10 Best Flute Microphones & Their Reviews For 2021
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Have you been looking for the best flute microphone for your next gig?
Many flutists have been looking for the best microphone to do their recordings with, perform on live shows with and also practice with, but most find it too difficult to get the right kind of microphone.
When selecting an electro-acoustic transducer for any application, it’s to our nice advantage to consider the characteristics of the sound supply, and thus, what will a concert flute sound like?
There is nothing better than having excellent or outstanding live performances with the best flute mics that are suitable for studio applications.
An ideal flute microphone should give flat frequency responses to make the sound of the flute more natural and original.
Its density should also be able to pick up the nuances in the flute.
Hence, why you should always choose a microphone with a complimentary polar pattern.
Table of Contents
IN A HURRY? HERE’S OUR FAVORITE PICKS…
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Sennheiser MD 441-U versatile dynamic super-cardioid pattern microphone a five-position | $1,013.86 | View on Amazon | |
 | Shure SM-57 Cardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone | $99.00 | View on Amazon | |
 | AUDIX Dynamic Microphone (ADX10FL) | $201.94 | View on Amazon |
Last update on 2021-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10 Best Flute Microphones Reviewed
Let’s dive in and take a look at our top ten products.
1. Sennheiser MD 441
- Excellent feedback rejection
- Excellent sound quality
- Spring capsule mounting provides low sensitivity to handling noise
- Hum compensating coil
- Five position bass roll-off switch
Last update on 2021-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It was originally produced in 1966 and it’s still being produced.
This microphone is fairly flat for a dynamic microphone, it offers a super-cardioid polar pattern and includes an in-built 5-way high pass dial and high boost switch.
You’ll be able to get some vintage tones out of this issue with the high boost switch, and if you’re searching for an extra fashionable tone, the high boost provides that sound.
However, the high boost sounds a little bit artificial and with words, the flat model will sound a little bit nasally.
This electro-acoustic transducer offers the highest sound to associate an unmined voice or instrument, it produces clean thick sounds that are delayed well, and the best thing about this electro-acoustic transducer is that it will do the work of a condenser as well.
Whenever you’re doing a bowed stringed instrument performance, I’d advocate that this electro-acoustic transducer be used.
It handles noise by exploiting its internal suspension, however, the sound quality of any electro-acoustic transducer is important, moreover, the same particular one offers flat responses.
But regardless of this, what the flutist plays is what the audience can hear.
During a live performance, this microphone captures the flute sound and rejects all the other instrumental sounds or off-axis sounds.
Pros & Benefits:
- It produces a natural sound
- An excellent off-axis sound rejection
- Low handling noise
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2. SM57 Flute Shute
- Consumer Alert: Most users do not need a license to operate this wireless microphone system. Nevertheless,...
Last update on 2021-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This flute microphone has a cardioid polar pattern, it has a very strong, durable flat detachable head, slim body, and a compact frame.
But who exactly is it for?
For musicians who are just starting with their music career and don’t understand what to induce, this is often an excellent introductory choice, it’s dynamic and doesn’t need external power to work.
It will handle extreme pressure sound levels, which suggests distortion ought to seldom be a difficulty.
The epicycloid polar pattern minimizes background signal recording and relays the supposed sounds.
What is SM57 like?
The electro-acoustic transducer is supposed to record instruments, however, it works just fine with vocals as well, the form differs from a traditional electro-acoustic transducer.
It’s not meant to be hand-held, instead, Shure provides a swivel stand adapter, which might be angulate to your feeling, that way, the mic capsule is often directly receiving instrumental soundwaves.
Shure conjointly provides a zippered carrying pouch, it’s fine, however redundant, seeing how the SM57 is lauded for its toughness.
The Shure SM57 is purposely tuned so recordings are easy to ace without making abundance distortion, and sub-bass frequencies are weakened as well.
This is useful for unrecorded music as you don’t need a kick drum or the basic note of a low register guitar to overwhelm thunderous sounds.
All things considered, those sounds are similarly as significant as the underlying oomph, it additionally implies that you shouldn’t make a difference in a high-pass channel after creation.
The upper midrange and high pitch recurrence accentuation guarantee the transmission of consonant detail, and this also applies explicitly to string instruments and vocals.
The Shure SM57 excels at being a sturdy mic that records clear audio.
Its compact size allows you to travel unencumbered, while its formed exterior is drop-resistant.
This mic is a nice entry-level choice for recording instruments and will be seriously thought about by amateurs and professionals alike.
Pros & Benefits:
- Affordable
- Durable and tough
- Extremely versatile and adaptable
- Great with vocals and instruments
- Blocks all background noises
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3. Audix ADX 10-FLP
- 30 years of excellence
- Performance is everything
- AUDIX mission: to design engineer and manufacture high performing innovative Products
- AUDIX microphones are recognized for their innovative design performance quality durability and value
- State of the art facility: research design fabrication assembly final testing
Last update on 2021-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It’s a miniature capacitor microphone designed to clip onto flutes.
It captures the flute amazingly well for an attachable mic which permits flutists to easily move around the stage, moreover, the ADX10-FLP gets the highest recommendation as a flute attachable mic.
This type of microphone comes with its own phantom power offer belt pack (APS-911) which works well with wireless systems.
This flute attachable electro-acoustic transducer works well for its worth, although attachable microphones might not be the simplest alternative for capturing the complete sound of the flute.
It has a frequency response of 50 Hz to 18,000 Hz and the Audix ADX10-FLP incorporates a comparatively flat response.
Its low-end roll-off appearance makes it look like a low-shelf, this helps cut back the quantity of noise within the mic signal while still learning several mechanical noises of the flute.
The slight presence peak helps intensify the harmonic content of the flute while not inducing it to sound excessively bright or unnatural.
The high-end roll-off benefits this electro-acoustic transducer since the main target of this clip on the mic is the flute and not the space around the flute.
The flute doesn’t have an entire ton of high-end frequency info, so a high-frequency roll-off doesn’t hurt the sound, it merely cleans it up.
The sensitivity ratio of the ADX10-FLP is written as 4.5 mV / Pa @ 1k, this can be low for a microphone, however, it’s wonderful as an attachable microphone.
Once again, the main target is the sound of the flute and its mouthpiece, and also, the electro-acoustic transducer is positioned terribly near to the mouthpiece.
A low sensitivity helps with the isolation of the flute
Pros & Benefits:
- Cheap
- Easy to move around with
- Blocks surrounding noises
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4. AEA R88MK2
Last update on 2021-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The AEA R88MK2 is a stereo ribbon electro-acoustic transducer.
It has two ribbon diaphragms which are established as a Blumlein duo, one higher than the other (length-wise) and pointing 90 degrees from each other.
The stereo image of this electro-acoustic transducer combined with its frequency response makes its pickup nearly identical to the way our ears hear the sound.
The R88 is close to perfection when it comes to recording the most natural-sounding flute in a studio environment.
Let’s discuss this microphone further, shall we?
It simplifies the setup and finds the sweet spot acoustically, it also gives you more options for any given room – usually a sanctuary!
Its beautifully balanced sound reduces any post-production noise to zero, giving the flutist stunning sound with a lot less work!
AEA R88 Stereo Ribbon Microphone features a stereo ribbon microphone that offers a natural sound, and it captures amazingly wide stereo sources with a single microphone.
The AEA R88MK2 is a stereo mic whose stereo image is formed using the Blumlein mic technique, and the resulting stereo image is shockingly correct to the manner it’s intended to sound natural.
The R88 incorporates a 5-pin XLR output which effectively carries the 2 mic signals – one from every ribbon.
A jailbreak cable is enclosed to alter the 5-pin to two 3-pins so that every signal is often sent to a preamp in mono, you can also use the R88 as a mono two-way mic by sending signals from one 3-pin XLR to a preamp.
As a stereo mic, the R88 can capture the sound of the flute during the most natural method.
The mic is right for micing a solo flute, capturing the truest essence of the instrument and you can merely record one in all the 2 3-pin outputs.
However, ensure that the mic is positioned properly, also ensure that the diaphragm you plan to pick up the sound is truly the diaphragm studying the sound.
Pros & Benefits:
- Durable
- Highly effective
- Affordable
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5. Sennheiser MKH 40
- RF microphone (cardioid, condenser)
- switchable -10 dB pad, switchable bass attenuation (-4 dB @ 50 Hz)
- Maximum front to back ratio
- Exceptionally low inherent self-noise
- High sensitivity
Last update on 2021-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The MKH40 is a cardioid condenser microphone and this mic encompasses a sleek style with an associate all-black end.
Even though it’s a condenser mic, it works well in the studio and on stage.
If you combine it with a black mic stand on stage, the audience might not even know that it’s there, and they’ll be able to focus on the instrumentalist behind the mic.
It’s a 50Hz low-frequency roll-off switch that permits you to stop sounds at lower frequencies from being captured, and for a flute performance or recording, you should always have this switch on, since no useful flute sound lies in that region.
It’s an incredible microphone with a sound quality that is stunning, it captures someone’s sound with fullness and clarity.
The high sparkle and the midrange are so smooth and round, plus it’s mostly used with pianos, acoustic guitars, and drums.
The mic has an extremely low real-world self-noise owing to the push-pull RF design of the capsule and electronics.
With this kind of combination, the MKH40 hints at the sound characteristics of a large-diaphragm capsule, hence maintaining the accurate off-axis response of the smaller designs.
The MKH 40 renders a more natural pleasant sound for dialogue compared to the industry standard MK41, there’s also a slightly less lateral rejection of adjacent sounds.
It uses a 20 mm capsule sprung with a 15.5 mm diaphragm compared to a 3.5 micron Mylar sheet.
Pros & Benefits:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Long-lasting
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6. Neumann U87
- 3 selectable directional patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-810dB attenuation switch127dB SPL handling...
Last update on 2021-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you know anything about or even use studio microphones, then you should have heard of the Neumann U87.
With this kind of microphone, you can record songs like jazz, pop, RnB, and even flute recordings and also do spoken words and broadcasts as well.
Have you ever asked yourself why audio engineers, musicians, and broadcasters love to use this type of microphone?
Simple, it’s because this mic is very versatile.
It produces original sounds from the flutist, musician, or basically anyone that uses it, and that’s why it has always had s good reputation in the community.
It has 3 directional patterns position, cardioid, and a figure-of-eight, which permits it to be utilized in differing types of recording settings.
This type of mic is thought of as a vocal mic, it’s a wonderful mic for different instruments.
Its balanced audio response in each of its polar patterns permits it to record something from acoustic guitars to a full orchestra with glorious detail and depth.
The U87 line has seen only a few changes over the years, which simply serves as a testament to how well its style has stood the test of your time.
Designed as a front-address mic, it’s designed to record on the brink of the sound supply while not sounding unnatural.
Its sensitivity to any sound permits it to construct a sound that’s on the brink of real and lifelike, however, home studio users can make sure that their recording space is free from any unwanted noise.
Pros & Benefits:
- Bass roll-off switch prevents bass boost while in cardioid mode
- A versatile mic that fits different uses
- Highly sensitive, it picks up transient and low sounds
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7. AKG C414
- OFFERS 9 POLAR PATTERNS - The AKG C414 XLII provides up to 9 pickup pattern to suit different situations. You can...
- CANCELS OUT UNWANTED LOW-FREQUENCY NOISE - This microphone is equipped a bass cut filter (selectable 40Hz, 80Hz,...
- CAN HANDLE LOUD AUDIO SOURCES - The selectable preattenuation pad increase the headroom by 6dB, 12dB or 18dB. This...
- INDICATES OVERLOAD PEAKS - The Peak-Hold LED Function of C414 XLII notifies you even the shortest overload peak.
- INCLUDES - KG C414 XLII Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone; Universal Shock Mount; Mic Pop Filter and Windscreen;...
Last update on 2021-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The AKG C414 has an eventful history, it’s a legendary product of AKG that has been adjusted, upgraded, and altered over time.
Through the numerous alterations, the makers have managed to retain the initial sound character that created the AKG C414 associate audio professional’s success.
The shape, style, other internal and external options have been adjusted over time, with the most recent update being the introduction of the light-emitting diode within the mic head.
The AKG C414 is kind of completely different, it sports a form that appears sort of a departure from what the latest mics seem like.
The electro-acoustic transducer head has six sides, with half of it coated with gold-plated mesh, and the instantaneous sound pressure level covers a spread of 140 dB to 158 dB.
It offers space for additional flexibility, however, if you’re not recording or capturing sound from extraordinarily loud sources, I’ll advise that you simply set the switch to the very best SPL
We can’t detailedly describe the AKG C414 with any specific characteristics because there are numerous choices available to pick from.
Taking into consideration all the switches on the AKG C414, there are twenty-seven totally different registration varieties you’ll be picking from.
That being said, there’s a specific sound quality that’s consistent across these several registration choices, and once you record lead vocals with the AKG C414, you can hear the voice pass over even before intermixture.
Pros & Benefits:
- Different polar pattern choices
- Low-frequency roll-off
- Variable SPL with pad switch
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8. Neumann TLM103
- Large diaphragm cardioid microphone Pressure gradient transducer with with one-diaphragm capsule Transformerless...
- Available in satin nickel and matte black
- Delivery includes an SG 103 swivel mount and a wooden jeweler's box
- A standard name in high-end recording studios around the world, Neumann mics deliver the professional touch that's...
- The TLM 103 is fast becoming a standard for home recording and the music industry
Last update on 2021-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
TLM 103 really appears and feels solid, it’s an all-metal body with a metal mesh grille, although the mesh grille doesn’t feel quite as robust as the remainder of the microphone.
TLM 103 has no single switch or knob on it, and all you’ve got to do is to plug it in, however, if you would like any changes made, then you can use your daw.
The TLM 103’s presence boost is maintained till around 16 kHz.
TLM103 a bit less appropriate for some uses, except for voiceovers where the presence boost is required and makes the voice chop through without a lot of additional work.
Opening the TLM 103 box, you will discover a swivel mount beside the mic.
The TLM 103 solely incorporates a cardioid polar pattern, which limits the variety of use in some ways, and if you wish to use it for these alternative functions, then you’ll have to be very artistic with the placement.
TLM103 incorporates a higher maximum SPL, which makes it better equipped to take care of loud sources.
It operates with a pressure gradient transducer, meaning that its inner membrane is attentive to the pressure differential (gradient) from each side of the electro-acoustic transducer – front and back.
Not only this, the TLM 103 was created virtually twenty years after the U87.
Owing to this, it has a presence-boost around the frequencies from 6,000 – 15,000 Hz, which successively helps any instrumentalist traverse the combination once it comes to recording a full band.
Pros & Benefits:
- Compact size
- It does well with loud sources without distorting
- Presence boost is good for voice-overs
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9. Shure Beta 87A
- Smooth frequency response with gradual presence rise
- Highly consistent super cardioid polar pattern provides superior gain before feedback
- Electronic low-frequency roll off compensates for proximity effect
- Wide dynamic range (117 dB) and low distortion characteristics
- Built in pop filter reduces undesirable wind and breath sounds
Last update on 2021-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It comes with a low-noise preamplifier and pleasant internal shock protection, this helps it break down the handling noise.
The meshes act as both a pop-up filter and windshield, which never affects the main microphone points.
The Shure Beta 87a is an electoral acoustic that sports a super-cardioid pick-up, the cardioid pick-up style picks up sound at intervals at a 130-degree angle in front of the electro-acoustic transducer.
It has reduced sensitivity for out-of-the-range sounds and nearly zero sensitivity to sounds directly behind the mic.
Whereas the super-cardioid vogue picks up the sound around a 115-degree angle ahead of the mic and has no sensitivity beyond 120-degrees from the axis, however, it’s going to devour a narrow range of audio striking from directly behind the back of the mic.
The distinction between the output of the 2 is extremely refined, however, the Shure 87A contains a somewhat additional consistent polar pattern, which gives it a small edge in the gain-before-feedback.
Being a super-cardioid electret condenser mic, the 87A has a narrow pick-up range.
The Shure 87A contains a large SPL handling of 140 sound unit, that means it can withstand high-pressure environments without suffering from overload or producing gain before feedback.
The sound output isn’t muddy, instead, it provides an open voice output.
It sports a controlled low-frequency roll-off which compensates for proximity results and prevents the boomy sound that comes from a detailed pick-up.
The characteristic Shure presence brightens the higher mids, it has a large dynamic range (117db) and low distortion characteristics.
You’ll get a sound output that’s bright, open, and crystal clear once used as a live mic with floor monitors from the 87A.
The Shure 87A wireless comes in hand-held mode with a GLXD24 transmitter setup, which operates within the 2.4 GHz spectrum, it’s an honest 20 – 30 meters range.
The battery is Li-ion reversible, however, the SLX wireless system is the surest in the wireless arena.
These are powerful wireless tools that may be created quickly and utilized by installers and bands.
Pros & Benefits:
- Very high audio clarity
- Highly versatile
- Tight super-cardioid pick-up
- Rugged and durable
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10. Rode M5
- Compact 1/2 inch cardioid condenser microphone with low noise and a full frequency response
- Matched pair has been carefully selected to ensure a variation of no more than 1dB sensitivity betwe
- A premium foiled certificate is supplied to verify the authenticity of the pair
- Finished with RODE's proprietary ceramic coating which offers a sleek matt black finish
- Supplied with WS5 windshields and RM5 stand mounts
Last update on 2021-05-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Rode M5 is a stick microphone that comes as a very fine pair and it’s specifically designed for recording stereo sessions – it’s also sturdy and rugged.
The Rode M5 is lighter, shorter, and every mic of the Rode M5 weighs 80 grams and it’s 3.94 inches long, while the Rode NT5s have a weight of 100 grams and a length of 4.65 inches.
It has a cardioid head, and the head of the Rode M5 doesn’t seem to be standardized, thus you’ve got only 1 selection of polar pattern – cardioid.
Let’s run you through an example.
Suppose you’d like to record a piano piece and you’ve got the Rode M5 only, as a result, your sound can lose out on the bottom-end because of the directional pattern being cardioid.
With Rode M5, you’ll get the facility choices of 24 or 48-volt power connected through an XLR cable.
So how do these pairs of microphones perform compared to others?
Looking at their performance, the Rode M5 puts out a more powerful performance, and in conjunction with being cheap, it additionally delivers an honest sound quality with decent accuracy.
It has high electrical phenomenon levels which ensures that it will record high frequencies even with the utilization of long cables with no loss of signal.
Pros & Benefits:
- Durable build
- Smooth and flat frequency response
- Quite versatile
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Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we have seen that all the types of microphones are easily accessible and can clear out any background noise.
They all produce the original sound of the flute, and as a flutist, you don’t have to worry about your sound coming out differently.
Their prices are relatively cheap and affordable for anyone or any company.
And the best flute microphone is one that functions effectively, and whose performance and durability meet your requirements.
All 10 products featured on this list are easy to use, thus you need not hire someone to walk you through operating it.
Found the best microphone for your flute yet?
If you have, then let us know in the comment section below.
