The 7 Best Stereo Microphones for Multi-Purpose Recording

If you’re shopping for stereo microphones, but aren’t quite sure yet what you’re looking for….

Or how to tell the difference between one and the next…you’ve come to the right place.

Because in this ultimate guide, we’ll look at the 7 best stereo microphones on the market to see just how they compare.

First up…

A Mid-Range Stereo Microphone for Field Recording

Among today’s top microphone brands, Audio-Technica has for some reason, managed to be the industry leader in stereo mics.

And their AT2022 is possibly the most popular stereo mic on the market.

As the first of 3 Audio-Technica mics on this list, the AT2022 is appealing at first glance, mostly because it sits right in that low-mid price range where most of us begin our search.

Notable features of this mic include:

• battery-powered electret condenser design
• two cardioid capsules
• X/Y stereo configuration at either 90° or 120°
• capsules that fold flat when stored to avoid damage
• 3 pin XLR cable output to 1/8″ stereo jack

However…two important cautions with this mic are:

1. 48V phantom power should NOT be used, and can actually cause damage.
2. Because it outputs an unbalanced signal, there is no easy way to split the stereo signal into 2 XLR’s.

For these reasons, I would NOT recommend this mic for studio use.  For field recording though, it’s a great option, and has received tons of positive reviews for that purpose.

• AT2022 – (Amazon)

Up next…

A Mid-Range Stereo Mic for Studio Recording

More so than any other company, Rode has a reputation for making high-end mics at mid-range prices.

And the Rode NT4, which is as good as anything in their line, has managed to remain one of the most recognizable stereo microphones for many years now.

Compared to the AT2022, it shares the following features:

• frequency-matched cardioid capsules
• X/Y stereo configuration at 90°
• Battery powered operation for field recording
• 1/8″ stereo output for field recording

The BIG differences are:

• It also accepts 48V phantom power for studio recording.
• It uses a 5 pin XLR output, and an included dual 3 pin XLR Y-cable.

This means that unlike AT2022, it provides a balanced stereo signal that can be easily used in the studio with any standard mic pre.

With this combination of versatility, price, and Rode quality, it’s easily my #1 overall pick for best stereo condenser mic on this list.

• Rode NT4 – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)

Up next…

A Cheap Stereo Mic for Camera Mounting

If cost is your primary concern, then you’ll definitely like this next mic: the Audio Technica Pro24…

Which features two phantom-powered condenser mics in a standard X/Y stereo configuration.

At first glance, you’ll notice 2 unusual things about this mic:

1. the ON/OFF switch
2. the permanently-attached 6 inch cable with 1/8″ jack

So clearly, this mic is intended for camera-mounting, and NOT the studio.

You may also notice, the technical stats on this mic aren’t super-impressive.  Yet multiple reviews confirm that in this price range, its sound easily out-performs any of its competitors.

So overall, I’d still consider it a steal.

• AT Pro24 – (Amazon/B&H)

Up next…

An Cheap, USB Multi-Pattern Stereo Mic

As a convenient modern take on the stereo microphone…

The Blue Yeti offers a super-easy solution to stereo recording, minus all the gear and hassle that normally comes with it.

Featuring a one-of-a-kind tri-capsule array, this mic offers 4 different settings:

1. STEREO
2. cardioid
3. omni
4. figure-8

Plus all the standard features common to today’s USB mics, including:

• gain control
• zero latency headphone output
• onboard preamp/converter

For a simple bedroom studio, this mic could be an the ideal way to record acoustic guitar in stereo, by the simplest means possible.

Here’s the link:

• Blue Yeti – (Amazon/Sweetwater)

Also check out the Yeti X, which adds a 24 bit audio and a LED indicator to monitor input volumes

• Yeti X – (Amazon/Sweetwater)

Up next…

A Stereo Microphone With TWO Multi-Pattern Capsules

If you love features, Avantone Audio CK-40 has them ALL.

But the main highlight of all is its TWO multi-polar pattern capsules….each with the 3 basic settings:

• cardioid
• omni
• figure-8

With this combination, you can perform ANY of the most common stereo techniques, including:

• Blumlein
• Mid/Side
• X/Y

For an OPTIMAL stereo image, the mics are stacked vertically (rather than horizontally), allowing them to effectively occupy the same point-in-space.

And to fine-tune the width of your X/Y recordings, the top capsule rotates up to 180 degrees.

With all these features, you could argue that (in a way), that it’s the single-most-versatile-microphone ever made.

Here’s the link:

• Avantone Audio CK-40 – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)

Up next…

The Flagship Stereo Microphone of an Industry Leader

As a member of Audio-Technica‘s legendary 40 Series, and dual-version of the immensely popular AT4050…

The AT4050ST is the literal definition of a high-end stereo mic.

With a unique internal design that combines the use of both cardioid and figure-8 capsules…this mic allows for 3 stereo settings:

• Mid/Side
• X/Y at 90º spread
• X/Y at 127º spread

Though not rich in fancy features, the main selling point of this mic is its ability to record pristine sound from premium parts and manufacturing.

If it’s within your budget, you really can’t go wrong with this mic.

• AT4050ST – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)

And finally…

The Ultimate Solution in Stereo Ribbon Microphones

Saving the best and most expensive for last…the Royer SF-12 and SF-24 are the King and Queen of stereo microphones.

Surprisingly, they’re one of only a few stereo-ribbon mics in existence, despite the fact that the standard figure-8 pattern of ribbon mics is a primary tool for stereo recording.

Both models are configured with two mics vertically stacked at a 90° angle, making them perfect for:

• Blumlein recording
• Mid/Side recording

The KEY difference between the two is:

• SF-12 – has passive cirtuitry, and costs less
• SF-24 – has active circuitry, providing 14dB more gain

While either one is WAY too expensive for most home studios…any pro studio will tell you that these mics are absolutely incredible, and well-worth the cost to those who can afford them.

• Royer SF12 – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)
• Royer SF24 – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)

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