Accessories Amplifier for use with a saxophone

Kathy Pearson · Jun 28, 2021

I have a question that may seem stupid to alot of you but, since I have never bought an amplifier before I think you will forgive my stupidity. Here is the question..I have a SHURE microphone for my alto saxophone and I would like to know what brand or type of amp I should buy in order to use my microphone? I see alot of amps that are for guitars and I was not sure if that would work with my saxophone mic. Thanks

Dr G · Jun 28, 2021

Kathy Pearson said:
I have a question that may seem stupid to alot of you but, since I have never bought an amplifier before I think you will forgive my stupidity. Here is the question..I have a SHURE microphone for my alto saxophone and I would like to know what brand or type of amp I should buy in order to use my microphone? I see alot of amps that are for guitars and I was not sure if that would work with my saxophone mic. Thanks

What model is your mic? What kind of connector is on the end of the cord?

The short answer is "Not a guitar amp."

Another followup question is "What are your power needs?"

Kathy Pearson · Jun 28, 2021

The model of my mic is a PGA 98H. And I'm not sure what my power needs are. Sorry I'm really very new with these questions. Thanks for your help.

greenstripe · Jun 28, 2021

Hi, in what context are you wanting to use the microphone - recording or live performance?

Kathy Pearson · Jun 28, 2021

Maybe both. I'm not sure yet. I just would like to get the feel of using a microphone and all that goes with it. Thanks

Colin the Bear · Jun 28, 2021

You'll need speakers too for live. So a PA package might be appropriate, especially if using backing tracks. You may need a pre amp for the mic too.
Gear4music have quite a range. Their own stuff is quite acceptable.
I use this for small venues and busking.

SubZero P15 Portable PA Speaker with Bluetooth & Wireless Mics at Gear4music

www.gear4music.com

And this for pubs and larger restaurants.

SubZero SZPA-410 175W 10" PA System w/ Digital Media Player NearlyNew at Gear4music

www.gear4music.com

Dr G · Jun 28, 2021

Kathy Pearson said:
The model of my mic is a PGA 98H. And I'm not sure what my power needs are. Sorry I'm really very new with these questions. Thanks for your help.

Let's put it another way - how loud do you need to be?

Dr G · Jun 28, 2021

Kathy Pearson said:
Maybe both. I'm not sure yet. I just would like to get the feel of using a microphone and all that goes with it. Thanks

If that's the case, then might you be happy with a setup that connects your microphone to some headphones?

greenstripe · Jun 28, 2021

For recording: you won't need an amplifier as such. Perhaps get yourself a cheapish USB audio interface to record yourself direct in to a computer so you can get a feel for using the mic. Lots of options on this (but I think that you'll need one that provide 'phantom power' for your microphone. If you buy something second hand you can probably sell it on for what you paid for it if it later becomes surplice to requirement. You could also use this with headphones. Some examples here:

USB Audio Interfaces | Gear4music

www.gear4music.com

In a live setting: kind of dependant on a few things: Do you need a standalone amplifier (just you and your loud speaker)? You may be able to plug your microphone in to the mixing desk and use their PA if the venue has one.

Dave Dunn · Jun 29, 2021

I looked up the mic, it's a condenser (as opposed to dynamic), so it won't work if plugged directly into an amp, or into most PA systems. It needs phantom power (which is delivered via the cord). You can buy a phantom power box, or use a mixing desk that provides phantom power, then you can plug into any amp or PA. Guitar amps can be noisy, however, I have a couple of suitable guitar amps that I bought cheaply from Aldi's (a supermarket!) and new from pawn shop chain. They have the red and white inputs (like on a TV or Stereo), which is something to look for, a noisy guitar amp wouldn't usually have those inputs.

turf3 · Jun 29, 2021

Leaving aside the question of "why" - which I suggest you consider more fully - Fender make a nice small self-contained PA system called the "Passport" in several different power levels. I am pretty sure Yamaha and Behringer also make similar products.

For the total newbie these systems are probably the easiest to set up and use as all the components are included and all designed to work with each other.

Colin the Bear · Jun 29, 2021

Nice little usb mixer. Mic pre amp. Phantom power and downloadable recording software.

Behringer Xenyx 302USB

5-Channel Recording and Podcast Mixer 1 Mic input with phantom power and peak LED, 1 Stereo line input, 2-Band EQ in both channels, 2-Track in-/output, Master fader, 15 V phantom power, USB interface, Power supply via PC USB or power adapter...

m.thomann.de

spike · Jun 29, 2021

Colin the Bear said:
Nice little usb mixer. Mic pre amp. Phantom power and downloadable recording software.

Shure recommends - "The PGA 98H works best with 48V Phantom".
Good to keep in mind when checking the USB and portable amp gear specs.

thomsax · Jun 29, 2021

I use an active JBL copy. 15 " speaker. No pre-amp microphones can be used. I use a Shure SM57 or 58 microphone. I think the 58 is better for bari. I used it as an amp when I play at small places (Pub Rock and that sort of things ...). At same places we just have the vocal(s) through the PA. It can also be used as a monitor if you play your sax through a PA. It's active so you adjust the volume, gain ... from the PA/speaker.

Colin the Bear · Jun 29, 2021

spike said:
Shure recommends - "The PGA 98H works best with 48V Phantom".
Good to keep in mind when checking the USB and portable amp gear specs.

I hadn't noticed the mic specified. I don't like clip ons. Clunk click every lick. 😉

Just had a look at it on amazon.
There's two versions.
One has an inline preamp that provides the phantom power. Would that be batteries?

Pete Effamy · Jun 29, 2021

I’ve used an SD Systems clip on for years. I’ve not had problems with excessive key noise. Neither have all the top players that choose to use a clip on, or they wouldn’t use them. Cheap clip on mics are clunky.

I have even used it in the studio , where it shouldn’t ideally be used and whilst I wouldn’t use it in preference over any of my “studio” mics, it gave a surprisingly good account of itself.