Mics for Trumpet

[trumpetplayer]

I have an MXL R44 Ribbon mic and it doesn't withstand trumpet very well. The sound gets loud and honky if you play too loud.
I was wondering what mics in the $100 and under range would be good for miking a trumpet.


(P.S. What mics in the same price range would be good for alto sax)

[Ken Walker]

You might get lucky and find a used Fathead for close to $100 (new around $175 I think). I can think of no ribbon mike brand new at that price that would sound any better.

BTW, I play trumpet too and vouch for the Fathead.

[Summa]

A used Sennheiser MD421 might be less than $100, works great on horns and reed instruments... but I do prefer an Royer 121 :/ over any Sennheiser...

oh btw if you use ribbons with trumpet you might want to use an windscreen in case you get low rumble or unwanted noise when miking too close to the bell...

[Roland]

At that price, Shure SM57 or SM58. If it's for recording I would look at getting something better, but, IMHO, your budget is too lowball for the job, good trumpet mics are going to cost in the order of $300 + for something reasonable. Hope this is helpful.

Regards


Roland

[Storyville]

Originally Posted by Roland

At that price, Shure SM57 or SM58. If it's for recording I would look at getting something better, but, IMHO, your budget is too lowball for the job, good trumpet mics are going to cost in the order of $300 + for something reasonable. Hope this is helpful.

Regards


Roland

I agree. 58 is gonna be your best bet cheap, or possibly that egg shaped EV microphone. Next in line, I like the RE20 (400$), and after that the Coles 4038 (1200$).

[mixedupsteve]

stick a fifty seven on it!

[rumleymusic]

I personally think a 57 is a rather boring, thin sounding mic to use on a trumpet (that was the first mic I ever had and I play trumpet as well). But for $100, your options are limited. Apex has a few surprisingly good sounding ribbons. One for $99 I think. You can get that one modded at Oktavamod for a reasonable price and have a real giant killer.

[equallyscrewed]

i like the beta 57 on brass (live) personally...

esp in that price range

[Warren Beck]

Hello.

For $100? hmm sorry maybe a rented RE20? I quite often use the RE20 and or M150 (Beyer) on trumpets. HOWEVER most often the ribbons do not last that long on a trumpet so be advised that the Coles mic stated above is a little fragile for a trumpet. Ideally a BK5 but you are definitely over the $100.

Best to rent an RE20 or similar larger dynamic mic.

Good luck.

Regards

[ajfarber]

There is nothing wrong with a Shure SM57 or 58 on trumpet in that price range. Boring? Okay, I think that if the trumpet player has a "boring" sound from recording with a 57/58 you may go for a bit of compression and/or EQ. If you use your ears and good judgement you can make it sound pro. Remember, a ribbon mic is dynamic. A good RCA 44 is better than an sm57, as is the AEA, Coles, Royer,etc... But you should get good results with a 57/58. Also, keep in mind, that there will be proximity effect from eating the mic, so make sure the is enough distance for a good sound. Proximity effect actually sounds good for Harmon mute trumpet (without the stem) a la Miles Davis.

There are some "el cheapo" ribbons out there but they're probably not that much better than a Shure sm57/58 until you get to the Octave ML52 price point (about $300USD).

-Good luck!

[boojum]

Rent a DPA 4061? They are supposed to be good on brass. Someone here tried them and loved them.

[leadplayer]

I'm a trumpet player, too. I used to give engineers a hard time when they put out a 57, telling them it makes me sound like I haven't been practicing!
Started carrying my own mics to sessions to cover my ass. I have (virtually) all the desired trumpet mics. If low bucks is a must, think like it's a GR mouthpiece ($150 and up gets you something good). The Beyers are good at the low end (M69, 260, M500 with the 160 higher). Yes, RE-20 too. Even try a cheap omni-- it'll get some room tone (hopefully the room is cool).
Glad to chat if you wish the PM me.

[talbe1019]

Maybe try Audio Technica ATM35. They may be discontinued, but I believe they can be found on Ebay fairly cheap.

[doylemusic]

I'm also a trumpet player and engineer. For me, it depends.

If it's section work, a 57 while maybe not the best option, will do well on a budget. I haven't tried it on trumpet, but you might try out an Audiz i5. Similar to a 57, but I like the high end better and it isn't so mid rangy. So depending on your player this may be a good alternative in the under $100 price range.

For solo work, especially Jazz, I prefer a ribbon. Cascade Fatheads work quite well and are only $160. A bit over your budget, but maybe worth a look. Just be sure to take care of it.

[Teddy Ray]

the shinybox ribbons sound good on trumpet, too... as does the RE-20.

[John Eppstein]

A Sennheiser e609 is right around $100, it should work OK, but if you can I'd suggest going the extra cash for a Fathead II.

[Flying_Dutchman]

beyerdynamic m99,
re-20 style of mic, not known so much i think, cheap at ebay some times

[Han]

A dynamic mic for trumpet and saxophone? Sennheiser MD441 or Beyer M160/260.
Not for 100 bucks, but worth every cent.

[Benmrx]

Originally Posted by Summa

A used Sennheiser MD421 might be less than $100, works great on horns and reed instruments... but I do prefer an Royer 121 :/ over any Sennheiser...

+1 on a used 421 for a mic in the $100 range to get the job done. Even bigger +1 on preferring the Royer 121.

[chris carter]

You might look around for one of the group buy members selling a TNC ACM3 ribbon. I have one that KILLS on my trumpet. I'm told the Fathead is the same mic with a different head basket so I would look into a used one of those as well.

[Mr Funk]

I've not seen any 421's for $100.

[trumpetplayer]

So would an SM57 be a step up from my R44

[videoteque]

Ribbons shouldn't get blasts of wind, but a trumpet doesn't "blow" some air?? Would you put a naked ribbon in front of a trumpet??

[cyjanopan]

i am using a lot of different mics on trumpet (all types! some are rather expensive) and never had any problem with wind. without pop filter

[SANDS]

look through cascade microphones site, there is actually a video of some brass using the x-15 and a fathead if I remember correctly.

[trumpetplayer]

Would the SM-57 be better than my R44?

[laperlestudio]

sm-57, ev 664

[fifthcircle]

Originally Posted by videoteque

Ribbons shouldn't get blasts of wind, but a trumpet doesn't "blow" some air?? Would you put a naked ribbon in front of a trumpet??

yes. No worries there- Ribbons sound fantastic on trumpets. The air coming out of the instrument is of such minimal speed that you really don't need to worry about that.


--Ben

[Ken Walker]

Originally Posted by SANDS

look through cascade microphones site, there is actually a video of some brass using the x-15 and a fathead if I remember correctly.

The Fathead sounds quite nice on a trumpet.

[axisdreamer]

I used a 57 on trumpet a few months ago and it really sounded great, although I was using an Electrodyne 201-A tube pre amp and thats about as good a pre as anyone would ever need for anything!