If you are in the market for a new studio microphone, check out the reviews, tutorials and articles that we have brought together in one place to help you select your next microphone acquisition. You will also be able to learn the differences between microphone types, compare models, find out what we think of each of these microphones and see if any of the following would meet your needs.

Large Diaphragm Condensor Microphones

We are rather spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a new large-diaphragm condenser mic. Many represent excellent value for money, others are undeniably expensive but quality costs. 

Large diaphragm condenser microphones are considered to be excellent all-rounders. Great for the job of recording anything from vocals to drum overheads, guitar cabinets to pianos, dialogue to dobro. With a single good quality large diaphragm condenser, you often have all the microphone you need to record anything that comes your way.

Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones

Pencil microphones are an excellent mic choice when you need to record acoustic instruments in a studio environment. While large diaphragm mics often flatter the sound, small diaphragm mics tend to be more accurate. Due to their small capsule size they tend to have better off axis performance and are more tolerant of high SPLs but have higher self noise compared to large diaphragm condenser mics. This favourable off axis performance makes them very well suited to use in stereo pairs.

Dynamic Microphones

Dynamic mics used to be the first choice for people who couldn’t afford expensive German and Austrian condensers. While this used to be true, cheap, good quality condensers have been available for decades and this argument belongs in the past.

Dynamic mics are now chosen for their sound, which is more mid focused and “slower”, meaning that fast transients aren’t captured with such forensic detail, making them a popular choice for sounds which can get spiky, like electric guitars and drums. They have a low output compared to condensers so while they don’t need phantom power like condensers do, they do need a preamp with a lot of gain if they are to be used on anything quiet.

Ribbon Microphones

Ribbon mics have been around a long time and while they fell out of favour for a while, their rich character makes them ideal for digital recording, which can make bright sounds sound harsh. A great choice for anything loud and bright, these are popular on electric guitars, drums and brass but can be used on anything, though they have a low output like dynamic mics and most have a characteristically dark tone. If you already have a couple of mics and want something different a ribbon is a great choice. Watch our videos below to get a sense of how ribbon microphones sound. 

Microphone Modeling

Modelling has played a significant role in the recent evolution of digital audio production. In recent years several great attempts at producing realistic sounding mic models exploded onto the production scene. These systems come with calibrated microphones and software written specifically for these mics to sound and perform as close as possible to the original microphones they model. Why have a microphone locker full of expensive mics when you can have a single mic with several digital recreations instead? We love microphone modelling, check out our article below to find out why and to compare all the top systems on the market today.

Measurement Microphones

A useful mic to keep in your collection is a measurement mic. It won't be an everyday mic, but you'll be grateful for having one in your hand when you need one. Typical applications are for testing the response of how your monitoring and room interact with each other and for software room correction measurements. Inexpensive measurement microphones are available with many popular speaker calibration developers providing one as part of their product line. But do you really need a measurement mic? Our article below may have the answer.