Whether setting up a home studio for session work, or just looking to improve the sound of your instruments on live gigs, there are a lot of options when it comes to microphones for saxophones.
In this article we’ve picked 5 top choices when it comes to amplifying or recording your horn.
As saxophone players, we spend years learning that it’s not just the mouthpiece, reeds and instrument we choose that creates out sound, but also the way we breathe, blow and form our embouchure.
However when it comes to studio work, or performing for larger crowds, another factor comes into play: the saxophone microphone.
So, to make sure you’re heard in the best possible way, it pays to spend a bit of time researching the best saxophone microphones for your specific situation.
ISOLO CHOICE Wireless Microphones for Saxophone
The ISOLO CHOICE is a great option if you need a wireless microphone for saxophone. It is, in fact, one of the smallest wireless mics in the world weighing as little as 26 grams!
The performance is on par with much larger mics, but the wireless feature provides you more freedom.
This is an excellent choice of mic for live performers, as you are not limited by the length of the cable. Moreover, you don’t need a lot of additional equipment as the wireless microphone system is excellent.
Plus, the mic is preloaded with an EQ, amplification, effects, and other useful little features.
Shure BETA Condenser Microphones for Saxophone
One of the most well-known names in the sound equipment industry, especially in the microphone niche, Shure has come up with a piece of equipment designed specifically for saxophones and brass instruments.
Being a condenser mic, this product accurately picks up on tiny variations and tone changes.
It’s engineered with Shure’s cardioid polar pattern that increases the sound isolation and eliminates external noises for a high-quality recording.
It also has the high sound pressure level commonly found in other Shure BETA condenser mics. This gives this mic the ability to perform even at a sound pressure level (SPL) of over 140 dB.
The frequency response range is from 20 Hz all the way to 20,000 Hz. The signal-to-noise ratio is 63dB to 94dB SPL.
Whilst not as flexible as a wireless clip on mic, this is the ultimate choice for the serious studio saxophonist.
Andoer Mini Portable Microphone for Saxophone
This wired condenser mic offers exceptional performance, and the mic’s design makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Due to the condenser technology in this mic, you get an extremely accurate sound, and it easily picks up the fine details in the saxophone’s harmonics.
It is also known as the best sax microphone regarding sensitivity, which adds to the quality of the sound it records.
The overall package weighs only 8 ounces, making it very convenient to use in any style.
The wire for this mic is also much longer than others, up to 16 ft, providing a lot of room to move around.
This microphone is also very well built, durable and doesn’t depend of fixed microphone placement.
HEMIU Condenser
The HEMIU mic benefits from a lightweight design, with the clip and overall structure allowing it to be used on all kinds of different saxophones.
The entire package weighs in at just 7 ounces, making it an easily portable and convenient instrument.
The clip allows you to handle the mic in many different ways, and it’s very simple to hook up.
If you are using the mic with different instruments, there is an additional mounting mechanism that you can use to make it easier to shift between instruments.
Because of the outstanding sound quality, some users even use this on instruments such as the piano or cello.
Pyle-Pro PMSAX1 Saxophone Microphone
This is a great microphone for recording high-quality live sessions or when you want to have more control during mixing.
Even though this is a saxophone-oriented microphone, it is used for other instruments as well. The clip is placed in a convenient position and mounts to all kinds of woodwind instruments.
The sound quality is clean and sharp, and being a wired mic, it is reliable and consistent in its performance.
Even at higher volumes, the sound quality remains very stable.
The frequency response for this mic starts from 50Hz up to 16KHz with a sensitivity range -46dB +/-3dB.
If you want something that is easy to hook up and has a quick plug-and-play option, this is a good mic to consider.
FerBuee UHF Wireless
This sturdy microphone is the best choice for those looking for excellent build quality and superior performance.
The unique feature is the ultra-high frequency transmission system (UHF) that gives a long-range and top-tier quality.
This is the best choice for people performing in large areas or who need excellent signal strength because they are playing in a large group with a lot of distortion.
The mic has an operational range of 100ft from the base, so there is plenty of room to move around.
The structure of the mic uses a similar pattern to that found on the Shure condenser mics, which makes it laser-focused on the musical instrument that it is attached to and does a great job of eliminating external sounds.
It’s not the lightest mic available, but you would be hard-pressed to find one with the same hardware and technology in a better package.
Myers Pickups Feather
As the name and the directional characteristic imply, the main highlight of this mic is its low weight.
Weighing in at only 6.1 ounces, it is one of the highest performing, lightest mics on the market.
The lightweight means you can easily clip this onto your saxophone in any way you want, and it also works well with other instruments.
The performance is excellent, and it is used by many professional artists purely because of the accurate sound recording.
The wired connection ensures that you are consistently getting an accurate signal from the instrument.
This is a fantastic plug-and-play solution that works well for both stage performers and saxophone hobbyists.
We hope that this article on some of the best microphones for saxophone has helped you in your decision for a new or upgraded set up!
Of course, the saxophone is present in a wide range of styles and situations, so the best one for you depends a lot on the planned use.
As always, it is beneficial to try out some different options in advance and speak to a trained professional in-store whenever possible.
Looking for more gear? Check out our round up of the best saxophone accessories right now, or head over to our saxophone homepage.