Award winning condenser microphone

• Sleek classical design mixed with modern technology
• Versatile
• Can Handle the high SPLs

• I really tried to com up with something, but no complaints on this mic.
   

Award winning condenser microphone

Audio Technica AT4047 Condenser Microphone Review

I was looking for a truly professional, large diaphragm and multi-purpose microphone. After searching a lot and reading many reviews my search finally ends at the Audio Technica AT 4047 Condenser Microphone. This microphone meets all the aspects I was looking for. The AT 4047 is a piece manufactured professionally and for professional purpose. If you are looking forward to recording your first cut, or you have opened a new studio, this microphone is a must have in your arsenal. In the year 2001, this microphone was felicitated by the Electronic Musician’s Editors Choice Award, in the under $1000 range.

Technically, the Audio Technica AT 4047 is very strong. With a large diaphragm, cardiod capacitor and transformer coupled output, the AT 4047 provides a smooth and beautiful sound. It has extremely low self noise and you can put the Audio Technica AT 4047 under all tests of modern day digital recording systems and you will be baffled by its high performance and incredible smooth sound. The mounted construction of the AT 4047 has the capacity to eliminate the handling and usage noise. Audio Technica claims that this masterpiece by them will take you back to the feel of the classical studio microphones, and believe me it does. The first time I used it I was mystified by the warmth, smoothness and sound clarity. Later I realized I didn’t even use an equalizer. Hence I rate this product with a 5 star badge.

 If you are really looking to make yourself and/or band’s presence felt by the listeners, this microphone is the solution. This microphone gives a svelte sound and gets you a head start in this competitive industry. If we talk about the looks of the AT 4047 condenser microphone, it again scores very high with the steel shining metal finish, adorable gold plated diaphragms and a polished shock mount. Apart from incredible vocals, this microphone can act as a guitar or drum microphone, too.

You can purchase the Audio Technica AT4047 Condenser Microphone here

• Ideal for home studio
• Minimized unwanted internal reflection
• Excellent for strings, acoustic guitar, instrument ensembles, vocals, small vocal groups, and voice overs.

• Although an excellent mic, unless it is used a lot, the price is steep.

This microphone is easy to use and has great potential. Whether you are using it to sing or for instrumental use, you can rest easy knowing that it will give you the clear crisp sound you are expecting.

Check out today's price on Amazon here

Audio Technica AT4047MP Condenser Microphone Review

A great condenser microphone

The Audio Technica AT 4047 MP Multi Pattern Condenser Microphone is a very well known microphone for its vintage feel of sound. I came across this wonderful piece by Audio Technica while setting up my home project studio. I needed equipment and systems fitting my budget. I researched a lot from magazines, sites and online reviews. The first microphone in my list of items was the Audio Technica AT4047MP Mic, and till date I have never regretted buying it. I have used this microphone to record vocals, violin, acoustic guitar, flutes and also have used a pair as overhead for drums. Trust me this microphone has never let me down.

The AT 4047MP Micrphone offers multi pattern, like omnidirectional, figure 8 and cardoid patterns. The AT 4047 Mic gives a transformer coupled output, hence provides special tune elements and this makes it the best fit as a studio microphone. Audio Technica has designed the AT 4047MP Mic with utmost care, with a dual diaphragm, and given it a capsule design to increase the frequency response. The custom shock mount by Audio Technica provides high ranking isolation compared to its peers. Audio Technica has minimized the unwanted internal reflections by providing a symmetrical housing assembly. The AT 4047MP Microphone rates high as a versatile microphone with very low self noise, dynamic range and its excellence in vocals, strings and percussions.

 Integrated high quality with adorable looks steals 5 stars for this microphone. It has a vintage matte finish, nickel plated brass and silver tinge which makes it truly endearing. Hence, if you are covering a classic, the Audio Technica AT 4047  Multi Pattern Condenser Microphone will provide you the best blend of vintage sound and feel. The AT 4047 MP has the looks to support the fame it has acquired over the years. Convinced by its performance and technology, the AT 4047  is certified by Music Engineering and Technology Alliance (METAlliance).   

Purchase the Audio Technica AT4047MP Condenser Microphone here

Handheld vocal microphone

• Double ribbon design
• Splendid sound reflection of external noise
• Small and compact design

• This microphone comes at a price that may be dear to some. If you are serious about your music, though, this is the way to go.

A double ribbon microphone

Beyerdynamic M 160 Dynamic Double Ribbon Microphone Review

Beyerdynamic M160 Double Ribbon microphone is a stupefying example of the fusion of classical characteristics and modern technology. Beyerdynamic has registered its name in the list of very few companies that still provide ribbon microphones. For those of you unaware about ribbon microphones, let me state they were the most used and popular microphones during 70’s and 80’s. Many thanks to Beyerdynamic for inculcating innovative technology in ribbon design and letting it compete with the modern day microphones. Unlike other ribbon microphones which are figure-8, M 160 has a hypercardiod pattern.

Ribbon microphones are famous for smooth highs and M 160 by Beyerdynamic has not let this feature fade away. Beyerdynamic M 160 has an  ultra-fast response and provides superior details. Earlier I used Beyerdynamic M 160 as an overhead. as many users recommend that, but the frequency response for me was high and the pick up pattern was relatively narrow. However, when I used it in front of my guitar I was awestruck by its performance and clarity. Violin, tambourine and saxaphones are other instruments which will respond so well to the Beyerdynamic M 160 that you would add it to your must own list. You can use M 160 as a one kit microphone for drums, or you can try it on hi-hats, snare or toms.

The chromium plated non glare surface of M 160 double ribbon microphone and its small and compact design make it an appropriate microphone for television and filming studios. As the name title suggests, the Beyerdynamic M 160 has two ribbons, each of them is two thousandths of a millimeter thick arranged as one above other around half a millimeter apart. I will rate M 160 double ribbon as 4 ½ stars product, as it is a technical masterpiece from Beyerdynamic. This microphone has an expertise to make your strings and percussion sound clearer and sharper.

Purchase the Beyerdynamic M 160 Dynamic Double Ribbon Microphone here

Handheld vocal microphone

• Awesome sound quality
• Gives your voice excellent resolution
• No foam, so no "muffling"

• This mic does have a steep tag for those of us who are not using it on a regular basis.

Neumann KMS105 Black Vocalist Microphone Review

Neumann- the brand is simply loved by sound and studio lovers like me. Neumann KMS105 was launched more than a decade ago and still this microphone is rated among the best ever in the hand held range of microphones. I heard about its clarity and awesomeness by many and realized its worth and truthfulness of the opinions when I bought one of my own. Even if you have basic system and equipments, the Neumann KMS105 will still provide wonderful vocal clarity. After using it for the first time, I was awestruck by its performance. All the users of this Neumann product have always commented on how accurately it reacts to different tones. Personally, I am comfortable using this mic, even without an equalizer.

The Neumann KMS105 is great for being on stage. It entails all the precision and reliability of a true Neumann product. This microphone is excellent for all forms of live and studio performances. Apart from vocals, I also use it with my strings and bass. Taking you through the technical aspect of this microphone, it is designed with a supercardiod polar pattern with fantabulous feedback rejection, transformerless output and without off-axis coloration. The unique four layer filter minimizes the wind noise and with specially designed electrical filters, the handling noise is virtually eliminated. The range of KMS105 is 132dB, allowing the artist to use full expression without complexity.

This mic is so awesome, I find it hard to use any other. The Neumann KMS105 smoothly picks the low notes. It also picks up the higher pitches, seemingly without effort. Neumann KMS105 microphone takes a credit of being the best handheld microphone ever experienced by me. This Neumann product at such an affordable price bags 5 stars for itself.

You can purchase the Neumann KMS105 Black Vocalist Microphone here

Clear sounding condenser microphone

• Picks up sound like a dream
• Pressure Gradient Transducer

• It is pricey. Worth it, but pricey none the less

Neumann TLM 102 Condenser Microphone Nickel Silver Review

Neumann TLM 102 sticks out of the regular Neumann range of microphones due to its ultra compact design. But don’t be baffled if this small microphone provides you with high clarity and unbelievable sweetness in the voice. I was desperate to put my hands on a Neumann and then I discovered this compact and incredibly powerful microphone.

I believe that this product from Neumann is far more versatile than its peer group. It contains a large diaphragm and cardioid capsule which makes it stand as a next generation microphone. After using a Neumann TLM 102 personally I have noticed that its small size allows me to have a clear line of sight with the control room during recording, or with my band while rehearsing.   Another striking feature of the TLM 102 is until the frequency of 6kHz, the response is linear and above it Neumann has put a slight boost which strengthens the voice and hence adds sweetness to your voice.

Neumann states that TLM stands for “transformerless microphones”. This technology has replaced the output transformer with an electronic circuit which guarantees low noise and high clarity. I have previously used microphones with transformers and trust me the TLM technology by Neumann is worth its price. Adding to this technology the internal elastic suspension diminishes any noise created by handling and usage.

Another aspect that convinces me to give Neumann a rating of 5 stars is the affordable price. By combining so many flexible features with an unbelievable price Neumann has catered to the needs of both professional and project studios, including live sound. I am absolutely in love with the voice of this microphone and looking forward to use it in my next recording.

Purchase the Neumann TLM 102 Condenser Microphone Nickel Silver here

Miniature clip-on condenser microphone

• Captures drum audio with ease
• Small size allows it to be placed virtually anywhere
• Durable and sturdy clip and attachment
• Can be used with nearly all instruments

• A bit more expensive than it needs to be
• Won't perform as well as professional mics

Audix F90 Microphone Review

Anybody who has tried to record an album or a band rehearsal knows that the drums are one of the most difficult and annoying aspects to capture. One minute you're failing to capture the percussion and the next minute it's bleeding into the audio of other instruments. The Audix F90, though, attempts to end these annoying occurrences once and for all.

You'll notice right away that the Audix F90 is miniature and comes with a handy and durable clip. This makes it easy to place it in tight spaces; any drummer knows that tight spaces are easy to come by with even the most modest sets. You can place it in under cymbals, between heads, and nearly anywhere else you can imagine.

But does it pick up sound properly? Luckily, the answer is yes. The F90, thanks to its 50Hz-18Khz impedence, allows it to capture audio evenly and faithfully. The mount is also very trusty and dependable, ensuring that the mic won't fall off in the middle of a recording session. The phantom power adapter is another nice touch; it allows band mates to keep recording in the middle of a particularly inspired jam. And in case you think that the mic only works well with drums, keep in mind that it can easily handle complex guitar fretwork as well as most brass. It may cost a bit more than most mics its size, but it also outperforms the vast majority of them.

Purchase the Audix F90 here

• Durable, sturdy setup
• Super cardioid polar pattern
• Dual Shock mount keeps out unwanted noise
• Performs great in even the worst concert conditions

• Asking price is a bit much
• Not too useful outside of a concert setting

AKG D5 Microphone Review

Any band or entertainer that has performed on stage knows how important it is to have a high quality mic. It can mean the difference between a rollicking concert performance or a musical disaster. A decent studio mic is important when laying down tracks, but there is no substitute for a live mic. It is here, then, that the AKG D5 truly shines.

AKG is known for its very clever recording mics. They make models that are specifically designed to pick up string instruments, drums, and much more. But it is only now that they've put all their energy and focus into a stellar stage mic. And, wouldn't you know it, they succeeded here as well. The company owns a patent on their laminated “Varimotion” diaphragm and it is used to full force with this model. The clear, bright sound stays intact throughout even the most dynamic ranges. The supercardioid polar pattern (a must for many live mics) delivers gain and cuts out feedback so that even the most intense performers can feel secure when on stage. One of the best features, though, probably slips by all but the most discerning users: The dual shock mount. Thanks to this mount, the mic is completely free of mechanical interference.

The mic also comes with some pretty nice little extras; a handy mic clip and tote bag makes the mic a breeze to carry from show to show and its durable construction ensures that it will perform wonderfully time and time again. The price is a bit steep, sure, but you can often find the mic for a lower price than its MSRP. It also would have been nice if the D5 had been more versatile in terms of studio recording but we can't have it all, can we? What the D5 does have, though, is more than adequate and you can feel confident on stage with it even in the harshest circumstances.

Purchase the AKG D5 here

The AKG C411 L is tailor-made for string instruments, picks up finger picking easily and faithfully, and doesn't require you to drill holes in your instruments. It also has suitably loud output capabilities.

It does need an external power source, and it loses its integrity when playing speed gets too high.

Very few mics are dedicated to stringed instruments but there are enough of them out there to give the AKG C411 L a little competition. Harman's small but powerful mic certainly outperforms a lot of the competition but it still has a few drawbacks of its own. The best pickers may find that the mic doesn't meet all their needs. But for the non-virtuoso, you can expect great performance time and again from the C411 L.

 AKG C411 L Microphone Review

By Harmon

Musicians and bands who have cut tracks know how difficult it can be to get just the right sound. Nowhere is this problem more apparent, though, than with string instruments. Fingerpickers in particular find it very hard to record the complex tones and notes that they create. And the more intricate the strings (violin, mandolin, etc.), the tougher it is to reproduce it faithfully through a mic. The AKG C411 L, however, attempts to make recording string instruments much easier.

The first thing you'll notice about the C411 L is that it is very small. This allows it to be placed very close to the bridge of any string instrument you're using so that it can pick up even the smallest note variations. The amount of rich tones you can get in this little condenser mic may even astonish seasoned recording veterans. The output is also very loud and earthy, helping the player to be sure that his or her noodling will come across exactly as it was meant to be heard.

The best part, though, is that the device clips onto the instrument, meaning that you won't have to drill holes into your pretty acoustic instrument. All in all, the C411 L is a very handy mic, though it does come with a couple drawbacks. For one, it requires phantom power, which means you'll need to buy a cable if you don't already have one. These cables can be a bit pricey, especially after you add in the cost of the mic. Also, the virtuoso players among us might notice that the mic doesn't pick up each and every note if the playing surpasses a certain level. For the vast majority of us, this problem doesn't apply. To the very few players who can play at blistering speeds, though, this might pose a problem. But players of that caliber will likely have better equipment to record with anyway.

Where to Purchase:
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This wireless microphone system is a replacement of its predecessor the UWP-C series, since it is inclusive of a variety of enhancements.

This device eats the batteries very fast and besides this con, most of the people find it bulky & heavy. This makes moving around with it to be hectic. In addition to this, there are other instances where the screen foams and renders the device ineffective. It is also very expensive and this makes it one of the main reasons why the product is becoming more unpopular.

Sony UWPV1/30320 Ch 30/33 UWP-C1 Wireless Package

This is one great wireless package.

The enhancements made on the system include an all metallic chassis that is rugged and a transmitter that has an input that is meant for switchable Mic or Line. Moreover, this package also has a synthesizing tuning feature that is incorporated by the PLL system, reception that has diversity of space and all the other features that were found in the UWP-C hence making it such a popular product.

All the signals that are coming in and any potential RF interference are minimized and only the strongest signals are consequently selected. This is because this system has a relatively excellent feature that gives the receiver (which can also be mounted on a camera) the diversity of space which stabilizes reception. The device also offers great clarity in sound due to its versatility.

This system has antennas that have been designed in such a manner that they swivel around which as a result strengthens the reception. In addition to this, there is the provision of an output for stereo mini-jack that is also incorporated with a monitor for controlling the volume. Cables for mini, stereo and XLR are all provided for. All information regarding the channel and frequency, RF input level, the operating time accumulated, the battery life and audio output status are all displayed on a LCD screen. Both the receiver and the body feature UHF frequencies that are 188 in number and they normally operate for not more than 8 hours. The batteries that they use for operating are two alkaline AA sizes. The price that this product is sold at in most online stores is $449.95.

Where to Purchase:
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Rode NTG-2 Battery or Phantom Powered Condenser Mic is a lightweight shotgun condenser mic which offers professional quality audio recording both indoors and outdoors. It also offers clean and clear audio output.

It can produce an annoying humming sound at high volume. The mic tends to pick up handling noise as well. It is important to have the mic at the right distance: too far and it won’t pick up sound well; too close and the sound will be too muddy. Also the battery life is not great.

Rode NTG-2 Battery or Phantom Powered Condenser Mic

Battery or Phantom Powered Mic

This condenser shotgun mic offers professional quality audio recording. It has a narrow pick up pattern for clear recording. Designed for use by film, video, television and other sound professionals, the Rode NTG-2 Mic is great for voice over work by media professionals. It works both on phantom and battery power.

It comes with a windscreen to minimize extra sound and works gives decent sound. It also works with a boom or hotshoe. The sound sometimes does not sound great in the mid-range, but for the price it offers quality sound and does the work.

Where to Purchase:
Check Out Amazon Here