TOP 15 best microphones according to customer reviews

Choosing a good microphone is not easy, especially for the layperson. I studied a lot of reviews and expert opinions, customer reviews and made the TOP 15 best microphones for 2020. They differ significantly in characteristics, equipment, capabilities. I propose to study the rating to make it easier to make the best choice for your requirements.

TOP 4 microphones for vocals

Sennheiser E 835-S

Handheld dynamic cardioid microphone (insensitive to sound from the opposite side), 4.8 x 10.8 x 4.8 cm (W x H x D). Can be used for professional recording of vocals in live performances or in a home studio. The body is made of metal. Operates in the frequency range from 40 to 16000 Hz. The sensitivity is average - 51 dB, as well as the resistance (350 Ohm). The sound is juicy, without extraneous noise thanks to the elastic suspension of the capsule and the coil of suppression of electromechanical interference, as well as good suppression of feedback. Phantom power. There is an on / off button. XLR connector. Weighs only 330 g. Includes microphone case and holder.

Benefits:

1. Compact.
2. Comfortable.
3. Smooth switch.
4. Normal technical equipment.
5. Good sound.
6. High quality recording.

Disadvantages:

1. No cable included.
2. The body is poorly protected from impacts.

Sennheiser E 835-S costs 7 thousand rubles. Inexpensive, simple enough, but reliable and functional, with a wide range of high-quality sound recording. Reproduces a smaller frequency range than the Audio-Technica AT2020USB +.

Audio-Technica AT2020 USB +

Condenser desktop studio microphone with slightly larger dimensions (height - 16.2 cm). It differs from the previous model by reproducing a wider frequency range - from 20 to 20,000 Hz. It has a fairly low impedance. Although, according to experts, this parameter does not significantly affect the recording quality. Suitable for digital recording of various acoustic sources. It receives power via USB, for which a corresponding connector is provided. There is a headphone output. There are no buttons to disable. Cable length - 3 m. Light weight. The set includes a tripod, a detachable cable.

Benefits:

1. Nice design.
2. Very good sensitivity.
3. Wide frequency range.
4. The ability to connect headphones.
5. Excellent and high quality voice recording.
6. Sane price.

Disadvantages:

1. The desk is very uncomfortable.
2. High-quality recording is obtained only with good filter settings.
3. There is no shutdown button.

The Audio-Technica AT2020USB microphone for 11,800 rubles reproduces sound well not only indoors, but also in open areas. It has a low self-noise level and a wider frequency range than the Shure BETA 58A.

Shure BETA 58A

The Shure BETA 58A dynamic microphone has similar characteristics and is almost identical in size to the Sennheiser E 835-S. Differs in a supercardioid pattern. This means it has a narrower audio capture area. It captures the sound from behind a little, but provides two zones of absolute insensitivity. Microphone in a plastic case. Reproduces a smaller frequency range (50-16000 Hz) and has a standard sensitivity (51 dB). The impedance is slightly higher than that of Audio-Technica (150 ohms).Connection connector - XLR. Weighs a little less.

Benefits:

1. Nice appearance.
2. Good clear voice recording.
3. Eliminates extraneous noise in the recording.

Disadvantage:

1. Some buyers find the plastic case to be somewhat unreliable.

Shure BETA 58A for 14,500 rubles is a good solution for home and professional studio. Some experts appreciate the supercardioid focus. In terms of sensitivity and reproducible range, it loses to RODE NTK.

RODE NTK

Studio tube condenser microphone for professional use with cardioid pattern. It is distinguished by its large dimensions (5.5x20.8x5.5 cm). The frequency range is higher - 20–20,000 Hz. The sensitivity is higher - 38 dB. The impedance is average (200 ohms). Sound pressure - 158 dB. Complete with holder, case, power supply and detachable cable. Weighs almost twice as much as previous models.

Benefits:

1. Excellent recording quality.
2. High sensitivity.
3. Eliminates extraneous noise.
4. Rich equipment.

Disadvantage:

1. Price.

RODE NTK is an order of magnitude higher than other rating models - 42 thousand rubles, designed for professional use. It outperforms Shure BETA 58A and Audio-Technica in many ways, especially in sensitivity, which is so important for sound quality.

TOP-3 instrument microphones

Shure BETA 57A

Dynamic handheld concert microphone with a supercardioid pattern for transmitting the sound of plucked strings, wind instruments, percussion instruments of small dimensions (3.8x16x3.8 cm). Its body is made of plastic. Reproduces frequencies in the range of 50-16000 Hz. Moderately sensitive (51 ohms). Phantom power. The package includes a threaded adapter, swivel holder and storage case.

Benefits:

1. Nice design.
2. Robust case.
3. Great sound quality.

Disadvantage:

1. Poor equipment.

The price of the Shure BETA 57A microphone is 12,800 rubles. It is intended for professional use, suitable for many instruments. The device is optimized for the most detailed sound transmission, with cutting off extraneous noise. It is reliable, withstands falls and mechanical stress, and is characterized by long-term flawless operation.

AKG P420

Condenser stationary device with switchable (omnidirectional) cardioid pattern. Differs in large diameter and execution (metal case). Designed to work with keyboards, percussion, wind instruments. Designed for a larger range - 20–20,000 Hz. The sensitivity is much higher than the Shure BETA 57A (20 dB). Average resistance - 200 ohms. Has an attenuator (PAD). Signal-to-noise ratio 79 dB. It weighs almost twice as much. The set includes a metal storage case, an anti-shock suspension ("spider").

Benefits:

1. Writes both vocals and instruments.
2. "Spider" suspension.
3. Convenient, secure storage case.
4. Good sound quality.
5. Good build quality.

Disadvantage:

1. No adapter included.

AKG P420 for 16 thousand rubles is used for professional recording when working with musical instruments. It outperforms the Shure BETA 57A in all major respects. Has sufficient technology to ensure high quality sound recording.

Audio-Technica ATM250

A dynamic instrument microphone with a hypercardioid pattern that cuts out the influence of external noise on the main signal for clarity. The case is reliable, made of metal. Differs in a smaller range (40-15000 Hz) and less sensitivity (54 dB). The impedance is quite high at 600 ohms. Equipped with gold plated 3 pin XLRM connector. It weighs less. The package contents are quite extensive: a holder for a stand, an adapter, a soft storage case.

Benefits:

1. Metal body. Reliable performance.
2. Lightweight, comfortable.
3. Writes good clean sound.
4. Hypercardioid diagram.
5. Rich equipment.

Disadvantage:

1. Price.

Audio-Technica ATM250 for 20,500 rubles will be appreciated by professionals, especially those working with percussion instruments. The wide frequency range, hypercardioid directivity of the diagram allow the device to cut out external noise and get a clear instrument sound.Although in many respects it is inferior to the cheaper AKG P420.

TOP 3 microphones for podcasts / radio / TV

Maono AU-A04

Condenser fixed microphone for studio with a caodioid polar pattern. The body is made of metal. Reproduces the middle range - 30-16000 Hz. The sensitivity is quite high (38 dB). Maximum sound pressure 120 dB. The wire is long - 2.5 m.Signal / noise ratio - 70 dB. The set includes a tripod stand, anti-vibration mounting, pop filter, wind protection.

Benefits:

1. Suspension.
2. Easy installation.
3. Good recording quality.
4. Normal equipment.
5. Great microphone with good sound.
6. Price.

Disadvantages:

1. Poor wall mount.
2. The pop filter is a little awkward to attach.

The Maono AU-A04 microphone costs 3,500 rubles. At such a low price, this is a quality model for studio recording. He has a fairly good package, providing for a reliable mount during operation. It provides a good range of frequencies and reproduces a fairly high quality sound.

Blue yeti nano

Desktop condenser microphone. Dimensions - 9.6 x 21.1 x 10.9 cm, with switchable diagram. Most of the technical parameters are similar to the previous model. The frequency range is larger (20–20000 Hz), there are shutdown buttons. Has an attenuator (PAD), headphone output. Weight - 630 g.

Benefits:

1. Beautiful design.
2. Ergonomic.
3. Ease of use.
4. Adjustable frequency range.
5. Great sound.
6. Excellent quality recording.

Disadvantage:

1. Price.

Blue Yeti nano costs 9,900 rubles. This is a good model for professional studio sound recording. Unlike Maono AU-A04, it reproduces a wider range of frequencies, and also allows you to adjust them. Most users recommend it for purchase.

Shure SM7B

A fixed dynamic microphone of similar size with a cardioid pattern. Differs in execution - plastic case. The frequency range is almost the same - 50–20,000 Hz. But it has a slightly lower sensitivity (59 dB). Resistance at an average level - 150 ohms. Phantom power. Equipped with a low pass filter. Features include a windscreen and a cover on the switches. Weighs a little more.

Benefits:

1. Attractive look.
2. Low-pass filter to suppress voltage ripple.
3. The sound is high quality, clean.
4. There is no extraneous noise.

Disadvantages:

1. Price.
2. Some buyers are unhappy with the plastic design of the case.

The price of Shure SM7B is 32 thousand rubles. But at a high price, the model is inferior to the Blue Yeti nano in some respects, although this practically does not affect the sound quality. By filtering low frequencies, the bass is easy to distinguish and the high frequencies are filtered out. Buyers are satisfied with the functionality and equipment of the microphone.

TOP 2 microphones for PC

Trust GXT 212 Mico

Condenser desktop microphone for a computer with a pie pattern. It reproduces frequencies in the range of 50-16000 Hz. It is connected in a standard way - via a mini jack 3.5 mm. Equipped with a rather long cable - 1.8 m. It receives power via USB. Includes USB adapter, stand, USB type A, B cable.

Benefits:

1. Nice view.
2. Convenient swivel stand for installation.
3. Quite clear sound.
4. Several connection methods, including via a USB adapter.
5. Inexpensive.

Disadvantage:

1. When connected via a USB adapter, the sound is not entirely clear, although quite loud.

The Trust GXT 212 Mico microphone costs only 1990 rubles. A budgetary, but fairly well-equipped model. Easy to install and connect, reproduces sound of quite normal quality.

Razer Seiren X

Microphone with a hypercardioid pattern with a diameter of 5 cm and a height of 18.4 cm. It reproduces a larger spectrum - 20–20,000 Hz. The resistance is very low - 16 ohms. A shutdown button is provided. Compatible with Open Broadcaster Software and Xsplit. Provides a headphone output. The scope of delivery is wider: support bar, table stand, vibration suppression mount, Micro-USB cable.

Benefits:

1. Beautiful view.
2. Compact. Comfortable.
3. Conveniently, there is a power button on the body (with an indicator).
4. Clean, crisp, good sound.

Disadvantage:

1. Phonitis at standard loudness conditions. Configuration required.

The price of the Razer Razer Seiren X microphone is 8,500 rubles. This is a good model with excellent performance. It is securely fixed, well installed. There is an isolated case of difficulties with settings, which leads to background problems.

TOP 3 universal microphones

Maono AU-A03T

Condenser fixed microphone for studio with cardioid pattern. The body is made of metal. It reproduces an almost standard frequency range - 30-16000 Hz. The sensitivity is quite high - 38 dB, phantom power. Has an attenuator (PAD). Provides headphone output. The wire is quite long - 2.5 m. The kit includes a tripod stand, a stand mount, anti-vibration mounting, wind protection, a pop filter, an XLR cable, a Y-adapter.

Benefits:

1. Beautiful view.
2. Reliable sturdy stand.
3. Rich equipment.
4. Good sound quality.
5. Affordable price.

Disadvantages:

1. Very slim Y-piece.
2. Demanding on the sound card.
3. It is difficult to adjust the leg of the pop filter.

You can use Maono AU-A03T for 2950 rubles for different purposes (video presentations, interviews, karaoke, studio recording). The microphone is conveniently and securely attached. Differs in good equipment and performance. Thanks to various accessories, it can be connected to most PCs and recording devices. It performs its function perfectly. There were no particular drawbacks that interfere with the workflow. According to user reviews, this is an excellent microphone for its money, not inferior in quality to even more expensive models, although an amplifier or a good audio card is required for perfect sound.

AKG P120

The model reproduces frequencies of a wider spectrum (20–20,000 Hz) and slightly higher sensitivity (33 dB). Maximum sound pressure 150 dB. There are low and high pass filters, which gives more opportunities for high-quality sound recording. There is no headphone output. Signal / noise ratio - 75 dB. Only the rack mount is included.

Benefits:

1. Reliable build. Metal body.
2. High quality rack mount.
3. The vocals are amazing.
4. An excellent entry-level professional microphone.

Disadvantage:

1. Poor equipment.

AKG P120 - studio microphone for 6800 rubles. It has proven itself well when recording vocals and other compositions. A reliable device in a metal case, with frequency control and good sound quality. Buyers are completely satisfied with the quality of this model and its functionality.

Trust GXT 252 Emita

Trust GXT 252 Emita has a frequency range (18-21000 Hz) and lower sound pressure (135 dB). Power is supplied via USB. There are no frequency filters. The cable is smaller - 1.8 m. The package bundle is quite extensive: a desktop stand, a "spider" suspension, pop filters, a storage case, a USB cable.

Benefits:

1. Nice view.
2. Reliable build.
3. Ergonomic.
4. Decent sound recording level.
5. Rich equipment.

Disadvantage:

1. Price.

The Trust GXT 252 Emita microphone costs 10,990 rubles. Although the model does not outperform cheaper models in terms of characteristics, it provides excellent sound quality. Buyers recommend the product for purchase due to the good equipment, rich configuration and the absence of problems with connection and settings.