Instrument Microphones
No matter what instrument you play, it's important to invest in the appropriate microphone to help you amplify and record your musical performances.
Whether you’re an independent musician looking to complete your concert kit, a university pro outfitting a concert hall, or a recording studio owner expanding your microphone offerings, Adorama maintains a great selection of instrument microphones to suit your needs.
Compatibility for Instrument Microphones
Specificity is important when it comes to finding the right microphone for your instrument. The ideal microphone for a percussion instrument like a bass drum is very different from a mic that works well with woodwinds.
From differences in stands and mounting options to physical differences in the style of the microphone itself, each instrument microphone is designed with a certain type of instrument in mind.
At Adorama, you can easily select from microphones intended for use with percussion, brass, strings, woodwinds, harmonica, accordion, or pianos. You can also choose a multi-use microphone for more casual situations that require less specificity.
Polar Pattern
When you want to isolate a single instrument or capture the pure sound of the instrument itself and not the echo or reverberations, a cardioid polar pattern is the best choice. If you need to capture more of the room atmosphere or pick up multiple instruments, the wider polar pattern of an omnidirectional or a hypercardioid mic works better.
To select the right polar pattern, consider the recording or performance environment. Will there be multiple instruments? Will performers play bunched together or with plenty of space between them? These types of questions can help you decide on the ideal microphones for your purposes.
Connection Type
Professional-use instrument microphones typically feature XLR connectors. These connectors plug into most amplifiers, sound boards, and recording systems without adapters or the need for additional equipment.
If you’re not sure what type of connector you’ll need for your instrument microphone, our customer support team can advise you on compatibility of equipment and common uses for each type of connector.
Top Brands for Instrument Microphones
Shopping for professional-quality gear ensures better sound, improved amplification, and more accurate recording. While there are plenty of brands to choose from on the market, top brands like Audio-Technica, DPA Microphones, Sennheiser, Shure, and Earthworks provide gear you can rely on. To make sure your investment is built to last, it’s always a good idea to shop with brands you know and trust.
