The 3 Best Condenser Mics for Singer-Songwriters on Any Budget

What are the types of Condenser Microphones?

Large diaphragm vs small diaphragm

Large ones which are about 1 inch give us a warm tone which sound really smooth - great for your vocals. The smaller size sound more bright and give off more detail.

Cardioid vs multi-pattern 

Cardioid condenser microphones pick up the sound from 1 side only i.e. the front. Multi pattern mics can actually be switched (u control on the microphone itself) between different patterns - they can be front only, can capture sound from the sides etc.

Tube vs solid-state

The difference here is tone and price. Tubes have a warm and vintage sound… but cost more. Solid State are cleaner, more reliable and usually can fit in most peoples budget. I think you can get a great sound out of both if you know what you are doing. 

USB vs XLR

These are the types of inputs. USBs go directly in the usb port of your PC or Laptop. The XLR are the traditional mic cords that go into your audio interface or PA system.

Voca vs instrument focused

Some Condenser microphones are more suited to the Voice and some are better for instruments - many are great on both. If you are looking to record yourself both singing and playing, it might be an idea to look at the features. 

How Do Condenser Microphones Work?

• Sound waves make a super-thin metal disc (diaphragm) vibrate very slightly inside the microphone 

• This vibration changes the electrical signal between the diaphragm and a metal plate behind it 

• The tiny electrical changes get amplified inside the microphone to create a signal your audio interface can use 

• Phantom power (48 volts sent through the microphone cable) powers the internal amplifier that makes this all work 

• The closer you get to the mic, the more bass you'll hear in your voice (called proximity effect) 

• Pop filters help prevent puffs of air from "P" and "B" sounds from hitting the diaphragm and causing thumps

Features to Look For When Buying A Condenser Microphone?

When looking for a condenser microphone that is right for you, I think that there are some criteria to look out for. You might not be able to get 100% of these features given your budget but at least getting a few will point you in the right direction. Here are my list of features to look for:

Frequency response

This is how well the mic can capture different pitches. You want to look for something with a “smooth response” - 20Hz to 20kHz is great for a natural response. 

Sensitivity

The more sensitive a condenser microphone is, the quieter sound it picks up - but also the more background noise you will have to fix up later. Try and find a good balance that meets your recording area. 

Maximum sound level

Do you sing and play loud? Make sure the mic can handle your power without distorting. If you’re REALLY loud - look for around 120dB SPL (Sound Pressure Level).

Self-noise

The lower numbers can be better so anything under 20dB is quiet for a home studio.

Polar pattern

Like I mentioned in the above sections, cardioid (heart-shaped pattern) is good for most songwriters because it stops the sound from behind.

Build quality

Solid metal, quality shock mounts and cables that won't break (I just threw out about 10 of these!)

Why use a Condenser microphone?

Of course, a great question if I do say so myself. There are some great reasons for choosing a condenser microphone to record vocals and instruments. Here are my main points:

Detail and Clarity

Condenser mics capture a wider frequency range and finer detail - making them great for vocals & acoustic instruments.

Sensitivity to the Subtle

Their high sensitivity picks up subtle dynamics and tonal variations which can make recordings sound more real.

Wider Frequency Response

What I mean by this is that it records both the warmth from the low end and also that sparkle up high.  

Don’t Create Much Self-Noise

High quality condenser microphones often have low internal noise meaning cleaner recordings.