AUDIX marks 40th anniversary with limited edition D6X mic

To mark its 40^th anniversary in the microphone industry, AUDIX has announced a limited edition model of its D6 kick drum mic in the form of the D6X.

The limited edition D6X microphone has all the sonic attributes of the D6, plus additional filtering options for maximum flexibility. Only 100 units of the bead blasted D6X Limited Edition will be produced and will be available through selected giveaways throughout the next months.

In 1986, the AUDIX OM1 handheld dynamic mic was born. The OM1 began to amass a word-of-mouth reputation for excellent sound and offered interchangeable grilles — ball-shaped for vocals and cap-shaped for instruments — so one model could then take the place of the rest of the competition’s two.

In 1991, AUDIX relocated from the San Francisco Bay area to Wilsonville, Oregon, where R&D and manufacturing still takes place. The 78,000-square-foot facility includes a recording studio and live soundstage for testing mics under real-world conditions, as well as bespoke tooling that allows AUDIX to adhere to tight engineering tolerances and deliver premium quality.

One of the best-selling products in AUDIX history is the D6. Monitor engineer Nathan Bauld (Tower of Power) hailed its performance, stating, “It crushes every other kick drum mic”.

Meanwhile, FOH mixer Charlie Martinez (Little Feat, Steely Dan) noted its flexibility on other low-end sources, saying, “I thought I’d try it on baritone sax. I fell in love with it immediately.”

For its anniversary, AUDIX is producing a premium edition of the D6 in a bead blasted finish. This special edition offers enhanced functionality and is limited to a run of 100 units. It features three selectable frequency responses: the original kick-drum curve plus two flatter options for even greater versatility. Watch AUDIX’s website and social media for details on how to win this collectible piece of microphone history, available from November.

Descendants of the brand-launching OM1 now comprise a full range of models with different pickup patterns for instrument and handheld vocal applications. “Changing to the OM7 was a night-and-day difference in terms of the clarity of vocals in our in-ear mixes,” noted Soul Asylum bassist Jeremy Tappero. “I could crank up a vocal without bringing up the roar of the stage.”

“AUDIX makes so many different microphones geared to specific purposes and they all sound fantastic,” explained Riley Brinser, engineer for multicultural L.A. superband Ozomatli. “I find that I’m needing very little EQ or compression after the fact.”

Award-winning, UK-based producer Tayte Nickols agrees: “It’s next to impossible to botch recording any source with AUDIX in general,” he said.

“We are overjoyed to celebrate 40 years of excellence at AUDIX,” commented Bjørn Rennemo-Henriksen, senior director at AUDIX. “AUDIX always passionately challenges norms and works tirelessly to exceed both expectations. Product launches coming soon in 2025 are a phenomenal testament to this commitment; we look forward to introducing the amazing results of our team’s hard work and innovations to the community. We express our sincerest thanks to the musicians, engineers, and audio enthusiasts who made AUDIX who we are today.”