Superlux PRA218A Instrument Dynamic Microphone

Dynamic Supercardioid Microphone for Kick Drum and Bass Instruments

The PRA218A is a dedicated dynamic supercardioid microphone built to capture the full weight and attack of kick drums, bass instruments, and other low-frequency sources. Designed for both live stage and recording studio use, this microphone delivers a frequency response of 20 Hz to 12.5 kHz with an extended bass end and a broad presence peak between 5 kHz and 10 kHz that emphasises the slap and definition of the drum. The PRA218A is the right choice for drummers, sound engineers, and recording artists who need a focused, high-SPL microphone that sits inches from the source without flinching.

What Sets This Microphone Apart from Standard Drum Mics

Unlike many kick drum microphones that introduce exaggerated bass humps and bumps across the response curve, this model maintains a relatively flat low-end with only a slight LF roll-off, preserving sensitivity where it matters most. Housed in a tough metal body with a resilient capsule support, the unit also features an integral swivel mount that makes positioning inside or in front of a kick drum far less stressful than with conventional designs. A permanently attached microphone clip and an internal thread adaptor that switches between 5/8" and 3/8" fittings round out a microphone built for daily gigging.

Dynamic Supercardioid Capsule — Focused Pickup in Tight Spaces

The supercardioid polar pattern is essential when miking a kick drum inside a multi-mic setup, where bleed from adjacent toms, snares, and cymbals can muddy the low end. By rejecting sound from the sides and rear, the PRA218A isolates the kick drum and gives the engineer a clean, controllable signal to work with. Because the capsule is dynamic, no phantom power is required, making it equally at home on a live stage or in a project studio.

• Capsule Type: Dynamic — no phantom power required, rugged for live use
• Polar Pattern: Supercardioid — focused front pickup with strong rejection of off-axis sound
• Effective Output Level: -53 dBV/Pa — sensitive enough to capture subtle low-frequency detail

Frequency Response and SPL Handling — Built for the Loudest Sources

With a paper response of 20 Hz to 12.5 kHz, this microphone covers the fundamental thump of the kick drum and the click of the beater without colouring the midrange. The presence peak between 5 kHz and 10 kHz adds the snap that helps the kick cut through a dense mix, while the response falls away above this point to keep harshness in check. A maximum SPL handling of 134 dB means the PRA218A can take the full force of an unported kick drum hit without distorting.

• Frequency Range: 20 Hz - 12.5 kHz — full low-end coverage with a tailored presence peak
• Max SPL: 134 dB — handles the loudest kick drum sources without breakup
• Standard professional output impedance of 500 Ohms for stage and studio desks

Compact Metal Housing and Professional Connectivity

Built into a tough metal housing with a resilient capsule support, this microphone is designed to survive the rigours of touring and frequent setup changes. At Ø43 x 120 mm and weighing approximately 207 g, it is small and light enough to fit inside a kick drum shell without interfering with the drummer's pedal technique. The XLR3M connector ensures compatibility with virtually any mixing desk, audio interface, or stage box.

• Connector: XLR3M — universal professional microphone connection
• Dimensions: Ø43 x 120 mm — compact enough to position inside a kick drum
• Lightweight at approximately 207 g for low-profile mounting on a mic stand or boom

Who Should Choose This Microphone

The PRA218A is the right choice for drummers, sound engineers, and home recording enthusiasts who need a dedicated kick drum microphone at an accessible price point. It works equally well on stage in a live drum mic setup, in a project studio where a clean, full-bodied kick sound is the goal, and in rehearsal rooms where a robust, no-fuss dynamic mic is required. The mic is also recommended for timpani, large-diameter toms, and djembe, making it a flexible addition to any percussion rig. For players upgrading from a general-purpose dynamic mic to a purpose-built kick drum tool, this model offers a clear path to a more focused, mix-ready low end.

Superlux and the PRA Drum Mic Series

Superlux built the PRA series around the same philosophy that made their large-diaphragm capacitor microphones famous: deliver genuinely useful studio and stage tools at a fraction of the price of the established names. The PRA218A kick drum mic, the PRA228A snare/tom mic, and the PRA268A overhead condenser all share the same tough metal housings, resilient capsule supports, and integral swivel mounts that make kit miking faster and less intrusive. Each set ships in a foam-lined rigid plastic carry case with thread adaptors included, so the PRA series remains a practical choice for working drummers who need reliable gear without the premium price tag.