Microphone Finder - Which microphone do I need?

Your result

Zoom H1essential

$99.99

Very compact for discreet recordings
32-bit float protects against clipping
USB C as an interface on laptops or cell phones
Easy operation for spontaneous rehearsals
Built-in X Y microphone may pick up a lot of ambient noise
No XLR inputs for external microphones

Røde Interview Pro

$248.90

Internal recording with 32-bit float
Construction: Dynamic
Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
USB-C connection
Gain assist
Internal battery
40 hours recording

Your result

Hollyland Lark A1

$39.90

USB C, Lightning, or combo
cheaper version available without charging case
noise cancelling
no 3.5 mm input or output for camera
no internal recording
no timecode support

DJI Mic Mini

$79.00

USB-C
Lightning adapter costs extra
connect the transmitter to a smartphone via Bluetooth
cheaper version: one transmitter one receiver
noise cancelling
3.5 mm output for camera
no internal recording
no timecode support

Bestseller

Røde Wireless Mirco

$82.00

USB C or Lightning
connect the transmitter to a smartphone via Bluetooth
Camera Adapter available to upgrade
clear sound for a clip on
no noise cancelling
no internal recording
no timecode support

Your result

Røde VideoMic Go II

$97.00

3.5 mm connection
USB use possible, works with smartphones
good mount and solid directivity
good audio quality for the size
fine settings mostly via the app
no dedicated gain knob on the mic

Zoom M3 MicTrak

$199.99

3.5 mm connection
USB connection as an alternative
stereo recording M/S with adjustable sides
internal 32 bit float recording makes clipping almost impossible
larger with the weight toward the front
uses microSD and needs a little learning to operate

Røde VideoMic NTG

$239.40

3.5 mm and USB C in one device
variable gain dial and auto sensing output
high pass filter pad and safety track
very good audio quality with low self noise
more features than many competitors
priced at the upper end of this class

Your result

LyxPro CMG-50

Entry-Level

$46.42

true XLR shotgun at a very low price
lightweight and easy to boom
focused mids for basic dialog and stage spots
includes simple shock mount and foam
higher self noise and shorter effective reach
more handling and wind sensitivity than branded options

Røde NTG2

Mid-Range

$269.00

runs on battery or phantom power
solid directivity for sections and solos
balanced tone that shapes well in the mix
rugged housing, road ready
higher self noise than studio class
wind protection and shock isolation are a must

Sennheiser MKH 416

Studio

$835.00

very low self noise with strong reach
tight pattern with good off axis control
assertive tone that needs little EQ
ideal for precise spots in loud halls
significantly more expensive
requires quality wind and shock mount accessories

Your result

LyxPro CMG-50

Entry-Level

$46.42

true XLR shotgun at a very low price
lightweight and easy to boom
focused mids for basic dialog and stage spots
includes simple shock mount and foam
higher self noise and shorter effective reach
more handling and wind sensitivity than branded options

Røde NTG2

Mid-Range

$269.00

runs on battery or phantom power
solid directivity for sections and solos
balanced tone that shapes well in the mix
rugged housing, road ready
higher self noise than studio class
wind protection and shock isolation are a must

Sennheiser MKH 416

Studio

$835.00

very low self noise with strong reach
tight pattern with good off axis control
assertive tone that needs little EQ
ideal for precise spots in loud halls
significantly more expensive
requires quality wind and shock mount accessories

… too expensive? Check out the 3.5mm category to find more affordable alternatives.

Your result

DJI Mic Mini

$79.00

3.5 mm output for camera
USB-C
connect transmitter to a smartphone via Bluetooth
cheaper one transmitter one receiver variant
noise cancelling
no internal recording
no timecode support
Lightning adapter costs extra

Bestseller

Røde Wireless Mirco Camera

$149.00

3.5 mm output for camera
USB-C
connect transmitter to a smartphone via Bluetooth
camera adapter with display
no noise cancelling
no internal recording
no timecode support
no Lightning version

Your result

Maono DGM20 USB

$48.99

USB-A and XLR
boom arm included
very affordable
strong price to performance
RGB lighting (in USB mode only)
entry level model
“chinaware” with limited warranty or support

Fifine AM8

$57.99

USB-A and XLR
boom arm included
very affordable
strong price to performance
RGB lighting (in USB mode only)
entry level model
“chinaware” with limited warranty or support

Bestseller

Your result

Fifine AM8

$57.99

USB A and XLR
boom arm included
very affordable
strong price to performance
RGB lighting in USB mode only
entry level model
“chinaware” with limited warranty or support

Bestseller

Tonor TD510+

$49.99

USB C and XLR
boom arm included
RGB variant available
very affordable
strong price to performance
entry level model
“chinaware” with limited warranty or support

Your result

Beyerdnamic M70 Pro X

$59.99

clear articulation with natural top end
integrated pop protection for plosives
shock mount included, low handling noise
solid build with low self noise
needs a fair amount of gain
prominent mids can highlight nasality

RØDE PodMic

$96.00

punchy radio style presence
rugged body with internal pop and shock control
tight cardioid with little room pickup
consistent results at close range
needs plenty of interface gain
top end can get sharp on very bright voices

Bestseller

Elgato Wave DX

$99.99

warm mids with controlled sibilance
friendly proximity effect that is easy to manage
good off axis rejection in untreated rooms
integrated pop mesh
wants a clean preamp with healthy gain
no built in shock mounting

Your result

Rode Procaster

$239.00

strong mids for a present voice
tight cardioid with good room rejection
integrated pop screen reduces plosives
rugged body and very high SPL handling
needs a lot of preamp gain
no integrated shock mount

Shure MV7X

---

clear presence with good cut
solid off axis rejection in untreated rooms
compact form factor for boom arms
consistent results at close range
XLR only sibling of the MV7 which adds USB
requires noticeable interface gain and can sound bright on some voices

Shure SM7B

$399.00

very smooth tone with gentle sibilance
excellent rejection of room and hum
switches for presence boost and low cut
handles high levels without distortion
no preamp necessary as SM7dB
extremely gain hungry, inline preamp often helpful
heavy and large, sturdy mounting required

Bestseller

Neumann U87 AI

$3,750.00

high detail resolution and natural timbre
very low self noise
switchable polar patterns and low cut
studio reference with a refined tone
captures room strongly, good acoustics needed
very expensive

Yes, we are including the U87 in this comparison. This is only because it is the absolute high-end studio classic for speech. It should be clear that a microphone like this can only reach its full potential in good studios and with good operation. For 99% of audio applications, the other microphones are sufficient.

Your result

Blue Microphones Yeti

---

USB-A connection
stable desk stand
long proven model
good price to performance
headphone output
a bit dated
essentially unchanged since 2009

Elgato Wave Neo

$84.99

USB A connection
USB C also works with smartphones
integrated pop filter
design first, sound second
stand is not very stable
price to performance only okay

Røde NT-USB Mini

$109.00

USB A connection
USB C also works with smartphones
desk stand and integrated pop filter
good price to performance
usable long term
headphone output
still a semi professional sound

Bestseller

Your result

Shure MV6

$149.00

USB C connection
very solid desk stand
extremely rugged build
good price to performance
headphone output
if you want the SM7B style sound, the MV7+ gets you closer
tone can be a bit boxy

Elgato Wave:3

$149.99

USB-A connection
USB C also works with smartphones
desk stand and integrated pop filter
very good price to performance
stable body
headphone output
Elgato software can be fiddly

Røde PodMic USB

$196.00

USB A and XLR in one mic
USB C also works with smartphones
integrated pop filter
very good price to performance
usable long term, not just entry level
headphone output
needs a boom arm or stand

Røde NT-USB Plus

$165.90

USB A connection
USB C also works with smartphones
desk stand and integrated pop filter
extremely good price to performance
usable long term, not just entry level
headphone output
bestseller for a reason

Bestseller

Your result

Røde NT1 5th Gen

$210.99

USB C connection
works with smartphones via USB C
includes shock mount and pop filter
pro level sound for speech vocals and instruments
very good price to performance
XLR connection available as an alternative
requires a mic stand

Shure MV7+

$269.00

USB A connection
USB C also works with smartphones
desk stand and integrated pop filter
good price to performance
suitable long term not just entry level
headphone output
PodMic USB delivers almost the same for a lower price

Bestseller

Your result

Comica CVM-V30

$22.79

3.5 mm connection
very affordable entry level option
decent midrange tone
more handling noise transmitted through the mount
fixed non replaceable cable
simpler build quality than pricier options

Røde VideoMicro II

$89.00

3,5mm connection
solid mount with low handling noise
no battery required, ready to use
light and compact
very few controls on the microphone
entry level Røde model with the weakest sound in the lineup

Your result

Hollyland Lark M2

$99.00

USB C and Lightning
cheaper smartphone only variant available
noise cancelling
3.5 mm output for camera
no internal recording
no timecode support
no 3.5 mm input for an external microphone

Fulaim X5M

$79.99

USB C and Lightning
3.5 mm input for an external microphone
internal recording
receiver has a display
3.5 mm output for camera
no noise cancelling
no timecode support

DJI Mic 2

$199.00

USB-C
Lightning adapter costs extra
noise cancelling
internal recording
3.5 mm input for an external microphone
3.5 mm output for camera
no timecode support

Bestseller

Your result

Hollyland Lark M2

$99.00

3.5 mm output for camera
USB C and Lightning
cheaper camera only variant available
noise cancelling
no internal recording
no timecode support
no 3.5 mm input for an external microphone

Fulaim X5M

$79.99

3.5 mm output for camera
USB C and Lightning
3.5 mm input for an external microphone
internal recording
receiver has a display for camera use
no noise cancelling
no timecode support

DJI Mic 2

$199.00

3.5 mm output for camera
USB-C
noise cancelling
internal recording
3.5 mm input for an external microphone
Lightning adapter costs extra
no timecode support

Bestseller

Your result

Hollyland Lark Max 2

$279.00

3,5mm output for camera
USB-C and Lightning
Timecode support (not extern)
Noise cancelling
internal recording (32-Bit-float)
Direct monitoring is not high quality

DJI Mic 3

$329.00

3.5 mm output for camera
USB-C
Lightning adapter costs extra
Noise cancelling
internal recording 32 bit float
timecode support also external
no 3.5 mm input for external microphone

Bestseller

Røde Wireless Pro

$279.00

3.5 mm output for camera
USB C and Lightning
timecode support not external
internal recording 32 bit float
3.5 mm input for external microphone
no noise cancelling
bigger microphones

Your result

Hollyland Lark Max 2

$279.00

USB-C and Lightning
Timecode support (not extern)
Noise cancelling
internal recording (32-Bit-float)
3,5mm output for camera
Direct monitoring is not high quality

DJI Mic 3

$329.00

USB-C
Lightning adapter costs extra
Noise cancelling
internal recording 32 bit float
timecode support also external
3.5 mm output for camera
no 3.5 mm input for external microphone

Bestseller

Røde Wireless Pro

$279.00

USB C and Lightning
timecode support not external
internal recording 32 bit float
3.5 mm input for external microphone
3.5 mm output for camera
no noise cancelling
bigger microphones

Your result

CAD Stage7

Entry-Level

$195.00

solid budget set with kick, snare, three tom mics and two overheads
tighter sound than ultra budget kits
metal bodies and usable clips
good value for small venues and rehearsal spaces
overheads are bright and can be splashy
less low end weight than midrange kits

AKG Drum Set Session I

Mid-Range

$485.00

balanced kit with useful mic choices
robust build and reliable mounts
solid core sound without heavy EQ
overheads are on the bright side
less deep low end than higher tiers
not as flexible to upgrade piece by piece

Audix DP7 Drumkoffer

Studio

$1,129.00

proven combo with D6 kick and i5 snare
very punchy, mix ready sound
high quality clamps and hard case
long term investment
clearly more expensive than midrange kits
overheads are focused, room mics often helpful

Your result

Sennheiser e604

Entry-Level

$149.95

sehr kompakt am Tom
stabiler Rim Clip
knackige Mitten für Attack
hohe Pegelfestigkeit
weniger Tiefbass am Floortom
braucht sehr nahes Placement

Audix D4

Mid-Range

$179.00

tiefer Bass, ideal für Floor Toms
schnelle Transienten
gute Off Axis Dämpfung
robustes Metallgehäuse
enger Sweet Spot, Position kritisch
teurer als e604

Sennheiser E 904

Studio

$199.00

Your result

Røde NT1

Entry-Level

$159.00

very low self noise for fine detail
quick transients capture quiet percussion well
neutral mids that take EQ nicely
high SPL headroom for louder playing
fairly wide cardioid, picks up more room
modest character, often needs a bit of EQ for attack

AKG C214

Mid-Range

$429.00

present top end for clear attack
pad and high pass make close miking easier
robust build for rehearsal and stage
focused imaging for congas and shakers
can get sharp on hard cymbal content
cardioid only, less flexible in tricky rooms

AKG C414 XLS

Studio

$1,299.00

switchable polar patterns for room or close work
very low self noise and high SPL capability
pads and high passes enable flexible setups
strong depth and natural room rendering
placement is involved and room sensitive
expensive, the extra headroom is not always needed for simple percussion

Your result

Lewitt LCT 140 AIR

Entry-Level

$179.00

two voicings, Flat and Air
strong price to performance
pad and high pass available
fast transients for clean articulation
on the bright side in Air mode
less depth layering than higher priced classics

sE Electronics sE8

Mid-Range

$218.49

pad and high pass in multiple steps
very low self noise
balanced highs, less sharp
good off axis response for stereo techniques
more expensive than the LCT 140
can feel a bit plain in very dry rooms

Neumann KM184

Studio

$849.00

very detailed with fast transients
low self noise and consistent quality
established stereo choice for ORTF and XY
cuts through a mix well
costs significantly more
presence lift can accentuate harsh steel strings

Tipp: Nutze MP (Matching Pairs), um Stereoaufnahmen zu machen. Gerade bei Solo Gitarren oder dem Ziel einer breiter klingenden Gitarre macht das einen großen Unterschied.

Your result

Lewitt LCT 140 AIR

Entry-Level

two voicings, Flat and Air
strong price to performance
pad and high pass available
fast transients for clean articulation
on the bright side in Air mode
less depth layering than higher priced classics

$179.00

SE Electronics SE8

Mid-Range

very low self noise
fast transients with clear bow articulation
pad and high pass
natural highs without harshness
needs a well treated room
less characterful than a KM 184

$218.49

Neumann KM 184

Studio

excellent detail resolution
cuts through an ensemble well
studio standard for lots of instruments
low noise floor
presence lift can emphasize hardness
significantly more expensive to buy

$849.00

JTS CX-508

Entry-Level

$159.00

budget friendly clip mic
sturdy bell clamp with flexible gooseneck
cardioid pattern gives decent isolation
clear mids that cut through a mix
needs phantom power via the included XLR module
a bit bright on axis, angle carefully

AKG C 411 PP

Mid-Range

$203.49

contact mic with strong feedback rejection
very little bleed on loud stages
stable position while you move
resistant to wind noise
contact mic tone with little room ambience
mounting and cable noise need attention

DPA 4099

Studio

$599.00

very natural string tone
excellent isolation close to the source
flexible mounts for many instruments
very low self noise
high price
placement takes a little time

Your result

Lewitt LCT 140 AIR

Entry-Level

$179.00

two voicings, Flat and Air
strong price to performance
pad and high pass available
fast transients for clean articulation
on the bright side in Air mode
less depth layering than higher priced classics

SE Electronics SE8

Mid-Range

$218.49

very low self noise
fine transients, clear bow and pick definition
pad and high pass
natural highs without harshness
needs a well treated room
less characterful than a KM 184

Neumann KM 184

Studio

$849.00

excellent detail resolution
cuts through an ensemble well
consistent as a stereo pair for XY and ORTF
low self noise
presence lift can emphasize hardness
significantly more expensive to buy

JTS CX-508

Entry-Level

$159.00

budget friendly clip mic
sturdy bell clamp with flexible gooseneck
cardioid pattern gives decent isolation
clear mids that cut through a mix
needs phantom power via the included XLR module
a bit bright on axis, angle carefully

AKG C 519 M

Mid-Range

$344.00

high SPL handling for loud brass sections
secure clip with flexible gooseneck
narrow pickup for solid isolation
XLR adapter included, ready to use
requires phantom power
can sound bright on axis at the bell, watch the angle

DPA 4099

Studio

$599.00

very natural sound
excellent close range isolation
flexible mounts for many instruments
very low self noise
high price
placement takes a little time

Your result

Lewitt LCT 140 AIR

Entry-Level

$179.00

gentle highs, pleasant sibilance on flute
solid detail for woodwinds
easy handling in a home studio
cardioid pattern keeps focus on the source
sensitive to plosives, pop filter recommended
no pad and no high pass

SE Electronics SE8

Mid-Range

$218.49

silky highs that tame sharp reed noise
natural body on saxophone and bassoon
figure eight pattern with a nice sense of room
good separation from a slightly off axis position
needs plenty of gain and a clean preamp
wind sensitive, pop filter is essentially required

Neumann KM 184

Studio

$849.00

fast transients for precise articulation
very low self noise
works as a spot mic and as a stereo pair
cuts through an ensemble well
presence lift can accentuate sibilance
placement on flute is critical

JTS CX-508

Entry-Level

$159.00

budget friendly clip mic
sturdy bell clamp with flexible gooseneck
cardioid pattern gives decent isolation
clear mids that cut through a mix
needs phantom power via the included XLR module
a bit bright on axis, angle carefully

AKG C 519 M

Mid-Range

$344.00

secure clip with gooseneck
strong feedback rejection live
narrow pickup angle for clear solos
XLR adapter included, ready to use
on axis can be bright, watch the angle
less suitable for flute and oboe

DPA 4099

Studio

$599.00

very natural woodwind reproduction
dedicated mounts for saxophone clarinet and oboe
excellent isolation on loud stages
very low self noise
high price
positioning takes some time

Your result

Maono DGM20 USB

$48.99

USB-C and USB-A
microphone arm included
RGB lighting
very affordable
strong price to performance
entry level
“chinaware” with limited warranty or support

Fifine AM8

$57.99

USB-A and XLR
microphone arm included
very affordable
strong price to performance
RGB lighting in USB mode only
entry level
“chinaware” with limited warranty or support

HyperX Quadcast 2S

$130.00

USB-A connection
desk stand with integrated pop filter
good price to performance
four polar patterns
headphone output
weak software
no color changes on macOS

Shure MV7+

$269.00

USB-A connection
USB-C also works with smartphones
desk stand and integrated pop filter
very good price to performance
usable long term, not just entry level
headphone output
PodMic USB offers almost the same at a better price

Your result

Shure SM57

Entry-Level

$99.00

classic cab tone with present mids
very high SPL handling at loud amps
tight cardioid with little room pickup
rugged and quick to set up
limited lows and highs
strong off axis coloration

Sennheiser e906

Mid-Range

$199.95

presence switch with bright, normal, dark
flat body can hang in front of the cab
good isolation from the supercardioid pattern
clear pick attack and palm mutes
bright setting can sound harsh
less deep bass than a ribbon

Royer R121

Studio

$1499.00

silky smooth highs
strong low mids and body
figure eight pattern with natural room
perfect pairing with an SM57
needs a clean preamp
very expensive and sensitive to wind

Your result

Samson C02 Stereo Pair

Entry-Level

$139.99

budget friendly matched pair
crisp top end adds air
works well for simple XY or ORTF
includes basic clips and windscreens in many kits
higher self noise than midrange pencils
can sound bright or brittle on cymbals

Rode NT5 MP

Mid-Range

$449.00

matched, clean stereo image
low self noise
fast transients for tight kit glue
on the bright side, can emphasize cymbals
no pad and no filter
needs careful aiming and spacing

AKG C414 XLS MP

Studio

$2,199.00

switchable polar patterns
very low self noise
pads and high passes for close and loud sources
strong depth and room rendering
expensive to purchase
larger and more conspicuous in a set

Your result

Behringer BA 19a

Entry-Level

$69.90

boundary mic principle for clear attack
switchable EQ curves for quick dialing
sits securely on a pillow inside the shell
budget friendly for this concept
heavily pre shaped tone
requires phantom power

AKG D 112 MK II

Mid-Range

$249.00

deep low end with solid sub
very high SPL handling
flexible mounting
works inside or outside the kick
pronounced signature voicing
beater can get very clicky quickly

Shure Beta 52A

Studio

$199.00

powerful low bass with punch
presence boost delivers a clear click
supercardioid pattern for good isolation
very robust and road ready
strongly pre shaped sound
less natural for jazz and acoustic styles

Your result

Shure SM57 LC

Entry-Level

$99.00

classic snare sound with defined crack
very high SPL handling
good side rejection of hi hat bleed
rugged and widely available
Off Axis can sound harsh
often needs some gain and EQ for more body

Sennheiser MD 421

Mid-Range

$299.00

full body and punch on snare
fast transient response
handy bass roll off for quick shaping
high SPL handling with low distortion
large, rim placement can be tricky
picks up more hi hat from the side than a hypercardioid

beyerdynamic M 201

Studio

$399.00

natural snare sound with fine attack
very good isolation from the hypercardioid pattern
slim form factor for easy rim placement
low self noise and controlled low mids
low output, needs a clean preamp
sensitive to placement with a small sweet spot

Your result

Samson C02 Stereo Pair

Entry-Level

$139.99

budget friendly matched pair
crisp top end adds air
works well for simple XY or ORTF
includes basic clips and windscreens in many kits
higher self noise than midrange pencils
can sound bright or brittle on cymbals

SE Electronics SE7

Mid-Range

$249.00

matched stereo pair
pad and high pass available
low self noise
clean stereo image with solid localization
a bit bright in the presence range
off axis can pick up cymbals hard

Rode NT-5 MP

Studio

$449.00

matched stereo pair
fast transients for clear definition
stable stereo image
low self noise
no pads and no filters
tends bright and can emphasize cymbals

Your result

Zoom H1essential

Entry-Level

$99.99

very compact for discreet recordings
32 bit float prevents clipping
USB C interface for laptop or phone
simple controls for quick rehearsals
built in XY mic picks up a lot of audience
no XLR inputs for external mics

Zoom H4essential

Mid-Range

$199.99

32 bit float with headroom at loud concerts
two XLR TRS combo jacks for room or spots
USB C multichannel interface for direct recording
built in XY pair for fast setups
menu navigation more complex than H1essential
larger and heavier, tripod recommended

Zoom H6essential

Pro

$329.00

32 bit float on up to six tracks
four XLR TRS combo jacks for multitrack
USB C multichannel interface for DAW recording
flexible setup for stage, hall and room
much more expensive than H1 and H4
needs more space and planning due to size

Your result

Behringer C1

$66.45

affordable entry level condenser for vocals
clear intelligibility for speech and singing
cardioid pattern helps reduce side bleed
sturdy metal body, simple to set up
higher self noise than pricier condensers
picks up room sound easily, treatment helps

Tascam - TM-80

$69.99

budget friendly condenser with a warm tone
includes shock mount and desk stand
easy plug and record setup for beginners
decent sensitivity for softer voices
noticeable self noise on quiet takes
limited top end detail compared with higher tier mics

Your result

Behringer XM8500

$49.95

very affordable and suitable for touring
good feedback resistance
darker sound tames sibilance
solid hand noise damping
less detail than mid-range models
needs powerful preamp

Shure PGA48

$47.00

affordable entry level mic for speech and vocals
cardioid pattern helps reject bleed
built in pop filter reduces plosives
durable metal body for rehearsals and small gigs
less detail and presence than an SM58 or e835
requires higher preamp gain and outputs a lower level

Your result

Shure SM58

$99.00

legendary live sound with warm mids
very robust and reliable
Good pop protection integrated
controlled feedback tendency
requires more gain than some alternatives
less lofty tremble

Bestseller

Note: This microphone, or the slightly more expensive beta version with on/off switch and supercardioid pickup pattern, is probably the best microphone for this application. In fact, there are few or no alternatives to this microphone.

Sennheiser E835

---

clear presence with moderate proximity effect
good speech intelligibility
high level stability
consistent results when moving
Slightly less low midrange richness than the SM58
Off-axis may cause coloration

Your result

Shure SM Beta 58A

$169.00

More presence and detail than SM58
narrow supercardioid for less bleed
High level stability and low proximity effect
Very robust for touring
can sound sibilant with high-pitched voices
requires precise microphone positioning

Bestseller

Note: This microphone, or the slightly cheaper LC version with a cardioid pickup pattern, is probably the best microphone for this application. In fact, there are few or no alternatives to this microphone.

Sennheiser e 935

$199.95

open highs with natural warmth
excellent feedback resistance
Consistent sound during movement
good plosive control
Slightly less low end than the e 945
requires solid monitoring for fine-tuning

Audix OM7

$249.00

extremely high feedback resistance
Very narrow supercardioid for loud stages
stays clean at high levels
controlled sibilants
low sensitivity, high gain required
requires precise microphone placement in front of the capsule

Your result

Audio Technica AT2020

$119.00

balanced sound without harshness
Low noise level for quiet takes
Good transients for articulation
works on many voices
no pads and no filters
cardioid picks up room noise

sE Electronics X1 S

$219.00

strong mids for dominance in mix
Pad and high pass available
low noise floor
Solid workmanship and mounting bracket
Presence boost can emphasize sibilants
Requires pop filter for close miking

AKG P220

$155.00

round sound with pleasant low midrange
Pad and high pass for flexibility
good level stability for loud inputs
little color shift at off-axis angles
Less refined highs than more expensive AKG models
Housing relatively large in front of the singer

Your result

Rode NT1 5th Gen

$210.99

very low noise floor
detailes tremble without sharpness
usable via USB or XLR
great set with pop filter and shock mount
digital output in 32-bit-float
records a lot of room noise

sE Electronics 2200

dense mids, popular for pop vocals
switchable high-pass filter and pad
Controlled sibilance with matching pop filter
sturdy shock mount included in delivery
may show nasal proportions in small rooms
Weight requires a stable mount

Audio Technica AT4040

$329.00

open and clear with good depth
very low distortion
fast transients for precision
universally applicable to many voices
needs a clean preamplifier
less character than tube-based alternatives

Your result

Samson Q2U

$99.99

Dynamic, dampens room reverberation well
USB and XLR in one microphone
Headphone output with direct monitoring
Robust housing and solid pop filter
requires a lot of gain on the preamp
less refined trembles than condenser

AT2020USB X

$169.00

clear details and good tremble
USB C, Mute button and headphone jack
low noise level for quiet recordings
easy plug and play
picks up ambient sound more strongly
More sensitive to plosives, pop filter required

Rode NT1 5th Gen

$210.99

very low noise floor
detailes tremble without sharpness
usable via USB or XLR
great set with pop filter and shock mount
digital output in 32-bit-float
records a lot of room noise

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FAQs

Do I need accessories such as an audio interface or microphone arm?

With an XLR microphone, you need an audio interface to connect it to your PC or Mac. Some microphones require additional accessories, such as a pop filter or a microphone arm. You can also find some models in our blog articles on audio interface comparisons and microphone arms.

What does the soundandgo Microphone Finder do?

Microphone Finder is designed to help you find the right microphone for every application. We select microphones based on our own experience and testing, and we have no partnerships. We use affiliate links to offer this software free of charge and without advertising.

Who is the Microphone Finder suitable for?

The Microphone Finder is ideal for podcasting, streaming, content creation, home office, vocals, and instruments. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, the recommendations are clearly justified and sometimes backed up with blog articles or YouTube videos from the test.

USB or XLR. Which one is right for me?

USB is perfect for solo recordings on your computer and for home office meetings. XLR offers a better basis for podcasts with multiple voices, studio setups, and future upgrades. Keep in mind that with an XLR microphone, you will need to factor in the additional cost of an audio interface.

Dynamic or condenser: What's the difference?

Dynamic microphones are less sensitive to room reverberation and background noise. Condenser microphones sound more open and detailed, but often appear less controlled in loud or reverberant rooms.

In short: dynamic microphones sound warm and smooth, while condenser microphones sound very detailed and close.

Is an inexpensive microphone enough for good quality?

Yes, good results are possible for voice recordings in the range of 60 to 130 euros. It is important to choose the right microphone for your room, the correct distance, and a clean level. If you want to get into the professional field, you should invest a little more.

Why are the prices not up to date?

There are new offers and price changes every day. Since we want to focus on improving your sound, we provide you with an overview of the prices, but not an exact, up-to-date figure, as this would be too much work for us as a relatively small blog.

Do you use affiliate Links?

Yes, we currently use affiliate links. Nevertheless, we evaluate the products 100% honestly, and you may even receive discounts in some cases. We will not recommend products just because we can earn more money from them. Likewise, we will not omit any recommendations just because they cannot be found at any affiliate partner. For product categories, we refer to Reverb, as Reverb is the most popular portal in this area. You can find out more about this on the Our Partners page.

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