Shure DMK57-52 4-Piece Drum Microphone Kit

The Shure DMK57-52 is a four-microphone drum kit designed for close-miking a kick drum, snare, and toms in live-performance and recording applications. It combines three SM57 dynamic instrument microphones with one BETA 52A dynamic kick drum microphone. Three A56D drum mounts help create a compact drum-miking setup without requiring a separate stand for every close microphone.

This kit suits drummers, engineers, rehearsal spaces, and venues that need a practical core microphone package for an acoustic drum set. The three SM57 microphones can be assigned across snare and tom positions, while the BETA 52A is voiced for kick drum and other low-frequency instruments. A rugged carrying case keeps the microphones and mounting hardware together between sessions or shows.

The SM57 microphones use cardioid pickup patterns and a contoured frequency response, helping focus on the intended drum while reducing pickup from sound behind each microphone. Their 40 Hz to 15 kHz response supports drum attack, body, and upper-frequency detail. The BETA 52A uses a supercardioid pattern and a frequency response tailored for kick drum punch and presence.

All four included microphones are moving-coil dynamic designs with balanced male XLR connections. The BETA 52A is built for high sound-pressure applications and includes an integrated locking stand adapter for positioning at a kick drum. Its pneumatic shock-mount system and durable metal construction support regular stage and studio use.

The included A56D mounts attach standard end-address microphones to drum rims, cymbal stands, microphone stands, and other suitable mounting points. Their captive-part construction helps keep the hardware together during setup and transport. The DMK57-52 provides a close-mic foundation and can be expanded with separately purchased overhead or room microphones when a larger drum capture setup is needed.

Key Features

• Four-Microphone Drum Package: Includes three SM57 microphones and one BETA 52A microphone for a core drum-miking layout.
• SM57 Snare And Tom Microphones: Cardioid dynamic microphones provide focused close pickup for snare drums, rack toms, and floor toms.
• BETA 52A Kick Microphone: A tailored low-frequency response supports kick-drum attack and low-end presence.
• High-SPL Dynamic Design: The BETA 52A is rated for up to 174 dB SPL at 1 kHz with 1% THD and a 1 kOhm load.
• A56D Drum Mounts: Three universal mounts help position microphones on compatible drum rims or cymbal stands.
• Rugged Carrying Case: The included case organizes the microphones and mounting hardware for transport and storage.

Design & Installation

The SM57 uses a dark gray enamel-painted die-cast steel housing with a polycarbonate grille and stainless steel screen. The BETA 52A combines die-cast metal construction with a hardened steel-mesh grille, while its integrated stand adapter locks into position after adjustment. The A56D uses a compact clamp format with captive parts and a 90-degree L-adapter extension for microphone placement.

Mount the SM57 microphones with the A56D clamps on compatible drum rims or cymbal stands, keeping them outside the drummer's stick and cymbal movement. The A56D fits 5/8-inch-27 threaded stand adapters; use the BETA 52A's integrated stand adapter on a suitable kick-drum microphone stand. Connect each microphone's male XLR output to an appropriate XLR cable and microphone preamp or mixer input; XLR cables are not listed as included with this kit.