Condenser Studio Microphone
May 26th, 2010Overview Pictures of Microphones – Do You Make These Mistakes?
The microphone is never absent in any recording, and in any performance. You may think that it is just a tiny detail and will not affect the music – wrong! In fact, in some cases, microphones can make or break the performance of the song and that is why there is a great need to choose the right microphone to ensure your road to success.
There are two types of mic and each will have their own strengths and weaknesses. The choice between these two is usually dictated by where you will be using it and the purpose of the recording or performance. These two mics are called condenser microphones and dynamic microphones.
Dynamic Microphones
Most probably, the microphones you are familiar with will be the dynamic microphone. This is because dynamic microphones are built for rough conditions which make it a natural choice for outdoor performances such as concerts. Some legendary dynamic microphones are the Shure SM57 and Shure SM58 which will be used by any decent rock clubs. But over the years of abuse their appearance may not be as mint as when they first came out of the case.
Dynamic microphones do not require their own power supply, and their sound may not be as accurate. This is the case when the singer seems to have a bad cold and the words cannot be herd properly. This is because dynamic microphones have a limited frequency response.
Condenser Microphones
Now let’s go to the condenser microphone which can be said as the more “behaved” type of microphone. Condenser microphones require the use of power supply and will almost always be what’s found in recording studios, owing to the fact that condenser microphones have larger output. Although as a consequence of the louder output, condenser microphones pick up sounds other than the singer’s vocals, editing the track will easily correct this. Condenser microphones are also generally higher-priced than the dynamic microphones.
Condenser microphones are also ideal for recording acoustic guitar and concert taping.
There are a lot of available condenser and dynamic microphones and prices will range from less than a hundred to about seven hundred dollars. Before worrying about the price, make sure to know which particular microphone is best for your purposes and you can easily do this through the internet. There is a lot of information on the net which might help you decide on choosing the proper mic for your specific need. Couple this with the budget you have in mind and you be able to find something that fit your need perfectly.
About the Author
Ed Byrd – Home Recording Center
Music Production tips and tricks / Home Music Production
Sony C-38B Condenser Studio Microphone
Audio Technica AT2020 Large-Diaphragm Microphone with Pop Filter and Cable $109.00
This specially priced package has been designed by recording engineers based on what they find the most useful items for recording. With these added items you are ready to record right out of the box. (1) Pop guard to eliminate “pops” from the vocalists breath. (1) Cable, plug right in….
Click here to learn more about Audio Technica AT2020 Large-Diaphragm Microphone with Pop Filter and Cable
Blue Microphones The Pop Universal Pop Filter $26.62
The Blue The Pop Universal Pop Filter is a universal windscreen for use with any microphone. Simply clamp it to the mic stand and position where desired. The sturdy wire mesh and frame ensure years of durability. So be sure to pick one up today!…
Click here to learn more about Blue Microphones The Pop Universal Pop Filter
Shure SM57-LC Cardioid Dynamic Microphone $146.00
A fixture in the music business, the Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone can bee seen everywhere you look. From small clubs to 100,000 seat stadiums the Shure SM57 is renowned by everyone from legendary performers to the latest up-and-comers. What you may not have seen are the thousands of Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphones at work behind the scenes in professional recording studios ar…
Click here to learn more about Shure SM57-LC Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
M-Audio Delta 1010-LT PCI Digital Audio System (PC & Mac) $197.50
M-Audio Delta 1010LT Sound Card US41077 Sound Cards…
Click here to learn more about M-Audio Delta 1010-LT PCI Digital Audio System (PC & Mac)
Alesis ProTrack Handheld Stereo Recorder for iPod $159.00
Capture live sound directly on your Apple iPod anywhere and anytime without a single cable with the Alesis ProTrack. Just dock your iPod and cover it with the protective clear shield, and you’re ready to roll. You can record detailed, 16-bit, 44.1kHz or 22kHz stereo digital audio without connecting any additional equipment using ProTrack’s onboard pair of cardioid condenser microphones. The on-boa…
Click here to learn more about Alesis ProTrack Handheld Stereo Recorder for iPod
Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone $69.64
Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Click here to learn more about Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Blue Microphones Yeti USB Condenser Plug and Play Microphone with Accessory Kit $145.49
As the world’s first THX-Certified microphone, the Yeti uses Blue Microphone’s proprietary tri-capsule technology to produce pristine, studio-quality recordings. This microphone allows you to send recordings directly to your computer.
Click here to learn more about Blue Microphones Yeti USB Condenser Plug and Play Microphone with Accessory Kit
Studio Projects LSM XLR and USB Condenser Microphone $179.95
The Studio Projects LSM is a large diaphragm condenser microphone in a very small format which features both USB and analog outputs. Designed as an entry-level condenser microphone, in that it can be plugged directly into a computer, bypassing the need for a preamp.
Click here to learn more about Studio Projects LSM XLR and USB Condenser Microphone
Behringer C-3 Studio Condenser Microphone $54.99
The Behringer C-3 is a home recording enthusiast’s dream come true. This professional-quality condenser microphone is designed to capture your sounds with incredible realism, sensitivity and accuracy.
Click here to learn more about Behringer C-3 Studio Condenser Microphone
Audix SCX25A Studio Condenser Microphone $695
The SCX25A is a professional studio condenser microphone with an elegant design and a patented capsule suspension system. Uniquely shockmounted within an intricate machined brass ring, the SCX25A capsule is completely isolated from the mic body and electronics. By successfully minimizing acoustic reflections and diffractions, the SCX25A delivers a pure, open-air sound with exceptional detail and realism.
Click here to learn more about Audix SCX25A Studio Condenser Microphone
Audix ADX51 Studio Condenser Microphone $229
The ADX51 is a pre-polarized condenser microphone designed to handle a wide variety of live studio and broadcast applications. Characterized with a cardioid pickup pattern and a smooth uniform response over a frequency range of 40-18k Hz, the ADX51 is precision machined from solid brass with a low reflective black e-coat finish.
Click here to learn more about Audix ADX51 Studio Condenser Microphone
BLUE Spark Studio Condenser Microphone $199
Blue’s newly designed professional mic, Spark, is a cardioid, solid-state condenser microphone designed to help you achieve professional quality recordings in any creative environment. Spark features a custom-designed condenser capsule with Class-A discrete electronics resulting in superbly detailed and uncolored output, making it the ideal microphone for recording vocals, drums, guitars, pianos, brass, woodwinds, and just about anything else you can light a fire under.
Click here to learn more about BLUE Spark Studio Condenser Microphone
Audio Technica Pro 37 Condenser Microphone $129
Small-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone for studio recording and live performance.
Click here to learn more about Audio Technica Pro 37 Condenser Microphone
Studio Projects C1 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone $249.95
The Studio Projects C1 is a large diaphragm, fixed-cardioid condenser microphone employing a 1.06 in. (27mm) capsule, high quality, low noise amplifier and balanced, transformerless output circuitry.
Click here to learn more about Studio Projects C1 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Shure KSM32 Studio Condenser Microphone (Champagne) $549
The Shure KSM32 is a side-address, cardioid condenser microphone for highly critical studio recording and live sound productions. It offers an extended frequency response for an open, natural sounding reproduction of the original sound source.
Click here to learn more about Shure KSM32 Studio Condenser Microphone (Champagne)
Studio Projects B1 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone $119.95
The Studio Projects B1 condenser microphone is a large diaphragm cardioid microphone in a pressure-gradient transducer employing high quality transformerless design and extremely low noise. It will enhance any professional or project studio application at an unbelievable low price. As a result of uncompromising dedication and today’s advanced production abilities, Studio Projects has broken the barrier of quality vs price for today’s recording studio environment.
Click here to learn more about Studio Projects B1 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Rode M3 Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone $149
The M3 is an extremely versatile microphone that is at home in the studio, on location, or wherever a low-noise wide-response cardioid condenser microphone is demanded.
Click here to learn more about Rode M3 Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
SE Electronics SE1A Cardioid Condenser Studio Microphone $199
Building on the incredibly popular SE1, the SE1A fixed cardioid capsule condenser microphone has been upgraded with higher output and quieter electronics. Housed in a very sexy new body, this end-fire small diaphragm true condenser microphone really is an amazing value. Great for percussion or any acoustic instrument, the SE1A is a must for any project studio.
Click here to learn more about SE Electronics SE1A Cardioid Condenser Studio Microphone
AKG Perception 220 Studio Condenser Microphone $179
The AKG Perception 220 Studio Condenser Microphone is a recent addition to the Perception line of quality microphones. If you have never had the chance to experience these mics, here’s your chance. Perfect for countless applications, the Perception line is the secret weapon of thousands of studios worldwide.
Click here to learn more about AKG Perception 220 Studio Condenser Microphone
Audio Technica AT4050 Studio Condenser Microphone $699
The AT4050 is a transformerless, multiple-pattern studio microphone designed for use in the most demanding applications. It utilizes dual gold-plated, aged, “large-diaphragm” condenser elements for extended frequency response. The microphone polar pattern can be switched for cardioid, omnidirectional or figure-of-eight operation. This, coupled with low-noise transformerless electronics, makes this microphone ideal for the most critical digital recordings.
Click here to learn more about Audio Technica AT4050 Studio Condenser Microphone
Behringer C-1 Studio Condenser Microphone $43.99
The C-1 is an affordable, high-quality way to put this essential studio tool to work for you. Thanks to its cardioid (heart-shaped) pattern, the C-1 microphone picks up your source signal while rejecting off-axis sounds that can ruin an otherwise perfect recording. With its excellent transducer and gold-plated XLR output, the C-1 is very neutral sounding and truly delivers on the promise of noise-free transmission.
Click here to learn more about Behringer C-1 Studio Condenser Microphone
Shure KSM137 Condenser Microphone $665
The Shure KSM137 is an end-address condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern. Designed for studio use, yet rugged enough for live applications, the KSM137 can withstand extremely high sound pressure levels (SPL). Its low self-noise and extended frequency response make it ideal for recording musical instruments.
Click here to learn more about Shure KSM137 Condenser Microphone
Behringer B-2 Pro Studio Condenser Microphone with Shockmount $142.99
The B-2 Pro is a high-performance dual-diaphragm studio condenser microphone. Vocalists and recording studio owners will be amazed by its uncompromising audio performance and features such as the additional low cut filter. The B-2 Pro provides a slightly pronounced 12 kHz range, producing the kind of ‘presence’ that often eliminates the need for high-frequency EQing that would raise the overall noise floor.
Click here to learn more about Behringer B-2 Pro Studio Condenser Microphone with Shockmount
Samson C01 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone $79.95
Great for recording vocals, acoustic instruments and for use as overhead drum mics, the new Samson C01 large diaphragm condenser microphone is accurate, detailed, smooth with warm bass and extended top end. This sturdy microphone has a large 19mm diaphragm that produces a smooth flat frequency response.
Click here to learn more about Samson C01 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone
CAD U37 Studio Condenser USB Microphone $46.95
The CAD U37 USB Condenser Microphone combines a high-quality large diaphragm condenser with USB connectivity. The U37 USB provides a smooth, extended frequency response that is excellent for singing, speech and instruments. A bass roll off switch and a 10 dB pad make this one of the most versatile USB microphones we carry. The U37 also features a cardioid pick-up pattern that helps to minimize background noise and isolate the main sound source. Includes a desktop microphone stand for easy placement.
Click here to learn more about CAD U37 Studio Condenser USB Microphone
Rode NT2A Variable Pattern Studio Condenser Microphone $399
The new NT2-A is a professional large capsule (1 in.)condenser studio microphone with variable pick-up pattern, variable high pass filter and variable pad. These features provide greater creative control and versatility. Three 3-position switches located on the mic body provide the freedom to step from Figure 8, Cardioid or Omni polar pick-up patterns; from a flat response to either 80 Hz or 40 Hz high-pass filter and a Pad adjustment of 0 dB, -5 dB or -10 dB attenuation.
Click here to learn more about Rode NT2A Variable Pattern Studio Condenser Microphone
AKG Perception 420 Studio Condenser Microphone $249
The AKG Perception 420 Studio Condenser Microphone features legendary AKG sound quality and a dual-element design that accommodates cardioid, omni, and figure-8 patterns. The Perception 420 includes a shock mount and a metal case, and is equipped with a -20dB pad switch and a bass cut filter switch that allows easy removal of wind noise and other unwanted low frequencies.
Click here to learn more about AKG Perception 420 Studio Condenser Microphone
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