Description

The Earthworks DK50/R premium three-microphone solution for recording drums, features two QTC50 omnis and one SR30 cardioid condenser mics; 1 KP1 KickPad, 3 LP20 LevelPads, 1 SRW2 stainless steel windscreen, three mic clips and a rugged carrying case

The Earthworks DK50/R is for the Rudy Van Gelders* among us who insist on nothing but the most accurate sonic capture to provide the realism of being in the room with the musicians. The DK50/R comprises one SR30 microphone and KP1 KickPad, for spot-miking a kick drum, plus two QTC50 omnidirectional microphones for overheads. The cream of Earthworks’ flagship QTC (Quiet Time Coherent)-series precision microphones and a first choice for audiophile orchestral recording, the QTC50s are a superb choice for drum overheads, capturing all the subtle nuance and cohesiveness of the kit—from the attack and sizzle of a pianissimo ride cymbal, to the gentle sweep of brushes. For more aggressive playing styles, the inclusion of three LP20 LevelPads attenuate loud sound sources without compromising the crystalline clarity of the QTC50s and SR30. If high-quality, phase-coherent capture of drums as a single instrument is in your recording philosophy, the Earthworks DK50/R is for you. And whatever you do, if you want the spirit of Van Gelder to smile down upon your sessions, don’t touch those mics once you’ve placed them (and that goes double for musicians!).

*(Rudy Van Gelder (John Coltane, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock) is a legendary recording engineer who defined the sound of modern jazz recordings

Earthworks DK50/R DrumKIt in one take:

• Improved impulse response for faster and more accurate transients
• Shorter diaphragm settling time to prevent quieter attacks from being blurred by earlier loud attacks
• Extended frequency response to capture a crisper and more realistic image
• Near perfect polar patterns that remain even across all frequencies and at any position within the pattern
• More cohesive and unified drum sound
• Hear more attack and subtle detail
• Increased detail and dynamic range
• Versatile, multi-use mics
• Mics are protected in a high impact case
• Fast setup and teardown
• Comes with 2 QTC50s (for overheads), 1 SR30 (for kick drum), 1 KickPad, 3 LevelPads, 1 stainless steel windscreen, 3 foam windscreens
• Comes housed in a Zero/Halliburton carrying case

Fast impulse response and settling time for incredible detail

David Blackmer, founder of dbx and Earthworks, two of the most influential and innovative pro audio manufacturers in the history of the industry was focused on created the world’s best loudspeakers. To accomplish that goal, he realized that he needed more precise test equipment than was available at the time. As such, he began his quest for perfect sound reproduction with the invention of a remarkable test microphone. In his research, Blackmer discovered that impulse response was a far more revealing indicator of a mic’s performance that simply measuring frequency response.

Impulse response indicates how fast a microphone can react to fast transients, such as a snare hit or cymbal attack. The positive-going wave, called compression, causes the diaphragm to vibrate. The speed at which the diaphragm resets to its zero point, in anticipation of the next attack is its settling time. A fast impulse response allows the mic to capture the full crispness and detail of attacks, while the fast settling time will allow you to hear subtle details in your recording previous not possible. The overall term for how sensitive a diaphragm is to compression and rarefaction of sound waves is “compliance.”

Blackmer recognized that only the highly compliant small diaphragms of condenser microphones were capable of the precision his specifications required. This has been the guiding principal behind all Earthworks microphone designs since.

QTC50—3Hz-50kHz flat frequency response 

The QTC50’s audio performance is unparalleled, with an ultra-wide 3Hz to 50kHz frequency response that’s linear throughout the entire spectrum. Its omnidirectional polar response is exceptionally consistent, exhibiting a coherent, even response across the direct and off-axis sections of the capsule. Additionally, the QTC50 has a 140dB SPL rating without no distortion and no handling noise.

SR30—extended frequency response to 30kHz

The Earthworks SR30 is a pre-polarized condenser microphone with a first-order cardioid pickup pattern directly coupled to a dedicated wideband, low-output impedance transformerless preamplifier. It features a flat frequency response from 20Hz to 30kHz, fast impulse response, very low handling noise, uniform polar pattern, and high SPL handling capabilities. The SR30 provides excellent uncolored rejection of sounds arriving off-axis. Sonic timbre and frequency response stay uniform across the entire front of the microphone capsule, helping capture the true character of your instrument.

LP20 LevelPad

The LP20 LevelPad is an in-line attenuator that provides -20dB attenuation and minimizes distortion by providing added headroom. The LP20 will attenuate any balanced microphone level or line level signal and features standard XLR-3 male to XLR-3 female input and output connectors.

If the sound of drums as a single instrument, rather than an aggregate of disparate drums and metal is integral to your recording philosophy, the Earthworks DK50/R DrumKit needs to be in your mic closet. For more information, call or chat online with your Westlake Pro Sales Consultant.

Earthworks DK50/R DrumKit specifications:

QTC50

• Frequency Response: 3Hz to 50kHz ±1.5dB
• Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
• Sensitivity: 34mV/Pa (-29 dBV/Pa)
• Power Requirements: 24 – 48V Phantom, 10mA
• Max Acoustic Input: 140dB SPL
• Output: XLR (pin 2+)
• Output Impedance: 65 ohm balanced (between pins 2 & 3)
• Min Output Load: 600 ohm between pins 2 & 3
• Noise: 20dB SPL equivalent (A weighted)
• Dimensions L x D: 9″ x 7/8″ (229 x 22 mm)
• Weight: .5 lb. (225g)

SR30

• Frequency Response: 20Hz to 30kHz
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Sensitivity: 20mV/Pa (-34dBV/Pa)
• Power Requirements: 24 – 48V Phantom, 10mA
• Max Acoustic Input: 139dB SPL
• Output: XLR (pin 2+)
• Output Impedance: 65 ohm balanced (between pins 2 & 3)
• Min Output Load: 600 ohm between pins 2 & 3
• Noise: 16dB SPL equivalent (A weighted)
• Dimensions L x D: 9″ x 7/8″ (229 x 22 mm)
• Weight: .5 lb. (225g)

DK50/R DrumKit Includes:

• 2 QTC50 microphones
• 1 SR30 microphone
• 1 KP1 KickPad
• 3 LP20 LevelPads
• 1 SRW2 stainless steel windscreen
• 3 microphone clips
• Rugged Zero/Halliburton carrying case