AudioFu

Best Overhead Microphones for Jazz 2025

Perfect overhead microphones for jazz - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Jazz For Rock For Live Sound For Studio Recording
Neumann KM185 mt - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Neumann KM185 mt

by Neumann
Studio Recording Live Sound Rock
Key Feature:
• Natural stereo imaging
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent for cymbals and ambience
  • • High-frequency detail
✗ CONS
  • • Can be affected by phase issues
  • • Require quality preamps

Neumann KM185 mt, Small condenser microphone, Polar pattern: Hyper Cardioid, Colour: Black

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 245705
$835
Buy at Thomann View Details
Audio-Technica AT4041 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Audio-Technica AT4041

by Audio-Technica
Jazz Live Sound Ambient
Key Feature:
• Essential for drum recording
✓ PROS
  • • Essential for drum recording
  • • Capture overall drum kit sound
✗ CONS
  • • May need careful positioning
  • • Pick up room acoustics

Audio-Technica AT4041Condenser microphoneCardioid polar pattern20-20000 Hz145 dB SPL max.48 V Phantom power100 OhmWell...

⭐ 4.9/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 105798
$329
Buy at Thomann View Details
Audix ADX 40 White - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Audix ADX 40 White

by Audix
Jazz Rock Live Sound
Key Feature:
• Natural stereo imaging
✓ PROS
  • • High-frequency detail
  • • Natural stereo imaging
✗ CONS
  • • Can be affected by phase issues
  • • May emphasize harsh cymbals

Audix ADX 40 WhiteHanging microphonePolar pattern: CardioidFrequency range: 40 - 20000 HzMax. SPL: 130 db9-52 V Phantom...

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 182632
$285
Buy at Thomann View Details
Audio-Technica Pro45 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Audio-Technica Pro45

by Audio-Technica
Live Sound Classical Jazz
Key Feature:
• Natural stereo imaging
✓ PROS
  • • Natural stereo imaging
  • • Capture overall drum kit sound
✗ CONS
  • • Require quality preamps
  • • Pick up room acoustics

Audio-Technica Pro45, Condenser hanging microphone, Ideal for choral recordings, Cardioid polar pattern, Incl. Solid...

⭐ 4.8/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 162776
$131
Buy at Thomann View Details
Audix ADX 40 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Audix ADX 40

by Audix
Jazz Live Sound Rock
Key Feature:
• High-frequency detail
✓ PROS
  • • Capture overall drum kit sound
  • • High-frequency detail
✗ CONS
  • • May emphasize harsh cymbals
  • • May need careful positioning

Audix ADX 40Hanging microphonePolar pattern: CardioidFrequency range: 40 - 20000 HzMax. SPL: 130 db9-52 V Phantom power...

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 182630
$259
Buy at Thomann View Details
Superlux E524/D - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Superlux E524/D

by Superlux
Jazz Ambient Classical
Key Feature:
• Capture overall drum kit sound
✓ PROS
  • • Essential for drum recording
  • • Excellent for cymbals and ambience
✗ CONS
  • • Pick up room acoustics
  • • Require quality preamps

Superlux E524/DCondenser stereo microphone with XY combinationCardioid90° Combination of the matched capsulesBattery...

⭐ 4.4/5 (35 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 302971
$131
Buy at Thomann View Details
EV PL 37 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

EV PL 37

by EV
Live Sound Classical Rock
Key Feature:
• Essential for drum recording
✓ PROS
  • • Essential for drum recording
  • • High-frequency detail
✗ CONS
  • • May emphasize harsh cymbals
  • • Can be affected by phase issues

EV PL 37Condenser MicrophoneFor overheads and percussionCardioidImpedance: 200 OhmFrequency response: 50 - 16000...

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 223257
$98
Buy at Thomann View Details
Audix F9 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Audix F9

by Audix
Rock Studio Recording Jazz
Key Feature:
• Capture overall drum kit sound
✓ PROS
  • • Capture overall drum kit sound
  • • High-frequency detail
✗ CONS
  • • Pick up room acoustics
  • • May emphasize harsh cymbals

Audix F9Condenser Instrument MicrophoneCharacteristic: CardioidFrequency range: 40 - 20000 HzImpedance: 200 OhmMax....

⭐ 4.5/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 463479
$173
Buy at Thomann View Details
Behringer C-2 Stereoset - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Behringer C-2 Stereoset

by Behringer
Rock Classical Jazz
Key Feature:
• Capture overall drum kit sound
✓ PROS
  • • Natural stereo imaging
  • • Capture overall drum kit sound
✗ CONS
  • • May emphasize harsh cymbals
  • • May need careful positioning

Behringer C2 StereosetSmall Diaphragm Condenser Microphone StereosetMatched pairPolar pattern: CardioidSwitchable...

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 183760
$34
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Overhead Microphones

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced overhead microphones typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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