It’s an important microphone. That is why pro studios feature shed loft from bass drums and guitar cabs through pianos and drum sets for a variety of recording applications.
However, vocal microphones are particularly problematic for budgets based on muso recording at home or in the amateur studio since the human voice varies considerably from the softly spoken folk’s ballader to the melting of the face-off metal head.
It should therefore be noticed that the scenario here is not ‘one-size-fits-all’ – voices are different; the mics are different; the acoustic environment is varied so that the optimum microphone to capture depends on several elements. That being said, our evaluation helps you to identify the greatest voice recording microphone and we’ll try to achieve that.
If you require a good recording microphone in general, a large-diaphragm condenser won’t go far wrong, and therefore, five out of these six mics are in this category. However, we managed to put a clever dynamic mic in the mix (no pun intended).
In addition, all XLR microphones are from a connectivity point of view. See our article on USB variants. Also remember, this is a review of the ‘actual world.’ We know that the average man on the street cannot drop $10K for a Neumann vintage.
We must also note that condenser microphones require external power to work to ensure 48V fantasy power is provided in your audio interface. Or use an early microphone.
Whatever mic from the list you choose, we can tell you won’t be disappointed with confidence. A tonne of models have been searched and that’s our Super Six. However, if you can’t just wait, the big condenser Rode NT1 will be our top selection.
The Audio Technica AT2035 is a large cardioid microphone diaphragm condenser for important home, project, studio, and live operations. This cardioid studio condenser mic provides outstanding detail and minimal noise. With a switchable 80Hz high pass filter and 10dB pad, the AT2035 microphone is readily used at high sound pressure. In addition to its hard construction and stringent performance requirements, the Audio-Technica AT 2035 offers exceptional consistency between the models.
This cardioid studio condenser offers details and low noise ideal for basic studio applications for home/project/professional and live performance. The AT2035 has ease of handling the high sound pressure levels, equipped with a switchable 80Hz high-pass filter and 10 dB pad. The AT2035, combined with a sturdy architecture and strong performance characteristics, gives an extraordinary level of consistency from model to model. It comes with a safe pocket and a personalized shock mount.
FEATURES
- Large, natural, low noise, and smooth diaphragm
- High SPL operation and a broad spectrum of dynamics offer unequaled flexibility.
- Custom shock mounting offers better insulation
- 80 Hz high-pass and 10 dB pad switchable
- Includes mounting and protection pocket custom shock
Specifications
- ELEMENT
- Backplate with a fixed charge, condenser permanently polarised
- PATTERN POLAR
- RESPONSE 20-20,000 Hz FREQUENCY cardioid
- LOW LOSS LOW
- 148 dB SPL (nominal)
- NOISE
- SPL 12 dB
- RANGE DYNAMIC (typical) Max SPL 136 dB, 1 kHz
- RATIO 82 dB, 1 kHz in 1 Pa SIGNAL-TO-NOISE
- FAIR COMMUNING SPECIAL PHANTOM
- Typical DC of 11-52V, 3.8 mA
- SWITCHES
- 10 dB pad, flat, rolling-off (nominal)
A major cardioid condenser with a diaphragm, Audio Technica 2035 lies smoothly between its cheaper sister, the AT2020, and the more costly AT2050.
48V fantasy power is needed to function.
The AT2020 alone is perhaps the best sub-$100 microphone out there, but since we don’t judge that merely on the price, we’d always be going for the AT2035. We believe that the adjustment will reach the sweet spot between great performance and value for money. You will get $150.
Other benefits over the AT 2020 include the -10dB pad switch that enables you to microphone strong sound sources like guitar amps or sing near a microphone; and a low-cut filter shutter, that cuts low-frequency rumble below 80Hz.
The AT2035 has a superb sound. Frequency response of 20 Hz – 20 kHz guarantees a wide variety of instruments including acoustic and electric guitars, not simply for vocals. For the musos, it is a good choice that a billion various mics cannot afford.
This isn’t so quiet as the NT1, but it’s no slouch with a self-noise of -12dBA. If you are inclined in that way, it’ll manage 148dB of vocal shouting.
The Profit
- Excellent spectrum-wide balanced sound. For the money, this takes some beating. No artificial flavoring is added A pop filter and 10 ft XLR cable are available.
- The 10dB battery and low-cut filter switches give great flexibility
- Excellent with other instruments
The disadvantages of whipping
- It’s sensitive to microphones. It records the barking of the dog next door. You will need a quiet setting for recording
Under $150, we don’t think there’s any better mic, and with a pop shield and an XLR cable thrown in, it’s a lot.
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