9 best microphones

Microphones are experiencing their second youth. If earlier they were used only for professional purposes (usually when shooting a movie or TV shows, as well as on radio stations), now such devices are needed by an ordinary person. From now on, it is not difficult to connect a microphone to a camera or a smartphone to record a video for a home archive with good sound. Also, without a decent dynamic or condenser microphone is difficult to do self-respecting video blogger. In short, the online magazine expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ is going to introduce you to the best microphones. All models presented in this rating are freely sold in Russian retail.

Top mic for recording

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best dynamic microphones	1	Sennheiser MD421 II	25 446 ₽
	2	Shure SM58	6 684 ₽
	3	Shure SM58 Series II	15 500 ₽
Top Condenser Microphones for Vocal Recording	1	Rode NTK	28 636 ₽
	2	Audio-Technica AT2035	11 770 ₽
	3	Neumann TLM-102	45 900 ₽
	4	Blue Microphones Bluebird SL	22 990 ₽
	5	AKG C214	30 740 ₽
	6	Behringer C-1	4 750 ₽

Best dynamic microphones

Sennheiser MD421 II

Rating: 4.9

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

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

Shure SM58

Rating: 4.8

This microphone has a traditional appearance, as if it was designed for ordinary karaoke. But the product would not fall into our rating if it did not possess impressive characteristics and a lot of positive feedback from satisfied customers. Dynamic cardioid microphone has a frequency range from 50 Hz to 15 kHz. This means that the device conveys all the nuances of the human voice. Sound distortions here are minimal even at high SPLs. Surprisingly, the manufacturer did a great job even on a windscreen that does an excellent job of eliminating wind and breath noise. And here there is a built-in damper cap, reducing already mechanical noise.

The company Shure is famous for the fact that its microphones can be used for many years. Model SM58 is no exception to the rule - it can be easily dropped, it will not affect the technical condition of the device.Should the buyer be pleased and the fact that it uses a standard XLR connector - this allows you to easily find a longer or additional cable for the microphone.

In general, this is a great microphone for recording vocals, as well as for use in the theater, circus, at a concert or anywhere else. It is unlikely for 9 thousand rubles. You can buy a better vocal microphone.

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. There is both silver and copper. Despite the classic look, modern components are hidden under the chrome-plated case. 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 connects to the traditional XLR-connector, which can be considered an undoubted advantage - the manufacturer does not try to earn on the buyer due to an atypical cable.

In general, when shooting a video, the microphone can decorate not only sound, but also a picture. Why? And 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 deserved a place in our rating.

Top Condenser Microphones for Vocal Recording

Rode NTK

Rating: 4.9

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

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

Audio-Technica AT2035

Rating: 4.8

Relatively inexpensive, when compared with studio microphones, instance. 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 inconspicuous metal case, modern components are hidden, thanks to which the microphone turned out to be in this rating.

The product is able to boast a large diagram, which ensures low noise level and smooth natural sound. The microphone comes with a mount that allows you to position it directly at the sound source, whatever it is. Basically the device is designed to record vocals.But if you need it, you can write musical instruments, including guitar. The composition of this model includes a switchable low cut filter, which may well come in handy. That is, here you can set the cut-off bass, with the result that blowing with close vocals will be completely excluded, as other extraneous low-frequency noises will not be heard. Well, the usual XLR is used as a connector here.

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, it 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, which saves from recording extraneous sounds.

By default, the Neumann TLM-102 microphone is designed to record vocals. However, it is regularly used for other purposes - for example, the device is placed near drums, guitar amplifiers and other sources of loud sounds. Interestingly, the product can make a sound in the middle frequency range - that is, you can clearly distinguish the human voice in the mix. The anti-vibration fastening of the primer should also please the buyer, which ensures the absence of mechanical noise. Complete with a microphone comes a rather heavy metal holder SG 2, made on the hinge mechanisms.

Blue Microphones Bluebird SL

Rating: 4.7

A relatively inexpensive studio microphone. Its cost does not exceed 20 thousand rubles, due to which he got into the rating of the online magazine expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/. The device has a metal case, painted in blue. The product includes a −20 dB filter, as well as a high-pass filter - all this makes the microphone an excellent choice for capturing vocals. And not only! This device is used to capture the sound from the piano, guitar and many other musical instruments. The device will certainly please with saturated bottom, soft middle and clear highs.

This is one of the few condenser microphones that uses a hand-assembled capsule. And this model is able to please the mall diaphragm with golden dust. When recording vocals, it provides excellent resonance. It should be noted and the relief part of the fixed electrode, through which the sound of the entire frequency spectrum is perfectly balanced.

AKG C214

Rating: 4.7

The only microphone in our rating that comes in a special suitcase. This greatly simplifies the transportation of the device from, say, one studio to another. The device is cardioid, like all the microphones reviewed here. The operating frequency range here is from 20 MHz to 20 kHz. The sound catches the inch diaphragm.And she copes with this task very well - for good reason this model is used by some popular musicians.

Returning to the subject of picking, it is impossible not to mention the presence of a windscreen. This simple accessory allows you to use the microphone outdoors without worrying about the sound quality. Also, the buyer receives the holder H85, with which you can adjust the tilt of the device.

When developing AKG C214, the German manufacturer applied a completely new electronic circuit. This has significantly increased the dynamic range. Also, the product can boast a flat frequency response. It is curious that the microphone can withstand almost any sound pressure - this contributes to the special design of the capsule, eliminating the closure of the membrane with the rear electrode.

Behringer C-1

Rating: 4.6

One of the cheapest condenser microphones, if, of course, do not recall the Chinese creations. The cost of Behringer C-1 in our stores is about 5 thousand rubles. This price tag allows you to think about buying this device, even an ordinary consumer who is not going to make money by recording sound or shooting video. The microphone has received a relatively good metal case and a gold-plated XLR connector. Despite the low cost, the device is pleased by the almost complete lack of own noise. Namely, noise is a problem of Chinese models, which also use phantom power.

Of course, the quality of sound, written with the help of Behringer C-1, can not be called studio. Nevertheless, the possibilities of such a microphone are quite enough to add some story dictated during installation to the video about the trip of his family to rest. It is also a great choice for people writing podcasts. They are quite satisfied with the medium-sized diaphragm, as the cardioid radiation pattern, excluding the recording of external noise, will also please them.

Conclusion

These are the best microphones available at the moment. Of course, it was only about the most affordable models. We decided not to talk about expensive professional microphones, which TV channels usually order directly from the manufacturer. It seems to us that readers of expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ will not need such devices because of the complexity of their purchase and the very high cost. Also, we have not mentioned the “buttonhole”, which will be discussed in a separate material.

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.