Vocal Condenser

This is a quick primer to help you decide which microphone to use for writing application specific. Remember that dynamic microphones are more resistant, requiring no external power, and thus serve for recording loud sound sources. Condenser microphones are more fragile, very sensitive and require a battery or a "phantom" energy source. Also, beware of the truck and the response patterns of the microphones you are considering.

As your ability to listen and record developed, will have to investigate the specific characteristics of sound in a variety microphones. For starters, I suggest you get a good quality large diaphragm condenser microphone, then add specific microphones different purposes. To help you get started, here is a basic guide to a selection of quality recording microphones at an affordable price.

Microphones Large Diaphragm Condenser. These are very versatile microphone designed for crisp, accurate (flat) response, ideal for: recording or live performance, close miking of instruments, speaker microphone for broadcasting and dubbing, home recording and project studios, recording vocalist, and as a point of microphone for wind instruments, string, percussion and guitar amps.

• Studio Projects C1
• AKG Perception 220
• Audiotechnica in 2035
• AKG Perception 120
• Audiotechnica AT2020

Condenser microphones. Take into account the specific characteristics of each.

• Shure SM87. For voices or instruments, live recording, with warm growth naturally occurring through frequency range.
• Shure Beta 58A. Tailored for vocals, recording live or with warm midrange presence and under attenuation similar to SM58.
• Samson CL2 – Pencil Condenser Mics. The CL2 is ideal for recording or miking orchestral instruments, acoustic guitar, piano, overhead miking of drums and cymbals and of course, vocals.
• Blue Snowball. Recommended for podcasting or recording their voices or instruments directly to computer via USB (usually limits you to a microphone). Switchable cardioid or omnidirectional polar.
• MB-4K Audiotechnica condenser microphones cardioid. Extended response studio quality vocal and instrument microphone.

Condenser Microphone Drum Kits

• Shure PG56 – compact drum microphones for close miking of snare / TOMS.
• Shure PG52 – High performance drum microphone tuned to capture missing low-end hit.
• Shure PG81 – sensitive, flat response microphone ideal for miking overheads and cymbals.

Dynamic Microphones

• Shure SM58. For live performance or recording. Frequency response tailored for vocals, shiny, medium-low range attenuation.
• Shure SM57. In any dynamic microphone for drums, voice, and especially the instruments.
• Audiotechnica ATM-410. Dynamic microphone adapted for playback smooth, natural vocal.

Maintenance of these categories and functions of the mind should provide the framework needed to negotiate the maze Microphone available as you develop your skills in the home recording of music.

Happy recording!

David Hagstrom writes for http://www.EasyMusicRecording.com, a site dedicated to making it both easy and affordable for you to experience the satisfaction of recording music at home. EasyMusicRecording.com offers quality home music recording equipment — including the microphones discussed above, software, and instruction at entry-level prices. They also offer a free monthly newsletter with recording advice, product reviews, and special offers.

AKG D5 and C5 Dynamic Condenser Vocal Microphone AVGIANT

Samson G Track USB Condenser Microphone $232.49 The Samson G Track has so many features packed-in, you will wonder how your studio ever operated without one!Samson's G-Track is the world's first USB condenser microphone with a built-in audio interface, allowing simultaneous input of vocals along with guitars, bass, or keyboard while also providing monitoring through an on board headphone output. And the G-Track allows you to switch the interfac...

AKG Frequency-Agile UHF Hand-Held Wireless System With C5 Cardioid Condenser Microphone 650.100-680 $899.95 Up to 8 hours of operation on 1 AA batteryThe hand-held transmitter has a slim tapered chassisC5 condenser microphone delivers detailed studio-quality soundUp to 24 systems can be used simultaneouslyIncludes 1 HT 450 hand-held transmitter 1 SR-450 receiver stand clamp for microphone rack-mount hardware 1 AA battery and carrying case...

AKG Frequency-Agile UHF Hand-Held Wireless System With C5 Cardioid Condenser Microphone 680.200-710 $899.95 Leading-edge vocal performance with incredible economy of operationWide frequency response and high dynamic rangeUp to 8 hours of operation on a 1 AA batteryThe hand-held transmitter has a slim tapered chassisRack-mounting hardware is included that allows 1 or 2 systems to be mounted in a single spaceIncludes: stand clamp for microphone; rack-mount hardware battery rugged carrying case...

Sony ECM-719 Stereo Microphone with Music/Meeting Mode Switch $52.99 Compact, Single-point Stereo Design Mode Switch For Ideal Recording For Tabletop Or Clip-on Use 2-way Power Capability (plug-in Power/battery) Back Electret Condenser Pick-up Capsules Oxygen-free Copper Mic Cable High-quality Electret Condenser Microphone Freq Resp: 100 Hz - 15 Khz Gold-plated, L-shaped Stereo Mini-plug Perfect For Sony(r) Md Walkman(r) & Dat Walkman(r) Portabl...

Rode NT1A Anniversary Vocal Condenser Microphone (Includes NT1A, Premium Shock Mount, Pop Filter, 20 $229.00 The RODE NT1A raises the bar for value-priced mics! The NT1A Anniversary Model is a complete redesign of the now legendary NT1 classic studio microphone. From the new nickel plated body to the state of the art surface mount electronic circuitry, the NT1A will leave you asking 'how can RODE offer a microphone that sounds this good, for so little money'? The RØDE NT1A, Winner of the Electronic ...

CAD GXL2200SP Studio Condenser Mic Recording Pack $249.00 Studio microphone pack that comes with one GXL2200 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone, one GXL1200 Condenser Instrument Microphone, and one EPF15A Pop Filter. This microphone package is comprised of quality CAD products that will exceed your sound expectations.The GXL2200 is a large diameter, fixed cardioid pattern, condenser microphone. High sensitivity and low distortion make this microphone a...

MXL Studio1-USB USB Desktop Recording Kit $129.95 USB Desktop Recording Kit...