Microphones

Ribbon microphones have been continuously rising in popularity since the advent of digital recording. Their natural, accurate sound is greatly valued in the exactness and “sterility” of digital recording. Ribbon mics work on the passive principle of electromagnetic induction and are, by nature, passive devices. Like any mic type, some passive ribbon microphones are better…

Since the introduction of the Royer R-122 in 2002, active ribbon microphones have been steadily increasing in popularity in professional studios around the world. The active amplifier and impedance converting components of active ribbon microphones do away with many of the pitfalls common in their passive ribbon counterparts. Of course, not all active ribbon microphones…

Shotgun microphones are essential tools in the world of professional film and video production. Their narrow pickup patterns are excellent for capturing specific speakers and sounds in any situation. Whether attached to the end of a boom pole, mounted to a camera, or otherwise set up around a set, a shotgun microphone is a fantastic…

Lavalier mics are utilized every day in film, television, broadcasting, and other video formats. They are miniature mics that attach to people and objects and are hidden from the camera to pick up up-close audio without being seen. These miniature mics are often combined with wireless systems to allow freedom of movement but can also…

This post acts as a reference for My New Microphone’s most recommended microphones. The microphones will be listed, followed by the articles in which they are recommended. Note that this list is not suggestive of the best microphones in the world. Those lists, including the 50 Best Microphones Of All Time (With Alternate Versions &…

Large-condenser microphones are staples of the professional and project studio but are among the more cost-prohibitive mics on the markets. Fortunately, there are many great LDCs to choose from that won’t put such a large dent in your budget. The Top 9 Best Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphones Under $1000 Are: We’ll go through each of the…

Large-diaphragm condenser (LDC) microphones are the mic type of choice for recording studio vocals and voiceover. This fact alone makes LDCs very popular since the human voice is one of the most recorded sound sources in the world. Of course, voice is only one of many applications the LDCs excel on. Large-diaphragm condensers range greatly…

Small-diaphragm condenser microphones are useful tools in the studio and live sound environments around the world. They are regularly used to close-mic instruments and as distant/room mics. The characteristic fast transient response, extended frequency response, and consistent polar pattern specs make them go-to’s for many applications where precision is critical. If you’re on a budget…

Since the introduction of the first solid-state condenser microphone in 1964 (the Schoeps CMT 20), microphone manufacturers across the world have adopted tubeless microphone designs and produced solid-state FET condenser microphones. Many mics have been sent to market since the mid-60s, and in this article, we’ll talk about the best solid-state condenser on the market…

Tube condenser microphones have been cherished in the audio industry since 1928 when Neumann released the CMV3 (“the Bottle”), marking the first-ever commercial tube mic. Though tube condenser microphones are less common since manufacturers have begun designing solid-state condensers, they are still among the greatest microphones. They are highly sought after in professional studios around…

Though tubes have largely been replaced by transistors in the vast majority of electrical circuits, they are still sometimes used (and often cherished) in the audio industry and in microphones. In fact, many of the greatest microphones to ever be produced are tube condenser microphones! What is a tube condenser microphone? A tube condenser microphone…

Ribbon microphones are among the least understood yet most cherished microphones in the world. These peculiar mics may not be as popular as dynamic and condenser microphones, but they are valued just as much (perhaps even more) by musicians, audio engineers, and audiophiles alike. What is a ribbon microphone? A ribbon microphone has a thin,…