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Are you into live performing or podcasting? Would you like to start your own home recording studio?
Then, purchasing a condenser mic is a great point to start.
In fact, if you want to make a career out of music or even if you do it as a passion having the best condenser microphone is essential for anyone interested in recording great sound.
Every professional studio has them.
But whether you are a sound pro or you have just become a singer, podcaster, voiceover artist, or influencer getting the most detailed a high-quality audio recording should be a must and a condenser microphone is key for that.
When it comes to getting the best condenser microphone on the market you should take into account the purpose you’d be giving to it, how big of a diaphragm you want and your budget.
In this post you’ll find your perfect match depending on your budget and recording purpose:
Best small diaphragm condenser microphones
-Top pick (Neumann km184)
-Best value (AKG C391 B)
– Best budget (RØDE NT5 Compact 1/2″)
Best big diaphragm condenser microphones
– Top pick (Neumann TLM 170 R)
-Best value (Neumann TLM 102)
-Best under $500 (Rode NT2-A)
– Best mid-range budget (AKG C214)
-Best affordable (RØDE NT1)
– Best USB (Audio-Technica AT2020 USB)
-Best under $200 (Blue Yeti)
Not sure which condenser microphone would suit you best?
Let’s go through the basics.
What is a condenser microphone?
A condenser microphone works in a slightly different way than a dynamic microphone.
Their internal mechanism doesn’t host a coil but a diaphragm instead.
When sound hits its diaphragm it vibrates and that movement creates a voltage.
Here’s a video explaining how this happens:
In order to make up for the weaker voltage it produces, a condenser microphone requires an external source of power (batteries), or the so-called “phantom power”, which I’ll explain at the bottom of this article.
What are condenser microphones good for?
Condenser microphones are the perfect choice for a recording studio.
In fact, every professional studio will have at least one of these.
They are great with high-frequency instruments like acoustic guitar, piano, or for recording vocals.
Their high-quality capacities also make them more expensive and very sensitive to extreme/high sounds.
This means condenser microphones have low survival chances if dropped to the ground and can be damaged if exposed to extremely high sound levels and humidity.
What is the difference between a large and small diaphragm microphone?
As mentioned in my article “The different types of mics and their uses”
Small diaphragm condenser mics
SDC mics work great with high-frequency instruments such as the cymbals, acoustic guitar, or drum overheads.
They are ideal if you want a mic that provides you with a brighter sound and that can keep up with fast transients.
They also have a very smooth off-axis sound and are perfect for home recording studios.
If you are a singer/ songwriter and you also play an instrument alongside, a pair of small-diaphragm condensers are all you need.
Large-diaphragm condenser mics
Their big diaphragm helps provide a very natural and true to life, warming, and smoothing out sound.
Large-diaphragm mics are not as good at picking up fast transients since they focus more on the naturalistic side of a sound.
For instance, if you’re playing the guitar and have fast transients you might want to locate a small diaphragm microphone above your strings and have an LDC mic next to your guitar’s body so that it captures the core sound of your piece without losing its brightness.
These are also the microphones you see in movies and professional recording studios.
Not only because they like the way they look but because they are the standard mics for recording vocals.
If you are about to buy your first mic for your new studio this should be the one to consider.
Not only because of its great recording vocals but because it also works for most instruments.
Best small diaphragm condenser microphones
-Top pick (Neumann km184)
A matched pair of mics can be extremely useful to have around if you’re in a band with a few different guitar cabs, using overheads for mic drums, podcasting with a friend, or trying to capture the same quality from your voice and your instrument.
For lots of uses, the Neumann KM 184 package is a great pair of microphones. They’re lightweight, compact, and deliver a high SPL that can catch a wide range of sources, such as that trumpet solo you’ve been flirting with, including usually “loud” instruments.
Users usually love this pencil mic’s sound since they describe it as “clear and precise”.
The Neumann KM 184 is well packed in a classy wooden box and they are a great pair of small-diaphragm condensers that will serve every one of your purposes.
Microphone features:
The successor of the worldwide successful KM 83/84
Transformerless circuitry
Stereo pair of KM 184
Matte Black
Require a power source between 44 and 52V
-Best value (AKG C391 B)
The AKG engineers in Vienna Austria handcrafted each of these AKG C391 B High-Performance Condenser Microphones, ensuring that you get a quality, reliable mic straight out of the box.
The reason why this mic is our best value small-diaphragm condenser microphone is due to the specific cardioid polar pattern, its awesome attenuation pad, and the switchable bass-cut philter to suppress rumble from recordings of lower frequency.
This is one of the best small diaphragm mics if you’re looking for superb sound quality and reliability for an affordable price.
The AKG C391 B can also swap out any capsule within the Blue Line series, a great broadcasting choice, should your recordings call for it.
Microphone features:
Precise cardioid polar pattern
Switchable attenuation pad enabling high-SPLT applications up to 144dB
Switchable bass-cut filter to eliminate rumble or footfall noise
Universal phantom powering from 9V to 52V
– Best budget (RØDE NT5 Compact 1/2″)
Needless to say, RØDE is one of the most trustworthy, high-quality microphone brands out there, so it’s a no-brainer when it comes to one of their products.
Although it is a great choice for live recording due to its maximum frequency response range, this also makes it a fine choice for a studio recording to do comprehensive audio work.
At budget-friendly rates, the RØDE NT5 will provide an accurate depiction of how your instrument should sound with each take, capable of recording acoustic instruments, drum overheads, noisy cymbals, and perfectly capturing live performances.
Definitely, the best you can get for that price!
Microphone features:
Rode NT5 Matched Pair Condenser Microphones
Ideal for recording acoustic instruments and drums
½” condenser capsule
Come supplied in a custom carry case with windshields and mounts.
An interchangeable omnidirectional capsule (NT45-O) is available.
Frequency Response of 20Hz to 20kHz
Maximum sound pressure level of 143db
Best large-diaphragm condenser microphones
– Top pick (Neumann TLM 170 R)
When it comes to condenser microphones, The Neumann TLM 170, is just what you need in your home setup and just what you want to hear.
There are so many microphones to choose from after all, but this is one that any engineer should record in.
Both a great choice for either a major studio or a home studio, this is a multipattern condenser microphone that comprises 5 different polar pattern settings in one large-diaphragm mic.
This means with just 1 mic you can switch in between a cardioid, hyper-cardioid, wide-angle cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 polar pattern.
It is definitely a unique model if you are willing to pay for exquisite quality.
Take into account that this is a studio mic and that it will not suit live performances.
Microphone features:
5 directional patterns plus remote control option
Very low self-noise and distortion
The enormous dynamic range of 130dB
Extremely versatile
-Best value (Neumann TLM 102)
This may be the least costly mic of this kind from Neumann, but there is nothing about the sound that says “less quality”’.
Most people would use it as a vocal mic, but it came as a nice surprise that you can also get excellent results using it on a guitar amp.
It has an exceptionally high SPL of 144dB, a dynamic range of 132dB.
Although it doesn’t come with a shock mount you can get one separately for less than $200. I would recommend getting the Neuman EA 4.
This microphone makes our best value large-diaphragm condenser microphone list because it records excellent vocals and also seems to manage almost every sound as well.
It is also one of the rare high quality and affordable mics made by Neumann.
Microphone features:
-Plug and play handling
-Distortion-free sound even highest sound pressure levels
-Slight treble boost for brilliant sound
-Best under $500 (Rode NT2-A)
If you want a versatile multi-pattern condenser microphone kit for less than $500 look no further.
RØDE is a well high-end microphone brand that offers great quality products for an affordable price.
This mic comes with a shock mount, pop filter, pouch, XLR cable, and the mic itself.
The NT2A manages a spectacular 147dB maximum SPL without its pads switched in and has its input noise is just 7dBA.
Overall a perfect choice for its nicely engineered design and nice classy sound.
Microphone features:
Large 1” HF1 gold sputtered capsule
On-body control of polar pattern, HPF, and PAD
Three-position variable polar pattern – Omni, Cardioid or Figure 8
Three-position variable High-Pass Filter – Flat, 40Hz or 80Hz
Three-position PAD – 0dB, -5dB or -10dB
Ultra-low noise
Internal capsule shock mounting
Includes RØDE SM6 shock mount, pop filter, and dust cover
Designed and manufactured in Australia
– Best mid-range budget (AKG C214)
The AKG C214 has some impressive features for a mid-range price.
It features an integrated capsule which enhances sounds accuracy.
It also comes with a case, a spider mount, and a windscreen.
The sound it records is similar to the C414, however, the C214 is easy to use, it has a maximum SPL capability with minimum noise and it works better for electric guitars.
If you want to get a highly detailed upfront sound and are on a budget the AKG C214 should be your choice.
Microphone features:
Polar PatternCardioid
Audio frequency bandwidth20 – 20000 Hz
Equivalent noise level13 dB-A
Sensitivity20 mV/Pa
Signal to Noise81 dB-A
Preattenuation Pad-20 dB
Bass cut filter160 Hz
Electrical impedance200 Ohms
Recommended load impedance1000 Ohms
The Rode NT1 will provide you with classy tonality recordings and very low background noise for less than $300.
Rode’s NT1 looks very similar to the NT1-a which is its predecessor, however, Rode redesigned this microphone to the bone.
It has a new HF6 capsule which ensures an extremely low noise (down to 4.5dBA) and minimizes external vibrations.
You can get the microphone by itself, however, I would recommend getting its kit since it includes a dual-layer stainless windscreen, a shock mount, and a custom Rycote Lyre suspension system.
Microphone features:
Large-diaphragm 1” gold-sputtered capsule
Cardioid polar pattern
Internal capsule shock mounting system
Ultra-low noise, self-noise of only 4.5dB (A)
State-of-the-art surface-mount electronics
– Best USB (Audio-Technica AT2020 USB)
If you want a very inexpensive USB microphone with great features the Audio-Technica AT2020 could be the one you are looking for.
Although the noise level is slightly higher than the average this condenser microphone has a 144dB SPL and it’s solidly built.
This condenser mic can deliver high-quality professional results and it’s a great option to start singing, streaming, or even podcasting.
Microphone features:
Frequency Response
20 – 20,000 Hz
Open Circuit Sensitivity
-37 dB (14.1 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
Maximum Input Sound Level
144 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
Dynamic Range
124 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
74 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
Phantom Power Requirements
48V DC, 2 mA typical
-Best under $200 (Blue Yeti)
The Blue Yeti is a pretty popular condenser mic due to multipattern USB design and its excellent price.
As mentioned it is a very versatile mic that gives you the opportunity to choose from different polar patterns.
It also comes with a headphone jack that will let you control the mic’s main options: gain, volume, and even the polar pattern.
Do you want a condenser mic that you just plug in and play without spending more than $200?
Then the Blue Yeti would definitely be great for you.
Microphone features:
Power Required/Consumption: 5V 150mA
Sample Rate: 48 kHz
Bit Rate: 16-bit
Capsules: 3 Blue-proprietary 14mm condenser capsules
Polar Patterns: Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, Stereo
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Max SPL: 120dB (THD: 0.5% 1kHz)
Dimensions (extended in stand): 4.72″ (12cm) x 4.92″(12.5cm) x 11.61″(29.5cm)
Weight (microphone): 1.2 lbs (.55 kg)
Weight (stand): 2.2 lbs (1 kg)
Does a condenser microphone need phantom power?
Phantom power refers to the need for an external power source in order to make the microphone work.
Ultimately phantom power is the amount of power or voltage needed in order to make a condenser diaphragm move.
It can either come from a pre-amp(converts weak signals into recordable and high enough electric signals for further processing) or your audio interface.
For most mics, they should have a phantom power button on them, commonly denoted as “+48V”. Make sure that this button is always selected.
Other mics require only a battery for the functioning or a computer power source like USB mics.
Microphones by purpose
Vocals
“Best microphone for recording vocals”
Instruments
Acoustic guitar
“Best microphones for recording acoustic guitar”
Drums
“The best microphones for recording drums at home”
Bass
“Best mics for recording Bass Guitar and Kickdrums”
Electric guitar
“Best microphones for recording electric guitar”
Piano
“Best microphones for piano recording 2020”
Violin
“Best microphones for violin recording”
Filmmaking
“Best boom poles for indie filmmakers”
Voice over
“Best voice over microphones”
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