Joseph "Stix" Davis
Audix Fusion Series
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By Joseph "Stix" Davis - 2/15/19
The Audix Fusion Series microphones are a line of affordable microphones with drums in mind, but they can be used for several other instruments. They can be used live, or in the studio. The Audix Fusion Series is comprised of the F2 (tom), F5 (snare), F6 (kick), and F9 (condenser) microphones. For more detail on each individual microphone, please see the respective page.
Packages & Price
At the time of writing, there are currently two microphone packages available; the FP5, and the FP7.
The FP5 includes three F2 microphones for tom drums, one F5 microphone for the snare drum, and one F6 microphone for the kick drums. All microphones include clips for mounting, and an aluminum carrying case. This package covers typical 5-piece drum kits (one kick, one snare, three toms), but does not include overheads. Just add two overhead microphones, and you're ready to record a full drum kit.
New: $350
Used: $280
The FP7 includes everything the FP5 has to offer, including two F9 condenser microphones. Everything you need to record a full drum kit.
New: $500
Used: $400
Technical Specifications
The basic specs can be found on the other respective review pages. Full specs can be found on the Audix website.
FP5 - https://audixusa.com/docs_12/units/FP5.shtml
FP7 - https://audixusa.com/docs_12/units/FP7.shtml
Drum / Head / Tuning
Before getting into the sound test, I want to share the drums, heads, tuning, and cymbals that I'm using.
Snare Drum: Pearl Masters MCX Maple - 14" x 6.5"
Batter Head: Aquarian Texture Coated
Resonant Head: Hi-Performance
Kick Drum: Pearl Vision VX 22" x 18"
Batter Head: Aquarian Super Kick II Clear /w Double Kick Pad
Resonant Head: Aquarian Regular Black /w Port Hole
Tom Drums: Pearl Vision VX - 10" x 8", 12" x 9", 14" x 14", 16" x 16"
Batter Head: Aquarian Response 2 Coated
Resonant Head: Classic Clear
Cymbals: Zildjian A Custom
Hi-Hat: 13" Mastersound
Ride: 20" Ping
Splash: 10"
Crashes: 15" Fast, 16" Projection, 18"
China: 18"
Tuning (Values Are Approximate)
22" (Kick)
Key
Batter: 2.5 Turns
Resonant 2.5 Turns
DrumDial
Batter: 75
Resonant: 75
Tune-Bot Studio
Batter: 56 Hz
Resonant: 56 Hz
10" (Tom)
Key
Batter: 1.5 Turns
Resonant 2 Turns
DrumDial
Batter: 69
Resonant: 80
Tune-Bot Studio
Batter: 203 Hz
Resonant: 344 Hz
14" (Tom)
Key
Batter: 1.5 Turns
Resonant 2 Turns
DrumDial
Batter: 72
Resonant: 79
Tune-Bot Studio
Batter: 119 Hz
Resonant: 204 Hz
Sound Test
F2 - Microphone capsule 2" above rim, pointed towards center of drum
F5 - Microphone capsule 2" above rim, pointed towards center of drum, 3 pieces of Moongel
F6 - Middle of kick drum, muffling blanket
F9 - XY position, with the microphones above the snare drum
There are several parts to this sound test, since I want to demonstrate what each microphone is capable of as individuals, as well as a set.
Playing each drum and cymbal individually to capture a point of reference for the sound
Overheads
All Mics
Playing the whole drum kit, 16 measures (1 measure hi-hat beat, 1 measure snare fill, 1 measure hi-hat beat, 1 measure tom fill, 1 measure ride beat, 1 measure snare fill, 1 measure ride beat, 1 measure tom fill, 1 measure crash beat, 1 measure snare fill, 1 measure crash beat, 1 measure tom fill, 1 measure China beat, 1 measure snare fill, 1 measure China beat, 1 measure tom fill)
All Mics
Overheads
Kick / Snare / Overheads
Kick
Snare
Tom #1
Tom #2
Tom #3
Tom #4
All Toms
All Mics
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR8uFSuq5lg
Final Thoughts
Sleek, solid, and fantastic sounding, these microphones are a wonderful value. Without any EQ, compression, reverb, gating, or any processing, these microphones give me great sound on all of my drums and cymbals. I'm currently using the these microphones on my studio kit, and recording country rock and hard rock music.
14" (Snare)
Key
Batter: 2 Turns
Resonant 3 Turns
DrumDial
Batter: 82
Resonant: 72
Tune-Bot Studio
Batter: 260 Hz
Resonant: 380 Hz
12" (Tom)
Key
Batter: 1.5 Turns
Resonant 2 Turns
DrumDial
Batter: 70
Resonant: 75
Tune-Bot Studio
Batter: 147 Hz
Resonant: 255 Hz
16" (Tom)
Key
Batter: 1.5 Turns
Resonant 2 Turns
DrumDial
Batter: 72
Resonant: 75
Tune-Bot Studio
Batter: 117 Hz
Resonant: 156 Hz