Tip: when choosing a microphone check out manufacturer’s website for the specifications but not the online store. They have more detailed descriptions and most importantly, accurate and systematic. Online stores descriptions usually aren’t adequate.
Clip mics for didgeridoo can:
- сonnect to console via a mic preamp, phantom adapter, preamp + phantom adapter. Preamplifier (preamp) is a device that pre-amplifies the signal that goes from microphone to an amplifier, which is necessary because the mic signal itself is very weak. Phantom adapter is a mic coupler that connects standard phantom power control (48 V, less often 12 or 24 V) to the required one for the microphone. Most often preamps and phantom adapters are combined in one device. In addition, this device is an adapter with a socket (3-pin mini-XLR, 4-pin mini-XLR, Mini-jack, etc.) to the standard XLR microphone connector.
BE CAREFUL! Each brand has its own models of preamps and phantom adapters and often their own tricky output connectors. Always ask, what kind of preamps a mic is used with. Always ask if a preamp supplied with microphone included. For example: mic AKG C519M – with separate preamplifier AKG MPA V L. - сonnect directly to a mixing console.
- Connect to the console via a radio transmitter.
BE CAREFUL! There are microphones that work only with a radio transmitter and a corresponding radio system that are identical per brand and purchased separately. Don’t waste your money on things you don’t need. Most of the clip mics, connected through a preamp/adapter may be plugged into a radio transmitter that can also be used at your discretion. - Plug in to phantom power supply on batteries (power supply), also known as a preamp and an adapter for a standard XLR connector. Created for occasions when the console does not have phantom power supply. They differ per brand and should be chosen for a particular model of a microphone. For example: mic AKG C519M – phantom power supply AKG B29L.
So! Let’s start the clip mics review of the above mentioned brands
AKG
The models: С419, С419-PP, C516, C519M, C519ML.
The first three of these, unfortunately, are already out of production, even though they are used by many didgeridoo performers today and they are well suited to the parameters. C516 that is for accordion and piano is not in our area of interest.
There are C519M and C519ML. M left – works plugged directly into the console, the ML is with a preamp/phantom adapter, phantom power supply or with radio AKG WMS.
+: Long cable (1,5m or 5 ft), 3-pin mini-XLR output, ability to disconnect the cable from the microphone, possibility of using a radio, power supply on battery.
-: Frequency bandwidth starts at 60 Hz (range 60-20000 Hz), sensitivity 5 mV/Pa 132 max SPL. Price with preamp included $160-240.
Beyerdynamic
Models: OPUS 82 SET, TG I52D, TG I57C. All work through preamps/phantom adapters. Radio transmitters of the same brand are out of production although parameters are good. TG I52D – dynamic, it has too narrow frequency range (40-12000 Hz), sensitivity is too small (1.3 mV/Pa), does not work with radio transmitters.
But TG I57C is an excellent mic!
+: Good bandwidth (30-20000 Hz), high sensitivity (12.4 mV/Pa), good with sharp increase of volume (136 max SPL), is fed through a preamp/ph. adapter CV 18 (sold separately), shock-resistant housing does not have feedback from monitors, can be operated via a radio transmitter.
-: Beyerdynamic does not yet have phantom power supply on batteries (in that case, nothing to rely on except console).
The best quality/price ratio, is well suited for the didgeridoo.
Price with preamp included around $130.
Sennheiser
Models: E 908 D, E 908 B, E 908 B EW, E 908 Т EW.
The first (the D) – for drums, second (B) – for winds. EW – version only for use with radio transmitters. Let us dwell on E 908 B.
+: Preamp/ph. adapter included, the bandwidth of 40-2000 Hz, perfectly good with sharp increase of volume (147 max SPL), can be operated via radio transmitters.
-: Narrow mic clip. Haven’t found if there are phantom units on batteries. Sensitivity of 4.0 mV/Pa.
Price – around $190 (preamp included).
Audiotechnica
Models: ATM 35, ATM 350, ATM35cW (only for radio transmitters), PRO 35.
The best out of them – ATM 350 and PRO 35. The first one is good with frequencies and volume spikes (149 max SPL), it can also operate via radio transmitters. The second has a higher sensitivity (5.6 vs. 3.2 mV/Pa).
Price – 215 and 150 respectively.
Shure
Models: Shure Beta 98H/C.
+ The range – 20(!) – 20,000 Hz, preamp included, good with volume spikes (160 max SPL), plugged directly into the console, standard XLR connector. There is WB98H/C version to operate via radio transmitter (it has a unique 4-pin mini-TQG connector).
-: Does not work with radio transmitters. Have no idea if there are power supplies on batteries for them.
Price – ~170$
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
Mikola Fedora