Need a microphone for performing live on trumpet, sax, clarinet,trombone, or another wind instrumnet? How do you choose?!
Wind instruments are a diverse and expressive family of musical instruments that can add richness and variety to any live performance. However, miking up wind instruments can be challenging, especially in noisy or crowded environments. To capture the best sound quality and avoid feedback, wind instrument players need microphones that are specially designed for their needs. Here are some of the best microphones for wind instruments that you can clip on to your instrument.
One of the most popular choices for wind instruments is the Shure PGA98H, a cardioid condenser microphone that delivers clear and natural sound reproduction. The PGA98H has an integrated horn clamp that allows you to easily attach it to your instrument, and a flexible gooseneck that lets you adjust the position and angle of the microphone. The PGA98H also comes with a preamplifier that provides phantom power and XLR connection, making it compatible with most environments.
I use the PGA98H currently when performing around Cincinnati with my band. I have the wired XLR version because we have a stage box that sits at the front of the stage. This is probably the most economical way to mic up my trumpet, since I didn’t have to spend the extra money on a transmitter/receiver package. I have a short XLR cable that I plug into the preamplifier barrel and then run that to my input on the stage box. This requires the mixer to supply 48V phantom power to my input since it is a condenser mic. The XLR connection barrel also houses the preamplifier which requires this phantom power.
Another choice would be to get the version with the TGQ(TA4F, 4-pin mini) connector. Keep in mind that you will need to connect this one into a transmitter belt pack. AND you will need a matching wireless receiver. They also sell preconfigured wireless packages containing the microphone, transmitter, and receiver.
Another great option for wind instruments is the Shure Beta 98H/C. This is a little pricier but is a higher quality microphone in general. It is a premium cardioid condenser microphone that offers high sound pressure level capability and excellent gain-before-feedback. The Beta 98H/C can be found mostly in wireless configurations, but there are some wired XLR versions out there.
If you are purchasing just the microphone, make sure you look at the connection. If it is a larger XLR barrel, you are ready to go by just plugging it into a phantom powered input. If it is the smaller TA4F, 4Pin connector, you will need to get a transmitter pack and a receiver. These should be bought together in a pair.
If you are looking for a wireless system that includes both a microphone and a transmitter, you might want to consider the Shure PGXD14/BETA98H-X83, a digital wireless system that delivers 24-bit audio quality and reliable performance. The PGXD14/BETA98H-X8 features the Beta 98H/C microphone and the PGXD1 bodypack transmitter, which operates in the 900 MHz frequency band and has a range of up to 200 feet. The PGXD14/BETA98H-X8 also comes with the PGXD4 receiver, which has a simple setup and a scan and sync function that automatically finds the best available channel.
These are some of the best microphones for wind instruments that you can clip on to your instrument for wireless or wired sound. Whether you play the trumpet, saxophone, the flute, the clarinet, or any other wind instrument, these microphones will help you capture the full range and expression of your music.