Updated: 05/02/2018 18:33:39
*Review of the best sites according to the editors. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.
Microphones are experiencing their second youth. If previously they were used only for professional purposes (usually when filming films or television shows, as well as at radio stations), now such devices are needed by the average person. From now on, it’s easy to connect a microphone to a camera or smartphone to record video for your home archive with good sound. It’s also difficult for a self-respecting video blogger to do without a decent dynamic or condenser microphone. In short, the online magazine Expertology is going to introduce you to the best microphones. All models presented in this rating are freely sold in Russian retail.
Rating of the best microphones for recording
Best Dynamic Microphones
Some microphones remain popular for many years. In particular, the Sennheiser MD421 has been in demand for at least 35 years! And only some time ago the manufacturer decided to improve this model by releasing the second generation. This dynamic cardioid microphone exceeds all expectations. It turned out to be relatively compact, while inside it there is advanced electronics.
The device is universal, and this is exactly what you want to get for such a large sum (in our country they ask for 34 thousand rubles for a microphone). With this accessory you can record not only musical instruments, but also vocals. Some people record speech with this microphone for podcasts or video blogs. The result is perfect - sound processing in the editor is only needed in some exceptional cases. The product also features support for bass cutoff. In short, the Sennheiser MD421 II can be called the leader of our rating!
Advantages
Excellent sensitivity;
Five positions bass roll-off;
Clearly expressed focus;
The case turned out to be very durable;
Maximum dynamic range.
Flaws
High price;
Only a microphone and a clip are included.
This microphone has a traditional appearance, as if it was intended for ordinary karaoke. But the product would not be included in our rating if it did not have impressive characteristics and a lot of positive reviews from satisfied customers. The dynamic cardioid microphone has a frequency range of 50 Hz to 15 kHz. This means that the device conveys all the nuances of the human voice. Sound distortion here, even at high SPLs, is minimal. Surprisingly, the manufacturer has even done a great job on the wind protection, which does an excellent job of eliminating wind and breathing noise. There is also a built-in capsule damper, which reduces mechanical noise.
Shure is famous for the fact that its microphones can be used for many years. The SM58 model is no exception to the rule - you can safely drop it, this will not affect the technical condition of the device in any way. The buyer should also be pleased with the fact that a standard XLR connector is used here - this makes it easy to find a longer or additional cable for the microphone.
Overall, this is an excellent microphone for recording vocals, as well as for use in the theater, circus, concert or anywhere else. Hardly for 9 thousand rubles. You can buy a better quality vocal microphone.
Advantages
High-quality assembly;
Wide frequency range;
Excellent wind protection with filter;
Good suppression of mechanical noise;
The set includes not only a holder, but also a case with a strap;
The connector is XLR.
Flaws
- Not suitable for musical instruments (except wind instruments).
Stylish dynamic microphone in a metal case. Made in the style of devices that were popular in the middle of the last century. Available in both silver and copper versions. Despite the classic appearance, modern components are hidden under the chrome housing. It is thanks to them that the microphone is able to pick up sounds in frequency range from 50 Hz to 15 kHz. The cable here is connected to a traditional XLR connector, which can be considered a definite plus - the manufacturer is not trying to make money from the buyer through an atypical cable.
In general, when shooting video, a microphone can enhance not only the sound, but also the picture. Why? Have you seen many blogs where a person speaks into such a beautiful microphone? In short, now you understand why this model deserves a place in our ranking.
Advantages
An XLR connector is used;
Design in the style of microphones of the 20th century;
Reliable chrome-plated body;
Perfectly recognizes all the nuances of the human voice;
Comes with adjustable swivel holder.
Flaws
Not suitable for connoisseurs of modern design;
Poor choice for recording musical instruments;
The cost exceeds 15 thousand rubles.
Best Condenser Microphones for Vocal Recording
A very expensive studio microphone. The cost, reaching 41 thousand rubles, is explained by the very complex design of the device. In fact, the microphone is a tube one, which provides not only clear, but also warm sound. Record some extraneous sounds here it is almost completely excluded, since the membrane of the product is fixed on a special anti-vibration suspension. The microphone also differs from other analogues in its extended frequency range. This allows you to use the device to record not only voices, but also musical instruments.
The product is directional, which simplifies the preparation of the room. The quality of the materials used here is evidenced by the weight of the device, reaching 760 g. It should not be forgotten that this microphone is a condenser microphone. This means that the device requires electricity, the supply of which is provided by the supplied power supply.
Advantages
Dynamic range - more than 147 dB;
Very high sensitivity;
Frequency range - from 20 Hz to 20 kHz;
Reliable design;
Soft and clear sound;
Long lamp life.
Flaws
Very high cost;
Poor equipment.
A relatively inexpensive copy when compared to studio microphones. You can buy this model in Russia for about 11 thousand rubles. Due to the price tag, the device received a discreet appearance. But behind the unsightly metal body are hidden modern components, thanks to which the microphone ended up in this rating.
The product boasts a large diagram, which ensures low noise levels and smooth, natural sound. The microphone comes with a mount that allows you to position it directly at the sound source, whatever it may be. The device is mainly designed for recording vocals. But if necessary, you can also write musical instruments, including the guitar. This model includes a switchable low-pass filter, which may come in handy. That is, here you can set the bass cutoff, as a result of which blowing when vocals are close will be completely eliminated, and other extraneous low-frequency noise will not be heard. Well, the usual XLR is used as a connector.
Advantages
Reliable and high-quality assembly;
The kit includes a convenient mount;
XLR connector used;
There is a switchable low-pass filter;
A cardioid pattern is used;
Wide dynamic range.
Flaws
Not everyone will like the appearance;
The sound still cannot be called completely pure.
This microphone, the cost of which reaches 45 thousand rubles, is used in studios and radio stations. He looks quite stylish. Moreover, this can be said about both the silver version and the black one. The German manufacturer endowed his creation with a very large membrane that captures all the subtleties of the human voice. At the same time, a cardioid polar pattern is used here, which saves from recording extraneous sounds.
By default, the Neumann TLM-102 microphone is designed for recording vocals. However, it is regularly used for other purposes - for example, the device is placed near drums, guitar amplifiers and other sources of loud sounds. Interestingly, the product can raise the sound in the mid-frequency region - that is, this way you can clearly distinguish the human voice in the mix. The buyer should also be pleased with the anti-vibration fastening of the capsule, which ensures the absence of mechanical noise. The microphone comes with a fairly heavy metal holder SG 2, made with hinged mechanisms.
Advantages
Two color options available;
The capsule is held on an anti-vibration mount;
The sound is as clear as possible;
Excellent metal holder included;
The device can be called universal;
The microphone can last for many years.
Flaws
- Not everyone will like the price tag.
Relatively inexpensive studio microphone. Its cost does not exceed 20 thousand rubles, due to which it was included in the rating of the online magazine Expertology. The device has a metal body painted blue. The product includes a −20 dB filter as well as a high-pass filter, making the microphone an excellent choice for capturing vocals. And not only! This device is used to capture sound from pianos, guitars and many other musical instruments. The device will certainly delight you with rich lows, soft mids and clear highs.
This is one of the few condenser microphones that uses a hand-built capsule. This model also boasts a gold-plated Mylar diaphragm. It provides excellent resonance when recording vocals. It is impossible not to note the raised part of the fixed electrode, thanks to which the sound of the entire frequency spectrum is perfectly balanced.
Advantages
There is a mylar diaphragm with gold plating;
There is a high-pass filter and a −20 dB filter;
The microphone is partially hand-assembled;
Minimum noise level;
Durable design.
Flaws
The price tag still cannot be called low;
Not everyone likes the design.
The only microphone in our rating that comes in a special case. This greatly simplifies the transportation of the device from, say, one studio to another. The device, like all the microphones reviewed here, is cardioid. The operating frequency range here is from 20 MHz to 20 kHz. The sound is captured by a one-inch diaphragm. And it copes with this task quite well - it is not without reason that this model is used by some popular musicians.
Returning to the topic of configuration, we cannot fail to mention the presence of wind protection. This simple accessory allows you to use the microphone outdoors without worrying about sound quality. The buyer also receives an H85 holder, with which you can adjust the tilt of the device.
When developing the AKG C214, the German manufacturer used a completely new electronic circuit. This made it possible to significantly increase the dynamic range. The product also boasts a smooth frequency response. It is curious that the microphone can withstand almost any sound pressure - this is facilitated by the special design of the capsule, which prevents the membrane from shorting with the rear electrode.
Advantages
Excellent protection against radio interference;
Reliable and durable metal construction;
Rich equipment;
There is a sensitivity switch (-20 dB filter);
You can enable the filter high frequencies;
Protection from any sound pressure;
Low level of own noise.
Flaws
- The cost reaches 30 thousand rubles.
One of the cheapest condenser microphones, unless, of course, we remember the Chinese creations. The cost of Behringer C-1 in our stores is approximately 5 thousand rubles. This price tag makes you think about buying of this device even to an ordinary consumer who does not intend to make money by recording sound or shooting video. The microphone has a relatively good metal body and a gold-plated XLR connector. Despite the low cost, the device pleases with the almost complete absence of its own noise. Namely, noise is a problem with Chinese models that also use phantom power.
Of course, the sound quality recorded with the Behringer C-1 cannot be called studio quality. However, the capabilities of such a microphone are quite enough to add some kind of story dictated during editing to a video about your family’s vacation trip. Also this great choice for people who write podcasts. They will be quite satisfied with a medium-sized diaphragm, as well as a cardioid polar pattern, which eliminates the recording of external noise.
Advantages
Indicator present phantom power;
Includes stand adapter and case;
An ultra-low noise FET input stage circuit is used;
Durable construction;
Uses gold-plated XLR connector;
Low cost.
Flaws
Not the widest frequency range;
Sensitivity could be higher.
Conclusion
These are the best microphones available on the market. this moment. Of course, we were talking here only about the most affordable models. We decided not to talk about expensive professional microphones, which TV channels usually order directly from the manufacturer. It seems to us that Expertology readers will not need such devices due to the complexity of their purchase and very high cost. We also did not mention the “loafers”, which will be discussed in a separate article.
Attention! This rating is subjective in nature, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.
The microphones available on the market today are quite complex and high-tech devices. The role of microphones these days is difficult to overestimate - they are used everywhere, and it will be difficult to imagine our everyday life without them. Over a hundred years of device development, design features have been preserved that unite modern microphones with their predecessors.
The first carbon microphone was invented in 1856 by the Frenchman Du Moncel, and was based on the effect of changes in resistance of graphite electrodes when the contact area of the conductors changes. In the 1880s, the design was improved and brought to life by Thomas Edison - he used carbon powder instead of graphite rods (still found in analog telephones).
In 1916, the first condenser microphone was invented - engineer Eduard Wente used the principle of changing capacitance rather than resistance to convert sound waves into an electrical signal.
The Japanese scientist Yoguchi created the first electret microphone in the early 20s based on the same principle.
And finally, in 1924, the Germans Gerwin Erlach and Walter Schottky created the first model of a dynamic microphone, which works much better than a carbon one, and is superior in electrical properties to a condenser one.
For a long time, microphones were quite expensive. The picture changed with the advent of field-effect transistors, which made it possible to create efficient, miniature and lightweight microphones.
Today, industrial production of microphones reaches tens of millions per year, and many large brands are involved in development and sales.
Microphone application area
The very first thing you should decide on when choosing a microphone is its area of application. The optimal choice will depend on this - for example, for communication over the network you are unlikely to need a vocal microphone. Four types can be distinguished according to their area of application.
· Vocal microphones. Also sometimes called pop. Most often they have a design that is familiar to consumers - a handle with a windproof mesh. This happens due to the need to unify the products - such microphones must be mounted in standard stands, and replacement wind protection can be easily selected for them. They can be divided into wired and wireless, and also by type of performance into hand-held and clip-on microphones that cling to clothing (suitable for the speech genre of performances). The most versatile and popular version is a handheld microphone; it is great for karaoke.
· Conference microphones. They have a tabletop design that is convenient for conferences - they have a stand, or are entirely made in the form of a “plate”.
· Network communication. Microphones for communication are usually cheaper because they do not require maximum sound quality. They are mainly presented in the tabletop type and the “clothespin” type for convenient attachment to clothing. This microphone will be quite sufficient for communicating via Skype.
· Studio microphones. Used for recording sound in a studio environment. They have the highest recording quality and high sensitivity, and accordingly, the highest prices. Purchase for home use is also possible if you are recording tracks or voices.
Which type of microphone is best?
Condenser microphones
Condenser microphones They essentially consist of a capacitor, one of the plates of which is made of an elastic metallized material, due to which it is movable and exposed to sound waves. Thus, when it oscillates, the capacitance of the capacitor changes, and alternating currents and acoustic waves are converted into an electrical signal.
These microphones are perfect for the studio, thanks to the clearest and highest quality sound capture. But they also have a number of disadvantages - they are very sensitive to the environment, react to humidity, temperature, distance to the sound source and the general noise level of the space. So in the studio, when used stationary for sound recording, it will be possible to reveal the positive qualities of the microphone and avoid the negative ones. If you still want to purchase such a microphone for home use, remember that you will at least need a good sound card and an amplifier with phantom 48 Volts.
Advantages of condenser microphones
· Wider frequency range and polar pattern · High-quality and clear sound – thanks to high sensitivity · Very miniature models available
Flaws
· Requires an additional power source - usually requires 48V phantom power, which is not available on all mixing consoles. This places restrictions on areas of use. · Difficult to use in “field” conditions - they react to changes in temperature, humidity, etc. · Fragility of the structure · Catches all reflected noise and echo. The downside of high sensitivity High cost
Electret microphones
Electret microphone The device is similar to a capacitor. There is also a miniature capacitor with a movable plate, the signal is pre-amplified using field effect transistor. Such microphones also require 3 V phantom power, which is no longer a problem for any built-in sound card. Can be very compact.
Electret microphones have the miniature size of condenser microphones, but are unpretentious to use and cheap. Unfortunately, they cannot boast of good sound transmission and sensitivity, but are ideal for the average user to voice communication(via Skype, for example).
Flaws
· Not high quality Audio Capture Less Sensitivity
Advantages
· No additional power source required · Easy to use, insensitive to operating conditions · Compact
Dynamic microphones
Dynamic microphones very different from the previous types discussed. They use the principle of electromagnetic induction - sound waves are converted due to currents arising in an inductive coil placed in a magnetic field and attached to an elastic membrane, the vibrations of which move the coil.
As a result of this design, dynamic microphones do not require additional food, which gives them an advantage over capacitor ones. These microphones are also less sensitive to noise, and can perform well at high sound pressures, making them useful for vocals with a loud, harsh tone - in rock or alternative music genres, for example. Also often used as a concert microphone.
It is worth choosing as a microphone for performances of various types, or a microphone for karaoke (the most common type of performance is a hand-held microphone). An additional advantage will be more low price than that of capacitors.
Flaws:
· Inferior quality of sound capture to condensers · Smallest frequency range · May distort voice timbre
Advantages
· Allows you to record loud sounds, tolerates “overloads” Less sensitive to noise Does not catch “echoes” Low cost Does not require an additional power source
Directional pattern
One of the main characteristics is the polar pattern of the microphone. It determines how the microphone reacts to sound. There are 5 main types of diagrams.
· Cardioid diagram. Resembling a heart shape, the sound is best picked up directly in front of the microphone, slightly worse from the side, and not picked up at all from behind the microphone. The sound coming from the sides of the microphone will be less loud, making this pattern useful for recording multiple instruments if you only need to highlight one. The cardioid pattern has a proximity effect - low frequencies are enhanced as the microphone gets closer to the sound source.
· Supercardioid diagram. It has a narrower capture zone in the front, dead zones on the sides, and a small capture zone in the back.
· Hypercardioid pattern. Such microphones are also called narrow directional - the pickup zone in front of them is narrower, and behind them - wider than that of a supercardioid pattern. There are also dead zones on the sides. It differs in that it captures distant sounds well, while ignoring background noise. The location of the sensor plane to the sound is important - the microphone must be ideally aimed at the source. This microphone is used by reporters to record a source that is impossible to get close to.
· Diagram - "eight". Figure-eight diagram, the microphone is equally sensitive to sound from the rear and front, and has dead zones on the sides. Used for specialized stereo recording of large ensembles of instruments and orchestras.
· Omnidirectional diagram. The most universal for a wide range of tasks, it perceives sound equally from all sides, without amplification or distortion of any frequencies. Best suited for capturing sound from instruments with a wide range, for
· Unidirectional microphones- have a sound capture zone directly in front of the microphone. Convenient for recording in a room that is not sufficiently isolated from extraneous sounds, or for eliminating acoustic effects. Suitable, for example, for interviews on the street.
What else should you pay attention to when choosing a microphone?
Sound pressure level
This parameter shows what sound volume level the microphone is designed for. The higher it is, the more accurately and with less distortion the microphone will transmit sound.
High values of sound pressure level are indicators of more than 90 dB. And almost the same noise, for example, is produced by Niagara Falls. Well, or an average rock concert.
Thus, microphones with a high sound pressure level should be chosen for concerts, or in any other area where the sound source will be very powerful.
frequency range
The wider the frequency range of the microphone, the better the sound the microphone will capture. For simple speech, for communication, coverage from 100 to 10,000 Hz will be sufficient. For high-quality recording of instruments or vocals, you may need a wider frequency coverage.
Connection type
The microphone can either be wired or wireless. The second option can be convenient for karaoke due to the lack of confusion with wires, especially when a set of two microphones is connected. But the batteries may unexpectedly run out, the battery may be discharged at the wrong time. To avoid this, you can choose a universal microphone model, with the ability wired connection and at the same time able to operate on battery power.
Selection by price range
Having up to 1000 rubles, you can afford a microphone for communication of any type - tabletop, clothespin, or handheld. It is unlikely that such a microphone will be sufficient for high-quality speech recording; rather, it is an option for Skype.
Having the amount up to 10,000 rubles, you can afford a higher quality, branded microphone entry level. A good option for karaoke and amateur voice/instrument recording.
Microphones more than 10,000 rubles will differ in maximum frequency range, sensitivity, and are more likely to imply studio use or use in concerts - for example, microphones designed for high sound pressure levels. It’s worth purchasing such models if you know exactly what you want from a microphone.
Many laptops and virtually all webcams have built-in microphones, but if you're trying to create a podcast or record a demo of your songs, you'll need a device with much more best quality sound. This is where a USB microphone comes to the rescue.
When buying a USB microphone, you need to pay attention not only to its price, but also to its sound characteristics. The frequency range of the human ear is from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Microphones that have a frequency outside the range of human hearing distort high and low sounds so that the voice may sound somewhat unnatural.
We present to you top 10 best USB microphones of 2015 according to Wirerealm, a site dedicated to reviews and news about music devices.
10. Blue Snowflake
This is a portable cardioid condenser microphone. Great for podcasting, gaming, internet chat, but not the most the best option for professional recording. Frequency range: 35 Hz - 20 kHz.
9. Apogee MiC 96k
Compatible with Mac, iPhone and iPad. The presence of a microphone preamplifier and A/D converter, high recording quality (up to 96 kHz/24-bit), as well as a small size make this device good choice both for home and studio.
8. Samson Go Mic
Portable condenser microphone. Comes with USB cable, cable clip, and zippered pouch. Thanks to its small size, light weight (0.105 kg) and low price, Samson Go Mic is a worthy competitor to the “blue snowflake”, which took 10th place in the ranking of the best USB microphones. Samson Go Mic frequency range - 20 Hz to 18 kHz
7. Shure PG42
This semi-professional condenser microphone comes with a stand mount and carrying case. The large diaphragm has high sensitivity and allows you to convey the smallest nuances of sound. Switches allow you to activate the low-pass filter and -15 dB attenuator. The operating range is from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
6. Blue Snowball
The sampling rate is 44.1 kHz / 16-bit, which allows the device to compete with USB microphones that cost three times as much. The Blue Snowball is a condenser microphone that can switch between omnidirectional and cardioid modes. One of its best features is its aesthetics, it looks beautiful and comes in 10 different color options. Frequency range - 40 Hz -18 kHz.
5.CAD U37
Its advantages include: low cost, a 3-meter cable and a large condenser capsule for rich sound. Overload protection switch minimizes distortion from loud sound sources. Operates in the range 40 Hz – 18 kHz.
4. Rode NT-USB
Provides clear sound when recording voiceovers and podcasts. Compatible with iPad (if connected, you will need USB adapter). The package includes a stand, a case for storing the microphone and a pop filter that attaches to the microphone base. A stereo headphone jack is provided for real-time monitoring of the Rode NT-USB. Supports range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
3. Audio-Technica AT2020USB
Opening the top three of the list of the best USB-connected microphones is a 16-bit cardioid microphone. It is suitable for professional singers thanks to the ability to mount it with a microphone stand and boom. The lightweight diaphragm provides superior dynamics and an extended frequency range of 20 Hz to 16 kHz.
2. Samson Meteor
The cardioid studio microphone features a large diaphragm with a wide recording surface (25mm), and a folding mechanism for easy portability or storage. Another interesting feature of Samson Meteor is that it can connect to smart devices (you will need an Apple converter for this). The declared operating range is 20 Hz-20 kHz.
1. Blue Yeti
The world's first microphone to combine 24-bit digital recording with XLR analog output. Blue Yeti allows you to record audio in stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional or bidirectional modes. It operates in the frequency range 20 Hz - 20 kHz.