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Let me start by apologizing for asking this again because I've posted about this before, but I didn't want to dig up an old thread. I play a lot of sousaphone gigs, about half where I use a mic. I also use the mic on my 186, mostly for German Band / Oktoberfest gigs. I've been using a Shure SM58 that I attach with Gaffer's tape. The tape works great, but it's expensive, but much, much better than using duct tape, as it leaves no residue or sticky surface when removed. Still, it's a pain.

Soooooo, what is the latest in clip on mics with a neck that can be long enough to use on a sousaphone? I'm not interested in wireless. I just want a clip on mic that sounds as good as the SM58.

As far as clip-on mics go, DPA can't be beat. But you can buy a lot of gaff tape before you break even on this one! About 50 rolls by my guess.

This:
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... nting-clip" target="_blank" target="_blank

With this:
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... -3.15-inch" target="_blank" target="_blank

You'll need to remove the mic if you want to set your 186 down on its bell. But it's super easy to do with this clip.

In my opinion, it sounds way better than a 58.

Thanks for the replies, guys. Joe. I would also use it on the 186, so drilling holes isn't an option. Cool idea for fiberglass, though.

Kirley, I believe the DPA is the same mic Sergio told me he uses, but it requires phantom power. I would think I wouldn't be able to use it in all situations. I don't know much about this stuff, but would all amps and sound systems have phantom power? And yeah, it is expensive.

If you can't use or don't want to mess with phantom power, then that will eliminate every clip on mic from consideration since almost all of them are small condenser mics with active electronics that require phantom power to work.

Most modern sound systems (depending on what is in the "system") can deliver phantom power to you, but that becomes something you'd be dependent upon someone else for unless you decided to set yourself up with your own personal phantom power supply (they are kinda like DI boxes). Phantom power usually comes from a pre-amp or from the mixer itself in a typical system but if you don't know what kind of situation you're walking into, relying on phantom power could be risky.

If you want a smaller, lighter mic that can clamp on (notice I didn't say clip), about the only thing I can think of that might work would be a small drumset mic with a rim clamp on it to mount to a tom drum.

Honestly, a taped in SM57 (or 58 which you have) may be about the best solution. Gaff is expensive for what it is, but if you like everything else about your current setup I would actually say just keep buying gaff tape and call it good.

Now we're talkin', Doc. I'm intrigued !!!

Hi here's what I've been using lately on my 186 CC in a German band (pretty sure it would work on a sousaphone as well)
Microphone attachment:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005C ... UTF8&psc=1
This can probably be gotten more cheaply but I used a gift card that I had.

Microphone
Audix D4 (I got this because it is small super light and way lighter than the Shure Beta 52 or AKG D 112 Mk2 I had been using)
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/D4Mic--audix-d4
I actually found a used one on ebay for less than this price
Just this past week, I tried my group's Drummer's
Audix D6
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... microphone

Another option for a holder is the
Kelly Shu
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... ack-finlsh

Hope some of this is useful
Good Luck
Pete

Thanks for the audio sample, Bill. You sound great (and nice fills) and the tuba sound is present enough.

Pete, your set up seems like a good idea too. I've heard that drum mics work well on tubas. Does the D4 or D6 require phantom power?

Neither the D4 nor D6 requires phantom. They’re both dynamic mics.

I use and like this: http://www.appliedmicrophone.com/portfolio/amt-ls/.

It's about the same price as the DPA.

Thanks for the ideas, guys. Soooooo, what can be the advantages, disadvantages, benefits, etc. of using a condenser mic vs. dynamic mic?

Bill Troiano wrote:Thanks for the ideas, guys. Soooooo, what can be the advantages, disadvantages, benefits, etc. of using a condenser mic vs. dynamic mic?

The condenser will require a power source. The AMT I use has a small battery pack that you can clip to your belt or mount on the tuba. The condenser is a lot smaller and lighter than a dynamic mic of comparable quality. Although the condensers seem more expensive, a comparable dynamic mic won't be cheap.