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Which recording microphones are the best?

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You won't find the answer to the above question about recording microphones on this page or on the entire world-wide web.


Why not?

Music Producers will each have their own opinion about which studio microphones are "the best".

You'll find it mostly comes down to what you're trying to record. Best for acoustic guitar is not always best for snare drum.

You'll need to form your own opinion when it comes to your choice of recording microphones for your home music studio.

I will give you some possible candidates to consider further below. Don't just take my word and rush off to buy now. You need to research and test to choose the best recording microphones for your studio, your style and your budget.

You won't find technical things like polar patterns, capacitors, acoustical theory and all such stuff on the page below. 80/20. Stick to what you really need to know when you look for your studio recording microphones.

What type of recording microphone should I get for my home recording studio?

Most studio recording microphones are either dynamic or condenser mics...

Dynamic microphones which usually look like an ice-cream on a cone are generally used for live performance though you can use them in your home music studio where they prove especially good with louder, more energetic vocalists, guitars and drums.

Dynamic mics tend to be less clear than condenser mics so you may have to work to find your perfect sound.

You'll find dynamic microphones are cheaper and much more robust than condenser microphones.

Two examples of dynamic microphones found in almost every studio are the Shure SM57 and Shure SM58. These two microphones are inexpensive and will get you the audio quality you need to produce music with various artists because both mics are good all round microphones.

Yes, you'll find cheaper dynamic microphones than the two I suggest above, though when you go for lower prices than the two dynamic mics above you exit the "quality" sound arena. Be warned. Either of the two microphones above will get you started with a bang in your home studio, because both are well respected.

So buy the above two mics for a good start or research and buy more specific microphones for your needs.

You can never have too many mics in your collection because different tracks or artists call for different microphones to catch the perfect sound for the track you're working on.

You may need a much clearer vocal sound than a dynamic microphone can deliver. Enter the condenser microphone...

You'll discover at some point (right now!) you need at least one reasonable quality condenser microphone for your home recording studio kit.

Condenser microphones are usually stand mounted rather than hand-held and are designed more specifically with the studio in mind.

You'll find most condenser mics more sensitive and fragile than dynamic mics and you can also expect to produce a much clearer recording in most cases (when used right!).

Top quality condenser mics can cost thousands of dollars. Your budget for a entry-level condenser mic should be at least $200-$300 to make it worth your while in terms of audio quality.

You'll find an excellent entry level quality condenser microphone at an affordable price in the Rode NT1A which will cater to most of your requirements with the various artists you decide to record.

You'll need to always shove add a pop-guard between vocalists and a condenser mic to keep the artist at a good distance and prevent "pops" caused usually by p's,b's and d's in the vocal.

Where and how should I buy my recording microphones?

You can test and compare the sounds of the mics I mention above along with other mics at any quality music store in your area, then search the Internet for the best price on the mic you chose.

You should always buy from reputable companies which specialize in music production and offer quality customer care when you buy online. You'll often find cheaper prices from online retailers.

May your studio microphones collection grow!

All the best,
Marius van Dyk

P.S. You'll find what I consider a few decent entry-level home studio microphone options below...

MXL MXL V67G Condenser Microphone

MXL V67G Condenser Microphone

Shure KSM32/CG Condenser Microphone

Shure KSM32/CG Condenser Microphone

Rode Microphones NT1-A Condenser Mic Bundle

Rode Microphones NT1-A Condenser Mic Bundle

Shure SM57 Instrument/Vocal Mic

Shure SM57 Instrument/Vocal Mic

Shure SM58 Mic

Shure SM58 Mic

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