Kick drum microphone mounting system

The DrAlienSmith Deluxe Kick Mount (DKM) is a clamp and ball joint system that replaces the mic stand for kick drum recording, inside or outside the drum. It holds the microphone firmly in place while allowing complete freedom of positioning, and absorbs the vibrations transmitted by the shell.

Mounted on the hardware, not on the shell

Unlike rim mounts, the DKM does not attach to the drum itself but to the hardware around it. For an internal mic, it fixes under the tom mount bar; for an external mic, to the kick drum leg. It also fits cymbal stands, which makes it usable for snare and toms, and frees up floor space around the kit.

Vibration damping and gear protection

Mechanical vibrations are blocked at six points: the four ball joints and the two clamp inserts are made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The DKM therefore acts as a shock mount for whatever microphone it carries. There is no metal-to-metal connection anywhere in the mount: the inserts protect both the microphone body and your hardware from scratches and scuffs.

1-inch ball joints and long-term hold

The DKM uses 1-inch ball joints, whose grip surface area is larger than that of common rim mounts. Once the two tightening points are locked in, the mic position stays put, with no gradual sagging session after session. The whole unit is designed and assembled in Australia by Al "DrAlien" Smith, and ships with a mic stand thread adapter for models that don't fit in the clamp, such as the Shure Beta 52A.

Technical specifications

• Clamp and ball joint mounting system for kick drum microphones, internal or external position
• 4 x 1-inch ball joints, larger grip surface area than standard rim mounts
• 2 tightening points
• Vibration absorption at 6 points: 4 ball joints + 2 clamp inserts in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
• No metal-to-metal contact: scratch protection for microphones and hardware
• Mounts on the tom mount bar (internal), the kick drum leg (external) or a cymbal stand (snare and toms)
• Supplied with: mic stand thread adapter (for mics such as the Shure Beta 52A), soft case, 2 clamp inserts (25 mm / 1" and 22 mm / 0.86"), 1.2 mm rubber strips for fine adjustment, manual
• Designed and assembled in Australia
• 2-year warranty (repair or replacement)