Sennheiser E 602 II

I was looking for a relatively inexpensive solution to record demos in our rehearsal place. I was (still am) really specific about the kick drum sound I want to achieve: Modern punchy rock sound, with enough low end, without getting too much click sound at highs like a metal record would have. After 3 years of using this mic I can say I have found the best solution for my taste without busting the bank.

When it comes to drums I record it with 4 or 5 mics, using close mics only on the kick and snare. I get the best result on the kick with the E 602 II just slightly inside the port hole facing the beater. I get that "in the face kick" sound I need. It certainly has a character that is not for everyone, but for me It is perfect without the need of a subkick.

On the plus side, when we record the drums separately, I can use this one on the bass cabinet too. It gives a nice clean and powerful sound, but I would never use this mic alone when I want raw punk style bass sound.

Now the downsides:
I have some problems with the screw that holds the mount part. It is too loose or too tight. So when i set the position of the mic with the stand, a screwdriver comes handy to fix it in the right place and make sure it stays there during the session.

There is another thing I have found problematic in build quality after a while. The XLR connection lets the cable come out just enough cut the sound, but it is visually unnoticeable. It took me a little time to realize that it's not my sound card or the cable that causing the cutouts. Knowing that I just double check the connection before pressing the record button, and mostly everything is fine.

This two problems I have would not stop me buying this mic again, and the second one would come with us on tour. It looks and feels like it can handle abuse really well, but first of all: This mic gives me closest sound to what I want on the kick drum than the other industry standard kick drum microphones that are mostly used around here in venues or mid priced studios where my hobby band could go.

I own a number of mics that I mainly use on the bass drum and the E602 is definitely one of my favourites. If I'm restricted to one mic on the bass drum, for contemporary music in a live setting I tend to go for mics that have been "pre EQ'd", like the Audix D6, or, in now, the E602. It has a very pleasant boost to the low end and doesn't sound quite so "clicky" out front as the D6. I've also used it mounted internally to work alongside my Porter and Davies BC2 and it works tremendously well in that capacity. For recording work, I've used it in conjuction with a boundary mic to provide some really quite remarkable bass drum sounds. I highly recommend giving this mic a go. Excellent value for money and I feel it's a very versatile option.

In my opinion this is the best contemporary sounding kick mic there is. Not flat at all, has great punch without any eq at all and all the bass you could wish for at the same time, and has no weird thing going on that has to be scooped out.
Have been looking for a kick mic for quite a while now, looking at reviews , listening to samples, and as with any internet purchase had my doubts, but since i put it in my bass drum, there is no more doubts at all, this is the best mic out there. I have 18" bass drum and it has everything to make it as big as i want to.
Don't quite like the plastic, but other than that great, if not the best mick im my opinion for low end.