How to Buy Your First Microphone for Live or Studio

When is the best time in history to buy your first microphone? It’s now! Quality microphones have never been more affordable. The options, however, can be overwhelming for a first-time buyer. Whether you’re recording or performing original music, covers, podcasts, or something else, use this guide to find your perfect first mic!

Step #1: Set GoalsStep #2: Pattern ChoiceCardioidOmnidirectionalStep #3: Microphone TypeCondenser: Hi-fi with a Sensitive SideDynamic: Stoic, Heavy-duty HandlingShould You Choose an XLR or a USB Mic?Do You Need an Interface?Do You Need Accessories?Must-have AccessoriesRecommended Accessories

Step #1: Set Goals

Let’s dispel the myth of a “best” microphone right now. First-time buyers want the best mic they can afford. With more than 2,000 microphones in Sweetwater’s current offerings, the “best” microphone is rarely one brand or another but rather the one that suits your sound source, recording space, and goals.

One way to begin shopping for a mic is by listing the instruments and sources you need to record. A short list makes decisions simpler, so if your list is only one or two sources, then that’s great. If the list is long, then try ranking the sources by importance — with ones that are critical and most frequently recorded at the top of the list.

If you sing and play, then will the vocals and instruments be recorded separately for more polish and easier editing? Or maybe you’ll record both on a single track, akin to a live performance or a demo for potential collaborators, booking agents, and the like?

Next, consider the space where you’ll be recording. Will you be in a dedicated room or in various locations? Does noise from outside bleed into these spaces, and if so, then is the noise quiet or loud? Busy roommates and outdoor traffic might sway you toward one polar pattern than another. When looking to record quality tracks, these details are easy to overlook; however, setting goals sets you up for making the best choice. Microphones are technology, not magic!

Step #2: Pattern Choice

Regardless of experience, we all intuitively know that microphones must be pointed and placed near sources. It’s a matter of physics. But microphones pick up sound differently depending on their polar patterns.

Cardioid

For first-time buyers, a microphone with a cardioid polar pattern is often the right choice. This popular, heart-shaped pattern is front-sensitive. It focuses on sound directly in front of the mic, is less sensitive on the sides, and rejects sound from behind. Cardioid pattern mics are the most utilized, bar none; they are great for vocals, guitar cabinets, snare drums, and much more.

Omnidirectional

The omnidirectional pattern offers a circular pattern with 360-degree sensitivity and no single directional emphasis — quite the contrast to cardioid! One omnidirectional mic can capture multiple voices quite well, which makes these mics perfect for broadcasting, film, and sometimes live sound, particularly in interview- and panel-type settings. A complete pattern deep dive is beyond the scope of this piece, but check out the below article with sound samples for a closer look!

Microphone Polar Patterns Demonstrated — Use Your Ears!

Step #3: Microphone Type

Let’s explore the two most common mic types: condenser and dynamic.

Condenser: Hi-fi with a Sensitive Side

Condenser mics are sensitive, offering great detail for studio vocals and acoustic instruments. Live sound engineers, however, use condensers sparingly, as this mic’s sensitivity can amplify unwanted crowd or stage noise in ruinous detail. For detailed home recording, condenser mics yield serious bang-for-the-buck sound quality, especially for vocals and acoustic instruments like the guitar or piano.

Condensers are frequently separated into categories based on diaphragm size: large, medium, or small. The diaphragm is the membrane that is connected to the mechanism that converts sound waves into electrical signals, and the size and materials used add color to the condenser’s overall sound.

First-time buyers often get the most mileage from a large-diaphragm condenser. The Audio-Technica AT2035 large-diaphragm condenser microphone is a versatile, all-purpose option. The price tag is modest, and the features are anything but entry-level. Take its low-cut filter that eliminates muddy bass frequencies, for example. The AT2035 handles loud sources exceptionally well for a condenser, making it an especially useful choice — just the thing for a single-mic studio!

Sweetwater offers several AT2035 bundles with convenient accessories included in the box for a quick start. Streamers and podcasters can check out this handy Audio-Technica AT2035PK streaming/podcasting pack, complete with a broadcast-style stand and mic cable and pair of headphones.

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Dynamic: Stoic, Heavy-duty Handling

Dynamic mics are go-tos for recording, live performances, and content creation, including podcasting and streaming. Dynamic mics use a diaphragm connected to a voice coil to convert audio into an electrical current. This gives them impressive resistance to feedback and the rugged readiness necessary for loud, punchy sources, like those from guitar amps, pianos, speaker cabinets, and snare drums.

Dynamic mics come with small trade-offs — namely, reduced high-frequency nuance and less transient sensitivity compared to condensers. Dynamic mics remain a stalwart pick for everyday audio work, including broadcast, live, and studio sound.

Let’s investigate two best-selling dynamic mics: the Shure SM7B and SM57. Shure is by no means the only manufacturer worth considering, but glowing reputations and friendly prices make this Shure dynamic duo a perfect case study.

Professional use of the Shure SM7B cardioid dynamic vocal microphone and its predecessors has surged in the past 30 years for tracking studio vocals. Platinum pop artists, songwriters, indie darlings, and heavier acts, such as Metallica and Mastodon, have all put this mic to use for silky vocals with incredible presence. There are plenty of instances where a condenser mic’s lush sensitivity might introduce unwanted sounds (like mouth noise, outdoor ambiance, and string squeaks), especially when recording in untreated rooms, as is often the case for beginners.

The SM7B is also increasingly popular for podcasts and is known to fuel numerous prestige pods, including 99% Invisible, My Favorite Murder, and more. The SM7B owes some of its popularity to versatile onboard features, such as a low-cut filter and a midrange presence boost, that achieve exceptional sonics regardless of the performer’s gender or style.

You also can’t go wrong with the Shure SM57 cardioid dynamic instrument microphone. Don’t let this mic’s price fool you — the SM57’s sound quality and nearly indestructible build have laid humble foundations for legends of audio — both engineers and artists alike. This cardioid dynamic mic isolates sources and rejects side and rear noise extremely well. Plus, a “contoured presence boost” and proximity effect add power and warmth when placed close to any source. The results come close to the SM7B’s sound but at a lower price.

One note about microphones in general: product titles rarely reflect a microphone’s full potential. The SM7B and SM57 are listed as a “vocal microphone” and an “instrument microphone,” respectively, on Sweetwater’s website. We do this to highlight features like the SM7B’s vocal filters, but don’t let that limit your microphone use to just one thing, especially if you only have one mic. Technically speaking, any mic can be used on any source, and the SM7B works well on snare drums, piano, and guitar cabinets — just to name a few favorites!

The SM57 delivers further proof; it’s billed as an “instrument mic” but also sees frequent live and studio use, especially on vocals. I once had a recording engineer swap out a pricy condenser microphone for an SM57 during a vocal session. Though the outcome wasn’t as lush or detailed, the SM57 blended better with our mix (partially because the backing track had a live rock feel that was not particularly lush to begin with).

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Should You Choose an XLR or a USB Mic?

What type of connector should your first mic have? XLR and USB are the two main connectors used today. XLR is a standard professional audio connector used on most microphones. Cables with XLR connectors come in practically any length, and unless otherwise noted as USB or something else, microphones sold at Sweetwater feature XLR connectors.

Connector StyleXLRRecommended UseMusic, voice-overs, content creators, and live performance; preferred by those who anticipate expanding their gear collection in the futurePros• Cables come in any length• Standardized connector that is universally compatible with any XLR inputs and most studio gearConsRequires an audio interface or preamp

Then there are USB mics. These mics emerged from the need to plug microphones directly into computers and smart devices, and they offer unbeatable convenience for tons of simple audio tasks.

It’s not uncommon to see self-styled experts denounce the quality of USB microphones. But these mics should not be dismissed, as they are frequently the sonic equivalents of their XLR companions.

The design mechanics of a USB mic are identical to XLR mics at the point of capture; the captured signal is fully analog until it reaches a built-in converter that changes the audio into binary data that is passed to your computer. To be clear, USB is merely a connector type. USB microphones won’t give recordings a “digital” character of any kind. The difference between USB and XLR mics is the stage where the digital conversion occurs — either inside the mic (USB) or at the interface (XLR).

If convenience is a top priority, then don’t overlook USB mics! They require no additional gear and plug straight into laptops, computers, and even some smart devices. Their direct connections make setup and tear-down a breeze, so USB is a good way to save time and space. For a quick start with minimal gear, check out the Sennheiser Profile USB microphone streaming set or a dynamic like the Shure MV7 USB podcast microphone, Shure’s USB take on the SM7B.

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Connector StyleUSBRecommended UsePodcasts, streams, video chats, interviews, and select music applications, like tracking acoustic instruments, vocals, and simple demosPros• Huge improvements in features and quality• Self-contained preamps and A/D converters that eliminate the need for an audio interface• Rapid setup with single cableCons• Less broad compatibility with pro audio gear due to USB connector and integrated essentials• May require additional adapters depending on your computer or smart device

Do You Need an Interface?

XLR mics plug into an audio interface, whereas USB microphones deliver standalone functionality. Choosing an XLR mic means you’ll need an interface (or a mixing board, but this is rarely desirable for first-time buyers). Why though?

For starters, interfaces contain analog-to-digital (A/D) converters to convert analog sound into digital data that computers can use. If you buy an XLR mic, then you’ll need the interface to handle the A/D conversion. On the other hand, USB mics have A/D converters built in, eliminating the need for an audio interface. This may limit the USB mic’s compatibility with high-quality gear you may acquire in the future.

Secondly, interfaces contain preamps that boost the signal to usable levels and can add some unique color. USB mics have the preamp built in, so the preamp color is fixed compared to XLR mics, which can be colored by the sound of any preamp you choose. Preamp coloration is very nuanced and usually not a concern for beginners.

Finally, interfaces offer phantom power, which most condenser microphones require (delivered via standard XLR cable). Most dynamic mics do not require phantom power. USB mics all require power, which is seamlessly supplied to the microphone via USB from your computer or smart device.

In short, USB mics require a single cable, which is great for simple needs and/or limited space. XLR mics require an interface and more gear, but the control over workflow and sound is more flexible, future-proof, and best for those planning to expand their setups. If you don’t already own an audio interface and lean toward XLR, then consider picking up an interface like the PreSonus AudioBox iTwo USB audio interface or Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C audio interface, or check out Sweetwater’s full interface buying guide below.

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Audio Interface Buying Guide

Do You Need Accessories?

Accessory choices can make or break a successful mic purchase! Some mic accessories enhance sound quality, while others, such as stands, clips, and cables, are the bare minimum for use (unless you choose something like the RODE NT-USB Mini USB condenser microphone with a built-in stand). Use the chart below as a primer on what accessories are definite needs versus strongly recommended.

Must-have Accessories

StandsLocks microphone placement for predictable sound and hands-free useMost offer vertical and/or horizontal adjustments2-way adjustability a must-have for miking acoustic instruments, amps, and drumsRead Sweetwater’s buying guide below on mic stands and accessories for more tipsClipsA clasp with a threaded base; screws onto stand tips; secures microphones in placeMost (but not all) microphones include a basic clip Extra clip accessories, like the Gator Frameworks GFW-MIC-QRTOP quick-release mic attachment, can cut setup times while boosting versatilityCheck out the video below to see how to fit almost any clip to any stand

Mic Stands and Accessories Buying Guide

Recommended Accessories

Pop FiltersMade for recording vocals; inexpensive but yields big quality boostSoftens or eliminates thumpy “P” and “B” syllables (known as “plosives”)Some microphones offer built-in pop filters, like the TC-Helicon GoXLR MIC dynamic broadcast microphoneShockmountsQuality enhancers; prevents stand vibrations from affecting sound; works like a shock absorber on automobilesOften paired with condenser microphonesSome mics, like the Focusrite Vocaster DM14v dynamic broadcast microphone, have built-in shockmountsWindscreensReduces noise for improved sound when working outdoorsUsed for outdoor audio, video, and live sound, but not necessary for most first-time buyersPortable Vocal/Isolation BoothsIsolates vocals for more professional, high-fidelity recordingsOffsets the impact of low-quality room acousticsA high-value sound treatment solution; cost-effective; more flexible and less intrusive than installing permanent acoustic treatmentFor amps and cabinets, guitar versions, such as the sE Electronics guitaRF Reflexion Filter with stand, yield similarly focused sound

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Ready to Shop?

Sweetwater hopes to make each customer’s first mic purchase a successful one. With your new grasp on the basics, check out our site’s extensive condenser and dynamic or USB mic options. Should you need a helping hand from a sympathetic pro, call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700!

For a quick start, Sweetwater proudly stocks tons of microphone bundles. These bundles bring big savings and often include stands, too. Our sE Electronics V7 supercardioid dynamic handheld vocal microphone bundle, for instance, comes with a dynamic vocal mic, a stage-ready stand, and an XLR cable all in one box.

Music not your goal? We now have specialized options, like this Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Gen 3 and AT2020 podcasting bundle, tailored for podcasts, streams, vlogging, and more. It comes with an AT2020 mic, a boom stand (with built-in XLR cabling), a pair of studio headphones, and a USB interface. Check out more specialized bundles below. Happy shopping!

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