Violin Microphones

Violin microphones attach directly to the instrument, so you can move freely on stage while the sound stays at the same volume. The range includes small condenser microphones on a flexible gooseneck, such as the Audio-Technica ATM350U, Behringer CB100 Violin or TIE TCX200, and AKG C 411 contact pickups, which capture the vibrations of the violin body. Condenser models need phantom power, which can come from a mixer, an audio interface or a separate power supply.

Gooseneck microphone or contact pickup?

A gooseneck microphone picks up the sound in the air just above the instrument and sounds natural, much like a violin heard in a room. The AKG C 411 PP contact pickup sticks onto the violin body and captures the vibration of the wood directly, so it picks up less of the surrounding instruments and resists feedback from the speakers better. With a loud band, the pickup is therefore usually the safer choice, while the microphone suits chamber music and recording.

How is a violin microphone attached?

The Audio-Technica ATM350U has a universal clamp that fixes directly onto the instrument, and the TIE TCX200 mounts on the violin body. The ATM355VF comes with a clamp designed for violin that attaches near the chinrest without damaging the varnish. The Behringer CB100 Violin includes a violin mounting kit and a phantom power converter. The AKG C 411 PP stays on the instrument with the adhesive pad supplied in the box.

What do you need to connect it?

The AKG C 411 PP has an XLR output and works with 9 to 52 V phantom power, while the C 411 L version has a mini XLR connector. If your mixer or amplifier has no phantom power, phantom power supplies will help. The ATM350UCW plugs into an Audio-Technica bodypack transmitter, and if you want to play without a cable, you will need an instrument wireless system for it. The Korg CM-400 is a contact microphone for a tuner: it helps you tune accurately in noisy surroundings, but it is not meant for amplifying the violin. You will find more pickups among the pickups for string instruments.