How to Buy the Perfect Microphone (for Recording, Singing, Guitar, Podcasting) - Best Microphones
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- Опубліковано 26 чер 2024
- Follow me here:
Instagram: / realaudiohaze
It can be hard to find the best microphone to buy when you aren't able to hear the microphone for yourself. In this ultimate guide, we go over everything you need to know in order to find the perfect mic for you. For recording, singing, guitar, podcasting, there are plenty of choices!
*These are affiliate links! Thanks for supporting the channel :)
MICROPHONES FOR PODCASTING:
Amazon:
SM7B - amzn.to/3lL4REV
Rode Podmic - amzn.to/3z9IWwx
Rode Procaster - amzn.to/3rulWWB
Shure MV7 - amzn.to/3BfewuF
Electro-Voice RE20 - amzn.to/3ex1m2t
Sweetwater:
SM7B - imp.i114863.net/QOx3A3
Rode Podmic - imp.i114863.net/oeaZPg
Rode Procaster - imp.i114863.net/EaYvGX
Shure MV7 - imp.i114863.net/b3g9vB
Electro-Voice RE20 - imp.i114863.net/ORL3oA
RE20 BLACK - imp.i114863.net/rn1obG
DYNAMICS FOR INSTRUMENTS:
Amazon:
Sennheiser MD421 - amzn.to/3kvxDea
Shure SM57 - amzn.to/2P1pUXC
Sennheiser E609 - amzn.to/3f9oRzJ
Sennheiser E906 - amzn.to/39994NC
Electro-Voice RE20 - amzn.to/3ex1m2t
Sweetwater:
Sennheiser MD421 - imp.i114863.net/3PMrXv
Shure SM57 - imp.i114863.net/LPY3gM
Sennheiser E609 - imp.i114863.net/LPY35a
Sennheiser E906 - imp.i114863.net/x9qDmk
Electro-Voice RE20 - imp.i114863.net/ORL3oA
DYNAMICS FOR VOCALS:
Amazon:
Telefunken M80 - amzn.to/2VPc4L3
Shure SM58 - amzn.to/3fbPvI4
Shure SM7B - amzn.to/3lL4REV
Sennheiser MD421 - amzn.to/3kvxDea
Sweetwater:
Telefunken M80 - imp.i114863.net/vngq1A
Shure SM58 - imp.i114863.net/DVMzB2
Shure SM7B - imp.i114863.net/QOx3A3
Sennheiser MD421 - imp.i114863.net/3PMrXv
CONDENSERS THAT SUPPORT HIGH END:
Amazon:
AKG p420 - amzn.to/3vRZKqw
Lewitt LCT 441 Flex - amzn.to/3biiNlJ
Lewitt LCT 440 - amzn.to/3imNwRh
Rode NT1a - amzn.to/3sojfoY
Aston Spirit - amzn.to/2NUqXIA
AKG c214 - amzn.to/3hgwQvy
Sweetwater:
AKG p420 - imp.i114863.net/5bBPmn
Rode NT1a - imp.i114863.net/EaYv22
Aston Spirit - imp.i114863.net/P0qNA6
AKG c214 - imp.i114863.net/Zde3JR
CONDENSERS THAT SUPPORT LOW END:
Amazon:
Audio-Technica AT2020 - amzn.to/3tRMYXA
Audio-Technica AT2035 - amzn.to/3rhXJAZ
Rode NT1 - amzn.to/2NUoBJK
Audio-Technica AT4040 - amzn.to/3wN0aOG
Sweetwater:
Audio-Technica AT2020 - imp.i114863.net/yRxQW3
Audio-Technica AT2035 - imp.i114863.net/7mBkdg
Rode NT1 - imp.i114863.net/oeaZVO
Audio-Technica AT4040 - imp.i114863.net/jWjAGb
SUPER BUDGET CONDENSERS:
Amazon:
Samson C01 - amzn.to/3isgD5U
Behringer B1 - amzn.to/2UlsPgB
Sweetwater:
Samson C01 - imp.i114863.net/NKY3eO
Behringer B1 - imp.i114863.net/DVMz1y
TIMESTAMPS:
Intro: 00:00
Why This is Hard: 00:41
The “Short Cut” Mics: 01:41
Dynamics vs Condensers: 02:38
Qualities of a Dynamic: 03:37
Qualities of a Condenser: 04:21
Voiceover/Podcasting Mics: 06:03
Dynamic Instrument Mics: 06:35
Dynamic Vocal Mics: 07:13
Polar Patterns: 07:58
Frequency Response Charts: 10:09
How to Use a Frequency Response Chart: 11:51
Condensers for Higher Voices: 13:04
Condensers for Lower Voices: 13:41
Why I don’t Recommend USB Mics: 14:15
The $80 Minimum: 15:35
A Small Rant About the Audio Community: 16:15
----------------------------------------
In case you want to know what gear I use all the time.
These are amazon affiliate links, so I get a percentage of the sale if you buy from these links, it's a nice way to support the channel!
Interface:
Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen- amzn.to/2P4SXtl
Microphones:
NT1 - amzn.to/2NUoBJK
SM57 - amzn.to/2P1pUXC
Synths and Controllers:
Launchpad Pro Mk. 3 - amzn.to/3rl502V
Arturia MicroBrute - amzn.to/31eFSQL
Amp:
Boss Katana MKII-50 - amzn.to/3dNj40c
Software and DAWs
Ableton Live (Not an affiliate link)- www.ableton.com/en/shop/live/
Avid Pro Tools - amzn.to/3cjE5QN
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I've been working in audio for nearly 50 years. That was one of the most succinct, thoughtful, helpful and informed description of microphones I've ever heard. Well done.
The video was a BEAST!! Hope you liked it. If this vid helped you choose a mic, all of them are listed in the description :)
Nobody talks about the efforts he puts in his vocabulary, so eloquent. Keep it up man
After watching all you videos, i bought the NT1 because of it's flexibility and untouched response curve! Thank you so much for all your content and investigations!
Congrats dude!! Hope it works for for ya :)
I love that you give us information on what things do and what they are good at, and let us sort through it to get what’s best for us. That sounds normal but it’s pretty rare for people to do anything other than just saying get x if y, but then again I wouldn’t doubt it cause your channel has a pretty great track record.
THIS GUY MAN!!!!! You're a freaking beast underrated you tubers are clearly the best man and you are one of them keep up the great work subscribed when you had about 90 subscribers keep it up!
I watched your video comparing the SM7b with the Nt1a and it was a great video. You are very knowledgeable of audio and I just want to say thanks for the great info. I have been using the Nt1a for years and it’s a pretty decent mic for vocals and acoustic guitars. Thanks again for your skills.
I just bought an sm57, and I already own an sm58. I literally had no idea they were the same, beyond the grille. I wanted a two-mic setup for recording acoustic guitar, so I don't regret the purchase of the sm58. Instead, I am excited that I don't need to buy a second sm57!
I love that you organize the info using timestamps, it helps a lot in videos :)
Thanks! Yeah for this specific one it just made sense, lots of info :)
Thank you SO much for your quality videos and all you put into it. I LOVE your videos!!
Thanks to the universe I found this channel! Amazing content. I just can't stop watching...everything is revealing...
You covered things very well. Quite informational and helpful. Thank you.
Fantastic information. Thank you 👍💯
This is SO helpful dude. Thank you, much appreciated. :)
thank you for this vid it helped me a lot!!
I've seen a lot of "how to buy a microphone" videos and this is the only helpful buying guide I've seen. Thnx.
Thank you so much!! Glad I could help :)
Great video Ricky. This video was good and not Goodnt.
Whoosh Whoosh Whoosh Whoosh Whoosh
Thank you very much good sir :)
@@AudioHaze Allegedly, there is a word for not good: bad
Appreciate your effort. Very good overview.
Thanks man!
dude great work! keep working through it!
Thanks dude!! Glad you enjoyed :)
Got myself a Blue Yeti usb microphone 2 years ago and I am reeeeealy happy with it.
Very helpful video! Want to get equipment to record songs and this helped a lot.
Glad I could help!
I'm glad you keep the grammar mistakes in. Cracks me up all the time.
I am nothing if not but my inept grammar, I must keep them in :)
Comprehensive! Great content as always bro! I think this clears all confusion a buyer might have. Would go so far as to say that this is the best mic selection vid!
Wow thanks dude!! Those are big words!
New favorite microphone channel
Aw thanks!!
Gee this vid looks great, very pleasing to watch :)
Edit: super well explained too, definetly learned something
Thanks dude!!
I love that you mentioned my mics- At2020 and Shure sm58. 😂❤
Hey thanks for the info. I just bought an sm 57 for my snare drum and for my podcast.
Congrats man enjoy it :)
I think "Goodn't" is one of my new favourite words. I had to go back and rewatch what you said next because I was distracted thinking about it for the next minute, lol.
Hey, I've been watching your videos about the sm57 and I'm convinced. Thanks for all the work you're doing man, you're saving me money.
Didn't see any video about recording vocals with the 57 though? Did I miss it? I'd love it if you made one. Thanks again.
Glad I could help dude! I have vocal test in the SM7B vs 57 vs 58 video :)
@@AudioHaze thanks again, I'll check it out.
loud and clear, lnteresting review.
I buy tons of USB mics. I have to work with people who record at home and have no audio experience. I send them a package to set-up and record, then they send it back.
Shure MV7 is an easy recommendation. It works across systems, is easy to set-up, is forgiving in badly treated rooms, and is forgiving with bad mic technique. It also just sounds good and has the XLR option.
For a bit less, the Deity VO-7U is great too.
What do you think of the Sennheiser MK4? Your videos are awesome btw, thank you for sharing.
Can’t believe I just now watched this. You nailed it with the judgements and toxicity ppl have 😂
the last part made me salute you
Thanks!
Thanks for the info. I have a high voice and want to boost low end.
Many thanks for yet another great and informative video. I am wondering if you have any thoughts concerning the Rode NT1 5th generation. It's got lots of bells & whistles but does it still sound as good as the NT1 that it replaces? Alas, I'm still dithering over a mic choice.😊
amazing video!
Thank you so much!!
Very well done and informative video.
Thanks!
@@AudioHaze yea man. I was about to by an sm7b then I watched a few of your videos and I'm sold on the sm57. So thank you for saving me money lol
@@CraigMFRocks You will not regret it, its the perfect work horse :)
Great content on your channel, very helpful!
Question.. I currently use the CAD E50 with a MOTU M2 Interface and the sound is very nice but I want something that will enhance my voice (smooth, sizzle) and make the audio in my videos standout.. Any suggestions? I was leaning towards the TLM 102, but it’s priced higher than I’d like to spend.
9:10 dynamic omni e-v 635 is used for tv interviews because no plosives & no proximity mud
Amazing
U deserve more view and sub man🔥
Aw thanks dude!! Hopefully in the future :)
@@AudioHaze yboi just bought the AT2035 today hehehe thank to you, quick question it sound really quiet at around 70% gain compare to my old usb mic, is it normal? (I use it with the Audient Evo4 audio interface).
Great content and great video.
I am a classical baritone and I would like to record my voice and room as well. Do you have any recomendation for that aplication? Also classical voice recording tutorial would be ultra-super-awesome.
And thanks againg for this video.
I've never done a classical voice recording! Maybe if I research it and get some experience I can :) in terms of mics for baritone, I find the Rode NT1 is hard to go wrong with. Beyond that, the AT line is great for low end voices a lot too. You could check out the AT4040
Wonderful video! I teach singing over zoom (yikes). I need my students to purchase usb mics because they struggle with having tech gear (interface knobs). What usb dynamic mics are good under 300.00?
this is the best explanation of microphones👌, so Im lacking low ends for my recordings I should get AT series is there much difference between at4040 and at2020? I also watched tlm 102
Thanks 👍🏼😊
Thanks for watching my friend :)
I would love to hear your opinion about the Townsend Sphere L22 someday. Thanks for your videos and greetz. ✌🏼
Yeah I'd need to check it out! Super unfamiliar unfortunately
@@AudioHaze Thanks man and happy 2022 ✌🏼
What would you recomend for Brass recording? specifically trombone
17:04 I was about to take a dump on the rode nt1a right before you said that
I really enjoy watching your videos. I'm new to your channel. I have a question, when choosing a dynamic mic (to record demos from home), do i have to take into considerations the ohms levels and impedance load on both the audio interface as well as the mic? I have a feeling that if the interface has higher impedance will be better? what you think? Thanks
Thats a great question, I think in most cases you'll be fine, most mics run in an ohms range where sound degradation won't really be an issue with 95% of interfaces. I think looking at gain consumption is a better measure on whether your audio interface it suitable for whatever mic you're interested in :)
@@AudioHaze thanks much. I narrowed down ssl2+ and motu m4. And I will to get the senheiser e835 mic. Right now I don’t have an acústic free room. Maybe later, in which case I plan to get the nt1a. This is thanks to your videos. I appreciate it keep up the good work.
My laundry list is so long. 1. Get a job that doesnt pay hand to mouth wages 2. Save 3. Get a private place to record 4. BUY MICROPHONES AND STUDIO EQUIPMENT. 😅 Imma just save this video for later when I need it
You can do it bro, just put it into action
Loved the vid. I have a nasally voice. I was looking into the sm57. Is there anyway to counter those frequencies? I am a complete noob when it comes to audio.
Yeah sure! Just EQ down the upper mid range and maybe a little bit of the high end, beef up the low mid range and you should be very close.
Se electronics, se xa1 is also a very good condenser mic supporting low end vocals, slightly better than at2035, more fuller. $100 but comes on sale $70, $80.
great video
Thanks!!
Any opinion on shure 87a or sennheiser e945? For singing! For quite vocalists.
Is it wise if I buy and use the Rode Nt1a for a podcast. Like im planning sometimes for it to be a solo podcast and also a podcast with friends. In addition to the previous question, what are some good audio interfaces I can purchase to go with the Rode NT1a?
The shure sm58 and 57 sound different from one another therefore I do not consider both of them the SAME microphone . Frequency graph is also different for each.
What would be the best for beatboxing ?
I have a sm7b but is sooo low. I always have to use it at 100% gain on my focusrite saffire. Is it normal?
Shure Beta57 is like the SM57 but with 2khz more of higher frequency response.
I am going to use goodn't now thank you for that lol
so if i have a rly high voice and i dont like that. Then i need to get one of the mics for lower voices right?
Anyone able to help me out with a suggested setup? Just want to record my singing with my acoustic. Ideally with one mic but open to two with a budget of about $200. I already have a Superlux HI 10 which sounds really nice with my guitar.
What do you ( mic wise ) recommend for a table top two person podcast
And which ones would make your voice sound more base ended & less high pitched or tonal
Also a good interface- many but which ones
There's a LOT of good interfaces. Focusrite Scarlett is a really popular option for beginners, and I've also seen plenty of small operations running Apollo Twin. I personally started out with a Steinberg UR22, and have since moved to a Akai EIE Pro because it has more inputs and heckin throw switches (I get unreasonably excited over throw switches...). If you want to be particular about it, look for things like preamp gain, noise floor, sample rates, and bit depth. I would strongly recommend getting something capable of at least 48 KHz 24 bit, though I'm not sure how many options don't actually hit that mark. Once you have that, the rest is honestly pretty trivial.
What can I record with a Sennheiser C-3?
Danke!
Wow thank you so much!! Really really appreciate it you didn't have to do that :)
@@AudioHaze You're welcome! I like your content and wanted to give a little bit of support and show my valuation.
So do i get you right the dynamic mics make sense when you have an untreaded room. I'd like to buy a dynamic mic for a homestudio to record vocals. As you mentioned the Shure SM58 is a good choice there or it it only build for live performances?
Thx for your help =)
Absolutely the SM58 would be a great choice! Certainly not just for live uses, it'll do great in a home studio :)
@@AudioHaze thx alot mate!
Hay Audiohaze, sweet water sells acoustic dampening curtains, just a thought, might help and I bet you can get a deal
Help
For the love of god please talk about miking orchestral instruments! No one else has done it well and we need help!
I have a home studio setup in my room consisting of a Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen and a Sennheiser e835.
Can you suggest a mic which can record both an acoustic guitar and vocals at the same time? The e835 does a horrible job at this and I'd have gone for a dual dynamic mic setup, adding another dynamic mic to the e835 but there's only one XLR input in the Solo.
I'd prefer a budget option though if possible. Thanks in advance!
Oooh okay, how's the room treatment? Tempted to recommend splitting the budget into two mics, one condenser for guitar and one dynamic for vocals. 58 for vocals and whatever you have remaining for a condenser, lmk how much that would be :)
I will put my nt5 for acoustic guitar, and now I need to decide which one for vocals. I play some pop/rock and I sing mostly low. Somehow I love the sm57, but sm7b would probably fit me more cuz I still kinda learn how to sing.
However, we all appreciate your effort here mate! 🫡
I have a rode nt1 and tlm 103. For me I always test each mic before recording vocals. The nt1 wins 95% of the time. The high end and brittleness in the tlm 103 is to much for me. It is good for backup vocals and layering. Also handles eq great but overall I have been very disappointed with it. I will probably be selling it or trading it in.
Wow interesting, good to know. I wanted to buy one in the future, when I can afford it. You think it’s overly bright huh? Or just brittle in the high end?
@@AudioHaze I would say overly bright. I have a lower voice so it make my whole tone sound much higher and not how I want it to lol. Definitely try it out it is a really good mic for a lot of voices
@@WhiteChocoateify well I’ll have to do more research then!
Problems with mixing using TLM103 are rather commonly known. Though, mostly for being fixed going for much more versatile and expensive MIC in this matter - U87 (which has few revisions BTW).
@@AudioHaze if want you can borrow my TLM 103 and try it out. Maybe even make a couple of videos testing/ reviewing it.
No mention of the Shure SM81? Hmmm.
Haven't had the pleasure actually!
Man I don't own any mic yet but still love your content @
My man :)
Went from a USB microphone to a full XLR unit and my mind is completely blown. Should have went with the XLR a long time ago. But now I'm impressed with the flexibility of it. And I'm a proud owner of a Shure SM-57.
Congrats man! What interface did you go with?
@@AudioHaze the Scarlett solo for now. I may get the 2i2 but I love with what I have already.
DUDE THAT VOICE. You sing base?
Returning on Amazon the Smb7 because I do have an AUDIX dynamic mic and also I return the cloud lifter and I will be buying new NT1 and used NT1A.
but doesn't a sm57 or sm58 requires a preamp?, my audio interface was behringer umc202hd and the volume which I was getting was too lowwww!! (even at the gain of 75% of the audio interface) thankfully I returned it and got refund from amazon, I'm thinking to buy AT2035 right now! not clear even now wether it's a right decision for me or not, (I want to record voice and guitar)
Well every XLR mic will require a preamp, but if your question is are the 58/57 super gain hungry, no! They’ll require about 75% power from a Scarlett, which is fine and they work perfectly at that volume :)
SM57 and 202HD should be OK to record voice and guitar separately, with the mic 10 to 30 cm from the source. If you want to record both at the same time you may need a preamp like the Fethead. Or use a condenser mic.
It's a bummer that your channel does not get more subscribers, especially not compared to the value of the information and the evident (views) popularity of the videos...
I've started my search about 3 hours ago and came out of it MUCH more confused than when I went in. For one, there's a sale allowing me to get a Rode Nt1-A + Focusrite Scarled 3rd Gen Solo + a scissor arm for my desk for about $320. As far as I can tell, that'd be a good price for those products. But now that I've binged many videos I end up insecure since it seems like there's a whole culture devoted to loving and another to hating the Rode Nt1-A. The Nt1-A is a good $70 more expensive alternative, so the traditional recommendation of just ditching the brother for this one is a bit off here. Alternatively there is the Audio Technica 2035 it seems, but I feel like a lot of detail gets lost with that one. I wish this was easier :(
Eyyy, thank you so much for the kind words! And to be honest, growth has been great, I'm not complaining. The channel hasn't even really been around for a year, and it's taking off a lot faster than I expected. Here's some advice I can give you about the NT1-a though, there will be a host of people dedicated to hating on every mic, especially in the affordable market. Nearly every mic nowadays is a usable mic, although some more than others. the NT1A is an amazing mic, it has its weaknesses, but I 100% promise it'll get you to where you need to be, and at that price its a great deal! I would encourage you to think less about "is it a good mic or bad mic" and more like "is this mics sound signature suitable for my voice?" the NT1A is all about the shiny sparkly top end, NT1 is more about the smooth buttery midrange. So, do you want a sparkly voice? Or a more solidified voice that can be more easily editing later? Thats more the situation I feel you're looking at right now
@@AudioHaze That's a great outlook regarding your channel!
I would've preferred the sound signature the NT1 promises to give, but it turns out it's almost $120 more expensive than the NT-1A version... With that being said, I found out the website offers returns free of charge so I went ahead and ordered the AT2020 and NT1-A to compare and decide since those were similarly priced :).
I appreciate the deep comment you wrote for this, I wish you the best of success! The content's entertaining, deeply knowledgeable (as far as I can tell), and you take the time to even clear (surely) repetitive questions like mine. Have a great week!
My budget it 400$ for a mic and my main focus would be vocals I've been between the baby blue bottle and the shure sm7b, my voice is definitely on the high end any advice would be appreciated!
Those mics are SUPER different! What’s your recording environment like? Are you recording guitar too?
I would go with the blue bird non SL version all day, I am not a fan of the sm7b, anyone I ever recorded chose over it.
Rolando Mora eres tu
First 😌
Welcome my friend :)
I will dump on the SM7B if it costs me my life
I can hear noise reduction artefacts... That damn construction site 😂
hahaha YUP, I did my best to not make it invasive but that reverb was killingggg me
😎
😎
Goodn't have been more helpful.
you keep moving in and out of the microphone in this vid haha, stop doing that, you don't wanna be the audio guy with the ups and downs in the audio :D
You really need a pop filter.
Does he know that his plosives blow up his microphone sound every a couple seconds? 😀
On more time this guy teaches us to what? 🤣
PS And by the way he doesn't know how the different type mics work. They are not "completely different" but very close in design. One the difference that dynamic collects the diaphragm movement by magnet by condencer collects the same movement by capacity changes. That's all darling. Back to school
Hey man, not sure if you just commented to be rude in leave, but did you actually watch the video? I explained how my audio will not be good in this vid, AND explained exactly what you just said in your little "PS" you wrote, pretty much that exact same info you just typed.
PS Condenser is spelled with an "S" my friend.
@@AudioHaze Sorry dude, can't hear you on video, just because you blew away my earphones when teached me to work with mics. ;-) Do you actually think I came here for being rude? Or tried to find something useful? Perhaps you should better prepare your videos to not convert peoples to rude.
PS Thanks darling for spelling lessons. If you will learn that different type mics are not such a "completely different" as you blobbed on the video we"ll get great collaboration here. ;-)