Shure PGA56-XLR Dynamic Snare/Tom Microphone

The Shure PGA56-XLR is a dynamic microphone purpose-built for snare drum, tom, and percussion close-miking. Its tailored cartridge is voiced to capture the transient punch and body of drum hits while rolling off frequencies that are less useful in a drum context, giving the signal a head start at the mixing board. A cardioid polar pattern focuses pickup on the drumhead directly below the capsule and attenuates sound arriving from the sides and rear, which is critical in a drum kit environment where cymbals and neighboring toms can easily bleed into an unfocused mic.

What sets the PGA56 apart from many instrument mics is its included AP56DM drum mount. The mount clamps onto a standard drum rim, eliminating the need for a boom stand crowding the drummer's workspace. A swivel joint with a quick-release latch — designed along the lines of bicycle quick-release mechanisms — lets you dial in the mic angle in seconds and lock it firmly without tools. The XLR model ships with an XLR cable, so the package is essentially ready to plug in and play. The housing features a black metallic finish and compact grille that keep stage aesthetics clean, and the dynamic element is inherently rugged enough to handle the high SPLs and occasional stick contact that come with drum duty.