Let's say you finally compiled the necessary equipment for your home recording studio. You have your audio interface, your surround speakers, and your DAW.
Unless your music is solely made with sample packs or VST synthesizers, a microphone is essential to get the sounds into your DAW.
This is an exciting step. Buying your first microphone will enable you to succeed in capturing sound. However, there’s a wide range of microphones out there and a lot to learn about the mic.
Which is the best microphone? What are the main types of the microphone? How do you choose a microphone to start with?
When you think through these four questions, you can narrow your choices down a lot and buy only the right mic for your sound – and only avoid wasting money on something you don’t need...
We’ve gathered everything you need to know about mic selection, so you’ll have no trouble finding the mic you’ll like. At the same time we will help you with some websites that will help you to do mic test online.
1. Decide how much you want to spend.
When it comes to buying your first mic, your microphone budget is one of the most important considerations. Find out what your budget is before you head to the mall. That way you will get the most value for your money. Throughout this guide, I will offer suggestions for beginners, intermediate, and pro budgets. Now that you’ve determined your budget, let’s get started!
2. Understand what you are going to be recording most often.
Make sure you select the right microphone based on what you intend to record. You need to take advantage of its strengths as soon as you acquire them and make sure that it meets all your needs. You also need to think about what you plan to record the most. The good news is that there are some common microphone choices for certain studio tasks. Here are some recommended microphones for common recording situations:
The electric guitar
Electric guitarists are blessed when it comes to recording. One of the most essential microphones to use on an amp is the Shure SM57. We've talked about this mic before, but it's worth noting that it's ideal for electric guitar.
Although you can spend much more money on guitar amp microphones, don’t think for one second that the SM57 is anything less than a pro-quality mic. It might be all you need!
Although you can spend much more money on guitar amp microphones, don’t think for one second that the SM57 is anything less than a pro-quality mic. It might be all you need!
The acoustic instruments
Those looking to make realistic recordings of acoustic instruments or live bands may want to consider choosing small diaphragm condenser microphones.
In a way, it is against the rules, but small-diaphragm condensers are sometimes sold in matched pairs, specially designed for stereo recording. An array of small-diaphragm condensers is a perfect tool for capturing realistic spatial effects as well as small, intimate performances.
In a way, it is against the rules, but small-diaphragm condensers are sometimes sold in matched pairs, specially designed for stereo recording. An array of small-diaphragm condensers is a perfect tool for capturing realistic spatial effects as well as small, intimate performances.
Does everything?
If you have to choose one microphone for several duties, you have a few good options known for being able to handle several sources at once effectively.
The mics mainly have large diaphragms and selectable polar patterns. Access to different polar patterns makes the mic much more adaptable for different recording situations. A huge number of musicians are interested in recording vocals, but that proves a logistically challenging process.
The mics mainly have large diaphragms and selectable polar patterns. Access to different polar patterns makes the mic much more adaptable for different recording situations. A huge number of musicians are interested in recording vocals, but that proves a logistically challenging process.
3. Match your microphone to your singing style
It may seem obvious, but not all mics will work equally well for metal screamers and jazz singers. Different styles of singing can also necessitate different kinds of mics.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to recommend a mic perfect for any particular singer without doing some testing. The best microphones are listed on our website, so if you’re looking for some suggestions, just have a look.
To get you started, here are a few microphone characteristics associated with some common vocal techniques:
To get you started, here are a few microphone characteristics associated with some common vocal techniques:
- Smooth female vocal: A mic that does not become sibilant when played with a smooth top end.
- A mic for the baritone male vocal: which is capable of capturing warm low mids clearly.
- Screaming or aggressive vocal styles: Microphone that can handle high SPLs and intense transients during screams.
- An ideal microphone must not be too sensitive to loud plosives from spoken syllables.
We have an extensive guide to the different types of microphones available if you're trying to figure out what they do best in terms of sound.
4. Think about your recording environment
The recording environment is just as important as your gear—if not more—to a seasoned engineer. Where you plan to record has a big impact on which mic you should choose. Here are a few recording environments you may need to consider when choosing a mic.
An untreated room
In certain situations, a mic that minimizes the effects of a bad-sounding room can be very helpful—especially when tracking vocals. With dynamic mics, you can cover up the effect of bad rooms. And with mics such as the Shure SM7B or Electrovoice RE20, you can still get good results on vocals.
A DIY vocal booth
Even when it's a closet with towels hanging on the sides, there's a little more leeway in a DIY vocal booth. The mic has all the detail of a condenser mic, but you don't have to worry about the reflections coming from the room. Therefore, you can discover the classic choices available for vocal large-diaphragm condensers.
A great sounding acoustic space
You don't have to treat every space to make it sound good. There are certain rooms you will be able to use for distance micing, if they tend to sound good naturally. When you’re recording live instruments like drums or acoustic guitar, look for single-diaphragm condensers or ribbons.
The First Mic Aid
Buying your first microphone should be an exciting occasion—not something that stresses you out. When you take the time to ask yourself the questions in these four steps, you will find out how to take your first step towards recording with microphones.
You now have some options to choose from, so go take a look at what's out there and get excited about buying your first mic—it won't be your last!
You now have some options to choose from, so go take a look at what's out there and get excited about buying your first mic—it won't be your last!