Today there is a wide variety of types, brands, prices, and stores to choose from and this can make it difficult for you to make decisions if you want to buy a microphone.
I want to show you the 5 most common types that exist and what to use them for.
DYNAMIC MICROPHONES
They’re cheap, rugged, and sound great when recording vocals, percussion, or guitar and bass amps. They are used in concerts and don’t need 48v phantom power.
Essential if you perform live!
My recommendations:
- SHURE SM58 (voice) <150$
- SHURE SM57 (instruments) <150$
- SHURE SM7B (studio voice recording) <400$
LARGE-DIAPHRAGM CONDENSER MICROPHONES
They’re the most used in professional studios. They’re more sensitive than dynamic or ribbon microphones, so they’re ideal for vocals and soft sounds. They use 48v phantom power, so you need an audio interface to connect it to your computer.
If you want to record yourself in your own home studio, you need one of these!
My recommendations:
- NEEWER NW800 <50$
- RODE NT1A <160$
- AKG 4040 <500$
- NEUMANN T102 <600$
USB LARGE-DIAPHRAGM CONDENSER MICROPHONES
The sound quality is not comparable to an analog microphone, but there’re very good options on the market, and by connecting via USB you don’t need an audio interface to connect it to your computer.
Some have a headphone output, something very practical for recording and traveling with your equipment.
My recommendations:
- The t.bone SC 420 USB <60$
- RODE NT-USB <150$
SMALL-DIAPHRAGM CONDENSER MICROPHONES
They have a great response and are very good for realistic stereo recordings and for acoustic instruments (classical or acoustic guitar, ukulele, violins, etc.)
If, in addition to your voice, you want to record instruments in stereo, I recommend getting a pair of this type or combining one of these with a large-membrane microphone.
My recommendations:
- AKG P170 <80$
- Sennheiser MKE 600 <300$
RIBBON MICROPHONES
They were popularized by artists like Elvis, Frank Sinatra, etc. They’re more fragile and should never be used with 48v phantom power. They have a warm vintage sound and smooth out the high frequencies.
If you are looking for this type of sound, this is your microphone.
My recommendations:
- The t.bone RM 700 <100$
- Beyerdynamic M160 <500$
If you get one of these microphones or want to recommend others, I would love to read your opinion in the comments.
