The AKG Acoustics D 112 is a very popular microphone among drummers and engineers. It is a standard mic to use on kick drum, and it sees use in live and recording situations all around the world. It is a dynamic microphone, naturally, and it has a cardioid polar pattern. The AKG D 112 has a frequency response that starts down at 20 Hz and extends surprisingly high: it goes up to 17,000 Hz, and the frequency response is tailored to kick drum, although it has been very successfully used on lower frequency instruments like floor toms, bass cabinets, and other things. It has two peaks, one is a low frequency peak down at 100 Hz, and there is a very noticeable mid high presence peak up around 3,500 Hz. What is absolutely remarkable about the AKG D 112 is its massive sound pressure level handling abilities, as it is actually able to toleration high sound pressure levels of up to 160 dB!

OVERALL OPINION

What I find remarkable about the AKG Acoustics D 112 is the simple fact that I cannot objectively point out how good it sounds. The microphone is not really something that one can understand until one has used it. I have reviewed other low frequency microphones before, and I have been extremely satisfied with them, but the simple truth is, this microphone blows them away in strange ways I could not expect it to do so. No matter how happy you may be with your current microphone on kick drum, I have not a single fear of being overtly sensational when I say that the D 112 is hands down, the most punchy, explosive, but still clean and tight kick drum microphone that one can use.

Here is the kicker. I liked it on vocals. I was curious about how that would work out, and the AKG D 112 worked spectacularly for louder, more percussive vocal work, and especially well for voice over. It is because of the two peaks across the spectrum.

All in all, the D 112 is incredible. Try it.