Instrument microphones

Ultra-light condenser pickup microphone for acoustic guitar & stringed instruments

Ultra-light phantom powered condenser pickup microphone for acoustic guitar & stringed instruments

Review: Weighing only 18g, this ultra-light condenser pickup is ideal for acoustic guitar, mandolin, violin and most other stringed instruments. The C 411PP will give a clear and uncolored sound without changing the balance of the instrument. Attaching the C 411PP on or near the bridge or anywhere else on the instrument is easy with the included non-marring, reusable, solventfree adhesive compound.

This version is the C 411PP ultra-light vibration pickup with XLR connector for use with wired external phantom power systems. For 9 to 52V universal phantom power. 3m permanently attached connecting cablewith phantom power adapter with integrated 3-pin XLR connector.

Condenser microphone, ideal for use on acoustic guitar, percussion, cymbals, and overheads

Review: Responding to growing demand, AKG decided to make the C 451 B with the same acoustic performance as the popular original C 451 EB + CK 1, with dramatically improved specifications. Using an extremely light diaphragm, the new C 451 B is almost totally insensitive to handling noise. Other features include an all-metal body for excellent protection from RF interference and high reliability for excellent results under almost all conditions.

The C 451 B is an excellent tool for accurately capturing signals rich in transients such as drums, instruments with a percussive sound, acoustic guitar, or for overhead miking.

Pair of condenser microphones, stereo matched and ideal for use on acoustic guitar and overheads

Review: Responding to growing demand, AKG decided to make the C 451 B with the same acoustic performance as the popular original C 451 EB + CK 1, with dramatically improved specifications. Using an extremely light diaphragm, the new C 451 B is almost totally insensitive to handling noise. ideal for capturing high frequency content and fast transients such as those on acoustic guitars or overheads. Other features include an all-metal body for excellent protection from RF interference and high reliability for excellent results under almost all conditions.

The AKG C451 B/ST is a matched stereo pair of C 451 B/ST with complete accessories in a carrying case (Soundtool case, middle size).

Kick drum microphone perfect for use in high SPL applications

Review: The AKG D112 is a versatile kick drum microphone ideal for use both on stage and in the studio. Well-known for its solid build quality and high SPL tolerance (of up to 160dB), it's perfect for mounting on kick drums, as far in as you like, without worrying about distortion or clipping.

The D112 has a specially engineered diaphragm with a low resonance frequency, which enables the microphone to keep a solid response below 100Hz, while allowing higher frequencies to cut through the mix. As well as kick drums, it can also be used on bass amp cabinets and brass instruments.

Dynamic instrument microphone for drums, percussion, wind instruments and guitar amps

Review: The D40 with its solid all-metal body will stand up to the hardships of night-after-night onstage use. The Varimotion diaphragm deep-drawing process allows the diaphragm itself to be fine-tuned with no need for tuning resonators, leading to a quantum leap in audio performance.The transducer is protected by a sturdy wire-mesh cap and takes extremely high sound pressure levels with ease.

An integrated stand adapter and standard H440 mounting bracket for snare drums, tom-toms, etc. make the D40 a highly versatile tool for use on drums, percussions, wind instruments, and guitar amps.

Condenser microphone for recording and live use with groups, acoustic instruments, drums & percussion

Review: The Perception 170 is a small-diaphragm true condenser microphone offering outstanding build quality and excellent value. The lightweight diaphragm delivers outstanding clarity and transient response and conforms to the stringent standards defined for AKG recording products. The Perception 170 design is based on AKG's six decades of experience in making microphones and on input from sound engineers around the world who use AKG products every day.

Its 1/2-inch small-diaphragm true condenser transducer brings AKG studio quality to the project studio and all other areas of recording. A switchable preattenuation pad enables the Perception 170 to be used close to sound sources delivering up to 155 dB SPL. The heavy-duty, all-metal chassis and reliable gold-plated XLR-type output make the Perception 170 an excellent choice for a variety of live sound applications too.

Large diaphragm condenser microphone for recording and live use with acoustic instruments, drums, guitar & bass amps & vocals

Review: The Perception 220 is a large-diaphragm true condenser microphone offering outstanding build quality and excellent value. Its many useful features and included accessories make this microphone uncommonly versatile. It delivers a classic warm, clear sound and conforms to the stringent standards defined for AKG recording products. These standards are based on AKG's six decades of experience in making microphones and on input from sound engineers around the world who use AKG products every day.

Its 1-inch large-diaphragm true condenser transducer brings AKG studio quality to the project studio as well as all other areas of recording and live sound applications. A switchable bass cut filter and preattenuation pad make it perfectly suited even for use on loud sound sources producing sound pressure levels up to 155 dB SPL. The rugged and roadworthy design makes it also a perfect choice for on-stage applications. The Perception 220 comes with a spider-type shock mount and a rugged metal case.

Large diaphragm microphone for recording groups, orchestras, percussion, grand piano, woodwind, brass and ambience

Review: Perception 420 is a multi-pattern large-diaphragm condenser microphone for more demanding professional studio recording applications. Offering high sensitivity and 155 dB maximum SPL, the Perception 420 delivers a warm transparent sound quality ideally suited for ensemble recording, grand piano, woodwind and brass instruments as well as drums and percussion instruments. In addition, three selectable polar patterns cardioid, omnidirectional or figure-eight allow a wide range of stereo miking techniques and ambient recording.

A switchable bass cut filter and preattenuation pad enable the Perception 420 to be used close to sound sources in sound fields as high as 155 dB. The microphone's chassis is made of precision-tooled zinc/aluminium alloy and boasts a dent resistant stainless-steel wire-mesh front grille. It comes complete with a spider-type shock mount in an aluminium carrying case.

Phantom powered cardioid condenser microphone for guitar amps, snare, toms, timpani & overhead use

Review: The Artist Elite AE3000 delivers supreme performance at extreme SPLs.

This high-SPL large diaphragm cardioid condenser instrument mic excels in applications such as guitar cabinets, toms, snare, timpani, horns and overheads. Its large-diaphragm capsule combines with the open architecture of the headcase to provide an extremely accurate and open sound. Its low-profile side-address design with tapered grille allows for optimal positioning.

Review: The Artist Elite AE3000 delivers supreme performance at extreme SPLs.

This high-SPL large diaphragm cardioid condenser instrument mic excels in applications such as guitar cabinets, toms, snare, timpani, horns and overheads. Its large-diaphragm capsule combines with the open architecture of the headcase to provide an extremely accurate and open sound. Its low-profile side-address design with tapered grille allows for optimal positioning.

Large diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone for acoustic guitar & other acoustic instruments, percussion, strings & overheads

Review: The Artist Eliter AE5100 large diaphragm cardioid condenser instrument microphone provides uncompromising sound quality for overheads, percussion, acoustic guitar, strings and other acoustic instruments.

With rich, warm, accurate sound, the AE5100 also incorporates the most essential ingredients for quality live sound in a choir microphone. Its large-diaphragm capsule delivers accurate, natural response, while its low-profile design permits innovative placement options. With a lower profile than the large studio microphones to which it compares sonically, the AE5100 offers an outstanding performance-to-size ratio. With its low noise and smooth response, the AE5100 is ideal for recording, too.

Phantom powered side-address condenser microphone with shock mount, for instruments & vocals

Review: The AT4040 side-address condenser microphone features an advanced large diaphragm tensioned specifically to provide smooth, natural sonic characteristics. A marriage of technical precision and artistic inspiration, the AT4040 offers exceptionally low noise, wide dynamic range and high-SPL capability for greatest versatility. This ultra-consistent microphone may be used with confidence in a wide variety of studio and live miking applications, even under the stringent demands of digital recording systems. The AT4040's low-noise circuitry is symmetrical and transformerless, resulting in exceptional transient response and clean output signals for transparent reproduction of even the most troublesome of instruments and sound effects.

Cardioid condenser microphone for acoustic guitar, piano, horns, drum overheads & under snare

Review: This premium electret condenser microphone is engineered to meet the most critical acoustic requirements of professional recording, broadcast and live sound.

The AT4041 cardioid studio condenser microphone features a smooth, extended frequency response with a slight rise in the high-frequency region and a transformerless output for very high SPL-handling capability. A unique combination of audio excellence and moderate cost, the AT4041 is a rugged microphone housed in a case of turned brass with black chrome plating for durability and low reflectivity. The element back plate holds a fixed charge and has been aged to provide energy stabilization. The surface of the back plate is precision milled to ensure maximum charge linearity, resulting in a reduction in both frequency response peaks and diaphragm break-up distortion.

Clip-on cardiod condenser microphone for live use with saxophone, brass, toms & percussion

Review: Designed for sax, toms, brass and percussion, the PRO 35 excels in high-SPL applications and is ideal for active stage performances. Its extended frequency response captures subtle nuances of the performance. The included UniMountr clip permits accurate positioning and provides shock resistance while protecting the element. The microphone's cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of the desired sound source.

Sub-impulse dynamic instrument microphone

Review: The Audix D6 Provides huge kick drum sound. Ground shaking low end combined with exceptional clarity and attack.

The D6 is used for stage, studio and broadcast applications. Designed with a cardioid pickup pattern for isolation and feedback control, the D6 is equipped with a VLM diaphragm for natural, accurate sound reproduction.

Lightweight, compact and easy to position, the D6 is an excellent choice for miking instruments requiring extended low frequency reproduction such as kick drums, large toms and bass cabinets. The D6s transformer less design, low impedance and balanced output allow for interference-free performance.

Designed, assembled, and tested by Audix in the USA.

Large diaphragm condenser microphone for live or studio use with pianos, guitars, vibes, woodwinds, brass, drums, and orchestra

Review: The SCX25A is a professional studio condenser microphone with an elegant design and a patented capsule suspension system. Uniquely shock-mounted within an intricate machined brass ring, the capsule is completely isolated from the mic body and electronics. By successfully minimizing acoustic reflections and diffractions, the SCX25A delivers a pure, open air sound with exceptional detail and realism.

The SCX25A is consistent when responding to on and off-axis signals. This mic exhibits outstanding phase coherence and minimal proximity effect. With a wide cardioid polar pattern, the SCX25A enables the sound engineer to blend the sound of the instrument or vocal with the sound of the room. The SCX25A will handle SPLs in excess of 135 dB and provides up to 20 dB of ambient noise rejection.

The SCX25A is perfectly suited to capture the sound of acoustic instruments such as pianos, guitars, vibes, woodwinds, brass, percussion toys, drums, orchestra and symphony sections.
Supplied accessories include heavy duty snap to fit nylon clip and foam lined wood case.

http://vimeo.com/42589077

Vocal & instrument microphone

Review: Dynamic microphone with even frequency response and high SPL tolerance, suitable for percussion, acoustic instruments and female vocals.

Contact microphone with 1/4" male phone connector, designed for improved acoustic tuning

Review: The CM-100L Contact microphone directly picks up the vibration of the instrument, enabling you to tune your instrument even in noisy surroundings

The microphone is a perfect compliment to any tuner that offers an 1/4" jack input and can be positioned to get a more sensitive reading, while allowing the tuner to be positioned for easier reading.

Large capsule condenser microphone ideal for recordings where clarity and presence is essential

Review: Another MXL winner that puts pricier mics to shame, the MXL 2003A is a go-to tool for those critical recording applications like acoustic guitar, where clarity, presence, and detail are deal breakers. A switch selectable bass cut and -10 dB pad provide additional recording options, and a transformerless FET preamp will please the pickiest of engineers with its smooth and even response.

Multi-pattern design with omni, cardioid and Figure-8 patterns

Review: Sweet, silky and transparent describe the MXL 2010. Perfectly at home on vocals and instruments, what makes the 2010 so versatile is MXL's multi-pattern design with omni, cardioid, and Figure-8 polar patterns. The 2010 also includes a -10 dB attenuation switch for high sound pressure levels, so it's also an excellent mic for drum overheads or guitar amps.

Studio condenser microphone containing FET preamp with an electrically balanced output

Review: The MXL 440 is a beautiful studio condenser microphone designed to complement a wide variety of vocal and instrument applications. By combining a FET preamp with an electrically balanced output, the MXL 440 delivers an uncompromised tonal quality perfect for all studio applications.

Review: The MXL 606 instrument microphone delivers the sound you are looking for when recording snare drums, high-hat cymbals, acoustic guitars, pianos, percussion, stringed instruments and more. Using transformerless FET circuitry and a gold-sputtered diaphragm capsule provides a clean and clear tone. The 606 also features a -20 dB switchable attenuation pad and low-frequency roll-off.

Review: The MXL 770 continues to amaze recording artists all over the world with its incredible price/performance ratio. Singers, especially rappers, love the 770 for its solid bass, as well as its upfront high-end. The MXL 770 even uses a high quality FET preamp with balanced output for a wide dynamic range. This is a perfect piece for seasoned pros or newbie musicians who want a quality condenser mic that won't break the bank.

Large diaphragm condenser microphone

Review: The MXL 990 remains one of the industry's most ground-breaking microphones. The first high quality condenser microphone to come into reach of working musicians, the MXL 990 has an FET preamp and a large diaphragm for truly professional sound quality in both digital and analog recordings. This revolutionary condenser microphone continues to astound artists with its silky, high end and tight, solid low and midrange reproduction.

Review: The MXL A-55 Kicker is a killer dynamic mic for kick drums, bass cabinets, congas or any other low-frequency instruments. Built for abuse with durable metal construction, the MXL A-55 captures deep bass and low-end punch. It has a clean and clear pick-up for fast attacks. This mic will move effortlessly between straight-ahead jazz, rock and funk.

2 x microphone drum recording kit with mic stands & flight case

Review: The MXL Essentials Kit offer drummers and percussionists everything they need to start recording or performing. This all-in-one kit combines the popular MXL A-55 Kicker and the MXL 606 instrument microphones.

The MXL A-55 Kicker is a killer dynamic mic for kick drums, bass cabinets, congas, or any other low frequency instruments. The MXL A-55 captures deep bass and low-end punch while maintaining a clean and clear pick-up for fast attacks.

The MXL 606 instrument microphone delivers the sound you are looking for when recording snare drums. This microphone features transformerless FET circuitry and a gold sputtered diaphragm capsule that provides a clean and clear tone. The 606 also features a -20 dB switchable attenuation pad and low-frequency roll-off eliminating undesirable low end leakage for your recording.

Features:

A-55 KICKER
Captures deep bass with low-end punch and fast attack
Durable metal construction
Ideal for kick drums, djembe, and congas

606
Designed for snare drums, yet useful for all instruments
-20 dB pad for higher SPL recording
High-pass filter for removing unwanted low frequencies
Extremely small footprint and easy to place

Specs:

A-55 KICKER:
Type: Dynamic
Frequency Response: 30Hz - 15kHz
Polar pattern: Cardioid
Sensitivity: -76 dB (+/-3 dB @ 1kHz)
Output Impedance: 300 ohms
Size: 60 x 130mm
Weight: 540g
Metal Finish: Black

606:
Type: Pressure gradient condenser mic
Diaphragm: Gold-sputtered, 6 micron
Capsule Size: 22mm/.87 in.
Frequency Response: 30Hz - 20kHz
Polar pattern: Cardioid
Sensitivity: 15 mV/Pa
Output Impedance: 150 ohms
Equivalent noise: 17 dB (A-weighted IEC 268-4)
S/N Ratio: 77 dB (Ref. 1 Pa A-weighted)
Max SPL for .5% THD: 137 dB
Power Requirements: 48V phantom power (+/- 4V)
Size: 110mm x 23mm/4.3 in. x 0.89 in
Weight: 0.25 lbs/113g
Metal Finish: Silver

Included accessories:
Aluminium flight case
Hard mount mic stand adapter
MXL-41-603 Shockmount for the MXL 606
MXL microfiber cloth

Compact Ribbon microphone with high SPL tolerance perfect for horns and electric guitars

Review: Incorporating a figure of 8 polar pattern and a 1.8-micron aluminum ribbon, the MXL R144 offers breathtaking sound for vocal and instrument recordings and is an excellent microphone for broadcast applications. The R144 also performs brilliantly on acoustic instruments, strings, and horns and offers high SPL capability, outstanding side rejection and precise directivity.

Review: The MXL V67GS combines Class-A FET circuitry and a transformer /coupled output for an open and pure sound. The V67GS offers a smooth rising presence peak which is preferred for vocals when there is a heavy low end in the mix. The high-pass roll-off switch and additional -6 dB pad provide the ultimate improvement to MXL's classic version.

Condenser microphone for both recording and live drums, overheads and instruments

Review: Stylish and modern, the NT3 is a studio and location workhorse. With both 48V phantom and internal 9V battery operation, this Rode is at home anywhere.

Intended for studio, stage and location work, this versatile handheld or stand mounted microphone incorporates a true externally polarized condenser transducer with an internal capsule shock mounting system, and an ultra-low noise electronic circuit that has a high immunity to R.F. interference.

The NT3 incorporates a rugged welded and heat-treated mesh head and all metal body.

Condenser microphone with detachable capsule, for recording instruments, drums, percussion and vocals

Review: The Rode NT6 compact microphone is specifically designed for difficult mounting applications where the highest quality audio is required. Although clearly relevant to instrument miking, the NT6 is extremely well suited to any situation where an unobtrusive but powerful microphone is required.

Featuring a 1/2" cardioid condenser capsule, the NT6 capsule head measures 45mm (1.8") in length and weighs only 42gm (1.5oz). An all-metal, multi-position mounting ring provides 180 degree of vertical rotation, while the microphone head is connected to the body via a custom 3m (10') shielded Kevlarr reinforced cable.

The microphone body incorporates both a high-pass filter and pad setting. The high-pass filter can be introduced to cut vibration, rumble and undesired sounds sources under 80Hz, while the pad offers a -10 dB level attenuation, useful when recording louder sound sources.

The NT6's small form factor make it an ideal small diaphragm cardioid microphone for use in the mid-side (M/S) stereo array, in combination with a figure-8 large diaphragm microphone such as the NT2-A, NT2000 or K2.

The Rode NT6 compact condenser microphone is covered by Rode microphones' industry leading 10 year warranty.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IFuW-32x8E

5-piece dynamic drum mic set

Review: A comprehensive drum mic set up in a sturdy road case.

The Samson 5Kit is a 5 piece microphone kit featuring 1 Q Kick for the bass drum, 1 Q Snare and 3 Q Tom along with clips and a carrying case. These mics are ideal for studio or live use and work well with percussion as well as a drum kit.

Instrument microphone

Review: Building on the incredibly popular sE1, the sE1a retains the same capsule but combines this with all new, super-quiet electronics, all housed in a superbly restyled chassis.

This end-fire small diaphragm condenser microphone really is astonishing value for money.

Great for drums, pianos, and acoustic stringed instruments the sE1a is a must have for any size studio.

Pair of instrument microphones

Review: A balanced stereo pair of sE1a mics with stereo bar and flightcase.

Building on the incredibly popular sE1, the sE1a retains the same capsule but combines this with all new, super-quiet electronics, all housed in a superbly restyled chassis.

This end-fire small diaphragm condenser microphone really is astonishing value for money. Great for drums, pianos, and acoustic stringed instruments the sE1a is a must have for any size studio.

Small diaphragm instrument mic featuring interchangeable polar pattern capsules (available seperately)

Review: The sE4 replaces the sE3. The mic is a remodelled sE3, designed to sound and perform exactly the same, and with very similar styling, but with one key new feature: The chassis has been re-engineered to accept 2 additional interchangeable capsules, a hypercardioid and an omni.

The sE4 mic comes with the cardioid capsule as standard. The hypercardioid and omni capsule set, is available as an additional purchase, for both single and matched stereo pair sE4 mics.

The sE4 has been renamed, despite its similarity to the sE3, to avoid confusion, the new capsule set will NOT fit the sE3 model.

The sE4 packaging has also been updated with sE's new hi spec black aluminium, steel reinforced, flight cases. All sE4 packages ship with full suspension shock mounts included.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=uiAM-6Nugr0

Matched stereo pair of sE4 condenser mics with stereo bar and flightcase

Review: The sE4 pair replaces the sE3 pair. The mic is a remodelled sE3, designed to sound and perform exactly the same, and with very similar styling, but with one key new feature: The chassis has been re-engineered to accept 2 x additional interchangeable capsules, a hypercardioid and an omni.

Please note The sE4 mic comes with the Cardioid capsule as standard. The Hypercardioid and Omni capsule set, is available as an additional purchase, for both single and matched stereo pair sE4 mics.

The sE4 has been renamed, despite its similarity to the existing sE3, to avoid confusion, since the new capsules will NOT fit on the current sE3 model. Both single and matched pairs of mic and capsule sets are available, and the packaging has also been updated with sE's new hi spec black Aluminium, steel reinforced, flight cases. All sE4 packages ship with full suspension shock mounts included.

Side-address supercardioid condenser instrument microphone with 15dB pad switch

Review: The Beta 27 side-address condenser microphone is precision engineered for professional sound reinforcement and project studio recording applications. Its flat frequency response and low self-noise provide unerring performance in demanding environments. A tight supercardioid pattern ensures high gain-before-feedback and maximum isolation from other sound sources.

What makes this mic such a winner? In addition to its very convenient side-address configuration and supercardioid pickup pattern, the Beta 27 gives you a very flat response, so you don't have to tweak all those hyped frequencies. What it sees is what's really there. This flat response also makes the Beta 27 perfect for studio use. Need to tame some low end before it gets to the board? Use the 3-position low-frequency filter. This mic's built-in pop filter also keeps wind noise at bay. Try this mic and be prepared to give it a permanent place in your rig.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=qMy68Kl5F1g

An entry level, complete 6-piece drum microphone set, designed for full drum kit applications

Review: This would be an ideal choice for a budget concious amateur/semi-pro drummer looking to mic up their 6-piece drum kit. The microphones would be suitable for use on small stages, in the rehearsal room and in the home recording studio.

The PGDMK6 Drum Microphone Kit includes:

(3) x PG56 snare/tom microphones
(1) x PG52 kick drum microphone
(2) x PG81 instrument microphones
(3) x A50D drum mounts
(6) x 5ft (4.57m) XLR-XLR cables
(1) x durable carrying case.

Dynamic kick drum microphone for live and recording use

Review: A high-performance cardioid dynamic kick drum microphone tuned to capture low-end punch.

Dynamic microphone for recording kick drums and floor toms

Review: The Shure PG56 is the industry standard close-mic instrument recording microphone, tuned specifically for drum applications. Similarly to the rest of the renowned pg range, it's cardioid polar pattern picks up the most sound from in front of the microphone, and some sound from the sides. As a result, it is less susceptible to feedback in a high-volume environment.

It's tailored frequency response is smooth and extended, making it ideal for all the dynamics and tones a drum kit can throw at it. Even with harsher snares or toms, it handles extreme volume levels without distorting for a detailed, clear response at all times.

Dynamic microphone for recording guitar amplifiers, acoustic instruments, brass, percussion and drums + XLR cable

Review: The Shure PG57 is the ideal instrument microphone which can be used with acoustic or amplified instruments. It is lightweight and has a very low handling noise and is less susceptible to feedback at high volume. Some vocalists find this model more suitable to their voice or style of singing.

Professional flat-response condenser instrument microphone

Review: The SM137 is a versatile, flat-response cardioid condenser probe microphone.

The SM137 has an ultra-thin diaphragm for a frequency response that combines a smooth high-end with a tight, controlled low-end and a 15db pad for natural sound reproduction in both acoustic and high volume performance applications.

The SM137 can be used with the Acoustic Bass Acoustic Guitar Cymbals Guitar Amp Orchestra/Strings Percussion Piano/Organ Stage Overhead Studio Ensemble Studio Instrument Woodwinds.

Multi-purpose microphone with low self-noise for stage and studio performance applications

Review: The SM27 is a rugged and versatile large-diaphragm, side-address cardioid condenser microphone. It has low self-noise and extended frequency response that picks up vocal and instrument nuances with clarity.

Durable Shure construction features 3 x separate mesh layers that reduce wind and breath noise. Equally comfortable on stage or in the studio.

The SM27 can be used with the Acoustic Bass Acoustic Guitar Brass/Saxophone Cymbals Orchestra/Strings Percussion Piano/Organ Studio Ensemble Studio Vocals Woodwinds.