Electro-Voice PL-33

Key Features:
• Frequency contoured for “dialed-in” kick drum sound
• Fast transient response
• Supercardioid polar pattern
• Excellent off-axis rejection
• Powerful Neodymium magnet structure
• Fine mesh Memraflex™ grille

General Description:
This product is a professional-grade supercardioid dynamic microphone designed to deliver the power, punctuation and snap of kick drums in any size sound reinforcement system or recording studio. With its tight low end, kick drum-modified mid-range and high frequency response, the PL33 delivers all of the percussive impact detail professional drummers and sound system engineers require. The PL33’s tight supercardioid polar pattern is designed to minimize off-axis information entering the capsule, and allows for a very isolated instrument sound and higher gain before feedback. Although designed to be a kick drum microphone, the PL33 also functions quite well as a low tom and bass guitar speaker cabinet microphone.

Application Notes:
As with most directional microphones, the low frequency response of the PL33 microphone varies with the distance from the sound source. Known as “proximity effect”, the bass response of the microphone increases as the working distance to the microphone is reduced. This “bass boost” is only audible when working at distances closer than 6 inches. Therefore, working close to the microphone will produce a more robust sound. Using this microphone at distances greater than 6 inches provides minimal coloration from proximity effect.
Close-up positioning of the microphone will also reduce the potential for feedback from the sound reinforcement system. Then, the bass boost provides an increase in overall microphone output level.
The mixer gain may be proportionately reduced, resulting in a reduction of the system’s sensitivity to feedback caused by sound entering the microphone from the loudspeakers.

Microphone Use and Placement
-Kick Drum:
Remove drum head and damp with a pillow or blanket. Position the mic on the pillow or
blanket a few inches in front of the drum beater. As an alternative, position the mic on a
small boom stand with the mic extended into the drum and at a 90° angle to the drum
batter head.