TOP 15 best microphones by customer reviews

Choosing a good microphone is not easy, especially for the layman. I studied a lot of reviews and expert opinions, customer reviews and made the TOP 15 best microphones on year. They differ significantly in characteristics, equipment, capabilities. I suggest that you study the rating so that it is easier to make the best choice for your requirements.

TOP 4 microphones for vocals

Sennheiser E 835-S

A hand-held dynamic microphone with a cardioid radiation pattern (insensitive to sound coming from the opposite side), 4.8 × 10.8 × 4.8 cm (W × H × D). Can be used for professional recording of vocals in live performances or in a home studio. The body is made of metal. It operates in the frequency range from 40 to 16000 Hz. The sensitivity is average - 51 dB, as is the resistance (350 Ohm). The sound produces a juicy, without extraneous noise thanks to the elastic suspension of the capsule and the coil of suppression of electromechanical interference, as well as good suppression of feedback. Phantom power. There is an on / off button. XLR connector. Weighs only 330 g. Includes microphone case and holder.

Benefits:

1. Compact.
2. Convenient.
3. Smooth switch.
4. Normal technical equipment.
5. Good sound.
6. Quality record.

Disadvantages:

1. No cable included.
2. The case is poorly protected from shock.

Sennheiser E 835-S costs ... Inexpensive, simple enough, but reliable and functional, with a wide range of high-quality sound recording. Reproduces a smaller frequency range than the Audio-Technica AT2020USB +.

Audio-Technica AT2020 USB +

Condenser desktop studio microphone of slightly larger dimensions (height - 16.2 cm). It differs from the previous model by reproducing a wider frequency range - from 20 to 20,000 Hz. It has a fairly low impedance. Although, according to experts, this parameter does not significantly affect the recording quality. Suitable for digital recording of various acoustic sources. It receives power via USB, for which a corresponding connector is provided. There is a headphone jack. There are no buttons to disable. Cable length - 3 m. Light weight. The set includes a tripod, a detachable cable.

Benefits:

1. Nice design.
2. Very good sensitivity.
3. Wide frequency range.
4. The ability to connect headphones.
5. Excellent and high quality voice recording.
6. Sane price.

Disadvantages:

1. The stand is very uncomfortable.
2. High-quality recording is obtained only with good filter settings.
3. There is no shutdown button.

Microphone Audio-Technica AT2020USB for It reproduces sound well not only indoors, but also in open areas. It has a low noise floor and a wide frequency range than the Shure BETA 58A.

Shure BETA 58A

The Shure BETA 58A dynamic microphone has similar characteristics and is almost identical in size to the Sennheiser E 835-S.It features a supercardioid pattern. This means that it has a narrower sound capture area. It captures a little sound from behind, but provides two zones of absolute insensitivity. Microphone in a plastic case. Reproduces a smaller frequency range (50-16000 Hz) and has a standard sensitivity (51 dB). The resistance is slightly higher than that of Audio-Technica (150 Ohms). Connector - XLR. It weighs a little less.

Benefits:

1. Pleasant appearance.
2. Good clean voice recording.
3. Eliminates extraneous noise on the recording.

Disadvantage:

1. Some customers find the plastic case somewhat unreliable.

Shure Beta 58a for - A good solution for home and professional studio. Some experts appreciate the supercardioid orientation. In terms of sensitivity and reproducible range, RODE NTK loses.

RODE NTK

Professional tube studio condenser microphone with cardioid pattern. It differs in large sizes (5.5x20.8x5.5 cm). The frequency range above is 20-20000 Hz. Sensitivity is higher - 38 dB. The impedance is average (200 ohms). Sound pressure - 158 dB. It is equipped with a holder, a cover, a power supply and a removable cable. It weighs almost two times more than previous models.

Benefits:

1. Great recording quality.
2. High sensitivity.
3. Eliminates extraneous noise.
4. Rich equipment.

Disadvantage:

1. Price.

RODE NTK is an order of magnitude higher than other rating models - Designed for professional use. It surpasses the Shure BETA 58A and Audio-Technica in many ways, especially in sensitivity, which is so important for sound quality.

TOP 3 Instrument Microphones

Shure BETA 57A

Dynamic handheld concert microphone with a supercardioid diagram for transmitting the sound of plucked strings, winds, and percussion instruments of small dimensions (3.8 x 16 x 3.8 cm). The case is made of plastic. Reproduces frequencies in the range of 50-16000 Hz. Sensitive (51 ohms). Phantom power. The complete set is presented by the carving adapter, the rotary holder and a cover for storage.

Benefits:

1. Nice design.
2. Strong case.
3. Great sound quality.

Disadvantage:

1. Poor equipment.

The price of the microphone Shure BETA 57A is . It is intended for professional use, suitable for working with many tools. The device is optimized for the most detailed sound transmission, with the cut-off of extraneous noise. It is reliable, withstands falls and mechanical stresses, and is characterized by long-term excellent operation.

AKG P420

Capacitor stationary device with switchable (omnidirectional) cardioid diagram. It features a large diameter and design (metal case). Designed to work with keyboards, percussion, wind instruments. Designed for a larger range - 20-20000 Hz. The sensitivity is much higher than that of the Shure BETA 57A (20 dB). The average resistance is 200 ohms. Has an attenuator (PAD). Signal to noise ratio 79 dB. It weighs almost double. In a set - a metal case for storage, anti-shock suspension ("spider").

Benefits:

1. He writes both vocals and instruments.
2. Suspension "spider".
3. Convenient reliable case for storage.
4. Good sound quality.
5. High-quality assembly.

Disadvantage:

1. No adapter included.

AKG P420 per used for professional recording when working with musical instruments. It surpasses Shure BETA 57A in all main characteristics. It has sufficient technology to ensure high-quality sound recording.

Audio-Technica ATM250

Dynamic instrumental microphone with a hypercardioid diagram, which cuts off the influence of external noise on the main signal, ensuring its purity. The case is reliable, made of metal. It features a smaller range (40-15000 Hz) and lower sensitivity (54 dB). The impedance is quite high - 600 ohms. Equipped with a gold-plated 3 pin XLRM connector. It weighs less. The package bundle is quite extensive: a rack holder, an adapter, and a soft storage case.

Benefits:

1. Metal case. Reliable performance.
2. Lightweight, comfortable.
3. Writes good clean sound.
4. Hypercardioid chart.
5. Rich equipment.

Disadvantage:

1. Price.

Audio-Technica ATM250 for professionals, especially those working with percussion instruments, will appreciate it. The wide frequency range, hypercardioid directivity of the diagram allow the device to cut out external noise and get a clear instrument sound. Although in many respects it is inferior to the cheaper AKG P420.

TOP 3 microphones for podcasts / radio / TV

Maono AU-A04

Condenser fixed microphone for studio with a caodioid polar pattern. The body is made of metal. Reproduces the middle range - 30-16000 Hz. The sensitivity is quite high (38 dB). The maximum sound pressure is 120 dB. The wire is long - 2.5 m. Signal / noise - 70 dB. The set includes a tripod stand, anti-vibration mounting, pop filter, wind protection.

Benefits:

1. Suspension.
2. Easy installation.
3. Good recording quality.
4. Normal equipment.
5. Great microphone with good sound.
6. Price.

Disadvantages:

1. Poor wall mount.
2. The pop filter is a little awkward to attach.

The Maono AU-A04 microphone costs ... At such a low price, this is a high-quality model for studio recording sound. He has a fairly good equipment, providing for a reliable mount during operation. It provides a good range of frequencies and reproduces fairly high-quality sound.

Blue yeti nano

Desktop condenser microphone. Dimensions - 9.6 x 21.1 x 10.9 cm, switchable diagram. For most technical parameters similar to the previous model. The frequency range is larger (20–20000 Hz), there are shutdown buttons. Has an attenuator (PAD), headphone output. Weight - 630 g.

Benefits:

1. Beautiful design.
2. Ergonomic.
3. Ease of use.
4. Adjustable frequency range.
5. Great sound.
6. Excellent quality recording.

Disadvantage:

1. Price.

Blue Yeti nano costs ... This is a good model for professional studio recording. Unlike Maono AU-A04, it reproduces a wider range of frequencies, and also allows you to adjust them. Most users recommend it for purchase.

Shure SM7B

A fixed dynamic microphone of similar size with a cardioid pattern. Differs in execution - plastic case. The frequency range is almost the same - 50–20,000 Hz. But it has a slightly lower sensitivity (59 dB). Medium resistance - 150 ohms. Phantom power. Equipped with a low pass filter. Features include a windscreen and a cover on the switches. Weighs a little more.

Benefits:

1. Attractive look.
2. Low pass filter to suppress ripple voltage.
3. The sound is high quality, clean.
4. No extraneous noise.

Disadvantages:

1. Price.
2. Some buyers are unhappy with the plastic case.

Shure SM7B price -... But at a high price, the model is inferior to the Blue Yeti nano in some parameters, although this practically does not affect the sound quality. Thanks to low-pass filtering, bass is easily distinguishable, and high frequencies are filtered out. Buyers are satisfied with the functionality and equipment of the microphone.

TOP 2 microphones for PC

Trust GXT 212 Mico

Condenser desktop microphone for a computer with a pie pattern. It reproduces frequencies in the range of 50-16000 Hz. It is connected in a standard way - via a mini jack 3.5 mm. Equipped with a rather long cable - 1.8 m. It receives power via USB. Includes USB adapter, stand, USB type A, B cable.

Benefits:

1. Nice view.
2. Convenient swivel stand for installation.
3. Quite clear sound.
4. Several connection methods, including through a USB adapter.
5. Inexpensive.

Disadvantage:

1. When connected via a USB adapter, the sound is not entirely clear, although quite loud.

Trust GXT 212 Mico Microphone ... A budgetary, but fairly well-equipped model. It is easy to install and connect, it reproduces sound of quite normal quality.

Razer Seiren X

Microphone with a hypercardioid pattern with a diameter of 5 cm and a height of 18.4 cm. It reproduces a wider spectrum - 20–20,000 Hz. The resistance is very low - 16 ohms. A shutdown button is provided. Compatible with Open Broadcaster Software and Xsplit.Provides a headphone output. The scope of delivery is wider: support bar, table stand, vibration suppression mount, Micro-USB cable.

Benefits:

1. Beautiful view.
2. Compact. Convenient.
3. It is convenient that there is a power button on the case (with an indicator).
4. Clean, crisp, good sound.

Disadvantage:

1. Phonite under standard volume conditions. Configuration required.

The price of the microphone Razer Razer Seiren X is ... This is a good model with excellent performance. It is firmly fixed, well installed. There is an isolated case of difficulties with the settings, which leads to background problems.

TOP 3 universal microphones

Maono AU-A03T

Condenser stationary microphone for the studio with a cardioid diagram. The body is made of metal. Reproduces almost standard frequency range - 30-16000 Hz. The sensitivity is quite high - 38 dB, phantom power. Has an attenuator (PAD). Provides headphone output. The wire is rather long - 2.5 m. The kit includes a tripod stand, a stand mount, anti-vibration mounting, wind protection, pop filter, XLR cable, Y-adapter.

Benefits:

1. Beautiful view.
2. Reliable sturdy stand.
3. Rich equipment.
4. Good sound quality.
5. Affordable price.

Disadvantages:

1. Very slim Y-piece.
2. Demanding on the sound card.
3. It’s hard to adjust the foot of the pop filter.

Use Maono AU-A03T for You can for different purposes (video presentations, interviews, karaoke, studio recording). The microphone is conveniently and securely attached. It features good equipment and performance. Thanks to various accessories, it can be connected to most PCs and recording devices. It performs its function perfectly. There were no particular drawbacks that interfere with the workflow. According to user reviews, this is a great microphone for the money, not inferior in quality of work to even more expensive models, although an impeccable sound will require an amplifier or a good audio card.

AKG P120

The model reproduces frequencies of a wider spectrum (20–20000 Hz) and a slightly higher sensitivity (33 dB). The maximum sound pressure is 150 dB. There are low and high pass filters, which gives more opportunities for high-quality sound recording. There is no headphone output. Signal / noise ratio - 75 dB. Only the rack mount is included.

Benefits:

1. Reliable assembly. Metal case.
2. High quality rack mount.
3. The vocals are amazing.
4. Great entry-level professional microphone.

Disadvantage:

1. Poor equipment.

AKG P120 - studio microphone for... It proved to be quite good when recording vocals and other compositions. A reliable device in a metal case, with adjustable frequencies and good sound quality. Buyers are completely satisfied with the quality of this model, its functionality.

Trust GXT 252 Emita

Trust GXT 252 Emita has a frequency range (18-21000 Hz) and lower sound pressure (135 dB). Power is supplied via USB. There are no frequency filters. The cable is smaller - 1.8 m. The package bundle is quite extensive: a desktop stand, a "spider" suspension, pop filters, a storage case, a USB cable.

Benefits:

1. Nice view.
2. Reliable assembly.
3. Ergonomic.
4. Decent sound recording level.
5. Rich equipment.

Disadvantage:

1. Price.

Microphone Trust GXT 252 Emita worth ... Although the model does not outperform cheaper models in terms of characteristics, it provides excellent sound quality. Buyers recommend the product for purchase due to the good equipment, rich configuration and the absence of problems with connection and settings.