What instruments and sources work best with the i5?

The i5 excels on snare drums, guitar amps, brass sections, and other aggressive sources in rock and metal settings. Its 50 Hz–16 kHz frequency response and punchy midrange character are designed for these applications; it is not recommended for intimate vocals, jazz, or classical work.

Can the i5 handle loud sources without distorting?

Yes. The i5 is rated to handle sound pressure levels in excess of 140 dB without distortion, making it ideal for close-miked drums, cranked amplifiers, and other high-output sources.

What's included, and what do I need to get started?

The i5 ships with an MC1 mic clip, P1 carrying pouch, and gold-plated XLR connector ready for standard mic cables and audio interfaces. You will need an XLR cable and a preamp or interface with mic-level input to complete your setup.

How does the cardioid pattern help during live performance or recording?

The tight cardioid pickup pattern isolates your source and rejects sound from the sides and rear, helping your instrument cut through a dense mix and minimizing bleed from other stage or studio sources.

Is the i5 suitable for beginners, or is it only for professionals?

The i5 is versatile across skill levels—beginner through professional—and rewards good mic technique. Its forgiving proximity effect and durable, straightforward design make it approachable for newer users while delivering the articulation and headroom that professionals demand.

Audix i5 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

The Audix i5 is a workhorse dynamic microphone that cuts through on stage and in the studio, capturing aggressive, punchy instrument tones with remarkable clarity and presence. The robust construction feels professional in hand, and its tight cardioid pickup pattern cuts through dense mixes while maintaining articulate detail across the midrange—essential for rock, metal, and live performance where definition matters. Its forgiving proximity effect lets you work close for intimate tones or step back for fuller sound without sacrificing the articulation that players demand.

Audio Performance & Sonic Character

The 50 Hz – 16 kHz frequency response delivers smooth yet characterful reproduction across instruments from snare drums to guitar amps to brass sections. Rated to handle sound pressure levels in excess of 140 dB without distortion, this mic captures aggressive playing styles and loud sources with exceptional headroom and clarity—your tone stays intact no matter how hard you dig in.

Design & Build Quality

A precision cast zinc alloy body with dent-resistant steel grill and durable black E-coat finish withstands the rigors of touring and repeated stage use. The gold-plated XLR connector ensures clean, corrosion-resistant signal transfer gig after gig, while the included MC1 mic clip and P1 carrying pouch make setup and transport straightforward.

Key Features

Dynamic microphone for stage, studio, and broadcast applications
Cardioid pickup pattern with Very Low Mass (VLM) diaphragm
Frequency response: 50 Hz – 16 kHz
Impedance: 280 ohms
Sensitivity: 1.6 mV/Pa @1k
Handles SPL in excess of 140 dB without distortion
Precision cast zinc alloy body with dent-resistant steel grill
Durable black E-coat finish
Gold-plated XLR connector
Includes MC1 mic clip and P1 carrying pouch
Designed, assembled, and tested in the USA

The i5 is an essential tool for any serious gigging musician or engineer seeking a reliable, versatile microphone that rewards aggressive techniques with consistent, articulate response across studio and live settings.

Condition	New
Country of Manufacture	United States
Connection	Wired