Audix D2/D4 vs. Sennheiser e904 for Toms

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Matt Vivlamore

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Jan 11, 2011
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I currently use the Audix D2 & D4 on toms with the Shure A56D drum mic clamps and I was thinking about switching to the e904’s. I usually mic the Toms with a D2(x3), D4(x1) & D6(x1) combo. I have used the e604 series and I wasn’t ‘pleased’ with them when compared to the D-Series.

What are your thoughts on the e904, are they better or just as good as the D-Series?
 
Re: Audix D2/D4 vs. Sennheiser e904 for Toms

Given that the drums themselves probably play the largest part in the tone production, I'd personally be well-satisfied with the D series. The biggest improvement in drum miking for me has been the gating, but I'm still mostly an analog dog.

As to the difference in the Sennheiser 600 and 900 series all I can say is that the 906 trumps the 609 by a pretty good margin. That doesn't mean that the 609 is no good, though.

FWIW
 
Re: Audix D2/D4 vs. Sennheiser e904 for Toms

You're probably fine where you are if the D-series is working for you. My biggest beef with the D-series was the clips, and their inability to hold up to...well, just about anything. I could look at them the wrong way and they'd snap.

With the Sennheiser to Sennheiser comparison, for my application the 604 to 904 jump was fairly sizable. I don't know if it has to do with the plastic vs metal housing, slight variance in frequency response, etc., but I definitely noticed a positive difference. The only real complaint I have with them is that the clamp doesn't do well with RIMS mounts on drums, but I keep a few extra LP Claws for those purposes. I will say that I've started going back to 421's for toms, especially floor toms, but 95% of the time I'm fortunate enough to work with drummers that can play (and tune!) and won't smack the mics.
 
Re: Audix D2/D4 vs. Sennheiser e904 for Toms

E604 gives a more natural sound, better for smaller toms.
E904 has more presence and low end, pretty close to a D4. Good on deeper toms, especially when you want them "bigger than life".
D4 sounds good on deep toms and floor toms. Less presence but about the same amount of low end as a E904.
I do prefer the sennheiser clips on all three.

IMHO :)
 
Re: Audix D2/D4 vs. Sennheiser e904 for Toms

I use the D2/D4/D6 combo, and have had people ask what the drummer is triggering the kit with. As long as the drummer can tune and you have a properly sized rig, the drums should be fine with any high-quality mic mentioned in the OP.

A properly sized rig seems to be key to getting kick and toms to sound like they should - headroom is my friend.
 
Re: Audix D2/D4 vs. Sennheiser e904 for Toms

Brian Bolly said:
You're probably fine where you are if the D-series is working for you. My biggest beef with the D-series was the clips, and their inability to hold up to...well, just about anything. I could look at them the wrong way and they'd snap.
Click to expand...

The new heavy duty snap on clips rectify this problem.

(another vote for stick with the audix D's)
 
Re: Audix D2/D4 vs. Sennheiser e904 for Toms

A friend has D4s and E904s. He prefers the Sennheiser package and the D4 sound. He uses 904s on racks and D4s on floors.

My only complaint with the D series are their drum mounts. I'm thinking of trying some of the Audiopile.net senny style mounts.
 
Re: Audix D2/D4 vs. Sennheiser e904 for Toms

If a good mounting system is a priority (it is for me), I would also consider the Beyer Opus 88. Not only does it sound great, but has a very good mounting system, and is relatively inexpensive. They are more rugged than you might think.

BTW, Beyerdynamic frustratingly renamed their entire product line, so the Opus 88 is now within their "TG" series line.
 
Re: Audix D2/D4 vs. Sennheiser e904 for Toms

Tim Padrick said:
A friend has D4s and E904s. He prefers the Sennheiser package and the D4 sound. He uses 904s on racks and D4s on floors.

My only complaint with the D series are their drum mounts. I'm thinking of trying some of the Audiopile.net senny style mounts.
Click to expand...

Tim, I never thought about combing the Sennheiser style drum mounts (short stems) with the Audix D-Series Mics.

I have a couple of the Shure PG-Drum Mounts (long stems) thta I tried and they bounce too much.
 
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