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Beginner's Gear Guide: Classic Recording Microphones

Peek into a professional's microphone locker.

While many classic microphones are beyond a beginner's budget, it never hurts a budding engineer to become familiar with the industry's most celebrated recording tools. Some famous recording microphones are no longer in production, but their legacy lives in on modern counterparts that are classics in their own right.

This guide highlights a few of the classic mics you might find in a professional studio's mic closet, plus tips for how to use each type of microphone. Need more advice from the experts? Give us a call at 1-800-ZZOUNDS for gear recommendations or help placing an order.
Classic Large-Diaphragm Condensers
Ideal for vocals and voiceovers, large-diaphragm condensers lend unique character to the sources they pick up. Many LDCs are multi-pattern microphones: they have switchable pickup patterns. Try the heart-shaped, unidirectional cardioid pattern for vocals, or use the figure-8 shaped bidirectional pattern on a pair of singers, as a mono drum overhead, or on a singer who plays acoustic guitar. Need a nice room microphone? The omnidirectional pattern delivers the most natural, uncolored sound.
  BLUE Bluebird Cardioid Studio Condenser Microphone
$219.95
or 4 payments of $74.75
Free Ground Shipping Free Ground Shipping
  Neumann TLM102 Studio Microphone
or 8 payments of $87.50
Free Ground Shipping Free Ground Shipping
See more Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphones »
Small-Diaphragm Condensers
Small-diaphragm condensers are classic tools for accurately capturing the fast transients produced by cymbals, hand drums, and the percussive sound of acoustic guitars. Sometimes known as "pencil mics," small-bodied SDC microphones can often fit places that large-diaphragm mics can't -- like inside an acoustic piano. A pair of small-diaphragm condensers in a stereo X-Y configuration are an ideal setup for recording a classical ensemble or choir in a concert hall.
  Rode NT5 Condenser Microphone
Play as You Pay on orders $249+
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Distinctive Ribbon Microphones
Going for a vintage sound? Ribbon microphones impart a dark, smooth character that's flattering on vocals, guitar amps, horns, and more. These classic mics have enjoyed a comeback in the last decade, and they're a great choice when condenser microphones sound too bright. If you're working with a source that might sound a little harsh or strident -- like a violin, trumpet, or female vocalist -- try recording with a ribbon mic to round off the sharp edges.
  Audio-Technica AT4080 Bidirectional Ribbon Microphone with ...
$849.95
or 4 payments of $249.75
Free Ground Shipping Free Ground Shipping
  MXL R144 Ribbon Microphone
Play as You Pay on orders $249+
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Tube Condenser Microphones
Tube condensers, the crown jewels of many pro studio mic collections, deliver a sweet, warm quality that's flattering on just about any voice. Powered by vacuum tubes, these microphones come with their own dedicated phantom power supplies, and they require at least a few minutes of warming up. Tube condensers typically have continuously-variable polar patterns: turn the knob on the power supply to dial in a pickup pattern of bidirectional, cardoid, omni, or anywhere in between.
  Rode K2 Tube Condenser Microphone
$619.95
or 4 payments of $174.75
Free Ground Shipping Free Ground Shipping
  MXL Genesis Tube Condenser Microphone
or 4 payments of $148.75
Free Ground Shipping Free Ground Shipping
See more Tube Condenser Microphones »
Must-have Dynamic Microphones
Rounding out the classic mic closet are our favorite must-have dynamic microphones. Classics like the Sennheiser MD421 and Shure SM7B are often found on the notoriously hard-to-mic floor tom and rack tom, while the Audix D6 microphone is a modern classic on kick drum. The EV RE-20, an exceptionally smooth vocal microphone, is often found in broadcast radio DJ booths. These tough dynamic mics also shine on loud sources like screaming guitar amplifiers, or aggressive rock or rap vocals.
  Audix D6 Large Format Bass Drum Microphone
Play as You Pay on orders $249+
Free Ground Shipping Free Ground Shipping
See more Dynamic Instrument Microphones »
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Need it now but short of cash? All we need is the first payment up front and the rest in easy monthly payments!

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We approve everyone, with very few exceptions, as long as we can verify your identity.
No interest. Ever.
It's just as if you paid the whole amount up front!
No paperwork. Nothing to track.
No application to mail or fax, no bills to pay. We automatically charge the payments to your credit card.

We'll wait on your money so you don't have to wait for your gear!

When you checkout, just click the Play as you Pay checkbox to indicate which installment plan you wish to use.

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on most orders $49+

Just $2.99 on
smaller orders

Really heavy stuff might cost you a
little more

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Why fight traffic and pushy salesmen when we'll bring your gear straight to your home, free of charge?

zZounds free shipping is really free!
No hidden charges or hassles on returns.
Fast, reliable delivery
We have warehouses on both coasts, so most shipments arrive in 3 days or less.
We don't collect sales tax. Bonus!
Only NJ residents pay tax during checkout.
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