Shure PGA52
Dynamic bass drum microphone
- PG Alta Series
- Cardioid polar pattern
- 50 - 12,000 Hz
- 150 Ohm
- 94 dB SPL
- Sensitivity at 1 kHz: -55 dBV/Pa (1.75 mV)
- Low-end punch for powerful bass drum sound
- Metal housing
- Colour: Black
- Weight: 454g
- Incl. 4.5 m XLR cable
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Available since March 2015
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Item number 360108
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Condenser Microphone No
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Polar Pattern Cardioid
A lot of punch for a good price
The Shure PGA52 is a cardioid dynamic microphone designed specifically for the kick drum and other low-frequency sources, built around a moving coil capsule with a frequency response extending from 50Hz to 12kHz. Rather than aiming for the greatest level of high-frequency detail, the microphone is purpose-voiced to emphasise the frequencies that give a kick drum its weight, punch, and beater definition, helping it cut clearly through live and recorded mixes. A swivel joint with a quick-release locking lever allows the microphone to be repositioned and secured rapidly without tools, speeding up setup and soundcheck adjustments. The black metal housing and compact profile make discreet placement easy around the drum kit. A stand adapter, zipper pouch, and 4.5m XLR cable are included.
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Capsule and construction
The Shure PGA52's moving coil capsule connects directly to any XLR microphone input and operates without phantom power. Its 150 ohm output impedance maintains signal integrity over long cable runs, making it well suited to larger stage setups. Sensitivity is rated at -55dBV/Pa (1.75mV), entirely appropriate for a dynamic microphone intended for such high-SPL sources. Its tailored frequency response combines a low-frequency lift with upper-mid presence, reinforcing the kick drum's fundamental and beater attack, before rolling away rapidly above 12kHz to minimise high-frequency spill. The cardioid polar pattern concentrates pickup on the kick drum while reducing spill from snare, toms, cymbals, and other nearby sources. At 454g, the PGA52 remains stable during use, while the swivel joint keeps it securely positioned.
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Affordable low-end specialist
The PGA52 is aimed at drummers and engineers looking for a dedicated kick drum microphone at an accessible price point. Rehearsal rooms, smaller venues, home studios, and gigging bands are its natural environment, where its versatility can also come into play; its tailored low-frequency response is equally effective on bass guitar cabinets and other sources requiring solid low-end reproduction. Within the Shure range, the natural step up is the Beta 52A, whose more refined capsule, tighter supercardioid polar pattern, and higher overall performance make it the preferred choice for demanding touring and professional productions. For many live and project studio applications, however, the PGA52 delivers exactly the performance most users require without the Beta 52A's price premium.
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About Shure
The American company Shure began developing microphones during the early 1930s and is one of the pioneers of the audio engineering sector. Models such as the 55 Unidyne – known to many as the "Elvis microphone" – and the SM57 and SM58 which appeared in the mid-1960s are still ubiquitous in live sound production today. They enjoy cult status among musicians and technicians alike. In the 1990s, Shure introduced the first wireless microphones and in-ear monitoring systems and became a market leader in this field. In addition to microphones, Shure offers a wide range of earphones and headphones for studio and live use, as well as various accessories.
Ready for action
The PGA52 makes an excellent first dedicated kick drum microphone, whether expanding an existing setup or building a recording or live sound reinforcement system from scratch. Its dedicated low-frequency voicing also makes it a natural choice for bass cabinets, allowing it to cover more than one role even as a setup grows. The quick-release locking lever allows the mic's position to be adjusted quickly during soundcheck without disturbing the stand setup, making it easy to experiment with placement as the kit and venue change. Available individually, it also forms the foundation of Shure's PGA Drumkit 4, 6, and 7 packages, where it works alongside dedicated snare, tom, and overhead microphones to provide complete drum kit coverage. The included zipper pouch keeps the microphone protected between rehearsals, recording sessions, and live performances.
In the spotlight
Finding the sweet spot
The Shure PGA52 is sensitive enough to respond to fine variations in placement, allowing the balance of attack, weight, and resonance to be tailored to the application. Positioned close to the beater head and slightly off-centre, the PGA52 emphasises attack, punch, and low-frequency impact for a tight kick sound that cuts through dense mixes. Moving the microphone further back – around 20-30cm inside or just outside the drum – allows more of the shell resonance to develop, producing a fuller, more natural character with less emphasis on the initial attack. Beyond kick drum duties, the PGA52 is equally effective on bass and guitar cabinets, delivering a focused close-miked sound or, when positioned further back, a fuller blend of cabinet resonance and room ambience.
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Shure Microphones for Bass Drum at a glance
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