This is part 3 of our ultimate guide to large diaphragm condenser microphones, and this is where we get really serious.
Here is a roundup of the best quality large diaphragm condenser microphones (and the highest prices) that you might consider for your home studio, especially if you are looking for a professional quality sound. Most of these microphones are absolute classics, and even if they are beyond your reach at present, worth looking in detail at the reviews and specs, and maybe if you are reaching for the stars one of these mics might just be the one to get you there.
Do check out part 1 of this guide to condenser microphones, where we look at some of the reasons why you would choose a large diaphragm condenser for your home studio in the first place, and you can also read reviews of the most popular budget condenser microphones available. In part 2 we raise the bar a little and examine the best mid-range microphones.
Here in part 3, we review the creme de la creme of condenser microphones that are appropriate for a home recording studio. Yes, you can easily spend much more than 4-figures on a microphone, but any of the sub-$1000 priced microphones listed below will be a delight to use, and give you pro quality results. Very few people have room in their budget for the famous Neumann U87 or the Telefunken U47, nor would they really be appropriate if you are purchasing your first mic, or are new to home studio recording.
So we have picked the most popular, best reviewed and easily available sub-$1000 condenser microphones and put them all in one place so that you can easily compare, contrast, and hopefully choose the ideal microphone for your own recording situation.
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AKG Pro Audio C214 Condenser Microphone
Blue Microphones Baby Bottle Cardioid Condenser
Avantone Audio CV-12 Large-Diaphragm Tube Condenser Mic
Rode NTK Tube Condenser Microphone
Audix SCX25A Large Diaphragm Studio Mic
Neumann TLM-102 Condenser Microphone
AKG C414 XLII Vocal Condenser Microphone
Rode K2 Tube Vocal Microphone
Further Reading
Phew, we covered a lot of ground there. There really is a wealth of choice out there when you are looking for a good condenser microphone. I hope these articles serve as a good overview of the best there is, and good luck with hunting down YOUR perfect condenser microphone. If the microphones on this page are just too expensive, then do check out part 1 and part 2 of this ultimate guide, where we look at microphones sub $100 for newbies on a tight budget, and microphones between $100 and $300 for those with more experience and/or more money to spend.
