As recording technology continues to become more affordable, gaining access to high-quality condenser microphones is easier than ever. Brands like Neumann, Audio-Technica, AKG, and MXL are releasing quality mics at prices we couldn’t have imagined ten years ago.
The problem is picking the best condenser mic for you. With all of these options, how do you find the microphone that best suits your voice, instruments, and room? The answer won’t always be easy – even the nicest, most expensive microphones can’t be the perfect microphone for everybody.
The best way to pick your newest microphone is to hold it in your hands, put it on a stand, and test it out. Even still, with all the great options available today, trying every microphone could take a lifetime. That’s why we put together a list of some of the top condenser mics on the market today.
Condenser microphones need a few extra accessories to fully function:
Phantom Power
Condenser microphones can be a little needier than ribbons or dynamic microphones. Unlike other mics, a condenser mic’s signal isn’t strong enough to function without a little extra help. You’ll need to make sure that you have something in your sound set up that can provide you with phantom power.
The good news is that most soundboards, audio interfaces, and microphone preamps offer phantom power. If needed, you can even buy phantom power supplies as a standalone unit.
XLR Cable
All of the microphones on this list are XLR condenser microphones. To use them, you will need to make sure that you have an XLR Cable. Guitar or speaker cables won’t work.
Shock Mount
Before you buy, factor in that you may want to consider investing in a nicer shock mount. A shock mount is a piece of equipment that connects the microphone to the stand. They help to ensure that the microphone is suspended and is as isolated as possible. This way, you don’t pick up the sound of feet tapping as the musician tries to keep their rhythm.
Most microphones will include one with the microphone but they come in various levels of quality. An good aftermarket shock mount can help eliminate outside noise and clean up your recordings.
How to Choose the Best Large Diaphragm Condenser Mic for You
There a few things to consider when buying a condenser microphone:
- Before anything, figure out what your musical needs are. Some microphones excel at recording acoustic instruments. Other microphones will excel at capturing vocals. Other mics may be great “all-arounders” but don’t specialize in any one thing. It won’t make much sense to buy an “all-arounder” if you only ever play instrumental music.
- Are you playing live or recording? Some microphones are more durable than others but may not offer the same tonal precision.
- What other features does the microphone have? Some of the high end mics offer variable polar patterns, bass roll-offs, or pad switches. These are all great options that can make you feel like you got three mics for the price of one.
- Finally, what extra goodies are you getting? Some microphones feature a higher quality shock mount than others. A few even come with a bag or carrying case.
Using a Condenser Microphone for Live Gigs
Typically, a condenser microphone will have an omni-directional or a cardioid pattern. This means that they are more sensitive and pick up much more of what’s going on around them. This can work great in the right context. In fact, many traditional bluegrass bands will use a single condenser microphone to mic the entire band with great results.
Unfortunately, condenser mics can also cause some problems when used in the wrong context, and they tend to work best in controlled environments. If you are playing live, they work well on a relatively quiet stage. You’ll want to make sure that the musicians either have in-ear monitors or that the floor monitors and amps aren’t behind the microphone where it will pick up the sound and create feedback.
If you’re playing a loud bar gig, you’ll probably want to lean toward a different type of microphone. On the other hand, if you’re playing in a music hall or a low-key coffee shop gig, the accuracy and responsiveness of a condenser microphone can give you some incredible results.
Using a Condenser Microphone in the Studio
Condensers have been used for just about everything when it comes to recording. Their wide polar patterns and quick response make these microphones ideal for a studio setting. Some of microphones even have variable polar patterns to offer more tonal options.
Reviews of Our Condenser Microphone Mic For MSN Skype Singing Recording Laptop Notebook PC
Conclusion
No matter how much money you have to spend, you can find a high-quality, great-sounding condenser microphone that do what you need it to do. Nearly every microphone brand is working to appeal to the average user by offering professional-sounding mics at entry level prices.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all of the microphones on the market right now, but each of the mics on this list stand out from the rest. We hope the condenser mic reviews here will help you choose the best mic for your needs.
Remember, no single microphone will ever be perfect for all applications. The microphone you use for your voice may not be the perfect mic for your instrument or your friend’s voice. Take some time to understand your music and your sound and find the microphone that is going to be the best condenser microphone for your needs. Use that microphone to build a foundation in your recordings. After finding the microphone that suits you, work on investing in microphones to fill in the gaps.
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