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Pricing and availability

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Description

The DrAlienSmith Alien8 is a figure 8 dynamic microphone designed for low frequency sources that also need to have a focused mid range to fit easily into a mix. It really shines on kick drums and bass amps by capturing a big low end and a detailed mid range.

The Alien8 features two 50mm headphone drivers as capsules. Sitting one on top of the other, the top one faces forward while the bottom faces back. These capsules pick up sound in a figure 8 pattern but like some ribbon microphones, the rear sounds different to the front. By using two capsules the Alien8 takes advantage of these tonal variations with its 3 position switch. Select top only to get a brighter sound, select bottom only for more body or choose both capsules to get the best of both worlds (our favorite setting).

While taking a little design inspiration from the classic AKG D30 (dual capsule) and Beyer M380 (headphone driver), the Alien8 is definitely not intended to be a clone or a remake, it has a distinct sound all of its own.

The Alien8 is transformer balanced and unaffected by phantom power. It comes standard with a protective case and manual and is covered by a 24 month repair or replace guarantee.

DrAlienSmith

DrAlienSmith

DrAlienSmith Alien8 vs D112 vs E602 Kick Microphone Shootout

Video thumbnail for DrAlienSmith Alien8 vs D112 vs E602 Kick Microphone Shootout by DrAlienSmith

DrAlienSmith Alien8 vs D112 vs E602 Kick Microphone Shootout

DrAlienSmith

DrAlienSmith

Video thumbnail for DrAlienSmith Alien8 Microphone Review by MillSounds

DrAlienSmith Alien8 Microphone Review

MillSounds

MillSounds

Video thumbnail for Alien8 Kick Microphone Capsule Mode Comparison Test by DrAlienSmith

Alien8 Kick Microphone Capsule Mode Comparison Test

DrAlienSmith

DrAlienSmith

Video thumbnail for DrAlienSmith Alien8 vs Vintage AKG D12 Outside the Kick Drum by DrAlienSmith

DrAlienSmith Alien8 vs Vintage AKG D12 Outside the Kick Drum

DrAlienSmith

DrAlienSmith

Video thumbnail for The Alien8 vs U47 Fet outside of a kick drum by DrAlienSmith

The Alien8 vs U47 Fet outside of a kick drum

DrAlienSmith

DrAlienSmith

Video thumbnail for DrAlienSmith Capsule8 Microphone on Toms by DrAlienSmith

DrAlienSmith Capsule8 Microphone on Toms

DrAlienSmith

DrAlienSmith

Video thumbnail for The Alien8 Microphone on Guitar Amp with Brendan Sloan by DrAlienSmith

The Alien8 Microphone on Guitar Amp with Brendan Sloan

DrAlienSmith

DrAlienSmith

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DrAlienSmith Alien8.

Use cases and applications

  • DrAlienSmith Alien8 is praised as a favorite kick mic, delivering a solid thump reminiscent of an M380 but with more top end.

    Source
  • The Alien8 also excels on saxophones, offering a rich body sound that enhances reedy altos.

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  • Some users express interest in testing the Alien8 on drummers, suggesting untapped potential for this application.

    Source

Comparisons

  • It has been compared favorably to the EV RE20 for bass and is considered as versatile as a Royer R121 on guitar cabs.

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  • Compared to Lomo microphones, the Alien8 is noted for its unique design and sound, hinting at potential appeal for those seeking distinctive audio characteristics.

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Value and pricing

  • Owners find the Alien8 to be a worthy investment, outperforming pricier models like the Beyer M380 which is sought after by collectors.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The DrAlienSmith Alien8 is praised for its dual figure-eight capsule, a unique feature not commonly seen in dynamic microphones.

    Source

Critic Reviews

DrAlienSmith: Alien8 Figure-8 Dynamic Mic | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

DrAlienSmith's Alien8 dynamic mic is a bold experiment in sound capturing, cleverly utilizing dual headphone drivers to create a unique figure-8 pattern. It shines on kick drums, offering a crisp attack or a warmer body depending on the driver you choose. The versatility extends to guitar cabs, where it rivals traditional mics like the SM57, especially in dual mode. However, while it impresses with its innovative design and sound quality, some clarity is sacrificed when using the rear driver alone. Overall, the Alien8 is a compelling option for those looking to explore new sonic textures, but it may not fully replace your go-to mic.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Guè Pequeno uses DrAlienSmith Alien8

Guè Pequeno

Rapper

Club Dogo

...
Verified via YouTube

Guè Pequeno is seen using a DrAlienSmith Alien8 microphone, which resembles a custom design that combines elements of the DrAlienSmith and a Lewitt 640, featuring a giant pop magnetic filter. This is evidenced in the video "Guè, Cookin Soul, Sayf - Last Train 2 Shibuya" available on GuePequenoVEVO's YouTube channel.

See how Aaron Steele uses DrAlienSmith Alien8

Aaron Steele

Drummer

Fences

...
Verified via Photo

Visible in Steele's Instagram story during the week of June 6, 2021, as archived in a repost in DrAlienSmith's story folder "Alien8". Steele followed up on the purchase in this June 10, 2021 Instagram post.

Original story

Hey guys, look what just showed up at my house.

Oooh! I'm gonna record this right away and I'll tell you guys what I think.

DrAlienSmith repost

The first Alien8 to arrive in the US! Thanks @aaronsteele_damn 👽👍

June 10, 2021

And my current Kick mic combo is giving me Life!!! @draliensmith #Alien8 just slightly inside the kick and #SubKick01. The Alien8 (in the short time I’ve had it) has become one of my favorite parts to bring up when I’m listening back.

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 DrAlienSmith Alien8, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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