Condenser microphones can often be the preferred type of microphone when it comes to recording and capturing the delicate nuances of a performance. While there are many different types of condenser microphones, we have put together some examples of condenser microphones and also listed out their applications.
Characteristics of a condenser microphone
Different condenser microphones excel at different things. The best microphone for a specific application depends on the specific use case and personal preference. Nonetheless, there are still some things to bear and in mind and look forward when it comes to choosing a condenser microphone.
Consider the frequency response of the microphone. This refers to the range of audio frequencies that it can accurately reproduce. Make sure that the microphone you choose has a frequency response that will work well for the sound source that you will be picking up.
Also, look for a microphone with a robust construction and a good built-in shock mount or isolation to help reduce handling noise.
If you are planning to use the condenser microphone for live or studio work, it would typically just have an XLR connector that allows you to plug in a microphone cable so that the signal can be sent out to the mixer.
However, with the rise in popularity of podcasting and recording from home, there are not more condenser microphones that are designed to be used with a built-in pre-amplifier to connect directly to a computer or other recording device. This makes it convenient for home recordings but such type of microphones are usually not suitable for stage or studio work.
Of course, price can also be a big determining factor when it comes to choosing what condenser microphone to buy. Condenser microphones come at different price ranges, from entry-level to professional level. Determine your budget and look for a microphone that will meet your needs within that budget.
Finally, it is also worth noting that condenser microphones can come in different form factors as well. Some of these may look like a typical handheld microphone for stage work, as a gooseneck for use on a podium, or they can come in a side address form factor that you may have podcasters use.
Examples of condenser microphones
| Brand | Microphone | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| AKG | C214 | Vocals, acoustic guitar, drums, overheads |
| AKG | C1000 | Vocals, drums, guitar, podcasting, streaming |
| AKG | C414 | Vocals, drums, guitar, podcasting, streaming, overheads, room micing |
| Blue | Yeti | Podcasting, streaming, voiceovers, instrument recording |
| Audio-Technica | AT2020 | Vocals, drums, acoustic guitar, podcasting, streaming |
| Shure | KSM9 | Vocals |
| Shure | SM27 | Vocals, drums, guitar, podcasting, streaming |
| Shure | SM81 | Instruments, Acoustic guitar, drums, overheads, piano, percussion |
| Rode | NT1-A | Vocals, drums, guitar, podcasting, streaming |
| Neumann | TLM 102 | Vocals, guitar |
Please keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list of condenser microphones. There are many other condenser microphones available and advances in technology are always happening. The ones listed above are just some of the popular options.
Different microphones are better at different things and the best microphone for a specific application depends on the specific use case and personal preference.
You can also view a list of common dynamic microphones.