Pricing and availability
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Store
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Price
Average Price: $97
Standard/Professional
$75
$201+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 8 merchants for "Audix i5". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Audix i5, the dynamic microphone that embodies versatility and sonic clarity. Engineered to handle a broad spectrum of applications, the i5 is the perfect tool for any musician or audio professional looking to capture the authentic sound of their instrument. Whether it's the raw power of an electric guitar amp, the resonant snap of a snare drum, or the rich tonality of a brass instrument, the i5 delivers pure, clear sound reproduction.
Designed with a uniform frequency response of 50Hz-16kHz, it ensures a smooth, balanced capture of your instrument's natural sound. Its cardioid pattern effectively reduces ambient noise and feedback, while its robust design and impressive SPL handling make it ideal for high-volume settings. The i5 is not just a microphone, it's a trusted partner that brings out the best in your performance.
With its durable cast zinc alloy body and dent-resistant grille, you can rely on the i5 to endure the rigors of studio and stage use. Its unique flat cap design is tailor-made for close miking, allowing it to snugly fit onto your amp's grill or snare drum. Each i5 microphone is also attractively laser-etched with its model and serial number, a testament to its premium build and quality.
Key Features:
- Dynamic instrument microphone
- Uniform frequency response of 50Hz-16kHz
- Impressive SPL handling up to 140dB
- Cardioid polar pattern for superior off-axis rejection
- Versatile application - Ideal for miking guitar amplifiers, drums, horns, and vocals
- Durable cast zinc alloy body and dent-resistant grille
- Unique flat cap design for close miking
- Includes a heavy-duty mic clip and carrying pouch
Owner's manual
Audix i5 User ManualProduct specs
| Microphone Type | Dynamic |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-16kHz |
| Output Impedance | 150 ohms |
| Connector | XLR |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs. |
FAQs
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What instruments is the Audix i5 best suited for?
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The Audix i5 is ideal for miking snare drums, guitar amplifiers, and brass instruments due to its ability to handle high sound pressure levels without distortion.
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Does the Audix i5 require phantom power?
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No, the Audix i5 does not require phantom power as it is a dynamic microphone.
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What is the polar pattern of the Audix i5 microphone?
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The Audix i5 features a cardioid polar pattern, which effectively isolates the main sound source while minimizing background noise.
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How does the Audix i5 perform for live vocals?
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The Audix i5 is versatile and performs well for live vocals, offering clear and natural sound reproduction.
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What is the frequency response range of the Audix i5?
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The Audix i5 has a frequency response range of 50Hz to 16kHz, making it suitable for capturing a wide range of instruments and vocal performances.
Videos
gearwire
Audix i5 Takes On The Shure SM57 In A Microphone Shootout
Audix i5 Takes On The Shure SM57 In A Microphone Shootout
gearwire
Audix i5 vs Shure SM57 Multi-Source Shootout
Sean Daniel
Audix i5 Dynamic Microphone Overview - Sweetwater Sound
Sweetwater
GearGossip Audix i5 Review
ThomasSchuber
Shure SM57 vs Audix i5 | Snare Comparison
Novro Studios
Shure SM57 vs Audix i5 - Guitar Tones
Leon Todd
The Audix i5 – More Range - Better Sound -Testimonial - Review and Samples
purewaveaudio
Audix i5 vs Shure SM57: Which Mic is the Best?
Haggerty's MusicWorks
Reviews
PROS
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Outperforms SM57 with more presence and fuller sound
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Versatile: excellent on snare, guitar cabs, vocals, and more
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Durable, robust build quality, suited for live and studio use
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Requires minimal to no EQ, easy to use
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Superior sound with better gain before feedback and noise rejection
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Compact, fits into tight spaces easily
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Offers a unique sound character, adding variety to mic collections
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Works well in conjunction with other mics like SM57
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Provides a truer representation of amp output for guitars
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High-quality sound across various instruments and vocals
CONS
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Mic clip may tilt due to weight, affecting stability
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Some perceive a slightly scooped sound profile
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Not a direct replacement for SM57 in all applications
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audix i5.
Comparisons
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The Audix i5 is reportedly brighter and slightly scooped in the mids compared to the SM57, making it potentially better for distorted guitars or snares.
Source -
The i5 has a peak at 150Hz, offering more "beef" for snare compared to the SM57, which can be beneficial for certain drum sounds.
Source -
Some users find the i5 to offer a "pre-EQ'd" sound suitable for drums, while others prefer the flexibility of the SM57 for various applications.
Source -
The i5 is noted to have a brighter, "hi-fi" sound on snare, lacking the hyped midrange found in SM57s, making it preferable for metal production.
Source
Build quality
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The i5's grill is more durable than the SM57's plastic ring, making it more resistant to direct hits from drummers.
Source
Features and functionality
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The i5 is shorter, allowing easier placement around drum kits compared to the SM57.
Source
Value and pricing
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The i5 is often found on sale, with some buyers purchasing camouflage versions for $75 each, offering savings without sacrificing quality.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The i5's off-axis rejection makes it superior for studio drum use, despite some preferring the SM57 for general flexibility.
Source -
The i5 is described as having more top-end bite, which is favored for heavier music genres requiring cutting attack and scooped mids.
Source -
The i5 is often preferred on guitar amps over the SM57, which is seen more as a utility mic in diverse situations.
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The i5 is praised for miking kick drum batter heads from the inside, offering a balance between clicky metal sounds and a rounder tone, though it may not stand alone for this use.
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The i5's isolation capabilities are highlighted, particularly for snare use, where it effectively minimizes hi-hat spill compared to other mics.
Source
User experience
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The i5 is praised for its durability, withstanding direct stick impacts better than some other mics, making it reliable for live drum settings.
Source -
Some users find the i5's frequency response to be similar to a pre-EQ'd SM57, which can be advantageous for reducing excessive hi-hat spill on snare tracks.
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An owner reported that while the i5 is sturdy, it is susceptible to breaking when dropped, unlike the more robust SM57 which tends to "break the floor" instead.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 6 Reviews and 27 Ratings
1102
Awesome on bass cabs
On bass cabs I like this and a beta 52a. It suites my taste better than an SM57 for this application. It's made well, and not as gain hungry as an SM57 as well. Different voicing though. SM57 is in your face, Audix is more pulled back and more open.
5454
Un 57, 57. So Shure but not Shure.
Un 57, 57. So Shure but not Shure. I like the Albini quote. I gotta agree w/ Albini & Jim.
So yeah, like a 57 but nope. It's clearly made to the to fill the same role as a 57 so that tells ya a good bit. Worth mentioning there's way more low & low mids compared to a 57.
I'm not selling my 57's tho...or this guy(s). Two way different things- usually on snare drums here...& guitar cabs. Like everything it depends on the material. If I've gotta a crowded low-mid situation I might opt for a 57 if that fits.
Over all? Yeah, this mic performs better & is every bit as rugged as a 57. I've got 3 & have just beat the crap outta them for...I wanna say 7-8 years? Like 4-5 live shows a week for 5 years then 1-3 more years here. They look like I dropped them in a garbage disposal but they still work great.
Definitely recommend.
40991
this guy and the beta 57? I like.... regular 57ses I've been known to mod, take the shit transformer out
5454
I've used a couple of the 57 mods but it's been ages. I really oughta mod one of my 57's. Wish they'd have a good solve on the DYI stuffs so we could add stuffs like that & the C12 project. Meh, I can't imagine there's much demand. Might just have to add the C12 as is.
40991
if you can't stand your 57es anymore
"like a 57 if a 57 was a microphone"
-steve albini
I am with albini 100%.
137
Artist usage
Add artist
Kevin Shields, of My Bloody Valentine, utilized the Audix i5 microphone during the recording of "Loveless." Notably, the engineers positioned two amplifiers facing each other with the microphones placed between them, creating the album's distinctive sound. This information is highlighted in a feature by Audixusa.
At 0:41 you can see he’s using audix i5s on the side snare and main snare. He later goes on the say that they are using all audix mics (not anymore) and used the audix i5 for the rest of the neborhoods tour
@audixmics appreciation post: Finally got another i5 after losing mine on tour years ago. What a great mic for guitar and drums! Also got a PDX 720 which I’ve been trying out in places I like large dynamics in. Seems to really excel for smooth vocals. Also got some little shock mounts that fit my @seelectronics VR1’s perfectly.
On talking about recording his guitar, he says he uses two Shure SM57's as well as an Audix i5.
Listed on the equipment list on the official Thomas Lang website.
in this video Cobus goes over his mic setup. He states that he switched over to audix mics. He shows that he uses a i5 mic on both of his snares
In the video titled "Your Offenses" drum playthrough by Marco Minnemann on YouTube, it is evident that Marco Minnemann uses the Audix i5 microphone on both the top and bottom of the snare drum. This microphone is consistently used by him in his home studio.
According to a list of equipment which is used in his studio, Crowdspacer, Joakim is also a user of Audix i5 Microphone.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Audix i5, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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