Choir microphones don’t automatically grab your attention—if anything, they’re meant to blend into the scenery—but they’re crucial for bringing a group of voices to worshipers, whether via the house PA system, recordings or broadcasts.
With that in mind, here’s a look at choir mics—some relatively recent, others time-tested and all presented in no particular order. These are by no means all the options out there—numerous manufacturers make choir mics, and most make more than one—so think of this as a representative sample.
Audix White MicroBoom Portable Choir Mics
While Audix’s MicroBoom system debuted in 2005, the white edition was introduced in January 2018 at the NAMM Show. Intended for choir applications where a portable miking solution is required, the MicroBoom system is compatible with Audix’s The Micros miniature condenser microphone series with integrated preamp and detachable cable. There are three models of Micros (M1250B, M1255B and M1280), each of which is available with cardioid, hypercardioid, omni or supercardioid capsules. Available in 50 and 84-inch boom arm lengths, the white MicroBooms attach to a standard microphone stand or 5/8” thread mount.
Related: HOW-To: Acoustic Treatment for HOWs, by Strother Bullins, Pro Sound News, Apr. 20, 2017
Audio-Technica U853R Cardioid Condenser Hanging Mics
Around since the mid-2000s, Audio-Technica‘s U853R offers notable off-axis rejection for maximum gain before feedback; has interchangeable elements to permit various angles of acceptance from 90° to 360°; and sports UniGuard RFI-shielding to help reject radio frequency interference. The mic comes in black and white, and offers a low-reflection finish for minimum visibility.
CAD Audio 1600VP Hanging Condenser Microphone
CAD Audio’s 1600VP is a continuously variable pattern condenser microphone system with remote polar control, meaning that CAD’s pattern control box may be used to remotely adjust the polar pattern on the microphone in real time. The mic has a frequency response of 40 Hz to 20 kHz with a selectable 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave high-pass filter. It sports an anti-rotational mount, 30 feet of cable, an XLR-F wall plate and counter poise string.
Related: HOW-To: Careful Choir Miking for HOWs, by Al Fernald, Pro Sound News, Apr. 5, 2017
Beyerdynamic Classis OM 304 Mic
This white, short-gooseneck microphone from beyerdynamic is designed for ceiling mounting into standard installation sockets (flush-mounted/cavity socket), and comes with a 25 ft. cable. The mic, offering a supercardioid polar pattern, uses Scudio technology to prevent interference from wireless communication devices.
Shure MX202 Microflex Overhead Condenser Mics
Each model in Shure’s MX202 series features a choice of interchangeable cardioid or supercardioid condenser microphone cartridges, which can be attached to a flexible 4” gooseneck with a 30’ cable. The mics are available in black or off-white finishes, and with in-line or plate mount preamps. The MX202B/C shown here is a mini-condenser cardioid mic with cable, in-line preamp and stand adapter.
Related: HOW Sound, Pro Sound News
Countryman ISOMAX 2 Choir Mic
According to Countryman, the ISOMAX 2 microphone is the smallest hanging condenser microphone on the market. Available in three polar patterns and two colors, the mic comes with an integrated stiffener on a 50’ aramid-reinforced cable with braided RF shielding, along with an integrated phantom-powered preamp and a cable spool.
