The Essential Microphone Buyer s Guide

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Paul Gyles Byrd
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1 The Essential Microphone Buyer s Guide The microphone is perhaps the most important piece of gear in any studio. It s what s used to capture the sounds of a variety of instruments (most notably vocals). Unfortunately, microphones can also be extremely expensive, and there are a huge number of options out there. With that in mind, if you re getting ready to purchase a microphone either to start a new home studio, or upgrade and add flexibility to your current setup this guide is for you. In this guide I cover the types of microphones, and offer information about specific models at a variety of price ranges. I ll also mention what instrument the mic is great for though it should be noted that it s merely a guideline and not a strict rule! Before going into specific microphone types though, here are some additional resources for further reading, if you want to get more technical: Polar Patterns Understanding how mics pickup sounds is important when making a purchase and determining how you ll use it. This guide goes over Cardioid, Supercardioid, Omnidirectional, and Figure of Eight patterns. Most home studios should utilize cardioid microphones first. Important Microphone Characteristics Impedance, Balanced Output, Phasing, and Sensitivity are characteristics of microphones worth knowing and understanding. If you re purchasing an extremely high end microphone, these elements become critical in your decision. Whatever your musical goals are, I m positive you ll be able to find a microphone that fits your needs, so without further adieu, here are some microphone options I d recommend. Condenser Microphones The first microphone type is probably the most important when it comes to recording. Condenser Microphones should be the first microphone you purchase when starting a new studio, and if you re looking to upgrade, it should be the first type of microphone type you consider adding/improving. If you can only have one microphone, make it a condenser mic! Condenser microphones are notable for their extreme sensitivity and studio readiness. This is a good thing when you re trying to really capture a full spectrum of sound in every recording. Detail and nuance is key to capturing any quality recording.

Condensers at a Glance: Condenser Microphones can be either Large Diaphragm or Small Diaphragm (difference being sensitivity, LDCs have more).

2 These types of microphones are able to do this because of their design, utilizing an electrically charged capsule. Again, the key is sensitivity when you re trying to pick up as many frequencies and subtleties as possible when recording the instrument. Condensers at a Glance: Condenser Microphones can be either Large Diaphragm or Small Diaphragm (difference being sensitivity, LDCs have more). Condenser microphones have a ton of sensitivity, and can easily become overloaded. This needs to be managed through proper gain staging and monitoring. In general, more expensive mics will have greater sensitivity / accuracy, and will therefore offer up a more precise sound. That doesn t mean you can t get great results from more inexpensive microphones though! For further reading you can check out Recording Excellence s post on condensers. Low Price Condensers (Under $100): You don t have to break the bank to get a quality mic that can do great things for you. The microphones listed below are all under $100. ECOOPRO 3.5mm Plug Handheld Studio Condenser Price: $26.99 Great for: Vocals, acoustic guitar, general recording Overview : This is as about the most inexpensive microphone you can find. It has a cordiform pick up pattern, and offers a bass reduction switch to help you reduce background noise. If you re just getting started, or simply don t have much money to get another mic, then this can be a great investment. I would say, though, this might not be the best thing to go for if you re hoping for more complex recording or wanting to develop a full fledged studio. Samson C01 Condenser Microphone Price: $69.00 Great for: Vocals, acoustic instruments, general recording Overview : For the price, you really can t beat this microphone. This is probably one of my favorites and I use it in my home studio. It boasts a 19mm diaphragm, heavy gauge mesh grill, and a nice LED which indicates that the 48V phantom power is running. It s great for any studio, but if you re on a budget you d be crazy to pass this one up. MXL 770 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Price: $74.99

Mid Range Condensers ($100 $300): If you ve got a little more cash to throw around, moderately priced condensers can give you a lot of bang for your buck.

3 Great for: Vocals, drum overheads, guitars, general recording Overview: Yet another mic with great sensitivity that won t cost you an arm and a leg. The capsule size is 22mm, and it has a 6 micron gold sputtered diaphragm. With a frequency range of 30Hz 20kHz it will pick up some great sound. Mid Range Condensers ($100 $300): If you ve got a little more cash to throw around, moderately priced condensers can give you a lot of bang for your buck. Avantone Audio CK 1 Price: $149 Great for: General recording, drum overheads Overview: This microphone packs a punch for it s size and moderate price. Versatility is the name of the game here, and if you have a small collection of mics, this would be one to have. The frequency response is from 25Hz to 20kHz, it s phantom powered (48v), and is multi patterned. Rode NT1 A Vocal Condenser Microphone Price: $229 for full package Great for: Vocals Overview: This is a great all around mic, and pretty much every home studio should have one especially if you ll be recording vocals. It s still pretty inexpensive (you don t have to go for the package deal), and boasts a polar pattern pick up with a 20Hz 20kHz frequency response. A word of caution, this mic can run hot (which is part of what makes it so great for picking up sound). Blue Microphones Spark Condenser Microphone, Cardioid Price: $199 Great for: General recording, vocals, acoustic instruments Overview: Blue microphones are very popular condensers you ll find in many studio set ups. I enjoy using them myself for their effectiveness in a variety of situations. The two modes available (focus and normal) add extra flexibility. If you have a few hundred dollars to spare and can only get one mic, consider making it this one. High Price Condensers ($300+): If you have a lot more money to spend, then you can acquire some truly high quality microphones. Here s are some great high priced options. CAD Large Diaphragm Supercardioid Condenser Mic Price: $499

Great for: Vocals, Acoustic instruments, general recording Overview: If you re looking for a large diaphragm condenser, and have a little more cash to spend, then you should check this one out.

4 Great for: Vocals, Acoustic instruments, general recording Overview: If you re looking for a large diaphragm condenser, and have a little more cash to spend, then you should check this one out. It s got a fantastic noise floor (for those of you who love the lows), with a response of < 40Hz 18KHz. If you re recording vocals (or really anything), you ll be pleased with the clarity that this mic offers. AKG Pro Audio C414 XLII Vocal Condenser Microphone Price: $885 Great for: Vocals Overview : This microphone is really geared towards vocals, but I list it here because it s just so fantastic for picking up crisp vocals. There are nine selectable polar patterns, which gives this mic excellent versatility in any studio setting. It even boasts an overload warning, helpful if you re recording some more powerful vocalists.. Telefunken U47 Tube Condenser Microphone with Authoritative Mid range and Extended Low end Price : $8, seriously Great for: Showing off to your music buddies...and probably recording anything. Overview: So if you want the best, and have a home studio budget that far outstrips mine and those of most rational people, then this is the microphone for you. The polar pattern is Cardioid and Omni, it offers that awesome Tube sound that so many musicians love. I d purchase this myself, but I want to stay married and I like eating food that isn t Ramen Noodles. Dynamic Microphones The second type of microphone that you should consider adding or upgrading in your studio should be a dynamic microphone. Dynamic microphones are fairly common because they re often used on stage for live sound, so many of us will already have some experience with them.. One of the strengths of dynamic microphones is their durability. Additionally, the way they re designed (with a magnetized moving coil to capture sound waves) means that a lot of air pressure is required to move their sound capturing components. As such, they can handle loud signals very well. If you re going to be recording snare drums, or really cranking things up on an amp, or recording a vocalist who is really aggressive with screaming and singing loudly you re going to want something that isn t going to get overloaded. That s where dynamic microphones can come in handy. Dynamic Mics at a Glance: Dynamic mics handle loud signals much better, with a higher Max SPL (sound pressure level).

Low Priced Dynamic Microphones (Under $100): As mentioned before, you can still get a great microphone without breaking the bank. Dynamic mics are no different.

5 They can be used for vocals (and sometimes recommended depending on the vocal). They can have large diaphragms which increase sensitivity. They re durable and versatile, which makes them great for live performance and studio recording. Low Priced Dynamic Microphones (Under $100): As mentioned before, you can still get a great microphone without breaking the bank. Dynamic mics are no different. So before you take out a second mortgage to beef up your microphone locker, take a look at inexpensive options. Behringer XM8500 Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphone Price : $19.99 Great for: General recording Overview : You d be hard pressed to find a cheaper mic that still delivers quality. While it s not going to be a perfect mic, and in my experience can cause some issues with sibilance, it s still amazing what this microphone can do for the price. Great for both live sound and recording, it s durable and competes with more expensive options (like the SM57 or SM58). CAD Audio KBM412 Dynamic Microphone, Cardioid Price : $36.95 Great for: Bass instruments Overview : This is another one of those dynamic mics that delivers a tremendous amount of bang for your buck. This mic is particularly powerful when it comes to capturing low end frequencies and is great for bass instruments. So if you re working on recording bass that really stands out, I d try this one. Shure SM57 LC Cardioid Dynamic Mic Price: $99 Great for: Vocals, guitars, snare drums, general recording Overview: It s tough to refer to any mic as a standard, but it would be apt to describe this mic as such. You ll find it in many, many recording studios because it s extremely sturdy and captures great sound for a really affordable price. This can be your workhorse Dynamic mic if you want it to be. Frequency response is 40 to 15k Hz, and it s great for vocals too. Mid Range Dynamic Mics ($100 $350): If you ve got a little more cash to work with, there are some fantastic dynamic options out there. AKG D112 Large Diaphragm Dynamic Microphone

Price: $189.99 Great for: Bass instruments Overview: This large diaphragm dynamic microphone is excellent if you re trying to record some bass instruments.

Heil Sound PR 30B Large Diaphragm Dynamic Microphone Price: $255 Great for: General recording, vocals Overview : With a smooth, wide frequency range that sounds like a ribbon but a higher SPL, this

6 Price: $ Great for: Bass instruments Overview: This large diaphragm dynamic microphone is excellent if you re trying to record some bass instruments. The high SPL capability, large diaphragm, and durable design make it an excellent component to any home studio. Heil Sound PR 30B Large Diaphragm Dynamic Microphone Price: $255 Great for: General recording, vocals Overview : With a smooth, wide frequency range that sounds like a ribbon but a higher SPL, this is an excellent mic for recording big sounds. Some prefer it to the SM57, and it s solid design makes it durable and great for a variety of recording situations. Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone Price : $349 Great for: Vocals Overview : If you re hoping to recording vocals with a dynamic microphone, then the SM7B should be the first microphone you look at. It boasts a flat, wide range frequency response which makes it perfect for any vocal task. As a caution, this mic does require considerable gain (you ll need about 60 to really get it to hum).., but if crisp vocals are what you want this absolutely is a must have. High Priced Dynamic Mics ($350+) If you have a much larger budget for your dynamic mic, then check these options out. Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Mic Price: $ Great for: drums, guitars, general recording, vocals Overview: If you re looking for the perfect workhorse mic in this price range, then look no further. With a frequency range of 30 17k Hz, solid design, and durability it s one powerful mic to add to your arsenal. As mentioned, it s great in a wide variety of situations and is worth every penny. Electro Voice RE 20 Cardioid Microphone Price: $438 Great for: Vocals Overview: This mic is extremely popular in radio broadcasting circles, but don t let that deter you it s also excellent for vocals in music. With an internal pop filter, 45 18k Hz frequency response, and a killer design this mic delivers in a big way.

Sennheiser MD 441 U Price :$899.95 Great for : Vocals, general recording Overview: If you want top of the line, and have a good chunk of change to spare then this is the dynamic mic you should go for.

7 Sennheiser MD 441 U Price :$ Great for : Vocals, general recording Overview: If you want top of the line, and have a good chunk of change to spare then this is the dynamic mic you should go for. It boasts excellent feedback rejection, sound quality, and a five position bass roll off switch. It s versatile, well built, and can capture fantastic sound (which one would expect for a microphone approaching $1000). Ribbon Microphones Ribbon Microphones tend to be the least popular mics among home studio owners. Still, that doesn t mean they aren t utilized or worth having in your studio! If you re truly wanting to build out the most versatile microphone locker possible, you should definitely grab a ribbon mic. The big thing with ribbon mics is that they deal with high frequencies really well. The response is often more flat (and enjoyable to hear as a result), which makes them fantastic for any sound source that s aggressive in the high frequencies. The most obvious instruments that benefit from ribbon mics are guitar amps and drum overheads. For vocals (and other instruments), they offer a really smooth, natural sound. However, they don t do well with a lot of noise, so if you re recording screaming vocals or have a vocalist who likes to get right up in the mic put the ribbon away. Ribbon Mics at a Glance: They re great for smoothing out high frequencies. They can be excellent option for vocals and drum overheads. They tend to produce smoother, natural sounds that require less attention in production (needing less EQ, compression, etc). They don t do as well with extremely loud sounds, so leave them packed away when you re recording that thrash metal band. Low priced Ribbon Mics (Under $200): There aren t too many options out there for low priced ribbon mics, but you can still get some great quality. MXL R144 Ribbon Microphone (with Shockmount) Price : $84.99 Great For: Vocals, acoustic instruments, guitar amps Overview: There aren t many options out there for quality inexpensive Ribbon Mics, but this R144 makes that a moot point. The polar pattern is figure 8m it has impedance

of 250 ohms, and has a frequency range of 20 17K Hz. If you re looking for extremely smooth vocals without any harshness before having to go in an EQ a bunch of things, try this mic.

and is particularly great for recording drums. The way it handles low frequencies is particularly notable (especially since those frequencies tend to be a pain).

Avantone Audio CR 14 Price: $259 Great for: Vocals, acoustic instruments Overview: The Avantone Audio CR 14 is a fantastic microphone that offers a lot of versatility to the studio.

8 of 250 ohms, and has a frequency range of 20 17K Hz. If you re looking for extremely smooth vocals without any harshness before having to go in an EQ a bunch of things, try this mic. Cascade Microphones FAT HEAD Price : $195 Great for : Drum overheads Overview : While this mic is getting much closer to a mid range price (especially at more than $100) it delivers a lot of value and is particularly great for recording drums. The way it handles low frequencies is particularly notable (especially since those frequencies tend to be a pain). Word of caution, it can be a bit boomy so be sure to work on positioning if you use it. Mid Range Ribbon Mic ($200 $500) I ve only got one mid range option for you, but I think it s a great one. Avantone Audio CR 14 Price: $259 Great for: Vocals, acoustic instruments Overview: The Avantone Audio CR 14 is a fantastic microphone that offers a lot of versatility to the studio. Its biggest strength it has is the crystal clear recordings it produces, with a smoothness that is difficult to get from other mics. Design wise, it s incredibly unique and looks fantastic in the studio. It may have a few limitations, but as a workhorse it does well. High priced Ribbon Mics ($500+) If you re looking for high end ribbon mics, you ll find a few truly elite options out there. Audio Technica AT4081 Price: $699 Great for: General recording, vocals Overview: This microphone is fairly compact which makes it incredibly versatile in the studio. Additionally, it produces a crisp, clear sound that other types of microphones (and other ribbons) struggle to match. It s fantastic for a wide range of instruments (horns, strings, etc.) and should definitely be considered for your home studio. Royer R 121 Ribbon Microphone Price: $1,295 Great for: General recording Overview: This is the high priced workhorse ribbon mic that deals with high SPL much better than the average ribbon mic, making it unique. With a figure 8 polar pattern, a

frequency response range of 30 to 15k Hz, and a sleek design, it s definitely worth exploring and utilizing in the studio (if you have the budget for it!

However, be aware that with USB microphones you do not have the same level of control over your gain and in general the quality may not be as good as with other microphone types.

9 frequency response range of 30 to 15k Hz, and a sleek design, it s definitely worth exploring and utilizing in the studio (if you have the budget for it!) USB Microphones I list USB Microphones here because they can be great options for budget home studios. However, be aware that with USB microphones you do not have the same level of control over your gain and in general the quality may not be as good as with other microphone types. Additionally, the big difference with USB microphones is that you can t upgrade specific parts of the mic (such as the preamp and a/d converter) because they re all built in to the package. For those that value customization in their home studios, this can be a deal breaker. That said, I personally do have a USB mic that I use from time to time, and it can be helpful if you re limited by ports on your audio interface or if you just want another, more inexpensive option. USB Mics at a Glance: Customization and quality options tend to be lacking when compared to alternative mic options. Can still capture solid sound and be a great option for very low budget studios. Inexpensive and simple to use, just plug into your computer s USB port. Can add to the overall flexibility of a studio, for a low price. Blue Microphones Snowball ice Condenser Microphone, Cardioid Price: $45.02 Great for: Vocals Overview: As inexpensive USB mics go, the Snowball ice delivers a lot of value. While it won t really do well with group recording, if you re just looking for voice and perhaps guitar it can be a solid option. The pick up pattern is omnidirectional, and it s plug n play ready, with no drivers required. Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone Price: $ Great for: General recording, Vocals Overview: Since it s slightly more versatile and better quality than the other Blue USB Microphone on this list, if you ve got a little more cash to spare, this can be a great option. Boasting a tri capsule array and some gain control (an aspect many USB mics don t have), and multiple pattern options (cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo) this can very much be a workhorse USB mic.

Audio Technica AT2020USB PLUS Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone Price: $139.

10 Audio Technica AT2020USB PLUS Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone Price: $ Great for : General recording, vocals Overview : This is the USB mic I personally use, and really is the closest a USB mic can get in quality to a quality traditional XLR mic (in my humble opinion). The USB output offers plug n play simplicity, and boasts excellent sensitivity for a microphone of its class. It s on the higher end of the USB mic price spectrum, but the quality makes it worthwhile. Add in that it has mix control, and there s a solid amount of flexibility and durability that can make this a great addition to your studio.

! Understanding Microphones

! Understanding Microphones A microphoneʼs job is generally to try to capture, as closely as possible, a sound source. This could be a voice or an instrument. We can also use a microphone to infuse a specific