Yamaha Subkick Earns EQ Award

EQ Magazine
BUENA PARK, CA — Since its introduction, the Yamaha Subkick has received a number of positive reviews – not only by drummers, but also in the recording, production and sound reinforcement markets. Recently, the SUBKICK added an "Exceptional Quality" Award from the staff of EQ magazine in the publication's September 2004 issue.

EQ praised the SUBKICK for its "fat sound, ease of use and cool look." Reviewer Phil O'Keefe noted, "If you're looking for beef, this thing will give it to you in abundance."

Designed for use with kick drums and floor toms as an alternative or supplement to a traditional microphone, the SUBKICK is a sub-frequency (below 100Hz) capture device that taps the microphonic properties of a standard 6.5" loudspeaker. The speaker is shock-mounted inside a 10" x 5" drum shell, covered with specialized mesh heads and positioned on a sturdy tripod stand for easy placement. The SUBKICK also includes a simple XLR connection, and does not require +48V Phantom power to operate.

Subkick Batter Woofer
Yamaha Subkick
"Although the SUBKICK was initially created as a drummer's accessory, we're not at all surprised that the professional audio community has really embraced this product, given the fact that it's basically a microphone," states David Jewell, marketing manager, Yamaha Drums. "It's a great accessory, whether you're a drummer or an engineer."

When used alone or in combination with a standard kick drum microphone, the SUBKICK will capture a full range of frequencies without additional signal processing. The unit provides plenty of punch and controlled thickness, without the hassle of phasing problems or bleed.

"The SUBKICK is not a mic or a drum – it's both," stated Yamaha Drum Artist Russ Miller, who co-designed the innovative device. "I was looking for a way to capture the actual, uncolored sound of my kick, both on tape and while playing live. Since a mic placed in a common position really doesn't capture everything, I combined some of the characteristics of a drum and the idea of using a speaker as an extremely large mic diaphragm. The Yamaha SUBKICK was born."

For more information on the SUBKICK, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Drum Products, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; or e-mail infostation@yamaha.com.

The Future of Music and Sound
© 2010 Yamaha Corporation of America. All rights reserved.