9 best microphones

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Microphones are experiencing their second youth. If earlier they were used only for professional purposes (usually when shooting movies or TV shows, as well as at radio stations), now such devices are needed by an ordinary person. From now on, it's easy to connect a microphone to a camera or smartphone to record videos for home archives with good sound. Also, it is difficult for a self-respecting video blogger to do without a decent dynamic or condenser microphone. In short, the online magazine is going to introduce you to the best microphones. All models presented in this rating are freely sold in Russian retail.

Top microphones for recording

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best dynamic microphones	1	Sennheiser MD421 II	RUB 25,446
	2	Shure SM58	RUB 6 684
	3	Shure SM58 Series II	RUB 15,500
The best condenser microphones for recording vocals	1	Rode NTK	RUB 28 636
	2	Audi o-Technica AT2035	RUB 11,770
	3	Neumann TLM-102	RUB 45,900
	4	Blue Microphones Bluebird SL	RUB 22,990
	5	AKG C214	RUB 30,740
	6	Behringer C-1	RUB 4,750

Best dynamic microphones

Sennheiser MD421 II

Rating: 4.9

Some microphones have remained popular over the years. In particular, the Sennheiser MD421 has been in demand for at least 35 years! And only some time ago, the manufacturer decided to improve this model by releasing the second generation. This dynamic cardioid microphone exceeded all expectations. It turned out to be relatively compact, while inside it there is advanced electronics.

The device is universal, and this is exactly what you want to get for such a large sum (in our country they ask 34 thousand rubles for a microphone). With this accessory, you can write not only musical instruments, but also vocals. Some people use this microphone to record speech for podcasts or vlogs. The result is perfect – processing of sound in the editor is needed only in some exceptional cases. The product also features support for bass cutoff. In a word, Sennheiser MD421 II can be called the leader of our rating!

Advantages

• Excellent sensitivity;

• Five positions of bass roll-off;

• Strong focus;

• The case is very durable;

• Maximum dynamic range.

disadvantages

• High price;

• Only a microphone and a clip are included.

Shure SM58

Rating: 4.8

This microphone has a traditional look as if it were intended for ordinary karaoke. But the product would not have made it into our rating if it did not have impressive characteristics and a lot of positive reviews from satisfied customers. The dynamic cardioid microphone has a frequency range of 50 Hz to 15 kHz. This means that the device transmits all the nuances of the human voice. Sound distortion here, even at high SPL, is minimal. Surprisingly, the manufacturer did a great job even on the windscreen, which does an excellent job of eliminating wind and breathing noise. And there is also a built-in capsule damper, which already reduces mechanical noise.

Shure is renowned for the fact that its microphones can be used for many years. Model SM58 is no exception to the rule – you can safely drop it, this will not affect the technical condition of the device. The buyer should be pleased with the fact that a standard XLR connector is used here – this allows you to easily find a longer or additional cable for the microphone.

All in all, this is a great microphone for recording vocals, theater, circus, concert or anywhere else. Hardly for 9 thousand rubles. you can buy a higher quality vocal microphone.

Advantages

• High-quality assembly;

• Wide frequency range;

• Excellent wind protection with filter;

• Good suppression of mechanical noise;

• The set includes not only a holder, but also a case with a strap;

• XLR connector is used.

disadvantages

• Not suitable for musical instruments (except for wind instruments).

Shure SM58 Series II

Rating: 4.8

Stylish dynamic microphone in a metal case. Made in the style of devices that were popular in the middle of the last century. Available in both silver and copper. Despite the classic appearance, modern components are hidden under the chrome body. It is thanks to them that the microphone is able to pick up sounds in the frequency range from 50 Hz to 15 kHz. The cable here is connected to a traditional XLR connector, which can be considered an undoubted plus – the manufacturer does not try to make money off the customer using an atypical cable.

In general, when shooting video, a microphone can beautify not only the sound, but also the picture. Why? Have you seen a lot of blogs where a person speaks into such a beautiful microphone? In a word, now you understand why this model has earned a place in our rating.

Advantages

• XLR connector used;

• 20th century microphone design;

• Robust chrome-plated body;

• Perfectly recognizes all the nuances of the human voice;

• Supplied with an adjustable swivel holder.

disadvantages

• Not suitable for connoisseurs of modern design;

• Poor choice for recording musical instruments;

• The cost exceeds 15 thousand rubles.

The best condenser microphones for recording vocals

Rode NTK

Rating: 4.9

A very expensive studio microphone. The cost, reaching 41 thousand rubles, is explained by the very complex design of the device. In fact, the microphone is a tube microphone, which provides not only clear, but also warm sound. The recording of any extraneous sounds is almost completely excluded here, since the membrane of the product is fixed on a special anti-vibration suspension. The microphone also differs from other analogs in an extended frequency range. This allows you to use the device to record not only voice, but also musical instruments.

The product is directional, which simplifies room preparation. The quality of the materials used here is evidenced by the weight of the device, reaching 760 g. It should not be forgotten that this microphone is a condenser. This means that the device requires electricity, the supply of which is provided by the supplied power supply.

Advantages

• Dynamic range – more than 147 dB;

• Very high sensitivity;

• Frequency range – from 20 Hz to 20 kHz;

• Reliable construction;

• Soft and clear sound;

• Long lamp life.

disadvantages

• Very high cost;

• Meager equipment.

Audi o-Technica AT2035

Rating: 4.8

Comparatively inexpensive when compared to studio microphones. You can buy this model in Russia for about 11 thousand rubles. In connection with the price tag, the device received a discreet appearance. But behind the unsightly metal case, modern components are hidden, thanks to which the microphone ended up in this rating.

The product boasts a large diagram, which provides low noise and smooth natural sound. The microphone comes with a mount that allows you to position it right next to the sound source, whatever it may be. Basically, the device is designed for recording vocals. But if necessary, you can write musical instruments, including a guitar. This model includes a switchable low-cut filter that can come in handy. That is, here you can set the bass cutoff, as a result of which blowing out with close vocals will be completely eliminated, just as other extraneous low-frequency noises will not be heard. Well, the usual XLR is used here as a connector.

Advantages

• Reliable and high-quality assembly;

• The set includes a convenient mount;

• XLR connector used;

• There is a switchable low-pass filter;

• A cardioid chart is used;

• Wide dynamic range.

disadvantages

• Not everyone will like the look;

• The sound, after all, cannot be called completely clean.

Neumann TLM-102

Rating: 4.8

This microphone, which costs up to 45 thousand rubles, is used in studios and radio stations. He looks very stylish. Moreover, this can be said about both the silver version and the black one. The German manufacturer has endowed his creation with a very large membrane that captures all the subtleties of the human voice. In this case, a cardioid radiation pattern is used here, which saves from recording extraneous sounds.

By default, the Neumann TLM-102 microphone is designed for vocal recording. However, it is regularly used for other purposes as well – for example, the device is placed near drums, guitar amplifiers and other sources of loud sounds. It is interesting that the product is able to raise the sound in the midrange – that is, this way you can clearly distinguish a human voice in the mix. The anti-vibration mount of the capsule should also please the buyer, which ensures the absence of mechanical noise. The set with the microphone comes with a rather heavy metal holder SG 2, made on hinged mechanisms.

Advantages

• Two color options available;

• The capsule is held on an anti-vibration mount;

• The microphone is able to correctly highlight the voice;

• The sound is as clear as possible;

• Excellent metal holder included;

• The device can be called universal;

• The microphone can last for many years.

disadvantages

• Not everyone will like the price tag.

Blue Microphones Bluebird SL

Rating: 4.7

A relatively inexpensive studio microphone. Its cost does not exceed 20 thousand rubles, due to which it got into the rating of the online magazine. The device has a blue painted metal casing. The product includes a -20 dB filter as well as a high-pass filter, making the microphone an excellent choice for capturing vocals. And not only! This device is used to capture sound from a piano, guitar, and many other musical instruments. The device will certainly delight you with rich lows, soft mids and clear highs.

This is one of the few condenser microphones to use a hand-built capsule. And this model is also able to please with a golden-coated meylar diaphragm. When recording vocals, it provides excellent resonance. It should also be noted the relief part of the fixed electrode, due to which the sound of the entire frequency spectrum is perfectly balanced.

Advantages

• Suitable for recording both voice and musical instruments;

• There is a gold-plated meylar diaphragm;

• Includes high pass filter and -20 dB filter;

• The microphone is partially hand-built;

• Minimum noise level;

• Durable construction.

disadvantages

• The price tag still cannot be called low;

• Not everyone likes the design.

AKG C214

Rating: 4.7

The only microphone in our rating that comes in a special case. This greatly simplifies the transportation of the device from, say, one studio to another. The device is, like all microphones discussed here, cardioid. The operating frequency range here is from 20 MHz to 20 kHz. The sound is picked up by an inch diaphragm. And she copes with this task very well – not without reason this model is used by some popular musicians.

Returning to the topic of the equipment, one cannot fail to mention the presence of a windscreen. This simplest accessory allows you to use your microphone outdoors without worrying about sound quality. The customer also receives a holder H85, with which the tilt of the device can be adjusted.

The German manufacturer used a completely new electronic circuit in the development of the AKG C214. This allowed us to significantly increase the dynamic range. Also, the product is capable of boasting a flat frequency response. It is curious that the microphone can withstand almost any sound pressure – this is facilitated by the special design of the capsule, which prevents the membrane from closing with the back electrode.

Advantages

• Excellent protection against radio interference;

• Reliable and durable metal construction;

• Rich equipment;

• There is a sensitivity switch (-20 dB filter);

• You can turn on the high pass filter;

• Protection against any sound pressure;

• Low level of intrinsic noise.

disadvantages

• The cost reaches 30 thousand rubles.

Behringer C-1

Rating: 4.6

One of the cheapest condenser microphones, unless you think about Chinese creations. The cost of the Behringer C-1 in our stores is about 5 thousand rubles. Such a price tag allows even an ordinary consumer who is not going to make money by recording sound or shooting video to think about buying this device. The microphone received a relatively good metal housing and a gold-plated XLR connector. Despite the low cost, the device pleases with almost complete absence of its own noise. Namely, noise is a problem for Chinese models that also use phantom power.

Of course, the sound quality produced by the Behringer C-1 is not studio-quality. Nevertheless, the capabilities of such a microphone are quite enough to add a story dictated during editing to a video about your family's vacation. It's also a great choice for people who write podcasts. They are quite satisfied with a medium-sized diaphragm, as well as a cardioid radiation pattern, which excludes the recording of external noise.

Advantages

• There is a phantom power indicator;

• Includes stand adapter and case;

• Uses an ultra-low noise FET front end circuit;

• Robust construction;

• Gold-plated XLR connector used;

• Low cost.

disadvantages

• Not the widest frequency range;

• The sensitivity could be higher.

Conclusion

These are the best microphones available today. Of course, only the most affordable models were discussed here. We decided not to talk about the expensive professional microphones that TV channels usually order directly from the manufacturer. It seems to us that readers will not need such devices due to the complexity of their purchase and the very high cost. Also, we have not mentioned 'buttonholes', which will be discussed in a separate material.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.