Alien Radio wrote:
Audix D6 now had a Cad before, while on the kick insert I do have a dbx 166xl and a 31 band eq which is overkill sense I'm only using certain frequencies. I haven't had a chance to readjust how I gave the eq set since we upgraded mic's. the mic is position just inside the the front head through the hole, the drummer also bought a plastic ring that firs inserts onto the hole that is suppose to gain us a little. I will mess with the eq settings next week when we have practice again, but still feel like maybe something that has more power capacity would help with just getting it where it can be heard, but I agree that the "sound" needs to be honed. I've been trying to talk the drummer into getting a sure beta 91 to sit inside the drums and run s second channel into the mains. Which this I'm sure that I should have mentioned before, he wont let me put him through the mains now, so the subs for kick is all I have. Oh he does use good heads though.
Why the 31 band graphic EQ? What are you doing with the channel strip EQ? In an earlier post in this thread IIRC you mentioned using the low cut on the amp, and cutting on the graphic. I'd venture a guess that the graphic isn't set in a way that is helping you achieve the sound you are looking for. Are you boosting something with your channel EQ only to be cutting an overlapping freq with the graphic? Are you boosting or cutting a lot of frequency bands right next to eachother on the graphic that could be causing phasing issues. Take the graphic out of the chain first and see if anything improves.
What are you using the 166XL for? Compressing? Gating? Maybe to get rid of some of the ring you can use the gate on that 166 so it cuts off the ringing. Are you hitting the compressor hard and fast and squashing the transient? Are you hitting the limiter? Where is the output gain set?
How does it sound when you take everything out of the insert? I'd go back to basics and start with the dry mic signal, then EQ using the channel strip to taste, then if it needs it add the compressor/gate, and leave out the graphic EQ. Starting over from scratch with the source (kick drum tuning and mic placement as others have mentioned), and then setting proper gain structure, then setting your channel EQ and then if necessary insert the Dynamics processing. Doing this first is a lot less expensive then getting new subs, and may uncover why you aren't getting the sound you're looking for with the subs you currently have. If you don't do this, you could end up paying for new subs that still don't solve the problem. When troubleshooting, start at the beginning. That's why when ever you call tech support for a product the first thing they ask you is, "is the unit plugged in and turned on?" You might think when they ask that, that the tech must think you're a moron, but you'd be surprised how many Tech Support calls end with that single question. When I get calls at 8am on a Saturday from the local rec center where I'm the in house tech guy asking, why can't we hear the iPod through the PA, my first question is always, is the mixer turned on, followed by, are the speakers turned on, followed by is the iPod cable plugged in. 95% of the time the phone call ends with one of those 3 questions, the other 5% are fixed by explaining how to locate and disengage the mute button for the iPod channel, or how to raise the fader(s). Think Horses not Zebras.
I am not a fan of the D6, but as others have said it is a respected and capable mic for kick drum. I use a Beta 52 and a Beta 91 usually, and if I can only use one I go with the 52. It would be my recommendation that you not spend the money on getting a Beta 91 until you can reasonably get consistently good sound from your current set up. Having more tools doesn't make you a better craftsman, but having the skills and knowledge to properly use the tools you have does.
Ed
I'm going to develop gear that moves itself to and from the van.
Who wouldn't buy something like that?
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