Microphones are one of the most important pieces of equipment in any recording studio.
I would argue that in order of importance they come right after having capable musicians and a great performance/song to record. Microphones are tools of the trade. Personally, whenever I buy any type of audio equipment I always opt for gear that will serve more than one purpose, and this most certainly applies when buying microphones for my studio.
Below is a short list of microphones that I use on almost all of my recording sessions, as well as what I most often use them to record. All three of these mics can be purchased for under $800 each.
AKG 414 ULS-B
This large diaphragm condenser is an absolute recording studio workhorse. It has 4 polar patterns: cardioid, hypercardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-eight. This particular model (now discontinued) is my favorite of all the versions that I’ve had the privilege of using. It has a warm, full-bodied character that is almost dark, and great for taming sibilant or nasally voices.
Common uses:
· Vocals
· Acoustic guitar
· Cello & upright bass
· Outside kick drum mic (blends very well with a dynamic mic inside the kick drum)
Neumann KM184
This small diaphragm cardioid condenser mic is another recording studio workhorse. I’m fortunate enough to own a matched pair, and I love using them in an X/Y stereo configuration on anything that I want to have a bit of a stereo image.
Common uses:
· Violin & viola
· Wind instruments
· Piano
· Drum overheads
· Main pair for classical/concert recording
· Choir
· Acoustic guitar, banjo, & mandolin
· Harp
· Pipe organ
Mojave MA101
This small diaphragm condenser microphone comes with both cardioid and omnidirectional capsuls, and an internal 15dB pad. I own a matched pair and most often use them as room mics with the omnidirectional capsuls, which have an extremely neutral sound. Combining the room sound picked up by these mics with the more direct sound picked up by spot mics adds a wonderful sense of depth to whatever I’m recording.
Common uses:
· Room mics
· Acoustic guitar
· Drum overheads
· Piano