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 condenser microphones available for below $100. In part 2 we raise the bar a little and examine the best microphones available in the $100 – $300 price bracket.
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. Renowned for a clear crispy sound, well reviewed by hip-hop vocalists and rappers in particular, and great for lead vocals. Robust enough to use on the road, but a high quality addition to any home recording studio artist looking to lay down professional vocal tracks.
more info on AKG Pro Audio C214 …
Blue Microphones Baby Bottle Cardioid Condenser Microphone. Another fabulous looking Blue Mic, this one has a rich and accurate midrange response so it is ideal for vocals, drums and electric guitars, but also works well with more difficult instruments like sax and horns. Also well reviewed for acoustic guitar recording. Nice versatile microphone worthy of the price tag.
more info on Blue Baby Bottle …
Mojave Audio MA-200 Large Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone The MA-200 is a traditional large diaphragm, vacuum tube condenser microphone with a fixed cardioid pattern. Designed with high quality US components, the MA-200 gives warm, full-bodied reproductions of vocals and instruments. It has hand-selected 3-micron capsules, high-quality Jensen audio transformers and military-grade JAN 5840 vacuum tubes. The MA-200 performs at the same level as the best loved classic condenser microphones.
more info on Mojave MA-200 …
Avantone Audio CV-12 Large-Diaphragm Tube Condenser Mic. Renowned for its sensitivity and superb clarity. Highly regarded as one of the better tube microphones for the pricepoint, comparing favourably with microphones three times the price.
more info on Avantone Audio CV-12 …
Rode NTK Tube Condenser Microphone. This mic has an ultra-wide dynamic range, very low noise and has that great tube warmth. It is particularly suited to vocals, acoustic instruments, drum overheads, guitar amps and pianos. In other words, another great all rounder. Very smooth and obviously the pedigree of Rode too.
more info on Rode NTK …
Audix SCX25A Large Diaphragm Studio Mic. Particularly noted for its open-air sound, great for vocals, choir and drum overheads and particularly good for acoustic piano too. Also, nice ambient room microphone.
more info on Audix SCX25A …
Neumann TLM-102 Condenser Microphone. OK, it’s a Neumann, almost enough said. This microphone is perfect for acoustic instruments and vocals, and because it can handle high SPL’s it is also suitable for drums, percussion and amps with high output levels. Very well reviewed and famous for its professional clarity, look forward to crooning into this mic!
more info on Neumann TLM-102 …
AKG C414 XLII Vocal Condenser Microphone. Another very famous microphone, almost an industry standard at this price point. The XLII version has switchable pickup patterns for maximum versatility and offers astounding sound quality particularly on lead vocals and solo instruments. Make sure you treat yourself to a good cable to complement the quality.
more info on AKG C414 …
Rode K2 Tube Vocal Microphone. Again a tube microphone, so nice warm ‘tube’ sound, though also recognised for its clarity and precision, the K2 will not muddy your vocals, it should bring out all the detail in your voice.
more info on Rode K2 …
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.
>>> Part 1: The Ultimate Guide To Condenser Microphones Under $100
>>> Part 2: The Best Large Diapghragm Condenser Mics Between $100-$300
