If you're putting your first home recording rig together, or have been at it for years, you simply can't undervalue the importance of a good microphone or two—or five. There are hundreds of great options, so where to start? Here, to assist you on your search, we've rounded up a small gathering of solid ribbons, dynamics, and condensers.
SM57Long considered a studio and stage staple, this versatile and affordable dynamic mic is uniquely designed to handle the high-pressure sound that explodes from amps and cabs.
MD 421-IIContinuing in the tradition of the company’s popular MD 421, this dynamic mic’s full-bodied cardioid pattern and 5-position bass control makes it a solid choice for many instruments.
ATM650This neodymium-magnet-equipped dynamic mic features a multi-stage, flat-grille design for precise, close-in positioning, and has a frequency response tailored for the clear sound reproduction of guitar cabs.
NTIWhether recording vocals, acoustic instruments, or amp rigs, this 1"-diaphragm condenser features a handmade capsule designed for the smooth sound players expect from a vintage, solid-state mic.
C414 XLIIThis condenser mic doesn’t come cheap, but it provides nine polar patterns to choose the ideal setting for multiple applications/environments, and boasts an impressive dynamic range of 152 dB.
R-10This passive ribbon mic is said to offer a balanced sound field with a flat frequency response and a maximum SPL of 160 dB at 1 kHz, so players can close-mic loud sources without fear of overload.
X1 RThe tough construction of this mic was designed to handle any SPL, and its hybrid old and new ribbon technology provides all the organic qualities of ribbon sound, but with more versatility.
M 160This double-ribbon mic that’s been used on countless rock classics in many applications features a hypercardioid pickup pattern, and is known for its transparency, transient response, and warmth.
CR-14The dual, low-mass ribbon element of this mic is reported to possess a better sensitivity rating than most single-ribbon designs, leading to fast and accurate transient response and a 148 dB SPL capability.
BLUE DESIGNS
Bluebird SL
This mic's onboard switchable 100 Hz high-pass filter and -20 dB pad opens the flexibility to track a wide variety of sound sources, from detailed vocals to full-frequency guitar recordings.
$299 street
bluedesigns.com
SHURE
SM57Long considered a studio and stage staple, this versatile and affordable dynamic mic is uniquely designed to handle the high-pressure sound that explodes from amps and cabs.
$99
SENNHEISER
MD 421-IIContinuing in the tradition of the company’s popular MD 421, this dynamic mic’s full-bodied cardioid pattern and 5-position bass control makes it a solid choice for many instruments.
$379
AUDIO-TECHNICA
ATM650This neodymium-magnet-equipped dynamic mic features a multi-stage, flat-grille design for precise, close-in positioning, and has a frequency response tailored for the clear sound reproduction of guitar cabs.
$99
RØDE
NTIWhether recording vocals, acoustic instruments, or amp rigs, this 1"-diaphragm condenser features a handmade capsule designed for the smooth sound players expect from a vintage, solid-state mic.
$269
AKG
C414 XLIIThis condenser mic doesn’t come cheap, but it provides nine polar patterns to choose the ideal setting for multiple applications/environments, and boasts an impressive dynamic range of 152 dB.
$099
ROYER
R-10This passive ribbon mic is said to offer a balanced sound field with a flat frequency response and a maximum SPL of 160 dB at 1 kHz, so players can close-mic loud sources without fear of overload.
$499
SE ELECTRONICS
X1 RThe tough construction of this mic was designed to handle any SPL, and its hybrid old and new ribbon technology provides all the organic qualities of ribbon sound, but with more versatility.
$229
BEYERDYNAMIC
M 160This double-ribbon mic that’s been used on countless rock classics in many applications features a hypercardioid pickup pattern, and is known for its transparency, transient response, and warmth.
$699
AVANTONE PRO
CR-14The dual, low-mass ribbon element of this mic is reported to possess a better sensitivity rating than most single-ribbon designs, leading to fast and accurate transient response and a 148 dB SPL capability.
$259
[Updated 7/26/21]
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