The Greatest Microphones You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of, Part Deux

If you enjoyed our first installment of the “Greatest Microphones You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of,” then you’re in for a treat — we’ve got more underground mics for you to add to your recording toolbox. Even though these microphones are rarely raved about (or even mentioned in pro audio discussions), they’re some of our most oft-used favorites. And, once you take them for a test drive, we’re sure that they’ll be among your top picks, too. So, strap yourselves in and prepare to be amazed by the coolest — yet largely unheralded — microphones in the world.

Audio-Technica AT5040

The Audio-Technica AT5040 is one of those microphones that’s so forward-thinking, it confuses the bejesus out of most people. That’s probably why folks rarely talk about it. This is a shame, however, as it’s probably one of the most detailed-sounding mics out there. The secret to its high-def sound is its 4-part rectangular element, which includes four matched, ultra-thin diaphragms arranged in a window-pane configuration. What’s cool is that these diaphragms function in tandem, ostensibly creating a single diaphragm with a massive surface area. Not only does this net you a super-low noise floor, but you also get excellent off-axis rejection. Simply put, you get a hyper-accurate microphone with low self-noise and dynamic, full-range sound. We’ve used the AT5040 as a vocal mic with stellar results as well as on piano, acoustic guitar, and strings plus extra-loud sources like horns and cranked guitar amps. If your mic locker is missing a secret weapon, then the AT5040 will be happy to fill that space.

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AEA R92

Ribbon mics have made a lot of headway over the past decade or so, being elevated from a mere historic curiosity to a modern studio staple. Of all the sound sources recording engineers deal with, instruments like vocals, brass and woodwind instruments, and guitar cabinets are the ones that really benefit from the one-of-a-kind character of a ribbon. That’s where the AEA R92 comes in. Thanks to its reduced proximity effect and nearly bulletproof wind-blast protection, this microphone is able to withstand anything you throw at it — even in close-miking scenarios. You’ll also appreciate the R92’s individually voiced sides, which supply you with added flexibility. There may be better-known ribbon mics out there, but few sound as good as the R92 when you park it directly in front of a high-SPL source.

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Shure 565SD

In Shure’s dynamic microphone family, the SM57 is the successful child that gets invited everywhere, and the SM58 is the popular child that spends most of their time in the spotlight. Then there’s the Shure 565SD, which is essentially the nerdy sibling that spends most of their time with their nose buried in a book. But do you know what happens when the nerdy kid grows up? They usually end up ruling the world. That’s certainly the case with the 565. Shure’s classic Unidyne vocal mic, the 565, was all over the stage at Woodstock, and it was Freddie Mercury’s favorite vocal microphone for live performances. That said, for whatever reason, this killer queen of a microphone was upstaged by its younger SM-series siblings. There are tons of dynamic vocal mics out there. However, if you want to own a piece of history, then you need to own a Shure 565SD.

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Sony C-100

Many manufacturers claim that their microphones boast a wide frequency response. Well, the Sony C-100 laughs in their faces. Thanks to this supersonic powerhouse’s unique dual-diaphragm design, its frequency response scrapes the tippy top of the aural stratosphere, maxing out at 50kHz. This means that you can capture every elusive source on earth with this mic (and probably elsewhere in the galaxy, as well). What’s more, the C-100 provides you with three polar patterns, a highpass filter, a pad, and cutting-edge noise-elimination construction. Can all studios record male vocals? Yes. Female vocals? Yes. The upper harmonics of acoustic instruments? Many can. But can they capture the beautiful song of the humpback whale or the elusive ultrasonic overtones of a trumpet or cymbals? Probably not. Well, with a Sony C-100 in your mic locker, you can capture all those ephemeral ultra-high frequencies and be the lone studio that answers that question with an emphatic yes.

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Neumann KM 183

Everybody knows about the Neumann KM 184; it’s a studio staple. But it only works in one direction. How restrictive! The Neumann KM 183 totally kicks sand in the 184’s face as this world-class small-diaphragm condenser works in all the directions! This omnidirectional dynamo is your one-way ticket to capturing acoustic guitars, woodwinds, strings — a whole range of harmonic-laden sources — with crystal clarity. And, because it’s an omni, it’s completely devoid of low-frequency buildup — even at point-blank range. It makes a prime room mic, too. Want to capture a room in stereo? No problem. Get a stereo pair of these awe-inspiring pencil condensers, and you’ll knock it out of the park!

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Solomon LoFReQ

Do the kick drums in your studio sound like soggy oatmeal? If so, then that’s downright shameful. Don’t worry, the Solomon LoFReQ offers a time-tested solution. This sub-style dynamic microphone gives you an easy, foolproof way to deploy the DIY’d reverse-wired speaker technique that high-level studio pros have used for decades (but nobody ever talks about in polite conversation). Beyond that, you get way more functionality than if you used a cannibalized speaker, such as an in-line pad and easy attachment to a standard mic stand. A robust Neutrik XLR output jack seals the deal. We hate to break it to you, but, if you don’t have a LoFReQ in your mic locker, then you’ll never achieve the esteemed rank of kick drum–miking grandmaster. But, with a LoFReQ in hand, you’ll be the hero every time a disgruntled drummer crosses your studio’s threshold.

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Conclusion

There are so many awesome microphones. We’re fortunate here at Sweetwater because we get to get our hands on pretty much all of them. We can’t wait to help you find the obscure gems that are missing from your microphone collection. So, give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700, and we’ll help you fill that empty void in your mic locker — and the hollow abyss in your heart.
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