The Audix D2 Professional Dynamic Instrument Microphone delivers detailed, punchy sound for close-miking drums, percussion, guitar amplifiers, and brass instruments. Designed for live sound, studio recording, and broadcast applications, the D2 combines a compact design with excellent off-axis rejection and the ability to handle extremely high sound pressure levels.
Featuring Audix's proprietary VLM (Very Low Mass) Type B diaphragm, the D2 captures natural attack, strong mid-bass response, and clear instrument definition. Its hypercardioid pickup pattern helps isolate the intended sound source while reducing unwanted bleed from nearby instruments, stage monitors, and other sound sources.
With a frequency response of 68Hz–18kHz and maximum SPL handling of at least 144dB, the D2 is especially well suited for rack toms, congas, saxophones, brass instruments, and guitar cabinets. Its short, lightweight body allows convenient placement in tight spaces around drum kits and instrument setups.
Designed, machined, assembled, and tested by Audix in the USA, the D2 features a precision-machined aluminum body, durable black hard-coat finish, dent-resistant steel mesh grille, and professional balanced XLR output.
Features and Benefits
VLM Type B Diaphragm for Natural Instrument Sound
Audix's Very Low Mass diaphragm technology provides fast transient response, allowing the D2 to reproduce the initial attack and tonal character of drums and other instruments.
The D2's punchy mid-bass response helps capture the body of rack toms, congas, and other percussion instruments without sacrificing definition.
Hypercardioid Pickup Pattern for Superior Isolation
The D2 features a tight hypercardioid polar pattern with greater than 30dB off-axis rejection.
This focused pickup pattern helps reduce unwanted sound from adjacent drums, cymbals, amplifiers, and stage monitors, making it particularly effective in crowded live sound environments and multitrack recording sessions.
Handles Extremely High Sound Pressure Levels
With maximum SPL handling of at least 144dB, the Audix D2 is designed for loud instruments and close microphone placement.
It captures powerful drum hits, amplified guitar cabinets, and brass instruments while maintaining clarity and controlled response.
Optimized for Rack Toms and Percussion
The D2 is a popular choice for close-miking rack toms because of its compact body, tight pickup pattern, and strong mid-bass response.
It also works well with congas, floor toms, and other percussion instruments requiring a combination of attack, body, and isolation.
Compact Design for Flexible Microphone Placement
Measuring just 3.9 inches long and weighing approximately 4.5 ounces, the D2 is easy to position around drum hardware, cymbals, and instrument cabinets.
Its compact design makes it especially useful where larger microphones would interfere with performers or nearby equipment.
Transformerless Balanced XLR Output
The D2 uses a low-impedance, transformerless design with a balanced 3-pin XLR output.
This configuration helps minimize unwanted interference and supports dependable audio transmission through professional microphone cables.
Rugged Construction for Stage and Studio
A precision-machined aluminum housing, black hard-coat finish, and dent-resistant steel mesh grille provide durability for regular live performance, touring, and studio use.
The microphone is backed by a five-year Audix manufacturer warranty.
Audix D2 Key Features
- Professional dynamic instrument microphone for live sound, studio, and broadcast
- Hypercardioid polar pattern for focused pickup and reduced instrument bleed
- Audix VLM Type B diaphragm technology
- Punchy mid-bass response with natural transient detail
- 68Hz–18kHz frequency response
- Handles sound pressure levels of at least 144dB SPL
- Greater than 30dB off-axis rejection
- Ideal for rack toms, congas, percussion, guitar cabinets, and brass
- Compact 3.9-inch body for close microphone placement
- Transformerless, low-impedance balanced output
- No batteries or phantom power required
- Durable machined aluminum housing
- Black hard-coat finish and steel mesh grille
- Gold-plated 3-pin male XLR connector
- Includes DCLIP microphone clip and P1 carrying pouch
- Designed, machined, assembled, and tested by Audix in the USA
- Five-year manufacturer warranty
Audix D2 Audio Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Transducer Type | Dynamic |
| Capsule Technology | VLM Type B |
| Polar Pattern | Hypercardioid |
| Frequency Response | 68Hz–18kHz |
| Output Impedance | 280 Ohms |
| Sensitivity | 1.2mV/Pa at 1kHz |
| Maximum SPL | ≥144dB |
| Off-Axis Rejection | Greater Than 30dB |
| Power Requirements | None |
| Output | Balanced, Transformerless |
Audix D2 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Manufacturer | Audix |
| Model | D2 |
| Microphone Type | Dynamic Instrument Microphone |
| Connector | 3-Pin Male XLR |
| Polarity | Positive Pressure Produces Positive Voltage on Pin 2 Relative to Pin 3 |
| Body Material | Machined Aluminum |
| Finish | Black Hard Coat |
| Grille | Dent-Resistant Steel Mesh |
| Length | 100mm / 3.9 Inches |
| Maximum Diameter | 39mm / 1.5 Inches |
| Weight | 128g / 4.5oz |
| Included Accessories | DCLIP Microphone Clip, P1 Carrying Pouch |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
Recommended Applications
Rack Toms: Captures punchy attack, strong mid-bass, and controlled resonance while reducing bleed from adjacent drums and cymbals.
Floor Toms and Congas: Reproduces the body and transient detail of percussion instruments, with high SPL handling for close placement.
Guitar Amplifier Cabinets: Captures amplified guitar tone with focused pickup and controlled off-axis response.
Bass Guitar Cabinets: Suitable for capturing the midrange and attack of amplified bass cabinets, depending on the desired tonal balance.
Saxophones and Brass Instruments: Handles powerful sound levels while isolating the instrument from surrounding stage noise.
Live Sound and Studio Recording: Provides consistent close-miking performance for individual instruments in both performance and recording environments.
Need a Compatible Drum Microphone Mount?
The Audix D2 includes a DCLIP microphone clip for standard microphone stand mounting.
For additional mounting flexibility, compatible Audix accessories include:
- Audix DVICE: Flexible mini-gooseneck drum rim clamp for convenient microphone positioning.
- Audix DCLAMP: Tension-rod mounting clamp for drum applications.
- Audix DFLEX: Flexible percussion mounting clamp for positioning microphones around drum kits.
These accessories can help reduce the need for separate microphone stands and simplify setup around crowded drum hardware.
Why Buy the Audix D2 from Audio Supply?
Audio Supply offers professional Audix microphones and accessories for live sound, recording studios, schools, and commercial audio applications. The Audix D2 delivers reliable instrument isolation, punchy sound reproduction, and rugged construction for demanding professional use.
