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Catalog

Special Instrument Microphones

10 instruments available · See the ranking

ATEC Revo Blueline Mic Sennheiser

Special Instrument Microphones

$425€379Check ↗

ATEC Revo Blueline Mic Shure

Special Instrument Microphones

$425€379Check ↗

ATEC Revo Blueline Mic AKG

Special Instrument Microphones

$425€379Check ↗

TAP AKO-P Accordion Microphone

Special Instrument Microphones

$145€129Check ↗

TAP AKO-B Accordion Microphone

Special Instrument Microphones

$43€38Check ↗

Audix D6X

Special Instrument Microphones

$301€269Check ↗

Drumport StompTech DCM-01 Cajon Microphone

Special Instrument Microphones

$167€149Check ↗

Meinl Percussion Microphone

Special Instrument Microphones

$31€28Check ↗

AKG C 516 ML

Special Instrument Microphones

$167€149Check ↗

DPA 4099-DP-1-101-A

Special Instrument Microphones

$1,400€1,249Check ↗

About Special Instrument Microphones

Special instrument microphones are highly focused pickups designed to capture the unique sonic character of instruments beyond standard drum or guitar mics. These mics often employ unique capsule designs or placement techniques to isolate and amplify specific aspects of an instrument’s tone – a harp’s resonance, a steel guitar’s sustain, or a vibraphone’s shimmer. Their use elevates recording quality and provides creative sonic possibilities.

Best for

Studio recordinglive performanceexperimental musicspecialized instrumentsnuanced sound capture

What to look for

Polar patternfrequency responsesensitivitycapsule sizemounting optionsbuild qualitysignal-to-noise ratio

Special Instrument Microphones — pros & cons

Pros
  • Exceptional detail and clarity in targeted instrument sounds
  • Allows for unique and creative microphone placement options
  • Provides isolation from other instruments in a live or studio setting
  • Offers a focused sonic signature, often unattainable with general mics
  • Can reveal subtle nuances and textures within the instrument's tone
Cons
  • Can be highly sensitive to unwanted vibrations and resonances
  • Often requires experimentation to achieve optimal placement and sound
  • May not be versatile for a wide range of instruments or applications
  • Can be more expensive than general-purpose instrument microphones
  • Requires careful gain staging to avoid noise or distortion

Questions about Special Instrument Microphones

How do special instrument microphones differ from clip-on pickups?

While both capture instrument sound, mics offer a more natural and nuanced tone, whereas pickups often have a more processed, amplified quality.

Is a special instrument microphone always necessary for a good recording?

No, but they can be invaluable for instruments where a standard microphone struggles to capture the desired characteristics or requires impractical placement.

What’s the best way to determine the ideal placement for a special instrument microphone?

Experimentation is key; start with common placement points and listen carefully for the most pleasing and representative sound, adjusting position and angle as needed.

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