Apex Apex DP5

A kit designed to cover the essentials of a drum kit with 4 microphones

The Apex Electronics DP 5 is presented as a coherent pack to quickly capture the key elements of a drum kit. The idea is clear: entrust the low end and impact to a dedicated microphone (Apex Electronics 325), then ensure the attack, presence, and definition of the drums with three compact microphones (Apex Electronics 326). This type of configuration is particularly appreciated when you want an efficient result, with quick setup and consistent sound from one microphone to another.

For whom and for what uses?

This pack is aimed at drummers, sound engineers, home studio users, and bands looking for a practical solution to amplify or record a drum kit without multiplying references. In rehearsals, it saves setup time and provides a clearer mix. In concerts, the hypercardioid and cardioid polar patterns help limit bleed (amps, monitors, cymbals) and maintain a more controlled sound capture. In the studio, it is a solid foundation for building a drum sound: you can then complement it with overheads and a hi-hat microphone if necessary, while keeping a reliable capture of the kick drum, snare, and toms.

Polar patterns, SPL handling, and placement: efficiency first

The DP 5 relies on simple and relevant technical choices for drums: a capsule oriented towards "low end/impact" for the kick drum and a series of compact microphones for the drums. All dynamic, a standard to handle transients and high levels of a kit while remaining easy to manage in the mix.

Apex Electronics 325: the microphone dedicated to low end and attack

The Apex Electronics 325 (x1) is described as a dynamic microphone with a large diaphragm and hypercardioid polar pattern. This type of polar pattern is useful to isolate the targeted source and focus the capture on the attack and "punch" (for example at the kick drum port), while reducing side noise. Its indicated applications (kick drum, double bass, tuba) confirm its positioning: sources that require durability, controlled low-end response, and good resistance to high sound pressure levels.

With a max SPL of 165 dB, it handles powerful hits and aggressive settings comfortably, securing sound capture in live situations. Its frequency response (50 Hz // 16 kHz) is suitable to maintain the foundation while keeping clarity in the attack, depending on placement and EQ.

Apex Electronics 326: compact microphones for snare and toms

The Apex Electronics 326 (x3) are dynamic microphones with a cardioid polar pattern, indicated for snare and toms. The cardioid is an excellent compromise for drums: it puts the source front and center and helps control bleed, while remaining relatively tolerant of placement. Their frequency response (90 Hz // 18 kHz) and compact format facilitate close positioning to the drumheads, to capture attack, body, and resonance precisely.

In practice, you can aim each 326 towards the area between the center and edge of the drumhead to balance attack and roundness, then adjust the angle to reduce cymbal presence. The included clips (one per 326 mic) simplify mounting on hoops or stands, depending on your setup.

Technical specifications

Category	instrument microphone	Capsule	dynamic
Directivity	cardioid	Color	Black

Model	Apex Electronics DP 5	Impedance	50 ohms
Type	Pack of 4 dynamic microphones	Sensitivity	-84 dB
Application	Drums	Max SPL	165 dB
Contents	Apex Electronics 325 x 1 + Apex Electronics 326 x 3	S/N ratio	> 50 dB
Polar pattern	Hypercardioid	Connector	XLR
Applications	Kick drum, double bass, tuba	Dimensions	119 x 108 x 60 mm
Frequency response	50 Hz // 16 kHz	Weight	474 g