What’s the best microphone for studio recording? We’ve heard everything from; Neumann U47, Telefunken 251, SM57! Coles 4038, U87, AKG C12! Unfortunately the question of what is the best microphone is a subjective question with no defined answer, but there’s hope, as usual the developers of Build The Studio are here to assist in answering questions like this. The first step to finding the best microphone can be started with some basic microphone knowledge of some of the best microphone designs currently available. Each microphone type has a unique electrical, mechanical, and acoustical design that affects the way it sounds. We encourage you to research each microphone manufacturer for details on how each of the microphones could be the best microphone for you. Keep in mind the best microphone for vocals may vary drastically from the best microphone for a guitar or drums. As a start to assisting in your best microphone search we’ve included some of the most popular “best” microphones for each microphone type.
Dynamic Microphone
These are a mechanical transducer design, consisting of a diaphragm, voice coil, and magnet, basically a speaker in reverse. Great for coloring a vocal track or guitar and perform especially well with highly percussive instruments such as drums.
Ribbon Microphone
Ribbon microphones are designed with an aluminum or nanofilm element positioned between two magnets. These microphones are fragile and give a uniquely recognizable sound. Ribbon microphones are known to perform well on electric guitars and acoustic instruments.
Condenser Microphone
Condenser microphones are literally a capacitor, they have to extremely thin plates (diaphragms) that are traditionally gold sputtered mylar positioned close together creating an electrical current that gets and powered by phantom power (+48v DC) and amplified by the microphones electronic circuitry. These microphones can be extremely sensitive and are typically considered the best microphone for accuracy and sound quality, especially on a vocal.
Home Studio Microphone
We’ve collected a group of the best 5 home studio microphones under $300. These are all purpose microphones that can be used to record both vocals and instruments. Great for home or small studios.