Customer Kudos

"zZounds may be the greatest thing to happen to me honestly. I built my entire studio with their help, and could never thank them enough. I am nearing 50 years old, and never had the chance to do it for myself, til a few years ago, when I discovered zZounds. I now have the ability to play synths, guitars, drums, you name it. Make payments, set up home studio, make your dreams come true. And its all thanks to zZounds!!"
March 7, 2025
Beginner's Gear Guide: Microphones

Beginner's Gear Guides: Microphones

Looking for the right microphone for your project? Find it with this guide.

Eventually, just about everyone needs a microphone. Maybe you're a budding home studio producer looking to capture the perfect vocal track, or maybe you just need a simple USB microphone for podcasts, livestreams, or gaming at home. Maybe you're a music teacher looking to record your students' performances. Or maybe you're putting the finishing touches on a killer live PA system.

No matter what kind of musician, audio engineer, or producer you are, our microphone guide has something for everyone: inexpensive project studio microphones, time-honored recording studio classics, staple microphones for stage performances, and all the stands, cables, clips, mounts, and windscreens you need to complete your rig.

Need help picking out the perfect microphone for your project? Give us a call at 1-800-ZZOUNDS for expert advice and gear recommendations.

See more Beginner's Gear Guides »

Project Studio Microphones: Budget-friendly picks
In the home project studio, building a mic collection is all about balancing your needs with your budget. If you're ready to start tracking vocals and instruments at home, check out these do-it-all condensers, tough dynamic mics, and even USB microphones that can plug directly into your computer without an interface.
Learn more about Project Studio Microphones »

Rode NT-USB Plus USB Condenser Microphone

$169.00
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $28.17
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $42.25

Shure SM4 Dual-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Mic

$199.00
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $33.17
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $49.75

Audio-Technica AT2040 Hypercardioid Dynamic Podcast Microphone

$99.00
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $16.50
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $24.75

Lewitt LCT 240 PRO Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

$149.00
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $24.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $37.25
Classic Recording Microphones: What the pros use
It's hard to go wrong with these time-tested favorites. Large-diaphragm condensers like the AKG C 414 lend their unique character to vocals, while small-diaphragm condensers like the Neumann KM184 are known for accuracy on cymbals, acoustic guitars, and more. Dynamic mics like the Shure SM7B are classics for broadcast voiceover and vocals. Modern-classic ribbon microphones like the Royer R-121 are indispensable when recording guitar amps.
Learn more about Classic Recording Microphones »

AKG C 414 XL II 9-Pattern Condenser Microphone

$1,199.00
  • 18 x  
  • 12 x  
    $99.92
  • 8 x  
    $149.88
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $199.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $299.75

Neumann KM 184 Cardioid Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

$849.00
  • 12 x  
    $70.75
  • 8 x  
    $106.13
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $141.50
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $212.25

Shure SM7B Dynamic Cardioid Studio Vocal Microphone

$399.00
  • 8 x  
    $49.88
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $66.50
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $99.75

Royer Labs R-121 Dynamic Passive Ribbon Microphone

$1,499.00
  • 12 x  
    $124.92
  • 8 x  
    $187.38
Stage Staple Microphones: Our picks for live performance
We've got mics to meet the needs of any live performance venue: handheld dynamics and condensers that are ideal for reinforcing speech and vocals, dynamic instrument microphones, wearable clip-on and headset microphones for performers and presenters that require mobility, wireless systems -- plus stereo microphones for no-hassle live recording setups.
Learn more about Stage Staple Microphones »

Shure SM58 Dynamic Handheld Microphone

$99.00
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $16.50
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $24.75

Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

$99.00
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $16.50
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $24.75

Sennheiser XSW-1 e825 Wireless Handheld Vocal Microphone System

$299.00
  • 8 x  
    $37.38
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $49.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $74.75

Shure BLX14/P31 PGA31 Wireless Headset Microphone System

$349.00
  • 8 x  
    $43.63
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $58.17
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $87.25
Microphone Accessories: Stands, cables, and more
From pro studios to home recording setups, sooner or later everyone needs a microphone stand. We've got a selection of boom stands, straight stands and desk stands -- plus XLR cables, clips, mounts, windscreens, pop filters, and even reflection filters to help fight unwanted room ambiance in the home studio.
Learn more about Microphone Accessories »

Hercules MS533B Tripod Base Hideaway Boom Stand

$95.49
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $23.87

sE Electronics RF-X Reflexion Filter

$99.00
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $16.50
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $24.75