Engineers, producers, speakers and artists all rely on microphones to capture performances. Placing and selecting microphones is an art in its own right, and is a task that requires knowledge of microphone types, capabilities and applications. Microphones are arguably the most important pieces of audio equipment on stage or in the studio. While a good performance can be improved in the mix, engineers know that a good sound must be captured at the source of studio microphones. Shopping for such an important piece of gear as studio microphones is well worth the research and investment thats required. The following information will provide an overview of what microphones are available, what they cost, and how they are commonly used.

The Shure SM-58 and SM-57 are excellent dynamic microphones that have a variety of applications. The microphones capsules themselves are identical, but grill design differences make the 57 microphone a better fit for instruments and the 58 microphones more suitable for vocals. Both models are affordable, but they are renown for their sound quality, durability, and ability to handle high sound pressure levels. The 57 microphone is a favorite of live and studio engineers for snare drums, toms, and guitar amplifiers, even when there are other high-end microphones available. The 58 are the ultimate go-to vocal microphones for live technicians, but are also used in the recording studio as studio microphones. Both microphones retail for about $180.

Another great utility microphone is the AKG C 414. The 414 microphone is a condenser mic that, like the SM Model studio microphones, which are commonly used for live sound and recording. The SM Model studio microphones are well known for their sensitivity, transient and high-end response, as well as the ability to handle high SPL. It is an excellent choice microphone for lighter instruments like winds, or acoustic guitar. The 414 microphones are also commonly used for louder sources like snare drums, drum overheads, and horns. The 414 B-XLs, and the B-XL II microphones (the two most recent models) have five selectable polar patterns, including figure-8, omni-directional and cardioid. They retail for $1299 and $1349 respectively. Beyond studio microphones, there are a wide variety of other microphones which have more specific functions. The AKG D112 ($369 MSRP) dynamic microphone is highly favored for its low-end response and punchy attack in the high-midrange for kick drum applications. Electrovoice RE-20 studio microphones, which retail for about $750.00, are employed often in broadcasting, and in recording basses. The Senheiser MD 421 ($598) is a dynamic microphone used frequently for sources like drums and guitar cabinets. The Shure SM-81 condensers retail for about $591.60 each and are excellent choices for stereo miking an acoustic guitar, drum kit, or choir. For vocals, the Shure KSM 9 ($850) and KSM 27 ($575) microphones are hard to beat without reaching for studio treasures like the Neuman U87 studio microphones. Proper selection of microphones are a crucial factor to capturing a good performance, so it makes sense to be armed with plenty of information before making purchases. Good studio microphones or performance microphones, placed and applied correctly will yield great sound and prove to be a worthwhile investment, no matter what the cost.