If you’re getting serious about upping your recording game and building out your home studio, you probably already know that your microphone is one of the most essential pieces of equipment. To get pro-level recordings, it helps to have a few essential pieces of audio equipment to capture the sounds.
For those who are just diving into the world of recording at home, in this post we’ll cover our favorite microphone recommendations as well as a checklist of complimentary recording equipment to get the most out of your home studio setup.
The Best Microphone For Your Home Studio
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best Low Budget Home Studio Microphone  |
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Best in Build Quality  |
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Best in Harmonics  |
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Best as a Broadcast Microphone  |
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The Best Microphone For Your Home Studio Reviews
Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone – Best Low Budget Home Studio Microphone
Key Features
- Type: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 20 to 20,000 Hz
- Impedance: 120 ohms
- Maximum SPL: 148 dB
- Power Requirements: 11V to 52V DC, 3.8 mA typical
Even though the Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone is just a little under $ 200, it packs a powerful punch for all your recording needs. Let us start with its powerful features. First, it has a large-diaphragm condenser microphone with premium features. Aside from its metal exterior, it comes bundled with a custom shock mount. This is why many people want the Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone. It offers good quality audio recording without being too expensive.
In addition to vocal recording, this mic can also work with other sound sources, thanks to its higher-than-average maximum SPL of 148dB, -10dB pad, and its switchable low-frequency roll-off. This is why if your budget is tight and you are looking for a quality microphone that can handle vocal recording well and versatile enough to work with acoustic instruments, then get the Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone.
Pros
- Great value for your money
- Outstanding voice clarity and detail, which is comparable to other more expensive types of microphones
- Sleek and durable build with its solid feel and metal exterior.
- Lacks accessories, particularly no XLR cable
- The pop filter can be improved.
Cons
- Some users complain that the screws in the crossover circuitry come undone and start rattling.
Stellar X2 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser XLR Microphone – Best in Build Quality
Key Features
- Type: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 18kHz
- Impedance: 140 Ohms
- Maximum SPL: 130dB
- Power Requirements: 48V Phantom Power ±4
You might probably not be familiar with the TechZone (or TZ) audio brand. It is a lesser-known name in the recording community. But do not let this deter you from investing in the Stellar X2 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser XLR Microphone as it is one of the best home studio microphones in terms of build quality! Some people go far as calling this microphone a hidden gem.
The Stellar X2 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser XLR Microphone s a modern condenser microphone with a tuned sound to eliminate the usual “harsh treble” sound found on cheaper condenser microphones.
The Stellar X2 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser XLR Microphone is constructed with high-quality Japanese Mylar and gold-sputtered using the company’s proprietary tech. A transformerless JFET circuit rounds out the circuitry with up to 1% tolerance between components.
The Stellar X2 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser XLR Microphone is a mic with a great price to performance ratio. You should invest in this microphone if you want a mic to warm up higher pitched or sibilant voices and give a nice midrange push to instruments should you need it.
Pros
- Emits a warm and smooth sound.
- Great build quality.
Cons
- Needs improvement when it comes to the low midrange frequencies of baritone vocals.
sE Electronics X1S Vocal Pack – Best in Harmonics
Key Features
- Type: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 20 to 20,000 Hz
- Impedance: 125 ohms
- Maximum SPL: 160dB SPL (with pads)
- Power Requirements:48V phantom power
One great thing about the sE Electronics X1S Vocal Pack is its shock mount and pop filter. The X1 S mic itself has a custom; handcrafted capsule made in-house by sE Electronics. The custom transformerless circuit allows up to 160dB Maximum SPL thanks to its -10 and -20dB pads.
The sE Electronics X1S Vocal Pack also has a switchable low-cut filter that offers two cutoffs at 80hz and 160hz. This makes the mic ideal for use with loud sound sources. Lastly, the mic is enclosed in a durable all-metal housing. So whether you are getting it as a first mic or your next mic, the X1 S Vocal Pack is a great all-rounder for your studio.
Pros
- Great in harmonics that strikes a balance between harmonic richness and transparency.
- Good price to performance ratio.
- Excellent quality build.
- Has a high maximum SPL that enables use for louder sound sources like aggressive vocals and instruments.
Cons
- The microphone is a bit heavy and needs a mic stand.
Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone – Best as a Broadcast Microphone
Key Features
- Type: Dynamic
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 50 to 20,000 Hz
- Impedance: 150 ohms
- Maximum SPL: 150++ dB
- Bass roll-off control
- Mid-range emphasis / Presence boost control
- Power Requirements: None
You can never go wrong with the Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone. It is a dynamic microphone that is designed for radio broadcasting. This means that you are ensured of the audio quality of the Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone. Do you want to know a fun fact? This microphone type was used by none other than Michael Jackson, who used it to record his very own hit song, “Thriller.”
Modern musicians and producers have found that the Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone sounds great on aggressive, screamed vocals and distorted electric guitar. The powerful feature of this microphone includes a deeper low-frequency response, an internal shock mount, and an enclosure tuned to accentuate the lower end.
Other notable features of the Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone include a hum-canceling coil, a different yoke mount, and even a new windscreen! With decades of legacy behind it, the SM7B lives up to its legend as a “do-all” microphone that performs excellently on voices and instruments.
Pros
- Does not need any additional processing to sound good in a mix as this microphone was initially intended as a broadcast microphone.
- Performs well with both clean vocals and screams
- Performs well with distorted electric guitar
Cons
- Requires an audio interface or preamp that can provide at least 60dB of gain.
Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Mic – Best for Loud Audio
Key Features
- Type: Dynamic
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 30Hz-17kHz
- Impedance: 200 ohms
- Maximum SPL: 150 dB+
- Power Requirements: None
If you are truly an audio expert, you would know that Sennheiser only produces the best types of audio equipment, tools, and gadgets. And the Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Mic is no exception.
The Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Mic is a successor of the MD 421 microphone but has a few significant upgrades. It has inherited a few of the most powerful features of the MD 421, such as being able to handle high SPL handling, enabling it to be used on percussion, loud guitar amplifiers, and other high volume sound sources like aggressive vocals.
While the Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Mic excels in loud sounds, it can also be incredibly nuanced thanks to its large diaphragm for a dynamic microphone. Other powerful features of this microphone include a five-position bass roll-off switch for versatile, low-frequency handling. So for anything loud, from singers to electric guitar to drums, the Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Mic is a great and versatile choice.
Pros
- A favorite of many sound engineers for distorted electric guitar and aggressive vocals. Easy to use and connect.
- A high SPL feature that can also be coupled with the neutral sound signature makes heavy guitars sit right in a mix.
- Bring out well-tuned toms and more dynamic playing styles of drums.
Cons
- Mic tends to fall off the standard mounting clip.
Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone with Variable-D – Best for Live Performances
Key Features
- Type: Dynamic
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: (-3dB) 45Hz-18kHz
- Impedance: 150 ohms
- Power Requirements: None
The Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone with Variable-D is a large-diaphragm dynamic mic that features “Variable-D” technology, which stops it from over-emphasizing the lows when used up-close. In other words, this feature counters the proximity effect, which results in great-sounding vocals even for newbies in the music industry!
Other powerful features of the Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone with Variable-D allow for clear vocal recordings, which propelled its popularity among professional voice-over and broadcast circles. In addition, its attenuation of the proximity effect enables singers to get up close with the mic for intimate sounding vocals without overloading the low frequencies.
The Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone with Variable-D also has good enough for rock-style vocals. There is also a bass tilt-down switch that further helps with bass attenuation, making the RE-20 viable for miking louder sources like guitar and bass amps and kick drums. For intimate sounding vocals, none perform better than the RE-20. The RE-20’s ability to capture close sound sources allows great-sounding takes.
Pros
- Great balance of reliability and sound quality
- Recommended for live performance and studio recording settings.
Cons
- More expensive as compared to other home studio microphones in the market.
- Lack of bass, but this is understandable as this microphone is designed to deal with the extra bass that regular mics capture.
Neumann TLM 102 Condenser Microphone – Best in Sonic Clarity
Key Features
- Type: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 20 to 20,000 Hz
- Impedance: 50 ohms
- Maximum SPL: 144 dB
- Power Requirements: 48V phantom power
The Neumann TLM 102 Condenser Microphone in Nickel gives you Neumann’s brand of quality build and sound at a more accessible price point, thanks to its relatively smaller profile and streamlined design.
The Neumann TLM 102 Condenser Microphone in Nickel boasts powerful features such as a large-diaphragm condenser capsule. This microphone also features a transformerless capacitor. This combination is more often seen on their more expensive offerings, but fortunately for you, you can see it at the Neumann TLM 102 Condenser Microphone in Nickel.
The Neumann TLM 102 Condenser Microphone in Nickel comes with a single Cardioid pattern with no extra features to make it wallet-friendly. This limits its versatility but makes it easier to work with since there are no settings to mess with. It is specifically designed for vocal recording with its slight emphasis on the mids.
Overall, the Neumann TLM 102 Condenser Microphone in Nickel balances excellent specifications with the great build quality is uncommon at this price point. It also makes a great mic to have as a first foray into higher-end tonalities.
Pros
- Solid build and sonic clarity
- Compact size.
Cons
- Streamlined design.
Factors to Consider When Looking for the Best Home Studio Microphone
When picking the right microphone for your situation, you should keep a few key features in mind:
Pick-up Pattern Variation
Many home studio microphones have selectable pickup patterns, which could be important to you depending on your room and intended use. The pickup pattern is essentially the sound field in which the microphone will ‘pick up’ sound. An omnidirectional microphone capsule will capture sound (somewhat) evenly in the front and the back of the microphone. This can be great if you plan to use the microphone to record a small group of singers, percussionists or if you have a great room and want to capture its natural characteristics and the direct sound you are recording.
Proximity Effect Sensitivity
If you are doing any professional voice-over, podcasting, or working with singers who tend to ‘drift’ away from the mic, you will want to consider the microphone’s proximity effect sensitivity. Microphones are specifically designed to give a consistent result, whether the source is 3 inches away or 15 inches away. So choose a home microphone where you can be right up ‘on the mic’ or several inches away and not have to worry about a severe increase in bass response.
Noise Floor
One of the drawbacks to going the budget route when purchasing a home studio microphone is the noise floor. The term ‘noise floor’ refers to a device’s level of ‘self-noise. In other words, when you turn the mic up but do not make any sound, you will hear a bit of noise in the background. This is a tricky concept because much of the overall noise floor will be determined by the electricity/grounding in your studio, your choice of the preamp, your choice of audio device, and even the cables you choose. However, the microphone can contribute to your noise floor, and if you skimp on this, it can contribute a lot.
Common Use Cases for Home Studio Mics
While many people use their home studio for recording music, there are other common use cases that you may want to consider. Picking a mic with more flexible features can help you adapt to different common use cases. You can use a microphone to record songs, create a podcast, or create audio for YouTube or other videos.
Recording Music
Choosing a microphone for your home recording needs primarily depends on the instrument accompaniment you also plan to record. Make sure to check out the detailed product notes to learn about the different microphone types and which one will best suit your needs.
Conference calls
Do you love using Skype? Want to make that experience a whole lot better? If you use Skype and other social connectivity platforms, then you better invest in a good microphone. Using a studio recording microphone is critical in enhancing your video conversations. It is excellent for using speaking software technology too!
Podcast Recording
If you record podcasts or video tutorials, then this will greatly improve the quality of your recording.
Gaming
Do you love playing (and streaming!) online games? Then a good studio recording microphone is a must and can greatly improve your gaming experience.
Our Bottom Line Picks for Home Studio Mics
- Best Low Budget Home Studio Microphone: Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
- Best in Build Quality: Stellar X2 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser XLR Microphone
- Best in Harmonics: sE Electronics X1S Vocal Pack
- Best as a Broadcast Mic: Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
- Best for Loud Audio: Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Mic
- Best for Live Performances: Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone with Variable-D
- Best in Sonic Clarity: Neumann TLM 102 Condenser Microphone
- Best Low Budget Home Studio Microphone: Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
- Best in Build Quality: Stellar X2 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser XLR Microphone
- Best in Harmonics: sE Electronics X1S Vocal Pack
- Best as a Broadcast Mic: Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
- Best for Loud Audio: Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Mic
- Best for Live Performances: Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone with Variable-D
- Best in Sonic Clarity: Neumann TLM 102 Condenser Microphone
Other Essential Home Studio Equipment
- A Computer
When starting a studio from scratch, the computer is the biggest expenditure by far. But these days, virtually everyone already has a computer of some sort. And almost all computers are fast enough to get at least you started. To save on cost as a newbie in the music industry, audio experts recommend using whatever computer you have. You better invest your extra money in other audio equipment.
- A DAW/Audio Interface Combo
The DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) is the software used to record, edit, and mix music on your computer. The audio interface is the hardware used to connect your computer with the rest of your gear. These two items can either be bought separately or as a combination. If you are still coming out as a fresh and new artist in the music industry, it is better to invest in a variety of both because it is more cost-efficient to buy the unit as a whole as compared to buying them separately. It also offers you guaranteed compatibility and tech support.
- Headphones
When you are just starting, most of your time is spent recording by yourself, which is why in the beginning, all you need is one pair of headphones. However, for studio purposes, there are two specific designs considered standard:
- Closed-back headphones for tracking and offers optimal isolation at the expense of lesser sound quality
- Open-back headphones for mixing and offers optimal sound quality at the expense of lesser isolation
Music industry experts encourage newbies in the industry to suggest that you have closed-back headphones for your music recording needs. Aside from the closed-back headphones, you will also need an extension cable to have a smoother experience while recording.
- Studio Monitors
Even though many home studios now do most of their mixing on open-back headphones, studio monitors are still needed in every home studio. Traditionally, mixing has always been done on speakers or what music industry experts refer to as pro audio studio monitors or nearfield monitors.
Compared to consumer speakers, which are designed with various tonal enhancements, studio monitors have a flatter frequency response, which provides a more neutral, uncolored sound to judge your mix objectively. While they can get pricey, there are still plenty of affordable options for beginners as well. Consider this as an investment in your music career.
- XLR Cables
One day, your studio will have tons of different cables. But, for now, as you are starting your music career, you only need three XLR cables. These are the following:
- One long XLR cable for your mic
- Two short XLR cables for your monitors
- A Mic Stand
While many beginners assume that all mic stands are the same, the truth is, a solid mic stand is one of the most worthwhile investments a new home studio can make. However, since mic stands can get pricey, and most beginners are on tight budgets, you can make do with a cheap reliable stand that is more than adequate when you are first starting. Then, you can upgrade later when you have reaped the benefits of your hard work.
- Pop Filters
A pop filter is used to filter out an unpleasant vocal artifact known as “popping,” which is a low-frequency blast of air caused by the pronunciation of “P” and “B” sounds. While pop filters are not an absolute must-have in your home recording studio, they are pretty cost-efficient and improves your voice quality significantly.
- Ear Training Software
Again, ear training software is not an absolute must-have for newbies in the music industry. But you would need this to accurately let you hear the outcome of your recording to improve on your vocals.
- Microphones
As your studio matures over time, you will eventually amass a collection of dozens of different microphones, each for various purposes. For now, all you need is one or two microphones to get started. The ones you will choose will depend on the instruments you plan to record. Still not convinced? Here are more reasons why you should invest in a home microphone for your studio office today, even if you will not be using this to record music 100% of the time.
