Previously we talked about things like what a polar pattern is and how a condenser microphone works. A lot of information will simply say “a condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern for vocals”.
While this information is generally true, if you have read the previous article you know that a condenser microphone is more sensitive and picks up better which is ideal for vocals and that a cardioid polar patter rejects sound from the back helps reduce reflective sound from entering the microphone.
You also would know that this is not always the case if you want a little less detail and a little more spl ability you may want a dynamic microphone. For example, Michael Jackson used a Shure SM7B which is a dynamic microphone used on the tracking of “Thriller”. With all that being said it is important to understand why you are selecting a microphone for a given task which will help you record better.
TLDR: Go check out The Best Microphones for Home Recording Part 1 first if you are clueless when it comes to microphones. Once you are done reading part one, come back here for part 2.
What will you be recording?
If you have read this far I am amusing you are planing in the near future to record something. For example, I knew in my home studio I planed to record singer song writer type of work. I would need to be able to record vocals, guitars, bass and other string instruments as needed. So far I have been able to do that very well with 2 microphones. For you maybe it will only be vocals or guitars or something completely different but keep that in mind when selecting a microphone(s).
Budget
Once again like with any thing you are buying for your studio consider how much money you have to spend. Get the best possible quality for the money you can afford to spend. I would never suggest spending more then you can afford. What fun is it if you are always working to pay for your studio and never use it?
Some of the most popular and best microphones for home recording
Before I list out these microphones like anything with production it is very subjective to the person listening and their listening environment. For example, I can’t stand the sound of an Electro Voice RE-20 on pretty much anything, it’s simply not for me.
The irony is that it is a go to microphone in the broadcast world, and a lot of people love it for vocals and even on bass cabs and kick drums. Go figure right? Welcome to the world of music production!
Here are 6 of the most popular home studio microphones. I will also include a link to reviews on amazon and tech specs that will have a frequency responds chart along with other tech specs with a single click.
Must have microphone in every studio
Type of Microphone: Dynamic
Good for: Guitar sand vocals also great for snare and almost anything with a fast transient and high sound pressure level.
Price $
Other: I’ve personally used this to track guitars and snare drums with great success. To hear a sample of guitars tracked with an At4050 in my home studio check this out.
Great for: vocal microphone and very good for recording guitars as well
Type of Microphone: Dynamic
Price: $$
Other: If guitars and vocals are what you primarily record this is a very safe bet. It is a tried and true studio work horse. During my time at Blackbird I set up and tore down a lot of these microphones for vocal and overdub sessions. Get this and an SM57 and be done.
Good For: Vocals, guitars, string instruments, room microphones, overheads.
Type: Large diaphragm condenser
Polar Pattern: Selectable, cardioid, figure 8, and omni directional
Other: Has a pad and roll off
Price $$$
Great for: Mainly Vocals and Guitars.
Type: Large diaphragm condenser
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Price $$
Great for: Vocals, bass, guitars, good overall mic
Type: Dynamic
Polar Pattern: Hyper cardioid
Price $$
Reviews (Google search results, not as many reviews)
Great For: Guitars, string instruments, drums and vocals
Type: Condenser
Polar Pattern: Selectable, cardioid, figure 8, and omni
Price $
Other Considerations
Ok so you have narrowed down your microphone selection now what? Well you will need to think about three additional things.
1. Microphone stand(s) You will need away for the microphone to be held up and adjusted depending on what you are . These can be found at music stores and be purchased for $20-$50. I recently got one of these. It has done a good job holding up my At4050 and a SM7B. It is a starter mic stand and in a few years you may want to condenser a better mic stand. However for the price you can not go wrong.
2. XLR Cable(s) You would need away to connect your microphone into an audio interface or recorder. I have found that Monoprice.com has great pricing on xlr cable or if you are an amazon person they also have a great selection and pricing.
You can also find these are a music store if you need one now. However if you have a little time you can save money-getting them online if you are trying to save money.
3: Pop Filter This is optional and needed if you will be recording vocals. A pop filter will help tame “P” and “S” sounds and is highly recommended for vocals. Two have used and recommend are Mic Pop Filter and Nady MPF-6 6-Inch Clamp On Microphone Pop Filter. Out of those two I prefer the first one as it seems to be built better and seems to work better.
If you want to read more Sound on Sound has a great article here about pop filters or what they call pop shields.
Hopefully I have been able to help you in the process of finding a microphone that will work well for you. If you have more questions feel free to contact me or leave a comment. I am here to help you.
Jamie