The KickTone microphone starts with a dynamic element encased in a tough, ABS plastic case that measures 6-1/2- inches diameter and 3-1/2-inches deep. The mic weighs about 2-pounds, slightly conically shaped, and has a stainless steel mesh in front of the dynamic element to protect it.

KickTone is actually two microphone elements with a high frequency mic mounted just over the center of the main element. The two elements' outputs are summed together.

The KickTone mic has a male Neutrik XLR output connector mounted next to a standard threaded microphone mount. This mount swivels and locks down for exact positioning in front of a kick drum although the XLR mic cable's connector position can limit the various angles possible. The microphone is rated from 10Hz to 10kHz with a maximum SPL handling of 175dB.

Morton Microphones KickTone Microphone

The KickTone microphone has a slide bracket or flange that mates to a KickPort™, a popular bass drum enhancer installed in a 5- ¼-inch hole in the kick drum's front resonant head. KickTone is usable in two ways: on a short mic stand in front of the kick drum or attached directly to the KickPort itself without a stand. Without using a stand offers a cleaner stage look and, since the mic is mounted directly on the front head, there is less leakage picked up from the rest of the kit as well as from the live stage.

We tested the Morton KickTone microphone in a few different positions on a Ludwig 14 X 22 bass drum. Positioned in front of the resonant front head, we got good subsonic energy but felt we needed a more high frequency attack to cut through. We then tried it exactly over the hole in the head and got a little more attack with same subsonic energy

We tested the Morton KickTone microphone in a few different positions in the studio on the same Ludwig 14 X 22 bass drum. First up was to replace our usual microphone in a similar position out in front of the resonant front head. We got good subsonic energy but felt we needed a more high frequency attack to cut through the song we were recording--a second mic in phase with the KickTone would take care of that! We then tried it exactly over the hole in the head and got a little more attack with same sub energy.

The third test was with KickTone attached to a KickPort and this was an instant winner. With the bass drum sealed up and somewhat deader, we obtained much more subsonic energy and more high frequency attack as well. There was also much less leakage from the rest of the kit. This was our favorite sound and use of KickTone.

We enjoyed using the KickTone microphone and my drummer/engineer/producer, who was skeptical about it, was now a true believer and so am I now! The KickTone Microphone sells for $329 MSRP while the KickPort is about $40 from www.kickport.com

The KickTone Microphone sells for $329 MSRP while the KickPort is about $40 from www.kickport.com

Check out the Morton Kicktone Microphone at: www.kicktonemic.com