Yes — our microphones work well on drums, percussion, and other high-SPL sources when used in appropriate positions. While small diaphragm condensers are typically chosen for their extreme SPL handling, large diaphragm condensers like those modeled by the VMS are still commonly used on drums for their tone, warmth, and detail.
The perceived limitations of large diaphragm condensers (LDCs) in high-SPL environments are often misunderstood. Many engineers successfully use classic LDCs like U47s, 251s, and 67s on overheads, room mics, and even toms in some scenarios. The same general practices apply when using the VMS with its modeled microphone tones.
If you’re planning to use our microphones for techniques like Glyn Johns, spaced overheads, or room capture, it will perform beautifully and deliver the same kind of results you'd expect from the vintage microphones it emulates. For very aggressive close-miking (e.g., snare or kick), you may prefer a small diaphragm or dynamic mic designed for extreme SPL.
While we don’t publish a formal SPL rating for the microphones in the system, they are well-suited for the same types of sources and placements where traditional studio condensers are used. As always, we encourage experimenting with mic position and model choice to find the tone that works best for your session.
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