CHAPTER 5 :
The Home Studio Microphone Guide
Types of Mics:
- Condencer microphone
- Rybon microphone
- Dynamic microphones
Pickup Patterns
Mic Picks for the Home Studio

Behringer C-1 $50
Condenser (Large Diaphragm)
For anyone working with a small budget,
this cardioid mic delivers crisp, clear voice recordings and accurate reproduction of acoustic instruments.

MXL 990 $80
Condenser (Medium Diaphragm)
A cardioid condenser that is quiet
and smooth with enough mids to cut
through the mix when recording vocals,
acoustic guitar, and piano.

Shure SM 57 $99
The cardioid dynamic microphone you see on so many different instruments and applications. Its versatility is a big plus. It’s also very rugged,
dependable, and incredibly affordable.
“SM” stands for “studio microphone,” as this was originally to be an alternative to the notoriously fragile ribbon mics.
The Beta 57A ($139) is a brighter supercardioid version, providing more warmth, presence, and a higher output level.

Shure SM 58 $99
Dynamic
The sibling of the SM 57 includes the ball grille with the foam lining to provide an extra degree of pop and wind protection. Its durability has made it a live performance staple.
The supercardioid Beta 58A ($159) is designed
to be a live vocal mic, but its studio applications can be likened to the SM 57 and Beta 57A.

Audio Technica AT2020 $99
Condenser (Medium Diaphragm)
This medium diaphragm condenser was designed with the home studio owner in mind. Use it to record vocals, acoustic instruments, strings, or as an overhead mic for drums.

Rode NT3 $269
Condenser (Small Diaphragm)
Cardioid condenser recommended for acoustic guitars, percussion, and anything where you’re looking to capture mids and highs.

Audio Technica AT4022 $349
Condenser (Small Diaphragm)
Omnidirectional condenser at an affordable
price — well-suited for midrange frequencies. As with any omnidirectional mic, a good acoustic environment is key to capturing great tones.

Shure SM7B $349
Dynamic
Classic cardioid vocal mic with bass roll-off and an impressive resume, including many of Michael Jackson’s most famous vocal ecordings. Also widely used in broadcasting.

Sennheiser MD 421 II $380
Dynamic
Cardioid mic with a five-poistion bass roll-off switch, which allows you to filter out unwanted low frequencies.
Good mic for live and recording situations,
particularly for bass drum, brass, and narration.

AKG D12 $499
Dynamic
The D12 VR is a large diaphragm cardioid
dynamic microphone. Specifically designed for recording kick-drum, this mic is widely used for bass guitar as well.