9 Best Microphones for Music Production

Introduction

When it comes to music production, having a good microphone is essential for capturing high-quality recordings. There are various types of microphones, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, making it crucial to choose the right one for your specific needs. In this article, we’ll discuss the best microphones to have for music production and provide three tiers of pricing with their specifications.

Entry-level microphones ($50-$200)

If you’re just starting with music production or have a limited budget, an entry-level microphone is a great place to begin. These microphones are affordable and still offer decent quality recordings.

Audio-Technica AT2020: This is a popular choice among beginners due to its low price point and impressive sound quality. It has a cardioid polar pattern that helps reject unwanted background noise.
HyperX QuadCast: This microphone has 4 selectable polar pattern and is great choice for musicians who hosts podcasts and YouTube channels. It has a convenient tap-to-mute functionality and an easy-to-use gain knob.
Rode NT1-A: This microphone is known for its exceptional clarity and detail. It has a cardioid polar pattern and is ideal for recording vocals and acoustic instruments.

Mid-range microphones ($200-$800)

For those with a larger budget and higher expectations, mid-range microphones offer higher quality recordings and more features.

AKG C214: This microphone has a large-diaphragm condenser design that delivers excellent sensitivity and low noise. It’s great for recording vocals, acoustic guitars, and drums.
Audio-Technica AT4053b: This microphone has a hypercardioid polar pattern, which makes it great for capturing detail and reducing unwanted background noise. It’s perfect for recording podcasts, voiceovers, and interviews.
Neumann TLM 102: This microphone is known for its natural sound and exceptional clarity. It has a cardioid polar pattern and is perfect for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, and drum overheads.

High-end microphones ($800 and up)

If you’re looking for the best of the best, high-end microphones offer unparalleled sound quality and are used by professional studios and recording artists.

Shure KSM32: This mic has a cardioid polar pattern and a frequency response that’s perfect for recording vocals and acoustic instruments. It’s known for its high SPL handling and low self-noise.
Neumann U87: This mic is considered one of the most versatile microphones in the world. It has a large-diaphragm condenser design and can handle high SPLs, making it great for recording vocals, drums, and brass instruments.
AKG C414 XLII: This mic has nine different polar patterns, making it incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, and even large orchestras.

In conclusion, the best microphone for music production depends on your needs, budget, and personal preferences. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, there’s a mic out there that can help you capture the sound you’re looking for.

Types of Microphone

Today, there are many different types of microphones available for music production, including dynamic, condenser, ribbon, and tube microphones. Each type of microphone has its own unique sound and characteristics, and choosing the right microphone for a particular recording is crucial for capturing the best possible sound.

There are many different types of mic available, each with its own unique characteristics and intended uses. Here are some of the most common types of microphones:

Dynamic: Dynamic microphones are one of the most common types of mic and are commonly used in live performances. They work by using a moving coil that converts sound vibrations into an electrical signal. They are rugged and can handle high sound pressure levels, making them ideal for recording loud sound sources such as drums, electric guitars, and bass amplifiers.
Condenser: Condenser microphones are more sensitive than dynamic microphones and are commonly used for recording vocals and acoustic instruments. They use a thin diaphragm that vibrates in response to sound waves, which is then converted into an electrical signal. They require an external power source to operate, either through a battery or phantom power from a mixing console or audio interface.
Ribbon: Ribbon microphones use a thin strip of metal foil that vibrates in response to sound waves. They are known for their warm, natural sound and are commonly used for recording acoustic instruments, strings, and brass. They are also often used for ambient recordings, such as capturing the sound of a room or a natural environment.
Shotgun: Shotgun microphones are highly directional and are commonly used for capturing dialogue in film and video production. They are long and cylindrical, with a narrow pickup pattern that focuses on sounds in front of the microphone while rejecting sounds from the sides and rear.
USB: USB microphones are a type of condenser microphone that connects directly to a computer’s USB port. They are ideal for podcasting, voiceovers, and recording music at home, as they eliminate the need for an external audio interface.
Boundary: Boundary microphones are designed to be placed on a flat surface, such as a table or a floor. They use a technique called the boundary effect, which captures sound waves as they bounce off the surface. They are commonly used in conference rooms, for recording acoustic ensembles, and in theater productions.
Lavalier: Lavalier microphones are small, discreet microphones that are often used in film and video production. They are commonly attached to clothing or hidden in props and allow for hands-free operation while still capturing clear audio.

Polar Patterns

Microphones come in different polar patterns, which describe the directionality of the microphone’s sensitivity to sound. The main polar patterns are omnidirectional, cardioid, supercardioid/hypercardioid, and bidirectional (figure-8). Each polar pattern offers unique benefits and is suitable for different recording situations.

Omnidirectional: Omnidirectional microphones are equally sensitive to sound from all directions, making them ideal for capturing ambient sound or room acoustics. They also tend to have a more natural sound than other polar patterns, which can be useful in certain recording scenarios.
Cardioid: Cardioid microphones are most sensitive to sound from the front of the microphone, while rejecting sound from the sides and rear. This makes them ideal for isolating a sound source and minimizing background noise. They are commonly used for vocal recording, as well as for recording individual instruments such as guitar or drums.
Supercardioid/hypercardioid: Supercardioid and hypercardioid microphones are similar to cardioid microphones but have a narrower pickup pattern, making them more directional. This makes them ideal for isolating a sound source even further and reducing off-axis sound. They are commonly used for recording live events, such as concerts or speeches, as they can effectively capture the sound of a performer while rejecting ambient noise.
Bidirectional (figure-8): Bidirectional microphones are sensitive to sound from the front and rear of the microphone, but reject sound from the sides. This makes them ideal for capturing sound from two sources facing each other, such as a duet or an interview. They can also be useful in certain room setups, such as a vocal booth or a drum kit.

Understanding polar patterns is important in selecting the right mic for a specific recording situation. By choosing the appropriate polar pattern, you can achieve a more accurate and balanced recording, with minimal background noise and maximum clarity.

Setting Up Recording Environment

Setting up a recording environment for different genres of music can be a complex process that requires careful consideration of various factors. Here are some tips for setting up a recording environment for different genres of music:

Rock and Metal: Rock and metal music is typically recorded in large studios with isolation booths for each instrument. The goal is to capture a tight, focused sound with a lot of energy. Setting up a recording environment for rock and metal music requires careful mic placement and consideration of room acoustics. The drums should be mic’d with close mics on each drum and overhead mics to capture the cymbals. The guitar amps should be isolated in their own booth to prevent bleed. The bass amp can be recorded in the same room as the drums or in a separate booth.
Classical: Classical music requires a recording environment with a lot of natural reverb and a sense of space. Large concert halls are often used to record classical music, but smaller spaces can also be used with the addition of artificial reverb. The placement of the microphones is crucial to capturing the natural sound of the instruments. The mics should be placed far away from the instruments and should be angled to capture the natural sound of the room.
Jazz: Jazz music is often recorded in smaller rooms with a lot of natural reverb. The goal is to capture the intimacy of the performance while also capturing the natural reverb of the room. The drums should be miked with overhead mics and close mics on the snare and kick drum. The piano should be miked with a stereo pair of mics and the bass and guitar should be miked with close mics.
Electronic: Electronic music requires a recording environment that is completely isolated from outside noise. The room should be acoustically treated to prevent any reflections or unwanted noise. Electronic music is often produced using software synths and drum machines, but live instruments can also be used. The mics should be placed close to the instruments to prevent any bleed and the room should be completely silent.

Overall, the key to setting up a recording environment for different genres of music is to understand the unique characteristics of each genre and to tailor the recording environment to capture those characteristics. With careful planning and attention to detail, it is possible to create a recording environment that produces high-quality recordings for any genre of music.

Mic Placement

Mic placement is crucial in capturing high-quality recordings that sound balanced and natural. Here are some techniques for mic placement that can help you achieve great recordings:

Positioning for vocals: When recording vocals, it’s important to place the mic at a distance that allows the singer to perform comfortably while capturing the desired sound. A common technique is to place the microphone at a distance of about 6 to 8 inches from the singer’s mouth and slightly off to the side, pointing towards the mouth to capture the fullness of the voice. You can also experiment with different angles and distances to achieve different tonal qualities.
Distance for acoustic instruments: For acoustic instruments such as guitars, pianos, and drums, mic placement is critical in capturing the natural sound of the instrument. Placing the mic too close can result in a boomy or muddy sound, while placing it too far away can result in a thin or distant sound. A good starting point is to place the mic about 1 to 2 feet away from the instrument, experiment with different angles and distances to find the sweet spot.
Using multiple mics: Sometimes, using multiple mics can be useful in capturing a fuller sound or isolating specific elements of a recording. In this case, it’s important to consider mic placement in relation to each other and to the sound source. For example, when recording drums, placing a mic above the drum kit can capture the overall sound, while placing a mic near the snare drum can capture the snap and attack.
Room acoustics: The acoustics of the room can also play a role in mic placement. If the room is too reflective, placing the mic too close to a reflective surface can result in unwanted reflections and reverb. In this case, it’s important to experiment with different mic placement techniques and consider using sound-absorbing materials to reduce reflections.
Experiment and trust your ears: Ultimately, the best way to achieve great mic placement is to experiment and trust your ears. Take the time to listen to different mic placements and adjust accordingly until you achieve the desired sound.

Conclusion

Choosing the right type of microphone for your specific needs is critical in achieving a high-quality recording. Understanding the different types of microphones available and their unique characteristics is essential in selecting the best mic for your intended use.

Additional Reading

Now that you’ve taken the time to learn about the best microphones, review our other articles. Interested in the learning more about the greatest composer? Read our article about the comparing Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. You can also learn the lesser known composers of the Romantic era here.

Interested in finding great headphones for music production? Read our article about the 9 of the best headphones for music producers. Also, here are 6 of the best midi controllers for musicians.

Breve Music Studios publishes music to Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music and more. Follow our pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube.

Listen to our ensembles: Breve Orchestra, Breve Music Ensemble, Breve Low Brass Ensemble, Breve Woodwind Ensemble, and Jermaine Harris on Spotify.