CAD KBM412

After several years playing the local club circuit, my band (folk rock, americana) decided to try our hand at recording. I had purchased the CAD KBM412 a couple of years ago to use as an all-purpose low-end mic for me (bass) and the drummer (kick) to use at shows when necessary. We used the mic for bass and kick on our two albums, one recorded on a Tascam 4-track, the other recorded on our new Fostex VS160. In all instances, the mic did a terrific job. We found that the CAD was very comparable to the two or three other kick mics we borrowed (these included AKGs and Audio-Technicas). My drummer purchased the Audio-Technica for our second CD (recorded on the VS160), and, after several head-to-head trials, I thought the CAD sounded better at half the price ($50 vs. $100).

The real fun came when I took the mic to a new local digital studio to do some work for a friend's solo album. The mic stood up very nicely against a handful of mics they had been using up to that point. A couple of folks even noted that the mic gave my recording amp a creamier, almost tube-like, recorded tone as compared to a few of the other sub-$200 mics.

For us bass players, there's nothing better than a good quality, no hassle, inexpensive dynamic mic. The CAD KBM412 is just that! It was cheap enough to alleviate any concern for damage associated with club gigging, and sounded great in all applications. If you are looking for Da Bomb of a bass mic, this probably isn't it. Compared to high end mics, there will definitely be some tonal deficiencies. HOWEVER, compared to almost anything in its price class (up to $200 or so) the CAD sure looks good at $49! This is definitely a favorite piece in my collection.

Playing guitar for 9 years, recording for 5.

Recording on PC using a Tascam US-428 (but seeking to upgrade when I make some money) into Cubase SX.

This is a larger diaphragm dynamic mic designed for kick drum and other low end instruments like floor tom or bass cabs.

I use it on bass drum primarily. I've tried it on bass cab, but I think I like the sound of a condenser (my MXL990) on the bass cab better.

This is a decent mic. It was a nice step up from borrowing a friend's Nady mics, and for $50 bucks it does a decent job. I'm going to have to experiment with different placement next time I record drums, as I didn't quite like the sound I had last time; too close to the beater.

It's ok, and if you're looking for something for a medium-low scale recording, it should be a good mic. Personally I'd like to upgrade to an AKG D112 (~$200), and when I do I'll demote this mic to floor tom untill I can get something higher level for floor tom (I'm currently wanting to upgrade and expand to a higher level setup).

Overall, this mic is no rival of mics in the range of the D112 or Shure Beta52, but it's only $50 bucks, so if you're using something like a 3 piece set of Nady's, it would be an upgrade. If you dont plan on upgrading to something where you'll have industry standard mics like a D112, this mic would be a good option. Even if you are, but you need something now, this mic would be a good option, and you can always use it for something else if you get a higher end mic for kick.

I like this mic, but I dont love it, as my recordings have gotten to the level that I'd really like to invest in great mics. If you're serious about recording it would be good to invest in a great kick mic, but if you're not at a level that you can justify spending $200 on an AKG D112, Shure Beta52, or Audix D6 (I think it's the D6), this mic will serve you better than a Nady or whatnot.

If you use it right, you can get a great sound, and if you're looking for your first kick mic or something cheap to reincorce some lower end, this would be a decent mic to do the job.