January 28, 2025
What is the best microphone for home recording?
Having produced music for over 20 years and winning 5 Juno Awards (Canada’s Grammys), I have an answer.
If you only get one microphone for your recording music, this should be it.
Hey! Give us a shout about anything really.
Our goal is for you to start getting your music into TV & film.
I have used Shure SM57 in the past and it has done the job well. These days I use a condenser mic for vocals.
Yes, that’s good to hear, Bob, but there are as many condenser microphones as there are models of cars. I encourage you to try some different condensers to hear their strengths or an emulation mic.
Thanks Chris for your advice, one day if I ever get good enough in music composition I will invest in this microphone, but for now I just use cheapest one that cost nine pound lol… I’m not a professional so for me it doesn’t really matter. Just wanted to say a big thankyou to you all for your time and energy on zoom, have a lovely New Year ya all
For sure. Though you won’t be able to connect with a global audience if you don’t care that much about the production value of your recordings, it’s a cheap way to keep having music as a hobby. Nothing wrong with that.
I use the Gefell range of mics.
For vocals M990 and instruments m930.
I believe in putting resources into capturing a pure signal and then applying eq / effects after that.
I’ve worked with various vocalists and its always delivered.
The M930 is expensive, but I wish I’d invested it a few years earlier in my career 🙂 .
Did try a few hand built mic pre-amps at one stage, but felt they coloured the vocal sound too much.
Looks like an interesting product though – I use virtual guitar amp modelling regularly and love it.
Malc
For sure, Malcom. Each to their own in terms of signal chain. The problem is the M990 won’t be ideal for everyone so this is where the versatility of an emulation mic comes in.
I have some Neumann’s that I love (M49V, UC67 Reissue, TLM103, KM184 pair), besides others (GA 251, R121, SM57, etc.). They are like lovely instruments that can have wonderful nuances when recording. For the moment I will not go for emulation mics, but I understand their value for money if you are on a budget and want to have options.
For sure, you are one of the lucky ones who have an expensive mic locker. You don’t need one I agree. Most folks can’t afford or don’t want a locker of mics, so the emulation ones are an excellent alternative. Lots of great records have been made with them.
Thanks Chris, definitely searching for a microphone. One to gig with (which is currently the Shure SM57 workhorse) and one for home recording – a Rode NTI-A. I am looking for a good for at home recording. The Rode is not creating a good sound. Thanks for this video!
Thanks, Heather. I think an emulation mic will make you very happy.
I had never heard of this microphone before and didn’t give much thought to microphone emulators until now. Thanks for sharing this video Chris. Good idea and a worthwhile investment, no doubt. Especially for starting out, and/or on a budget. I started out with an AT2020, then eventually moved into an AT4033a and recently just acquired a Neumann TLM 103.
Yes, I highly recommend trying one out. It may be a better choice on your vocal than the TLM103.
Slate has questionable quality control, my emulation mic from them developed a loud noise after one year. Search online, you will find others have the same problem.
I just bought a Roswell MiniK47 and couldn’t be happier, it sounds stunning and super quiet. No futzing with software in the DAW either.
That’s great to hear you found your ideal mic, David. I assume you A/B’d a bunch before settling on the ultimate one for you?
Hey Chris thanks again for passing along good information and advice. You are the best. I have a Rode NT2-A condenser that I’m not very happy with. It doesn’t have a clean presence and takes a lot to find the sweet-spot with regard to distance from the mic and the gain on the pre-amp. I get by tho.
A suggestion I have, (as I thought that’s what you were getting at in the video) is that it would be great if you hosted a giveaway contest or something so your followers have a chance to win one of these mics!? (Question: If you’ve tried the Slate M1 how does it compare in your opinion? )
You might be a perfect candidate for an emulation mic. The Slate is good too, just different. Thanks for the contest suggestion, but I don’t want to get into promoting gear for money or appearing to play favorites. I hope you get a chance to experiment with an emulation mic.
I already have SM7b, AT4050, JZ V67 and a bunch of other mics… condenser, ribbon and dynamics. The JZ mic sounds great for everything but for really high volume stuff I’ll use the SM7b. I don’t see myself buying another mic for a while but it will probably be a high end tube mic when I do. I’ve recorded with a tube 47 before and that is a sound that’s pretty hard to beat!
That’s great, Sean. You already have a mic locker with a lot of money tied up in it. What I am suggesting is a great alternative for most people for a fraction of the money. Good on you though for having such a great selection at your disposal.
Hey Chris.. I owned one for awhile but ended up going with a Neumann TLM103 and a Warm Audio WA-8000, which is a tube mic. I chose these because they are right for my voice. Considering I usually only record my voice, those mics are really all I need. The modeler mics are good for many people, just not me I found. What do you think of the room emulation headphones like Slate Digital’s VSX?
Interesting. Yes, if you found something that worked better for you, great to hear. You also spent two or three times as much money though, but the best quality you can get in your budget the better.
I own and use a Rode with good results. Made in Australia.
Sounds good, Jeff. Are they good results or great results? You should try out an emulation mic and A/B it in case you discover you were settling for just good. Your music will thank you and if you happened to pick the ultimate mic with the Rode, now you will know.
My producer has a ton of mics and when recording for real, I just let him do his thing. But when recording acoustic guitar and vox, we use my TLM103. I wanted a ‘good one’ for myself, and we use it all the time. I’ve found it pretty versatile. I live in an apartment now, so no more live mic-ing drums at home lol, but that’s when I go to the studio and producer goes to the arsenal. At home though, it’s the 103 and as mentioned, we use it on the albums too.
If you already have access to a ton of expensive mics, you are good to go. Most folks don’t, so emulation mics are the next best way to go in my opinion.
Are you plugging commercial products as part you Sync/Songwriter Course?
You didn’t watch the video before posting? I explained exactly what I was doing.
My first most popular release was recorded on my Focusrite microphone. It did the job, but knowing about emulation mics now…… you may have just cost me some $$$ lol.
Doing the job and conjuring magic are two different things. 🙂 Think of it as an investment.
I have a basement studio. Have been using a Sennheiser E835 with a foam popscreen on the ball for years. I put it at a 45 degree angle to my face and I don’t need a de-esser or a filter for plosives. Rock on.
If you have tried out a bunch of other mics and know for sure that is the very best one on your vocal bar none, then stick to what works.
For the folks that can’t afford it the expensive microphones don’t matter.
From my personal experience with loads of expensive German and other mics, Chris is on point with this recommendation. I own the Townsend labs, now Universal Audio, Sphere and it’s really amazing. As for the U47/U67 comparison, as well any of the others in the library, it depends which physical vintage specimen you are using for comparison. I have personally had gorgeous German mic that suddenly developed a noisy tube. Simple, right? Just replace the wonky valve. Nope. It never sounded quite the same. The point is that these mics, much like a Kemper profiler, will sound the same day after day. Now, you won’t have an heirloom piece that appreciate in value but you will have a really flexible and powerful tool at your disposal. Just did for thoughts.
For sure, Bryan! Not a lot of folks can afford vintage mics anyway, so I totally agree.
I use a Stam-47 remake from Brazil…..through a BAE DMP preamp….sounds wonderful
Great to hear it works for you.
Hi, Chris
I use a Neumann M149 tube mic, which I wouldn’t afford if starting today, but I had it already from a studio venture I was in for a number of years. But, if I was starting today, I would definitely go this route.
Thanks for the info!
I had one at my studio as well, Ernie. It worked on a lot of things, but I missed the transformers too much, so bought some with more body and harmonics to them.
Yes, I used to use one in the studio as well, but missed the transformers too much so we sold it. If it works on you though, that is great to hear.
I am definitely on a – not a microphone journey, but a vocal-recording journey. I’ve been working with a singer who has a very bright voice – sometimes even her effs have a spike in the waveform ! I don’t know if its my room (I’ve been trying different things, adding sound absorption, made an isolation corner, etc.), my mics (SM57, Rode NT2-A, Octava MK012, Beyer Dynamic Soundstar mk II), her voice, or all three !
Yes, if you flipped the emulation microphone to a Coles or even an M49, that would probably be the ticket to tame that bright voice. That is the beauty of those mics.
Michael Jackson used an SM7b for his Vocals!
Which is a full range mic good for many things. It is amazing on violin and mandolin as well. It tames the harshness in the high end making it silky and easy to fit in a mix with little fuss, especially if you are stacking several strings.
Yes, and Mick Jagger an SM57, but it doesn’t mean they are good for everyone. In fact it’s the exact opposite. Always pick the right mic for the job and it will be different for most singers.
I am so happy you shared this information on the microphone. I have had a terrible time finding the right mic for me for studio recordings. My stage mic is the Sure PG58 and it works well for my live performance. However, I have tried several condenser microphones to find something that captures a richer tone. I have found that the condenser mic’s I have used continue to have a more tinny sound. This may also be the impact of my home studio and sound deadening. But it has been a challenge. I keep having to go into a studio get a clean vocal that I can live with. Haven’t been able to replicate at home. I definitely will look into this as I have been reading dozens of reviews and opinions – everybody has the greatest. Thanks.
Great to hear, Eric! Definitely also look at your recording area, but once you have that figured out, you will be able to get sounds with an emulation mic you can put on the radio.
been using one for 2 years..with antelope interface
useful and handy..nothing perfect but good company that does good quality stuff…recommended..tokyo boot i like and the c2…most emulations useful
For sure, not as good as the real thing, but if you don’t have $50k to pick up a U47 and a U67, I think it is a fantastic alternative.
Hi Chris,
Great to hear from you! Hope you had a wonderful holiday season and sounds like your 2025 is off to a fantastic start!
Loving my Slate M1 emulation mic! I still use other mics if the situation warrants it, but I could never afford a mic locker like the virtual collection I have with the Slate!
Have you ever compared Antelope vs Slate vs Townsend? If so, what would you say are the differences?
That is exactly why I think they are great. It gives people who can’t afford a mic locker a chance to get world class sounds at home for a fraction of the cost.
Hi Chris – Thanks much – I have been using a slate emulation mic for about a year now and boy it makes a difference – and makes mixing so much easier with better results in a shorter amount of time :0) it was some of the best advice I got all year 🙂
Great to hear, Jim! Yes, it makes getting great sounds such a breeze.
I use The Samson C03 Multi-pattern Condenser Mic. I don’t however, have any recordings out on social media that I have used this mic on. I have only recorded with my band. That will be changing now and this is the mic I originally bought for home recording.
If you tested a bunch of mics to figure out the best one for your vocal, you are good to go.
My go to mic for the last 12 years in my home studio is the Audio-Technica AT2020. If it is good enough for Billie Eilish it has to have something going for it. Gives me the sounds I’m looking for.
If you are getting the sound you are looking for then you are good to go, Howard. I am pretty sure Billie used a TLM 103 and then recently switched to a different one.
Always had great luck with the trusty Neumann U 87, and I still use my old AKG D330BT from time to time for live vocals since it has the built-in EQ.
Good to hear!
Hi, Chris,
I have a Shure which I used for gigs back when I did gigs. I have another for my live streams (just starting again). But when I record a song, I use whatever my producer has for me.
Catherine
PS I will add my website but it is in need of attention (just getting to that as well).
If it works best on your voice, then you are good to go.
I have the Townsend Labs Sphere L22 with “Sphere Collection”, “Sphere Collection 180″, and “Bill Putnam Mic Collection”. The producers down in Nashville, that I know, have kind of given up on this modeling technique because it’s expensive and it requires two channels coming in on the track. I’ve got the know how to do it, but you must load the mic plugin when it comes into the track that takes the two channels and assimilates them back into a mic modeled track.
The Antelope uses two outputs as well to create the profile. Works great!
I use a Townsend labs. Chris, I totally agree with you here! It’s great to have versatility on different sources. There’s everything including ribbon mic/dynamic/and condenser emulations. It’s also a good tool to learn what the characteristics of these mics are if your unfamiliar.
Nice!
I’ve got the Slate I think it is a pretty great value.
I also have many other mics and experiment all the time.
Good to hear, Don.
I totally agree about the importance of investing in a quality mic for capturing vocals. It’s amazing how different microphones can bring out various nuances in a vocal performance, and finding the right one for each track can really elevate the sound.
Bingo!
Moved 14 months ago, had to rebuild recording room, found that the room makes a big difference in results with the mikes I had been using. Mostly using Shure SM7dB for vocal, Rode NT1-A or Shure SM58 for guitar, Shure SM57 for standup bass. Considering Ear Trumpet Mabel.
Sounds good, Bill. One of the advantages of using dynamic mics is that the room matters less. That said, an SM7 will not work on all vocals and you might start craving a condenser mic beyond the Rode.
Hi Chris,,love all your stuff,,backstage pass alum here. I recently got the Slate ML1 emulation mic, I guess it’s similar to the
antelope,,maybe better priced?? On one of your recent listening session, I played a song that I wrote with a male singer that was using the Slate and you thought that it worked well for his voice and in my home studio. So,your opinion plz,,thanks
Great to hear, Wayne. Yes I think the Slate is cheaper than the Antelope. It has a less complex build than the Edge Duo.
Hi Chris, I use an AKG P5S. I opted for a dynamic microphone because I don’t have a quiet/isolated room. But it’s still very sensitive, it picks up any noise from my mouth, for example. I’d really like to know how my voice sounds through a different microphone, but the ones you mentioned cost around R$9,000 here in Brazil (around US$1,500). But how do they work? Wouldn’t it be possible to simulate another microphone with EQ and other plugins (saturation, etc)?
That is a good move if you don’t have a good room, but it is difficult to “turn” one mic into another. Emulation mics have a very flat response and complex hardware that does the trick. Sorry to hear it cost so much in your country.
The best vocal mic I have found, especially for the price is the Dachman Audio DA 87 which is a replication of the Neumann U87 but for only a few hundred dollars. The sound is full yet crisp and clear and for musicians on a budget, I highly recommend it.
You usually get what you pay for, but maybe it is good for the price. The trick though is getting a mic that will apply to a lot of uses which is why I love the emulation mics.
I’ve gotten great results on my AKG-414. I bought it in the late 90s when I still had a cash flow from business. Altogether I spent about $25k on a 24 track recording system, which included 3 ADATs, 24 channel Mackie board, a bunch of studio compressors and effects.
Today, while the value of all the other components have gone to $0, the AKG is still in use today!
Good to hear, Peter! I mean about the mic.
Great point about focusing on the signal before applying effects. It’s easy to get distracted by the gear, but ultimately, the microphone is where the sound begins.
👍
It’s always interesting to hear people’s perspectives on affordable vs. high-end gear. I’ve been in the same boat as Allison, using a cheaper mic because I’m still learning. But I wonder, as we improve, when does it make sense to step up our gear?
There is something very liberating about using better gear. It gives you a quick win with sound and inspires you with the raised ceiling. I am always of the opinion that you should get the best you can and grow into it, rather than grow out of cheaper gear and having some substandard recordings because of it.
Hi Chris – My personal vocal mic is an AKG C414 B-ULS. I heard Billy Idol used that mic in the studio back in the 80’s so I thought it’d suit me just fine, lol, and have been using it ever since. Thanks for the suggestion of the Antelope Edged Duo, that’s something I’ll seriously consider. I’ve never sung thru a Neumann or Sony and it’s something I’d like to try. Also, thanks for the Art of The Song Pitch event. I was able to catch some of it, thought it was very cool!