Frequently Asked Questions:
Click here to visit our Sound Engineers Page and hear what they have to say about the KickPort®!
1. I use an internally mounted microphone system. Will I still benefit from using the KickPort?
2. Can I use the KickPort with the Hip Gig drum kit?
3. Does the KickPort work for a 16" or 18" bass drum?
4. Does the KickPort work well with drum heads other than those you recommend?
5. What do you recommend when micing the KickPort?
6. I have two holes in resonant head. Will the KickPort still do its thing?
7. Are there different size KickPorts?
8. Where did the idea for the KickPort come from?
9. Does the KickPort come in different colors?
10. From a sound engineer perspective, what's the best way to approach the KickPort?
11. Can I use standard bass drum mics such as AKG D112 and Shure Beta 52 with the KickPort?
13. Does a two mic approach work with the KickPort?
14. How are engineers micing the KickPort in the recording studio?
15. How should I approach internal dampening when using the KickPort?
16. Why can't I hear my bass drum including the KickPort’s benefits sometimes?
17. How can a drummer, producer or sound engineer become an endorser of the KickPort?
18. What are drummers saying about the KickPort ?
19. What do sound engineers say about the KickPort?
Q-1: I use an internally mounted microphone system. Will I still benefit from using the KickPort?
A: The KickPort affects the sound of the drum and the microphone picks up the sound of the drum. So yes, internal mics do hear the KickPort.
Q-2: Can I use the KickPort with the Hip Gig drum kit?
A: Yes, but you have to remove the KickPort before packing the drums away. The KickPort is easily installed and removed.
Q-3: Does the KickPort work for a 16" or 18" bass drum?
A: The KickPort enhances the low frequency content of any size bass drum. We have many drummers loving the KickPort in small bass drums. Our own Sam Millender is one of them - he uses it in his 22” and 16" bass drums.
Q-4: Does the KickPort work well with drum heads other than those you recommend?
A: The KickPort works with all drum head combinations. Start with whatever heads you have and check out the results. We have experimented with various head combinations on many different drums. Our recommendations are based on our preferences which are drum heads with more density - meaning thicker heads. Many of our artists using less dense heads are extremely happy with the KickPort’s benefits.
Q-5: What do you recommend when micing the KickPort?
A: We recommend trying different mic placements. Try the Shure Beta 52 directly in front of the port. Try moving it inside for less low end.
Q-6: I have two holes in resonant head. Will the KickPort still do its thing?
A: Although the KickPort was designed for one hole, some artists including Bennie Rodgers II with Mariah Carey, have two holes. In Bennie’s case, one hole is larger and the KickPort is in that hole. He loves the benefits.
Q-7: Are there different size KickPorts?
A: The KickPort KP-1 Model comes in one size. We will be introducing ports in varying sizes for other drums soon.
Q-8: Where did the idea for the KickPort come from?
A: Sam Millender, the inventor, is a drummer and a sound engineer. He wanted more low end from his kick and did not like the idea of carrying around a sub-woofer.
Q-9: Does the KickPort come in different colors?
A: The KickPort will be available in different colors probably sometime in 2010.
Q-10: From a sound engineer perspective, what's the best way to approach the KickPort?
A: With an open mind! Start with your EQ at zero. Add or cut as desired. If you start with your pre KickPort settings, there may be excessive bass after inserting the KickPort. What is that? Well simply because the KickPort boosts low end!
Q-11: Can I use standard bass drum mics such as AKG D112 and Shure Beta 52 with the KickPort?
A: Yes. All the standard bass drum mics will fit through the KickPort’s 4” opening.
Q-12: Is the KickPort tuneable?
A: Yes. All the standard bass drum mics will fit through the KickPort’s 4” opening.
Q-13: Does a two mic approach work with the KickPort?
A: Absolutely! We have many artists using one mic at the port and a second mic internally.
Q-14: How are engineers micing the KickPort in the recording studio?
A: We have seen numerous configurations. In addition to port and internal mics, try adding a large diaphragm mic approximately 24" in front of the bass drum. Get down and listen for the sweet spot for best mic placement.
Q-15: How should I approach internal dampening when using the KickPort?
A: You should start with your current system. Otherwise you can start with the drum wide open, adding dampening as needed. We recommend having internal dampening materials against the batter head only, meaning not touching the resonant head.
Q-16: Why can't I hear my bass drum including the KickPort’s benefits sometimes?
A: There is a phenomenon known as boundary cancellation. Here are some links:
http://www.padrick.net/LiveSound/CancellationMode.htm
http://www.weeklymusician.com/techtalk.htm
http://www.padrick.net/LiveSound/SubwooferInfo.htm
Q-17: How can a drummer, producer or sound engineer become an endorser of the KickPort?
A: Contact KickPort International via our website at www.kickport.com or USA Office:
(707) 789-0737
Q-18: What are drummers saying about the KickPort ?
A: It works great both live and in the studio! Check out our Artist and Testimonials pages on our site!!
Q-19: What are sound engineers saying about the KickPort?
Q- 20: From Dick Gay, drummer for Clint Black: "I have a 6 inch hole in front and don't want to change my head - check out my solution!"
A: "The challenge is that the head has Clint's logo and it is costly and difficult to apply the logo. So I took two 5 1/4" reinforcement rings, put one the inside, and one on the outside. I put the KickPort in and it works great! Just thought I would let you know."