Earthworks CMK4 CloseMic Kit, User Manual

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+20dBV) these so-called pads will typically provide no preamp input overload 
protection from microphones with high output levels (see Fig. 1-A). Some out-
board preamps, mixers, consoles or computer audio interfaces have actual pads 
that precede the preamplifier input. These types of pads will provide preamp input 
overload protection that is needed (see Fig. 1-B). Such pads will typically provide 
–10dB or –20dB attenuation. If an external XLR type mic pad is needed, Earth-
works offers a LevelPad™ which provides -20dB of attenuation and is simply 
plugged into the microphone cable. The DM20’s lower output level, in most cases, 
should not require an external pad when close-miking toms or snares. 

Earthworks Drum Mics
The Earthworks DrumKit™ High Definition Three-Microphone Systems™ have 
had great success because they pick up drum sounds with far more detail and 
accuracy than conventional microphones. This improved sound quality is due to 
Earthworks® advanced proprietary technologies.

Many drummers such as Jeff Campitelli with Joe Satriani, Steve Gadd, Keith 
Carlock, Ronnie Vannucci, Anton Fig, Anthony King and many top FOH engi-
neers touring with major artists are using Earthworks High Definition Drum Mi-
crophones™ for overheads, toms, snare and kick drum with exceptional results. 

The DM20 is a new generation of Earthworks tom and snare microphones. It 
features a stable gooseneck for easy positioning that will stay in place even 
when the drums are played very hard. It also can handle high acoustic sound 
levels up to 150dB SPL. The Earthworks proprietary polar technology pro-
vides a stunning amount of rear rejection and a frequency response out to 
80 degrees off-axis within 3dB of the on-axis response. This vastly reduces 
phase cancellations, minimizes the pickup of unwanted sounds at the rear of 
the microphone and provides significantly more gain before feedback for live 
sound applications.

A

B

Figure 1-A  and 1-B Types of Preamp Input Pads

This so-called pad, is not really a pad,

it only changes the gain of the preamp,

and may not prevent overload of the 

preamp input.

This is an actual microphone preamp 

pad, which is an attenuator that will 

reduce level prior to the preamp input.