In my opinion a microphone is the most important piece of gear in your home studio. In 2018 it is possible to have a professional quality studio microphone for an extremely affordable price.
A microphone is so important because it is used to record your vocal, acoustic guitar, drums, amplifier, tambourine, bongo or even your cat. They come in all shapes and sizes with differing features and accessories included.
Below I have listed 5 of the best studio microphones that you can get today for your home studio. I have tried to give a wide range of microphones which will fit both your budget and musical needs.
As a disclaimer, I should mention that a studio microphone is not the only piece of equipment you will need to start recording. A computer is required with audio software installed, which will digitally capture the sound the microphone records. If you unsure which audio software to go for, check out my review of the most beginner friendly audio software here:
In addition to audio software, you may need to get an audio interface which acts as the middle man between the microphone and your computer. If you need some suggestions for a starter audio interface you can check out my recommendations here:
*Note* links in this review are affiliate links to amazon, which means I get a small commission if you choose to purchase any of the items.
If you decide you want to purchase any of the items listed, most (if not all) of these items should be Amazon Prime eligible which means you could get the item sent to you with free 2-day delivery. Amazon offers a free 30-day Amazon Prime trial if you want to try it out. You can cancel at any time!
Without further a do, lets get into it!
1. Rode NT1A
The first microphone on this list is perhaps my go to condenser microphone.
Why?
It has a clear, crisp and rich sound capturing every detail of your vocal or instrument.
It has the one of the worlds lowest self noise of any condenser microphone at only 5db (which is super quiet), making it a perfect home studio microphone when the lowest amount of unwanted noise is needed the most. It also has exceptional build quality and comes with a 10 years guarantee.
If you choose to purchase this microphone I suggest buying it in a bundle. The bundle I recommend includes a combined shock mount (prevents the microphone from suffering noise through vibrations and knocks) and a pop filter (prevents plosives such as p’s, t’s and s’s when singing). In addition, the bundle also comes with a xlr cable which connects the microphone to your audio interface.
Rode NT1A Anniversary Vocal Condenser Microphone Package
2. Blue Yeti
Second, is The Blue Yeti USB microphone and like the rode NT1A is a great quality microphone at an affordable price.
Unlike, the rode NT1A, the Blue Yeti can connect straight to your computer via USB and is both Mac and PC compatible.
It has 3 polar patterns, cardioid, biodirectional and omnidirwctional & stereo, which gives you added control over recording vocals and instruments from different positions in front, to the side and behind the microphone.
The blue yeti has a gain control, mute button and a zero latency headphone output which again, emphasises the control you can get with just this microphone.
Due to these specs, plug n play accessibility and incredible sound quality, the most popular use for the Blue Yeti is for podcast and voice over work.
The Blue Yeti is an exceptional USB microphone, and is perhaps the best USB microphone on the market. It negates the need for a audio interface, and is perfect for a home studio.
A non USB is also available if you already own an audio interface.
3. Shure SM57/SM58
The Shure SM57 and SM58 are true classics in the microphone world! They are virtually the same microphone with the only difference the grill which goes over the top of the microphone.
These microphones are known as the industry standard for studio recording and live performance.
A key difference to other microphones on this list is that the Shure is a dynamic microphone. A dynamic microphone gives a different type of sound to a condenser microphone
The SM57 sounds fantastic on high intensity instruments such as driven guitar amps and drum recordings.
The Shure SM58 is ideal for live vocal performances.
The Shure brand prides the SM57 and 58 on being one of the most versatile microphones on the market today.
This durable microphone is truly a workhorse in the studio and is definitely a no brainier for any home studio.
My first studio microphone was a Shure SM57 and it suited my needs perfectly. I eventually invested in a condenser microphone when I wanted more options in the studio.
If your budget can stretch to two microphones I highly recommend picking up an SM57 alongside a condenser microphone.
Shure SM57-LC Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
4. MXL 770
This microphone is praised for its solid bass response and clarity with the top end giving an extremely well balanced sound. It has a polaroid pattern and includes a frequency roll off to reduce unwanted rumble. It also has a -10db pad to help unwanted clipping and distortion from loud performances.
A massive plus for the MXL 770 is that it comes with a shock mount and a rugged carrying case included.
This microphone is great for newbie musicians getting into recording and in particular aspiring rappers and vocalists due to its balanced sound.
5. Samson C01 & Behringer C1
A USB version is also available
For the final spot on the list I wanted to pick a condenser microphone that offers exceptional value for money.
With this in mind, there are two stand out microphones that I just can not seperate when it comes to value for money. The Samson C01 and the Behringer C1 (there is also a USB version, Behringer C1U).
They are a perfect mcirophone for beginners and both sound fantastic for such a low price.
Additional Information:
For some of these microphones they may not come with the accessories required.
If the microphone is not USB then an XLR cable is required to connect to an audio interface.
An XLR cable that I use and has never let me down is
