Jul 7, 2022
Updated: Nov 16, 2022
There are hundreds if not thousands of mics, interfaces, and other studio gear to choose from. So, where to begin? So many factors go into these choices...
...and I don't think there will ever be one option, but there is a best option for you. My suggestions come in three price ranges to offer great gear to those at any stage of their sonic journey.
They are a starting point to explore what is out there. On this list are products created by companies I've used, loved, and trust.
Happy hunting!
- Gill
I suggest trying out microphones either in store or by listening to online samples of how they sound. Think about what qualities you love about your voice. I know my voice records bright, which I don't love. I accentuate the lower part of my voice and usually end up EQ-ing out a lot of the upper mid range, so I seek out dark, warm sounding mics.
When looking for a mic shootout (the term most commonly used for recording the same source with many different mics to understand how they capture sound), YouTube is a great place to start. I also highly recommend this resource page from Sweetwater. They tested 50 of their most popular mics and let you listen to how they sound.
If possible, test a mic before purchasing. There is no best mic, just the best one for you & your voice.
(paid links)
Rode NT-USB Microphone
$ Budget Option
This option is both less expensive than the mid range options, and saves you the price of needing an audio interface since it connects via USB. There are many USB mics out there, but I've heard the way this one sounds and have to say it stands up against many non-USB options. For a quick fix, try this one out. Plus, it comes with a custom fit pop filter to get rid of those 'plosives.
Specs: Condenser microphone with a fixed cardioid polar pattern.
Blue Bluebird Condenser Microphone
$$ Mid-range Option
This was one of the first mics I purchased when starting out as an engineer + DIY recording artist. It is a very versatile mic, but I used it primarily for vocals & guitar. It is described as warm sounding, and I found that it did everything I needed at that price point.
Specs: Large-diaphragm condenser microphone with a fixed cardioid polar pattern.
Aston Spirit Condenser Microphone
$$ Mid-range Option
This is a great mic if you are looking for something versatile. It has a built in pop filter, multiple polar patterns that you can switch between, and is in a very reasonable price range. This is for the performer who wants to use their mic for more than just a voice.
Specs: Large-diaphragm condenser microphone with a multi-pattern selector.
Neumann TLM 103 Condenser Microphone
$$$ Splurge Option
This mic is glorious, wonderful, clear, warm, and expensive. Does it make anyone sound better than the lower budget options? You'd have to try it out to know, but I've yet to hear it make someone sound bad!
The large-diaphragm condenser makes it a sensitive mic, so think lots of mouth noise, but also lots of wonderful voice noise as well. I would trust a Neumman mic with my life.
Specs: Large-diaphragm condenser microphone with fixed cardioid polar pattern.
(Fun Fact: I call the TLM 103 the 'Billie Eilish mic' since it is her go-to for tracking vocals.)
Rode PodMic Cardiod Microphone
$ Budget Option
This mic may be little & affordable, but oh she is fierce. A great intro mic for podcasting, or affordable enough to buy a set if you need more than one.
It has a built in metal pop-filter as well as shock mount, making it perfect for excited + lively conversation filled with plosives.
Specs: Dynamic microphone with a fixed cardioid polar pattern.
Shure MV7 Microphone
$$ Mid-range Option
This dynamic mic is modeled after the SM7B (listed below as the Splurge Option). It is a less expensive version of that mic, with a few bonuses.
It has the ability to connect via USB or XLR (so directly to your computer or via an interface) making it versatile in how it is used, and a great option for anyone looking to avoid an interface.
Specs: Dynamic microphone with a fixed cardioid polar pattern.
Shure SM7B Microphone
$$$ Splurge Option
This microphone is iconic, professional, and top notch for podcasting and vocals alike. I personally don't love dynamic microphones on my voice, but have heard it used beautifully on other singers.
For a streamer or podcaster, this mic is amazing and perfect upgrade to any studio. It has a built in shock mount + removable foam windscreen.
Specs: Dynamic microphone with a fixed cardioid polar pattern.
Shure SM58 Microphone
$ Budget Option
The SM58 is a workhorse microphone. These things are almost indestructible and will last you a lifetime. The design is similar to the SM57 (another iconic and wildly durable mic) but this one has a built in metal pop filter perfect for live performances or speakers. It will get you the sound you need, clean & clear.
Specs: Dynamic microphone with a fixed cardioid polar pattern.
Shure BETA58 Microphone
$$ Mid-range Option
This mic is a slight step above the SM58. The biggest difference between the two mics is that the BETA58 has a super-cardioid polar pattern, which would make it reject more sonic elements in the same field as the microphone. The frequency response in this mic is tailored to vocal performance + it has the same metal mesh pop filter built into the SM58 design.
Specs: Dynamic microphone with a fixed super-cardioid polar pattern.
Neumann KMS105 Microphone
$$$ Splurge Option
I could sing praises for the KMS105 until the day I die, and still, it would not be enough. This is a wonderful investment microphone because it doubles as a high-quality recording mic as well as an exceptional sounding live performance mic. The polar pattern makes it a great mic for scratch vocals due to the intense rejection. In other words, it keeps other sonic elements out of the mic while recording.
Specs: Condenser microphone with a fixed super-cardioid polar pattern.
Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Headphones
$ Budget Option
I personally have and use these headphones. Audio-Technica makes wonderful sounding headphones that are on the brighter side, sonically. If you are looking for low budget and high quality, this is my pick.
If you're looking for an upgrade by Audio-Technica, I'd suggest looking at the ATH-M50X or ATH-M70X.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Headphones
$$ Mid-range Option
These headphones are a professional standard & found in many commercial recording facilities. The sound reproduction is incredible. One of the luxury factors with these headphones is that they are comfortable to have on for long periods of time, complete with velour ear pads.
Sennheiser HD 600 Headphones
$$$ Splurge Option
These headphones are...luxurious. Comfortable to wear and the sound replication is unmatched. There is a foam padding along the head band to ensure comfort as well as large foam ear pads.
One thing to note is that these are open headphones, so they may not be ideal for certain recording situations since there will be bleed from the headphones into nearby microphones.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo
$ Budget Option
I think this is a great starter interface. It has room for one mic + leaves room for you to learn the basics (headphone monitoring, gain, phantom power) on a small and simple scale. If you need something quick & only need one mic at a time, this is the fix.
Focusrite also sells the 2i2 (2 preamps) & 18i8 (4 preamps) for when you're ready to upgrade or expand your set up.
Solid State Logic SSL2
$ Budget Option
SSL is a well loved & trusted company in my heart. I learned on an SSL console. It is a classic sound that they replicate on this lil baby 2-preamp interface.
It is a step up from the Scarlett Solo since it has an extra preamp. There is a Legacy 4K feature that adds analog color enhancement inspired by SSL consoles. Great for anyone starting out with a 2-mic set up who loves the analog sound!
Apogee Duet
$$ Mid-range Option
A perfect little device with two preamps is sleek, elegant, and most importantly, beautiful sounding. For specs, it has phantom power and up to 65dB of gain for precise & detailed sounds.
The Apogee plug ins are crystal clear + easy to worth with. They are also compatible with iPhone & iPad for a mobile, digital recording set up.
Rode Rodecaster Pro II
$$ Mid-range Option
This product does it all, for a slightly higher price. It's a mobile recording rig, interface + mixing board, great for professionals + beginners alike.
The Rodecaster has 4 preamps + can connect to a computer rig or record remotely onto a SD card. This is the ideal product for a content creator or aspiring podcast star.
Apogee Symphony Desktop
$$$ Splurge Option
Symphony is duet's older, overachieving sibling. Does everyone need this? Absolutely not. But, it has the same Apogee technology as the duet plus (digital) analog preamp emulation.
This little device provides up to 75 dB of gain on the preamps, selectable 48v phantom power, a soft limit option and polarity invert.
So, if you're looking to splurge, let this be it!
Earplugs
Unlike many of our senses, hearing is one we have control of (and one that sadly does not come back.)
I have these earplugs and take them everywhere. Literally, everywhere. Use them when you're in any loud situation to protect your ears, because they are magic + your money maker if you are any sort of engineer or music connoisseur.
Pop Filter
A pop filter is essential to prevent all those plosives from popping & distorting your audio.
This pop filter is made with a double layer nylon mesh.
Simple, yet essential.
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Gill with the G