12 best microphones

Sound recording is a delicate thing that requires good instruments. The better the microphone chosen for the studio (or home project), the better the recording will be and the simpler it will work with it. And it depends on many characteristics - the frequency range, sensitivity, and so on. Also, much depends on the quality of the device selected for recording. It is logical that cheap microphones will not give out a perfect recording, and you will have to tinker with an audio editor.

But the variety of models (and the quality of recording using them) is great. So sometimes picking up a microphone for your goals becomes a very difficult task. Especially if you want to find an option for a professional studio when great quality is expected. And for your own projects to find a good microphone is not an easy task. After all, there are a lot of models of different types, price categories and appointments, and it’s not always possible to choose the right one yourself.

And to solve this problem, we have collected the best models of microphones for any purpose. Here you will find the highest quality and convenient options for recording sound, voice or instrumental music. The best dynamic and condenser microphones are included in the rating. But we have gathered in the traditional top not only professional devices with excellent recording quality that are worth serious money. In the material you can find budget, but very good microphones for voice recording. We have selected only the best models based on customer reviews and many reviews.

Best dynamic microphones

Dynamic microphones have a simpler design than all others. They do not need an additional power source. These microphones are simple and reliable. Some models are able to work for 20-30 years without any complaints. They can even be dropped - and there will be no consequences. In terms of technical characteristics, dynamic microphones are not as good as condenser microphones - they have slightly worse sound transmission accuracy and frequency range. But due to their design, they do an excellent job with pressure drops. In addition, the advantageous difference between such microphones lies in the best ability not to record extraneous noises and sounds than in other varieties. Due to all these features, they are ideal for performing on stage and recording loud or harsh sounds.

4 Fujimi Boya BY-WHM8

Opens the ranking of the best dynamic microphones specialized model for journalists on the road. It is designed specifically for recording reports, interviews, stand-ups and other things. The so-called “reporter” microphone is capable of providing excellent recording quality in difficult conditions. But for music and vocals, it is not intended, you can not even try. The main advantage is the small size (5.3x5.3x25.6 cm), lightness (252 g) and the absence of wires. The model is connected via radio at ultra-high frequencies, capable of working up to three hours on one set of batteries. I am pleased with the presence of OLED-display with all the necessary information about the status of the device.The microphone is omnidirectional, supports frequency groups of channels A and B.

Advantages:

• Wireless
• Easy and convenient
• Specialized for portable use.

3 Rode podcaster

This is an unusual microphone for music. Its purpose is quite clear from the title: working on a radio station, recording podcasts, recording voice streamers, dubbing videos - these are the main areas of Podcast application. He will not cope with music very well, but his voice is very lively, dense and clear. The main difference is that the connection is not via XLR, but through a familiar USB, which greatly simplifies its use at home. Also a very useful feature will be the presence of a headphone output with zero delay - this allows you to monitor what you say without any delays and discomfort.

Advantages:

• USB connection
• Zero-delay headphone output
• Easy to handle
• Comes with a 3 meter USB cable and tripod mount

2 Shure SM58

Almost certainly, even people far from music will recognize this microphone - it is so popular among the vocalists that we regularly see on the screens. In addition, the SM58 model was developed before the birth of most of our readers. Is it possible then to acquire a used microphone? Oh, yes, because Shure is able to endure a huge number of falls, strikes and other adversities. However, the Shure SM58 is in principle a very inexpensive microphone that even novice musicians can afford. Finally it is worth noting that the model SM58 is considered one of the best in the world for vocals. For recording tools, it is better to purchase SM57, which differs only in the grid design.

Advantages:

• Relatively low weight - only 298 grams - easy to hold
• High sensitivity - -54.5 dB
• The best price is only 8.5-9 thousand rubles.

1 Sennheiser MD421 II

Sennheiser is one of the recognized leaders in the world of audio, and the MD421 II is the real king of dynamic microphones. Of course, like all kings, he knows his own worth - it is higher than that of most microphones in this class, but still not so high for the professional audio industry. The model has only one peculiarity - a 5-position bass decay switch - but it's impossible to find fault with the recording quality. In addition, Senheiser copes with almost everything: vocals, guitars, drums.

Advantages:

• Excellent versatility
• The presence of a five-way bass decay switch
• Two microphone sets are on sale.

Disadvantages:

• The price is high for this class.

Top Condenser Microphones

Condenser microphones are more complex than dynamic ones. Due to this, they are more gentle and do not tolerate falls or high humidity. But on the other hand, capacitor models are capable of recording sound better — it is as reliable and accurate as possible. In this case, the microphone can cover a wider range of frequencies. An important nuance - such a model needs additional feeding, so it is reasonable to use it together with professional equipment. Actually, when high quality recording and transmission of sound is required (which is important for serious studios), there is no better option than a condenser microphone.

4 Audio-Technica AT8010

A good microphone is literally for everything. Although his name is a reportage, he is also suitable for radio, and for recording vocals (especially choral) or musical instruments. Such versatility is very convenient when the studio is not too large, and a lot of microphones for different purposes will be unprofitable. The diagram is omnidirectional, so the model catches everything that happens around (within reasonable limits).I am glad that you can use a microphone not only with professional equipment - an additional battery, which is necessary for other models, can be provided by a regular battery. But then the performance deteriorates slightly. However, this is enough to get a great sound.

Advantages:

• Instead of phantom power, you can use a battery.
• Many accessories (battery, case, windscreen and stand holder)

3 Rode nt usb

A good and relatively inexpensive USB microphone. Of course, the cost can be called small only given the excellent quality of the recording. And not just a good one, but a studio one, thanks to which, unlike the Rode Podcaster, this model can be used to record not only voices, but also musical performances. NT USB is compatible with all popular music programs on Windows and Mac, as well as with iPad applications. Finally, it is worth noting the presence of a headphone with zero delay, as well as two separate monitoring and mix volume controls.

Advantages:

• Excellent recording quality for this type of device.
• Convenience of connection
• Compatible with professional and amateur music software for Windows, Mac and iOS
• Zero-delay headphone output
• Two knobs to change mix volume and monitor
• Rich equipment: pop filter, holder, desk stand, USB cable (6 meters) and a bag for storage and transportation

2 Neumann U87 Ai

This microphone can be called legendary. Model U87 Ai is a slightly modified version of the microphone, presented in the late 60s. The device was used and applied at recording studios, radio stations and television. The sound quality is simply amazing. The features of Neumann include a switchable radiation pattern: circular, 8-shaped and cardioid. There are also functions to change the cutoff frequency and low pass filter. Here is just one drawback - there is a microphone like a used compact car - about 160 thousand rubles, and therefore only large studios can afford it.

Advantages:

• Best recording quality
• Three switchable radiation patterns
• Low pass filter
• Variable cutoff frequency

Disadvantages:

• Very high cost

1 AKG C214

The leader of our rating is not the best in sound recording quality, but also a very good microphone from the world-famous AKG. C214 took the double primer from the older “brother” C414, but lost its multidirectional direction - only the traditional cardioid remained. The recording quality is at the highest level, but besides the sound, there are features. The first one is protection from radio interference, which allows using the model on radio stations. The second is the ability to reduce sensitivity by 20 dB, which will be useful when recording loud instruments. Finally, there is a high-pass filter that reduces distortion.

Advantages:

• Excellent recording quality
• RFI Protection
• Record loud instruments without distortion
• Presence of high pass filter
• Relatively low cost
• Rich equipment: H85 holder, windscreen and transport case

Top low cost voice recording microphones

The quality of professional microphones is beyond doubt. But not every person who wants to record a good sound for their own purposes, can afford them. Because such models can cost several tens of thousands of rubles and more. In this case, come to the aid of inexpensive microphones for recording ordinary voice, instruments or vocal performance. They do not differ in cosmic characteristics and perfect clarity of recording, so it’s not worth counting on. But they can please you with good quality for a reasonable price. So for start budget microphones will be a good option.

4 Behringer C-1

Ultra-budget condenser microphone, which has quite good performance. Despite its cheapness, it is able to ensure the quality of recording sufficient for various non-musical purposes. This cardioid model does not make any noise at all and does not ring, it is pleasant to listen to the sound even without processing. But it has a slightly cut-off high frequencies, so no additional configuration is needed. The microphone is suitable for those who are just starting their way into sound recordings. As a rule, it is used to create a voice acting for videos, audio books, and so on. However, without treatment, the voice will still seem slightly metallic. Despite the lowest segment, the model requires standard phantom power, so simply connecting it to the computer will fail.

Advantages:

• There is a gold plating on the contacts, which improves the sound quality
• Really cheap microphone with good performance.

3 Sennheiser E 825-S

Dynamic microphone designed primarily for vocals. German quality for quite adequate money. Of course, it’s not worthwhile to meddle with a professional concert for a professional concert, but a beginner artist is quite suitable for home recordings. It has a cardioid orientation and effectively cuts off all unnecessary sounds that do not fall into the zone of its main action, weakens most of the noise. It is well balanced in frequency response, although it "takes" a noticeably smaller range - 80-15000 Hz versus 20-20000 Hz standard for most devices. However, for the main purpose of this is enough with a margin. Despite its positioning as a microphone for vocal performance, the model is capable of recording musical instruments well.

Advantages:

• Absolutely silent on-off button
• Sturdy body made of soft-touch metal
• High quality performance and assembly - the Germans are pleased

2 Marshall Electronics MXL 770

American capacitor model with a large membrane from the budget segment, produced by a well-known company. It is relatively versatile and suitable for recording rock songs and rap, as well as for classical instrumental melodies and vocals. The device is able to perceive and process a wide range of frequencies with high quality. At its price, this quality is surprising. The microphone is loved by many performers for good perception of low frequencies. Bass on the record are canceled. But at the same time the model copes with high frequencies. Unfortunately, the cable will have to be purchased separately.

Advantages:

• Excellent versatility - literally for everything.
• A six micron gold 20 mm diaphragm
• Suitable for analog recording

1 Audio-Technica AT2020

And the best budget microphone, among others, can recognize this Japanese condenser model. Despite the low price, it is officially considered a studio and has excellent technical characteristics. Experts in the reviews recognize him as one of the best in this segment. Pleases a wide range of perceived frequencies. Interestingly, this model works best when recording female vocals or high frequency sounds. The cardioid pattern allows you to cut off most of the extraneous sounds, leaving only the front, so that the microphone will work well as a concert.

Advantages:

• Durable and durable made of metal
• The aperture is lightened and has noticeably improved performance.
• Ideal for home studio - inexpensive, practical and very high quality

Popular vote - who is the best microphone manufacturer?
We vote!

Rode

Neumann

AKG

Shure

Sennheiser

Peavey

Audio-Technica

ElectoVoice

Microflex

Behringer

Marshall electronics

Fujimi boya

Other

Total voted: 358

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