
- Released
- 2002
vs 44 end-address dynamics
More output than 9% 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, p. 2.
Titled "Frequency response"; relative dB (axis labelled "dBm", +10 to -10). 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, p. 2. Approximate
Titled "Polar patterns"; two plots, "Lo" (125 Hz to 1 kHz) and "Hi" (2 to 16 kHz), full circles, 0° at the right. Scale "dBSPL" from 0 at the outer circle to -36 at the centre. Measuring conditions not stated.
Approximate: reading error up to about 1 dB.
In practice
All specs
| From the spec sheet | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | VLM Type E (Very Low Mass diaphragm)"Capsule Technology: VLM Type E". | p. 2 |
| Sensitivity | −61.9 dBV/Pa (0.8 mV/Pa)80 Hz. "0.8 mV / Pa @ 80 Hz"; converted (20 log10 0.0008). The architect and engineer text on the same page says "at 1kHz"; the 2010 sheet says 80 Hz in both places. | |
| Max SPL | 144 dB SPL"≥144 dB"; distortion not stated | |
| Output impedance | 280 ohmnominal, 1 kHz; also 200 ohm, 2010 sheet. The 2010 sheet gives 200 ohms. | |
| Rated frequency range | 30 Hz to 15 kHz | |
| Powering | none"Power Requirements: None"; unaffected by phantom power. | |
| Connector | XLR-3 male, gold plated"3-pin XLRm"; page 1: "gold plated XLR connector". The 2010 sheet: "Switchcraft® male XLR connector". | |
| Weight | 254 galso 217, 2010 sheet. "254 g / 8.9oz"; the 2010 sheet gives 217 g / 7.7 ounces. | |
| Dimensions | 51 × 117 mmWidest diameter × length, from the architect and engineer specification ("21.5 mm in diameter at the base, 51 mm in diameter at the widest point and 117 mm in length"). | |
| Supplied accessories | DCLIP heavy-duty nylon snap-on clip; P1 carrying pouch | p. 1 |
| Off-axis rejection | >20 dB | p. 2 |
| Materials / finish | Precision machined aluminium body, black anodised finish, steel mesh grille | p. 1 |
| Circuit | Transformerless, low impedance, balanced output | |
| Polarity | Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3 | p. 2 |
| Variants | D6S silver anodised finish; D6KD with boom stand | p. 1 |
| Optional accessories | DFLEX rim clip; DVICE and DCLAMP mini-goosenecks; STANDKD; TRIPOD; CBL20 / CBLDR25 cables | |
| Warranty | 5 years | p. 2 |
| PlacementAudix | Kick: start centred between batter and resonant heads, pointed at the beater; closer to the beater for more attack, further for more bass; inside the sound hole, not level with it (air turbulence can damage the capsule) | |
| From the Recording Hacks page | ||
| Released | 2002 | |
Documents
- D6 Dynamic Instrument Microphone, spec sheetver 3.0 05-16
- D6 Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone, spec sheet2010
- Audix D6 | 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.