recordinghacks

MXL A-55 Kicker

Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

MXL’s A-55 “Kicker” is a dynamic mic intended for use on kick drums. It has a tailored EQ curve typical for this type of microphone, with exaggerated LF and HF peaks to emphasize the drum’s resonance (LF) and beater attack (HF). The LF peak falls toward the high end of the range, from 80Hz–100Hz and above 2kHz; some competitive models peak closer to 50Hz.

The mic’s sensitivity is among the lowest we’ve seen, at just 0.16 mV/Pa. (Shure’s Beta 52 delivers 0.6 mV/Pa; most of the rest of the usual suspects rate over 1 mV/Pa.)

The A-55 does not use an output transformer behind the moving-coil cartridge.

The A-55 has an integrated mic clip. The mic ships with a micro-fiber cleaning cloth and a soft pouch for storage.

We’re told that the model name, “A-55 Kicker,” is a visual reference to the phrase “ass kicker.”

The MXL A-55 Kicker is also known as: Kicker.

The mic was released in 2009.

Specifications

Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Cardioid (0.16 mV/Pa; 30 - 15,000 Hz)

Coil Diameter	Impedance	SPL/Noise
n/a	300 Ohms (Low)	SPL n/a

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
540g (19.05oz)	130mm (5.12'')	n/a	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications

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