3 best microphone for recordings

Microphones for recordings are essential tools in the world of audio production, particularly for capturing vocals and musical instruments. They come in various types, with condenser microphones being a popular choice for studio recordings. Here's some information about microphones used in recording:

Condenser Microphones: Condenser microphones are widely used in studio recordings due to their superior audio quality and sensitivity. They are often preferred for capturing vocals and acoustic instruments. These microphones use a diaphragm and a backplate to create an electrical charge when sound waves hit the diaphragm. They require power, known as phantom power, typically supplied by audio interfaces or mixing boards.
Dynamic Microphones: Dynamic microphones are known for their durability and ability to handle high sound pressure levels. They are commonly used for miking instruments like drums and guitar amplifiers, as well as for live vocal performances.They do not require phantom power.
Ribbon Microphones: Ribbon microphones are known for their warm and vintage sound characteristics. They use a thin strip of metal (the ribbon) suspended between magnets to generate an electrical signal. They are often used in recording studios to capture the nuances of acoustic instruments and vocals.
Lavalier Microphones: Lavalier microphones, or lapel microphones, are small, clip-on microphones that are often used in broadcasting, presentations, and interviews. They provide hands-free recording and are discreet.
Shotgun Microphones: Shotgun microphones have a long, directional design, making them ideal for capturing sound from a specific direction while minimizing background noise. They are commonly used in film and video production for recording dialog and capturing sound effects.
Microphone Accessories: There are various accessories that complement microphones in recording setups. These include pop filters to reduce plosive sounds, shock mounts to isolate microphones from vibrations, and windshields to minimize wind noise for outdoor recordings.
Microphone Placement: Proper microphone placement is crucial for achieving the desired sound. Techniques such as close miking (placing the microphone close to the sound source) and distant miking (placing the microphone farther away for ambient recording) are employed depending on the desired effect.
Recording Environments: The acoustic characteristics of the recording environment, such as room size, shape, and sound treatment, play a significant role in the final recorded sound. Studios often employ acoustic treatment to control reverberation and create a controlled recording environment.
Connectivity: Microphones connect to recording equipment through various means, including XLR cables, USB connections, and wireless systems. The choice of connectivity depends on the application and equipment being used.

In summary, microphones for recording are essential tools for capturing high-quality audio in various settings. The choice of microphone type depends on the specific recording needs, whether it's for vocals, instruments, or other sound sources, and considerations like sound quality, durability, and intended application. Proper microphone placement and the recording environment also significantly impact the quality of the recorded audio.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best microphone for recordings on the market

Blue Yeti USB Mic for Recording & Streaming on PC and Mac, 3 Condenser Capsules, 4 Pickup Patterns, Headphone Output and Volume Control, Mic Gain Control, Adjustable Stand, Plug & Play – Blackout

Blue

Based on 23 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Yeti is the most advanced and versatile multi-pattern USB microphone available Anywhere. Combining three capsules and four different pattern settings, Yeti is the ultimate tool for creating amazing recordings, directly to your computer. With all new total Blackout finish, Blackout Yeti adds style and energy to your recording or broadcasting setup. Blackout Yeti can capture anything with a clarity and ease unheard of in a USB microphone. Featuring Blue innovative triple capsule array, Blackout Yeti can record in stereo or your choice of three other unique patterns, including cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional. Blackout Yeti utilizes a high quality A-D converter, a built-in headphone amplifier for zero-latency monitoring, and direct controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and microphone gain. With no drivers to install, Blackout Yeti is the most versatile USB mic lighting up the airwaves today. Headphone Amplifier - Impedance - 16 ohms.

Custom three-capsule array: produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube, game streaming, podcasting, Skype calls and music
Four pickup patterns: cardioid, Omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns offer incredible flexibility, allowing you to record in ways that would normally require multiple microphones
Onboard audio controls: studio controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and microphone gain put you in charge of every level of the recording and streaming process
Legendary Blue Broadcast sound: makes the professional difference for recording, streaming and building your audience
Unique position able design: adjust and pivot the microphone in relation to the sound source to optimize your sound quality
2 year manufacturer warranty

Product features

Unique Positionable Design

Adjust and pivot the microphone in relation to the sound source to optimize your sound quality.

Blue’s Legendary Broadcast-Quality Sound

Makes the professional difference for recording, streaming and building your audience.

Custom Three-Capsule Array

Produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube, game streaming, podcasting, conference calls and music.

Onboard Audio Controls

Studio controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and microphone gain put you in charge of every level of the recording and streaming process.

Stunning Design

Yeti features a visual design inspired by classic audio gear—a stylish, retro vibe that will complement any desktop system, in a wide palette of colors to match with your on-camera aesthetic.

Four Pickup Patterns

Cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns offer incredible flexibility, allowing you to record in ways that would normally require multiple microphones.

No-Latency Monitoring

Monitor your voice in real time mixed with the sound from your computer to make sure your streams sound great. Compass premium microphone boom arm sold seperately.

Plug 'n Play on Mac and PC

Instantly start recording and streaming on Mac or PC.

Bidirectional Mode

Bidirectional mode picks up sound from both the front and rear of the microphone, but not the sides. Ideal for two-person podcasts.

Stereo Mode

Stereo mode picks up sound from left to right in front of the microphone. Great for recording music or a 3-person podcast.

Four Patterns for Ultimate Versatility

Four distinct pickup patterns allow you to record and stream in ways that would normally require multiple microphones.

Cardioid Mode

Perfect for podcasting, game streaming, YouTube productions, Skype calls, vocals and instruments, cardioid mode captures sound sources that are directly in front of the microphone.

Omni Mode

Omnidirectional mode picks up sound all around the microphone. Great for conference calls and captures the feeling of "being there."

Pro Broadcast Bundle

Yeticaster delivers the ultimate broadcast studio setup to your desktop with Yeti, the world’s #1 USB microphone, the all-new Radius III shockmount, and the Compass premium broadcast boom arm.

Accessorize Your Creative Space

Transform your desktop into a broadcast studio with the Compass broadcast boom arm and Radius III shockmount, or get them all together with Yeticaster.

Compass Premium Broadcast Boom Arm

Tired of squeaky, flimsy scissor booms? We are too! Compass features a broadcast studio-grade design with enclosed aluminum construction, internal springs, and hidden-channel cable management.

Radius III Custom Shockmount

Radius III is a vintage-style suspension mount designed to isolate Yeti and Yeti Pro USB microphones from noise, shock and ambient vibration.

AKG P120 High-Performance General Purpose Recording Microphone

AKG

Based on 678 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The AKG P120 is an affordable mic you can use on almost anything. Rocking a 2/3" diaphragm capsule, a fixed cardioid pickup pattern, and the ability to withstand high SPLs, the AKG P120 works great on just about any source - instrumental or vocal. A bass roll-off switch and 20dB pad add to this mic's versatility. When you consider its super-affordable price tag, the P120 becomes is a no-brainer for project and home studio multi-mic applications like drum kits.

Audio
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Max SPL: 150 dB
Sensitivity: 24 mV/Pa
The low-mass diaphragm delivers a clear sound with accurate sonic detail for vocals, speech and instrument recording in project studios and for home recording

User questions & answers

Question:	What kind of amps are compatible with this microphone
Answer:	Its a mic designed for studios, so you will see a better performance if used with standard studio amplification.
Question:	What other shock mounts does this mic fit with
Answer:	Lyx ProMKS-18
Question:	What kind of screw shock mounts does this work with
Answer:	The Lyxpro mks1-b spider shockmount is like 20$ and will work with it
Question:	Does it come with cables? if i wanna use on microphone boom stand.. do i have to get anything else
Answer:	Does not come with a mic cable. It does however have a mic clip for a boom stand. You need a mic cable.

Product features

Clear. Accurate. Affordable.

The P120 is a 2/3-inch diaphragm true condenser microphone that offers solidly built quality, outstanding performance and excellent value. The low-mass diaphragm delivers a clear sound with accurate sonic detail for vocals, speech and instrument recording in project studios and for home recording.

Rugged All-Metal Body and Robust Design

Withstands tough day-to-day use.

Switchable Bass-Cut Filter

Eliminates rumble or footfall noise.

Switchable Attenuation Pad

For high SPL applications up to 150 dB SPL.

The AKG Legacy - Inspiring Greatness for Decades

For more than 65 years, AKG has helped create the iconic sounds of some of the world’s most well known recording artists, engineers and producers. Our designers and engineers have made it their life’s passion to find new ways to deliver breakthrough experiences for artists of all levels. Whether in the studio or on stage, when you use AKG, you’re seconds away from creating history.

Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone, Black, Ideal for Project/Home Studio Applications

Audio-Technica

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Audio-Technica’s stringent quality and consistency standards set the AT2020 apart from other mics in its class. Its low-mass diaphragm is custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. With rugged construction for durable performance, the microphone offers a wide dynamic range and handles high SPLs with ease. The AT2020: the new standard for affordable side-address studio condensers.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 74 dB

The price/performance standard in side address studio condenser microphone technology
Ideal for project/home studio applications; The noise level is 20 dB SPL
High SPL handling and wide dynamic range provide unmatched versatility
Custom engineered low mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient response
Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source. Output connector: integral 3 pin XLRM type
Black speckles on the mic is the end of the item. Audio technical case style: R7

User questions & answers

Question:	Hey, I have a behringer audio interface with this microphone - I get audio but the blue light isn't on (on the mic). Is this a problem or is it fine
Answer:	I think u meant can u use it as a regular mic without computer. The answer is not without a soundcard to plug it into I believe.
Question:	Is this one the xlr version of this mic? i want to use it on a mackie ony blackjack
Answer:	I don't know, but check other markets I've seen Blue products bellow 100 dollors used I hope this helps.
Question:	Are you able to use this as a usb mic / be able to put this into your macbook pro
Answer:	Yes
Question:	Does it come with a stand or an XLR cable
Answer:	Depends, what are you recording? Original yeti is large and a bit more versatile, you can record in 4 different audio direction, i.e omnidirectional, cardioid, bidirectional, and stereo making it ideal for recording YouTube videos, podcasts, large groups, or instrumentals. Yeti nano has 2 audio recording options , Omni and bidirectional, so made more for podcasts and YouTube videos. It’s also smaller. If you want to check out the nano I did a unboxing of the gold yeti nano, search on YouTube Julian Lonzoe yeti nano. It looks pretty awesome.