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Picking your Perfect Microphone
You had me at "Hello"
Picking a microphone is a little like picking a puppy. You want to make sure what you select is a good fit. For puppies, this means finding the right breed, temperament, and energy level to match your lifestyle and training skills. For microphones, it’s about finding the right match for your recording project, your recording space, and your technical preferences.
Whether you’re podcasting, recording music, or narrating an audiobook, the microphone you choose can make or break your sound quality.
So, let’s dive into one of my favorite topics to nerd out about - microphones, and explore the different types as well as take a closer look at some of the models I’ve tested. By the end of this post, you should have a better idea of what microphone might be the perfect fit for your needs.
Types of Microphones
Types of Microphones
Microphones come in a variety of types, each designed for specific use cases. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common ones:
Condenser Microphones
Condenser Microphones
Condenser microphones are the most common type used in studios. They work by using a thin diaphragm that vibrates when sound waves hit it, converting those vibrations into an electrical signal. These microphones are highly sensitive and excel at capturing detailed, nuanced sound, making them ideal for vocals, acoustic instruments, and studio recordings. However, they’re also more delicate and require a quiet recording environment to shine.
Ribbon Microphones
Ribbon Microphones
Ribbon microphones are a bit of a throwback, but they’re still beloved by audiophiles and professionals. Admittedly, this is on my list of types of microphones I would like to add to my collection. Ribbon microphones are named aptly because they use a thin ribbon of metal suspended in a magnetic field to capture sound. They’re known for their warm, vintage quality, which is why they were a favorite for old-timey vocal recordings (think Elvis Presley). It should be noticed though that due to this interior architecture, these microphones should be handled especially carefully as they can be fragile.
Dynamic Microphones
Dynamic Microphones
Dynamic microphones are the workhorses of the microphone world. They’re durable, versatile, and can handle high sound pressure levels, making them ideal for live performances and loud instruments like drums or electric guitars. They use a coil of wire attached to a diaphragm that moves within a magnetic field to generate a signal. While they’re not as sensitive as condenser microphones, they’re great for environments where durability and reliability are key.
USB Microphones
USB Microphones
USB microphones are the ultimate plug-and-play option and probably the most common option in the mainstream market. They connect directly to your computer via a USB port, making them perfect for beginners, podcasters, or anyone looking for a simple setup. While they may not offer the same level of sound quality as high-end condenser or dynamic microphones, they’re a convenient and affordable choice for casual recording projects.
As much as I’d love an excuse to buy more microphones, I already have four in my collection, which is a reasonable sample set for this post. The microphones we’re going to be evaluating represent a range including budget-friendly options to professional-grade gear.
Shure MV5 Digital Condenser Microphone
Shure MV5 Digital Condenser Microphone
Small but mighty, the Shure MV5 is a USB microphone that punches above its weight. Manufactured by Shure Incorporated—a company with nearly a century of experience in audio technology—this microphone is a testament to Shure’s reputation for quality. Founded in 1925 by Sidney N. Shure, the company started as a distributor of radio parts before transitioning into manufacturing microphones and other audio products.
The MV5 is incredibly easy to use. Just plug it into your computer, select it as your audio input, and you’re ready to record. Despite its compact size, it offers impressive features like adjustable sensitivity, real-time monitoring via a headphone jack, and three input modes for different recording styles. At around $100, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a portable, reliable microphone. You could also incorporate a pop filter or noise reducing setup to further improve audio quality with recordings. I personally use the Shure as my travel mic since it's compact size makes it easy to toss in a bag but the sound quality is still good.
VeGue USB Microphone
VeGue USB Microphone
The VeGue USB microphone is a great example of a gamer-friendly mic. It’s a cardioid condenser microphone with Hi-Fi technology and a 24-bit/96kHz sample rate, ensuring clear, high-quality sound. It also comes loaded with features like a quick mute button, volume control, and a 3.5mm headphone jack for real-time monitoring. The included metal pop filter and shock mount help minimize plosives and vibrations, making it a great choice for streaming or gaming.
While this microphone is no longer available, it’s a good representation of what you can expect from other USB gamer mics in the $50 range. It’s plug-and-play, easy to set up, and delivers decent sound quality for the price.
Behringer BIGFOOT All-In-One USB Studio Condenser Microphone
Behringer BIGFOOT All-In-One USB Studio Condenser Microphone
For anyone interested in podcasting but hesitant to invest in expensive equipment, the Behringer BIGFOOT is my top recommendation. This USB condenser microphone is easy to use and offers great sound quality for its price point (around $80). It even allows you to select different audio capture patterns, making it versatile enough for various use cases, from voice recordings to instruments.
Behringer as a company was founded in 1989 by Swiss engineer Uli Behringer, is known for its affordable yet reliable audio equipment. The company’s large-scale manufacturing operations help keep costs low without sacrificing performance. If you’re considering a Blue Yeti, I’d argue the BIGFOOT is a better option for the price.
Rode NT1
Rode NT1
The Rode NT1 is the crown jewel of my microphone collection. I first used this microphone in a studio setting and fell in love with how it captured my voice. Rode, an Australian company, has built a reputation for creating high-quality, durable microphones, and the NT1 is no exception. I would also advise that any of the microphones in their portfolio of projects is worth consideration given their commitment to quality - something they define as “the Rode difference.” See their Youtube video here: Rode Difference Youtube
This microphone is known as the world’s quietest studio condenser mic, with an incredibly low self-noise level of just 4dBA. Its large diaphragm and gold-sputtered condenser capsule deliver studio-grade warmth and precision, while its cardioid polar pattern ensures focused sound capture. At around $250, it’s a professional-grade microphone that’s worth every penny. I recommend pairing it with an audio interface like the Scarlett for even more control over your recordings.
Mic Drop
Mic Drop
Choosing the right microphone is all about finding the perfect fit for your needs. Whether you’re a podcaster, musician, or gamer, there’s a microphone out there that’s just right for you. From the budget-friendly VeGue USB mic to the professional-grade Rode NT1, each of the microphones I tested offers something unique and you can hear the differences for yourself to evaluate which option best matches your recording goals and quality standards.
Also, as a general PSA, please don't actually drop your microphones as it can affect the carotid disc inside and significantly distort your captured sound quality.
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