10 best microphones for home recordings

Microphones for home recordings are essential tools for musicians, artists, photographers, and authors looking to capture high-quality audio in a home or small studio setting. These microphones come in various types and models, each with its own characteristics and best use cases. Here is some information about microphones for home recordings:

  1. Condenser Microphones: Condenser microphones are popular choices for home recording due to their sensitivity and ability to capture detailed audio. They are suitable for vocals, acoustic instruments, and studio applications. Condenser microphones require phantom power from an audio interface or mixer.

  2. Dynamic Microphones: Dynamic microphones are known for their durability and ability to handle high sound pressure levels. They are often used for recording amplified instruments like electric guitars, drums, and for live sound applications. Dynamic mics are less sensitive than condensers but can be great for isolating sound sources in noisy environments.

  3. USB Microphones: USB microphones are user-friendly options for home recording. They connect directly to a computer via USB and eliminate the need for an external audio interface. They are suitable for podcasting, voiceovers, and simple music recording tasks.

  4. Shotgun Microphones: Shotgun microphones have a narrow pickup pattern, making them ideal for capturing sound from a specific direction. They are commonly used in video production and can be handy for recording audio for art and photography projects.

  5. Lavalier Microphones: Lavalier or lapel microphones are small, clip-on microphones often used in video production and public speaking. They can also be used for recording audio for instructional videos or audiobooks at home.

  6. Ribbon Microphones: Ribbon microphones are known for their warm and vintage sound. They are delicate and require careful handling but can add a unique character to vocals and instrument recordings.

  7. Microphone Accessories: To improve the quality of home recordings, artists often invest in accessories such as pop filters (to reduce plosive sounds), shock mounts (to reduce vibrations), and isolation shields (to minimize room reflections).

  8. Microphone Placement: Proper microphone placement is crucial for achieving the desired sound. Experimenting with microphone placement and room acoustics can help artists capture the best recordings in a home studio.

  9. Recording Software: Along with the microphone, recording software (Digital Audio Workstations or DAWs) is essential for home recordings. Artists can use DAWs to record, edit, and mix their audio tracks.

  10. Budget Considerations: Microphones for home recordings come in a wide range of price points. It's essential to balance your budget with your recording needs and objectives. There are affordable options that still provide good quality for beginners.

In conclusion, microphones for home recordings are versatile tools that enable musicians, artists, photographers, and authors to capture high-quality audio in a comfortable and cost-effective environment. The choice of microphone type depends on the specific recording needs, and proper microphone technique and accessories can significantly enhance the recording quality.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best microphones for home recordings on the market
  

Charlie Mike: A True Story of War and Finding the Way Home

Based on 65 reviews Check latest price

The Legends Club: Dean Smith, Mike Krzyzewski, Jim Valvano, and an Epic College Basketball Rivalry

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The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula for Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio

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Mugig Condenser Microphone, Professional Studio Condenser Mic with Microphone Stand/3.5mm XLR Cable/Shock Mount/Pop Filter for Professional Studio Recording, Broadcasting, Recording, Singing, Games

Mugig

Based on 117 reviews Check latest price
  • Cardioid Pickup Pattern - The cardioid pick-up pattern of Mugig Condenser Microphone can minimize the background noise, reducing unnecessary ambient noise and interference echo from the side and back and improving the isolation of the required sound source, which is ideal for podcasting, streaming, youtube video and also can be used for recordings at home or professional studio.
  • Excellent Sound Quality - With wide frequency response(20Hz-20000Hz), Mugig microphone can capture vocals, acoustic guitars, acoustic pianos and even strings.
  • High Compatibility - Fully compatible with most mainstream operating system such as windows and mac os. If you want to use our Condenser Microphone on laptop, phone, pad and other devices, please connect to an additional 48V phantom power and an external sound card.(Not include in package)
  • All-In-One - Package includes Mugig Condenser Microphone, Adjustable Suspension Scissor Arm Stand, Shock Mount, Pop Filter, XLR Cable, Anti-wind Foam Cap (Note: Phantom Power not included).
  • Stable & Portable Design - The shock mount of Mugig PC Mic is made of solid metal, whic can effectively reduce trill caused by vibration. Super-strong stand spring protects microphone from shaking, suddenly dropping and making noise.

User questions & answers

Question: how long is the arm fully extended
Answer: 3'
Question: I have a headphone plug in a high power laptop; Realtek high power sound system with Nahimic 2 audio quality. should it work
Answer: put a 48 volt phantom power source in line, to power the transduction field and, the output provided in the phantom box goes into your computer. Make sure your phantom source has constant variable output attenuation, to line level the input..... perhaps a small mixer with phantom power would be your best bet. WATCH TOUR METERS!!!!!
Question: does it come with a usb cord
Answer: Ours did not come with the USB cord
Question: Is this a cardioid mic
Answer: Yes, with the axis perpendicular to the logo on the body. As pictured, the most sensitive part of the pattern is facing you.

Product features

Specification

Body size: 48 x 158 mm (diameter x length)

Package size: 50 * 20 * 10 cm

Product weight: 1030 g

Cable length: about 2.5 m

Microphone material: high quality aluminum alloy

Mike Draft Shield Material: Sponge

Shock mount material: metal

Directivity: Unidirectivity (cardioid)

Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 KHz

Specification

Sensitivity: 37 db ± 2 db (0 dB = 1 V / Pa at 1 KHz)

Output impedance: 1500 Ω ± 30% (at 1 KHz)

Load impedance: ≥ 1000 Ω Equivalent noise level: 16 dBA

Allowable sound pressure range: 135 dB (at 1 KHz ≤ 1% T.H. D)

Microphone output interface: 3.5 chuck

S / N ratio: 78 dB

Package Included:

- 1 x Podcasting Condenser Microphone

- 1 x Microphone Suspension Scissor Arm Stand

- 1 x Table Mounting Clamp

- 1x 3.5mm Male to XLR Female Cable

- 1 x Metal Shock Mount

- 1 x Microphone Pop Filter

- 1 x Foam Protective Anti-wind Cap Cover

The Absolute Sound

Absolute Multimedia, Inc.

Based on 79 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Covering high-end audio equipment and music reviews. The Absolute Sound is about music and the reproduction of music in the home. Editorial mission: seek out superior audio equipment, accurately describe the sound of components, provide reference quality music recommendations, and guide readers to maximize their listening experience.

fosa USB Microphone with a Lapel Clip,High Sensitivity Anti-Interference Microphone Core Omnidirectional Mini Condenser USB2.0 Microphone for Conference,Computer,Home,Recording

Fosa

Product description





Specification:

Item Type: USB Microphone

Condition: 100% Brand New

Material: APS

Colour: Black

Microphone Type: Condenser

Applicable Objects: Conference, Computer, Home, Recording

Applicable Models: Universal for Devices with USB Interface

Input Voltage: 5V

Microphone Head Size: Φ6.0 × 2.2mm High Sensitivity Anti-Interference Microphone Core

Sensitivity: -32dB ± 1dB

Directionality: Omnidirectional

Impedance: ≤2.2kΩ

Working Voltage: 2.0V

Frequency Range: 100-16kHz

Signal to Noise Ratio: Greater Than 60dB

Plug Diameter: USB2.0



Package List:

1 x Carrying Case1 x USB Microphone1 x Mic Pad 1 x



Lapel Clip

  • Mini computer USB microphone, perfect for video chat, internet radio, recording, etc.
  • The wire is made of APS advanced material, which contains 30 * 12 copper wires, single core shielded wire, good shielding and very durable. 1.5 meters in length, can be used freely.
  • The microphone adopts high-sensitivity anti-interference microphone core, which is not easy to produce howling, and the voice is clear.
  • Features 360-degree omnidirectional stereo output, high sensitivity and noise immunity.
  • Comes with a lapel clip for easy wearing and great comfort.

The Recording Engineer's Handbook 4th Edition

Based on 129 reviews Check latest price

AxcessAbles SF-101KIT Studio Microphone Isolation Shield w/Stand, Condenser Mic & accessories. Compatible w/Focusrite or Phantom Powered Audio Interfaces or mixers. Studio Recording & Broadcast.

Based on 125 reviews Check latest price

Product description

xcessAbles MX-100 Professional Cardioid Studio Condenser XLR Mic with Desktop Tripod Stand, Shock Mount and Pop Filter, Studio Recording & Broadcasting working right out the box, this exceptionally priced eStudioStar expert bundle comes with: AxcessAbles MX-100 Professional Cardioid Studio Condenser XLR Mic with Desktop Tripod Stand, Shock Mount and Pop Filter, Studio Recording & Broadcasting AxcessAbles SF-101KIT Recording Studio Microphone Isolation Shield With Stand AxcessAbles MX-100 Professional Cardioid Studio Condenser XLR Mic with Desktop Tripod Stand, Shock Mount and Pop Filter, Studio Recording & Broadcasting The MX-100 condenser microphone provides smooth, extended frequency response and is excellent for singing, speech and instruments. AxcessAbles SF-101KIT Recording Studio Microphone Isolation Shield With Stand AxcessAbles SF-101 Recording Studio Microphone Isolation Shield Redirects the Internal Sound Energy Away from the Microphone for the best quality recording. The SF-101 gets maximum sound isolation by blocking reflected sounds from the recording environment to the microphone.

  • AxcessAbles MX-100 Professional Cardioid Studio Condenser XLR Mic with Desktop Tripod Stand, Shock Mount and Pop Filter, Studio Recording & Broadcasting working right out the box, this exceptionally priced expert bundle comes with:
  • AxcessAbles MX-100 Professional Cardioid Studio Condenser XLR Mic with Desktop Tripod Stand, Shock Mount and Pop Filter, Studio Recording & Broadcasting AxcessAbles SF-101KIT Recording Studio Microphone Isolation Shield With Stand
  • * Compatible with most common audio interfaces with XLR inputs such as Focusrites, Presonus, Steinberg
  • *MX-100 Condenser Microphone requires a 32 volt phantom power input that comes in most professional audio mixers or condenser audio interfaces
  • *For a direct-to laptop microphone - please look for USB microphone such as AxcessAbles MX-715 USB

User questions & answers

Question: Does this bundle come with a microphone
Answer: Yes it does. And it's a great setup for the price. I recommend it.
Question: What’s the name of the Mic & is it just a basic mic or does it have a really good sound quality
Answer: This does not come with a microphone, at least it did not in mine.
Question: Can you record guitar
Answer: I haven't tried it but I'm pretty sure you could.
Question: Can someone please help me figure out how to use this mic? Idk what I’m doing
Answer: You have not described what problems that you are having. I don't use this microphone. However, condenser microphones normally require 48volt phantom power to drive them. These are usually supported by a mixer, with that feature. I use a presonus USB mixer, that has a button that I press/turn on. I also have a VoiceLive that I can set the microphone type. So, I have two options. I connect the mixer to my PC which is running Presonus StudioOne DAW software. However, I can connect the mixer to my amplifier as well. I don't normally use a condense mic with my Amp due to feedback. With my Amp I use a Shure dynamic microphone.

XLR Condenser Microphone, TONOR Professional Cardioid Studio Mic Kit with T20 Boom Arm, Shock Mount, Pop Filter for Recording, Podcasting, Voice Over, Streaming, Home Studio, YouTube (TC20)

TONOR

Based on 783 reviews Check latest price
  • External Power Source Required: Note: Condenser microphones have active electronics that need an external power source. In order to function properly, you need to connect the TC20 to 48V phantom power, audio interface, mixer, or preamp. Designed for studio recording, home studio, podcasting, voice-over, streaming, YouTube video production, etc.
  • Professional Sound: The upgraded mic capsule with low-noise FET preamplifier, high SPL handling, and wide dynamic range provides smooth, high-end clarity, warm and natural sound.
  • Cardioid Pattern: TC20 adopts a cardioid polar pattern with excellent off-axis sound suppression capabilities to reduce the sound pickup from the side and rear and better eliminate background noise. Ideal for recording vocals and acoustic instruments.
  • Upgraded T20 Boom Arm: T20 is made of durable steel and comes with a desk clamp with 4 times larger contact area for easily clip to any desk up to 2.4''/60mm thick, suitable for most mics weighing up to 4lbs/1.8k.
  • What You Get: 1 x condenser microphone, 1 x T20 suspension stand, 1 x metal shock mount, 1 x pop filter, 1 x mic cover, 4 x cable tie, 1 x XLR cable (2m) and 1 x manual.

Product features

TONOR TC20 XLR Condenser Microphone Kit

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Capsule Size: 16mm

Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz

Sensitivity: -45dB±3dB (0dB=1V/Pa, at 1KHz)

Output Impedance: 2.2KΩ

Max. SPL: 120dB

THD + N: <1%

S/N Ratio: 94dB

Musician's Survival Guide to a Killer Record

Based on 153 reviews Check latest price

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