Before the internet, microphones were mostly considered devices used by musicians, DJs, and radio personalities. Times have changed. Whether you’re a musician, a YouTuber, or you have a podcast, if you create audio content of any type, the most important tool in your arsenal is a top-quality condenser microphone.
Condenser microphones allow you to accurately capture your performance, whether spoken or sung. Our favorite, Shure’s BETA 87A Supercardioid Handheld Condenser Microphone, is a remarkable instrument designed to capture all the nuances of a vocal performance. If you’d like to learn more about this as well as other high-quality condenser microphones, keep reading.
Basically, how a microphone "hears" is called its polar pattern. There are a number of different patterns, but the three you want to focus on are omnidirectional, cardioid, and bidirectional.
There are many other tech features and specs that can make purchasing a microphone overwhelming. If you focus on just a few key areas, you can quickly find the best model for you.
If you are using your condenser microphone with a computer, opt for a USB model that just plugs in and is recognized without the need for additional hardware or software.
All computer recording has a latency issue — it takes time for the computer to process the audio signal, and the delay can make it impossible to record a live track in time with a previously recorded audio track. The easiest way to hear in real time is to get a microphone that includes a headphone jack.
The best condenser microphones (for computers) have a built-in mix knob that allows you to adjust the balance between live and prerecorded audio.
A durable shock-absorbing stand is greatly appreciated in almost any recording situation.
A condenser microphone that can be worn on a lapel is available for under $20. If you’d like to get into podcasting, you can likely find the condenser microphone you need for between $40-$100. If you want to go high-end, home-studio use, you could easily spend up to $250. Professional condenser microphones, on the other hand, can cost over $1,000.
A. A condenser microphone is designed to capture the subtle nuances of sound over a wide frequency range, so it’s typically used in a more intimate environment such as a recording studio.
A. A good rule of thumb is to not use a condenser mic on anything you need to record that is loud and close, such as a guitar amp, loud vocals, or a live rock band. All of those situations would be better served with a dynamic microphone.
Shure’s BETA 87A Supercardioid Handheld Condenser Microphone
Our take: A top-quality condenser microphone best suited for a vocalist.
What we like: This model features a built-in pop filter to reduce some of the undesirable elements of a vocal performance. The wide dynamic range and smooth frequency response along with the supercardioid polar pattern combine to make this an exceptional microphone.
What we dislike: This microphone is designed for musicians and requires an adapter or an audio interface to work with a computer.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Blue’s Yeti Silver Edition USB Microphone
Our take: An affordable, highly versatile condenser microphone that can be adapted to a wide variety of situations.
What we like: This microphone allows you to switch between four different polar patterns to quickly fine-tune the device to your specific needs. The zero-latency headphone monitoring is greatly appreciated and the plug-and-play feature makes it easy to get the microphone up and running.
What we dislike: Although this microphone performs well, it feels a little flimsy to some users.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Audio-Technica’s Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone
Our take: A solid USB condenser microphone that comes with a cable, pouch, and stand.
What we like: The microphone has a built-in headphone jack so you can monitor the recording signal with no latency. The mix control allows you to blend prerecorded audio with your live signal. The plug-and-play feature makes the microphone detectable by either a Mac or Windows system without the need for special drivers.
What we dislike: The care and quality that went into manufacturing the microphone are not as evident in the build quality of the stand.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
