Top 10 Microphones for Home Recording
There has never been a better time to get started with home recording than now. Professional recording equipment is more accessible and affordable than it has ever been. More people are recording at home for podcasts, and in need of quality microphones for Zoom calls, and making music.
Blues Rock Review has compiled its top 10 microphones for home recording.
10. Blue Yeti
If you’re looking for an entry-level budget microphone to get started in home recording the Blue Yeti is a great option. The microphone is one of the most popular and commonly used microphones on the market today. It’s affordable and gets a great sound. The Blue Yeti is a USB which makes it easy to plug in and use even if you aren’t an experienced microphone user.
9. Rode NT
The Rode NT is a USB condenser microphone that provides a nice, warm sound. The Rode NT originally launched in 2003 and handles both vocals and instruments well. If you’re looking for something that’s simple out of the box the Rode NT is a good choice. After you plug it in it’s ready to go.
8. Rode PodMic
The Rode PodMic has gained a lot of popularity in recent years and for good reason. It’s become a go-to microphone for podcasting because of the value it provides for the price. The PodMic is a fourth of the price of the Shure SM7B and is very comparable in terms of quality. This is one of the best value microphones in the market and if you’re looking to get into home recording or podcasting at an affordable price it’s hard to stop the PodMic.
7. Elgato Wave: 3
The Elgato Wave:3 is a very user friendly USB microphone that sounds great out of the box. It provides a clear signal and is an excellent microphone for podcasting and streaming. The Elgato Wave: 3 records quality soudning vocals and is great for someone that doesn’t want have to deal with a difficult technical setup.
6. Samson Q9U
The Samson Q9U is an XLR/USB microphone that is an excellent option for home recording, podcasting, streaming, etc. The Q9U features a mute button on it as well as buttons for EQ boost and low cut filter. There is also a headphone output. The Samson Q9U delivers a crisp sound at a mid-level price.
5. Shure MV7
Owning the Shure SM7B is a dream for many but if that microphone is a little out of your price range, the Shure MV7 is a great option and alternative. The MV7 is perfect for podcasting and includes a built-in headphone output. The Shure MV7 is designed to sound good even if the environment you’re in is not designed for recording. The microphone has USB and XLR outputs which is a nice plus.
4. Audio-Technica AT4040
The Audio-Technica AT4040 is a fantastic vocal microphone with a very clear and natural sound. It’s an extremely versatile microphone and that also handles guitars, drums in stride. The Audio-Technica AT4040 is one of the top microphones on the market in its price range.
3. Rode Procaster
The Rode Procaster is a professional broadcast quality microphone that captures clear vocals. It’s a versatile microphone great for recording vocals, voiceovers, and podcasting.
2. Electro-Voice RE20
The Electro-Voice RE20 is one of the top microphones on the market and has been a staple for years at radio stations and with podcasters. The sound quality is elite and the microphone does a great job containing plosives and popping, which is oftentimes a problem with less expensive microphones. It has a stellar reputation and if you’re looking for a professional sound the Electro-Voice RE20 is a fantastic option.
1. Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7B is a legendary vocal microphone. The microphone was originally launched in 1973 and is known for being used on Michael Jackson’s Thriller. This is one of the most popular microphones for recording vocals. It’s also very popular with podcasters, most notably Joe Rogan. Pay attention to music videos and you’ll many of your favorite artists recording with the Shure SM7B. It’s built like a tank and sounds excellent.
Keep in mind, the Shure SM7B requires a lot of gain to realize its full potential. You’re going to want to pair the microphone with a cloud lifter which is available on Amazon.