16 Best Microphones

The AKG P5S is designed specifically for lead vocals. It has a supercardioid pickup pattern and a wide frequency range, which ensures the absence of extraneous noise and the ability to work with high sensitivity.Judging by the reviews, this dynamic microphone is especially liked by the owners of low voices, as it perfectly emphasizes the beauty of this range. The built-in windshield is great for weather conditions when working on outdoor stages, as well as noise during studio recording.

Despite the low cost, P5S is built very high quality. The all-metal housing provides a highly durable design, while the gold-plated XLR connector guarantees a superior connection. In addition, the microphone has an on/off switch. The kit includes a soft case for easy transport, as well as a flexible plastic holder. The only negative is that the cable must be purchased separately.

Professional dynamic microphone for journalists on the road. It is designed specifically for recording reports, interviews, stand-ups and more. The so-called "reporter" microphone is able to provide excellent recording quality in difficult conditions. The main advantage is small size (5.3x5.3x25.6 cm), lightness (252 g) and absence of wires. The device is “powered” by two AA batteries, transmits a radio signal via channels A and B (48UHF). The maximum duration of the “life” of the device from the battery is 3 hours.

There is also an informative OLED display showing the battery status, data on the selected channel, turning the sound on / off. True, no matter how good this microphone is, it is still not suitable for recording music, vocals. Squeeze out of it at least something when used for other purposes will not work.

An inexpensive dynamic microphone with a supercardioid directivity from the well-known Austrian company AKG fell in love with singers and presenters. Designed specifically for lead and backing vocals, it allows you to reveal the beauty of your voice and achieve a powerful and high-quality sound. The microphone performs well both in live performance and in studio recording. A huge plus when used on stage is the ability of the microphone to work with extremely high sensitivity and not “wind up”. The device operates in the frequency range of 70-20000 Hz, requires phantom power.

The microphone is not bad for its cost and fully justifies it. However, it has a number of disadvantages. The worst part is the fragile design. The grille systematically falls off, in addition, the case itself does not tolerate falls. Also, some users complain about booming and an abundance of noise when using a T-shirt in the studio. The problem is solved by purchasing a pop filter.

Sennheiser is considered one of the most popular audio manufacturers in the world, and the MD421 II is the true king of dynamic microphones. Of course, like all kings, he knows his own worth - it is higher than most microphones in this class, but still not so high for the professional audio industry. The model has only one feature - a 5-position bass drop switch. It is impossible to find fault with the quality of the recording: it is perfect.In addition, Sennheiser copes with almost everything: vocals, guitars, drums.

There are no significant shortcomings, judging by the reviews, in the model. True, the cost of this T-shirt may seem biting to some users. But the model is definitely worth every ruble spent: such recording quality as the MD421 II is difficult to achieve from cheaper non-professional equipment.

A popular model that fits perfectly into the budget of a novice musician, blogger, streamer or podcaster. The microphone is suitable for recording speech for videos and games, communicating via Skype and Internet telephony, as well as for professional studio work with voice, provided that it is connected to an additional power supply. The manufacturer provided an excellent package, which includes a microphone, a tripod, a pop filter, a windscreen, a shock-absorbing support and a USB cable for connecting to a computer.

The device operates in the frequency range of 30-16000 Hz and does not refer to capacitor devices, as the manufacturer indicates, but to electret ones. On the brand's website, the AU-A04 is called: electret condenser microphone. The device has only 2 drawbacks: high sensitivity (solvable by software) and a flimsy stand.But it is quite possible to turn a blind eye to them, given the low price, good voice transmission and rich equipment.

This USB condenser microphone is designed for semi-professional recording. It has an extended frequency range (20-20000 Hz), which allows you to use the device not only in the studio, but also at home. The model transmits voice and other sounds as they really are, without noticeable distortion. With a cardioid pickup pattern, the microphone cuts out all unnecessary noise, allowing you to achieve the clearest possible recording. True, only after careful tuning.

The device is universal: Mike is suitable for recording vocals, dubbing videos, podcasts and streaming. The device is equally good for any tasks related to sound recording. Users have no complaints about the quality of sound transmission. But many do not like the excessive sensitivity of the T-shirt, the lack of an off button on the case and the inconvenient complete stand.

USB condenser microphone with pop filter and tripod. NT USB is compatible with all common Windows and Mac music software, as well as iPad apps. Finally, it is worth noting the presence of a zero-latency headphone output, as well as two separate monitor and mix volume controls. Another feature of the device is the ability to record with almost zero extraneous noise.To get high-quality sound, it is enough to adjust the Mike: the optimal sensitivity should not be higher than 80%.

Rugged housing coupled with high-quality assembly, clear surround sound without extraneous noise and excellent (sometimes even too) sensitivity made the Rode NT one of the most sought-after microphones. It is ideal for both vocals and for recording podcasts, video dubbing. True, the price tag is still a little high: with similar characteristics, you can find a model a couple of thousand cheaper.

C214 took a double capsule from its older “brother” C414, but lost its multidirectionality: only the traditional cardioid remained. The recording quality is at the highest level, but in addition to the sound there are features. The first is protection against radio interference, which allows the model to be used on radio stations. The second is the ability to reduce the sensitivity by 20 dB, which will be useful when recording loud instruments. There is also a high-pass filter that reduces distortion.

The microphone is designed for studio recording of vocals, podcasts. It highlights the top a little, which allows you to record in good quality the voice of a person who has problems with diction. True, in order for the model to reveal itself in all its glory, you will have to buy a tube preamplifier. The device is friendly with phantom power, but the sound quality is average. The model has only one drawback - the high cost, although the price here 100% justifies the quality.

Budget microphone with pantograph, spider and pop filter, windscreen included. Operates in the range of 30-20000 Hz. Against the background of other inexpensive T-shirts, the sound quality stands out favorably: the voice is transmitted without distortion and noise. But only if the PC is properly grounded. Suitable for streaming, voice acting and can even be used to record vocals. True, here you have to try hard to squeeze out a good sound: the track needs to be corrected with the help of additional software.

Mike is not perfect. Like most budget devices, its main problem is a frequently encountered marriage. There are also complaints about the fragility of the fastening of the spider and the need for careful tuning to get rid of noise. But this is no longer a disadvantage, but a feature of the device. After all, with the right settings, you can achieve studio-quality voice transmission from it.

C-1U from Behringer has become a real legend, because among semi-professional devices it stands out not only for its lowest price, but also for its decent sound recording quality.It has been in demand by amateur musicians for many years as a main or auxiliary microphone, as it has a very flat frequency response and ultra-high resolution. A gold-plated XLR connector ensures flawless signal transmission, and a rugged die-cast housing ensures a long service life. Judging by the reviews, Mike is able to last longer than 5 years.

The model also has a couple of unpleasant features. First, it is very quiet. But this is treated with special software and post-processing. But with the lack of a holder and catching extraneous noise, you have to put up with it. Still, this is a budget microphone, and you should not place high hopes on it: it was not created for concerts and recording instruments. The model is designed specifically for voice.

Chinese condenser microphone with high-quality voice transmission. It copes with any task, whether it is communication on Skype or recording voice acting for a video or podcast. Frequency range: 20-20000 Hz, cable length for USB connection is 2.5 m, there is a shutdown button on the case. This T-shirt is equipped “like an adult”: there is a pantograph, a pop filter, and a windscreen. And the device is as simple as possible in operation - you plug it in and use it.

The pantograph design of the model is frankly cheap. Flimsy fasteners quickly become unusable, but they can be immediately replaced by others. Perhaps this is the only significant disadvantage of a purebred Chinese. There are no problems with the sound: the sensitivity of the T-shirt is adjusted in Windows, and post-processing helps to get rid of extraneous noise. By the way, about the noise.Although the model has a cardioid pattern, it still captures the surrounding sounds. Therefore, it is important to customize the T-shirt to suit your needs before using it.

And the best budget microphone among others can be recognized as this Japanese condenser model. Despite the low price, it is officially considered a studio one and has excellent technical characteristics. Experts in reviews recognize it as one of the best in this segment. Pleases with a wide range of perceived frequencies. Interestingly, this model works best when recording female vocals or high frequency sounds. The cardioid pickup pattern allows you to cut off most of the extraneous sounds, leaving only the front, so that the microphone will work well as a concert microphone.

The AT2020 modification is connected via a three-pin XLRM connector and requires phantom power. The model bypasses its eponymous counterpart from USB in terms of voice recording quality and price. This unit is one of the best solutions available for both home studio and live performance. The device has no cons, except that it is slightly raised high. But post-processing does a good job with this shortcoming.

Lavalier condenser microphone with circular pattern and practical cord that reaches any sound source. Controlled by a physical switch on the case. The device works with smartphones and computers, suitable for video recording, conferences in Zoom. For sharing with headphones, the device has a battery compartment: when connected to a standard 3-pin connector for a Mike, it needs additional power. The budget microphone operates at a frequency of 65-18000 Hz, and, according to reviews, does an excellent job of recording voice.

Of course, it is impossible to achieve super clear vocal sound from it - the device was not created for that. But with communication in video chats, Discord, he copes with a bang. Good sound quality when recording video from a smart phone is a bonus here. The model has only one serious minus - marriage. Some defective devices won't even turn on. The reason is poorly soldered wires from the factory.

This bi-directional USB condenser microphone is the perfect solution for streamers, podcasters and gamers. And with it, you can write vocals and even instruments. The voice transmits without distortion, has a switchable pattern: cardioid / omnidirectional. The model is also suitable for communication in Twitch, Skype / VoIP, Discord, Zoom, and for video voice acting. Microphone frequency range: 20-20000Hz; There is an attenuator and a headphone output.On the case there is a button to turn off the device.

The model looks bright and stylish, stands out from its "brothers". Connecting is very simple: just download the Blue Sherpa app. And you can work without it. The model has no significant drawbacks, but some users do not like the lack of a complete pop filter and a weak cable, which lasts for 9-12 months. operation falls into disrepair.

Omnidirectional (omnidirectional) cardioid condenser microphone. The model is connected via USB, operates at a frequency of 80-18000 Hz. Does not require installation of "firewood": the device works immediately "out of the box". Mike is quite small and doesn't take up much space. Device dimensions W/H/D: 71/44/23 mm; it weighs only 105 g. The microphone is also equipped with a convenient, durable monitor mount.

The model writes sound in mono mode. When communicating online, the voice transmits without distortion. True, the shirt needs adjustment: all adjustments are in the proprietary application. On the case there is a headphone output and a mute button. Of the serious disadvantages, users highlight the high cost and a small diagram. To get high-quality sound, you have to be near the device (distance 30-50 cm), otherwise the voice becomes deaf.

One of the best cardioid microphones for PC. Judging by the reviews, this budget device may well compete with T-shirts from more famous manufacturers.The frequency range of a condenser microphone is 20-20000 Hz, but excellent voice transmission can be obtained with it at frequencies of 15000-16000 Hz. The quality of the mono recording here is at its best: with the right settings, noise reduction turned on, the sound is clear and pleasant. Communicate in Discord, confer on Skype and in online games as comfortably as possible.

A durable metal case, clear sound and simple controls are what gamers and ordinary PC users love the model for. By the way, Mike works out of the box: no additional drivers are required when connecting. True, it has several drawbacks: flimsy tripod legs, a non-detachable wire and high sensitivity. Without tuning, the microphone picks up all extraneous noise, even the most minimal.