Samson DK707 7-Piece Drum Microphone Kit

Introduction

The Samson DK707 is a comprehensive 7-piece drum microphone kit designed to provide high-quality audio capture for drum sets in both live performance and recording environments. This kit includes specialized microphones for kick drums, snare drums, toms, and overhead applications, ensuring a full-range sound reproduction. This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your DK707 kit.

Kit Contents

The Samson DK707 kit includes the following components:

• 1x Q71 Kick Drum Microphone
• 4x Q72 Instrument Microphones (for snare and toms)
• 2x C02 Pencil Condenser Microphones (for overheads)
• 7x Swivel-style Mic Adapters
• 4x Tension-mounted Rim Clips
• 1x Deluxe Hardshell Carry Case
• 7x XLR Mic Cables

Microphone Descriptions

Q71 Kick Drum Microphone

The Q71 is a dynamic microphone specifically engineered to capture the low-frequency impact and full essence of a kick drum. Its high SPL handling ensures clear, undistorted sound even at extreme volumes.

• Type: Dynamic, supercardioid pattern
• Frequency Response: 50Hz–16kHz
• Max SPL: Up to 147dB

Q72 Instrument Microphones

The four Q72 microphones are dynamic instrument microphones optimized for snare drums and toms. They are designed to reproduce the natural tone and attack of these instruments with clarity and precision.

• Type: Dynamic, supercardioid pattern
• Frequency Response: 50Hz–16kHz
• Max SPL: Up to 147dB

C02 Pencil Condenser Microphones

The two C02 microphones are pencil condenser microphones ideal for overhead and ambient miking applications. Their sensitive response captures the overall sound of the drum kit and room acoustics.

• Type: Condenser, cardioid pickup pattern
• Max SPL: Up to 134dB
• Connectors: Gold-plated XLR

Setup Instructions

Follow these steps to set up your Samson DK707 drum microphone kit:

1. Unpack the Kit: Carefully remove all microphones, cables, adapters, and rim clips from the hardshell carry case.
2. Attach Mic Adapters: Screw the swivel-style mic adapters onto the base of each microphone.
3. Position Q71 (Kick Drum): Place the Q71 microphone on a sturdy microphone stand (not included) and position it near the kick drum's resonant head or inside the drum for a punchier sound.
4. Attach Q72 (Snare/Toms): Use the tension-mounted rim clips to attach the Q72 microphones to the rims of your snare drum and tom-toms. Adjust the angle using the swivel adapter to point the microphone towards the center of the drum head for optimal sound capture.
5. Position C02 (Overheads): Mount the C02 pencil condenser microphones on overhead boom stands (not included). Position them above the drum kit, typically in an X/Y or spaced pair configuration, to capture the overall sound of the cymbals and the entire kit.
6. Connect Cables: Use the provided XLR cables to connect each microphone to your audio interface, mixer, or snake. Ensure all connections are secure.
7. Cable Management: Route cables neatly to prevent tripping hazards and reduce interference.

Operating Guidelines

Once your microphones are set up, consider the following for optimal performance:

• Gain Staging: Adjust the gain on your mixer or interface for each microphone to achieve a strong signal without clipping. Start with lower gain and gradually increase.
• Phantom Power: The C02 condenser microphones require +48V phantom power to operate. Ensure this is enabled on the corresponding channels of your mixer or interface. The Q71 and Q72 dynamic microphones do not require phantom power.
• Microphone Placement: Experiment with microphone positions to find the best sound for your specific drum kit and room acoustics. Small adjustments can significantly impact the sound.
• Monitoring: Use headphones or studio monitors to listen to the microphone signals and make necessary adjustments to placement, EQ, and compression.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance will extend the life and performance of your DK707 kit:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down microphones after each use. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. For microphone grilles, a soft brush can remove dust or debris.
• Storage: Always store the microphones and accessories in the provided hardshell carry case when not in use. This protects them from dust, moisture, and physical damage.
• Cable Care: Coil cables loosely and avoid sharp bends or kinks to prevent internal damage.
• Environmental Conditions: Avoid exposing microphones to extreme temperatures, high humidity, or direct sunlight.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your DK707 kit, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

Specifications

Key technical specifications for the Samson DK707 kit:

Warranty and Support

The Samson DK707 Drum Mic 7-Piece Kit is covered by a Samson 2 Year Warranty. For warranty claims or technical support, please refer to the warranty card included in your kit or visit the official Samson website for contact information and service details.