Audix Fusion Series Microphones

<<< Back to Microphones

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 specs for each individual microphone can be found on their respective review pages. Full specs can be found on the Audix website.

FP5 – https://audixusa.com/products/fp5/

FP7 – https://audixusa.com/products/fp7/

Drums / Heads / 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

Toms: 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)

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

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.

Originally Published – 2/15/2019