The amazing condenser microphones are the best type of microphone for recording pretty much any source you need, mainly due to it’s sensitivity in being able to pickup very fine detail of what is directed at it, as well as the power it can provide when it comes to flexibility of sound and how we want to shape our recordings (and performances). Although most condensers out there are great for vocals, we tried to pin-point some of our favorites for those needing to focus on one sound source — the voice! Below is in our opinion a list of the best vocal condenser microphones in the market today.
The Best Vocal Condenser Microphones
Warm Audio WA-47
Up first, we have a versatile condenser microphone for vocals with nine polar patterns including cardioid, omni and figure 8. Its custom 47-style k47 capsule gives this microphone its warm sound that many purchase it for, being that the tube skeleton inside gives us that vintage audio transmission.
Regarding specs, it has a dynamic range of 130 dBA, sensitivity of 140 dB, frequency range of 20 Hz – 20 kHz, impedance of 200 Ohms and S/N ratio of 82 dBA. It comes with a shock mount, an IEC power cable and a presentable wooden box. The Warm Audio WA-47 is a large diaphragm tube condenser microphone with huge and bold sound, and definitely one of our favorites for recording vocals.
Rode NTK
This microphone is designed for studio professionals for recording purposes, and is a vocal condenser mic we’ve used ourselves countless times for the past decade. We’ve always been a fan of this vocal condenser because of it’s clean and accurate sound, along with great long-term stability since the build is so rugged. A very warm, almost old-school feel to the sound.
If you’re concerned with specifications, it has a sensitivity of 158dB, impedance of 200 Ohms, a frequency response of 20 Hz – 20 kHz and S/N of 82dBA. It comes with 30’ multicore cable, a power supply, an M2 Stand mount, 3/8” -5/8” thread adapter, a carry case and 10-year extended warranty when you register this microphone. The Rode NTK is another dynamic, tube condenser microphone with very low noise, a natural and rich sound along with a bit of a touch of vintage feel as well.
Lauten Audio LA-320
The Lauten Audio LA-320 is a professional and versatile cardioid tube condenser microphone with large diaphragm. It’s known for being built with high end components like a custom output transformer and polypropylene capacitors. It features dual triode vacuum tube, 120 Hz low cut and 12kHz high cut filters and a 1” gold sputtered dual diaphragm in k67-style design.
The overall sound here is key and great for vocals as it’s sensitivity really helps dial in those details and clarity. The Lauten Audio LA-320 has a frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz, sensitivity of 130dB, impedance of 200 Ohms and self-noise of 17dBA. It comes with a power supply and a 1-year limited warranty.
Neumann KMS 105
The KMS 105 is a professional, studio quality supercardioid condenser handheld microphone for vocals. This mic has a clear sound with a hint of treble lift, very good resolution, extended frequency response and accurate transient detail.
The Neumann KMS 105 features an elastic shock mounted super cardioid capsule with three metal basket layers for excellent feedback rejection and high effective foam free pop filter. It includes a stand clamp and a pouch. Numbers wise, we have a frequency response of 20 Hz – 20 kHz, sensitivity of 150 dB, impedance of 50 Ohms and S/N of 76 dBA.
Audio-Technica AT2020
The Audio Technica AT2020 is a versatile side-address cardioid condenser microphone, another one of our favorite mics we’ve used quite frequently, especially if you’re needing a condenser vocal mic that’s in the lower budget-range (we understand some of these can get up there).
Just a flat out clear condenser here, all for a couple hundred bucks. It has a custom designed low-mass diaphragm for superior transient response and extended frequency response. It features high SPL handling and wide dynamic range. Of course, has a frequency response of 20Hz – 20 kHz, dynamic range of 124dB, sensitivity of 144dB, impedance of 100 Ohms and S/N of 74dB. Lastly we have a package coming with a shock mount, a 5/8” -27 to 3/8” – 16 threaded adapter and a pouch.
AKG C414
AKG C414 is an XLS multipattern condenser microphone with large diaphragm with a price tag in the higher range. It features nine polar patterns: 5 main patterns and 4 in between patterns, which can be useful for studios who need some more flexibility. This makes AKG C414 XLS a versatile microphone from broadcasting, recording, live performance and great for vocals.
This vocal condenser mic has neutral sound. It has a frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz, impedance of 200 Ohms, sensitivity of 140dB, S/N of 88dBA and low cut filters: 40Hz, 80Hz and 160Hz. The AKG C414 XLS comes with a stand mount, a shock mount, a pop screen, a windscreen and a carry case.
Samson G-Track Pro
Samson G-Track is a USB super cardioid condenser microphone with built-in audio interface and mixer for professional recording and a large 19mm diaphragm. It features simultaneous stereo input and gain control as well as switchable stereo, mono and computer monitoring via headphone output. We figured we’d at least recommend one USB mic in this guide considering they’re technically ‘condenser microphones’.
The Samson G-Track Pro has a frequency response of 20Hz – 16kHz, sensitivity of 120dB, instrument input impedance of 1M Ohms, bit depth of 16 or 24-bit and sample rate of up to 96kHz. The sample rate and audio resolution is what really impresses us here. It’s one of the highest (thus far) we’ve seen with USB mics, giving it a good shot at competing with at least a few true condensers out there. Its compatible with any DAW software program. It comes with a desktop microphone stand, a mic clip and complete cable set.