How to Build a Subkick

This video will show you step by step how to build a subkick (a type of microphone used to pick up lower frequencies from the bass drum). This shows the way I built it, but I'm sure there are many other ways. PLEASE listen with high quality headphones or speakers! You won't be able to hear the low frequencies otherwise. Comments and questions accepted!

Music: To Do by 2AM (my band)
http://www.reverbnation.com/2amri#?kick=518733

Category:

Music

Tags:

• How
• to
• build
• sub
• kick
• subkick
• drums
• bass
• drum
• microphone
• recording
• pearl
• vision

[gascochufan]

would it make a difference if you used a 8 inch subwoofer? or does it have to be a normal 8 inch speaker for it to work? Thanks for the great work btw!

[Xelarate9]

@gascochufan I'm not totally sure how/if the subwoofer speaker is different from a normal speaker, but I think it should work. The subkick basically 'reverses' the flow of the sound, picking up what it would ordinarily put out. So, if you want to add some really low, boomy bass sound to the kick drum, the sub speaker should be perfect!

[adarassur]

hey whats the richgt size for the speaker??? sorry but i didnt understand you in the video when you sayed

[Xelarate9]

@adarassur It depend's on what frequencies you want to pick up, but generally 6-8" works well. Just for reference, the speaker I used was 8".

[itsadeepburn]

people like you inspire me to pay it forward. you have no obligation to do this, you're giving this info up for free, and people should appreciate the hell out of it.  It inspires me to do the same...now i just need to find something i'm good enough at to post, lol. thanks again! i'm gonna try this method.

[Xelarate9]

@itsadeepburn Thanks man, it means a lot!

[mr4y]

@Xelarate9 Actually it does. You need more preamp gain on bigger speakers.

[JhendryMusic]

it should most definitely work, the lower the frequency response of the speaker the more low end you'll have to shape in your mix(although not all of it useful depending on the sound you want).

[Frantingle]

OMG HE JUST TURNED A SPEAKER INTO A MIC!!! MY MIN IS BLOWN *me gusta*

[LogSNES]

Thanks a lot for this video man

[jhonthedrummer]

may I use a 10" speaker??? I have a pioneer subkick 10" 4omh..

[GahDub]

Any padding....pillow, etc? (please forgive if already answered)

[jacoboscar79]

Thanks man... I was gonna go out and buy one but you save me 400 dollars , now i am gonna make one at home ..... nice vid 10+

[metachozoite]

@gascochufan a bass drum is traditional a low fequincy instrumet...a 8 inch to 10 inch speaker is good enough to pick up low fequences but not many highs.....the smaller the mgnent the higher the frequency it picks up....so i think a 8 inch is perfect....and you can use any speaker......dosent have to be a guitar amp one. id buy an el chepo one from walmart...all your doing is reverce wireing it

[HuffyDrums]

hahaha i think i can get an actual kick mic for the price of this method too bad i dont have an amp laying around

[elChinoProducciones]

maaan this is awesomee :)