Best String Instrument Microphones Under $800 2026
Affordable string instrument microphones under $800 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026
#1
⭐
4.6/5
(31 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
DPA 4099-DP-1-201-B
by
DPA
Double Bass
Orchestra
Classical
Key Feature:
• Natural bowing sound
✓ PROS
- • Capture string instrument detail
- • Lightweight and unobtrusive
✗ CONS
- • May pick up bow noise
- • Requires careful mounting
DPA 4099-DP-1-201-BCondenser Clip-On Microphone for Double BassPolar pattern: SupercardioidFrequency response: 80 -...
⭐
4.6/5
(31 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 619246
$685
#2
⭐
4.9/5
(11 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
DPA 4099-DP-1-199-V
by
DPA
Orchestra
Classical
Viola
Key Feature:
• Excellent for live performance
✓ PROS
- • Excellent for live performance
- • Natural bowing sound
✗ CONS
- • Requires careful mounting
- • May emphasize harsh frequencies
DPA 4099-DP-1-199-VCondenser Clip-On Microphone for ViolinPolar pattern: SupercardioidFrequency response: 20 - 20000 Hz...
⭐
4.9/5
(11 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 619264
$670
#3
⭐
4.4/5
(7 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
DPA 4099-DP-1-201-C
by
DPA
Violin
Orchestra
Classical
Key Feature:
• Excellent for live performance
✓ PROS
- • Lightweight and unobtrusive
- • Natural bowing sound
✗ CONS
- • Requires careful mounting
- • May pick up bow noise
DPA 4099-DP-1-201-CCondenser Clip-On Microphone for CelloPolar pattern: SupercardioidFrequency response: 80 - 17000 Hz...
⭐
4.4/5
(7 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 619247
$670
#4
⭐
4.9/5
(39 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Neumann MCM 114 Set Cello
by
Neumann
Viola
Classical
Double Bass
Key Feature:
• Natural bowing sound
✓ PROS
- • Professional orchestra standard
- • Excellent for live performance
✗ CONS
- • May pick up bow noise
- • Positioning critical for tone
Neumann MCM 114 Set Cello, Microphone Set, Neumann MCM System for Cello*Set consisting of:*KK 14 capsuleSH 150...
⭐
4.9/5
(39 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 539080
$692
#5
⭐
4.5/5
(28 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Neumann MCM 114 Set Bass
by
Neumann
Viola
Classical
Violin
Key Feature:
• Capture string instrument detail
✓ PROS
- • Professional orchestra standard
- • Natural bowing sound
✗ CONS
- • May pick up bow noise
- • Requires careful mounting
Neumann MCM 114 Set Bass, Microphone Set, Neumann MCM System for double bass*Set consisting of:*KK 14 capsuleSH 150...
⭐
4.5/5
(28 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 539066
$692
#6
⭐
4.5/5
(17 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Neumann MCM 114 Set High Strings
by
Neumann
Orchestra
Cello
Classical
Key Feature:
• Capture string instrument detail
✓ PROS
- • Excellent for live performance
- • Natural bowing sound
✗ CONS
- • Requires careful mounting
- • May pick up bow noise
Neumann MCM 114 Set High Strings, Microphone Set, Neumann MCM System for violin, viola, mandolin and similar...
⭐
4.5/5
(17 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 538073
$692
How to Choose the Best String Instrument 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 string instrument 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.
