ATM 25 vs Pro 25

[Mzkguy]

After reading the interview with Dave Minehan in this month's issue, I've been looking to get an Audio Technica ATM 25 microphone. I've used them before but I can't find them around. Guitar Center has the Pro 25 for pretty low $$$. Does anyone know if they sound significantly different? The ATM 25 does sound pretty rockin' for kick drums.

-Mzkguy

[auralman]

I've used both and they're fairly interchangable. You can hear a slight difference on solo, but not in the mix. I like em.

[A.David.MacKinnon]

The Pro 25 is the cheap version of the ATM25. It's still a good mic. I have one and have been quite happy with it. I mostly use it on bass but it's good all over.

[jerfo]

I haven't heard the ATM25, so I can't provide a positive or negative opinion on it. I'm quite fond of the Pro25, which sounds good on the low end-ish stuff that I've thrown at it: kick drum, bass cab, and floor toms. It sounds much tighter on my drummer's DW kick drum than our D112, which sounds muddy and unfocused by comparison.

I also like the fact that the Pro25 is small and has a built-in mount, which makes it easy to fit into awkward places. You also can't argue with the price. I got mine for $59 at Musician's Friend. At that price, you can get three of them for the price of one ATM25.

- Jerfo

[Family Hoof]

Anybody like either of these mics for a not so modern rock kickdrum, like maybe jazz or something 60s sounding? In otherwords, natural, not like the D112 and it's counterparts from Sure and Audix.

[Lavahead]

I've enjoyed using the ATM 25 on kicks and bass cabs...although leaning more towards a 421 on the bass cabs as of recently...it depends.

Have the used the Pro 25's on toms alot..I like them.

I don't think you would be dissappointed if you invested in both of these mics..especially for how cheap they are.

[auralman]

Much less f*cked frequency response than a beta 52 or a D112, so would it work on a more modern kick drum? Yup - if the kick drum is 'modern' sounding. It's a pretty honest mic with a tight as hell hypercardiod. You'll have to move it around bunches to find a sweet spot, but you'll have excellent isolation and a nice sound. Oh yeah - tune that bass drum!

[lilcapn]

i have normally used my D12 or 4033 for kick -- would the ATM25 or Pro25 work well in COMBINATION with the D12?

[aurelialuz]

Anybody like either of these mics for a not so modern rock kickdrum, like maybe jazz or something 60s sounding? In otherwords, natural, not like the D112 and it's counterparts from Sure and Audix.

yes.

alex

[Lavahead]

i have normally used my D12 or 4033 for kick -- would the ATM25 or Pro25 work well in COMBINATION with the D12?

I don't think it's possible for anyone to accurately answer your question..

[jtienhaara]

Hi Mzkguy.

I know it's not what you asked but...

ATM25's generally go for 139 new:

ZZounds
Front End Audio

I've never dealt with either company. But hey, for $139 you get a fantastic mic! Still you'll never get 'em for $59.

I think for kicks the ATM25s are probably too "natural" for my tastes. On my own kit the ATM25 really brings out the resonance of the 20" (jazzy) kick. I find a 421 gives me more "whoomf" and less "ring".

Also on toms I don't find that the ATM25 has a tight hypercardioid pattern at all. Maybe it's "tight as hell" when it's inside a kick drum. I haven't spent much time positioning it inside kicks 'cuz I didn't really like the sound (though maybe I didn't find that "sweet spot"?) But on toms, I find that neighbouring toms get picked up loud and clear. And if I'm a bit sloppy, the neighbours will be even louder than the direct-in-front tom. This is a bit of a pain.

Incidentally ATM25s sound HUGE on heavy guitars, too.

Johann

[spankenstein]

I've gotten a lot of good sounds with the ATM25. This mic takes eq very well. Pointing it right at the beater and a little high eq will add all the modern click you want but it doesn't force that sound like the Beta 52.

http://justinpenney.com/samples/Civella%20-%20Drums.mp3

That clip has an ATM25 in about 4-6" from the batter head about 4-6" off axis and pointing at the beater. There is compression and EQ but nothing outrageous.