Microphones

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Top 10 ribbon, condenser, and dynamic microphones for multiple applications (drums, vocals, guitar, etc)

Here are our top 10 ribbon, condenser, and dynamic microphones for multiple applications.

Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

This microphone is great for vocals and snare drums. It has a flat, wide-range frequency response for exceptionally clean and natural reproduction of music and drums. It has two switches on the back for bass roll-off, and mid-range emphasis (presence boost) controls with a graphic display of response settings.

It has Improved rejection of electromagnetic hum, optimized for shielding against broadband interference, which is emitted by computer monitors. Additionally, the Internal “air suspension” shock isolation virtually eliminates mechanical noise transmission.

What is great with this mic is it has a highly effective pop filter that eliminates the need for any add-on protection against explosive breath sounds, even for close-up vocals or crack rim shots.

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AEA KU5A Super-cardioid Ribbon Microphone

Due to the super-cardioid polar response, this microphone effectively reduces ambiance in any environment. It has an end-address for simple placement in front of instruments and vocalists and sports a high pass filter that can be engaged to reduce the proximity effect of close miking. This microphone would be great as an ambient, overhead, or kick drum mic.

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Audio-Technica AT4040 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

This technically advanced large diaphragm tensioned microphone is designed specifically to provide smooth, natural sonic characteristics with an externally polarized (DC bias) true condenser design, Exceptionally low noise, wide dynamic range, and high SPL capability for greatest versatility in recording anything.

The transformerless circuitry virtually eliminates low-frequency distortion and provides a superior correlation of high-speed transients. The microphone’s look is great and is precision machined nickel-plated brass, and the acoustic element baffle provides enhanced element stability and optimal sensitivity.

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Shure KSM32/SL Embossed Single-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Studio Microphone

The class A, transformerless preamplifier circuitry, eliminates cross-over distortion for improved linearity across the full frequency range. It has a high-compliance diaphragm that provides extended low-frequency response with an ultra-thin, gold-layered, low-mass, Mylar diaphragm for an excellent transient response.

It also has a 15 dB attenuation switch for handling extremely high sound pressure levels (SPL). The switchable low-frequency filter provides greater flexibility to reduce background noise or counteract the proximity effect. Lastly, it sports an Integrated three-stage pop protection grille that reduces “pop” and other noise.

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Neumann TLM 103 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

This large-diaphragm cardioid microphone has extremely low noise: 7 dB-A. Supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938): 48 V ± 4 V and is great for any recording application. It is straightforward with its handling and is easy to use for home recording and professional studios. The dynamic range on this bad boy is 131dB. And the set includes the microphone, shock mount, and briefcase.

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AKG Pro Audio C414 XLS Instrument Condenser Microphone, Multipattern

This microphone is engineered for the highest linearity and neutral sound for a beautifully detailed recording of vocals and any acoustic instrument (drums). It has nine selectable polar patterns for the perfect setting for every application. Also, it sports three attenuation levels (-6/-12/-18dB) for close-up recording or high-output sources of up to 158dB SPL.

It has three different switchable bass-cut filters to reduce wind noise, subsonic noise, or proximity effect. Finally, it has an overload warning with an audio peak hold LED to detect the shortest audio peaks.

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Warm Audio WA-47 Large-Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

This beautifully looking microphone has 9 switchable polar patterns and is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone. It comes with an external PSU and a beautifully designed wooden presentation box. This microphone supports tubes for its built in preamp, and this will give you a nice natural, warm, full-bodied sound for any recording you do. It is a must-have for any audiophile, home recording studio, or professional recording studio.

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Mojave Audio MA-301FET Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone

This is a great all-around versatile microphone. It is a multi-pattern: cardioid, omnidirectional figure-eight (Bi-directional) polar pattern with switchable 15dB pad and switchable Bass Roll-off. It has a hand-selected 3-micron 1″ capsule and sports a Jensen audio transformer. This microphone is a workhorse and is great for any application that it needs to suit.

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Telefunken USA Alchemy Series TF29 Copperhead Tube Microphone

This microphone is designed and assembled by hand in the USA. It has a pleasant and natural mid-range with extended low-frequency response. The look and design is a stand-out antique copper finish, and it this microphone includes an M 902 power supply, an M 803 microphone cable, a ZC03 shell case, an M 703 shock mount, and an M 782 stand mount. This microphone is a great all-round microphone that can be used with any instrument and for vocals.

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Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone

This microphone is the cream of the crop. It is pretty pricey, but what you get in terms of design and quality is hands down one of the best microphones you can purchase today. It has a custom-wound Manley output transformer for that big MANLEY sound! The microphone is hand-wired with silver solder and audiophile-grade componentry.

It has a rugged, high-quality outboard power supply and is another tube microphone. The vacuum tube is hand-selected for low noise and excellent reliability, and it will produce the most amazing warm, full-bodied, clear tone you can get.

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Top 9 Drum Microphone Kits

These microphones are specifically designed for drums. Whether it be for a live application or recording purposes, these microphones are phenomenal. The review will include 4 piece mic kits up to 8 piece mic kits, so whatever tickles your fancy, these are the drum mics for you.

sE Electronics V Pack Venue Drum Microphone Package (4 piece)

The sE Electronics Drum Mic Package comes with 1 V Kick Dynamic Mic 1 V7 X Super-cardioid Dynamic Mic, 2 V Beat Dynamic Mics and 2 V Clamps. These mics don’t feature overhead mics, but as a 4 piece, they get the job done.

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Shure PGASTUDIOKIT4 Microphone Kit (4 piece)

These microphones provide a wide variety of flexible, professional sound solutions that apply to most recording opportunities with the legendary Shure quality design and construction for exceptional performance in rigorous environments.

This kit comes with 1x PGA52 Cardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone, 1 PGA57 Cardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone, 2 PGA181 side-address Cardioid Condenser Microphones, 1 A25D Break-resistant Microphone Clip, 2 WA371 Break-resistant Microphone Clips, 4 C15J 15 foot (4.6 m) XLR-XLR cables, 1 95G16526 Zippered Carrying Case.

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Audix DP5A Instrument Dynamic Microphone, Multipattern (5 piece)

This mic kit comes with 5 Premium mics for drums and percussion and includes device gooseneck clips for rim mounting. All mics feature vlm Capsule technology for exceptional top-quality sound and are housed in a heavy-duty aluminum road case. These microphones are designed, machined, assembled, and tested by Audix in the USA.

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Shure PGADRUMKIT5 Drum Microphone Kit (5 piece)

This microphone kit is the essential package of professional quality microphones that offer a wide variety of drum and percussion applications. They offer the legendary Shure quality design and construction for exceptional performance in rigorous environments.

This kit comes with 1 PGA52 Cardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone, 3 PGA56 Cardioid Dynamic Snare/Tom Microphones, 1 PGA57 Cardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone, 1 A25D Break-resistant Microphone Clip, 3 AP56DM Break-resistant Drum Rim Mounts, 5 C15J 15 foot (4.6 m) XLR-XLR cables, 1 95F16526 Zippered Carrying Case.

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sE Electronics V Pack Club (6 piece)

The sE Electronic pack series you will notice are very similar. You will most likely just have some mics omitted from the various packs. This is great if you don’t have the cash to get the full kit, or if you do have the cash, then you can get the kits with more mics in them. This kit is great but only has mics for one rack tom and one floor tom. This kit includes 1 V Kick Mic, 2 V Beat Tom Mics, 1 V7 X Snare/Vocal Mic, 2 Se7 (stereo pair) Overhead Mics, 2 V Clamps, Flight Case.

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sE Electronics V Pack Arena (7 piece)

This kit is the 7 piece version of the V Pack line. This kit will let you record two rack-mount toms and a floor tom with overhead mics. This kit includes 3 V Beat Tom Mics, 1 V Kick Mic, 2 sE8 Overhead Mics, 1 V7 X Snare/Instrument Mic, 3 V Clamps, and a Flight Case.

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Audix DP7 (7 piece)

This kit is built around the amazing Audix 6 Kick drum microphone, and the other mics go hand in hand are great for any recording application you may have. You get 1 D6 Kick Drum Mic, 1 i5 Snare Drum Mic, 2 D2 Rack Tom Mics, 1 D4 Floor Tom Mic, 2 ADX51 Overhead Mics, 4 DVICE Rim Mounts, 3 DCLIP Microphone Clips, 1 MC1 Microphone Clip, 2 WS81C Windscreens, an aluminum road case, and finally, a “How to Mic Your Drums” DVD.

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Shure PGADRUMKIT7 Drum Microphone Kit (7 piece)

This microphone kit is the essential package of professional quality microphones that offer a wide variety of drum and percussion applications. They offer the legendary Shure quality design and construction for exceptional performance in rigorous environments.

This kit comes with 1 PGA52 Cardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone, 3 PGA56 Cardioid Dynamic Snare/Tom Microphones, 1 PGA57 Cardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone, 2 PGA81 Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphones, 1 A25D Break-resistant Microphone Clip, 3 AP56DM Break-resistant Drum Rim Mounts, 7 C15J 15 foot (4.6 m) XLR-XLR cables, 1 95F16526 Zippered Carrying Case.

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Audix Studio Elite 8 (8 piece)

These microphones are from Audix and are from their upper range microphones and kits. This kit also includes the D6 Kick drum mic, and the other mics are built around this microphone. The kit includes 1 D6 Kick Drum Mic, 1 i5 Snare Drum Mic, 2 x D2 Rack Tom Mics, 1 D4 Floor Tom Mic, 1 SCX1HC Hi-Hat Mic, 2 SCX25A Instrument Mics, 4 DVICE Rim Mounts, 4 DCLIP Microphone Clips, 1 MC1 Microphone Clip, 1 MW81C Windscreen, 2 SMT25 Shockmounts for SCX25A, and an aluminum road case.

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