The condenser microphone is the workhorse of recording, capturing vocals, acoustic guitars, drums and more. But there is a vast array of options to choose from and the task of finding the right one for you can be daunting.
Read on to find the best vocal condenser microphones for you.
Our Editor’s Best Vocal Condenser Microphones Reviews
- Large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone ideal for music production, vocal recording, streaming and podcasting
- HF6 1-inch true condenser capsule with a smooth frequency response, high sensitivity and extremely high SPL handling
- Exceptionally low noise (4dBA) – the world’s quietest studio condenser microphone
- Studio-grade shock mount, pop filter and premium XLR cable included
- Built to the highest standard from premium components in RØDE’s precision facilities in Sydney, Australia and backed by a 10-year warranty
- 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
- Groundbreaking studio condenser microphone that fuses the classic sound signature of the iconic NT1 with patented next-generation technology
- Connect to an audio interface or mixer via XLR, or plug directly into a computer via USB to record studio-grade sound in any setup – an all-in-one digital recording solution for the home or the studio
- Offers the classic warm, silky character, extremely low self-noise and high SPL handling capability that the original is revered for, perfect for a huge range of applications, from voiceovers and guitars to drums and piano
- Features RØDE’s ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp and high-resolution (up to 192kHz) analog-to-digital conversion for crystal-clear digital recordings
- Body machined from high-grade aluminium with nickel plating and military-grade ceramic coating, ensuring its ready to take on the rigours of recording day in, day out
- 48V phantom power required: When using PM320S, you need to connect the microphone to a 48V phantom power/audio interface/mixer/preamplifier first, the microphone can work normally and get an excellent audio experience
- High Configuration and Excellent sound: Built-in large Dia.16 mm condenser capsule, Custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient response. High-SPL handling and wide dynamic range make wide versatility. This high-quality XLR microphone is ideal for recording sounds and suitable for podcasting, recording, streaming, vocal, and online chatting
- Low noise: This XLR microphone uses a 98 in male to female XLR cable connection, and the Pro-grade microphone cord is designed for microphones. Cardioid pointing can reduce the pickup of surrounding noise and bring you an immersive recording experience. The shock absorber can reduce the noise caused by vibration. Pop filter and windscreen cap can lower wind and Saliva interference and make your voice clear
- Full Metal Construction: Higher standard microphone craftsmanship, AU-PM320S microphone uses high-quality materials to protect the microphone from being hurt easily as well as the internal structure. The adjustable scissors arm bracket is made of an aluminum alloy structure, which is durable. Foldable, easy to carry. After professional multiple drop tests, the quality is worth guaranteeing
- Packing List: package includes microphone*1, boom arm*1, metal shock mount*1, pop filter*1, windscreen*1, XLR to XLR cable*1 and User manual*1
- Large-diaphragm microphone with cardioid directional characteristic (pressure gradient transducer)
- Compact Neumann design
- Very high maximum sound pressure level (144 dB)
- Slight presence boost above 6 kHz helps vocals to shine in the mix
- [USB Output] Enables simple setup. USB studio recording microphone kit provides a direct convenient plug-and-play connection to pc and laptop without any additional hardware or drivers for recording vocals, podcasts and Skype. Studio microphone for recording vocals is never been easier to get high-quality sound for your voice and computer-based audio recordings. (Incompatible with Xbox)
- [Excellent Sound Quality] With rugged construction for durable performance, the vocal recording microphone, USB condenser mic for PC,offers a wide frequency response and handles high SPLs with ease. Ideal for project/home-studio applications. The cardioid condenser capsule captures crystal-clear audio from the front and avoid ambient noise when communicating/creating/recording. Comes ready to go with a desktop mic boom arm stand and 8.2ft USB cable, you're guaranteed to get great-sounding results.
- [Durable Arm Set] The podcast microphone bundle with versatile and sturdy broadcast suspension boom scissor arm with 180° up and down rotation, 135° forward and backward extension for optimal adjustment, for capturing your voice in podcast or voiceover. The double pop filter attached on the music recording microphone provides two layers of dissipation, removes the rush of air, minimize the popping sounds or cancel noise that can compromise your recording, great for studio as well as home use.
- [Easy to Attach] The streaming microphone for PC includes adjustable boom studio scissor arm stand that features a heavy-duty combo mount consisting of a sturdy C-clamp and a detachable desktop mount. With 13" fixed horizontal arm and offers a 30" reach, the low-profile, table-hugging design of audio recording microphone allows on-air talent to perform without facial obstruction to record in podcasting or make dubbing sounds for videos, use voice chat in Discord or online conference on Zoom or Skype.
- [The Accessory Package Includes] The studio microphone music recording comes with practical accessories for you to use in most of recording. The scissor arm stand is made out of all steel construction, sturdy and durable, a studio-grade shock mount, a double pop filter, premium 8.2' USB-B to USB-A/C cable, a podcast PC gaming microphone, a user manual and friendly Technical Support.
- [Convenient Setup] Plug and play recording USB microphone for PC, with 5.9-Foot USB cable included for computer PC laptop, is connected directly to USB-A port for recording music, computer singing or podcast. The office condenser microphone for computer is easy to use and install. (NOT compatible with Xbox and Phones)
- [Durable Metal Design] Solid sturdy metal construction design, the computer microphone for Zoom meetings with stable tripod stand is convenient when you are doing voice overs or livestreams on YouTube. Durable material extends the service life of the voice-over microphone.
- [Mic Volume Knob] Gaming condenser USB mic compatible for PS4 with additional volume knob itself has a louder or quieter adjustment and is more sensitive. Your voice would be heard well enough through the zoom microphone USB when gaming, skyping or voice recording. Also, you can adjust your volume to zero and protect your privacy.
- [Widely Use] USB-powered design, the condenser microphone for recording no need the 48v Phantom power supply, works well with Cortana, Discord, voice chat and voice recognition. The podcast microphone for Mac, with USB-B to USB-A/C cable, is compatible with desktop, laptop or PS4/PS5, which meets most of your daily recording needs.
- [Clear Output Voice] Cardioid condenser microphone for PC captures your voice properly, producing clear smooth and crisp sound. Great computer recording mic for gamers/streamers/youtubers focus on the main source and reduces background noise. The streaming microphone does the job well for broadcast ,OBS and teamspeak.
- 🎤 34mm GOLD CAPSULE - The MA-67 is a uniquely designed microphone for singing, made to capture audio with pure detail and warm tone, perfect for vocal recording at home.
- 🎙️ CONDENSER DESIGN - The MA-67 studio microphone is designed to capture every detail and tone of your voice, and to do so - requires 48V of phantom power to function.
- ⚙️ PACKED WITH ACCESSORIES - This XLR microphone bundle is packed with recording studio equipment accessories including a silver metal shock mount, hydro pop filter, 6Ft XLR cable and carry pouch.
- 🛠️ DURABLE BUILD QUALITY - This XLR microphone body contains a solid metal exterior, including a solid grill that is resilient to dents. The shock mount is also of metal build quality.
- Professional Sound Chipset 192kHz/24bit: This Condenser Microphone has been designed with a professional sound chipset, which lets the USB microphone hold a high-resolution sampling rate. SAMPLING RATE: 192kHz/24bit!!! The smooth, flat frequency response of 30Hz-16kHz--Extended frequency response is excellent for singing, speech, and Voice-over, Performed perfectly in reproduces sound, high-quality mic ensure your exquisite sound reproduces on the internet
- Plug and Play Condenser Microphone: The microphone has a USB 2.0 data port which is easy to connect with your computer and Linux operation system, and no need for extra driver software, and no need for an external sound card. Double shielding USB cable reduces interference. That makes it easy to sound good on a podcast, Live stream, video call, or most any other kind of recording
- 16mm Electret Condenser Transducer & Magnet Ring: With the 16mm electret condenser transducer, the USB microphone can give you a strong bass response. This professional condenser microphone picks up crystal clear audio. The magnet ring, on the USB microphone cable, has a strong anti-interference function, which makes you have a better feel
- Equipped with Studio Headphones: Proprietary 50mm large-aperture drivers and deep, accurate bass response bring you a treat of your ear. Advanced active noise reduction technology makes you focus on what you want to hear. Foldable, flexible, and skin texture design, more durability, and comfort
- Wide Compatibility And Multi-Purpose: 3.5mm jack for pc, laptop, smartphone, tablet, iPad and includes 6.35mm adapter for mixer, phantom power, etc. Besides monitoring, also perfect for gaming, music
- Professional Quality, Large Diaphragm, True Condenser microphone delivers studio-grade sound, making it an excellent choice for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, and high SPL sources with exceptional clarity. XLR Connector.
- Durable Design - Built to withstand the rigors of both studio and live environments, the P220's robust construction ensures long-lasting performance and reliability.
- Complete Package - The P220 comes with a spider-type shock mount and an aluminum carrying case.
- Product Dimensions: Length 6.5”. Diameter 2.13”. Net Weight: 1.13 lbs. Package Dimensions: 9.7 H x 5.2L x 9.05 W (inches). Package Weight: 3.96 lbs.
- MANUFACTURERS LIMITED PRODUCT WARRANTY For AKG products applies only when the purchase is made from AKG Authorized North American Dealers.
Best Vocal Condenser Microphones Buying Guide
Before choosing the best vocal condenser microphone you should consider following options:
1. What Is a Condenser Microphone? A condenser microphone is a mic that uses a capsule that contains a capacitor. This capacitor is charged by an external power source (usually a battery).
When the capsule picks up sound, it changes the capacitor’s electric field, which changes the capacitor’s voltage. This change in voltage is then sent to an amplifier, which converts the change in voltage into a current.
This current can then be used to drive a speaker, which reproduces the original sound. Condenser microphones are considered superior to dynamic microphones when it comes to capturing high-quality audio.
2. What Is a Dynamic Microphone? A dynamic microphone uses a diaphragm coated with a thin strip of magnetic material. Sound waves cause the diaphragm to vibrate, which in turn causes the strip of magnetic material to vibrate.
These vibrations cause changes in the magnetic field surrounding the strip, which in turn causes changes in the current flowing through the strip.
This current can then be used to drive a speaker, which reproduces the original sound. While dynamic microphones are great for live applications, they don’t capture audio as well as condenser microphones.
3. Mic Capsules The diaphragm in a microphone can be made from a number of different materials, including aluminum, titanium, and mylar.
Each material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For example, aluminum is lightweight, but it isn’t very rigid, while mylar is very rigid, but it is fragile.
The capsule itself can be made from a number of materials, including glass, plastic, or silicon. While the material that the capsule is made from can affect the sound quality, the material is a less important factor than the material of the diaphragm.
4. Polar Patterns A polar pattern is a diagram that shows how a microphone picks up sound from different directions.
These diagrams typically show the direction of maximum sensitivity, which is the direction from which the microphone picks up the most sound.
The most common types of polar patterns include cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo.
Cardioid mics pick up the most sound from the front, while rejecting the most sound from the back and the sides.
Bidirectional mics pick up the most sound from the front and back, while rejecting the most sound from the sides.
Omnidirectional mics pick up the most sound from all directions. Stereo mics pick up the most sound from two different positions.
Knowing the polar pattern of a microphone is important, because it tells you how the mic will pick up sound in a particular environment.
For example, if you use a stereo mic in a live music setting, the left and right capsules will pick up the same amount of sound, which means that the stereo image will be mono.
5. Suspension Systems Any vibrations from the capsule will affect the frequency response of the microphone.
A suspension system reduces these vibrations. There are two main types of suspensions – hard and soft.
Hard suspensions use springs to reduce vibrations while soft suspensions use damping materials (usually a polymer or rubber) to reduce vibrations.
The suspension system is usually indicated by a letter or letter and number code. For example, a ‘K’ suspension indicates that the capsule uses a hard suspension, while an ‘M’ suspension indicates that the capsule uses a soft suspension
What else you should know about vocal condenser microphones
1. What is a vocal condenser microphone?
A vocal condenser microphone is a type of microphone that is designed to be used specifically for recording vocals. These microphones are generally more expensive than other types of microphones, but they offer a number of benefits that make them worth the investment. Vocal condenser microphones are designed to capture a wider range of frequencies than other types of microphones, which makes them ideal for recording vocals. In addition, vocal condenser microphones typically have a higher level of sensitivity than other types of microphones, which means that they can pick up even the smallest details in a singer’s voice.
2. How does a vocal condenser microphone work?
A vocal condenser microphone works by converting sound waves into electrical energy. The microphone uses a diaphragm that vibrates when it comes into contact with sound waves. This vibration is then converted into an electrical signal by a transformer.
3. What are the benefits of using a vocal condenser microphone?
There are a few benefits of using a vocal condenser microphone including:
1. They tend to have a very clear and natural sound quality.
2. They are very sensitive, which means they can pick up even the softest of sounds.
3. They are often used in studios because of their high quality.
4. What are some of the best vocal condenser microphones on the market?
Some of the best vocal condenser microphones on the market include the Audio-Technica AT2020, the Blue Microphones Yeti, and the Rode NT1-A.
5. How do I choose the best vocal condenser microphone for my needs?
There is no one “best” vocal condenser microphone, as the best microphone for a given application will vary depending on the specific needs of the user. However, some factors to consider when choosing a vocal condenser microphone include the frequency response of the microphone, its sensitivity, and its ability to reject background noise.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best vocal condenser microphones. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best vocal condenser microphones will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.