3 best condensor mics

Name: 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)
Brand: TONOR
Price: 59.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.6 (250 reviews)

Condenser microphones, also known as capacitor microphones or condensers, are a type of microphone commonly used in various audio recording applications. They are highly versatile and offer superior sound quality, making them popular among musicians, podcasters, broadcasters, and recording engineers. Here are some key features and information about condenser microphones:

Principle of Operation: Condenser microphones work on the principle of an electrostatic diaphragm. They consist of two charged plates, one stationary (the backplate) and one movable (the diaphragm). When sound waves hit the diaphragm, it vibrates, causing changes in the distance between the plates and thus altering the capacitance. These variations in capacitance are converted into an electrical audio signal.
Sensitivity: Condenser microphones are known for their high sensitivity, which means they can capture a wide range of sound frequencies and nuances. This makes them ideal for capturing vocals, acoustic instruments, and other intricate sounds.
Polar Patterns: Condenser microphones come in various polar patterns, including cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-eight, and more. Each pattern determines how the microphone captures sound from different directions. For example, a cardioid pattern captures sound primarily from the front and rejects noise from the sides and rear, making it suitable for solo vocals and instruments.
Phantom Power: Most condenser microphones require phantom power to operate.Phantom power is typically provided by a mixer, audio interface, or dedicated phantom power supply. It supplies the necessary voltage (usually 48V) to power the microphone's internal electronics.
Applications: Condenser microphones are versatile and can be used in various recording situations. They are commonly used for studio vocals, acoustic instruments (such as pianos and acoustic guitars), drum overheads, podcasting, and live sound reinforcement for certain applications.
Sensitivity to Handling Noise: Condenser microphones are sensitive to handling noise and vibrations, so they are often mounted on shock mounts or isolation mounts to minimize these disturbances.
Price Range: Condenser microphones come in a wide price range, from budget-friendly options for beginners to high-end models used in professional studios. The quality and features of a condenser microphone often correlate with its price.
Maintenance: Condenser microphones are relatively delicate and require careful handling. They should be stored in protective cases and protected from extreme humidity or temperature conditions.
Accessories: Accessories for condenser microphones may include pop filters (to reduce plosive sounds), windshields (for outdoor use), shock mounts (to isolate the microphone from vibrations), and extension cables.
Types: There are different types of condenser microphones, such as large-diaphragm condensers and small-diaphragm condensers. Large-diaphragm condensers are often used for vocals, while small-diaphragm condensers are preferred for capturing fast transients, such as those from acoustic instruments.

In summary, condenser microphones are highly versatile and known for their sensitivity and sound quality, making them a popular choice for a wide range of audio recording applications. They are an essential tool in the arsenal of musicians, audio engineers, and content creators.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best condensor mics on the market

Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone, Black, Ideal for Project/Home Studio Applications

Audio-Technica

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Audio-Technica’s stringent quality and consistency standards set the AT2020 apart from other mics in its class. Its low-mass diaphragm is custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. With rugged construction for durable performance, the microphone offers a wide dynamic range and handles high SPLs with ease. The AT2020: the new standard for affordable side-address studio condensers.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 74 dB

The price/performance standard in side address studio condenser microphone technology
Ideal for project/home studio applications; The noise level is 20 dB SPL
High SPL handling and wide dynamic range provide unmatched versatility
Custom engineered low mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient response
Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source. Output connector: integral 3 pin XLRM type
Black speckles on the mic is the end of the item. Audio technical case style: R7

User questions & answers

Question:	Hey, I have a behringer audio interface with this microphone - I get audio but the blue light isn't on (on the mic). Is this a problem or is it fine
Answer:	I think u meant can u use it as a regular mic without computer. The answer is not without a soundcard to plug it into I believe.
Question:	Is this one the xlr version of this mic? i want to use it on a mackie ony blackjack
Answer:	I don't know, but check other markets I've seen Blue products bellow 100 dollors used I hope this helps.
Question:	Are you able to use this as a usb mic / be able to put this into your macbook pro
Answer:	Yes
Question:	Does it come with a stand or an XLR cable
Answer:	Depends, what are you recording? Original yeti is large and a bit more versatile, you can record in 4 different audio direction, i.e omnidirectional, cardioid, bidirectional, and stereo making it ideal for recording YouTube videos, podcasts, large groups, or instrumentals. Yeti nano has 2 audio recording options , Omni and bidirectional, so made more for podcasts and YouTube videos. It’s also smaller. If you want to check out the nano I did a unboxing of the gold yeti nano, search on YouTube Julian Lonzoe yeti nano. It looks pretty awesome.

Product features

The Standard for Affordable Studio Condensers

The cost and performance standard in side-address studio condenser microphone technology, making it ideal for project/home-studio applications.

Unmatched Versatility

Due to high-SPL handling and wide dynamic range.

Custom-Engineered Low-Mass Diaphragm

Provides extended frequency response and superior transient response.

Sound Source Isolation

Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source.

Pivoting, Threaded Stand Mount

Attaches securely for easy and precise placement of the microphone.

Accessories

Stand mount for 5/8"-27 threaded stands; 5/8"-27 to 3/8"-16 threaded adapter; soft protective pouch.

Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone, with Built-In Headphone Jack & Volume Control, Black

Audio-Technica

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Equipped with a USB output, the AT2020USB+ is designed for digitally capturing music or any acoustic audio source using your favorite recording software. The microphone offers the critically acclaimed, award-winning sound of the AT2020, with studio-quality articulation and intelligibility perfect for singer/songwriters, podcasters, voice-over artists, field recorders, and home studio recorders. The AT2020USB+ features a built-in headphone jack with volume control that allows you to directly monitor your microphone signal with no delay. It also offers mix control that blends microphone and pre-recorded audio. The microphone’s cardioid pickup pattern delivers excellent off-axis rejection, while its A/D converter with a 16-bit, 44.1/48 kHz sampling rate ensures extremely articulate sound reproduction. Audio-Technica’s state-of-the-art design and manufacturing techniques ensure that the microphone complies with the company’s renowned consistency and reliability standards.

Condenser microphone with USB output for digital recording
High quality A/D converter with 16 bit, 44.1/48 kilohertz sampling rate for superb audio
Headphone jack with volume control allows you to monitor the microphone signal with no delay
Mix control allows you to blend your microphone signal and prerecorded audio
High output, the internal headphone amplifier delivers superior clarity and musical detail as well as more volume overall
Compatible with Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X

User questions & answers

Question:	How is the AT2020PLUS different from the regular AT
Answer:	I have both. The AT2020 was great for general recording purposes, but for singing or voiceover I do LOVE the monitor jack and the slider. The slider will let you balance what comes into your monitor (your earbuds, headphones, whatever you plug in to the jack) so you can choose how much of the mic versus the PC comes into your ears. This gets important because if you rely on the PC to feed your voice back to you, there is a slight signal delay that can get awkward. You don't have to use the monitor, and it doesn't affect the act of recording. Hope that helps!
Question:	Does this work with windows 10? I need someone who actually uses it on win10 machine, not someone selling them. I have at2020 not working w/ win
Answer:	Yes, I'm running Windows 10 with Audacity recording software. By the way, with this one-directional mic, it's very important to be speaking INTO THE BLUE LIGHT behind the screen. That's the one-directional "sweet spot." And, you didn't ask, but I record (as do most of my professional colleagues now stuck at home) into the free software "Audacity." Some have found that If you plug in the mic AFTER you load Audacity, it may not recognize AT2020+ as a microphone choice, and while it may still record, the results will be unsatisfactory. If or when that happens, just restart Audacity AFTER plugging the USB into your computer and click on the AT2020+ option.
Question:	Is this a one-directional mic? I was told that a one-directional mic is best for recording podcasts
Answer:	Yes, and it's very important to be speaking INTO THE BLUE LIGHT behind the screen. That's the one-directional "sweet spot." And, you didn't ask, but I record (as do most of my professional colleagues now stuck at home) into the free software "Audacity." Some have found that If you plug in the mic AFTER you load Audacity, it may not recognize AT2020+ as a microphone choice and while it may still record, the results will be unsatisfactory. If or when that happens, just restart Audacity AFTER plugging the USB into your computer and click on the AT2020+ option.
Question:	is it possible to listen to a downloaded .mp3 instrumental (NOT instrument) on my PC and hear that while i record over it using this mic
Answer:	Yes, using the monitor dial on mic itself, toggling between PC sound and your own, or setting accordingly until balance suites you. (using plugged in headphones into mic)

Product features

For Digital Recording Use

Condenser microphone with USB output.

Superb Audio Quality

High-quality A/D converter with 16 bit, 44.1/48 kHz sampling rate.

Mix Control & Volume Control

Mix control allows you to blend your microphone signal and pre-recorded audio; headphone jack volume control allows you to monitor the microphone signal with no delay.

Smooth, Extended Frequency Response

Ideally suited for podcasting, home studio recording, field recording and voiceover use.

USB Compatibility

Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X.

Accessories Furnished

Pivoting stand mount for 5/8"-27 threaded stands; 5/8"-27 to 3/8"-16 threaded adapter; soft protective pouch; tripod desk stand; 10' (3.1 m) USB cable.

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.