Best Sellers
Top products on Reverb over the past 90 days
Best Sellers in Pro Audio - Microphones
- 1
Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Industry standard, studio legend, mic for the masses. The Shure SM57 is responsible for a staggering percentage of the recorded sounds you've probably heard. It is the Swiss Army Knife of mics - infinitely capable, but not highly specialized. And for less than $100, we're OK with that. - 2
Shure SM58 Handheld Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
You would be hard-pressed to find a venue that doesn’t have a set of Shure SM58 mics on hand. As the go-to vocal mic for millions of professionals and amateurs since its launch in 1966, the SM58 hardly needs an introduction. Its reputation has been built on three simple traits: durability, quality and affordability. - 3
Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
A secret weapon of everyone from platinum producers to broadcast legends, but with a price within reach of bedroom recordists, the Shure SM7B is both a classic vocal mic and versatile studio swiss army knife. While many people think of condensers as ideal for recording vocals, the cardioid-patterned SM7B is a dynamic mic, and as such possesses the rock-solid stability of its little brothers - Shure's stalwart SM57 and 58. Perfect for close-miked narration, silky smooth female vocals or getting a beefier tone from a guitar cab - if you could only have one microphone, the SM7B would be an excellent choice. - 4
Neumann TLM 103 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
The Neumann TLM 103 has been a workhorse microphone for everyone from bedroom enthusiasts to professional broadcasters and major recording engineers since its release in 1998. Extremely low self-noise and impressive technical specifications fuse with an authoritative tone that nods to classic Neumann microphones to offer top quality recordings regardless of budget. - 5
Electro-Voice RE20 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Known as a radio and voice-over standard, the Electro-Voice RE20 can do so much more than podcasts. With Variable D design and a high-pass filter to curb bass muddiness, this large diaphragm cardioid is great for low end and close proximity work involving vocals, kick drums, upright bass or electric bass cabs. - 6
Shure BETA 52A Supercardioid Dynamic Bass Drum Microphone
If you're in search of a big, fat kick drum sound that hits you in the gut, the Shure Beta 52A is likely all that you'll need. This industry-standard microphone has a frequency response and pickup pattern perfectly suited for the job, and takes the guess work and corrective EQ out of the equation for a "finished" sound straight to the mixer or DAW. - 7
Sennheiser e609 Silver Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone
The Sennheiser e609 is the epitome of "point and shoot" microphones for guitar amplifiers, both in the studio and on the stage. With a tight supercardioid pattern for great rejection and a frequency response especially tailored for guitar amps, you can simply hang this modern classic in front of your rig, practically on top of the speaker, for a classic sound with plenty of midrange punch and focus. - 8
Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Ubiquitous, iconic, legendary -- the Sennheiser MD421 II microphone can be found in stages and studios across the globe. With its high SPL handling, great rejection and versatile filter options, the MD421 has long been a standard large diaphragm dynamic, and a staple on guitar amps, toms, and vocals. Shop Reverb.com and compare prices on new & used MD421 II microphones for the best deals. - 9
Sennheiser e906 Supercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone
The Sennheiser e609 is a durable, versatile dynamic instrument microphone designed to take on huge amounts of level from close distances -- guitar amps especially. This update to the popular e609 seen on stages all over the world adds switchable presence settings to tailor high frequencies, and sonically has more in common with the vintage MD409. Their full sound and fast response is amazing on all sorts of instruments, but hang this puppy in front of a guitar amp and you'll smile ear-to-ear. - 10
Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a budget cardioid-pattern condenser microphone great for home studio beginners and experts alike. It comes in two models, with either an XLR or USB output, and offers a custom-made low-mass diaphragm for improved frequency and transient response. - 11
Shure BETA 58A Handheld Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone
Featuring shaped frequency response, supercardio design and sturdy construction, the Beta 58A is one of the most popular vocal microphones on the market and an industry standard. Affordable yet renowned for its quality, this mic works well in any genre and for bedroom recording or live performance. - 12
Sennheiser MD 421-N Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
The Sennheiser MD 421 was released in 1960 to much acclaim, with a very tight cardioid polar pattern that borders on "supercardioid" at many frequencies and a clear, present sound that was far superior to most dynamic mics of the era.
The MD 421-N model features a 3-pin DIN connector and a switchable high-pass filter that goes from "M" for music (full bandwidth) to "S" for speech (low frequencies attenuated). - 14
Neumann U 87 Ai Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Few microphones are more ubiquitous and beloved than the Neumann U 87 Ai, found in recording and broadcast studios in every corner of the planet and heard on hundreds of thousands of recordings and arguably the benchmark by which other FET microphones are judged. Originally released in 1967 and wholly unchanged since 1987, the U 87 Ai is a phenomenal do-it-all condenser microphone that's equally at home in front of a singer, hanging above a drum kit, or peeking into a grand piano. - 15
Shure BETA 57A Supercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone
The Shure BETA 57A is a dynamic microphone that excels at versatility due to its high output supercardioid design. Whether in the studio recording drums and amplifiers or at home recording vocals or various project needs, the BETA 57A provides warmth and reliability in all situations along with its shock mount system and legendary Shure build quality. - 16
Neumann KM 184 Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone Matched Stereo Pair
The Neumann KM 184 small diaphragm condenser microphone makes drum, instrument, and ensemble recording a breeze with its natural sound and near-perfect cardioid pattern. This modern update to the classic KM 84i offers a wide frequency response, high SPL handling, and self noise low enough to take on even the quietest applications. The SKM 184 matched pair is a great choice for all sorts of stereo instrument, room and ambience recording, from drum overheads to large orchestras and ensembles. - 17
Shure SM81 Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
The Shure SM81 is a classic cardioid condenser mic that shines bright on acoustic instruments. This small diaphragm staple, originally released in the 1970s, has found a home with countless studios and stages thanks to its detailed pickup, exceptionally low noise, and rugged build quality. Unhyped and true from one end of the frequency range to the other and nearly impossible to clip, the SM81 remains a tried-and-true mic that should be in every engineer's collection. - 18
AKG C414 XLII Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Drawing from the playbook of classic AKG mics, the C414 XLII condenser microphone offers a detailed, bright sound without being harsh or edgy. Switchable polar patterns, attenuation, and bass cuts make the C414 XLII a true workhorse mic that can work wonders on any instrument or voice. - 21
Neumann TLM 102 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
The Neumann TLM 102 packs classic Neumann sound and build quality into a petite package, with a price tag that mere mortals can afford. With a newly-designed capsule and modern transformerless electronics, this large diaphragm marvel features impressive self-noise and SPL specs while delivering that intimate, up-close sound that made the classic Neumanns the most widely used microphones in professional studios around the world. - 22
AKG C214 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
When it comes to mics, AKG is known for high end, made-in-Austria icons like the C414, C451, and C12 that are out of reach for most consumers. The AKG C214 brings the same studio grade quality and design people expect from the company's professional line at a price point accessible to the working musician. - 24
Shure SM7dB Cardioid Dynamic Microphone with Built-In Preamp
The standard SM7B is one of our era's most popular and versatile mics. It's as great for singers and instrumentalists as it is for podcasters. But one thing about the standard version: It needs a lot of gain to get up to a decent recording volume. In the SM7dB, Shure has placed a preamp inside the body of the mic, giving you plenty of gain even before you hit your audio interface or external mic pre. - 26
AKG D112 MKII Cardioid Dynamic Bass Drum Microphone
The AKG D112 MkII takes the classic sound and function of the original D112 and gives it a new spin -- literally. The MkII model features an integrated mount which allows you to angle the microphone into different positions without moving your mic stand. Zone in on the exact placement of the microphone and revel in a huge, fat kick drum sound without the need for additional EQ. - 28
sE Electronics Voodoo VR1 Passive Ribbon Microphone
The sE Electronics Voodoo VR1 is a passive ribbon mic with a wide frequency response that covers the entire human hearing range -- not something you'll typically hear from a ribbon. Smooth, natural transients mate with a relatively bright tone to go where most ribbons need extensive EQ to go. The VR1 is compact and durable, making it easy to position and even easier to get the sound you desire. - 30
Sennheiser e604 3-Pack Compact Dynamic Drum Microphone Set
The Sennheiser e604 three-pack is a solid, affordable solution for mic'ing toms both live and in the studio. These compact dynamic mics clip directly onto the rim of the drum for perfect placement without a microphone stand, saving you time and space during quick changeovers on stage. The e604s are ultra-durable and can take on a ton of SPL, making them a great choice even when the drummer is hitting the skins with a vengeance. - 31
AKG C414 B ULS Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
The AKG C414 B ULS is about as versatile as a condenser microphone can be, which is what's made them a studio staple consistently over three decades. With four selectable polar patterns (cardioid, supercardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional) on the front and three-position switches on the rear for attenuation and bass rolloff, the C414 B ULS is also the last of the 414s to make use of an output transformer. When compared to the more modern iterations of this mic (TLII, XLS, XLII, C214 and C314), the ULS has a bit more vibe and character to the sound while retaining that "natural" quality that's made every version of the 414 what it is today. - 32
RODE NT1-A Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
The RODE NT1-A is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser mic that has become an affordable industry standard, serving up a huge dynamic range from 20Hz to 20kHz, a high SPL handling of 137dB, and warm, rich tone. A low self-noise level of a mere 5dBA makes it one of the quieter microphones on the market today, making it the perfect mic for virtually any recording situation, like vocals, guitar, and percussion. - 33
Sennheiser MD 441U Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone
The Sennheiser MD 441U keeps a legend a live. This long-time studio staple dynamic microphone features a wide, tailorable frequency response and crystal clear sound. Able to withstand immense SPL levels without overloading and distorting, the MD 441U is among the best microphones of any time or type for recording snare drum and blaring amplifiers. - 34
Neumann KMS 105 Handheld Supercardioid Condenser Microphone
The Neumann KMS 105 handheld condenser microphone gives you studio-quality vocals live on stage. The KMS 105's supercardioid pattern and transparent off-axis response give it incredibly high gain before feedback, something you'd not necessarily expect from a condenser microphone. This microphone's transformerless electronics reproduce the true sound of your voice with amazing detail and nuance that no dynamic microphone could ever dream of. With a low-frequency response specifically tailored for up-close vocals without overwhelming proximity effect, the headbasket of the KMS 105 also greatly reduces troublesome pops and plosives, giving you a crystal clear sound that cuts right through the mix without issues. - 36
Royer R-121 Ribbon Microphone
Considered by many to be the breakthrough product which brought ribbon microphones back to the mainstream, the Royer R-121 is a modern classic and a staple for engineers, producers, and musicians for recording loud guitar amps and brass instruments. A patented offset ribbon assembly gives the ribbon more room to move in high-SPL applications, and yields two different tones between the front and back of the mic. - 38
Sennheiser MD 421-U Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
The Sennheiser MD 421 was released in 1960 to much acclaim, with a very tight cardioid polar pattern that borders on "supercardioid" at many frequencies and a clear, present sound that was far superior to most dynamic mics of the era.
The MD 421-U models (U-4 and U-5) feature a 3-pin XLR connector and a switchable high-pass filter that goes from "M" for music (full bandwidth) to "S" for speech (low frequencies attenuated). The U-4 model's original clip had a mount threaded for 3/8" stands, while the U-5 was threaded for 5/8" American stands. Being that most examples seen and sold today have replacement clips, this page will show both versions as they are otherwise interchangeable. - 39
Sennheiser e604 Cardioid Dynamic Drum Microphone
Designed to take a beating, the Sennheiser e604 is a cardioid dynamic mic that was made just for the rim of your drum. Its low sensitivity makes it relatively impermeable to distortion, transmitting high SPLs without clipping, and the pattern of the e604 is prime for catching just the sound of the drum you're miking, rather than picking up bleed from the rest of the drums in your kit. Just clip it on to your tom or snare and this affordable little mic is ready to record. - 40
Shure Beta 87A Handheld Supercardioid Condenser Microphone
The Shure Beta 87A condenser microphone combines studio clarity with a rugged form factor. Offering an incredibly tight cardioid polar pattern for isolation from other sounds, the Beta 87A excels at multiple applications through its smooth frequency response with a presence rise in the upper midrange. - 41
Audix D6 Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone
The Audix D6 dynamic microphone is one-stop-shopping for the fat, tight modern kick drum sound. Compact and rugged, the D6 is easy to position and built to last while giving you that finished kick sound on the stage or in the studio. - 43
Sennheiser e935 Handheld Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone
The Sennheiser e935 is a cardioid dynamic microphone designed specifically for vocals, providing a healthy output and a clear sound. A tough metal housing. hum-compensating coil makes electrical interference a non-issue, and the shockmounted capsule reduces handling noise and sensitivity to bumps and impact making this an ideal live vocal mic. - 44
RODE NT5 Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone Stereo Pair
The Rode NT5 is the flagship small-diaphragm cardioid condenser mic for RODE, offering up the perfect pencil mic for recording in virtually any situation. Drum overheads, acoustic instruments, close-mic'ing cymbals, even recording live performances -- the RODE NT5 does it all. Low self-noise and a full frequency response give the NT5 an awesome clarity of sound, and its cardioid pickup pattern is tight; tight enough, in fact, that it would be great for almost any live application, rejecting the noise you don't want getting through. And the NT5 even works with an interchangeable omnidirectional capsule for even further versatility. - 45
Shure SM58S Dynamic Vocal Microphone with On / Off Switch
The Shure SM58S takes the most widely-used handheld vocal microphone ever produced and adds a nifty on/off switch to mute the mic when not in use. The same exact sound -- perfectly tailored for vocals -- and legendary durability from the standard 58 remain in tact...all that's different is the presence of the switch. - 46
Sennheiser e835 Handheld Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone
The e835 is a handheld dynamic mic made by Sennheiser. This mic is designed for general PA and vocal functions. Another version is made with an on/off switch.
Years of Production: 1998 - present
Type: Dynamic - 48
Neumann KM 184 Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
The Neumann KM 184 small diaphragm condenser microphone makes drum, instrument, and ensemble recording a breeze with its natural sound and near-perfect cardioid pattern. This modern update to the classic KM 84i offers a wide frequency response, high SPL handling, and self noise low enough to take on even the quietest applications. - 49
Sennheiser e945 Handheld Supercardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone
The Sennheiser e945 is a top-grade handheld vocal microphone with a natural, detailed sound and rugged build quality that's ready for the road. This mic features a brilliant, slightly bright sound that sits the vocal directly on top of any mix and arrangement. The e945 features a supercardioid pickup pattern, giving you great isolation from feedback and nearby amplifiers and instruments, so your voice is what comes through loud and clear, and the shockmounted capsule means you can perform without worry of handling noise. - 50
Audix i5 Cardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone
The Audix i5 is a dynamic instrument microphone that can do it all. Like its rival, the Shure SM57, the Audix i5 is a top choice for snare drums and guitar amps both in recording and live reinforcement situations. This mic is ruggedly built and supremely reliable which makes it an easy choice for any venue looking to expand its mic locker. - 51
Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Mic
The Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Mic is a veritable Swiss army knife of sound with applications everywhere from music to film and beyond. Designed as a hybrid between pressure gradient and interference tube microphones, the MKH 416's svelte shape and low noise RF design make this an ideal candidate for field recording and outdoor events. - 52
Shure BETA 91A Boundary Condenser Microphone
The Shure Beta 91A is a workhorse boundary condenser microphone especially tailored for use inside of a bass drum. Lay it flat on a pillow inside the kick and flip the contour switch for a finished sound that usually takes multiple microphones and a healthy dose of EQ. Shop Reverb for the best deals on new & used Shure Beta 91A condenser microphones -- your kick drum will thank you! - 53
Audio-Technica AT4040 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
With its full-bodied tone and impressive specs, the Audio-Technica AT4040 is an amazing little condenser microphone with an amazing little price tag. Capable of handling very high SPL without folding or distorting, the AT4040 is the kind of large diaphragm condenser you can simply leave on the mic stand and be ready to record anything and everything in the room, from acoustic guitars to drum kits to the perfect lead vocal take. - 55
Shure 520DX Green Bullet Harmonica Microphone
Taking after the bullet mics Shure introduced in 1949, which in and of themselves were evolutions from the first desk-mounted announcement microphones, the Shure 520DX is the most up-to-date iteration of the company's green bullet harmonica mic. Known for its distinctive "blues harp voice," the 520DX features an onboard volume knob that allows you to dial in on the fly, and its 1/4" plug gives you the opportunity to plug into any high-impedance device. Use it for your harmonica or if you're digging the lo-fi sound. - 57
Beyerdynamic M 160 Hypercardioid Double Ribbon Microphone
The Beyerdynamic M160 ribbon microphone is a truly indispensable tool, used on thousands of recordings including legendary Jimi Hendrix and John Bonham tracks. This hypercardioid ribbon mic is a directional laser beam, allowing you to pull the mic off the source a bit without getting much (if any) unwanted bleed from nearby amps and instruments. Pair up the M160 with the bidirectional M130 for a Mid-Side (M/S) stereo array that brings an inviting realism to anything you record. Shop Reverb for the best deals on new & used Beyerdynamic M160 microphones today. - 58
Aston Origin Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
The Aston Origin is a budget-minded cardioid condenser microphone with an impressive transparent timbre and stunning UK build quality. This large diaphragm workhorse makes use of an innovative headbasket with a "Wave-Form" structure surrounding integrated knit-mesh pop screen to deal with internal resonances and standing waves, as well as plosives when tracking a vocal to aid in its neutral pickup. When you're working the mic up close, take advantage of the switchable pad and bass rolloff switches to protect your preamp from overload and your sound from becoming too boomy. As flat as can be from low to high frequencies, the Origin offers amazing realism and just a hint of sparkle and character to make your tracks shine. - 59
AKG C414 XLS Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
For those who like the AKG C414 XII for vocals, the AKG C414 B-XLS is perfect for all your instrumental recording needs. With five switchable polar patterns including cardioid, hypercardioid, figure-of-eight and more, the B-XLS is an incredible versatile instrument mic, and its high SPL handling capability gives it a wide range of potential. A huge dynamic range coupled with low self-noise and high sensitivity helps the AKG C414 B-XLS stand out in the C414 series. - 60
AKG D112 Large Diaphragm Dynamic Bass Drum Microphone
Calibrated specifically for picking up lower frequencies, the AKG D112 is a super-durable large-diaphragm cardioid dynamic mic perfect for use with basses and, particularly, kick drums. Even if you're heavy on the kick, the D112 can handle up to 150dB of SPL without any clipping or distortion, and the mic's frequency range extends especially low, giving you impressive response even below 100Hz. And with a presence boost specifically at 4kHz, the D112 will give even your bassiest sounds a cutting punch. - 63
Sennheiser e602-II Dynamic Bass Drum Microphone
The Sennheiser e602-II dynamic microphone packs all the punch you want for your kick drum and bass amp. With a huge low-frequency response and the ability to take tons of SPL, the e602-II is right at home inside of the bass drum or crammed up against the speaker in your SVT cabinet. This microphones large capsule design enhances bass frequencies, and the built-in stand mount makes angling the microphone a breeze once it's in place. Grab yourself an e602-II today and find out what live sound and recording engineers around the globe already know. - 65
Beyerdynamic M 88 TG Hypercardioid Dynamic Microphone
The Beyerdynamic M 88 TG hypercardioid dynamic mic is the perfect mic for your touring needs. Affordable, super responsive, and durable beyond belief, the M 88 TG was crafted to handle even the roughest of live performances or bumpiest tour buses. But not only is it built for the road, the M 88 TG has a great sound; with an extended frequency response, including impressively accurate bass reproduction, high capacity for handling loud SPLs, and a -20 dB humbucking filter, the M 88 TG can give you the sound you need. - 66
AKG C1000 S Small Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Compact and affordable, the AKG C1000 S is a great multi-application small-diaphragm condenser mic. Designed to be the ultimate in economical versatility, the C1000 S can switch polar patterns from cardioid to hypercardioid, has both bass-cut and -10dB pad options, features three distinct frequency settings for clarity and presence, and can actually run on two AA batteries if phantom power is unavailable. - 67
Electro-Voice RE320 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
With the RE320, Electro-Voice takes an already-standard bass drum microphone and beefs up the bottom-end with a switchable kick drum EQ. The rugged build, balanced tone, and high SPL handling of the regular RE20 remains in tact, but the equalization curves built into the microphone make it that much easier to get powerful kick drum sounds without the need for external processing. - 70
Audio-Technica AT2035 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Looking for an entry level large diaphragm condenser mic? Look no further than the Audio-Technica AT2035, an excellent cardioid condenser mic at an even more excellent price. Use it in your home studio or in professional settings; either way, its ability to reproduce details with extreme clarity and its low self-noise make it a winner, particularly for the price. A switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and -10dB pad give you the option for onboard versatility, allowing you to record vocals or loud instruments at close distances without getting a muddy, boomy quality. - 71
AKG C414 XLII/ST Stereo Matched Pair
The AKG C414 XLII is a multi-pattern large diaphragm condenser microphone with transformerless output in the C414 line of microphones. It offers nine polar patterns, three levels of attenuation, and three switchable high-pass filters. The XLII's capsule is tuned to have a slight presence boost compared to the XLS.
C414 XLII/ST is the designation for a factory-matched stereo pair. - 74
Shure BETA 56A Compact Dynamic Drum Microphone
The Shure BETA 56A dynamic instrument microphone is a workhorse mic, specifically designed for use on snare drums and toms in tight spaces but versatile enough to be used on a range of instruments. The compact design makes placing the BETA 56A a breeze, and the built-in swivel mount means you can dial in the exact mic placement you need for the best sound. - 75
AKG D12 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
The AKG D12 is a cardioid dynamic microphone with a built-in "bass chamber" in the head basket designed to enhance low frequencies from 50 - 200Hz, and an internal shockmount which isolates the dynamic coil / capsule from the rest of the microphone and the floor. With these features, plus an ability to take very high levels of SPL before distortion, the D12 was quickly recognized as a premiere microphone for kick drum and other loud bass instruments. This microphone was widely used in Europe in the 1950s and 1960s, most famously at Abbey Road with The Beatles. - 76
Audix D4 Hypercardioid Dynamic Drum / Instrument Microphone
The Audix D4 dynamic mic is designed primarily for use with lower voiced instruments such as toms, cajons, and low horns. Like other Audix D-series mics, the D4 sports high SPL ratings and is well-equipped to handle even the most intense stage deployments. Whether you're expanding your home studio or rehearsal space, or outfitting a pro venue, the D4 is a great way to ensure you have all your instrument mic needs met. - 79
Sennheiser e902 Dynamic Bass Instrument Microphone
The Sennheiser e902 is a dynamic microphone designed specifically for capturing bass drums, bass amps and other low-frequency sources with incredible clarity. The e902's frequency response extends all the way to 20Hz, the bottom of the human hearing range, but transients from kick drums also come through beautifully. Get all the thunder down under on stage or in the studio with the e902. - 82
Manley Labs Reference Cardioid Large Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone
The sound and reach of vintage tube microphones is a forever-moving target, not only due to differences between two or more models but also how several microphones of one type have aged over time. Manley Labs looked to nail down the best qualities of the most sought-after European mics from the 50s and 60s when designing a new microphone, and the Reference Cardioid is the perfectly ripe fruit of their labor. A larger-than-life bass response with primo proximity effect mates with a nice push in upper mids to perfectly sit any vocal or instrument into even the densest arrangements. - 83
Shure KSM32 / SL Medium Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
The Shure KSM32 / SL is a workhorse condenser mic with a natural, extended sound and lightning-fast response, great for vocals and a range of instruments. Its extremely thin medium-sized diaphragm with fixed cardioid polar pattern captures transients with exacting detail, so that every nuance on percussion and strummed instrument tracks comes through with the greatest of ease. Also a stellar vocal microphone, the KSM32 / SL puts the listener right there with the singer, with dynamic range wide enough to deal with big swings in volume from one section to the next. A two-position bass rolloff and switchable -15dB pad round out the feature set, ensuring proper recording of bass-heavy or extremely loud sound sources. Professionals and hobbyists alike rely on the KSM32 for mission-critical recording and live sound applications, and with good reason -- so pick one (or two) up for your mic locker today! - 86
AKG C451 B Microphone
The tiny C451 B by AKG is a small-diaphragm condenser mic that follows in the footsteps of its legendary predecessor, the C451 EB with the CK1 capsule, which made waves in the recording industry since its release in 1969. Accurate and clear with airy highs and an incredible SPL capability of 155dB makes the C451 B a great choice for virtually any recording situation, but particularly for close-miking drums. Its rugged housing makes it the perfect touring animal, able to endure even the harshest of on-stage conditions. It's even got a pad of -10 or -20dB and an effective high-pass filter at 75 and 150Hz to prevent any muddy low-end distortion. - 87
Shure 55SH Series II Unidyne Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
The Shure 55SH Series II is a cardioid dynamic mic, taking after its incredibly popular and widely recognizable predecessor, the Model 55 Unidyne. Get that classic vintage Unidyne look with modern sound using the 55SH Series II, which is tailored specifically for vocals with a bright and present high end with a frequency response up to 15kHz. The cardioid polar pattern makes absolutely sure that you're heard, rejecting all of the noise of your surroundings to allow you to cut through the mix without bleed-through. - 89
sE Electronics Voodoo VR2 Active Ribbon Microphone
The sE Electronics Voodoo VR2 active ribbon microphone takes (almost) everything you know about ribbon microphones and tosses it into the rubbish. Ribbons are traditionally limited in bandwidth, low in output, and quite expensive...but the Voodoo VR2 uses a proprietary ribbon motor, active electronics and modern manufacturing techniques to make all of that ancient history. Record quiet string passages with incredible detail and hot levels, and get all the breath and nuance out of a female vocalist with the lulling tone of a ribbon. The Voodoo VR2 is worth a serious look for any studio -- project or professional. - 92
Neumann TLM 49 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
With a sound and look that harkens back to the classic M 49 tube microphone of the 1950s, the Neumann TLM 49 pairs modern transformerless circuitry with the legendary K47 capsule to get that clear, vintage tone without the five figure price tag. Precisely tuned for vocals, the TLM 49's cardioid pattern rejects the sound of your room and surrounding instruments to get that up-front sound that sits comfortably in the mix. - 95
Shure Super 55 Deluxe Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone
Digging the vintage Unidyne style? Then check out the Shure Super 55 Deluxe, a dynamic supercardioid microphone with retro style and modern sound. A wide frequency response, ranging from 60Hz to 17kHz, that's tailored specifically to vocals, making the Super 55 perfect for podcasting, broadcasting, singing, or any other vocal recording you can think of, this mic is designed to endure harsh conditions with its rugged, classic-looking enclosure. And thanks to its supercardioid polar pattern, the Super 55 Deluxe will be sure to only pick up what you want heard, rejecting the noise from around you. - 96
Coles 4038 Ribbon Microphone Stereo Pair
The Coles 4038 is a truly iconic ribbon microphone, with the currently-manufactured mics almost completely unchanged from the originals designed by the BBC and built by STC in the 1950s. The 4038 sports a wonderfully dark, heavy sound that lends itself particularly well to drums, guitar amps, horns and any other sound source that can benefit from a rolloff of high frequencies. The 4038 initially gained its massive popularity in recording studios after being used above Ringo Starr's kit on a huge selection of The Beatles' recordings. The swiveling "waffle iron" head houses one of the thinnest ribbon elements ever produced, and allows the engineer to fine-tune the positioning of the microphone to best capture the sound as well as make use of its deep null to cancel out unwanted bleed from other instruments. - 97
Sennheiser MD 421-2 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
The Sennheiser MD 421 was released in 1960 to much acclaim, with a very tight cardioid polar pattern that borders on "supercardioid" at many frequencies and a clear, present sound that was far superior to most dynamic mics of the era.
The MD 421-2 model features a large Tuchel connector with flat pins and is without the M-S "music-to-speech" high-pass filter switch.
