Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphones

Large diaphragm condenser microphones are used for recording vocals and “deep” sounding acoustic instruments (like acoustic guitar). These in general warm up the recorded sound. Additionally, you will need a pop screen if using a condenser microphone for recording vocals.

Samson C03

The Samson C03 is an affordable dual-diaphragm condenser mic with selectable polar patterns (omni, super cardioid, figure 8). Selectable polar patterns allow you to practice some different miking techniques. Additional this mic has switchable high-pass filter and -10dB pad switch. Shock mount, which can see on a picture, are available optionally.

Samson C03 condenser is suitable for recording vocals and acoustic instruments. Sound is a subjective thing, but in my opinion, it brings out bright tones for recording a guitar and sound warm by vocals.

I would positively suggest this good condenser microphone to everyone, who had just started with recording. Even many of the old doers used it.

Read more about this mic from Samson C03 Condenser Microphone test-review.
Samson C03 Multi-Pattern Studio Condenser Microphone can buy from zZounds

Audio Technica AT2050

The Audio Technica AT2050 is multi-pattern condenser microphone maintains precise polar pattern definition across the full frequency range of the microphone due to its dual-diaphragm capsule design. In addition, the diaphragms are gold-vaporized for optimum tonal character. Mic has three switchable polar patterns: omni, cardioid, figure-eight. Equipped with a switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and 10 dB pad.

Intended for a wide variety of miking applications, including overheads, acoustic instruments and guitar cabinets, it features a large diaphragm for smooth, natural sound and low noise. The microphone is good for studio and live sound use on vocals, piano, strings, drum overheads, guitar amps, and more. It features a large diaphragm for smooth, natural sound and low noise. Microphone includes a shock mount.

The Audio Technica AT2050 is highly rated condenser microphone.

See more about Audio-Technica AT2050 Condenser Microphone

SE Electronics SE2200a

The SE Electronics SE2200a is a large diaphragm, cardioid, transformer-balanced condenser microphone. Be comprised of a low cut filter, 10dB pad and also comes complete with a rugged aluminium shock mount and flight case. Mic has a gold vacuum plated single-diaphragm, offering relatively low self generating noise and therefore, a better signal to noise ratio.

Manufactured by Chinese company, which offer excellent quality by mild price. The SE2200a is a versatile performer suitable for vocal and acoustic instrument recording. It has won many awards around the world.

The SE Electronics SE2200a is very good condenser, gives clear sound and this mic should be pretty sensitive.
SE Electronics SE2200A Condenser Microphone can find from zZounds shop.

Shure KSM27

The Shure KSM27 is a side-address, large-diaphragm condenser microphone with a fixed cardioid polar pattern. Its ultra thin one-inch-diameter Mylar diaphragm is sputtered with 24-karat gold and feeds a Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier. High-quality electronic components and gold connectors are used throughout. Durable Shure construction features three separate mesh layers that reduce wind and breath noise.

Two small switches on the rear of the KSM27 control a 15 dB pad and two high pass filters: a mild 6 dB-per-octave roll off at 115 Hz and a steeper 18 dB-per-octave cutoff at 80 Hz. This mic is very transparent on vocals and rather bright for acoustic instruments. The brand new model Shure SM27 has similar properties.

The relatively inexpensive KSM27 is a professional condenser mic and this is a great deal for the price.

Shure SM27 Multi-Purpose Condenser Microphone is available in zZounds music instruments store.

Compare Properties of Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphones

Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones

Small diaphragm condenser microphones are used for recording most acoustic instruments and for recording a live drum set. These have the best transient response, it gives ability to reproduce fast sounds. These sometimes are available paired with, for finer stereo miking.

Samson C02

The Samson C02 is a pencil style small diaphragm condenser microphone that excels in both live performance and recording applications. Accoutered with a linear frequency response for superior reproduction. Microphone is greatly sensitive, it employs a tight cardioid pattern to reduce feedback. A special shock-mounted mic holder is included to minimize noise and provide additional protection. Applications include drums, guitar, piano, strings or even vocals.

Those sold as a pair and this deal includes a carry case & shock-mounted clips. As well a Samson C03 pair is ideal for stereo recordings.

For incredible price this mic pair is extremely suitable for home studio recordings.
The pair of Samson C02 Microphones are available in zZounds store.

SE Electronics SE1A

The SE Electronics SE1A small diaphragm condenser microphone is astonishing value for money. Building on the fixed cardioid capsule. Complete with stand adapter. Great for drums, pianos, and acoustic stringed instruments. The sensitivity is much the same or even higher than as that of other models of mic of a similar type.
In addition, available in a balanced stereo pair with stereo bar and flight case.

This is an ideal compact microphone for instrumental use in recording studios.
Reviews are generally positive.
You can find this Small Condenser also from zZound Music Shop.

M-Audio Pulsar II

The M-Audio Pulsar II is a simple end-fire, cardioid microphone, and is equipped with a gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragm. M-Audio recommends it for acoustic instruments such as guitar, piano, brass, woodwind and strings. They also suggest using pairs as drum overheads, and for room ambience and most types of hand percussion. The Pulsar II can adapt to many recording and live situations. The high-pass filter reduces low-frequency rumble and the potential for overloading mic preamps with low-frequency signals, also include a 10dB switchable attenuation pad.

By this superb deal, You will get professional small-capsule condenser microphone and additional accessories. Also available paired with. A fine choice for drum overheads, acoustic guitar, piano, woodwinds, and room miking.
Now! Musicians Friend offer M-Audio Pulsar II Condenser Microphone Matched Pair for Incredible Price.

Compare Properties of Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones

USB Condenser Microphones

Probably, one of the hotest developments in recent microphone technology has been the USB mic. Samson was a pioneer, while made the first USB studio condenser microphone.
A USB microphone contains all the elements of a traditional microphone. Where it differs from other microphones is its inclusion of two additional circuits: an onboard preamp and an analog to digital converter. The preamp makes it unnecessary for the USB mic to be connected to a mixer or external mic preamp. The A/D converter changes the mic’s output from analog (voltage) to digital (data), so it can be plugged directly into a computer and read by recording software.

However, it can`t use with traditional connections (different preamps, analog mixers, etc).
I think, this is only a good solution for mobile quick plug & record situation. Maybe I have a wrong impression?

HandHeld Condenser Microphones

Handheld Condenser Microphones looked like usual dynamics. These type microphones are designed to bring the studio qualify sound to the stage.
Audio Technica AT2010 is one of the inexpensive handheld condensers, generally these cost more than dynamic microphones.

Shure SM58 Vocal Microphone

The Shure SM58 cardioid dynamic vocal microphone is considered the industry standard for live performance. Moreover, good for sound reinforcement and studio recording. This mic is loosely for universal usage. SM58 remains one of the best selling microphones in the world today. The SM58′s tank-like durability has reached mythic status in the music world.

If You are newbe or haven`t enough knowledge about microphones, choose SM58. It`s absolutely Sure thing for recording vocal, just around 100$.
Buy from Musicians Friend Shure SM58S Mic with Switch

Shure SM57 Instrument Microphone

The legendary Shure SM57 microphone is exceptional for musical instrument pickup and vocals. With its bright, clean sound and contoured frequency response, the SM57 is ideal for live sound reinforcement and recording. It has an extremely effective cardioid pickup pattern which isolates the main sound source while minimizing background noise. In the studio, Shure SM57 is excellent for recording drums, guitar, and woodwinds. It may also give a good result for recording loud vocal.

So, assured choice, for recording guitar amp and drums. Cost the same price as Shure SM58.

By from Musicians Friend Shure SM57 Instrument/Vocal Mic

Sennheiser E 840 S Vocal Microphone

The Sennheiser E840S is a professional super-cardioid vocal microphone developed to cut through high on-stage levels. Strong, durable construction, insensitive to handling noise. The e 840 efficiently suppresses sounds emanating from outside its pick-up angle, and is fitted with a hum compensating coil for reducing electromagnetic interference. This mic sounded really great, while designed especially for vocal performance. Cost about twenty bucks more then SM58 microphone.

Assuredly, this is a good microphone for live performance on stage. As well it may use in studio for recording vocals.

See more about Sennheiser Pro Performance Vocal Microphone

Live presentation with Sennheiser E840

How to choose the Right Microphone for Sound Recording

That`s not easy to choose between hundreds of different microphones. There is no one best microphone for all recording solutions. Every mic is designed for certain type of recording. However, you want to find possibly all-purpose solution, if you need to record different sources. How critical is the suitability of microphone for you? Probably, if you are mainly a singer, you should be agreeing to invest more to this widget. Maybe by recording musical instruments, you have a feeling, it’s not so necessary. Regardless, it is.

The first thing you should to know is which source you will recording and which environment could you use. That helps to clarify right mic type and necessary polar pattern type & so on …

Dynamic or Condenser

There are mainly 2 different types of microphones in use by recording: Dynamic and Condenser. As these are built on a different mode, those bring a various sound recording result.
Dynamic microphone accents the middle frequencies, usually records sounds at no great distance. Dynamic microphones are typically used on guitar amps and drums, and for vocal sound reinforcement.
Condenser has a well-rounded response to frequencies and be very passible to room ambient. These also need more additional equipment for operating. Condenser microphones are typically used for recording deep sounding acoustic instruments and studio vocals.

Polar Pattern

A microphone polar pattern or directionality shows how sensitive it is for sounds at different angles in reference to mic central axis. Microphones have different types of directionality. By and large, it`s finer to use a less directional mic on close to sound source.

• Omnidirectional - captures sound equally from all directions
• Cardioid – sound is captured from the front and less the sides
• Super- and Hypercardioid – eliminates more sound from the sides and rear, but are
  accurate about front sounds. This is an expansion of the cardioid pattern.
• Bidirectional or Figure 8 – receive sound from both the front and back.
• Shotgun – the most highly directional, but are substantially less sensitive to the side and rear.
• Variable Directionality – some microphones have re-switchable polar patterns.

Frequency Response

Frequency response means how a microphone responds to different frequencies. It is a characteristic that some frequencies are hyperbolized and others are reduced. In real, perfectly flat response microphones not exist. Relatively flat frequency response isn`t invariably the better option. In many cases, an attuned frequency response is more useful.
Response Range means which frequencies can mic reproduce. As an example, if microphone has a specified frequency response of 40 Hz to 18 kHz, then it hears frequencies within this range. Microphone producers are shown mic response curves on frequency response chart, where the x axis shows frequency in Hz & the y axis shows response in dB.
Below are sampled microphone frequency response chart.

Equivalent Noise Level

After connecting condenser microphone to preamplifier, this introduces a low amount of self-noise, which appears at the microphone output as an unwanted signal voltage. An equivalent noise level means that the self-noise of the microphone is as loud as a sound at the same noise level in a quiet studio. This unit is measured in dB. A lower equivalent noise level means that the microphone self-noise is lower. Naturally, it’s better than higher level.

Impedance

Microphones have a specification referring to their impedance. A microphone rated at 150 ohms to 300 ohms is counted low impedance. About 600 to 2000 ohms is medium impedance. Low impedance microphones are mainly the preferable choice on account better quality. These can use with longer cables without picking up hum or losing high frequencies. Check the impedance from mic specification.

Handling Noise

Handling noise means the unwanted physical vibrations, which may disturb the normal work of microphone diaphragm. All vibrations will become part of the generated audio signal. Tap to mic case, and you hear it!
For eliminate this problem are recommended to use quality microphone stands and shock mount for condensers if necessary. Also, set the cables so that they do not tangle to the legs.

Just so that this is clear, you can choose out the right microphone model. Here are some good Dynamic Microphones & Condenser Microphones , which are really suitable and affordable.

Setting up a Home Recording Studio Hardware

Simple setup, with simple external soundcard, which enables to record one line at the same time. It enables to insert an instrument & a dynamic microphone. It usually has headphone output & RCA output for connecting powered monitors or end amplifier. Such a hardware setup provides the possibility of a simple recording.

Basic setup, is used soundcard, which has most of the necessary options for connecting instruments and mic`s. It includes commonly 2 channel preamp for recording 2 inputs at the same time. Here is important to the existence of phantom power for connecting condenser microphone. If necessary, can be connected midi devices via midi I/O. It also has more outputs, which allow to connect equipments through different types of connectors. Like: RCA, TRS, S/PDIF. Such a setup gives the freedom, to achieve good result, of recording or editing sounds. Holus-bolus it enables more odds & fun.

Advanced setup, in case of using more capable external soundcard, it has more preamp channels. Like M-Audio Fast Track Ultra enables to connect 4 instrument or microphones and record up to 4 lines simultaneously. Good solution is possibility to connect 2 pairs headphones. Furthermore, these devices are supposedly built with better quality components. Nevertheless, may insert directly to computer midi controllers or second soundcard via USB cable. Midi hardware setup don`t depend on soundcard.

Whаt’s nеw іn version Mixcraft 4 vs Mixcraft 3?

Now уου саn record wіth Mixcraft multiple MIDI аnd audio tracks simultaneously. In addition, іt includes software synthesizers.

Version 4 Changes:

Support fοr MIDI – record аnd playback.
Integrated support fοr VSTi software synthesizers.
Integrated VST MiniMogueEx, VB3 organ, General MIDI synth
Presets allow уου tο mаkе mega instruments, combining effects аnd virtual synthesizers.
Support fοr Vista’s WaveRT low latency audio system.
Piano Roll interface fοr editing, quantizing аnd snapping notes.
Looping MIDI clips

Sο, Mixcraft works well аnd іtѕ easy tο υѕе. Thеrе аrе embedded MIDI tracks аnd softsynths аѕ a bonus. Learning curve іѕ very short, уου саn gеt thе feel thіѕ software during a day. I thіnk, іt`s gοοd recording software tο getting ѕtаrtеd wіth home recording.

Today іѕ next version Mixcraft 5 released
Yου саn download a free trial οf Mixcraft 5 frοm Acoustica website аnd promptly turn tο record уουr οwn music.