Mic for sousaphone and possibly tuba

[Bill Troiano]

Hi all! What's available these days that would work as a clip on mic for a 26 in. bell sousaphone? I might use it on a tuba too. For the past few years, I've been throwing a Shure 58 down the bell, with a wind shield, so that it doesn't make noise rattling around. Thanks!

[Tubainsauga]

https://www.thomann.de/gb/km_10000_mikr ... r_tuba.htm

This will allow you to mount any mic you want. I use something along these lines to mount an Audix D4 pretty tight in to the throat of the bell. It's smaller and lighter than an SM57/58 and seems to work better. It's also quite durable.

[Kirley]

That clamp looks sweet. This is the first it has crossed my path. K & M makes great stuff. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be available through any US distributors that I found. With the exchange rate (surprisingly close to even at the moment) and shipping, it'd be about $74 from Thomann to the US. Hopefully US companies will start to carry that item soon.

Another clever sousaphone mic mount I saw here was using a Kelly Shu. Which is designed to suspend a mic inside a kick drum. It looked pretty cool.

There's a thread from not too long ago about this subject.

[thevillagetuba]

It is likely possible for any K&M distributor/retailer to get that in for you as they usually have access to the entire catalogue.

[tubaphillips]

When I was on America's Got Talent we used the SM98. Probably my favorite mic to use. I used one for my gigs for a while, but the wires are too thin and prone to breaking for my use, although you can get your equipment insured through sam ash. I find myself and a lot of people dropping a SM57 or a SM58 down the bell. If you're afraid of it denting your horn, just secure it with gaffers tape.

[Bill Troiano]

Thanks, guys. I've been using a Shure 58 with the wind shield on it to keep it from banging around. I was just thinking about using some kind of clip on mic.

[Kirley]

Here's the thread I was thinking about:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=72924" target="_blank

[jbaylies]

I just use some sticky velcro with a Audio‑Technica PRO 35 clip-on mic. Using tape was such a pain and velcro makes it real easy. I have the mic pretty far down in the bell to amplify the subbass and control feedback. You'd probably want it a bit further out.

[Bill Troiano]

Thanks for the info, guys. I have a gig tonight where I'll just drop the 58 down the sousaphone just beyond the bend in the bell. Then, I'll wrap the cord around the neck and I'm good to go. I have no idea how it sounds - probably more like a bass than a tuba. I haven't heard any recordings of me yet with this set up. Everyone is just happy that I'm miked. I guess I was hoping there's some new sleek, high tech clip on mic. I wanna look like the sax players.

[Kirley]

It is likely possible for any K&M distributor/retailer to get that in for you as they usually have access to the entire catalogue.

I spoke to a K&M dealer. He couldn't find it in his catalog so he's reaching out to his distributor. I'll keep y'all posted on his findings.

[Kirley]

From my K&M dealer:
"Apparently the 24040 is no longer in production. If you really want one you may have to get it from a euro shop that has old stock."

Bummer.

[Slamson]

The Countryman B3 is legendary in its ability to take most anything - and it's the size of a match-head. They used to advertise its toughness by taping it to a gun barrel and shooting it. Tape it on the bell and go. About $150. Can be purchased as a wireless or as an XLR. It is a condenser mic, though - you'd need phantom power.