If you are planning to set up your own home recording studio, the main thing you have to consider is a studio microphone. If you search online for studio microphone recommendations, you will be given thousands upon thousands of choices. That’s how saturated the market for microphones is at this point in time. To help you cut through the crap and find the perfect mic for your studios setup, here are our picks for the top 3 studio microphones of 2022.

Top 3 Studio Microphones Of 2022 Reviewed

1. MXL 770 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

While not the cheapest options out there, the MXL 770 is, in my opinion, the absolute best bang for your buck when it comes to a quality studio mic. If you're familiar with the studio recording industry, you'll know that Nuemann mics are often considered the gold standard of recording performance - I can honestly say that this MXL condenser mic is absolutely just as good as some of the much more expensive Nuemann models I've had in the past. It's actually shocking how great this mic is for its price.

The best thing about this mic is how versatile it is. Rap vocals, female vocals, voice overs, instrument recordings of all kinds...you can throw anything in the world at the MXL 770 and the result will be pure audio bliss. On the technical side, this condenser mic features a 22mm diaphragm, a 30 Hz - 20 kHz frequency response range, a max SPL of 137db, and an output impedance of 150 Ohms. It comes with a (mediocre) shock stand as well as a "rugged" carrying case.

If you don't know where to start with studio mics, or are just looking to upgrade a super cheap model you've grown out of, look no further than the MXL 770.

2. Audio-Technica AT2035 Studio Condenser Microphone

Audio-Technica offers a wide range of audio products, and are especially well known for their studio-grade headphones. The AT2035 condenser mic holds up their high fidelity reputation and then some, serving as a perfect "general use" recording microphone. Out of the box, you can expect a .96" diaphragm, 20 Hz - 20 KHz frequency range, -33dB sensitivty, and a stellar signal-to-noise ration of 82dB (at 1kHz at 1 Pa).

Simply put, this thing punches well above its weight and easily competes with microphones that cost 10x as much. It's well-suited for vocals of just about any type, bringing warmth and life to even the most minute audio subtleties during the recording process. AT includes a quality pop filter, 10 foot XLR cable, and a bonus microfiber cleaning cloth to boot, along with your standard shock mount.

If you're looking for a good "beginner" mic that you'll honestly never have to upgrade, the AT2035 is a perfect choice.

3. Rode NT1A Condenser Microphone

It's hard to research studio microphones without coming across Rode's NT1A model mentioned, often numerous times. Truth be told, it's hard to find a single negative review of this awesome mic at all. The NT1A is considered by many to be the "best" entry-level "true" studio quality mic out there, and it serves vocals o f all types extremely well. While you'll be especially blown away by it's crystal clear middle and high frequencies, it's no slouch on the low frequency end either.

The NT1A is the anniversary edition of the original NT1, which just goes to show how in-demand this Rode model is and has been for so long. If you're investing in your first high quality studio mic, I guarantee the NT1A will last you for years and years to come. It's so good that there's simply nothing to "upgrade," until you start getting into truly expensive territory.

For a high quality beginner setup, you can't go wrong with the Rode NT1A.

Buying A Studio Recording Microphone

When making your selection of studio microphones, there are a few things to consider - the type of instrument or voice you are going to record, the brand you want to go with, and so on. With thousands to choose from, the task of making the right choice will seem like a daunting one, especially if you’re a newcomer to the recording business scene.

If you’re going to do a trial and error method in your selection process, you might very well make costly mistakes that will cause you a lot of headaches and burn a hole through your pocket. To spare you such a situation, we have prepared a comprehensive guide which will help you make an informed decision in buying the right mic for your recording studio the first time around. Let’s begin…

Types of studio microphones

Studio microphones could be categorized under 2 general “umbrella” classifications. These two classes are Condenser Microphones and Dynamic Microphones. The majority of the mics you will ever use in a studio will fall into one of the two major categories mentioned above, in fact- close to 95% of mics are one or the other. Once you become familiar with each type of microphone, it's easier to narrow down your selection.

The tougher challenge lies in buying the right type of mic according to how it is going to be used. To do this, there are 8 ways to evaluate the mics in order to get the one you will be using. Let’s go over these one by one:

Frequency Response

The rule of thumb when it comes to frequency response is this: Condenser mics are better for high-frequency uses such as acoustic guitars, cymbals and pianos. Dynamic mics, on the other hand, are more apt for drums and electric guitar cabs. While this is not definitive as a rule, it is a good starting point when making the choice between different mics.

Diaphragm Size and Weight

The reason why condenser mics work better with high frequencies is because of the smaller diaphragm size to capture sound - smaller diaphragms are more receptive of such sound frequencies. Bigger and heavier diaphragms are less receptive to high frequency sounds and therefore not quite as practical for such applications. High frequencies contain less energy and thus needs less power to move such mass.

Internal Circuitry

On the flip side, heavier diaphragms' larger mass generates enough voltage through movement, which eliminates the need for external power source to power the mic. This is the reason why Dynamic Mics are also called “passive”. On the other hand, Condenser Mics are “active” in nature as they require phantom power to amplify the lower voltage. Although it may sound like a negative aspect, it is actually a needed quality as active Condenser mics can achieve a higher gain and record softer sounds, which passive mics find difficult to do.

Diaphragm Durability

While lighter diaphragms are ideal for capturing high frequency sounds, they tend to be less durable than heavier diaphragms. At higher Sound Pressure Levels (SPL), they could be damaged permanently. This is the reason why heavy diaphragm mics are perfect for louder instruments like drums.

General Durability

Dynamic mics do not only have a more durable diaphragm, but also more curable overall construction. Even if you drop the mic on the ground, it will work just fine afterwards. Drop a Condenser mic, and you might as well start looking for a replacement mic. This makes dynamic mics perfect for on stage performances like concerts.

Resistance to Moisture

Another reason dynamic mics are great for on-stage use is its high resistance to moisture, sudden changes in climate like humidity. On the other hand, condenser mics are more prone to malfunction when exposed to extreme humidity.

Gain Before Feedback

This is another reason dynamic mics are more suitable than condenser mics on stage-they allow higher gain before any feedback is noticeable. In live settings like concerts where many mics are in use, many sounds in close proximity to each other will tend to produce feedback.

Price Tag

Dynamic Mics are generally cheaper than Condenser Mics, as you can get the most expensive dynamic mic at a price range of $400 to $500 max. In comparison, the top of the line Condenser mics could go as high as $5000 to $10,000 each. Quite a big investment, but well worth every dollar.

Condenser vs Dynamic

Just because Condenser Mics are pricier does not make them the “better” choice for your home studio. Some beginners think that the cost of the mics are indication of its performance. And from what we have gone through so far, it’s not hard to see why. But the truth of the matter is- neither mic is better than the other. Each type is good for a certain purpose, and that makes both types important to a recording studio. A good recording studio has multiple mics, each used to record certain types of sound or instruments.

Sub-categories of studio mics

Studio Mic Wrap Up

Setting up a home recording studio can be a nerve-racking task for a total newbie. This guide, and many like it available on the internet, will help you make a smoother transition into the recording studio business. We hope to inspire confidence in you as you embark on this wonderful journey, and that you have a great experience like we did when we first forayed into the home studio arena. It is always comforting to know others have taken this path before!