{"id":508,"date":"2016-08-02T09:34:45","date_gmt":"2016-08-02T09:34:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/?p=508"},"modified":"2020-01-02T11:31:15","modified_gmt":"2020-01-02T11:31:15","slug":"best-condenser-mic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/best-condenser-mic\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Best Condenser Mics 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Condenser mics are very useful to a variety of artists and musicians, so whether you\u2019re recording vocals, classical music at a concert hall or a transmitting a podcast live from your bedroom, we help you find the best <a href=\"http:\/\/www.thefreedictionary.com\/condenser+microphone\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">condenser<\/a> mic without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n<h2>Take This into Consideration<\/h2>\n<p>Before you select a microphone, here are a few things to consider:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Price.<\/strong>\u00a0Our list below will highlight mics around the $200 level (max).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Condenser Mic vs. Dynamic Mic<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Dynamic Mic.<\/strong>\u00a0Once sound enters the mic, it\u2019s converted into electrical energy. The sound vibrates a thin diaphragm inside, which is attached to a copper coil, and the coil will then move up and down thus creating an electric current.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 53px;\">You typically see singers or speakers using these on stage.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Condenser Mic.<\/strong>\u00a0For studio recording, a condenser mic is best. It uses a capacitor inside to convert sound waves into electrical energy. These are much more sensitive to loud sounds than dynamic <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Microphone\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">mics<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 53px;\">We\u2019ll help you find the best condenser mic on our list below.<\/p>\n<h2>Top 6\u00a0Condenser Microphones Overview<\/h2>\n<style>\r\n\r\ntable#t15 {\r\nborder-collapse: collapse;\t\r\nborder-width: 0px;\r\nborder-style: outset;\r\nmargin: 20px 0;\r\nline-height: 2.0em;\r\ntext-align: center;\r\nvertical-align: top;width: 100%;border-top: 1px solid #EEEEEE;border-bottom: 1px solid #EEEEEE;box-shadow: 0 0px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);\r\n}\r\ntable#t15 thead tr {\r\n\r\n}\r\ntable#t15 thead tr th.t15 {\r\ncolor: #333333;\r\nbackground: none repeat scroll 0 0 #FFFFFF;\r\nfont-size: 1em;\r\nletter-spacing: 0;\r\nline-height: 2.0;\r\npadding: 4px;\r\ntext-transform: none;\r\ntext-align: center;border-bottom: 1px solid #EEEEEE;\r\n}\r\n\r\ntable#t15 thead tr th#t15.start {\r\n\r\n}\r\ntable#t15 thead tr th#t15.end {\r\n\r\n}\r\ntable#t15 tbody tr {\r\n    background: none repeat scroll 0 0 #FFFFFF;\r\n}\r\ntable#t15 tbody tr.table-alternate {\r\n    background: none repeat scroll 0 0 #FDFDFD;\r\n}\r\ntable#t15 tbody tr td#n1 {\r\n\twidth: 20%;\r\n\t}table#t15 tbody tr td#n2 {\r\n\twidth: 20%;\r\n\t}table#t15 tbody tr td#n3 {\r\n\twidth: 20%;\r\n\t}table#t15 tbody tr td#n4 {\r\n\twidth: 20%;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\ntable#t15 tbody tr td {\r\n    padding: 5px;\r\n\tborder-width: 0px;\r\n\tfont-size: 1.0em;\r\n\tborder-top: medium none;border-bottom: 1px solid #EEEEEE;\r\n    text-align: center;\r\n\tline-height: 1.2;\r\n\tvertical-align: top;\r\n}\r\n}\r\ntable#t15 tfoot tr {\r\n}\r\n\r\ntable#t15 tfoot tr td {\r\n    background: none repeat scroll 0 0 #FCFCFC;\t\r\n\tpadding: 4px;\r\n\tborder-width: 0px;\r\n\tcolor: #7a7a7a;\r\n\tfont-size: 1.0em;\r\n\tborder-top: medium none;\r\n    text-align: center;\r\n}\r\n<\/style><table id=\"t15\">\n\t\t<thead>\n\t\t\t<tr><th scope=\"col\" class=\"t15\" id=\"n1\">Picture<\/th><th scope=\"col\" class=\"t15\" id=\"n2\">Name<\/th><th scope=\"col\" class=\"t15\" id=\"n3\">Price<\/th><th scope=\"col\" class=\"t15\" id=\"n4\">Rating (1-5)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tfoot><tr><td><center>Picture<\/center><\/td><td><center>Name<\/center><\/td><td><center>Price<\/center><\/td><td><center>Rating (1-5)<\/center><\/td><\/tr><\/tfoot>\n\t<tbody><tr class=\"table-alternate row1\"> <td id=\"n1\" class=\"start\"><a class=\"easyazon-link easyazon-link-image easyazon-link-image-align\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B00167UQMI\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B00167UQMI\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"easyazon-image aligncenter\" height=\"110\" src=\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/81M0P1k7a4L._SL110_.jpg\" width=\"45\" \/><\/a><\/td><td id=\"n2\" ><a class=\"easyazon-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B00167UQMI\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B00167UQMI\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\">1. AKG P420 High-Performance Dual-Capsule True Condenser Microphone<\/a><\/td><td id=\"n3\" >$$$<\/td><td id=\"n4\" >4.9<\/td><\/tr><tr class= \"table-noalt row2\"><td id=\"n1\" class=\"start\"><a class=\"easyazon-link easyazon-link-image easyazon-link-image-align\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B0007NQH98\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B0007NQH98\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"easyazon-image aligncenter\" height=\"110\" src=\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/81NBzcld6LL._SL110_.jpg\" width=\"30\" \/><\/a><\/td><td id=\"n2\" ><a class=\"easyazon-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B0007NQH98\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B0007NQH98\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\">2. MXL 770 Cardioid Condenser Microphone<\/a><\/td><td id=\"n3\" >$$<\/td><td id=\"n4\" >4.6<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"table-alternate row3\"> <td id=\"n1\" class=\"start\"><a class=\"easyazon-link easyazon-link-image easyazon-link-image-align\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B002VA464S\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B002VA464S\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"easyazon-image aligncenter\" height=\"110\" src=\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/810YezTuMWL._SL110_.jpg\" width=\"45\" \/><\/a><\/td><td id=\"n2\" ><a class=\"easyazon-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B002VA464S\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B002VA464S\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\">3. Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone<\/a><\/td><td id=\"n3\" >$$<\/td><td id=\"n4\" >4.5<\/td><\/tr><tr class= \"table-noalt row4\"><td id=\"n1\" class=\"start\"><a class=\"easyazon-link easyazon-link-image easyazon-link-image-align\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B004BR20OM\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B004BR20OM\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"easyazon-image aligncenter\" height=\"110\" src=\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/71n3FS7jtzL._SL110_.jpg\" width=\"35\" \/><\/a><\/td><td id=\"n2\" ><a class=\"easyazon-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B004BR20OM\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B004BR20OM\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\">4. Blue Microphones Spark Condenser Microphone<\/a><\/td><td id=\"n3\" >$$$$<\/td><td id=\"n4\" >4.4<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"table-alternate row5\"> <td id=\"n1\" class=\"start\"><a class=\"easyazon-link easyazon-link-image easyazon-link-image-align\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B004QJREXM\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B004QJREXM\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"easyazon-image aligncenter\" height=\"110\" src=\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/81fv1hZSQiL._SL110_.jpg\" width=\"110\" \/><\/a><\/td><td id=\"n2\" ><a class=\"easyazon-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B004QJREXM\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B004QJREXM\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\">5. Audio-Technica ATR2500-USB Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone<\/a><\/td><td id=\"n3\" >$$<\/td><td id=\"n4\" >4.3<\/td><\/tr><tr class= \"table-noalt row6\"><td id=\"n1\" class=\"start\"><a class=\"easyazon-link easyazon-link-image easyazon-link-image-align\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B00K72ESYU\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B00K72ESYU\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"easyazon-image aligncenter\" height=\"110\" src=\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/7156svmYIyL._SL110_.jpg\" width=\"90\" \/><\/a><\/td><td id=\"n2\" ><a class=\"easyazon-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B00K72ESYU\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B00K72ESYU\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\">6. Excelvan Condenser Sound Recording Microphone<\/a><\/td><td id=\"n3\" >$<\/td><td id=\"n4\" >4.0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n<h2>Polar Pattern<\/h2>\n<p>The shape of the microphone\u2019s polar pattern will determine the amount of feedback that it picks up.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll see cardioid microphones, like numbers two and five on our list above, the \u201ccardioid\u201d referring to the shape of the microphone\u2019s polar pattern. These pick up sound directly in front of them and reject sounds from other directions: great for vocals and speech.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll also find hyper-cardioid and super-cardioid <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/best-vocal-mic\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">microphones<\/a>. Their polar patterns are slightly different, which changes the way they pick up sound.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequency Response<\/h2>\n<p>How does the microphone respond to different frequencies that are introduced to it?<\/p>\n<p>The answer can be mapped out on a frequency response chart, which will show us the range of sound that a microphone can reproduce as well as how sensitive it is within that range.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Flat Response.<\/strong>\u00a0This means that the microphone is equally sensitive to all frequencies. These are great for acoustic instruments, orchestras or vocal groups.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Shaped Response.<\/strong>\u00a0These are more sensitive to some frequency waves than others. Mics with sensitivity to upper\/mid-ranges add clarity to vocals, guitar amps or drums.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 26px;\">Something with decreased sensitivity to low frequencies will reduce the amount of background noise.<\/p>\n<h2>Choosing the Right Condenser Mic<\/h2>\n<p>As you sift through the condenser mic options, here are a few tips that will help you choose the right one:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Drums.<\/strong>\u00a0For drums, a cardioid or super-cardioid condenser mic with a shaped <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/best-usb-microphone\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">frequency<\/a> is great.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Vocals.<\/strong>\u00a0For singing on stage, cardioid mic is great. It won\u2019t pick up as much ambient sound and for smaller, intimate spaces, consider a super-cardioid microphone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Acoustic Guitar.<\/strong>\u00a0A cardioid condenser mic with a flat frequency response will give the guitar a smooth, natural and to help capture the full range of the guitar\u2019s tones.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Guitar\/Bass Amps.<\/strong>\u00a0Once again, cardioid condenser is the way to go. Opt for one with a shaped frequency response to add brightness to the overall sound.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Top 3 Best Condenser Mic Reviews<\/h2>\n<h2><a class=\"easyazon-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B00167UQMI\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B00167UQMI\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\">1. AKG Pro Audio p420<\/a><\/h2>\n<a class=\"easyazon-link easyazon-link-image easyazon-link-image-align\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B00167UQMI\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B00167UQMI\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"easyazon-image alignright\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/81M0P1k7a4L._SL500_.jpg\" width=\"80\" \/><\/a>\n<p>This is one of the best mics on our list in terms of quality and price.<\/p>\n<p>It accommodates cardioid and omnidirectional frequency response patterns, making it useful for a variety of recording needs.<\/p>\n<p>It comes with a shock mount, metal case and bass cut filter switch to help you reduce wind or other low frequency noises. As a high-end entry level product, this is an excellent choice for vocalists or those with acoustic instruments.<\/p>\n<h2><a class=\"easyazon-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B0007NQH98\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B0007NQH98\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\">2. MXL 770 Cardioid Condenser<\/a><\/h2>\n<a class=\"easyazon-link easyazon-link-image easyazon-link-image-align\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B0007NQH98\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B0007NQH98\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"easyazon-image alignright\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/81NBzcld6LL._SL1500_.jpg\" width=\"60\" \/><\/a>\n<p>If you need a beater studio mic that you don\u2019t feel bad about treating roughly but that still produces decent sound, try the MXL 770.<\/p>\n<p>It will provide you with warm sound and clarity at the top (cardioid polar pattern), it has a FET preamp for low noise and high output and works well for both single and multi-voice <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Set-Up-a-Simple-One-Microphone-Sound-System\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">recordings<\/a>. Use it for piano or strings, as well.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s affordable, so try it out!<\/p>\n<h2><a class=\"easyazon-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B002VA464S\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B002VA464S\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\">3. Blue Microphones\u00a0YETI<\/a><\/h2>\n<a class=\"easyazon-link easyazon-link-image easyazon-link-image-align\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B002VA464S\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B002VA464S\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"easyazon-image alignright\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/810YezTuMWL._SL500_.jpg\" width=\"75\" \/><\/a>\n<p>This versatile mic offers you four polar pattern modes to choose from: stereo for recording acoustic guitar or choirs; cardioid for voice-overs and instruments; omnidirectional to pick up sound evenly from all directions (podcasts or conference calls); bi-directional when you are recording a duet or two-person interview.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s easy to set up, use and is one of the most popular choices on the market today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Condenser mics are very useful to a variety of artists and musicians, so whether you\u2019re recording vocals, classical music at a concert hall or a transmitting a podcast live from your bedroom, we help you find the best condenser mic without breaking the bank. Take This into Consideration Before you select a microphone, here are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":725,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[6],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/508"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=508"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/508\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1262,"href":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/508\/revisions\/1262"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/725"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=508"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=508"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=508"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}