Best Recording Microphones in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 22, 2024
Whether you want a quality mic for voiceovers, podcasts or for capturing your instrument play and live performance, in this review, you can find high-quality recording microphones to use in any of these situations. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Polar Patterns
Frequency Response
Interface
Maximum Sound Pressure Level
Warranty
 
PROS

Included is a premium pop-filter, which significantly reduces the likelihood of overloading when the harsh consonants are pronounced (hard ‘B’, ‘T’ or ‘P’ sounds). There is also an XLR cable with a length of 6 meters for easy connection.

CONS

Very sensitive - records even the slightest outside noise.

OUR VERDICT

This model from RODE NT1-A is one of the quietest microphones: it boasts ultra-low self-noise at only 5 dB, which means you can achieve the purest voice and instrumental recordings. Suitable option for the organization of a professional studio.

detailed parameters
Polar Patterns

Cardioid

Frequency Response

20 Hz - 20 kHz

Interface

3-pin XLR

Maximum Sound Pressure Level

137dB (@ 1kHz, 1 per cent THD into 1KΩ load)

Warranty

1 year (9 more years for product registration)

PROS

Innovative technologies applied during the designing of the Blue Yeti microphone allow you to make records using 4 modes without any sound distortion. 

CONS

The microphone design might seem a bit bulky.

OUR VERDICT

With its quite professional features, this Blue Yeti USB microphone will make your recordings exceptionally high-quality. Moreover, you can choose this model in several colours, letting you find the right one to match the interior of your studio.

detailed parameters
Polar Patterns

Cardioid, Stereo, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional

Frequency Response

20 Hz - 20 kHz

Interface

USB connector

Maximum Sound Pressure Level

120dB (THD: 0.5% 1kHz)

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The thickness of the diaphragm in this microphone varies from edge to center. At the same time, the patented Varimotion technology allows you to balance it without additional resonators, which greatly improves the performance of the microphone.

CONS

The stand feels a bit flimsy.

OUR VERDICT

This dynamic microphone for recording vocals will make the sound of your voice powerful and bright even in the noisiest stage. Its dual shock mount reliably protects the microphone from mechanical noise, which is so important for live performances.

detailed parameters
Polar Patterns

Supercardioid

Frequency Response

70 Hz - 20 kHz

Interface

3-pin XLR

Maximum Sound Pressure Level

156 dB SPL (при THD 3.0%)

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The pop filter with a double-layered net well disperses the air flow even with close contact, eliminates unwanted rustles, breathing effects, and sharp consonants, thus making the voice sound better and more professional.

CONS

There are no assembly instructions included.

OUR VERDICT

The Neewer® NW-700 microphone will do an excellent job with all tasks in terms of sound recording quality. This model comes with a full range of accessories, such as an adjustable scissor-type stand, a desktop mount, a Microphone Shock Mount, a foam tip and a 3.5mm to XLR transition cable.

detailed parameters
Polar Patterns

Cardioid

Frequency Response

20 Hz - 16 kHz

Interface

3-pin XLR

Maximum Sound Pressure Level

N / A

Warranty

1 year

PROS

This microphone has a low resistance of 150 Ω, which helps make it not sensitive to interference and allows you to record in high quality. It also includes excellent feedback suppression.

CONS

Relatively narrow frequency range.

OUR VERDICT

The Behringer XM8500 Vocal Microphone with Dynamic Transducer captures sounds with high accuracy. It is an excellent choice for any live performance or sound recording. Included is a microphone holder and a hard case for transportation.

detailed parameters
Polar Patterns

Cardioid

Frequency Response

50 Hz - 15 kHz

Interface

3-pin XLR

Maximum Sound Pressure Level

N / A

Warranty

3 years

X

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Rode NT1-A

The Standard in Condenser Microphones

Ask most recording professionals about their favourite microphones, and chances are that many of them will reply with Rode. This Australian company has become the gold standard in microphones over the years, and the Rode NT1-A Condenser Microphone. This microphone has maintained the high reputation that the manufacturer has earned by providing an exceptionally clear recording ability that is able to pick up all nuances in both vocals and instruments.

This microphone features a large diaphragm capsule with a golden membrane and has an impedance of 100 Ohms, making it perfect for heavy-duty recording and concert equipment. The external case is made of a high-strength metal with a satin nickel finish, making it extremely durable and able to withstand the rigors of performances. Internally, the microphone has vibration support of the capsule, ensuring that the microphone itself does not produce noise or interference. The high sensitivity of this model means that it is susceptible to picking up background noise, but this shouldn't be an issue in a soundproofed recording booth. Overall, the high performance and extreme durability of this model makes it the best recording microphone for many people.
Review of Rode NT1-A Condenser Microphone

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £162.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B0002PSCQM

 

Blue Yeti

Sound Recording at the Highest Level

The Blue Microphones company knows a lot about recording equipment and sound in general. That’s why it does its best to provide customers with high-quality products. The Blue Yeti USB microphone is one of them. Possessing almost professional features, this model will let you experiment with sound recording the way you like. It becomes possible due to three microphone cartridges capable of catching more sounds. What is more, four pattern modes allow you to record sound from different angles. The cardioid mode is the best choice for vocal, podcasts, voice-overs recording. Bidirectional and omnidirectional modes are perfect for interviews as they allow you to record sounds coming from various directions. Stereo mode is a cornerstone of this microphone as its purpose is to provide pure sound without distortion.

To get proper sound quality, it is important to set a microphone at a right angle. Understanding this fact, Blue Yeti manufacturer has provided the mic with an adjustable stand so you can turn and tilt it any way you need. 90° tilt range gives you quite a great choice of microphone positions so you can be sure that your records are of high quality. At the bottom part of Blue Yeti there are USB and headphone outputs. Also included are plenty of controls for adjusting the various settings of the microphone. Taking into account all the features that this model offers, we can easily say this mic would suit equally well both professional and amateur users.

Review of Blue Yeti USB Condenser Microphone

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £99.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00N1YPXW2

VIDEO
YouTube Gear #1 | Blue Yeti!
 

AKG D5

Record Powerful Sound

AKG has a long history of creating high-quality audio recording products that have gained them a high reputation with sound engineers and recording artists alike. Many of the most popular recording artists, engineers, and producers have used their products to create award-winning songs and albums, and chances are that if you visit a recording studio, you will find their products within it.

The AKG D5 Dynamic Handheld Vocal Microphone carries on this great tradition of high-quality audio products by delivering a powerful sound anywhere, whether in a quiet recording booth or on the noisiest stage. This powerful microphone includes the patented Varimotion technology, which allows you to balance the sound without additional resonators, greatly improving the microphone's performance. It includes a large diaphragm that varies in thickness between the edge and center, allowing for high fidelity sound capture. Included with this microphone is a dual shock mount within the microphone capsule that removes any type of handling noise, giving you noise-free recordings. With these and many other included features, this premium recording microphone is an excellent product for anyone who records or performs audio.

Review of AKG D5 Dynamic Handheld Vocal Microphone

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £91.79
Stock In stock
ASIN B000S5JKRQ

 

Neewer NW-700

Complete Microphone Kit

Microphones are often sold as stand-alone products, which means that there are typically few accessories included with one. This is important to note, as a microphone in a recording studio is rarely used by itself. There are plenty of accessories that are usually used with one, such as a pop filter, an important companion to a microphone. The Neewer NW-700 Professional Studio Broadcasting Recording Condenser Microphone comes with virtually everything you need in order to ensure the highest quality recordings. This microphone features an internal audio circuit design that helps eliminate any kind of interference or noise that the microphone itself could include in any recordings.

One of the many accessories included is a pop filter, which features a double-layered net well that disperses the air flow even with close contact, eliminating unwanted rustles, breathing effects, and sharp consonants. This helps to give a professional sound to virtually any voice, greatly enhancing the sound of any vocal recordings. Also included with the microphone is an adjustable suspension scissor arm stand, a table mounting clamp, a metal shock mount, and many other accessories which all add up to a fully complete microphone package.

Review of Neewer NW-700 Professional Studio Broadcasting Recording Condenser Microphone

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £32.49
Stock In stock
ASIN B00XOXRTX6

 

Behringer Ultravoice XM8500

Reduce Unwanted Noise

A common problem with sensitive recording microphones is that they tend to be overly sensitive to unwanted noises. Whether it is caused by a person's breath, unfavourable conditions in the recording environment, or even by the microphone itself, unwanted noise can ruin an otherwise perfect recording. That's why having a microphone that does everything to eliminate this noise is a boon for any recording environment.

The Behringer Ultravoice XM8500 Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphone is an ideal solution for those who want a microphone that helps eliminate unwanted noise during the recording process. To start off with, this microphone has a low resistance of 150 Ω, which helps make it not sensitive to interference from any source. It also includes excellent feedback suppression, and the shock mount helps to reduce any noise caused by handling of the microphone. It even includes a two stage pop filter that helps to reduce the noise caused by a person's breath, along with any other variables that can cause noise within the recording environment. Along with its high-quality sound capture, elegant design, and very affordable price, many users may find this to be the best recording microphone for their studio.

Review of Behringer Ultravoice XM8500 Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphone

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price £18.60
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B0002KZAKS

 

What Is a Recording Microphone?

Recording microphones are designed specifically for capturing sound with the highest quality and close attention to the slightest details in order to record it for further reproduction. As a rule, these mics are connected to special sound recording equipment that comes in different sizes and shapes but, in general, enables various attunements and adjustment. Such equipment can be very expensive, but microphones are typically sold separately from it. What's more, you can also find high-quality USB mics that are excellent at capturing sound at the highest quality with the smallest tone details right from your computer or even tablet if it has an appropriate USB port. In this review, we're covering the best models of both types.

Such microphones tend to come with little in the way of extras, but many will include some type of mount which is meant for attaching to a microphone stand. Pop filters are also common accessories for recording microphones, as they help filter out noise caused by a vocalist's breath or spittle.

On a related note, we can recommend you to check out more reviews from similar categories: condenser microphones-only guide and in-ear monitors.

Sources:

1. Andrew Blackman How to Choose the Right Microphone for Voice Recording, Envato Tuts+. March 19, 2015.

2. Microphone, Wikipedia. November 4, 2016.

3. The Beginner’s Guide to Recording Studio Microphones, E-Home Recording Studio.

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Publish Date: 2019-02-19 14:30:47