DRUMMER CAFE

"Natural" isnt the word I'd use for this kind of mic'ing in any regard.  But there are plenty of variables that change the way a speaker acts as a kick mic.  

A higher wattage speaker will have a larger, stronger magnet.  Which in turn means it takes more force to actuate the diaphragm.   Which would limit the dynamic possibilities of it.  

As there's no circuitry to shape the sound of the diaphragm (speaker) as there is in a microphone, the frequency range is determined by the size.   Large speaker can handle larger waves (which = lower frequencies).  

Generally speaking the whole speaker as mic thing is designed to compliment another mic.  To add a low end counterpart to an already full range (or at least mid-high) range track.   Its not really expected to work well on its own.


Any speaker can be a microphone.  From a 1" tweeter to an 18" woofer.  I have designs somewhere for a kick drum mic made from a 2" TV speaker as a matter of fact  

Isn't that the same thing that Yamaha is selling?
Tiki......

If I'm taking you literally it wont work.  You cant just use the cone, you need the coil and magnet as well, the whole speaker.  

If I'm not, and you took the speaker out of the enclosure, then the answer is pretty much yes.  

Your speaker has + and - leads.   An XLR plug/jack has a third for ground.   You would connect the + and - to the appropriate points on the jack and then connect a fresh third wire from the ground on the plug to a dead spot like the metal basket of the speaker.   Its not always 100% necessary to do this, but it usually helps.  

I built my own already and it works killer. Its just an old floor tom with a speaker suspended in it wired "backwards"

Here's what it sounds like:
http://media.putfile.com/01-Track-180
BTW the only mic on the kick is the subkick I dont have my beta turned on to pick up the puch of the beater.

Sounds great.  I'm going to have to build one someday.  Or maybe just find a deal on some yammy subkicks.  They really kill on floor toms too.