Condenser Microphones 101: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Today’s “fun and fascinating” home recording topic: Condenser Microphones.

Here’s just a tiny sample of the awesome stuff we’re about to cover:

• Finally Explained: The Key Differences Large vs Small Diaphragm Condensers (What You need To Know)
• The Popular Large Diaphragm Condenser That’s Perfect for Home Studio Vocals (It’s Surprisingly Affordable Too)
• The 6 Greatest Condenser Mics in Music History! (No Price Limits Here – NOT for light wallets)
• PLUS… One Vintage Tube Mic That Was Rumored to Be Go-To Favorite of the Legendary Beatles Producer

Best Part:  Just a few minutes from now, you’ll be a relative “expert” on this topic, and be ready start building up a mic locker you can be proud of.

First up….

LARGE vs SMALL Diaphragm Condenser Mics: What’s the Difference?

When shopping for condenser microphones, the first thing people always wonder is:

What’s the difference between large vs small diaphragm condensers?

So here’s the answer:

• Large diaphragm condensers – have a larger, heavier diaphragm to sense sound vibrations, and are typically better suited for mid-range dominant sounds, like vocals.
• Small diaphragm condensers – have a smaller, lighter diaphragm which is ideal for capturing detail in the highest frequency ranges, like on cymbals and metal strings.

Since the vast majority of people shopping for a condenser mic will be using it to record either vocals, cymbals, acoustic guitar, or piano…

You now know exactly which one to look for.

Up next…

The 6 Best LARGE Diaphragm Condenser Microphones

If you’re looking for a good microphone to record vocals, in any context that requires studio quality sound…

The go-to choice is a large diaphragm condenser mic, with an XLR connection.

In professionals studios, these are typically the flagship microphones of their collection, and commonly cost 3-5k or more.

If you’re interested in those, we’ll cover them toward the end of this post.

First though, let’s focus on a range of mics more suitable to the average home studio. These typically run between $200-500.

So as you’ll see, most of the mics we’re about to cover are in that price range.

Now here we go with the list. First up…

The Perfect Starter Microphone for Home Studios

The Audio Technica AT2035 is widely-regarded as the ideal first mic for anyone starting a home studio on a shoe-string budget.

Among the mostly terrible mics in this price range, it’s one of the few that actually delivers on its promises.

Notable features of this mic include:

• Cardioid Pattern – which is standard for vocals
• high pass filter – to remove low end rumble and floor noise
• -10dB pad – for especially loud sound sources

It also comes with the following accessories:

• a custom shockmount
• a cool looking bag

All in all, it’s a great deal.

• AT2035 – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)

Up next…

A Super Cheap All-In-One Vocal Recording Package

If cheap is what you want most, there’s none cheaper than the Studio Projects B1.

Known for making quality microphones at super low prices, Studio Projects released their line of B Series mics, featuring the impressive B1.

You wouldn’t think that a mic this cheap could boast almost universally positive reviews. But somehow it does.

Notable features of this mic include:

• Pressure-Gradient Transducer
• Hi-pass filter
• 2 position pad

It also comes with the following accessories:

• a foam wind screen – to block plosive sounds
• a bag – for easy transport
• a custom shockmount – to isolate the mic from the stand

So more than just a mic, you could basically call it a complete vocal recording package.

• Studio Projects B1 – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)

Up next…

The Most Popular Vocal Condenser Mic for Home Studios

More than any other mic manufacturer…RODE has long held a reputation for making high-end mics at affordable prices.

And among their HUGE selection of great mics…none is more popular, more respected, and more affordable than the Rode NT1.

This reason it’s so popular is that it’s quite possibly the best price to value deal of any mic on this entire list.

And it comes with the following accessories as well:

• Shockmount
• Pop filter
• Dust cover
• 20′ XLR cable
• Instructional DVD

In this price range, there’s really no other mic worth considering. Here’s the link:

• Rode NT1 – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)

Up next…

The Multi-Pattern Version of a Home Studio Classic

Compared to the Rode NT1A which we just covered…

The Rode NT2A is different in one important aspect: it’s a multi-pattern mic.

Meaning that rather than just a cardioid mic, it offers all 3 of the standard polar patterns:

• cardioid
• omnidirectional
• figure-8

What this means is, not only is it a great microphone for recording vocals, it’s also an essential tool for stereo recording.

Which you’ll commonly use on instruments such as acoustic guitar, piano, and drums.

The mic package also includes:

• custom shockmount
• pop filter
• Two positions hi-pass filter
• Three positions pad

Without a doubt, it’s the most versatile performer on this list.  Here’s the link:

• RODE NT2A – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)

Up next…

The Little Brother of the Greatest Condenser Mic Ever

As any recording engineer will confirm, the AKG C414 is quite possibly the greatest mic ever invented.

Many say that if they could only ever have one microphone, that would be the one to have.

Used on countless recordings over many decades, this mic is still as popular today as it ever was.

The only problem is, it’s far too expensive for most people.

The good news however…is that AKG also offers a similar yet affordable alternative: the AKG C214.

It’s NOT a multi-pattern mic like the C414, but it does use the same dual-capsule in a cardioid only design.

So while you won’t have the switchable polar patterns, you WILL have the same classic sound of one of the most beloved condenser mics in recording history.

• AKG C214 – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)

Up next…

A Tube Microphone for that Vintage Vocal Sound

Among pro engineers, vintage tube mics have long been viewed as the Holy Grail of vocal mics.

And when everyday musicians like us discover this fact, we can’t wait to get our hands on one.

But once again, the biggest challenge is COST. Newer tube mics typically cost 3-5k, while the true vintage ones can sometimes cost several times more.

The one good alternative that’s reasonably affordable is the Avantone Audio CV-12.

Not only is it a tube mic, it’s also a multi-pattern mic that comes with a ridiculous 9 polar patterns to choose from.

As is standard with all tube mics, it has its own PS-12 power supply as well.

Other notable accessories include:

• shockmount
• padded wooden box
• flight case

As you can see, this mic comes with literally everything.

• Avantone Audio CV-12 – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)

Moving on to the next section of the post…

The 6 Best SMALL Diaphragm Condenser Microphones

Unlike its famous sibling, small diaphragm condensers are virtually unknown even to many musicians, assuming they’ve never recorded or performed live before.

Yet they’re arguably even more useful in both the recording studio and on-stage, since they’re used on so many instruments.

The most famous examples being: acoustic guitars, pianos, and cymbals.

But as a general rule of thumb, small diaphragm condensers are the go-to choice for any metallic sound, whether it be strings, percussion, or anything else.

Because no other mic is better at capturing the finer nuances of their high frequency content.

Now that you know what they’re for, let’s check out some of the models.

First up…

The Ideal Matched Pair for Most Home Studios

With small diaphragm condenser mics, you typically buy them as a matched pair to use for stereo recordings.

And once again as always, the best models usually fetch absurd prices, and the cheap ones don’t perform so well.

However…if you’re familiar with RODE, then you know their reputation for manufacturing high-end mics at mid-range prices.

And their Rode NT5 is undoubtedly the best price to performance deal you could hope for. In its price range there’s no other pair that even comes close.

For this reason, it’s perhaps the single most popular model of its kind for home studios and working-class musicians.

Overall, it’s easily my top pick for small diaphragm condensers. Check it out:

• Rode NT5 – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)

Up next…

A Cheaper Alternative to the Rode NT5

If the Rode NT5 is still out of your price range, the Samson C02 is a great cheaper alternative.

While you should always be skeptical of condenser microphones in this price range, since most are garbage…

The C02’s are one of the rare exceptions that are universally praised by the vast majority of users.

It’s next to impossible to find a even a single bad review of this mic.  And most mics costing 10x as much can’t even make that claim.

Now it’s true, Samson is nowhere near a top name in microphone manufacturers, yet they somehow managed to get things damn near perfect with these mics.

So if you’re looking for a cheap introduction into this style of microphone, there’s no better bet.

• Samson C02 – (Amazon/Sweetwater)

Up next…

The Single Most Famous Small Diaphragm Condenser Mic…Ever.

If there’s one mic on this list you could call a classic, it’s the Shure SM81.

On cymbals, hi-hats especially, it is the industry standard for both stage and studio.

But that’s not all, because it’s versatile enough to accommodate a wide variety of other instruments as well…such as acoustic guitars for example.

In fact, if you could only have one small diaphragm condenser mic in your entire collection, most people would tell you that this is the one to get.

Here’s the link:

• Shure SM81 – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)

Up next…

The Perfect Omni Small Diaphragm Condenser Mic

So far, all the mics we’ve seen have featured a standard cardioid polar pattern.

For stereo recording though, an omni-directional small diaphragm condenser is an extremely useful tool to keep on hand.

But they’re quite rare, and the few that exist are usually quite pricey.

One notable exception is the Shure KSM141. Not only is it an omni mic, its cardioid as well.

With 2 interchangeable capsules, you can perform either one, depending on the task.

Combine that feature with a 3 position pad, and a 3 position high-pass filter, and it’s obvious that the KSM141 is among the most versatile mics on the list.

Here’s the link:

• Shure KSM141 – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)

Up next…

A Matched Pair of Multi-Pattern Small Diaphragm Condenser Mics

Of all the small diaphragm condenser microphones on this list, I’d probably award Top OVERALL Prize to the Studio Projects C4 Matched Pair.

And here’s why:

They have all the same versatile features of the classic KSM141:

• interchangeable cardioid/omni capsules
• a 3 position pad
• a 3 position high-pass filter

But they’re sold as a matched pair for a lower price than a single KSM141.

So from all appearances, it seems to be the ultimate combination of price, sound, and versatility.

Here’s the link:

• Studio Projects C4 – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)

Up next…

The 6 Best Condenser Microphones of ALL-TIME

Now that we’ve covered all the most practical condenser microphone options for us working-class folk…

Just for fun, let’s take a look at the mics I’d recommend to anyone who can basically afford whatever the hell they want.

So here we go…

The Most Famous Condenser Microphone in Music History

As you likely know, the Neumann U87 is without-a-doubt, the most famous mic in all of music history.

Look at some old photos of rock stars recording their iconic albums, and chance are, they’re standing next to a U87.

So how did it get so famous?

Well back in 1928, Georg Neumann came up with the original CMV3 “Neumann Bottle”, which quickly became a standard in many fields.

As time passed, Neumann continuously refined his designs until the U87 made it’s first appearance in the late 1960’s.

By reputation alone, it has since become known by many as the company’s flagship microphone.

• Neumann U87 – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)

Up next…

The Closest Rival to the Neumann U87

If you ask any recording engineer, which mic they would keep if they could only have one…

Odds are, the AKG C414 would rank as the #1 pick.

Now here’s what makes it the most famous and highly-regarded of all AKG microphones:

1. It sounds good on virtually anything.
2. With 9 polar patterns, 3 high pass filter settings, and 3 pad settings, it’s insanely versatile.
3. It costs less than 1/3 the price of the U87.

For a working-class dude, it’s the only mic on this all-time great list that’s even close to affordable. Which is a lucky coincidence because it’s also the most useful…by far.

• AKG C414 – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)

Up next…

The Industry Standard Matched Pair for Pro Studios

For decades now, Neumann has held its reputation as builders of the Best Microphones in the World.

And among the countless legendary classics mics they’ve produced, few are as famous and widely praised as their KM184 matched pair.

In many pro studios, they’re the go-to mics for an entire assortment of instruments including acoustic guitar, piano, and cymbals.

With a standard cardioid polar pattern, these mics are well-suited for most standard jobs, but just in case you need something different, they have omni and hypercardioid versions as well.

Here are the links to all 3 versions:

1. KM183 (omni) – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)
2. KM184 (cardioid) – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)
3. KM185 (hypercardioid) – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)

Up next…

The Most Accurate Reference Microphones…Ever

As the flagship microphones of the Earthworks company, the QTC50’s are much more than your average omnidirectional condenser microphones.

In fact, they’re about as a accurate as a pair of microphones can get.

This is due to to a combination of impressive specs, most notably:

1. exceptionally quiet operation – which makes them perfect for recording softer sounds
2. extremely flat frequency response – which provides a realistic, uncolored recording
3. 3Hz-50kHz frequency range – which easily covers far beyond the full range of human hearing (20hz-20khz)

This unique combination of features make them fully capable of capturing large acoustic stage performances such as orchestras, choirs, operas, or grand pianos.

So just imagine how great they’d be in the studio on a simple acoustic guitar.

Here’s the link:

• Earthworks QTC50 – (Amazon/Sweetwater)

Up next…

A Vintage Tube Mic Loved By The Beatles Producer

Known for their warm vintage sound, tube mics have been a long-time secret weapon for capturing captivating vocals.

Do a search for classic vintage tube mics on Google, and odds are you’ll find some beautiful black n white photos of the old Telefunken U47.

As possibly the most famous of its kind ever, its been used on countless legendary recordings since back in the 50’s.

One notable fan of this mic is the Legendary Beatles producer George Martin, who absolutely loved it.

Today, its iconic vintage sound is exactly what makes this mic so highly sought-after.

No surprise, it is by far the most expensive condenser mic on the list.

• Telefunken U47 – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)

And finally, to wrap up the post…

That Vintage Tube Mic Sound with Modern Tech

Based on another vintage tube mic, the universally loved M49, the updated Neumann M149 combines a classic sound with the new technology of the modern day.

Interestingly enough, it’s the first tube mic designed by the Neumann Company in 30+ years.

Could that be because the originals were damn near perfect?  Probably.

So imagine how good this mic must be for Neumann to risk messing with perfection.

Notable features of this mic include:

• 9 polar patterns
• a 7 setting high-pass filter
• the lowest self noise of any tube mic

Check it out:

• Neumann M149 Tube – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)

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