If you’re looking to add or upgrade your marching band’s microphones, you’ll quickly notice that there are many, many microphones available on the market. In this article we’ll cover a few of our favorite microphones used by countless marching band programs to help save you time and possible confusion when starting your search for new microphones.
As always, you're very much invited to contact us with questions about microphones, or any other audio concern, for your marching ensemble.
Shure SM57
The Shure SM57 is the most widely used and versatile microphone in the audio industry. In the marching world, it’s a powerhouse mic that boasts supreme durability. It’s categorized as a dynamic microphone, which means it does not require Phantom Power (+48v) for operation. This microphone is a directional end address microphone, meaning it’s designed to pickup sound from wherever the end is pointed.
Out of the box it comes with a microphone clip that can work in a pinch, but works much better for marching band when used with a shock mount. Some ensembles use bungee cords or something like the MicNet to suspend their SM57s underneath their marimbas and vibraphones. The major downside to this type of microphone mounting solution is that when suspended, rather than mounted, wind can cause the mics to sway which creates inconsistent mic placement. Since microphone placement is often the first big step to achieving great sound, wind sway can cause unwanted issues.
The other upside to the SM57 is the $99 price point. Budgets are often tight for every band program and the affordability of this microphone is very attractive to many directors.
Check it out here: https://www.microphonicdesigns.com/product-page/shure-sm57
Audio Technica AT2035
The AT2035 hasn’t been around quite as long as the SM57 but has become a very popular microphone for marching bands, at least down here in Texas. The AT2035 is classified as a Large Diaphragm Condenser microphone and has a directional pickup area. Specifically, it’s a side address microphone, meaning this microphone picks up sound from its front-facing side (with the Audio Technica logo), not the end as the SM57 does. As it is a condenser microphone, the AT2035 does require +48v Phantom Power for operation; it will not work without Phantom Power so make sure your mixing console is able to supply it. The AT2035 also has built-in switches for low-frequency roll off, which helps reduce wind and frame noise, and output signal attenuator, which reduces the signal sent off by the microphone
Out of the box, this microphone does come with a dedicated shock-mount making it perfect for mounting underneath marimbas and vibraphones. It can be paired with an On-Stage NMS-9501 desktop microphone stand and any percussion clamp to be securely mounted underneath instruments.
Audio Technica does make a windscreen that fits the AT2035 and it’s highly recommend to use them, especially for outdoors. Condenser microphone are much more sensitive than dynamic microphones, making them more susceptible to wind-noise. While it is an extra item to purchase, the AT8137 windscreen is extremely valuable when using the AT2035 outside.
Lastly, this microphone is wonderful for wind soloists and works well for pretty much any instrument you put in front of it. It is possible to use these with a wireless microphone transmitter pack, but doing so requires some extra effort.
Check it out here: https://www.microphonicdesigns.com/product-page/audio-technica-at2035
AKG P220
The AKG P220 is another great microphone option that’s very much akin to the AT2035. It’s also classified as a side address large diaphragm condenser microphone. Again, this microphone requires Phantom Power for proper operation and has built in switches for low frequency roll off and signal attenuation.
This microphone ships in a sturdy storage case and includes a dedicated shock mount. The shock mount is a very different design from the AT2035 but is still just as effective for helping reduce unwanted frame noise. It’s also made of durable metal which is perfect for the rigors of marching band. What’s extra awesome about this microphone/shock mount combination is that the P220 actually threads into the shock mount making this microphone extremely reliable for mounting underneath instruments; it’s not going anywhere during transport.
Just like the AT2035, the P220 is great for all instruments in the front ensemble and any wind instrument that’s put in front of it.
Check it out here: https://www.microphonicdesigns.com/product-page/akg-p220
Samson C02
Perhaps the largest ‘bang for your buck’, the C02 microphones from Samson are actually sold in pairs. This makes this package perfect for groups that need new microphones on a seriously tight budget. The C02 microphones are classified as end address small diaphragm condenser microphones. So they’ll need to be pointed at the sound source like the SM57s but will still require Phantom Power from your mixer like the Audio Technica and AKG mics we just covered. Small diaphragm condenser microphones tend to be very bright in their sound, so make sure to adjust your mixer EQ settings accordingly (especially if you’re putting these on vibraphones).
The C02 microphones also come with a sturdy carrying case and clip-style shock mounts. Windscreens are also in this microphone package which is great for reducing wind noise.
Check it out here: https://www.microphonicdesigns.com/product-page/samson-c02-pair
Hopefully this list has helped narrow down the daunting search for new microphones. These truly are great selections for pretty much any ensemble looking to sound great. Be sure to take a look at our Marching Band page for a full list of what we can do for your group.
