The Shure PGA56 is a cardioid dynamic microphone designed for close-miking snare drums, toms, and other percussion instruments. Its tailored microphone cartridge provides clear reproduction of the sound source, while the cardioid pickup pattern helps reduce unwanted sound from the sides and rear of the microphone.

Designed specifically for drum and percussion applications, the PGA56 features an integrated swivel joint with a quick-release latch for fast microphone positioning. The included drum mount allows the microphone to attach directly to compatible drum rims, eliminating the need for a separate microphone stand in many setups.

A black metallic finish and matching grille provide a low-profile appearance for live performances, recording sessions, houses of worship, and other installed or portable sound applications.

Designed for Snare Drums, Toms and Percussion

The PGA56 is designed for close-miking applications where the microphone needs to be positioned close to a drum or percussion instrument.

It is particularly well suited for:

• Snare drums
• Rack toms
• Floor toms
• Percussion instruments
• Live drum kits
• Recording setups

Its compact design helps keep the microphone out of the drummer's way while maintaining close placement to the sound source.

Cardioid Pickup Pattern

The PGA56 uses a cardioid polar pattern that focuses pickup toward the front of the microphone while reducing unwanted sound from other directions.

This directional pattern is particularly useful on a drum kit, where multiple microphones may be positioned close together and reducing pickup from neighboring drums, cymbals, stage monitors, and other sound sources can help provide better separation.

Quick-Release Swivel Joint

One of the more useful features of the PGA56 is its adjustable swivel joint.

The joint incorporates a quick-release latch inspired by bicycle component-locking mechanisms, allowing the microphone position to be adjusted quickly and secured once the desired angle is reached.

This makes repositioning the microphone easier during setup and soundcheck.

Drum Rim Mount Included

The PGA56 includes a drum mount for attaching the microphone directly to compatible drum rims.

This provides a compact close-miking setup and can eliminate the need for a separate floor or boom microphone stand for each snare or tom microphone.

Shure PGA56 Key Features

• Dynamic microphone designed for drums and percussion
• Ideal for snare drums and toms
• Suitable for close-miking percussion applications
• Cardioid polar pattern
• Helps reject unwanted off-axis sound
• Tailored cartridge for clear reproduction of the sound source
• Flat-response cartridge design
• Swivel joint for flexible microphone positioning
• Quick-release latch for fast adjustment
• Drum rim mount included
• Black metallic finish and grille
• Compact design for unobtrusive placement around drum kits
• Available in configurations with or without an XLR cable
• Zippered storage pouch included

What's Included

• 1 × Shure PGA56 Cardioid Dynamic Drum Microphone
• 1 × Swivel Joint with Quick-Release Latch
• 1 × Drum Mount
• 1 × Zippered Storage Pouch

Need microphones for a complete drum kit?

The Shure PGADRUMKIT5 5-Piece Drum Microphone Kit includes three PGA56 microphones along with a PGA52 kick drum microphone, PGA57 instrument microphone, drum mounts, XLR cables, and a carrying case.

Typical Applications

• Snare drum miking
• Rack tom miking
• Floor tom miking
• Percussion
• Live performances
• Studio and home recording
• Houses of worship
• Schools and performance facilities
• Rehearsal spaces
• Touring drum systems

Why Choose the Shure PGA56?

The Shure PGA56 combines a cardioid dynamic microphone design with drum-specific mounting and positioning features.

Its included rim mount reduces the need for additional microphone stands, while the quick-release swivel joint makes it easy to adjust microphone placement around a drum kit.

For systems using several close microphones, its cardioid pickup pattern also helps reduce unwanted sound from nearby instruments.

Why Buy the Shure PGA56 from Audio Supply?

Audio Supply is an authorized Shure dealer and supplies Shure microphones and professional audio equipment for live sound, recording, houses of worship, schools, venues, and installed sound systems.

Our team can help you select compatible drum microphones, mounts, microphone cables, stands, and complete Shure drum microphone kits for your application.