1. Product Overview
The Electro-Voice PL33 is a supercardioid dynamic microphone engineered to capture the full impact and clarity of kick drums in both live sound reinforcement and studio recording environments. Its frequency response is specifically tailored to deliver an optimal kick drum sound, often requiring minimal additional equalization.
Figure 1: Front view of the Electro-Voice PL33 Kick Drum Microphone.
Key Features
- Element Type: Dynamic
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 10,000 Hz
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
- Sensitivity: 0.63 mV/Pa
- Impedance: 150 ohms
- Connector: 3-pin XLR-type
- Accessories Included: Locking stand adapter with Euro-thread adapter, Soft zippered gig bag
2. What's in the Box
Upon opening the product packaging, verify that all the following items are present and in good condition:
- Electro-Voice PL33 Kick Drum Microphone
- Locking stand adapter with Euro-thread adapter
- Soft zippered gig bag
3. Setup and Installation
Connecting the Microphone
- Locate the 3-pin XLR connector at the base of the PL33 microphone.
- Connect a standard XLR cable (not included) to the microphone's connector. Ensure a secure connection.
- Connect the other end of the XLR cable to your audio interface, mixer, or preamplifier.
Mounting the Microphone
The PL33 includes a locking stand adapter for secure mounting.
- Attach the provided locking stand adapter to a microphone stand (not included). The adapter supports both standard and Euro-thread sizes.
- Insert the base of the PL33 microphone into the stand adapter.
- Tighten the locking mechanism on the stand adapter to firmly secure the microphone in place.
Figure 2: The PL33 microphone showing the XLR connector and mounting point.
4. Operation
Optimal Placement for Kick Drums
- Inside the Kick Drum: For a punchier, more attack-focused sound, place the microphone inside the kick drum, closer to the beater head. Experiment with distance and angle to achieve the desired tone.
- Outside the Kick Drum: For a fuller, more resonant sound with less beater attack, position the microphone outside the kick drum, a few inches to a foot away from the resonant head.
- Combination: Many engineers use two microphones for kick drums: one inside for attack and one outside for body, blending them to create a comprehensive sound.
Optimal Placement for Bass Amplifiers
The PL33 can also be used effectively for miking bass guitar amplifiers due to its extended low-frequency response.
- On-Axis: Point the microphone directly at the center of the speaker cone for a brighter, more articulate sound.
- Off-Axis: Angle the microphone slightly towards the edge of the speaker cone for a warmer, smoother tone.
- Distance: Experiment with distances from the speaker. Closer placement (1-2 inches) will yield more bass and proximity effect, while further placement will capture more of the room sound.
Live Performance and Studio Recording
The robust construction and tailored frequency response of the PL33 make it suitable for both demanding live performance environments and critical studio recording sessions. Its supercardioid polar pattern helps to reject off-axis sound, reducing bleed from other instruments on stage or in the studio.
5. Maintenance and Care
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the microphone body. For the grille, a soft brush can be used to gently remove dust or debris. Avoid using liquid cleaners directly on the microphone.
- Storage: When not in use, store the PL33 in its provided soft zippered gig bag to protect it from dust, moisture, and physical damage. Store in a cool, dry place.
- Handling: While the PL33 is built to be rugged, avoid dropping or subjecting it to excessive force to maintain its performance and longevity.
6. Troubleshooting
- No Sound: Ensure the XLR cable is securely connected at both the microphone and the input device. Verify that the input channel on your mixer or interface is active and gain is appropriately set. Check for faulty cables.
- Low Output: Confirm that the gain on your preamplifier or mixer channel is set to an adequate level. Dynamic microphones generally require more gain than condenser microphones.
- Unwanted Noise/Hum: Check all cable connections for proper seating. Ensure that all audio equipment is properly grounded. Try using a different XLR cable to rule out cable issues.
- Distortion: Reduce the input gain on your preamplifier or mixer. Ensure the microphone is not placed too close to an extremely loud sound source, which could overload the capsule.
7. Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Element Type | Dynamic |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 10,000 Hz |
| Polar Pattern | Supercardioid |
| Sensitivity | 0.63 mV/Pa (Audio Sensitivity: 63 Decibels) |
| Impedance | 150 Ohms |
| Connector Type | 3-pin XLR |
| Item Weight | 1.4 pounds |
| Product Dimensions (L x W x H) | 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches |
| Manufacturer | Electro-Voice |
| Model Number | PL33 |
| Recommended Uses | Live Performance, Studio Recording |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 80 dB |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
8. Warranty and Support
The Electro-Voice PL33 Kick Drum Microphone is covered by a manufacturer's warranty. For specific details regarding warranty coverage, duration, and terms, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Electro-Voice website.
For technical support, service, or inquiries about your PL33 microphone, please contact Electro-Voice customer service directly. Contact information can typically be found on the product packaging or the official Electro-Voice website.
