Microphones for Clarinets

This category contains microphones for clarinets. The most common mic types for clarinets are condenser microphones, on stage often clip versions for fixed positioning. Most of the clarinets’ sound comes from the body of the instrument (the keys and the mouthpiece) as opposed to the bell. They possess a very wide dynamic range and a frequency response rich in harmonic content. Since so much of the woodwind sound comes from the body of the instrument, the microphone should generally be aimed toward the lower middle part of the body at the players’ left hand. Large-diaphragm condenser mics, ribbon microphones, and PZM boundary microphones are also very capable choices for recording clarinets. Condenser microphones also require a power source, provided via phantom power or from a small battery.