Pricing and availability

Average Price: $300

High-end/Boutique

$75

$201+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash the deep, resonant vibe of your kick drum with the Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick. This unique piece of studio gear captures the elusive low-end frequencies that other microphones miss, thanks to its innovative design. Perfect for studio recordings, it transforms the energy of your performance into palpable sound waves that can be felt as much as heard. If you're looking to add depth and body to your drum sound without losing clarity, the SubKick is your go-to solution. It's not just a microphone; it's a ticket to a richer, fuller drumming experience.

Key Features:

  • Utilizes a 6.5" speaker as a reversed wired transducer for capturing low frequencies
  • Ideal for achieving a deep, resonant kick drum sound in studio recordings
  • Adds depth and body to your drum sound without compromising on clarity
  • Perfect for professional studios and home recording setups

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model SKRM-100 Subkick Dynamic Bass Drum Mic
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Microphones

FAQs

What is the Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick used for?

The Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick is used to capture low frequencies from kick drums that standard microphones might miss, enhancing the bottom end of your drum sound.

Does the Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick require phantom power?

No, the Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick does not require phantom power; it connects via a standard XLR cable.

What is the construction of the Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick?

The Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick features a 10" x 5" shell made from birch and Philippine mahogany, housing a 16cm, 50-watt low-frequency driver cone.

How does the Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick improve kick drum sound?

The Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick captures sub-frequency tones, allowing you to blend them with a standard mic's attack for a fuller, richer kick drum sound.

Is the Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick can be used in live settings to enhance the low-end presence of your kick drum, providing a more impactful sound.

Will Karling

Will Karling

Will Karling plays with Yamaha SubKick SKRM 100

Video thumbnail for Will Karling plays with Yamaha SubKick SKRM 100 by Will Karling

Will Karling plays with Yamaha SubKick SKRM 100

Will Karling

Will Karling

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Subkick Microphone by Sweet Tree Productions

Yamaha Subkick Microphone

Sweet Tree Productions

Sweet Tree Productions

Video thumbnail for DrAlienSmith Subkick-01 vs Yamaha SKRM-100 Subkick Audio Test by DrAlienSmith

DrAlienSmith Subkick-01 vs Yamaha SKRM-100 Subkick Audio Test

DrAlienSmith

DrAlienSmith

Video thumbnail for $40 DIY Sub Kick vs Yamaha SKRM-100 Subkick by The DIY Recording Studio

$40 DIY Sub Kick vs Yamaha SKRM-100 Subkick

The DIY Recording Studio

The DIY Recording Studio

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick.

Features and functionality

  • The Yamaha SKRM-100 Subkick uses a 7" woofer from NS10 speakers, chosen for its fast response to air movement from kick drums.

    Source
  • Placing the subkick 1.5 to 2 ft from the kick drum, alongside a Shure Beta 52A mic, enhances low-end capture in recordings.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users achieve better results with a 6.5" car stereo speaker in an 8" drum shell using zip ties, enhancing sensitivity.

    Source
  • Using a 15" PA speaker creates a "creamy" low-end sound, and securing it in a milk crate with zip ties provides stability.

    Source
  • A $30 Kenwood home theater subwoofer can be adapted into a subkick using a 6" PVC end cap and a monitor stand for budget-friendly customization.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's noted that a 10" drum shell is often used for aesthetic purposes, though functionality remains with direct mounting on a mic stand.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The subkick is ideal for capturing low frequencies, enhancing the fundamental tones of kick drums between 100Hz and 200Hz.

    Source
  • A subkick can significantly enlarge the sound of a smaller 20" kick drum, making it sound much bigger when positioned in front of the drum hole.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that creating a subkick with a spare speaker and basic materials like a soldering iron and snare stand is straightforward and effective for testing.

    Source
  • A custom subkick using a speaker from Goodwill and an XLR panel can outperform a Yamaha Subkick in terms of sound quality, according to one user's experience.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Yamaha Subkick: Reviews & Specification | DRUM! Magazine

drummagazine.com

Yamaha's SKRM-100 SubKick hits the sweet spot for drummers craving richer, deeper bass drum sound without the hassle. This innovative low-frequency capture device, turning a speaker into a reverse-wired mic, delivers impressive depth and resonance, enhancing any kick drum's presence. While it's not perfect for capturing high frequencies or transient spikes, pairing it with a regular bass drum mic like the Shure Beta 52 creates a powerhouse combo. The SubKick excels in both studio and live settings, offering a luxurious, chest-thumping sound that’s hard to achieve with conventional methods. Its small size and ease of use make it a must-have for serious drummers. Although it shines with larger drums, it can elevate any kit's sound. In short, the SubKick transforms your bass drum from flat to fabulous, making it a worthy investment for those after a fuller, more dynamic kick.

positive

Yamaha: SKRM-100 Subkick | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

Yamaha's SKRM-100 SubKick offers a visually appealing solution for capturing low-end thump by utilizing a speaker as a microphone, yet its practicality is questioned. While it effectively captures bass frequencies when paired with another mic, on its own, it delivers a muddy and limited sound profile. The drum-like design is aesthetically pleasing but prone to tipping and invites unintended hits. Ideal as a supplementary tool rather than a standalone solution, the SubKick shines when blended with a traditional kick drum mic, but caution is needed to avoid an overly bass-heavy mix.

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Josh Klinghoffer uses Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick

Josh Klinghoffer

Singer, Guitarist

Pearl Jam

...
Verified via Twitter

In a Twitter post, Josh Klinghoffer is shown using the Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick, likely during the drum recording for "Carry."

See how Travis Barker uses Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick

Travis Barker

Drummer, Music Producer

Blink-182

...
Verified via Photo

In a 2022 Instagram post captioned "Anthem Pt. 3," Travis Barker is shown using the Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick.

See how Chad Smith uses Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick

Chad Smith

Drummer

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via Twitter

Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick is in this photo. (2019)

See how Lars Ulrich uses Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick

Lars Ulrich

Drummer

Metallica

...
Verified via Facebook

Can be seen in this post in 2014.

See how Questlove uses Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick

Questlove

Drummer, Keyboardist

The Plastic Ono Band

...
Verified via Photo

As seen in this picture, dated sometime in 2015.

See how Matt Cameron uses Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick

Matt Cameron

Drummer

Queens of the Stone Age

...
Verified via PearlJamOnline.it

In a 2021 article on PearlJamOnline.it, Matt Cameron is seen using a Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick during a performance of "Come Together" for Why Hunger.

See how Brian Cook uses Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick

Brian Cook

Bassist, Keyboardist

Botch

...
Verified via Photo

In this image of Brian Cook playing bass, posted on the Russian Circles' Instagram page, a Yamaha Sub Kick microphone can be spotted on the bottom of the Ampeg Cabinet.

See how Shannon Larkin uses Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick

Shannon Larkin

Drummer

Snot

...
Verified via DRUM! Magazine

Shannon Larkin uses the Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick, as confirmed by DRUM! Magazine in an article by Tim Jones titled "Metalmorphosis: Wengren, Larkin & Drover."

See how Paul Bostaph uses Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick

Paul Bostaph

Drummer

Slayer

...
Verified via Photo

Clearly visible in this Photo of one of his Slayer sets.

See how Mike Bordin uses Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick

Mike Bordin

Drummer

Korn

...
Verified via Photo

In the provided image, Mike Bordin is depicted using a Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick.

See how Akira Jimbo uses Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick

Akira Jimbo

Drummer, Music Producer

Casiopea

...
Verified via Photo

Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick is in this photo.

See how Tommy Aldridge uses Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick

Tommy Aldridge

Drummer

Ozzy Osbourne

...
Verified via Photo

Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick is in this photo taken in 2015.

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 Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1 alternative for Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick, curated by the Equipboard community.

DrAlienSmith Subkick-01

 

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound cheaper alternative

Touted as an alternative in the official product description: https://reverb.com/au/item/36563242-draliensmith-subkick-01-low-frequency-microphone-in-a-bamboo-shell

How does the Subkick-01 compare to the Yamaha Subkick? Its much more lightweight and compact, costs 3 times less, uses the same size speaker, has a similar output level and retains the same sort of low end response while picking up more low mid frequencies. This makes the Subkick-01 a much more flexible microphone compared to the old Yamaha.

More Yamaha Dynamic Microphones

Community setups

Gear Guides

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    narcist
    narcist

    Gear IQ 17214