Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 10 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (48)
$105.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (19)
$105.00
Amazon
4.7 (165)
$105.00
Reverb
5.0 (21)
$98.60 New
$73.63 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (35)
$105.00
zZounds
5.0 (10)
$105.00
B&H
4.8 (8)
$105.00
Thomann
4.8 (412)
$91.00

Average Price: $100

Standard/Professional

$75

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Audix i5 Dynamic Instrument Microphone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Discover the versatility and reliability of the Audix i5 Dynamic Instrument Microphone, a true workhorse for any musician or audio engineer. Whether you're capturing the sharp crack of a snare drum or the rich tones of a guitar amp, the i5 excels in both studio recording and live performance settings. Crafted with a road-ready design, this mic is as durable as it is dependable, making it an essential part of any professional's arsenal. Its ability to handle high sound pressure levels without distortion ensures that your sound remains clear and true, no matter the volume.

The Audix i5 is celebrated for its tight cardioid pickup pattern which isolates the sound source, minimizing feedback and bleed from surrounding instruments. This feature is particularly beneficial on busy stages and in crowded recording studios. Its compact design and lightweight build mean it's easy to position, even in the most challenging setups.

When you're looking for a microphone that offers both performance and durability, the Audix i5 stands out as a go-to solution for musicians and sound engineers alike.

Key Features:

  • Dynamic instrument microphone ideal for snare drums and guitar amps
  • Durable construction suitable for live and studio environments
  • Handles high sound pressure levels without distortion
  • Tight cardioid pickup pattern for excellent sound isolation
  • Lightweight and compact design for easy positioning

Product specs

Brand Audix
Model i5 Cardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Microphones
Electronics Passive
Microphone Type Dynamic
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Wired/Wireless Wired

FAQs

What is the primary use of the Audix i5 Dynamic Instrument Microphone?

The Audix i5 is designed for stage, studio, and broadcast applications, making it versatile for miking musical instruments, guitar and bass cabinets, as well as vocals and speech.

How does the Audix i5 handle high sound pressure levels?

The Audix i5 can handle sound pressure levels in excess of 140 dB without distortion, making it suitable for capturing loud sound sources like snare drums and guitar amps.

What is the polar pattern of the Audix i5, and why is it important?

The Audix i5 features a cardioid polar pattern, which effectively isolates the sound source while minimizing background noise, ideal for live performances and studio recording.

Is the Audix i5 suitable for use with guitar amplifiers?

Yes, the Audix i5 is known for its rich and full mid-range response, making it an excellent choice for miking guitar amplifiers and cabinets.

What are the durability features of the Audix i5 microphone?

The Audix i5 boasts a durable cast zinc alloy body and a dent-resistant grille, ensuring it withstands the rigors of live performances and frequent use.

gearwire

gearwire

Audix i5 Takes On The Shure SM57 In A Microphone Shootout

Video thumbnail for Audix i5 Takes On The Shure SM57 In A Microphone Shootout by gearwire

Audix i5 Takes On The Shure SM57 In A Microphone Shootout

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for Audix i5 vs Shure SM57 Multi-Source Shootout by Sean Daniel

Audix i5 vs Shure SM57 Multi-Source Shootout

Sean Daniel

Sean Daniel

Video thumbnail for This is the Audix i5 Instrument Microphone by AUDIX

This is the Audix i5 Instrument Microphone

AUDIX

AUDIX

Video thumbnail for Audix i5 Dynamic Microphone Overview - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Audix i5 Dynamic Microphone Overview - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for GearGossip Audix i5 Review by ThomasSchuber

GearGossip Audix i5 Review

ThomasSchuber

ThomasSchuber

Video thumbnail for The Audix i5 – More Range - Better Sound  -Testimonial - Review and Samples by purewaveaudio

The Audix i5 – More Range - Better Sound -Testimonial - Review and Samples

purewaveaudio

purewaveaudio

Video thumbnail for Audix i5 vs Shure SM57: Which Mic is the Best? by Haggerty's MusicWorks

Audix i5 vs Shure SM57: Which Mic is the Best?

Haggerty's MusicWorks

Haggerty's MusicWorks

Video thumbnail for Dynamic Mic Shootout Saxophone SM 57 Audix i5 Audix D2 Audix D4 e945 by Scott Clemens

Dynamic Mic Shootout Saxophone SM 57 Audix i5 Audix D2 Audix D4 e945

Scott Clemens

Scott Clemens

Reviews

PROS

  • High-end articulation for added shimmer

  • Sweeter on vocals compared to SM57

  • Pronounced mid-presence with rolled-off highs

  • Hyped sound for dynamic applications

  • Beefier response than the SM57

  • Less harsh than typical SM57 sound

  • Noticeably more gain without ill effects

  • Versatile for snare, guitar, and more

  • More affordable than many condensers

CONS

  • Slightly scooped sound on some sources

  • Not a direct replacement for SM57

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audix i5 Dynamic Instrument Microphone.

Comparisons

  • The Audix i5 is described as brighter and slightly scooped in the mids, offering more edge/bite compared to the SM57, making it useful for distorted guitars or snares.

    Source
  • The Audix i5 is noted for having a crisper high and more low fundamental on snare drums, compared to the fuller-bodied sound of the SM57.

    Source

Build quality

  • The i5's grill can withstand direct hits from a drummer, unlike the SM57's fragile plastic ring, making it more durable in harsh conditions.

    Source
  • Users appreciate the i5's resilience to impacts, highlighting that its metal grill is less prone to damage compared to the SM57's plastic windscreen.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The i5 excels in off-axis rejection, making it superior for studio drum recording, especially when limited to top miking.

    Source
  • The i5's reduced hi-hat bleed makes it preferable for live snare applications, addressing a common issue with the SM57's bleed.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The i5 is often available for under $80, making it a budget-friendly choice with the potential for resale at near purchase price.

    Source
  • Some users have found used i5s in excellent condition for as low as $60 on resale platforms like Guitar Center's used site.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note the i5 outputs a stronger signal at the same gain level compared to the SM57, which can be advantageous in certain recording settings.

    Source
  • Enthusiasts describe the i5's sound on snare drums as snappier and fatter, with a preference for ghost note clarity compared to the SM57.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Audix i5 Review

recordinghacks.com

The Audix i5 delivers a robust and versatile performance, rivaling the iconic Shure SM57. Musicians will appreciate its balanced tone and full frequency response, ideal for snare and guitar amps. While it lacks the hyped high mids of the 57, this dynamic mic shines with a richer low end and impressive SPL handling. With a sturdy build and a reasonable price tag around $100, it's a sound investment. However, for those who favor the distinct character of other mic styles, the i5 might feel a bit too neutral. Overall, it’s a worthy contender for any musician's mic collection.

positive

Audix i5

soundonsound.com

The Audix i5 Dynamic Instrument Microphone stands out as a versatile, rugged workhorse, perfect for both studio and live applications. Its solid build and neutral sound profile make it a reliable alternative to industry staples like the Shure SM57. While it excels on instruments and vocals alike, the slightly subdued high-end response may require some EQ tweaking to achieve desired clarity. However, its performance on guitar amps, hand percussion, and drums is commendable, offering a satisfying low-end response. Priced competitively, this mic is a solid addition to any audio setup, though dedicated mics for specific tasks might still be preferable. Overall, the i5 is a smart choice for those seeking a dependable dynamic microphone without breaking the bank.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Lindsey Ray uses Audix i5 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Lindsey Ray

Drummer

...
Verified via Photo

In this post lin shows off the audix dpt 7 mic set she uses. One mic in the set is a i5 snare mic

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Audix i5 Dynamic Instrument Microphone, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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