Though they didn’t make our top condenser mics list, these condenser microphones definitely bring value to the table, and deserve a spot of their own. Users of the MXL 770 report surprisingly warm bass and incredibly accurate high ends, which is exactly the range you’re looking for in a condenser mic, but that it lacks some of the depth and sonic character of bigger, better mics in higher price ranges. The MXL 770 is actually an intelligently designed mic that can help novices springboard into the world of high-quality sound. A cheap $ 99 condenser microphone may be noisy and offer much lower sound quality than a top-of-the-line moving coil microphone (such as the Sennheiser MD 441). Most condenser microphones – with the exception of USB models – require an external power source. Here’s why. If ever there were an all around, multipurpose small diaphragm condenser, the KM 184 takes the cake. So classic, in fact, that certain top producers in the recording industry consider it a must have. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. It also offers zero latency headphone monitoring right on the mic itself. With this mic, you get your choice of polar patterns, which gives you optimum control over your content and final sound. It provides low self-noise and will be sure to keep your audio in check, whether you’re recording vocals or your instruments. Studio sound on stage. A condenser capsule is constructed similarly. This could be inconvenient in the old days, but today just about any microphone input offers P48 phantom power – a Neumann invention, which has become the international standard (see box “Powering Condenser Microphones”). As a decently priced lower-mid range microphone condenser, the Shure Multi-purpose SM27-SC represents its brand in pure Shure fashion on this list. When you buy with our links, we may earn a commission. Electronics $51.99 $ 51. It boasts a high SPL and high transient response, which means it can be used to record a greater range of instruments, from drums to acoustic guitars. Of all microphone types, condensers have the widest frequency response and the best transient response (transients are fast bursts of energy, e.g. Rode NT-USB USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone. And yes, as with all top-end Neumann mics, the U67 is hand-crafted and manufactured in Germany. 4.4 out of 5 stars 1,649. However, keep in mind that these theoretical advantages only apply to well constructed specimens (such as Neumann’s, of course). Early specimens – Neumann has produced condenser mics since 1928! While this mic pair was originally designed for live drum overheads and acoustic solos, they are being used more and more frequently for things like spoken word and film audio. But for good reason. And if you’re going to be doing voice acting or other vocal work or recording, you’ll also want a pop filter. Not only does the HyperX QuadCast offer plug-and-play USB capability, but you get to choose from four polar patterns, making for tighter control. The Neumann KM mics are great for anything!They're small, portable, and offer a high SPL that can deal wonderfully with a full range of different audio sources. While it’s easy to list off condenser microphones in order of their level of quality, at the end of the day, it will come down to you to decide which particular product will most cater to what it is you plan on achieving with your new microphone. Learn more. Each of the Rode NT5 mics features a 1/2″ condenser capsule and a relatively tight cardioid polar pattern. This classic vintage mic delivers a retro sound that doesn’t sacrifice quality! This is definitely a best condenser microphone that you should check out! The Rode NT1KIT Condenser Microphone Cardioid features a pressure gradient acoustic principle, has a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz and comes with an SMR shock mount and dust cover. output) and lower noise than dynamic microphones. The condenser mic is a more complex device which is the main reason why it is almost double the price of a dynamic microphone (although it all depends on the model). What makes the HyperX Quadcast one of the best condenser mics is how easy it is to use. They are also a fantastic option for two-person interviews, as they give you matching studio audio that you won’t have to try to ‘match’ in post production. You’re also going to need a shock mount. Not only does it offer plug-and-play USB capability, but you get to choose from four polar patterns: stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8. And whether you’re lightly picking an acoustic guitar, or performing your spoken word tribute to 1980’s slash metal… These are the number one mic picks. In fact, the Neumann TLM 102 is a whole lot of microphone for the price. In this list, we’re going to run the full gamut of options. As a result, the capacitance changes to the rhythm of the sound waves. Large Diaphragm Condenser Mic. You will need 48V of phantom power, which is not included, so be sure to shop for that, as well. As far as the sonic character itself is concerned, it has been described as ‘pleasing and warm.’ It also ships with a custom retro shockmount, which helps to not only position the mic perfectly, but also to inhibit any vibrations from making their way onto the track. See More Reviews. While it’s a fantastic choice for live recording due to its full frequency response range, this also makes it a fine choice for getting detailed audio work done in a studio recording. With it’s heightened sensitivity, the best condenser mics will pick up and add all of those amazing natural sounds to your recording, improving your audio game and taking your vision to the next level. Condenser microphones, therefore, offer superior sound quality. It requires what is called an “impedance converter”, a circuit that buffers between the capsule and the outside world. For the price, they’re a tough pair of microphones to beat. It has a finely tuned sound signature that specifically accents those ‘8 to 12 kHz’ regions, which are crucial for capturing natural sounding human vocals… making it an incredible option for singers. Check out these budget-friendly condenser mics to get you started in the right direction. While most vocal artists will use the cardioid polar pattern, omnidirectional and figure-8 patterns are also available, as well as six “in between” selections. This condenser mic comes with a certain rock gear swagger, which lets you know that it's here for business AND pleasure. P48 phantom power works with 48 volts, supplied via the usual 3-pin microphone cable, and it does not affect dynamic microphones that do not require external power. If you’re in a band with a few different guitar cabs, using overheads to mic drums, podcasting with a friend, or wanting to capture the same quality from your voice and your instrument, a matched pair of mics can be incredibly handy to have around. When your home studio is equipped with the best condenser microphones you can choose, the sky is the limit! Alright. This was inconvenient in many ways, especially when many microphones were used at the same time, because each type required its own PSU box and a dedicated multipin cable. More recently, tube technology has become popular again as a “vintage” sound alternative. If you want control, you need to be able to switch between polar patterns -omni, cardioid condenser, figure 8- and do so with ease! This mic can even be used for Foley work. Firstly, large diaphragm condenser mics bring flavour and colour to a sound, and are perfect for vocals, speech and acoustic instruments. The modern classic for vocals, spoken word, and more. USB Condenser Microphone, IKEDON 192KHZ/24Bit Plug & Play PC Streaming Mic, USB Microphone Kit with Professional Sound Chipset Boom Arm Set, Studio Cardioid Mic for Recording YouTube Gaming Podcasting. If you’re a vocalist or musician, you likely know a good condenser mic is the secret to successful audio. The Rode NT1-A is a super-capable mic for its price range. Because every singer is different, every microphone has been built with a different person in mind. As the sound waves bounce against the diaphragm, the distance between it and the solid plate changes. Modern day tube condenser microphones, just like their ancestors, require an external power supply, because tubes consume more energy than phantom power is able to provide. So if you’re going to purchase any of the mics on this list, you will need a decent recording studio or sound-treated location. Not only is it wallet-friendly, but it can do a lot of things very well. Microphone Basics is supported by readers. Most users call this mic a ‘must have’ if you are a streamer, content creator, or average user. This little condenser microphone will do that with a transient response that is well-suited for all sorts of vocals! The condenser capsule’s output voltage is actually quite high, but it produces almost no current, because so little energy is stored in this small capacitor. Based on vintage European microphone design, this is a quality mic at a reasonable price point. The C414 XLII reference multi-pattern condenser mi ... Retail Price: R49,995.00 Your Price: R34,695.00 Save: R15,300.00 . Designed to meet, and even surpass the performance and specs of higher-priced condenser mics, while being offered at a cost that even mid-range studios and artists can afford.