You may have the voice, but you may not have the gear to optimally record that golden box of yours. Choosing a recording microphone can get tough, especially with all the mics out there in the market offered by various brands. It’s also difficult and a little daunting since many of these cost several hundred dollars. In this article we review and guide you through what we consider the best and most affordable recording microphones on the market to help make the process a little easier.
How to Choose Your Recording Microphone
Nowadays, whether you run a home studio or a professional recording palace full of thousands of dollars in equipment, the microphone you choose is arguably the most important facet. A solid studio recording microphone can really set your music apart from other artists. This is especially crucial for musicians who are up and coming — you want your songs to stand out from the crowd. And to be honest, as somebody who has been around music production for years, I will give you an important tip: even if the person listening to your song isn’t completely aware of a song being considered good simply because of the vocal quality, it can be subconscious and steer them in a specific direction, typically towards cleaner vocals. It’s unfortunate but true — it’s just how the human ear works. The mic is the backbone of a recording studio.
We’ll speak about the important elements of shopping for a recording mic first. We then give you our top 10 picks with necessary details for shopping, including price, type, and an example of their sound so you can compare and contrast them.
Here are the main factors to take into consideration when choosing your microphone:
- Your budget
- Microphone type\connectivity
- Polar pattern
- The type of vocals or instruments you will be recording
- Optimal mic frequency
- Necessary accessories to supplement the mic
- Our top picks
Your budget
Let’s be real: microphones can get costly! How much do you have saved up? Are you willing to drop some serious cash on a studio microphone? In our opinion, the microphone you buy is the centerpiece of your studio and quality of music: if you invest in a quality recording microphone, you’re set for a while, regardless of the other types of music equipment you have surrounding it. You can then continue to invest in other pieces of equipment to supplement your setup alongside your microphone.
With that being said, you don’t have to necessarily drop thousands of dollars on a mic to get a good sound. If you run a home studio with a smaller setup, you don’t have to spend more than 500$ to get a great sounding mic. We’ve found great quality microphones that sound extremely professional within the ranges of $200-$1,000. We make sure to list microphones from each range to give you some options. Although ultimately and logically, the more you spend, the better the mic.
The top 10 best recording microphones
- Behringer C-1
- Audio-Technica AT2020
- MXL 770
- Shure SM57
- Rode NT1-A
- Blue Bluebird
- AKG C214
- Rode NTK
- Neumann TLM-102
- Shure KSM42
>> Skip to microphone descriptions
Types of microphones and connectivity
There are a few types of microphones as well as connectivity available. Although we help you decide which type is best, it’s relatively important for you to understand the varieties of microphones that exist to help your shopping experience be less daunting. Here’s a list and a brief description of each mic:
- Dynamic: These are less expensive than most microphones out there. The audio signal is generated by the motion of a conductor in a field of magnets. Sound pressure is communicated with a thin, light diaphgragm. They are mostly used for electric guitars and bass drums, although we’ve heard of numerous artists use these for vocals during live performances. For recording, some have, however we would still go with a condenser microphone.
- Condenser: This is our preferred microphone type. 95% of the recording artists, producers and engineers we’ve spoken to abide by condenser microphones. They have a diaphragm that vibrates with sound pressure.These are best for fidelity, and when recording, we think the most accurate portrayal of what you’re laying down is best.
- Ribbon: These use a thin, contracting metal ribbon within a magnetic field that vibrates to generate an electric signal. The symmetrical front and rear help the high side rejection specialize in cymbal recording.
- USB: These are a bit newer to the mic market, but USB mics are starting to grow stronger other than little $10 sticks you find at your local electronics store. We don’t think these are optimal (yet) for serious recording, so we haven’t mentioned these too much in our article. For podcasts or gaming, sure, these can work. The reason why we’re turned off is because they typically have built-in preamp and analog-to-digital converters. In result, you can’t use an audio interface — something 99% of all music recording uses, particuarly for accuracy and quality of sound for that professional signature. We do highlight the best USB microphones in this article if that’s what you’re interested in.
In our opinion, the best type of microphones for recording are condenser microphones. These are the top-studio producer’s choice. These types of microphones have amazing quality. We’ve also listed a few dynamic mics as well as they can be quite good in quality yet remain affordabnle. Yes, the USB, ribbon, or even shotgun microphones are available as well, but in order to help you narrow down your search, we’re sticking with the popular choice we’ve found through research and word of mouth among the music recording realm.
In terms of connectivity, condenser microphones are typically hooked up via an XLR connector. With that being said, if you do have a digital setup with a Mac or PC, it is best to use an audio interface to go from the XLR microphone to your computer. .
Polar pattern of the recording mic
There’s a pretty elaborate approach towards how microphones pick up, detect and cancel out sounds. We really like this article explaining polar patterns of mics, but we sum up the basics of it in 1-2 sentences for you. The most widely used type of mic is cardioid, especially when recording.
- Cardioid: The most popular polar pattern. AKA a heart shape (cardioid, heart…get it?), these mics record best what’s in front of them and cancel out the rear and side. This is very ideal for vocals (as most record with the mic in front of them).
- Omnidirectional: These are the opposite of cardioid and detect sound from all directions (omni = all). They’re good for capturing sound from the entire room.
- Figure-8: These are best for sounds from both the front and back. The sides are cancelled out. Best known as bi-directional, these are usually included with ribbon mics.
- Supercardioid: They have sensitive rear pickups and make setting up pretty difficult. We’re not too fond of these for recording purposes.
Type of vocals and/or instruments you use
Unfortunately, the process of shopping for a recording mic can get tricky if you’re looking to record other sounds aside from vocals. Before we get into the details, don’t panic too much and take the nitpickyness of recommended microphones for specific instrument types lightly — if you’re mainly recording vocals, it is okay to use the same microphone for an instrument, such as a guitar or drums. However, continue reading on if you’re looking for a microphone to record a specific instrument. Most dyanmic and condenser microphones are suitable for most instruments. We list the best instruments for each microphone along with out descriptions.
We’ll be writing a series of articles on microphone choice per instrument and music usage in general, so stay tuned for that. Here’s a list in case these apply to you:
- Best microphone for recording rap vocals
- Best microphone for live stage performances
- Best wireless microphone
As of now, if you’re investing in a microphone we recommend, it will work with most instruments (unless you’re using a Tuba…).
Microphone frequencies
If you do want to get technical, you need to be able to read the microphone frequency charts, which we will provide in the description of our microphone choices and which frequency (different instruments release a sound in specific frequencies) the microphone peaks at. Whichever the frequency a microphone is peaked at, determines the clearest sound you will get it if it is recording that particular wavelength. The manufacturer’s typically release the frequency charts of their microphones (they are tested in a very controlled environment) and we’ll provide that for you. We will simplify the process by stating which instruments work most optimally with the microphone.
Accessories to supplement your microphone
If you’re going to drop some serious cash on one of the condenser microphones, you absolutely need a popper stopper and a mic stand. If you don’t have one already, we recommend the Shure Popper Stopper with Metal Gooseneck and Heavy Duty Clamp ($34).
As for microphone stands, a simple one will suffice, such as the Samson MK-10 ($15). Do not forget a shock mount as well (some mics come with one, but double check). Shock mounts are fasteners that connects the mic to the stand and helps further reduce the noise as well as protect your microphone in general. A simple one such as the Neewer Universal Microphone Shock Mount (~$11) will suffice. Heck, I’ve seen some people even make their own shock mounts for very cheap.
You also need to take into consideration that a lot of these condenser microphones need an external phantom power supply in order to provide some phantom power. We’ll have a post about that later, but if you’re looking for one to buy right now, we recommend the Samson S-Phantom Mini (~$50). Or you can upgrade and choose an external source of power in our best audio interfaces article. These help provide not only phantom power for your microphone but also decrease latency as well.
Also note that some of these microphones don’t even come with an XLR cable, as this happened to me when I bought my first mic, got excited to use it, and couldn’t even connect it to my rig. We recommend a simple one on Amazon, such as the 20 foot CBI MLC20 XLR Microphone Cable (~$6).
Before buying your accessories, note that some of the mics we list come with a popper stopper and/or stand package.
Analysis for top 10 best recording microphones
Behringer C-1
Microphone type: Large diaphragm condenser (XLR)
Polar pattern: Cardioid
Frequency/recommended instruments: Vocals, acoustic instruments, live performances
Here’s one of the cheapest recording microphones we’ve been able to find that’s worth mentioning, and it’s the lowest we’ll go. The C-1 by Behringer is pretty solid if you’re looking for a mic under $100. It’s also pretty good for live performances, although recommended is recording. Some of the main features includes it picking up your signal while rejecting off-axis sounds, perfect for vocals and acoustic instruments. It has a pressure-gradient, shock-mounted transducer to help with noise cancellation and neutral sound recording. Pick it up if you want a cheaper alternative for a recording mic. Not everybody can afford a thousand-dollar Neumann. A lot of home studio producers have given this great reviews, so don’t doubt the quality (remeber it’s 60$ retail so you’re getting what you pay for, but with the C-1, it’s a lot better than what the price tag says).
There is a newer version but it is USB connectivity if that’s what you prefer, the C1-U.
Audio-Technica AT2020
Microphone type: Large diaphragm condenser (XLR)
Polar pattern: Cardioid
Recommended instruments: Vocals, acoustic guitar, any other brass or woodwinds
This is an extremely popular microphone around the music instrument world. Audio-Technica has been a veteran in the microphone game for quite some time now. The AT2020 is arguably their most popular model (surpriingly enough it is one of their cheapest as well). You’ve got a very durable build with this one — it’s been said to be built like a tank (some even travel with it without a case). It is a side-address studio mic, which means that it picks up the sound from the ends of the mic (not the top — you don’t have to rap or sing into the end-point or position it directly at your instrument). It’s High SPL Handling helps with retaining the sound pressure so you don’t get huge waves in your sounds. The wide dynamic range also aids in creating a really good combo for versatility. With a frequency response of 20-20,000 Hz and 100 ohms impedance, it’s very solid in terms of specs. It’s got phantom power via the XLR connector and weighs about 12 ounces. A definite go if you’re looking for a mic for $100 even. There’s also the AT4040 for around $300 if you want an upgrade.
MXL 770
Microphone type: Condenser
Polar pattern: Cardioid
Recommended instruments: Vocals (particularly hard hitting rap or rock due to it’s big body), guitars, strings
So this one battles with the AT2020 and has been compared a lot, which is why we mention this in the $100 realm range. The reason the MXL 770 is so good is because of it’s solid bass and upfront high-end. It has a built-in FET preamp with balanced output that gives you a very dynamic range. You can also adjust the response to flat if you’re looking for a more mellow sound, such as with an upright acoustic bass. As far as specs go, it’s impedance is 150 ohms and has a standard frequency range. Phantom power via the XLR connector and weighs about a pound. This thing is rugged and is recommended for those with harder hitting music.
Shure SM57
Retail price: $146
Microphone type: Dynamic
Polar pattern: Cardioid
Recommended instruments: Everything
This is one of the most popular dynamic microphones out there. Shure is a huge player in the mic game, reigning in most of our models of best wireless microphones. In fact, this is one of the most popular microphones ever, and it is particuarly praised for it’s use in almost every setting (studios, clubs, stadiums, etc). Apparently (as Shure claims), even the White House uses it! The Shure SM57 been known to handle high sound pressure levels wihtout distortion, perfect for guitars of all sorts, as well as a wide range of vocals (screaming to whispering). Drums are also great with this mic due to the ability to record high volumes. The frequency response is from 15Hz to 40Hz. It’s great for sound accuracy because it isn’t tuned at all. We mention this with our list because of it’s extremely high-quality and versatility in terms of being able to record almost anything, not to mention live performing. I have one of my own. Shure’s SM58 was the victor in our best microphone for live performances.
You can read our full Shure SM57 dynamic microphone review for more info.
Rode NT1-A
Microphone type: Large diaphragm condenser (XLR connectivity)
Polar pattern: Cardioid
Recommended instruments: Vocals, acoustic guitars, kick drums
Example sound: [sc_embed_player fileurl=”https://www.wirerealm.com/microphone-samples/rode-nt1-a-sample.mp3″]
This is a great quality recording microphone for the price, especially because Rode microphones has a very positive reputation when it comes to mics. The NT1-A is famous. It has a pretty big diaphragm *1″ capsule with gold plates), a very wide dynamic range, and internal capsule shock mounting. The frequency range is from 20 Hz to 20 KHz. One of the biggest plus’ of this is it being labeled the ‘quietest mic in the market’ and it does just this — I’ve heard of people going up all the way with gain and not getting any hiss whatsoever. The sound is very warm and clear, an industry standard and a must if you have around $200-$300 to spend on a recording mic. I’ve heard it being used great with all vocals and instruments. Beware (and although this is ultimately a plus), that it picks up absolutely everything! So make sure your studio is quiet and has some good sound proofing. This is the ultimate recording mic for accuracy.
Blue Bluebird
Microphone type: Large diaphragm condenser
Polar pattern: Cardioid
Recommended instruments: Vocals, electric/acoustic guitars, drums, piano, horns, and strings
We just love the look of the Bluebird — it’s got an old-school 50’s feel to it. This recording microphone is a bit newer to the market, but Blue mics has been on the rise in terms of popularity recently. This has gotten some great reviews. For $300 we prefer this over others. Some main features include having a pretty warm tone done to it. The highs on the Blue Bluebird are said to be generally better overall due to it’s 2khz to 10khz bump, so it’s very effective for those who may be singing in a higher pitch or recording instruments higher on the frequency chart. I’ve heard of a few cases where some singers had to back away about 6″ in order to get some consonants recorded, but that is easily fixable with distance or the use of a good preamp. There’s been a lot of good feedback about mid-range male vocals and acoustic guitars as well. The package itself includes a shockmount, pop filter and wooden case so it makes the price even better. The build is also very solid — solid ‘nick plating’ make it a sturdy mic (no plastic stuff here). It’s also got a three-year warranty which is always a plus. A great 300$ budget mic (if not arguably the best).
AKG C214
Microphone type: Large diaphragm condenser
Polar pattern: Cardioid
Recommended instruments: Vocals (rap and R&B especially), acoustic guitars, strings
AKG Acoustics has a solid reputation in the mic game. The C214 is in our opinion the most affordable and best quality microphone they offer. The audio frequency is pretty wide (20 to 20k Hz), sensitivity at 20mV and impedance of 200 Ohms to give you a lot of options in terms of what you record. You get a switchable bass-cut filter to give you the ability to record up close at good quality. The dual-capsule system makes it solid in terms of clarity and we’ve heard a lot of good reviews of the AKG C214. A lot of rap and R&B vocals have been used with this and the most highlighted feature is the ability to accentutate sounds. It’s also more open at the top end compared to some microphones which gives it some more pickup.
Rode NTK
Microphone type: Tube condenser
Polar pattern: Cardioid
Recommended instruments: Vocals, acoustic instruments, drum overheads, guitar, pianos
A friend of mine owns one of these and is in love with it — he swears by it even opposed to the more expensive Neumann mics (he is a rapper and also records acoustic guitar). If you’re able to spend around 5-6 hundred dollars, this is the microphone to get. If you’re at the $400 range, I highly recommend saving up a few extra dollars to get this. It will last you years, and is one of the industry’s standard recording microphones. In terms of us having to pick an absolute best, this is what we’d go with. Some main features of the Rode NTK includes it being a tube mic, so it’s a bit more professional (arguable by a lot of people — it’s stated that tube mics sound warmer but then again you can also buy a tube preamp). The dynamic range of the NTK is very wide and is very solidly built — nickel finish and just feels like a grenade in your hand. It has great pickup — can take in sound from about 3 ft away (perhaps you’re recording a choir?). I’ve heard some complaints on the high-end frequency boost but only a few cases. It honestly is one of the best microphones out there (some argue a better quality-for-price than Neumann’s), I’ve even heard of orchestras using it.
Neumann TLM-102
Microphone type: Large diaphragm condenser
Polar pattern: Cardioid
Recommended instruments: Vocals, acoustics
Now we’re getting up to the big boys. Neumann USA is the Microsoft of microphones. Everyone says, “if you can afford a Neumann, buy one”, because these are just insane in terms of quality. They are an industry standard (their mics go up to thousands of dollars), but are more geared towards the professional studios (obviously with their pice ranges). The Neumann TLM-102 is a great microphone if you can afford the 700$ mark. If you buy this — you’re set for a very, very long time. The main features include a frequency range of 20hz to 20 khz (relatively standard), a pressure gradient transducer inside, a maximum sound pressure of 144 dB (great for loud sound sources like drums and amps) yet can also pick up quieter instruments due to it’s fast transient response. It gives a slight boost to sounds for a great mix. This is just a bad ass mic. The reviews state that this is basically the gateway from home to more professional standard of music. Gives great fullness and crisp sound for acoustic guitars and vocals specifically and I’ve heard no complaints of any type of frequency giving shrill sounds or cutting off consonants. Check out the sample recordings we found and see for yourself — if you can afford a mic for this price, this is what you’re buying. Also check out the Neumann TLM-103 for a step up.
Shure KSM42
Microphone type: Large diaphragm condenser
Polar pattern: Cardioid
Recommended instruments: Vocals, acoustic instruments
Neumann and Shure could battle for top-quality microphones forever. It all comes down to personal preference. However, this is the highest we’ll go in the article and that’s because this barely beats out the TLM model spoken about previously. This particular Shure mic has received some really positive reviews around the music instrument realm. The Shure KSM42 has a very rich and warm sound to it. It gives a significantly stronger signal with low noise. There’s rarely any peaking and the package comes with the necessary accessories as well (it better if it’s 8 bills!). It is side-address and is particuarly for vocals, although we’ve seen it used for other instruments as well (especially acoustic instruments, as we’ve noticed a trend with recording mics in general). If you can afford it, I’d definitely take this into consideration.
The verdict for best recording microphone
There are so many choices out there, but in reality, there isn’t it — based on our research (around 30 hours) and personal experience, these mics are the absolute best in terms of recording and that fall within specific price ranges. Now if you wanted us to give you our absolute favorite, in terms of quality, the Neumann TLM-102 is an obvious must. However, if we’re talking budget and overall bang-for-your-buck type of pick, the Rode NTK is a beast. We plan on using ours for another 4-5 years as it really gets the job done. Most of these microphones are great for vocals, acoustic instruments as well as strings, but can record just about anything if you really want to get down to it. It gets a bit more difficult if you’re recording bass vocals/instruments or high-pitched snare hits, but for the general masses, these do well with anything you need to add into your tracks that falls within the average frequency range. If you need something around the $100 range, as we’ve highlighted, the AT2020 is a great option. We hope this article has been helpful.
Are there any other mics for recording you recommend or currently use? Let us know in the comments.
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