If you play classical violin, you want your music to be heard whenever and wherever you are performing. Violin microphones can help amplify your sound when you are performing on stage. They are also great for recording studios so that you can isolate the sound of your violin. While you can always use a violin pickup, violin microphones tend to capture a more natural sound of the violin. You could also always choose to get an electric violin.
Should you choose to use a violin mic, there are a lot of options to consider. In this article, we are going to guide you in identifying ten of the best violin microphones on the market.
Table of Contents
Overall Best Violin Microphone
A great overall violin microphone that works well for studio and live recordings. It’s unique recording technology limits the amount of sound bleeding from the surrounding area.
Features:
• Improved sound isloation
• Easy clip
• Extended frequency response
Best Violin Microphones and Pickups
Product | Microphone/Pickup | Price |
1. Audio-Technica PRO 35 Cardioid Condenser Clip-on Instrument Microphone | Microphone | $148.99 |
2. DPA d:vote 4099V - Violin Mic w/Clip | Microphone | No products found. |
3. Myers Pickups Violin Pickup | Pickup | $218.00 |
4. HEIMU Clip On Instrument Condenser Microphone | Microphone | $55.99 |
5. VocoPro UV-3 U-Series Wireless Violin System | Microphone | $149.00 |
6. Myers Pickups Baroque Violin Microphone System | Microphone | $224.00 |
7. Prodipe VL-21 Microphone for Violin | Microphone | $222.71 |
8. Nicama Instrument Violin Clip-on Cardioid Condenser Microphone | Microphone | No products found. |
9. Myers Pickups Violin Pickup Carpenter Jack | Pickup | $214.00 |
10. DPA 4099V | d:vote 4099 Series Supercardioid Instrument Clip Microphone Kit | Microphone | No products found. |
What to Look for in Violin Microphones
In order to buy the right violin microphone or violin pickup you need to evaluate the potential options on several criteria. Here we’ve laid out a few of the features you should consider.
Do You Need a Violin Microphone or Violin Pickup?
First, consider whether you want a violin microphone or a violin pickup. A pickup is generally used to connect a violin to an amp for live performances to mimic the sound of an electric violin whereas a violin microphone is used to record the sound of a violin.
While you can technically interchange them, they will work and sound best when used for their intended purposes. We mostly cover violin microphones in this article, but you can find more our of recommended violin pickups here.
What Polar Patterns, Proximity Effects, and Sensitivity Do You Need?
When choosing the best violin microphones, one of the first things that you should do is to look for the right specifications for polar patterns, proximity effects, and sensitivity. These will depend on the recording equipment that you have and what sound you are looking to produce.
What Sound Do You Want?
Another thing that you should take note of is the sound that it is able to amplify. There are some microphones that produce a metallic in nature. Get the sound that would produce the naturally rich sound of your violin. You do not want to have a mediocre performance just because you had a bad microphone. Hence, go for the better sounding microphone and have the performance of your life!
These are just a few of the things that you should consider before picking one from the best violin microphones. It is worth noting that knowledge of its key features will actually make your job of choosing the most appropriate instrument easier.
All Violin Microphones and Pickups
1. Audio-Technica PRO 35 Cardioid Condenser Clip-on Instrument Microphone
The first violin microphone on our list is the Audio-Technica PRO 35 Cardioid Condenser Clip-on Instrument Microphone. It consists of a UniMount clip that permits accurate positioning and provides shock resistance. Its cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the rear and the sides. This improves the isolation of the desired sound source. Its extended frequency response captures subtle nuances of your performance. This microphone has a six-inch cable which you could attach permanently to it.
2. DPA d:vote 4099V – Violin Mic w/Clip
The second violin microphone on our list is the DPA d:vote 4099V- Violin Mic w/Clip. This is a perfect microphone for your violin! It has a small diaphragm and its super-cardioid condenser could allow you to produce stunning sounds. In addition to this, this microphone mounts gently to your violin, serving up beautiful sound quality. This violin microphone is meant for those who are tired of performing with a microphone stand.
3. Myers “The Feather” Violin Pickup
The Myers Pickups Violin Pickup is a lightweight violin microphone which can be positioned on your violin without any modifications. It is fully equipped with an active preamp to produce a rich sound which your instrument can deliver. Each pickup is tested meticulously before delivery. You could permanently install this microphone and still amplify the natural tone and beauty of your violin. With its features and its lightweight design, you are ensured of a quality product which you could use every day.
4. HEIMU Clip On Instrument Condenser Microphone
The HEIMU Clip On Instrument Condenser Microphone is also a good option for amateurs and professionals alike. It features a flexible and easy one-hand mounting for easy placement. It has a gentle yet secure adhesion to your violin. With its compact and discreet size, this violin microphone would not hinder your performance at all. This mic further features a detachable cable and a versatile gooseneck extender. It has a flexible adapter system which could cooperate with the mixer.
5. VocoPro UV-3 U-Series Wireless Violin System
The VocoPro UV-3 U-Series Wireless Violin System has a diversity receiver design which reduces dropouts which are caused by interference. Its 16 operating channels allow for multiple sets to be used simultaneously. Its operating range is up to 150 feet.In addition to the features which have been already discussed, this microphone also has an adjustable squelch control which could minimize outside interference. Its receiver can operate on two AA batteries or a DC power adapter.
6. Myers Pickups Baroque Violin Microphone System
The Myers Pickups Baroque Violin Microphone System is a lightweight violin microphone which can be positioned on your violin without any modifications. It is fully equipped with an active preamp to produce a rich sound which your instrument can deliver. Each pickup is tested meticulously before delivery. You could permanently install this microphone and still amplify the natural tone and beauty of your violin. With its features and its lightweight design, you are ensured of a quality product which you could use every day.
7. Prodipe VL-21 Microphone for Violin
The Prodipe VL-21 Microphone for Violin produces an excellent natural sound due to its high acceptable sound pressure level which is 140 db. You could mount it easily due to its two flexible rubber clamps which are specifically designed for your violin. It has a very high level of protection from instrument vibration. This microphone also features unidirectional capsule that is positioned just beneath the strings. This capsule ensures richer harmonics and more dynamics. The mini XLR to XLR connector adapter ensures that this violin microphone is properly positioned on your instrument.
8. Nicama Instrument Violin Clip-on Cardioid Condenser Microphone
The Nicama Instrument Violin Clip-on Cardioid Condenser Microphone features a UniMount clip which permits accurate positioning. It provides shock resistance and protects various elements. It has a cardioid polar pattern which reduces pickup of sounds from the rear and the sides, improving isolation of the desired sound source. Its extended frequency response captures the subtle nuances of the performance. Finally, it consists of a three-meter cable that you could permanently attach to the microphone.
9. Myers Pickups Violin Pickup Carpenter Jack
The Myers Pickups Violin Pickup Carpenter Jack is a violin pickup with a flexible micro-goose neck. The said neck is designed for more adjustability. In addition to this, this mic is noted as one of the smallest active pickups on the market at present. With this gadget, you could turn your violin into an acoustic or electric instrument instantly. While it is perfect for violins, this product could also be used in other stringed instruments.
10. DPA 4099V | d:vote 4099 Series Supercardioid Instrument Clip Microphone Kit
The last product on our list is the DPA 4099V | d:vote 4099 Series Supercardioid Instrument Clip Microphone Kit. This gadget has a superior gain-before-feedback. It is wireless compatible. It also has a flexible and easy one-hand mounting. It holds gentle to your violin. Finally, it features a detachable cable and a versatile gooseneck extender.
Conclusion
We do recommend that violin players should purchase only the best violin microphones on the market. This is a gadget that you must have, especially when performing for a large audience. This way, you will surely be heard. You should note that these products have various differences which would distinguish one from the other product. However, noting their distinctive characteristics would allow you to arrive at the most appropriate model based on your personal preference.