Shure Nexadyne 2 Kick Drum Microphone Review

The Shure Nexadyne 2 is a brand-new offering from Shure, and it’s safe to say it made a seriously strong first impression in my recent kick drum mic shootout. 

I’ve tested a bunch of industry-standard kick mics head-to-head, and this one genuinely stood out for a few different reasons. It brings something new to the table, both in terms of its technology and the overall sound.

Let’s dive in and take a proper look at what the Nexadyne 2 brings to the table, how it compares to other popular mics, and whether it’s worth its premium price tag.

First Impressions & Build

Out of the box, the Nexadyne 2 looks and feels premium. It has that classic Shure ruggedness to it. It’s got a solid construction, it feels slightly hefty (but not excessive), as well as feeling sturdy and built to last. 

It’s the kind of mic you wouldn’t be scared to take on the road or throw into a regular studio rotation. The matte finish looks slick, and it feels like a serious piece of kit in the hand.

Overall, it comes across as a no-nonsense, professional-grade mic that is roadworthy. 

Sound Quality 

The first thing that struck me with this mic was the low end. It’s very deep and full but not artificial sounding. It’s got a really nice tonal character to my ears. 

It captures a notably deep sub-bass response that I felt was more present than the majority of the other kick drum mics I tested.

There’s a thick weight to the sound without it feeling overly hyped or scooped like some other modern kick mics. It gives you that nice punch and thump, but with enough mids and highs preserved to keep things sounding real.

That balance really impressed me. It’s not a one-trick pony. The mids aren’t hollowed out, and the top end has a nice natural clarity that gives your kick some air without sounding clicky or harsh. 

In terms of overall tone, it reminded me a bit of the AKG D112 (that warm, rounded character) but with a noticeably more present and open-sounding top end. It feels more refined, and more three-dimensional.

The Tech Behind the Sound

One of the most interesting things about the Nexadyne 2 is the dual-transducer design, which is part of Shure’s new Revonic technology. 

Basically, it houses two dynamic capsules that are phase-aligned and calibrated to work together. Each capsule is capturing different elements of the kick drum’s frequency range, and they combine to deliver a more complete, full-spectrum picture of the sound.

You can definitely hear the effect of this in the recording. It manages to retain the punch and immediacy of a dynamic mic but delivers a level of nuance that’s pretty rare at this price point.

Bleed Rejection

The supercardioid polar pattern does a solid job of keeping the focus on the kick. I tested this mic in a fairly typical close-mic setup with cymbals and a snare drum, and the Nexadyne 2 held its own really well. 

There wasn’t too much snare or cymbal spill creeping into the track. So whether you’re recording in a tighter setup or dealing with a louder kit, this mic handles bleed pretty well especially compared to others I’ve tested. I would be happy to use this in any live or studio environment.

How It Compares

How does it stack up against the other big hitters? If you like the refined detail and natural balance of something like the Earthworks DM6 (which is a condenser and even more expensive), but you want a dynamic mic that doesn’t require phantom power and is more rugged for stage use, the Nexadyne 2 is a really interesting middle ground.

Compared to something like the Audix D6, which has a more scooped, pre-EQ’d sound, or the AKG D112, which feels a little boxy and more warm, the Nexadyne 2 feels more neutral and natural. It’s honestly a good balance of both of these mics.

Price & Value

Now, this isn’t the cheapest mic out there. It’s the most expensive dynamic kick mic I tested in my roundup. But honestly, I think the performance matches the price. You’re getting advanced mic tech, premium build quality, and a sound that stands out for its realism and versatility.

It’s not a budget pick, but if you’re looking for something you can use for years across multiple projects or on tour, I think this one’s going to earn its keep.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Shure Nexadyne 2 is a seriously impressive mic. It’s one of the most balanced and natural-sounding kick drum mics I’ve used. It’s got some cool features but it’s certainly not a gimmick. 

It’s not trying to wow you with an overly hyped EQ curve. Instead, it gives you a solid, honest representation of your kick drum, with loads of low end and good depth of sound.

Between the innovative dual-transducer design, the strong bleed rejection, and the premium build, it’s a professional-level tool that delivers results. 

If you’re serious about getting a great kick sound that cuts through without sounding fake or overly scooped, this is a mic worth checking out.