It seems that the coolest thing in drum miking to come down the pike of late is the B-Band DM-K Drum Contact Mic for kick drums. Based on nanotechnology, the DM-K kick drum mic is a remarkable new way to get an amplified acoustic sound from your drums. Manufactured in the spirit of true acoustic instrument aficionados, the system consists of the DM-K preamp and the DST contact mic. The DM-K preamp features high quality Class A electronics, while the revolutionary DST transducer is a patented, high-tech electret film that acts like a condenser mic.

Since the DST contact mic mounts discreetly on the inside of the drum shell near the head, it's performance is consistent, since there are no mics to be accidentally bumped into and moved out of place. There are no positioning issues, and the changing room characteristics of different venues are taken out of the equation. The DST also offers superior isolation from overheads and snare, which is always a problem in the studio (was a problem), and especially for miked drums in live performance, where other instruments bleed into the onstage mics. The sleek looking and unobtrusive DM-K preamp will work with any size kick drum. It attaches quickly and easily to the drum rim, while staying happily out of the way of errant drumsticks. Once attached, they need not be removed, which makes setup a breeze. The DST lead is simply fed through the drum air hole to the DM-K preamp. Once in place the DM-K connects via standard XLR cable to PA or mixer. The DM-K preamp can be powered by any 48-volt phankick drum powered PA or mixer, and has four mini switches for tone contouring: 1) +6 dB boost at 80Hz ; 2) +12 dB boost at 330 Hz; 3) -8 dB cut at 500 Hz; 4) +8 dB boost at 4 kHz. In keeping with the B-Band philosophy, the DM-K does not add any noticeable weight to the drum, and is built to withstand rigorous touring.

Of course, the most important question is: how does it sound?" If it's any indication, the DM-K system employs the same technology found in B-Band's acoustic guitar systems, which are used by the likes of Larry Carlton and Steve Vai. Simply stated, live sound engineers find that they sound great and a real time saver.

B-Band DM-K Single Kick Drum Microphone Specifications:

• Mini switch control range: 1) +6 dB bass boost (shelving < 80 Hz); 2) +12 dB boost at 330 Hz (peaking Q ~1); 3) -8 dB cut at 500 Hz (peaking Q ~1); 4) +8 dB boost at 4 kHz (peaking Q ~1)
• Frequency response: 22 Hz - 35 kHz (-3 dB)
• Input: B-Band
• Output power: balanced phantom powered 12 - 50 V. Nominal output is similar as common dynamic drum mics
• Weight (with accessories): 90 g
• Dimensions: L 90 mm / 3.50", W 38 mm / 1.50", H 47 mm / 1.80"

B-Band DM-K Single Kick Drum Microphone Features:

• Improved isolation of each drum with minimal bleed from other drums
• Eliminates the need for audio gate effects
• Ultra-quick setups. The DM-K preamp is mounted to the rim with a secure thumb screw system (no tools necessary)
• Ready to go! There is no need to position mics or mic stands, just plug a standard XLR cable into the preamp and it's ready
• The drum set will have a very clean look without the clutter of mics and stands
• Mounts to drum without modification

If you're tired of lugging drum mics and stands to gigs, along with long setup and tear-down, get the great-sounding new B-Band DM-K Contact Mic. Your FOH engineer will thank you!