Although we’ll always romantically recall the 4-track, with the advancements in recording technologies over the past twenty years there’s never been a better time to record at home. Whether for live vocal singing, piano, drums or acoustic guitars, one of the main components every home studio requires is a mic, but finding the right one can be overwhelming.
So, in the spirit of keeping you engaged with your creativity, we’ve put together a guide that streamlines all the factors you need to know. Hopefully, it'll give you a much clearer idea of what type of equipment you need for your setup. We’ll also share the ten best all-around microphones for home studios available to order from Amazon, Gear4music and eBay.
Quick List - Top Microphones for Home Studios
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Looking at microphone specifications can become a little bit mind-boggling. So, in this part of the article, we look to clear up the most important distinctions, from the different styles of microphones to polar patterns and a few other factors in between.
The first factor to think about is the type of microphone you need for the job. Each has different capabilities and characteristics, so before reading on, consider what you wish to accomplish with your new purchase, and work from there.
Due to their robustness, dynamic microphones are considered better at capturing loud, strong sounds such as drums and electric instruments. They are sometimes used on particularly loud vocals, too. This gives them the ability to move from a home studio to a live setting, should you wish to record from there in the future.
Furthermore, dynamic microphones are generally a little cheaper. The issue is that they’re not particularly good at picking up the nuances of the player/singer, so they might not capture the full flavour when recording something ambient or acoustic.
Condenser mics, on the other hand, are much more nuanced. Therefore, you can rely on them to capture the authentic sound that is coming from the amplifier or voice. They're also best for spoken recordings, be that streaming online or recording other vocals of this style.
These mics come in either solid state or tube variations, although they both function with the same principals. Of course, being almost the opposite to the dynamic microphone, the condenser isn’t built for loud sounds. So, if you’re looking to record loud electric guitars, you’ll have no luck here. These microphones are also often much more expensive and rather delicate.
USB mics are a relatively modern development in the recording world. These options contain all the traditional elements of a microphone, only with some new additions. Firstly, they have an onboard preamp, which makes it unnecessary for the microphone to be connected to a mixer.
Secondly, they have an analogue-to-digital (A/D) converter, this changes the output from voltage (analogue) to data (digital), so it can go straight into your computer. If you’re looking for a plug-in-and-play option, these are as simple as setting up the mic, launching the DAW and hitting record.
They do have a few drawbacks, though. Firstly, most of them only allow the recording of one instrument at a time, which is a shame when DAW’s allow for multiple recordings if you have the tools. Also, while they’re convenient, the sound quality is compromised.
When it comes to the frequency response, you want to check that it is sufficient for the instruments you plan on using it with. For example, a bass guitar has different requirements to that of a standard 6-string guitar. Or you could be recording something like vocals or a harp, which will require a full range of low to high response.
For drum recording, particularly kick drums, you’ll want a low end of around 30 – 40 Hz. Everything else you’re recording from there can be a little higher. In terms of high end frequencies, up to 20 kHz will be more than enough to cover it.
Both condenser and dynamic microphones are classified by the size of their casing. Generally speaking, you’re more likely to find condensers as large diaphragm and dynamics as small, particularly when shopping for home studio microphones. However, it’s worth knowing noting that this isn’t always the case.
Firstly, we need to determine what is considered a large diaphragm microphone. Most people believe that any mic over 2.5 cm in diameter is large, although this is only a rule of thumb, as some can be slightly smaller.
The large diaphragm microphone came first and was used to record in the 30s, 40s and 50s, particularly for rock n' roll. Many producers regard these as part-microphone, part-instrument as they aim to make the sound bigger, more beautiful and more engaging.
It makes sense, then, that this is why they’re regularly used when capturing vocals and other lead parts.
Small diaphragm microphones, meanwhile, capture an uncensored version of what is being played by the musician. They’re uncoloured and very detailed in sound. Therefore, they’re described as the realists of microphones.
This, of course, can be a wonderful thing if you’ve finally managed to create your perfect tone as you will not want it to be disturbed by a large diaphragm microphone. Of course, it can also lay your recordings bare, so you'll want to be confident that you've found your style first.
Finally, polar patterns. Understanding these can seem a little complicated, but in short, the polar pattern is an indication of where the most sensitivity is on a microphone; it could be the front, the back, the sides or all around. Below are the most popular options to consider based on where and what you'll be recording.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Aston Spirit Black Bundle | ![]() | Incredible Sound, Great Frequency Range and Almost Indestructible | |
2 | Shure SM58 Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphone | ![]() | The Industry Standard With Added Distortion Blocking | |
3 | Blue Microphones Yeti Pro Edition Studio USC Microphone | ![]() | The Ultimate Plug-in-and-Play for Music, YouTube Streaming and More | |
4 | RØDE Microphones NT1-A Vocal Recording Pack | ![]() | A Well-Regarded Go-To Condenser Mic | |
5 | Samson G-Track Pro | ![]() | Add an Instrument to Your Vocal Recording | |
6 | Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone | ![]() | One of the Bestselling Dynamic Mics in the World | |
7 | IMG Stageline ECMS-50USB | ![]() | The Most Affordable Option for Those on a Budget | |
8 | AKG D112 MKII Kick Drum Microphone | ![]() | When It's All About Capturing the Low Frequencies | |
9 | AKG Lyra USB Microphone | ![]() | Additional Polar Patterns for Those Who Like to Experiment | |
10 | SE Electronics X1 S Vocal Pack | ![]() | A Well Crafted Capsule Is the Star Component of This Affordable Mic |
If the Shure SM58 was the industry standard set in the first boom of mass recording, this Aston Spirit is fast becoming the new industry standard. It provides a brilliant frequency range, has an incredible sound and is practically indestructible.
One feature about this robust capsule is that, because the shock absorption is so good, you can mount it straight to a standard mic stand. Additionally, you have multiple pattern options. It might be a little pricier than the other mics, but if you're looking to invest, this is a microphone that will keep producing the goods even as you evolve as a producer.
When it comes to microphones, the previously-mentioned Shure SM57 and this SM58 are practically identical. Released in the mid-60s, this mic's world-renowned sound can be found in pretty much any studio, anywhere. There is one major difference between the two though, and that's why this one finds itself much higher up our ranking.
The SM58 has a bulb-shaped grill around the mic which provides a natural pop filter, making it ideal for reducing the blowout and distortion that sometimes comes when recording vocals. If you're looking for a flexible mic that can be taken to live shows when you need to, there's no more reliable than the SM58.
If the ability to plug in and play is your top priority, then the award-winning Blue Yeti Pro Studio USB microphone is hard to beat. One of the main features users rave about is that it comes with a suite of audio editing and production software, so producers feel it's much easier to find a good sound straight off the bat.
The device works when capturing voice, instrument and multi-track recordings which will instantly transform your creative space into a much more professional-style studio. And if you fancy making a few YouTube videos while you're at, it's perfect for that too.
RØDE are one of the top names in home studio equipment, and this NT1-A is regarded by many as the go-to condenser mic for home studios. It's known for capturing a good range of frequencies with clarity and accuracy and is just as distinct whether you're working with loud or quiet noise.
Included in the pack are a pop filter, the microphone, a shock mount, a cable, and even a dust cover, so you'll be pretty much straight to go from the off. All you need to do is make sure you have the songs or content ready to record!
This microphone from Samson offers something we think should be fitted to more USB mics, and that is an instrument input. Therefore, with this mic, you'll be able to record both straight into your DAW. In addition to this, the microphone also has three different polar patterns to help you find the perfect one for the task.
Another feature we like, although more about practicality than the sound, is the heavy base, which has a rubber bottom to ensure it always remains sturdy and stays precisely where you want it to.
The Shure SM57 is the Ford Fiesta of dynamic microphones. In that, it's unflashy but completely reliable and pretty much any studio worth its salt will have a couple of these knocking about somewhere. And although they're primarily for recording instruments, in a pinch, they'll record vocals too.
The cardioid pattern makes it perfect for head-on directional placement, which in turn, cuts down on spills and feedback from other sound sources. Our only issue is that it isn't as good as its successor, which we may or may not be seeing later on.
If you're working on a tight budget, then you could do a lot worse than this USB microphone from IMG. Designed for creating podcasts and home recording, this piece of kit requires no additional hardware or software so you can be recording in an instant.
In addition to the microphone, you'll be provided with a shock mount, the necessary cables and even a nice leather storage bag. Of course, there's a slight drop off in sound quality, but for the price, you'll certainly be getting more than you bargained for.
If you're looking to record some drums at home, then firstly, bless your neighbours, because they must be saints. Secondly, you're going to need a dedicated kick drum microphone, and this AKG D112 is built specifically for that purpose. This microphone is all about capturing low frequencies.
Although built for drums, this microphone has also been known to record bass guitars well, too. While this second application shows a little versatility, this is probably a better purchase for those who already have other microphones and are instead looking to create and expand on a specific arsenal.
The unique feature of this USB microphone is the different polar patterns that you can choose. Alongside the cardioid and figure of eight, there is also wide and tight stereo. While these aren't traditional in terms of standard music mics, they are useful and fun to play with to create new dynamics.
Alongside the versatility – you could even use this for voice recordings on podcasts or videos – the microphone offers solid sonics and attractive aesthetics. We are a little concerned with some of the dials being found on the back though, as sometimes it's difficult enough to dial in when you can see what you're doing.
This condenser mic from SE Electronics proves that you don't have to spend a fortune to get a great sounding microphone. A lot of the sound quality comes from the large capsule size, which delivers excellent accuracy and clarity to every recording.
Furthermore, the pack includes a pop filter and cables, so you've less to fork out for before you get started. One issue some buyers have found is that it can be a touch over-sensitive, so you might want to be careful if there are others in the room to avoid it picking up even the smallest of sounds.
You've got the mic, but what about any other gear you need to get your home studio fully set up and ready to go? Check out the equipment-related articles below to find what you need, and, as usual, our recommendations include options for every skill level and budget.
No. 1: Aston|Spirit Black Bundle
No. 2: Shure|SM58 Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphone
No. 3: Blue Microphones |Yeti Pro Edition Studio USC Microphone
No. 4: RØDE Microphones|NT1-A Vocal Recording Pack
No. 5: Samson |G-Track Pro
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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