Handmade in Perth, Western Australia, the Dr Alien Smith Alien8 is one of those microphones that immediately stands out — not because of flashy branding or a big corporate logo, but because it looks like it was designed by someone who actually records music for a living. Which, in this case, is exactly true.
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Dr Alien Smith is the alias of engineer Alan — the one-man force behind a growing range of boutique microphones and studio tools. His approach is refreshingly practical: build gear that sounds great, lasts forever, and does something a little different from what’s already out there. The Alien8 is his latest design, and it’s aimed squarely at the low end.
The Alien8 is a dual-diaphragm dynamic microphone designed to capture the kind of chest-thumping, detailed low frequencies that can make or break a mix. It’s tuned specifically for kick drum, bass amps, and other low-register instruments, but with enough versatility to use on toms or baritone vocals when you want extra weight and texture.
Physically, the Alien8 is built like a tank. The body has a raw, industrial aesthetic with visible hardware and a heavy-duty grille that feels reassuringly solid. Every component is assembled and tested by hand in Perth, and you can tell — it’s got that unmistakable “built by a human” presence.
Inside, the Alien8 uses a transformer-balanced output, which means you get warmth, natural saturation, and noise rejection without the need for phantom power. It’s plug-and-play with a wide range of preamps, and because of its transformer design, it delivers a pleasing harmonic edge that sits beautifully in dense mixes.
The first thing you notice when you put the Alien8 in front of a kick drum is how big it sounds. There’s plenty of low end — but it’s controlled, not boomy. The mids are full, and the top end has a gentle roll-off that feels musical rather than dull. It’s reminiscent of a ribbon mic in that way — smooth, warm, and forgiving, with a natural compression that helps the source sit in the pocket.
Dr Alien Smith describes the Alien8 as “dark like a ribbon, with the reliability of a dynamic”, and that sums it up perfectly. It captures a weight and density that make kicks and bass amps sound finished even before you start EQ’ing.
On bass guitar, it adds size without masking detail. On floor toms, it delivers a solid thump with minimal bleed. And because of its internal design, it behaves predictably when placed close to the source — meaning you can put it right up against the drum head without unwanted distortion or proximity boom.
✨ Key features:
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Transformer-balanced output (no phantom power required)
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Tuned for kick drum, bass, and low-frequency sources
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Switchable voicings for tonal flexibility
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Rugged, hand-built metal housing
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Made in Perth, Western Australia
One of the best things about the Alien8 is that it doesn’t feel like a “clone” of anything else. It’s its own sound — familiar enough to sit comfortably alongside other studio staples, but distinct enough to add something new. In that way, it’s almost philosophical: part of the new wave of mics designed not to copy the past, but to explore new sonic spaces.
There’s something inspiring about plugging in a piece of gear that came from a small workshop on the other side of the world and hearing it compete effortlessly with mics ten times the price. Whether you’re recording at home or in a commercial studio, the Alien8 brings real personality to the session.
The Dr Alien Smith Alien8 is a perfect example of why small-batch, handmade gear matters. It’s a mic with a point of view — rugged, distinctive, and tuned for the realities of modern recording.
It’s not trying to be a Swiss Army knife or an all-purpose condenser. It’s here to do one thing exceptionally well: capture the low end with power and precision. For anyone who records drums, bass, or heavy guitars, this Australian-built beast deserves a serious look.
🎛️ Big, dark, musical, and built to last — the Alien8 proves that innovation and craftsmanship are alive and well down under.
