A better way to mic acoustic drums is finally here.
It seems that the coolest thing in drum miking to come down the pike of late is the B-Band DM-T Drum
Contact Mic for toms. Based on nanotechnology, the DM-T tom 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-T preamp
and the DST contact mic. The DM-T 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, its 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-T preamp will work with any size rack or floor tom. It attaches quickly and easily to
the drum rim, while staying happily out of the way of errant drumsticks. Once attached, it need not be removed, which makes
setup a breeze. The DST lead is simply fed through the drum air hole to the DM-T preamp. Once in place the DM-T connects via
standard XLR cable to PA or mixer. The DM-T preamp can be powered by any 48-volt phantom powered PA or mixer, and has four
mini switches for tone contouring: 1) +6 dB bass boost; 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-T 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-T 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 are a real time saver.
B-Band DM-T Single Tom 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-T 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-T Contact Mic. Your FOH engineer will thank you!
B-Band DM-T Single Tom 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): 96 g
- Dimensions: L 115 mm / 4.50", W 38 mm / 1.50", H 48 mm / 1.90"
