Yamaha SubKick

3 Critic Reviews

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Page last updated Jan 20, 2026

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Description

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When it comes to capturing the thunderous low-end of your drum kit, the Yamaha SubKick stands in a league of its own. This innovative device is not just another microphone; it’s a 6.5" speaker cleverly reverse-wired to function as a transducer, specifically engineered to capture and enhance the deep, resonant frequencies of your kick drum. Whether you're looking to add more punch to your live performances or depth to your studio recordings, the SubKick ensures that every thump and rumble is felt as much as it is heard. Its unique design makes it a favorite among drummers and sound engineers who crave that extra layer of bass without the muddiness. Easy to set up and compatible with a variety of drum kits, the Yamaha SubKick seamlessly blends with your existing gear, offering a rich, full-bodied sound that traditional microphones often miss.

Key Features:

Utilizes a 6.5" speaker as a transducer to capture low-end frequencies
Perfect for enhancing the bass response of kick drums
Ideal for both live performances and studio recordings
Compatible with various drum kits
Adds punch and depth without sacrificing clarity

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Reviews

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Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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The Yamaha SubKick excels when blended with e901 and Beta52 mics, providing exceptional low-end depth for a dynamic kick drum sound.
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The Yamaha SubKick often gets mixed very low or entirely cut, with some users preferring to add EQ to other mic tracks for cleaner results.
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SubKicks work by creating a sine wave at the speaker's resonant frequency, not directly picking up audio, which influences how they interact with kick drum frequencies.
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Use cases and applications

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Ideal for large venues where full micing is possible, adding depth to live rock performances.
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SubKick's sound is often viewed as more suited for live performance rather than studio recording, where tighter, faster subs from standard mics are preferred.
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SubKicks typically produce a "thumpy" sound, adding subtle low-end enhancement rather than a massive subsonic presence, best suited for blending with other kick sounds.
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Comparisons

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Solomon Lofreq is a popular alternative, offering similar low-end enhancement when the Yamaha SubKick is hard to find.
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Custom-made subkicks are considered by some to be more effective than the Yamaha SubKick, often used minimally or omitted from mixes.
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Value and pricing

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The Solomon Lofreq can be costly in Canada, priced between $500-$600 CAD, but is under £200 in the UK.
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User experience

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Owners appreciate having the SubKick in the mix, even if it's not always audible, for its reassurance of low-end presence.
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Mods and upgrades

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Some studios use a modified Yamaha NS-10 driver to achieve SubKick effects, highlighting DIY alternatives for similar results.
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Setup and maintenance

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Placing the SubKick the same distance from the shell as the kick mic can improve phase alignment, often adjustable within 10 samples in DAWs like Pro Tools.
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Ignoring the 3:1 rule for phase alignment is advisable; instead, experiment with mic placement and distance for optimal sound and phase relationships.
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Critic Reviews

Yamaha Subkick: Reviews & Specification | DRUM! Magazine

drummagazine.com

The Yamaha SubKick delivers a powerful low-end punch, making it an essential tool for bass drum enthusiasts seeking that ultimate thump. Its innovative design, using a speaker as a reverse microphone, captures low frequencies with a richness that standard mics often miss. While it struggles with higher frequencies and requires pairing with a regular mic for best results, the SubKick significantly enhances the depth and warmth of bass drum sounds. Ideal for both studio and live settings, this device is a game-changer for achieving a full-bodied kick drum sound. Just be prepared for its specific low-frequency focus.

positive

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Yamaha SKRM-100 Subkick Review - TapeOp Magazine | Tape Op Magazine

tapeop.com

Yamaha's SKRM-100 Subkick is an intriguing take on the old trick of using a speaker as a mic for bass-heavy sources. While it adds a satisfying low-end thump when paired with a standard kick drum mic, its bulky shell design feels unnecessary and prone to tipping. The output is distinctly muddy and lacks high-end clarity, making it unsuitable as a standalone solution. Ideal for studio engineers looking to enrich their kick drum sound, it requires careful mixing to avoid an overly bottom-heavy track. A curious piece for those willing to experiment, but not without its quirks.

neutral

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Yamaha Subkick review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Yamaha's SubKick is a cleverly designed tool that excels in capturing low frequencies that typical mics miss, making it a standout for those with a full PA setup. While it demands a well-equipped environment, its ability to transform drum sounds from impressive to outstanding makes it a worthy consideration. However, its specialized nature and need for additional gear could be a barrier for beginners or those without the right setup. If you've got the infrastructure, this is a must-listen.

positive

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