Samson DK705 Drum Mic 5-piece Kit vs Shure BETA 56A Snare and Tom Microphone -

Overview of the Samson DK705 Drum Mic Kit and Shure BETA 56A

The Samson DK705 Drum Mic Kit is priced at $219.99, while the Shure BETA 56A is available for $170.00, making the Shure about 17% cheaper. Both products are designed for drummers, but they cater to slightly different needs. The DK705 includes a full set of five microphones tailored for a complete drum kit, whereas the BETA 56A is a single microphone engineered specifically for snare and tom applications. Understanding their differences will help you decide which might be the better choice for your drumming needs.

Features of the Samson DK705 Drum Mic Kit

The Samson DK705 offers a comprehensive solution for miking an entire drum kit with its five-piece setup, which includes one Q71 dynamic kick drum mic and four Q72 dynamic microphones for snare and toms. This kit is designed to handle high sound pressure levels without distortion and has a cardioid pickup pattern that minimizes off-axis noise. The Q71 is tailored to capture the low-end frequencies of the bass drum, while the Q72 mics emphasize the attack and clarity of snare and tom sounds. This versatility makes the DK705 suitable for both live performances and studio recordings.

Features of the Shure BETA 56A

The Shure BETA 56A is tailored specifically for close miking of snare drums and toms, featuring a supercardioid pickup pattern that ensures high gain before feedback. The microphone’s compact design and built-in dynamic locking stand adapter facilitate easy setup and stability during performances. It also incorporates an advanced pneumatic shock mount system, which effectively minimizes mechanical noise and vibration. With a frequency response ranging from 50 Hz to 16,000 Hz, the BETA 56A provides studio-quality sound, making it a reliable choice for both drummers and other musicians.

Sound Quality Comparison

In terms of sound quality, the Samson DK705 is designed to handle high SPLs across a variety of drum sounds, ensuring that the lows of the kick drum and the sharpness of the snare are captured effectively. The Q71 and Q72 microphones work together to provide a balanced audio experience, suitable for dynamic live performances or studio recordings. On the other hand, the Shure BETA 56A excels in delivering a focused sound profile with its tailored frequency response, specifically engineered to enhance the clarity of drums and other instruments. This makes the BETA 56A particularly appealing for close-miking applications.

Ease of Use and Setup

The Samson DK705 kit comes with all the necessary mounting hardware, including swivel-style mic mounts for the kick drum and tension-mounted rim clips for the snare and toms. This thoughtful design allows for an easy and quick setup, especially beneficial for musicians who need to set up and break down their gear frequently. Conversely, the Shure BETA 56A also offers a hassle-free setup with its built-in locking stand adapter. Its compact design minimizes stage clutter, making it an excellent choice for situations where space is limited. Both products prioritize user-friendliness, but the DK705 provides a more comprehensive solution for full drum kits.

Portability and Storage

Portability is a significant consideration for traveling musicians. The Samson DK705 is packaged in a hardshell carry case, providing adequate protection and ease of transport for all five microphones. This feature is particularly useful for drummers who frequently gig and need to ensure their equipment remains safe while on the road. In contrast, the Shure BETA 56A, while not part of a kit, is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry individually. However, it does not come with a dedicated storage solution, which may be a drawback for those looking for complete portability.

Brand Reputation and Sales Rank

Samson’s DK705 currently holds a sales rank of 64,072, indicating a moderate level of popularity among drum mic kits. Meanwhile, the Shure BETA 56A enjoys a significantly better sales rank of 32,479, reflecting its strong reputation and reliability in the market. Shure is known for its high-quality microphones, and the BETA 56A benefits from this reputation, often preferred by professionals for its durability and performance. This brand recognition may sway some buyers towards the Shure option.

Pricing and Value for Money

At a price of $219.99, the Samson DK705 Drum Mic Kit is an investment for those looking to mic an entire drum setup. In contrast, the Shure BETA 56A is available for $170.00, making it a more economical choice if you only require a high-quality mic for snare and toms. Considering the features and quality offered, both products provide good value for money, but the choice will largely depend on whether you need a complete kit or just a single microphone.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Samson DK705 Drum Mic Kit and the Shure BETA 56A ultimately depends on your specific needs as a drummer. If you require a full set of microphones to capture an entire drum kit, the Samson DK705 offers a comprehensive solution with excellent sound quality and ease of setup. However, if you are primarily focused on close-miking your snare and toms and value portability, the Shure BETA 56A provides superior sound quality at a lower price. Consider your requirements, budget, and whether you prefer a complete kit or a specialized microphone in making your decision.