Shure PGADRUMKIT4, PGADRUMKIT5, PGADRUMKIT6, PGADRUMKIT7 USER GUIDE
PG Alta Microphones
Congratulations on the purchase of a new Shure PG Alta series microphone.
The PG Alta series delivers professional quality audio at an affordable price,
with solutions for capturing nearly any source, including voice, acoustic instruments, drums, and amplified electric instruments. Suitable for live and
studio applications, PG Alta microphones are built to last, and meet the same
rigorous quality testing standards that make all Shure products trustworthy
and reliable.
Drum Kit Bundle Variations
PGA Drum Bundle
PG Alta Drum Microphone Kit
6-Piece Kit
(PGADRUMKIT6)
• PGA52 kick drum microphone
• PGA57 snare drum microphone
• (2) PGA56 drum microphones
• (2) PGA81 overhead condenser microphones
• A50D mount
4-Piece Kit
(PGADRUMKIT4)
• PGA52 kick drum microphone
• PGA57 snare drum microphone
• (2) PGA56 drum microphones
• A50D mount
5-Piece Kit
(PGADRUMKIT5)
• PGA52 kick drum microphone
• PGA57 snare drum microphone
• (3) PGA56 drum microphones
• A50D mount
Setting up Drum Microphones
Before you begin, review these fundamental concepts to get the best possible
results:
T uning:Before recording a drum kit, make sure the drums are tuned. A welltuned kit significantly improves the sound quality for recording and live sound
reinforcement. It also makes mixing and signal processing easier, faster, and
more effective.
Placement: Use the proximity effect to your advantage when increased bass
is desired. Small changes in microphone placement (distance and angle)
strongly impact the sound characteristics. If time permits, experiment with
various microphone positions to achieve the preferred sound.
7-Piece Kit
(PGADRUMKIT7)
• PGA52 kick drum microphone
• PGA57 snare drum microphone
• (3) PGA56 drum microphones
• (2) PGA81 overhead condenser microphones
• A50D mount
Note: Availability of specific bundles varies by region. Contact your local
Shure distributor for details.
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①
②
④
③
X-Y position
Spaced pair position
① Kick (PGA52)
• Place the microphone in front of the resonant kick drum head.
Shure IncorporatedPGA Drum Bundle PG Alta™ Drum Microphone Kit
• If there is a hole in the head, place the microphone inside for better isolation. Removing the resonant head and placing the microphone closer
the beater head provides increased attack.
• To reduce the sustain and overtones for a focused attack, try using a
pillow inside the kick drum.
② Snare (PGA57)
• Place the microphone 1-4 inches above the drum, near the rim.
• Point towards the center of the head to capture more stick attack, or
closer the edge to capture more overtones.
• Aim the microphone with the rear side pointed towards the hi-hat to reduce the amount of cymbal in the snare drum signal.
③ Toms (PGA56)
• Place the microphone 1-4 inches above the drum, near the rim.
• Use the included AP56DM drum mounts to attach the PGA56 onto the
drum. The microphone can also be mounted on a standard 5/8" microphone stand.
• Point towards the center of the head for a deeper sound, or closer the
edge to capture more overtones.
④ Overheads (PGA81)
Overhead microphones capture cymbals and an overall stereo image of the
drums. Refer to the stereo microphone techniques section for details.
Overhead microphone tips:
• Pan one microphone to the left and the other to the right on a mixer or
in recording software to create a stereo image
• The farther the left and right signals are panned, the wider it will sound
• Overheads can be panned from the audience or drummer's perspective,
depending on preference. Pan the toms to match the overhead panning
for an accurate stereo sound.
• Other stereo drum recording techniques to learn about include the Glyn
Johns method, Recorderman, and Mid-Side.
• Additional information on recording drums and microphone techniques
is available at shure.com
Proximity Effect
Directional microphones progressively boost bass frequencies as the microphone is placed in closer proximity to the source. This phenomenon, known
as proximity effect, can be used to create a warmer, more powerful sound.
Microphone Techniques for Stereo Recording
Stereo recording using two microphones adds realism by capturing sound similar to the way that humans hear. Panning (directing the signals left and right) adds
width and directionality when listening on stereo systems or headphones.
Tip: Panning the signals farther apart increases stereo separation and width. Be careful of panning too far, as it may result in a hollow sound in the middle of
the stereo field.
① X-Y Coincident Pair
The X-Y technique provides excellent phase coherency because sound arrives simultaneously at both microphones.
Placement: Set up the microphones with the capsules close together, but not touching. Experiment with angles between 90 and 120 degrees to capture the full
width of the source.
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90ɴ120ɴ
110ɴ
17 cm
(6.7 in.)
1-3 m
(3-10 ft)
Shure IncorporatedPGA Drum Bundle PG Alta™ Drum Microphone Kit
② ORTF
Developed as a French broadcasting standard, ORTF technique replicates the spacing and angle of human ears. It provides a natural, wide sound.
Placement: Angle the microphones at 110°, with the capsules 17 cm apart.
③ A/B Spaced Pair
Spaced pair recording can deliver a dramatic stereo effect because sound arrives at each microphone at a slightly different time, providing the listener with
timing cues that localize sounds.
Note:
For drum overheads, the snare drum should be equidistant from each microphone to achieve a tight, focused sound. Use a measuring tape or piece of string
to verify this distance.
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Avoiding Pickup of Unwanted Sound Sources
MONITOR
P.A. LOUDSPEAKER
1
2
3
Place the microphone so that unwanted sound sources, such as monitors
and loudspeakers, are directly behind it. To minimize feedback and ensure
optimum rejection of unwanted sound, always test microphone placement
before a performance.
Using the Quick-Release Lever
PGA56 and PGA52 microphones feature a quick-release lever to easily adjust
position.
1. Pull the lever open
2. Move the microphone into the desired position
3. Press the lever back towards the microphone to tighten
Shure IncorporatedPGA Drum Bundle PG Alta™ Drum Microphone Kit
Recommended Loudspeaker Locations for Cardioid Microphones
Pictured is the PGA56.
Note: To adjust the tension on the lever, pull it open and use a flat head
screwdriver to tighten or loosen the bolt on the opposite side.
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