When recording in a studio, or even at home, you need to make sure the microphone being used will not drown out your instrument’s sound.
A violin has a wide range of frequencies that, if not matched, will not be picked up by the microphone. It is also necessary to choose a microphone that’s able to detect and pick up the instrument’s sensitivity.
Once attached to the instrument, a microphone corresponds with the frequencies given off by the instrument to return similar frequencies, in turn, giving volume and depth to musical tones or vocals.
The violin is more than the sounds that are made by its strings and so it is necessary to use a device that will be able to pick up on the nuances of the instrument, especially if it is being played with other instruments.
The microphone you choose should be able to maintain its durability and ensure that you can use it for a longer period.
Microphones also need to be easy to attach and small in size so that they can be used feasibly without any hindrance. Larger microphones, though also perfectly capable, take up space and cannot be attached to your instrument directly.
Buyer’s Guide to the Best Microphones
Finding the best microphone for recording violin can be a strenuous decision to make.
Generally, to support an isolated instrument recording or a collection of instruments, a smaller-sized microphone is the suitable option to opt for to record your music clearly and without friction.
In the list of microphones mentioned below, you will find compact and small microphones with the ability to record or increase the volume of your instrument as effectively as a larger one would.
Most Suitable Microphone for All Instruments
The Myers Pickups Accordion Flexible Micro-Gooseneck microphone is preferable for recording or magnifying any instrument’s sounds. It is especially compatible with any instrument to focus on its sound and drown out any unnecessary voices or noise.
Besides this, the microphone’s compact and gooseneck cable makes it a recommendable option that is worth the investment for all your instruments.
Most Suitable Microphone for Wind Instruments
The Knox Rubberized Clip-on Gooseneck Instrument Microphone is equipped with an abundance of features most suited for wind and percussion instruments like saxophones, trombones, clarinets, and so forth.
It has a flexible gooseneck mic with a rubberized clip-on. Both features work in favor of your instrument to better record or increase their sounds. The rubber clip is a fantastic feature for adjusting the microphone however you want.
The rubberized clip-on is also great to protect your instrument from the microphone during use. With a multitude of features, this microphone is a viable option to purchase.
Most Suitable Compact Sized Microphone
The Myers Pickups Feather Violin Micro-Gooseneck is mainly known for its light and small stature. However, that is a bonus point since it works superbly like larger microphones to provide similar functions.
Not only is the mic small and easy to adjust, but it also works well to amplify and increase your instrumental sounds to make them more melodious and acoustic.
Besides this, it is not only compatible with a violin but is rather successfully compatible with any sort of wireless instrument. This microphone is a great option since its compact size allows it to look invisible on the instrument during performances.
Most Suitable Clip-on Microphone
The HEIMU Clip-on Condenser Microphone is an excellent clip-on mic, therefore, being easy to attach and detach. It is small and discreet additionally, proving to be exceptionally feasible to work with.
If you are looking for a small clip-on with a large flexible gooseneck cable, this will fit the description. In addition to having many features, the HEIMU microphone is extremely affordable. You get all the properties of a microphone in a compact body without spending too much.
1. Audio-Technica PRO 35 Clip-on Instrument Microphone
This is a black attachable microphone and features a unidirectional polar pattern.
The unidirectional polar pattern helps your microphone to pick up the sounds from your instruments and ignore any additional commotion or friction. In this way, this microphone is better equipped to pick up the instrument’s isolated sounds only.
To match high frequencies emitted by instruments like violins, this microphone has a frequency range between 50Hz to 15000Hz. The high-frequency range allows the microphone to capture the violin’s smaller sounds and expressions.
The microphone is attached to a 6-inch wire cable with a UniMount clip. The clip allows you to position the microphone however you would like, and in a way that protects your violin from shock resistance.
This microphone can be used for stage performances, as well as in studios. Overall, this makes a feasible and quick option to record your performances.
Specifications
- Brand: Audio-Technica
- Color: Black
- Weight: 0.65 pounds
- Frequency Range: 50 Hertz to 15000 Hertz
Pros
- Wide frequency range
- Adjustable clip-on
- Lightweight
- Cardioid Polar Pattern
- Wide frequency response
Cons
- Fairly small clip size
- Sensitive for high pitched tones
- Cable is thin and prone to breakage
2. AKG Pro Audio C414 XLS Microphone
This microphone is engineered with a variety of features. This makes for a good microphone for recording both your instrumental music and your vocals.
Equipped with a multipolar pattern, this microphone can pick up on your instruments and vocal sounds without the interruption of surrounding noises.
It also has built-in switchable bass-cut filters to filter and drown out any sort of white noise, wind noise, and proximity sounds.
The microphone has nine different polar patterns that can be used in multiple settings. It can also be adjusted to three different signal attenuation levels. These levels enable the mic to record sounds up close or sound emitted from large sources.
This microphone is also successful in detecting audio peaks, whether high or low without causing difficulties.
Specifications
- Brand: AKG Pro Audio
- Color: Silver and Gray
- Weight: 0.66 pounds
- Frequency range: 20 Hertz to 20000 Hertz
Pros
- Nine directional patterns
- Responsive to audio changes
- Large frequency range
- 140 dB dynamic range
- Lightweight
Cons
- Records low and mid pitch better than high pitch
- Expensive purchase with added shipping costs
- Not attachable
3. Myers Pickups Feather Violin Micro-Gooseneck
This microphone introduced by Myers Pickups is one of a kind. Their microphone is branded as being light as a feather due to its lightweight build. Not only is the microphone light, but it also packs the same amount of power to be attached to your violin.
Its light-weighted feature accompanies its small size, making it easy to attach to your violin effortlessly.
The mic is easy to adjust and performs as a normal microphone with added amplification to increase and multiply your violin’s natural sound and tone.
Installed within the microphone is a power source that does not require any additional power supply with an active preamp. It has no problem with wireless instruments and is perfectly compatible with it.
Myers Pickups provides all installed hardware in this tiny microphone which is enough to make your instrument sound even more acoustic than it naturally would. The microphone’s capability to emit powerful and smooth tones is amplified with this microphone to make your recordings and performances radiate.
Its plethora of features alongside its affordable price and durability makes this an ideal microphone for your violin.
Specifications
- Brand: Myers Pickups
- Color: Sleek Black
- Weight: 0.35 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight
- Small in size
- Adjustable
- Pre-installed power source
- All hardware included
- Affordable
Cons
- Clip can be difficult to attach to tailpiece
- Sensitive to changes in audio
4. HEIMU Clip-on Condenser Microphone
If you want an extremely affordable microphone that will fulfill its requirements, the HEIMU clip-on is a good choice.
This microphone is engineered to be feasible and small in size. Its small size allows you to effortlessly clip it on where you would like. Besides being easy to attach, it adheres to the surface it is placed on and is also quickly removed.
The cable has a long gooseneck extender to attach onto a larger instrument, as well. Besides this, the cable is easy to detach, if needed. This microphone is compatible with violins, banjos, and violas.
The microphone’s easy and discreet size keeps it invisible and out of the way during performances.
Overall, this is a greatly affordable microphone for musical instrument recordings that works perfectly for violins and has compatibility with several other instruments.
Specifications
- Brand: HEIMU
- Color: Black
- Weight: 0.14 pounds
Pros
- Small size is easy to handle
- Affordable
- Works with many instruments
- Easily attachable and detachable
Cons
- Does not have polar patterns
- Sensitive to changes in pitches
- Small frequency range
5. Myers Pickups Accordion Flexible Micro-Gooseneck
Another affordable microphone offered by Myers Pickups, this microphone will give you what you need. This is a versatile and compact gadget compatible with all instruments.
Though small in size, this microphone has a powerful preamp. To drown out background noise, the microphone has a flexible gooseneck that ensures the amplification of your instrument only.
Along with amplifying the instrument, Myers Pickup offers a powerful internal preamp that helps the instrument you are using to deliver the richest sounds. It also has an included battery source installed within it.
The microphone works with almost all instruments and efficiently delivers volume and amplification to the audience.
The microphone’s versatility and compatibility, along with its attractive price make it a good purchase for your instrumental needs.
Specifications
- Brand: Myers Pickups
- Color: Black
- Weight: 0.28 pounds
Pros
- Compact size
- Compatible
- Extendable gooseneck cable
- Installed power battery
- Three mounting options included
Cons
- Requires a side power source
- Sensitive to changes in high tones and pitch
6. Knox Rubberized Clip-on Gooseneck Instrument Microphone
Made with an abundance of features for your convenience, Knox’s Microphone is another superb option to choose from.
The microphone can be attached with the help of a rubberized clip-on anywhere on your instrument for increased clarity. Whether you want to record or amplify the instrument’s sound, the gooseneck condenser mic helps you achieve resonating sounds.
The gooseneck mic is flexible to bend and twist around the instrument as you like while staying in place.
Not only does the clip-on help in recording the instrument’s nuances but proficiently protects your instrument during use. Made from long-lasting materials, the clip-on is highly functional and durable.
This microphone is lengthy measuring 6.75 inches and attached to a 10-inch cable. The clip measures 2.5 inches.
This microphone requires a side power source that is not pre-installed within the microphone itself. The electrical output is a mini XLR cable accompanied by a mini XLR adaptor.
Designed to work with a variety of wind and percussion instruments, this microphone is extremely versatile due to its compatibility with instruments like the trombone, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, and flute.
Specifications
- Brand: Knox
- Color: Black
- Weight: 0.44 pounds
Pros
- Flexible cable
- Versatile
- Compatible
- Durable
Cons
- Does not have polar patterns
- Large in size
- Not lightweight
- Requires a side power source
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Difference Between a Condenser Mic and a Dynamic Mic?
A: The main difference in these mics is in the instruments they are used for. Dynamic mics are generally used for boisterous and loud sounds emitted from instruments like drums or loud vocals.
Condenser mics are preferred for softer and delicate sounds emitted from instruments such as violins, violas, banjos, etc. It is also used to capture and pick up softer and delicate vocals.
Q: Why is a Condenser Mic Necessary for Violins?
A: If you want to focus on picking up and focusing on one specific soft instrument among many, condenser microphones help in doing so.
These mics are constructed with the idea of having higher frequencies to capture smaller nuances of vocals or instruments and are therefore used to record or increase the sounds of instruments like violins or soft singing.
Q: Is it Possible to Connect or Plug a Condenser Mic into a Computer?
A: Nearly all and any computers have a port to connect your condenser mic via a suitable jack for the socket. The mic port can usually be found beside the headphone port.
However, a condenser mic cannot be connected to a computer directly without first plugging it into a computer mic port.
Q: What is the Best Position for a Mic during a Live Violin Performance?
A: Ideally, the position of a microphone on a violin would depend on its size. It is necessary to place it in a position for maximum sound volume.
One of the two places to situate a mic on a violin would be close to the chin rest so it does not prohibit your sight while you play. Another position to place it at would be halfway up the fingerboard to get a clearer sound.
Conclusion
Everything above will help you decide on a microphone best suited for your violin or even other instruments.
We hope with all the information, inquiries, and their provided answers any confusion regarding the kind of microphone you need has now been clarified.
Please take a look at some of our other buying guides and product reviews… and get playing!
Happy purchasing!