Can anyone offer advice on finding a good quality but reasonably priced face-worn microphone for gigs? It's really annoying using vocal mics because I have to keep my upper body pretty still to make sure my flute is right up to the mic, and then always making sure I don't bump the mic is annoying too. I want to be able to move around, interact a bit more with my band mates, etc. I've never bought my own equipment so I don't really know the best place to search. Any tips are appreciated, thanks!
This is a little roundabout, but if you're comfortable approaching someone out of the blue, try this guy: http://genimusic.com/home.cfm
I saw him playing with a small combo recently, and he got a good sound from a headset mic, with no feedback issues on a small stage in a small room. This is a good trick, but I don't know what he used to do it. You can contact him through his website if you want to ask him what he uses.
(I heard him with "Mr. Ho's Orchestrotica", in their quartet configuration, about a month ago at a place called "The Lily Pad", if you want to drop the reference)
I've known several wooden flute players who got good results from using a velcro strap to attach an Audio-Technica Pro 35 mic onto their flutes, positioned near the blow hole. The Pro 35 is a good condenser mic, responds well to a flute's frequencies, and it's small and lightweight. I've used one a fair amount on my fiddle.
It comes as a clip on mic with a little flexible boom, so you can either strap around the clip, or slip it out of the clip and then strap the mic wire to the flute and position the mic to where you get the best sound.
At about $140 USD, it's a good bang for your buck.
The Audio Technica that Will suggests is good indeed. If you have the money, the AKG C520 is also very good - or the C520 L with a PT 40 or PT 400 transmitter box, if you don't want cables following you around.
Given the Canadian prices for the Microvox, PSU, and the DI box (needed for balanced output) and the price of the Audio Technica (which comes with PSU and balanced output), and the omni v cardioid comparison, the Audio Technica would come up trumps IMO.
Ian Anderson (of Jethro Tull) has useful advice on micing flutes on the equipment page of his website. Look at the section on amplifying the flute. Most of his advice is still valid in the traditional environment and applies equally well to wooden flutes.
That said, the mic I own is the Microvox one mentioned by SmashTheWindows - works well enough for me. Needs a small box clipped to my belt which provides an output that the sound engineer can plug into anything he'd normally plug an e-guitar into. It also has a switch to allow a second (vocal?) mic to be run through the same box and the balance of the two changed by the musician. e.g. to turn the flute mic on or off compared to the vocal mic. Or vice versa. Should work for a mixed singer/flute player.
I use a Microvox as well, plugged into a box made by a friend who dabbles in such things. The microphone can also be detached and used on my fiddle. I only use it for recording, but I think it's better than my Sennheiser.
I am fascinated by this company they make high quality stuff, and fair prices too it looks like. I am thinking of getting their fiddle set up, only thing holding me back is I already own something similar.
They are outstanding mics, if very expensive (at least here in the USA, maybe more affordable on the other side of the Pond?). These mics have a very smooth, natural-sounding tone, and good feedback rejection due to the mini-shotgun design. They also have the best mounting system I've seen for fiddle, mandolin and guitar (carpenter jack with a gooseneck). They work well on wireless systems too, you just need the right adapter for the plugs into the bodypack transmitter.
I used an Audio Technica ATM 350 (similar to the Pro 35) on our fiddler before these mics became available. That mic, or the Pro 35 is a reasonable substitute at lower cost, although they are a bit larger in size. You might want to look into mini mics from K&K (Silver Bullet) and Countryman too.
I just started learning Irish flute a few months ago, and I'm already thinking about getting another 4099, with that universal Velcro adapter.
I just wish they weren't so expensive. Not just the mics, but the accessories like extra mounting clamps for different instruments, or the adapters for wireless systems.
One of our band members who plays wooden & metal flute & also uses piccolo needed a mic, and I sourced a Microvox system for her. Up to a point it does work reasonably well although as an engineer I couldn't reist a look to how it works and was quite shocked over how much it costs compared to the limited complexity of the device. That little box is just a simple power supply for a condenser microphone with about 6 components. All in all I could have knocked one up for a 1/4 of the price. That said it does work but it could'nt be described as the ultimate solution, and not a patch on a quality microphone particurally with regards to feedback and I've had to tweek the controls (our mixer has a parametric Eq) to keep the thing under control, therefore use it if your on a tight budget otherwise look elsewhere.
Over the years I've tried literally dozens of fiddle pickups and microphones, and the DPA wins hands down in terms of both sound quality and gain-before-feedback.
Price really shouldn't be an issue - most musicians will spend 1,000s on an instrument to get the sound they want, and to then ruin that sound just to save a bit of money with a cheap mike makes no sense at all. If you're going to be using a mic regularly and have a fixed budget, spend slightly less on an instrument and get a top quality mike - the mike is probably more important to the end sound than the instrument is.
"I couldn't reist a look to how it works and was quite shocked over how much it costs compared to the limited complexity of the device. That little box is just a simple power supply for a condenser microphone with about 6 components. All in all I could have knocked one up for a 1/4 of the price"
Couldn't agree more, Fergus. Moreover, the plugs and sockets don't really stand up to the kind of abuse that they tend to encounter.
Thanks for the warning about the plugs and sockets - not had any trouble so far with these but did notice they are not very robust.
Sooner or later we'll want to replace this system and to give you all an idea over costs, the 4099 is around the £400 mark so the upgrade ain't going to be cheap - the Pro35 is listed a bit cheaper (£180) although I'm not sure if this can be phantom powered from the mixer and may need a seperate power supply . . . I'll have to do more research when the time comes but if I want a direct replacement I won't be going to Microvox but can probably do just as good from one of those E-bay sellers . . . . . .
Thank you everyone, I really appreciate all of the tips. I will look into some of these and see what I can get that will work. Unfortunately price IS an issue for me so I will have to work around that.
But thanks again, hopefully at my next gig I'll be a bit more free!
For many years I used a Barcus-Berry mic made especially for flutes. I got the size intended for Alto Flutes, the diameter of the head of a silver Alto Flute being similar to a wooden D Irish flute.
This had an amazing sound.
When I've been in bands where I've had to switch rapidly between several flutes and whistles I've used a vocalist's headset mic. It works great, but you have to remember to mute it when you're talking to bandmates while something else is going on onstage.
Cordless is great because you can move about onstage, and even leave the stage, while you're playing.
mics for flute players
mics for flute players
Can anyone offer advice on finding a good quality but reasonably priced face-worn microphone for gigs? It's really annoying using vocal mics because I have to keep my upper body pretty still to make sure my flute is right up to the mic, and then always making sure I don't bump the mic is annoying too. I want to be able to move around, interact a bit more with my band mates, etc. I've never bought my own equipment so I don't really know the best place to search. Any tips are appreciated, thanks!
# Posted on August 24th 2011 by Glass of Beer
Re: mics for flute players
This is a little roundabout, but if you're comfortable approaching someone out of the blue, try this guy:
http://genimusic.com/home.cfm
I saw him playing with a small combo recently, and he got a good sound from a headset mic, with no feedback issues on a small stage in a small room. This is a good trick, but I don't know what he used to do it. You can contact him through his website if you want to ask him what he uses.
(I heard him with "Mr. Ho's Orchestrotica", in their quartet configuration, about a month ago at a place called "The Lily Pad", if you want to drop the reference)
# Posted on August 24th 2011 by Jon Kiparsky
Re: mics for flute players
I've known several wooden flute players who got good results from using a velcro strap to attach an Audio-Technica Pro 35 mic onto their flutes, positioned near the blow hole. The Pro 35 is a good condenser mic, responds well to a flute's frequencies, and it's small and lightweight. I've used one a fair amount on my fiddle.
It comes as a clip on mic with a little flexible boom, so you can either strap around the clip, or slip it out of the clip and then strap the mic wire to the flute and position the mic to where you get the best sound.
At about $140 USD, it's a good bang for your buck.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/audio-technica-pro-35-cardioid-condenser-clip-on-instrument-microphone
# Posted on August 24th 2011 by Will Harmon
Re: mics for flute players
The Audio Technica that Will suggests is good indeed. If you have the money, the AKG C520 is also very good - or the C520 L with a PT 40 or PT 400 transmitter box, if you don't want cables following you around.
http://www.akg.com/mediendatenbank2/psfile/datei/35/c5204607eadfafda7.pdf
# Posted on August 24th 2011 by Weejie
Re: mics for flute players
I can also recommend the C520.
# Posted on August 24th 2011 by Michael Eskin
Re: mics for flute players
http://www.microvox.demon.co.uk/flutepage.htm
# Posted on August 24th 2011 by SmashTheWindows
Re: mics for flute players
Given the Canadian prices for the Microvox, PSU, and the DI box (needed for balanced output) and the price of the Audio Technica (which comes with PSU and balanced output), and the omni v cardioid comparison, the Audio Technica would come up trumps IMO.
# Posted on August 24th 2011 by Weejie
Re: mics for flute players
Ian Anderson (of Jethro Tull) has useful advice on micing flutes on the equipment page of his website. Look at the section on amplifying the flute. Most of his advice is still valid in the traditional environment and applies equally well to wooden flutes.
http://www.j-tull.com/musicians/iananderson/equipment.html
That said, the mic I own is the Microvox one mentioned by SmashTheWindows - works well enough for me. Needs a small box clipped to my belt which provides an output that the sound engineer can plug into anything he'd normally plug an e-guitar into. It also has a switch to allow a second (vocal?) mic to be run through the same box and the balance of the two changed by the musician. e.g. to turn the flute mic on or off compared to the vocal mic. Or vice versa. Should work for a mixed singer/flute player.
# Posted on August 24th 2011 by Crackpot
Re: mics for flute players
I use a Microvox as well, plugged into a box made by a friend who dabbles in such things. The microphone can also be detached and used on my fiddle. I only use it for recording, but I think it's better than my Sennheiser.
# Posted on August 24th 2011 by gam
Re: mics for flute players
I'm sure the above mics are great, but even an inexpensive ($30 US) lavalier mic from Radio Shack has worked well for me.
# Posted on August 24th 2011 by mcswiss
Re: mics for flute players
http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/mic-university/application-guide/flute.aspx
I am fascinated by this company they make high quality stuff, and fair prices too it looks like. I am thinking of getting their fiddle set up, only thing holding me back is I already own something similar.
# Posted on August 25th 2011 by SandyBottoms
Re: mics for flute players
SandyBottoms, I use the DPA 4099 series of clip-on mics on my mandolin, and also for the fiddle player and the guitar player in our trio:
http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/products.aspx?c=Catalog&category=118
They are outstanding mics, if very expensive (at least here in the USA, maybe more affordable on the other side of the Pond?). These mics have a very smooth, natural-sounding tone, and good feedback rejection due to the mini-shotgun design. They also have the best mounting system I've seen for fiddle, mandolin and guitar (carpenter jack with a gooseneck). They work well on wireless systems too, you just need the right adapter for the plugs into the bodypack transmitter.
I used an Audio Technica ATM 350 (similar to the Pro 35) on our fiddler before these mics became available. That mic, or the Pro 35 is a reasonable substitute at lower cost, although they are a bit larger in size. You might want to look into mini mics from K&K (Silver Bullet) and Countryman too.
I just started learning Irish flute a few months ago, and I'm already thinking about getting another 4099, with that universal Velcro adapter.
http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/products.aspx?c=Item&category=118&item=24379
I just wish they weren't so expensive. Not just the mics, but the accessories like extra mounting clamps for different instruments, or the adapters for wireless systems.
# Posted on August 25th 2011 by Conical bore
Re: mics for flute players
One of our band members who plays wooden & metal flute & also uses piccolo needed a mic, and I sourced a Microvox system for her. Up to a point it does work reasonably well although as an engineer I couldn't reist a look to how it works and was quite shocked over how much it costs compared to the limited complexity of the device. That little box is just a simple power supply for a condenser microphone with about 6 components. All in all I could have knocked one up for a 1/4 of the price. That said it does work but it could'nt be described as the ultimate solution, and not a patch on a quality microphone particurally with regards to feedback and I've had to tweek the controls (our mixer has a parametric Eq) to keep the thing under control, therefore use it if your on a tight budget otherwise look elsewhere.
# Posted on August 25th 2011 by Fergus MacGregor
Re: mics for flute players
I'll give another vote to the 4099.
Over the years I've tried literally dozens of fiddle pickups and microphones, and the DPA wins hands down in terms of both sound quality and gain-before-feedback.
Price really shouldn't be an issue - most musicians will spend 1,000s on an instrument to get the sound they want, and to then ruin that sound just to save a bit of money with a cheap mike makes no sense at all. If you're going to be using a mic regularly and have a fixed budget, spend slightly less on an instrument and get a top quality mike - the mike is probably more important to the end sound than the instrument is.
# Posted on August 25th 2011 by skreech
Re: mics for flute players
"I couldn't reist a look to how it works and was quite shocked over how much it costs compared to the limited complexity of the device. That little box is just a simple power supply for a condenser microphone with about 6 components. All in all I could have knocked one up for a 1/4 of the price"
Couldn't agree more, Fergus. Moreover, the plugs and sockets don't really stand up to the kind of abuse that they tend to encounter.
# Posted on August 25th 2011 by Weejie
Re: mics for flute players
Thanks for the warning about the plugs and sockets - not had any trouble so far with these but did notice they are not very robust.
Sooner or later we'll want to replace this system and to give you all an idea over costs, the 4099 is around the £400 mark so the upgrade ain't going to be cheap - the Pro35 is listed a bit cheaper (£180) although I'm not sure if this can be phantom powered from the mixer and may need a seperate power supply . . . I'll have to do more research when the time comes but if I want a direct replacement I won't be going to Microvox but can probably do just as good from one of those E-bay sellers . . . . . .
# Posted on August 25th 2011 by Fergus MacGregor
Re: mics for flute players
Thank you everyone, I really appreciate all of the tips. I will look into some of these and see what I can get that will work. Unfortunately price IS an issue for me so I will have to work around that.
But thanks again, hopefully at my next gig I'll be a bit more free!
# Posted on August 25th 2011 by Glass of Beer
Re: mics for flute players
For many years I used a Barcus-Berry mic made especially for flutes. I got the size intended for Alto Flutes, the diameter of the head of a silver Alto Flute being similar to a wooden D Irish flute.
This had an amazing sound.
When I've been in bands where I've had to switch rapidly between several flutes and whistles I've used a vocalist's headset mic. It works great, but you have to remember to mute it when you're talking to bandmates while something else is going on onstage.
Cordless is great because you can move about onstage, and even leave the stage, while you're playing.
# Posted on August 26th 2011 by Richard D Cook