How to Choose the Best Mics for Brass, Wind, and String Instruments

In your House of Worship, you are likely to have access to a wide variety of instruments that can enhance your music. Bringing together the musicians in your community can help you create a rich, dynamic ensemble and add new depth to your worship services.

Miking brass, woodwind, and string instruments requires careful consideration. For instance, if you're new to miking brass instruments, you might place a microphone right on the bell of the instrument and call it a day. But in many cases, that probably won't deliver that balanced sound you’re looking for.

In this guide, you will learn proper miking techniques for brass, woodwind, and string instruments. You’ll also explore Shure's recommended microphones for each application to help blow your congregation away.

Brass Instruments

The complete family of brass instruments as we know them today, like the cornet, trumpet, trombone, tuba, and euphonium, have been a core part of ensembles since the mid-1800’s. What stands out right away is how powerful they are. Brass Instruments can produce a wide range of volume, from controlled passages to a very high output in a mix.

However, their loudness varies with the pitch. As the pitch increases, more energy is required to force the tube to produce higher harmonics, which changes how the sound projects. Understanding this dynamic is key when choosing and placing brass microphones, especially when you want to maintain balance across your ensemble.

Miking Techniques for Brass Instruments (trumpet, cornet, trombone, tuba)

When miking brass instruments, placement has a major impact on how natural and balanced your sound feels. Because brass instruments project sound in a highly directional way and produce a lot of energy, microphone placement has a direct impact on your tone.

Placing a microphone too close to the instrument can distort the tonal balance, exaggerating some elements while reducing others. Brass instruments require some distance from the mic, so the sound has space to develop naturally.  

The sound from brass instruments is very directional, so mic position relative to the bell shapes how the sound is captured. Placing the mic off-axis with the instrument's bell reduces the pickup of high frequencies – leading to the sound being more diffused, with fewer upper harmonics and not as much bite. By comparison, placing a mic on-axis – pointed straight at the bell – you can produce a bright, sharp, and clear sound.  

Since these instruments can produce high volume, start by placing the microphone 1 to 2 feet from the bell. This will help to ensure that you capture the full sound without overpowering the other instruments in the orchestra or vocalists leading the worship song.

You can also use one microphone for multiple instruments. By close-miking, sounds will be "tight," and you can minimize feedback and leakage. By placing the mike more distant, you will get a fuller, more dramatic sound. 

Key Brass Mic Placement Tips 

• Give the instrument space Start with some distance so the sound can develop naturally
• Use angle to shape brightness On-axis = brighter and more defined, Off-axis = softer with less bite
• Start 1–2 feet from the bell Helps balance clarity without overpowering the mix
• Adjust for your ensemble Closer placement tightens the sound, while more distance adds depth 

Recommended Microphones for Brass Instruments

BETA 98H/C
Shure's BETA 98H/C premium cardioid condenser microphone allows you to clip right on the horn and is a versatile, wireless solution for high-volume brass instruments.

SM137
The SM137 is a versatile, flat-response cardioid condenser microphone with an ultra-thin diaphragm for a frequency response that combines a smooth high-end with a tight, controlled low-end and a 15db pad for natural sound reproduction in high-volume performance applications. 

PGA98H-XLR
The PGA98H-XLR is a professional-quality condenser microphone optimized for brass instruments that features a flexible, discrete gooseneck design with highly durable construction, in-line preamplifier, and horn clamp.

Woodwind Instruments

Woodwind instruments produce sound when a musician's air or a reed vibrates, creating a wide range of tones that require careful microphone selection. The main instruments within the woodwind family are the flute, saxophone, oboe, clarinet, or bassoon.

Because of their tonal variation and sensitivity, choosing the right microphone for woodwind instruments helps you capture both clarity and detail without losing the natural character of the performance.

Fun Fact: Woodwind instruments predated many other instruments and were some of the first tools created by humans. The first woodwind instrument was a flute carved from the thighbone of a bear.

Miking Techniques for Woodwind Instruments 

Saxophone:

The saxophone has sound characteristics similar to the human voice, so a shaped response microphone designed for vocals works well. Its sound is distributed between the finger holes and the bell, which affects how you position your microphone.  

Placing the mic close to the finger holes can introduce unwanted key noise. Positioning the microphone a few inches from and aiming at the bell will produce a bright sound with reduced feedback and leakage. Moving the mic a few inches from the sound holes creates a warm, full sound, but may pick up additional finger noise.

Flute:

A flute projects sound from both the embouchure and the first open fingerhole. For clear pickup, place the microphone as close as possible to the instrument, while avoiding placement too close to the player’s mouth to prevent breath noise.  

Using a windscreen on the mic can help reduce unwanted breath noise while maintaining clarity. 

Oboe and Bassoon:

A mic placed about 1 foot from sound holes will produce a natural, well-balanced sound. By placing the mic a few inches from the bell, you can create a bright sound while minimizing feedback and leakage.

Key Woodwind Mic Placement Tips 

• Avoid miking finger holes too closely Helps reduce unwanted key noise
• Use the bell for brightness Placing the mic near the bell produces a clearer, more focused sound
• Watch for breath noise on flute Keep distance from the mouth and use a windscreen if needed
• Start with a bit of distance Around 1 foot (for oboe/bassoon) helps capture a balanced tone
• Adjust for tone Closer placement adds warmth, while distance adds clarity and balance 

Recommended Microphones for Woodwind Instruments

PGA98H
Shure's PGA98H is a cardioid condenser instrument that you can clip on to woodwind instruments. The product includes an integrated horn clamp, a flexible gooseneck design, and a preamplifier for phantom power and XLR connection. 

SM137
The Shure SM137 is a versatile, flat-response cardioid probe microphone with an ultra-thin diaphragm. Its frequency response combines smooth high-end and tight, controlled low-end. A 15 dB pad provides natural, consistent sound reproduction in both acoustic and high-volume performance applications.

String Instruments

String instruments produce sound through vibrating strings, creating a natural, resonant tone that requires careful microphone selection. Common instruments include violin, viola, cello, and bass.

Stringed instruments have an impressively long history dating as far back as 2500 B.C.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the first likely stringed instrument was found in Sri Lanka? It consists of a semi-circular gourd, a long neck, two strings, and you would play it with a bow. This instrument is called a Ravanastron, and they are still made and played today. 

Miking Techniques for String Instruments

Violin:

Place the microphone a few inches from the side of the violin to capture a natural, well-balanced sound. For a fuller, brighter tone, you can mount a miniature lavalier microphone on the strings between the bridge and tailpiece. 

Cello:

For the cello, you should place the mic one foot from the bridge to produce a well-defined, balanced sound, though with less isolation from other instruments.

Acoustic bass (upright bass, string bass, bass violin):

There are several different options for mic placement for acoustic bass instruments, depending on the sound you’re aiming for.

• Option #1: Place the microphone 6 inches to 1 foot out in front of the instrument above the bridge to create a well-defined, natural sound.
• Option #2: Position the mic a few inches from the f-hole for a fuller sound. But it's crucial to keep in mind that you might need to roll off the bass if the sound is too boomy.
• Option #3: Wrap the microphone in foam padding (except the grille) and place it behind the bridge or between the tailpiece and body. This will produce a whole, "tight" sound while minimizing feedback and leakage.
• Option #4: Mount a miniature lavalier microphone between the bridge and tailpiece to capture a complete and bright sound.

Key String Instrument Mic Tips 

• Start with distance for balance A few inches to about a foot helps capture natural tone
• Use placement to shape tone Closer = fuller and brighter, More distance = more natural and balanced
• Watch for low-end buildup on bass Adjust placement or EQ if the sound becomes too boomy
• Use lavalier mics for consistency Useful when you need stable placement and mobility 

Recommended Mic for String Instruments

PGA27
The PGA27 is a large-diaphragm cardioid side-address condenser microphone designed for clear capture of your string instruments.

FAQ: Choosing Microphones for Brass, Woodwind, and String Instruments

What is the best microphone for brass instruments? The best microphone for brass instruments depends on your setup, but condenser instrument microphones are commonly used because they can capture both the power and detail of instruments like trumpet and trombone. Proper microphone placement is just as important, helping you balance clarity without overpowering your mix.

How do you mic a trumpet or other brass instruments? To mic a trumpet or similar brass instrument, start by placing the microphone about 1–2 feet from the bell. Pointing the mic directly at the bell creates a brighter, more defined sound, while angling it slightly off-axis softens the tone and reduces harsh high frequencies.

What microphone should you use for woodwind instruments? Woodwind instruments like flute, saxophone, and clarinet benefit from microphones that capture detail and nuance. Condenser microphones are often a strong choice, and placement should account for where the sound is produced—such as the bell, finger holes, or embouchure.

How do you mic string instruments like violin or cello? When miking string instruments, placement helps shape the tone. Positioning a microphone a few inches to about a foot from the instrument can capture a natural, balanced sound, while closer placement can add warmth and presence.

Can you use one microphone for multiple instruments? Yes, you can use one microphone for multiple instruments, especially in ensemble or worship settings. Keeping some distance from the instruments helps capture a fuller, more blended sound, while closer placement creates a tighter, more focused result. 

Shure: The Perfect Choice for Your Instrumentalist Sound Need

Whether you're looking to mic the instruments, the pastor, or the entire choir, Shure can equip your House of Worship with all your sound needs. Contact us today to get started!

Make sure to visit our House of Worship Resource Center for additional tools, insights, and audio solutions.   

Here are a few other resources you might find helpful:

Shure's Central Hub for Houses of Worship

How to Choose the Best Mic for the Pastor

How to Choose the Right Wireless Microphone System

How to Choose the Best Mics for the Choir at Worship

How to Choose the Best Mics for the Guitar at Worship

How to Choose the Best Mic for the Pianist

How to Choose the Best Handheld Mics for Worship

How to Choose the Best Mics for the Drummer at Worship