Clip-on Instrument Mics

When we think of “going wireless,” images arise of lead singers and guitar/bass players running around a stage, or actors in live theater wearing headsets. However, when acoustic instrument players — horns, reeds, violin, ukuleles, etc. — want more mobility, a quality clip-on mic is a necessity, while miniature clip mics on drums can create a clean stage look. So with many such transducers today providing near-studio quality, we decided to check out what’s available in the market. To make comparisons easier, the most models are listed in basic/universal versions designed for sax/horns, with many also offered for nearly every acoustic instrument imaginable, as well as in hardwired and wireless variants.

Acacia Audio LIZ Instrument

• Type: Condenser
• Pattern: Supercardioid
• Freq. Response: 30 Hz – 16k Hz
• Max SPL: 136 dB
• Connector: Standard XLR-3M
• Notes: Includes mount for specific instruments
• Street Price: $299

www.acaciaaudio.com

AKG 519 M

• Type: Condenser
• Pattern: Cardioid
• Freq. Response: 60 Hz – 20k Hz
• Max SPL: 132 dB
• Connector: TA3F Mini XLR for AKG wireless
• Notes: Horn version; other models avail for drums, percussion, accordion
• Street Price: $305

www.akg.com

Apex Electronics Apex565

• Type: Condenser
• Pattern: Cardioid
• Freq. Response: 50 Hz – 18k Hz
• Max SPL: 135 dB
• Connector: Standard XLR-M
• Notes: Designed for wired use
• Street Price: $94

www.apexelectronics.com

Applied Microphone Technology LSW

• Type: Condenser
• Pattern: Cardioid
• Freq. Response: 50 Hz – 18k Hz
• Max SPL: 120 dB
• Connector: Models for Shure TA4 or 1/8” Sennheiser wireless
• Notes: Versions avail. for strings, woodwinds, accordion, percussion
• Street Price: $423

www.appliedmicrophone.com

Audio-Technica ATM350U

• Type: Condenser
• Pattern: Cardioid
• Freq. Response: 40 Hz – 20k Hz
• Max SPL: 159 dB
• Connector: Hirose HR10 4-pin (wireless) or wired XLR with AT8543 power module
• Notes: Systems for woodwinds, strings, brass, percussion, drums, guitar, accordion, piano. UE-O omni and UE-H hypercardioid elements also available
• Street Price: $299

www.audio-technica.com

Audix ADX20iP

• Type: Condenser
• Pattern: Cardioid
• Freq. Response: 40 Hz – 20k Hz
• Max SPL: 135 dB
• Connector: 3-pin mini XLR-F for Audix wireless
• Notes: Includes XLR adapter for wired use; can be used on horns, accordion, cello, upright bass.
• Street Price: $249

www.audixusa.com

Avlex Superlux PRA-383TQG

• Type: Condenser
• Pattern: Supercardioid
• Freq. Response: 40 Hz – 18k Hz
• Max SPL: 137 dB
• Connector: TA4F for Mipro beltpacks
• Notes: Optional XLR adapter for wired use
• Street Price: $98

www.avlex.com

beyerdynamic TG i52

• Type: Dynamic
• Pattern: Hypercardioid
• Freq. Response: 40 Hz – 12 kHz
• Max SPL: Not stated
• Connector: Standard XLR-M
• Notes: Designed for wired use
• Street Price: $159

https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com

CAD Audio C98

• Type: Condenser
• Pattern: Cardioid
• Freq. Response: 50 Hz – 20k Hz
• Max SPL: 140 dB
• Connector: Standard XLR-M
• Notes: Designed for drum and percussion
• Street Price: $79

www.cadaudio.com

Countryman I2 Sax and Brass Mic

• Type: Condenser
• Pattern: Omni (cardioid and hypercardioid optional)
• Freq. Response: 20 Hz – 20k Hz
• Max SPL: 150 dB
• Connector: Terminations for all major wireless systems; wired XLR adapter optional
• Notes: Mounts for flute, guitar, violin, cello and double bass also offered
• Street Price: $307

www.countryman.com

DPA 4099-DC-1 / 4099-DC-2

• Type: Condenser
• Pattern: Supercardioid
• Freq. Response: 20 Hz – 20k Hz
• Max SPL: 152 dB
• Connector: MicroDot with adapters for all major wireless; wired XLR adapter optional
• Notes: Mounts available for brass, piano, guitar, woodwinds, flute, accordion, bass, cello, violin/viola, mandolin, drums and more
• Street Price: $660

www.dpamicrophones.com

Electro-Voice RE920TX

• Type: Condenser
• Pattern: Cardioid
• Freq. Response: 80 Hz – 18k Hz
• Max SPL: 148 dB
• Connector: TA4F Mini XLR wired for use with EV & Telex bodypacks
• Notes: Universal clip mount designed for trumpet, trombone, sax, woodwinds
• Street Price: $221

www.electrovoice.com

Neumann MCM 114

• Type: Condenser
• Pattern: Cardioid
• Freq. Response: 20 Hz – 20k Hz
• Max SPL: 153 dB
• Connector: 3.5mm jack for Sennheiser wireless and wired MCM100 XLR adapter; cables with 3-pin Lemo, 4-pin mini-XLR and MicroDot optional
• Notes: Mounts available for horns, woodwinds, violin/viola, cello, double bass, guitar, piano and drums
• Street Price: $699

www.neumann.com

Sennheiser e 908B ew

• Type: Condenser
• Pattern: Cardioid
• Freq. Response: 40 Hz – 20k Hz
• Max SPL: 147 dB
• Connector: 1/8” termination for Sennheiser evolution-series wireless; optional XLR adapter for wired applications
• Notes: Version for sax. Models for drums, woodwinds, percussion, congas and a low-sensitivity trumpet/trombone version also offered
• Street Price: $179

www.sennheiser.com

Shure WB98H/C

• Type: Condenser
• Pattern: Cardioid
• Freq. Response: 20 Hz – 20k Hz
• Max SPL: 155 dB
• Connector: TA4F mini-XLR termination for Shure wireless
• Notes: Wireless sax/brass version with Beta 98H capsule; hardwired model with attached XLR preamp and Beta98 AD/C for drums also available
• Street Price: $169

www.shure.com