Best Microphones For Recording Electric Guitar (2024 Update)

This microphone is one of the best suited for handling guitar amps and other louder close mic applications, especially where a low profile is advantageous, such as on stage or in a cramped studio setting. The mike can be hung/slung over a speaker cabinet or mounted on small footprint stand and placed directly in front of speaker cone/grill. The flat design allows for setup in extremely tight spaces. The frequency response of 40-18k works well on most amplified instruments. It is designed optimally to handle high sound pressure levels (loud) without pads. Response is fairly flat and even across the entire range. It is also super-cardroid pattern meaning crosstalk can be kept to a minimum, important when mic'ing multiple cabs. I found these to be superior to the standard sm-57 type mics for guitar cabinet pickup, more bottom end, crisper high end and very low profile. They are also fairly durable. I've been using mine for a long time and they have held up well.Steviebone

Works great as a guitar-amp mic. You can hang it over the top of the amp, or use something like the K&M 25950 (or 25900) stands. I'm not enamored with Sennheiser's mic clips, but they function; I'd be concerned about repeatedly attaching/removing mics from those clips. That could be unwarranted, but time will tell. Otherwise the mic sounds perfect for my needs (micing guitar amps)Dan

This microphone is one of the best suited for handling guitar amps and other louder close mic applications, especially where a low profile is advantageous, such as on stage or in a cramped studio setting. The mike can be hung/slung over a speaker cabinet or mounted on small footprint stand and placed directly in front of speaker cone/grill. The flat design allows for setup in extremely tight spaces. The frequency response of 40-18k works well on most amplified instruments. It is designed optimally to handle high sound pressure levels (loud) without pads. Response is fairly flat and even across the entire range. It is also super-cardroid pattern meaning crosstalk can be kept to a minimum, important when mic'ing multiple cabs. I found these to be superior to the standard sm-57 type mics for guitar cabinet pickup, more bottom end, crisper high end and very low profile. They are also fairly durable. I've been using mine for a long time and they have held up well.Steviebone

Works great as a guitar-amp mic. You can hang it over the top of the amp, or use something like the K&M 25950 (or 25900) stands. I'm not enamored with Sennheiser's mic clips, but they function; I'd be concerned about repeatedly attaching/removing mics from those clips. That could be unwarranted, but time will tell. Otherwise the mic sounds perfect for my needs (micing guitar amps)Dan

I looked up and down everywhere to see what's the best mic for all around, Like the hidden gem in the cornfield. People told me the rodemic, Razer and snow xlr mic, But from looking past the "Normal" I seen the sm57. A famous hidden mic no one really knew about, Basically has the same tone sm7b just a little different. $100ish instead of $400 count me in, I been using it for zoom calls, Twitch, Discord and everyone i talked to said i went from a very noisy and outland voice to a solid nice tone. I personally use mine with a boom arm, the a81ws, focusrite. No issues with it and i had it for about 3 months, I'm not the gentlest on it either so I feel comfortable using it on a day to day basis. Who would i recommend this to? To be totally honest everyone, You want it to do something? Trust me it will. 10/10Bradleigh, K

I've only had chance to do a quick sound check miking my Bugera V22 and recording the sound using my new Tascam DP-008 EX 8-track recorder. Sound quality was very good, especially for a basic home office recording setup. I can see why this mic is so popular in the industry. For perspective, I am a hobbyist and don't perform, but like to have the best sound for my limited budget to make recordings for myself and maybe friends and family. This mic lives up to its rep for being a great value for what you pay, punching above its class, no doubt.Steve

Overall: Finally bought a couple of these for use primarily on drums, guitar cabs, & horns. I'm a former music performance major and audio engineering school grad, & have been building my studio for over 15 years. Got the 421's in the mail and immediately used them on a drum session with rack & floor tom, running through API preamps. The sound was excellent! I was very impressed with the tonal quality, the ambient pickup (or lack thereof), and will probably order at least two more. Different people have different opinions of this mic, but it's a workhorse for a reason. Every mic has its own 'thing', and this mic does what it does amazingly well. Dynamic mics are not condenser mics, and they have a different sound / vibe. The roll-off switch will come in handy for mic'ing guitar cabs, bass cabs, low toms & kick drum, and anything in close proximity. These mics handle louder sources very well. Of course, the only downside to this mic is the notoriously bad clip. It's okay if you don't have to move it, such as placing on drums or guitar cabs in a session. Obviously not meant to be moved once set in place. However, a very, very good dynamic mic that will get used a ton in my studio.Chuck

For podcasters wanting to upgrade their mic, you may have lost a deal of the century. This proven microphone was nearly half off earlier this year. It sold out, but BH honored the sale price when it was back ordered a month (other places didn't). All Sennheiser dynamic mics are time-tested over the years, and you'll see this model in use decades ago on live television. It is no frills, but great for voice. Almost nobody likes the mount, but it hasn't been an issue for me as I leave it in place all of the time. It is a good mic for the price it usually commands, but was an insane price earlier this year. And it wasn't a typo!Jeffery

My first Tom mics Where the Sennheiser 604’s they last over 10 years 1 died and I slowly lost the rest. So I picked 6 more mics but I stepped up to the Sennheiser 904s. These are an improvement and I still use them but I felt compelled to give the Sennheiser 421 a shot ,so I up six of those. And wow such a massive improvement. . They are so rich and full , capturing the true tone of my drums. Where they really shine is in the lower notes I really wish I would’ve bought 10 of these instead of 6 I want to try one out tonight on my snare drum and see how I like that as well. This is one of my best purchases if you can afford it I suggest you go for it and get you a set of these as well. Good luck and happy recording.Death Metal Jim

Overall: Seeing the pictures online made me think one thing. But then seeing in my hand made me think another. This is a rather small microphone in comparison to what I've used in the past. Transitioning from a monsterous Sterling Audio ST-79 to the TLM-102 made a HUGE difference. The depth of the vocal is outstanding. The frequency range is great and the Higher SPL makes it able to withstand some of the loudmouth vocalist rappers it will be used on. I myself have a deeper raspier voice and this mic works wonders on the clarity of it. In the mix there is much more control on dialing in to get the sound you want. This little Big Dog is now my Go to mic for Vocals out of my collection which includes: a. (1) ST-79 -Sterling Audio – Condenser b. (1) ST-55 – Sterling Audio – Condenser c. (1) MXL 990 and (1) 991 – MXL – Condensers d. (2) Fathead I – Cascade – Ribbon e. (1) TLM-102 – Neumann – Condenser (these are just my Vocal specific mics) All in all I love the mic and the mixing flexablity, its smaller size, and its versatility in use. Sure there is not a bass roll-off, or pad switch so it may not be best for SOME RANDOM VERY SPECIFIC NEED. But for the typical use of a microphone this thing has become my best friend.Chris

I play acoustic fingerstyle guitar and I was looking at some mics options to do some recordings… this mic is absolutely brilliant ! It captures amazingly the sounds of an acoustic guitar, very detailed and all nuances can be heard. Very rich and natural sound and exactly what I was looking for acoustic guitar recordings. Furthermore the look is stunning and the quality amazing. Love it! I am now considering getting another one so I could pair it nicely with the one I owe. Highly recommended!! Here is a recoding I've made with this mic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIThVYPlJ5MReviewed by Andertons Music Co.

Overall: I just bought Neumann TLM 102 for a few sessions on my vocals and nylon & acoustic guitar. I do noticed, TLM 102 does have a little more presence and somewhat compressed on the bass. If you want to tame the bass, then you'll be happy with TLM 102 (note: There’s no cut low/high filter switch). If you're asking a flat sound, it's not here. Presence is strong? "yes." A lot more than mine Oktava MK 319. Treble? a little less than mine. If you want a little more treble for your vocals, you might want TLM 103. But remember, 103 is two times for you to pay. Do you want something "warm'ish" in your vocals? It's all right. It's not the best for a warm warm sound. BUT it is good though. You may have to turn up the mid a little more when you mixed. On my vocals and nylon & acoustic, I had to decrease -10 db on the bass. After my recording and testing, I decided to return mine TLM 102. For me, It's just not worth it –especially it’s 8x than my MK319. I really expected a lot more, but I know there are a lot of people that they love it. They say, they would pay 10 times. For the rest of my sessions, I went back to my MK 319. RECOMMENDATION?? Well, if you have a budget….sure. It would be nice recording a few acoustic rhythms. But, I know there are few more mics that are a lot cheaper than TLM 102 with the same quality sound.Xylor

I bought to of these to run as a stereo pair for guitar amplifiers in a live environment. They are terrific! They handle whatever two 100 watt amps can throw at them and do not color the sound in any sort of negative manner. They definitely let the amps tone shine right through. I went from two classic Sm57s to these and I just notice more clarity and detail than I did with the 57s. Mic placement is a breeze. I spent all of 5 minutes with a pre-recorded loop figuring out the most natural sound and its very easy to find the large sweetspot with these mics. Again, the 57 does not have a huge sweet spot.Blakemore

These mics came highly recommended by another sound engineer I know and, having owned the lesser e609 mics, I decided to take the plunge when I found these at a fantastic price. Pros: Excellent sound quality. Have used it in front of a few different types of bands guitar amps and found it did a fine job whether they played the blues or rock. The filter suggestions in the manual worked and I look forward to trying it with a heavier band to see how it does. Cons: None so far, but if the quality of the 609's that I own, one for over 20 years, is any indication, then this mic will provide years of quality sound reproduction. Brand new, these come with a soft cloth mic bag, mic clip, mic stand euro-adapter and manual.yankeemuso

I have a Demeter Silent Speaker Iso Box that I have been using a 57 and a 58 in with semi-satisfying results. I built a second box to put the Demeter in to even further cut down on the sound levels in my studio. I have taken the door off of the Demeter to let it breath and it takes away all the boxiness of the sound. The only thing missing was this mic! It sounds so much better I can't even believe it! It's so much more balanced and it has smoothed out the mids that have a tendency to build up in a small space like this. Blending the 58 in brings back a little of the "mid scoop" present in the 906. The super cardioid polar pattern of this mic is perfect for this application. From clean to crunch to distortion, my iso rig now sounds like a mic'd up cab in a dead room. All of my stomp boxes and guitars are now in play as they sound like real guitars and not mid range and nasally toys. I am blown away! Buy this mic and follow this recipe if you want an iso box to sound like an isolation room. I'm sure it sounds great in a room as well but the iso box is a more critical situation that only this mic works in. Buy it!radguitars

This microphone is fantastic for recording vocals. It picks up everything in the room clearly including the air conditioner. This is no problem as the mic has a built in filter that can get rid of the noise from the air conditioner. The included manual has a description for all of the different pickup patterns and their uses. The manual also says the C414 XLII is recommended for vocals, whereas the C414 XLS is recommended for overheads.Jared

Not sure I even received the right mic. The box was not for this product. No owners manual or any mfg.'s materials included and the box was for a different mic. Overall mic condition was good at best!Terry

It has a reputation, because it is that good. Takes any vocal and places it at a higher level. Clarity, warmth, presence, yep. If you could only buy 1 piece of gear and youre doing vocals, forget everything else and get this microphone. Run through any interface with a daw, and youll see the difference. Its expensive, yep, but its an investment. Been doing more serious recording over the past 2 years, now I want to go back and re-record all the prior vocals.wdalgabbar_0

An ultimate aspirational mic for me. I have compared this with a vintage u87. For vocals, the vintage U 87 has a slightly more noticeable presence. By presence, I mean that you feel like the microphone is a noctilux-level macro lens focusing in on the singer's articulation and bringing them up close to your ear. All that, but it doesn't sound like it's trying. The new U 87 Ai is almost the same as the old U 87, but a bit more neutral. Less emphasis of sounds like ch (as in, chess), and the specs say less noise. That's my two cents, at least! The U 87 Ai is an amazing sounding mic and lives up to its name. I'd agree with so many reviewers who say that it's just plain good on anything.Peter

I own a lot of microphones for an individual (not a studio), from SM57-58 types, up to the AKG 414 XLII and a bunch in between. As I prepared to move to a greater focus on writing and recording, I decided it was time to purchase a couple of microphones that were the type I have used in a professional recording studio. The first of those that came to mind was the Neumann U87. It was one of two mics (the other being the AKG 414, mentioned above) that I have seen in literally every professional studio I have ever walked into. To say it is a recording industry standard is quite the understatement. Let's talk cost: yes, it costs more than many others. In the world of professional microphones, it's actually on the cheaper end of the spectrum when compared with tube microphones, and it costs many times less than vintage originals. But is it expensive? NO, IT IS NOT. Expensive is a relative term, and refers to the amount of money an item costs… relative to what it is. When what it is happens to be one of the most meticulously built, most heavily copied, and highest performing microphones out there (that is in the estimation of the top-tier professionals in the business, not Joe Equipment-reviewer on your local forum) , the cost is reasonable, and as mentioned, low in comparison to others in its peer group. And how does it sound? Clear and honest. If you sound bad or ameteurish, you will get a very clear rendition of a bad and ametuerish sound. Don't blame the mic. If you put great sound into it, you get incredibly great sound out, and you can hear every nuance. In testing at home, it was sometimes shocking how much more revealing the U87 was. I can only compare it to my experience with any other top of the line equipment. It just keeps surprising you with "oh yeah" moments. Ultimately, nothing is for everyone. And if you don't have the ears to hear the difference, don't waste your money. But if you're up to it, I promise you this mic is up to it as well.Rick In TX

"Arturo Sandoval's Mic of choice! The Mic used most for High Quality Trumpet Recording! With a Life-Like realism to the sound as if you were hearing it played live. A warm outstanding Ribbon Professional Microphone.thevintagehorn

This R-121 is incredibly versatile for a ribbon microphone – I never fear putting it in front of guitar cabs, raucous horn players, even drums. The sound is incredibly clear and true to what my ears are hearing (a little less abrasive top end). Without a doubt worth having in my microphone closet… or out of it which usually the case. A great microphone investment!Excellent microphone – I will be purchasing more. Worth every penny I paid for this – it is a go to microphone in most every session I do these days… which is to say it is paying for itself. My clients dig the sounds = my gear pays for itself.Fester Spunk

Great mic. works magic on guitars. however you do need a good mic and pre and a decent compressor to place in front of mic! If you can get this mic for a good price (less than $1300) I would buy it! make sure you read the manual before use! If you don't you can damage the ribbon and make the mic sound bad!!!surfgreen101

I looked up and down everywhere to see what's the best mic for all around, Like the hidden gem in the cornfield. People told me the rodemic, Razer and snow xlr mic, But from looking past the "Normal" I seen the sm57. A famous hidden mic no one really knew about, Basically has the same tone sm7b just a little different. $100ish instead of $400 count me in, I been using it for zoom calls, Twitch, Discord and everyone i talked to said i went from a very noisy and outland voice to a solid nice tone. I personally use mine with a boom arm, the a81ws, focusrite. No issues with it and i had it for about 3 months, I'm not the gentlest on it either so I feel comfortable using it on a day to day basis. Who would i recommend this to? To be totally honest everyone, You want it to do something? Trust me it will. 10/10Bradleigh, K

I've only had chance to do a quick sound check miking my Bugera V22 and recording the sound using my new Tascam DP-008 EX 8-track recorder. Sound quality was very good, especially for a basic home office recording setup. I can see why this mic is so popular in the industry. For perspective, I am a hobbyist and don't perform, but like to have the best sound for my limited budget to make recordings for myself and maybe friends and family. This mic lives up to its rep for being a great value for what you pay, punching above its class, no doubt.Steve

I have the AKG 414 xls. use it in my home studio ,and bring it to other studios. we have done many shoot outs against everything you could imagine either vintage or recent, even those costing ten time more, and the 414 constantly is the last choice.ruhtra

I prefer this over the XLII, Modern Sounding and great detail. Pair with a good mic pre and you will not be disappointed. But this is not a vintage voiced mic. I use on everything with 1290 Neve, 610, and stock ensamble pres.david001002

Nah, that's probably a bit of false bravado– also not alot of Irish traditions in my family, and to say that my admiration for this mic will extend to my dying day, that I will breathe my last breath holding onto it and capturing some musical performance– a nice picture, but how realistic, really? I guess I just metaphorically, in a Clint Eastwood kinda way, want to impress on you that, if we were all cowboys, this mic would be the six-shooter that everyone longed to have– lawman, outlaw, everyone in between. There's a reason it's a standard of the industry and you've heard its coolly accurate wondrous alive-sounding exceptional capture on a gabazillion records. It gets and gives you what's really there. The self noise is so low, 6 decibels, that there is no self noise. Everything comes through crisply and clearly. I will confess to you– I've cobbled together a subsistence farming kind of audio life, recording singers and ensembles, and I've always made do with gear that checked in much lower on the food chain than this. So when the house tech at a classical quartet concert had a pair of these and set them up just basically at the front edge of the stage, and offered to feed them into my tape deck, I swooned. Back in the studio mixing that performance, the 414's were smooth and airy and cast a lovely perspective on the players. Okay, that's it, I am getting myself a pair! What did I hear when I set up a pair of these for the first time in front of a guitar player? Within the ringing density of the guitar sound, a whole rainbow of colors, a detailed picture down to the granular level. The dual capsule will give you any and every polar pattern, from omni to hypercardioid, with halfway settings in between each setting! Also, four versions of low-cut roll-off, and also three levels of volume pads. A finely crafted German-engineered shockmount, and double sided (the best kind!) pop filter to affix to a mic stand. And a windsock. There are going with me everywhere from now on. Although– this overblown elaborate packaging with all this cut-out foam– no, give me all-put-together-and-ready-to-go in the smallest space, please. (I attach a picture of the pair suited up and ready for the showdown.)Joel

I spent a long time going through reviews and videos trying to decide between this microphone and a C414. Honestly, after buying this microphone I'm really glad I chose this one. Not only it is better on the wallet but the sound quality is insane for the price. Using the spirit I found no frequency gaps in my voice and acoustic guitars that I sometimes notice when using cheaper microphones. When I'm singing and have a live feed into my headphones. I can hear every single detail of my voice, it's actually crazy and as a result, it's helped me improve my singing performances whilst recording. This microphone really does show you what you put in and adds a little high-frequency sparkle to get that modern pop vocal sound. On the acoustic guitar, the spirit is natural and picks up a lot of the wood sound of the body, again no frequency gaps. It picks up my room beautifully as well even in cardioid mode. The microphone looks great and is very robust too. Personally, I cannot recommend trying the Aston brand and these microphones enough, and will definitely purchase more in the future. Watch the videos, do the research, and happy microphone hunting 🙂Reviewed by Andertons Music Co.

I might be slightly premature giving this mic such a high rating since I have only had it a relatively short time, but as of right now…this is a solid add to my studio. I have owned a mid sized studio for around 30+ years. I mainly record Acoustic based music up to about Medium Hard Rock styles. I have a decent Mic Locker that includes about 40 or so mics including some higher end Name Brands all the way down to the simplest of anything that works solid for my needs. I buy and only keep what works for me. I have Dynamics, Ribbons, Small and Large Diaphragm transformerless and transformered Condensers, as well as tubed versions. I had seen and heard many You-Tube reviews reviewing the Spirit and liked what I heard, but the quality of those reviews were all over the place, so I was a little skeptical. So far I have only did some preliminary vocal tracks and some Upright Bass tracks for a good friend of mine that is a Texas Singer Songwriter. On Voice the mic was clean, clear and weighty. The louder the singing the more weighty it got while staying clear and in control… no issues with overload or distorting. It also handled my soft Baritone Vocals with equal aplomb. I am predicting this is going to be a really good all-rounder in the studio and the Multi-Pattern option really are useful. I hope to write additionally once I get more time under my belt. the only nit I have… lol… is the shockmount. Looks great, the design is solid… but… the spring loaded pads,while extremely convenient, need to be slightly tighter while holding the Spirit as it allows it to lean a bit and not hold it upright solidly. If there is a way to tension up the springs a bit, it would be super excellent. Oh… and the Black finish is major cool!t_mix

This thing is such a huge improvement for my home studio. Arrived safe and in perfect condition. Packaging was done well. It has some versatility, which you can read about online in the electronic manual, but it works great right out of the box as a plug-n-wail upgrade. Worth every penny.Evan Vacek

Excellent value! This microphone with a small amount of LF EQ rivals the AT4033A as a broadcast microphone. Our presenters microphone will remain as the AT4033A and two new SE X1A's replace the existing guest microphones. The reason for choosing is because this true cardiod microphone allows the same freedom of movement around it as the AT mic. does while maintaining good quality sound It's the better part of £300 cheaper but still hand built, like the AT. Great value.. Very pleased.Reviewed by Absolute Music custo

This is a fantastic bundle over-all, with a few nitpicks. First, the good stuff-The microphone itself is fantastic. It sounds great (I am using this for voice-over work as well as singing in my home studio), and the build quality is very impressive (solid brass body). I have used microphones that cost as much as $3,000 and while this mic doesn't sound like that, it sounds VERY CLOSE for a heck of a lot less money. The reflection filter works as advertised, and it significantly reduced the "room tone" in my recordings (I am tracking in an apartment). The shock mount and pop filter are first rate (again, great VALUE). The only things that I didn't like are that the cable is basically a throw-away or a spare because it seems like a generic cable that they just threw in (that's OK, I have good cables already). Also, the actual switches on the mic seem a little cheap. This is not that big of a deal, since once you set them, you don't really need to change them, but I thought it was worth noting. Over-all, I am VERY happy with the bundle and it arrived quickly and well packaged (thanks B&H!).Ken

The mic initially impressed me. Over the headphones everything sounded crystal clear, full, and everything a large diaphragm condenser should be. Once listening more closely on the monitors during mixdown, I find the high end (8kHz and up) to be a bit too much. On each source I used this mic on, I had to take some of that "sizzle" "air", whatever your name for it is, down a bit. The mid range IS crystal clear though so if you don't mind a little eq dip to help even it out, then you'd probably like using this mic – especially at this price.gothinabox13

I have the AKG 414 xls. use it in my home studio ,and bring it to other studios. we have done many shoot outs against everything you could imagine either vintage or recent, even those costing ten time more, and the 414 constantly is the last choice.ruhtra

I prefer this over the XLII, Modern Sounding and great detail. Pair with a good mic pre and you will not be disappointed. But this is not a vintage voiced mic. I use on everything with 1290 Neve, 610, and stock ensamble pres.david001002

Nah, that's probably a bit of false bravado– also not alot of Irish traditions in my family, and to say that my admiration for this mic will extend to my dying day, that I will breathe my last breath holding onto it and capturing some musical performance– a nice picture, but how realistic, really? I guess I just metaphorically, in a Clint Eastwood kinda way, want to impress on you that, if we were all cowboys, this mic would be the six-shooter that everyone longed to have– lawman, outlaw, everyone in between. There's a reason it's a standard of the industry and you've heard its coolly accurate wondrous alive-sounding exceptional capture on a gabazillion records. It gets and gives you what's really there. The self noise is so low, 6 decibels, that there is no self noise. Everything comes through crisply and clearly. I will confess to you– I've cobbled together a subsistence farming kind of audio life, recording singers and ensembles, and I've always made do with gear that checked in much lower on the food chain than this. So when the house tech at a classical quartet concert had a pair of these and set them up just basically at the front edge of the stage, and offered to feed them into my tape deck, I swooned. Back in the studio mixing that performance, the 414's were smooth and airy and cast a lovely perspective on the players. Okay, that's it, I am getting myself a pair! What did I hear when I set up a pair of these for the first time in front of a guitar player? Within the ringing density of the guitar sound, a whole rainbow of colors, a detailed picture down to the granular level. The dual capsule will give you any and every polar pattern, from omni to hypercardioid, with halfway settings in between each setting! Also, four versions of low-cut roll-off, and also three levels of volume pads. A finely crafted German-engineered shockmount, and double sided (the best kind!) pop filter to affix to a mic stand. And a windsock. There are going with me everywhere from now on. Although– this overblown elaborate packaging with all this cut-out foam– no, give me all-put-together-and-ready-to-go in the smallest space, please. (I attach a picture of the pair suited up and ready for the showdown.)Joel

It has a reputation, because it is that good. Takes any vocal and places it at a higher level. Clarity, warmth, presence, yep. If you could only buy 1 piece of gear and youre doing vocals, forget everything else and get this microphone. Run through any interface with a daw, and youll see the difference. Its expensive, yep, but its an investment. Been doing more serious recording over the past 2 years, now I want to go back and re-record all the prior vocals.wdalgabbar_0

An ultimate aspirational mic for me. I have compared this with a vintage u87. For vocals, the vintage U 87 has a slightly more noticeable presence. By presence, I mean that you feel like the microphone is a noctilux-level macro lens focusing in on the singer's articulation and bringing them up close to your ear. All that, but it doesn't sound like it's trying. The new U 87 Ai is almost the same as the old U 87, but a bit more neutral. Less emphasis of sounds like ch (as in, chess), and the specs say less noise. That's my two cents, at least! The U 87 Ai is an amazing sounding mic and lives up to its name. I'd agree with so many reviewers who say that it's just plain good on anything.Peter

I own a lot of microphones for an individual (not a studio), from SM57-58 types, up to the AKG 414 XLII and a bunch in between. As I prepared to move to a greater focus on writing and recording, I decided it was time to purchase a couple of microphones that were the type I have used in a professional recording studio. The first of those that came to mind was the Neumann U87. It was one of two mics (the other being the AKG 414, mentioned above) that I have seen in literally every professional studio I have ever walked into. To say it is a recording industry standard is quite the understatement. Let's talk cost: yes, it costs more than many others. In the world of professional microphones, it's actually on the cheaper end of the spectrum when compared with tube microphones, and it costs many times less than vintage originals. But is it expensive? NO, IT IS NOT. Expensive is a relative term, and refers to the amount of money an item costs… relative to what it is. When what it is happens to be one of the most meticulously built, most heavily copied, and highest performing microphones out there (that is in the estimation of the top-tier professionals in the business, not Joe Equipment-reviewer on your local forum) , the cost is reasonable, and as mentioned, low in comparison to others in its peer group. And how does it sound? Clear and honest. If you sound bad or ameteurish, you will get a very clear rendition of a bad and ametuerish sound. Don't blame the mic. If you put great sound into it, you get incredibly great sound out, and you can hear every nuance. In testing at home, it was sometimes shocking how much more revealing the U87 was. I can only compare it to my experience with any other top of the line equipment. It just keeps surprising you with "oh yeah" moments. Ultimately, nothing is for everyone. And if you don't have the ears to hear the difference, don't waste your money. But if you're up to it, I promise you this mic is up to it as well.Rick In TX

The Aston origin has been a complete game changer for me. It works on virtually every source, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and of course vocals. This mic makes a vocal cut and sit right in the mix. Throw some traditional eqing on it and it's the complete wow factor. People probably think that at this price point, it can't be as good as some of the big boys in the industry. Those people are terribly wrong. This mic should be in everyone's collection, it is a workhorse and in my opinion will eventually become an industry standard. Thank you Aston for making such a great and affordable microphone that sounds as good as as it looks.Rick

In the past, I've owned the Rode Classic, Rode NTK, Neumann TLM 103, and currently own an MXL Revelation Solo, Neumann TLM 49, and Rode NT1. The Origin is easily as good or better than any of the mics that I've owned up until now. It's amazing what you get for the price! Unlike the TLM 103, which sounds almost hyper-real, the Aston sounds completely natural. It was love at first-listen! I was intending on buying another 103, but since I bought the Aston, what for? It's that good of a mic! Ignore the price. This mic takes me further on the dollar than any mic I've ever used. I was a little concerned about the SE Electronics connection, because I had tried and returned a quite lackluster SE mic in the past, but this little mic wipes the floor with the SE mic I tried. And, unlike the new Rode NT1, which is a pretty good mic for the price, the Aston doesn't make you feel like you wish you were using something a little better. It sounds GREAT!!!! After experiencing what this mic can do, I can't NOT get the Spirit!Oklahoma Crooner

Sounds great, excellent design, integrated pop shield works beautifully. Light enough for desktop mic stands too. No daft rubberised coating to peel and flake off in a couple of years either. I don't think I'll ever need to buy another large diaphragm condenser.Reviewed by Andertons Music Co.

I set up in my basement with it a few weeks ago and started messing around, have found nothing to be disliked. The overall sound is good, it has strong low end for my growls, and it doesn't have any problems with recording at any volume. I even put it in front of my drumset to see if it'd pick up okay, which it did surprisingly well with. I haven't been doing vocals for very long, but from what I can tell it easily competes with mics twice the price. 10/10 would recommend, worth it. P.s. get a pop filter toothe wheat man

I have one first generation version, which lacks the headphone jack, and this is my 2nd of the newer generation. If using this in an application where you want a shock mount, be sure to buy the Audio Technica shock mount that is made for this exact form factor. I have both of mine on boom arms. I like the side address form factor and the ability to get cheap pop filters that are semi-cylindrical. Compared to the much more expensive gold standard Shure SM7B, this sounds a bit brighter and has a wider, flatter frequency response. That makes the AT2020 better suited for instrumentals and other sound sources, whereas the SM7B tends to be very specifically suited to voices. I own USB and XLR versions of this mic, and the integrated analog-to-digital conversation seems very good, not introducing detectable noise.Matthew

Whether you are an amateur, a want-a-be, or a professional, the Blue Yeti X Professional Condenser USB Microphone is a fun, exceptional piece of equipment that you should consider adding to your workspace studio. This mic has everything you could need or want from a mic for podcasting, recording, long distance instruction, gaming, or creating YouTube productions. For starters, the design of this ultimate in microphones is pseudo-retro and reminiscent of earlier microphones in broadcasting like the one history records Walter Cronkite of CBS sitting behind to deliver historical events of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. It’s a solid design constructed of quality materials and one that is timeless where form truly follows function of what is necessary to make an exceptional microphone, and one uncluttered by applied plastic ornamentation surely to disintegrate upon use after it has caught your eye and purchase. It's simply beautiful and its recording possibilities are pretty much unlimited. Packaged well and easy to install, I first removed it from the box along with the USB plug and play cord, positioned it vertically and tightened the screws on either side, and selected it as my favorite recording mic in my recording software. I then plugged my headset into the mic. Next, I downloaded Logitech G HUB software from the LogitechG.com website and installed it onto my desktop computer. When installed, the G HUB software allows customization of the mic’s vocal effects, lighting, EQ and provides detailed advanced options. This software allows you to test the mic and to adjust the volume, gain and blend. After this initial setup the real fun began. Features of this microphone are numerous. In addition to the four capsule condenser arrays built into the microphone, the Yeti X provides four pickup patterns. Selecting the proper one for your recording is the initial step to laying the foundation for success. The four pickup patterns are: 1. Cardioid – a setting for one-person podcasts and game streaming, 2. Omnidirectional – a 360-degree pickup for recording live performances and group podcasts, 3. Bidirectional – a perfect selection for one on one interviews because it provides front and rear pickup on the mic, and 4. Stereo – a pickup pattern which projects a wide, realistic sound that is ideal for recording acoustic guitar, etc. Any one of these four pickup patterns can be set by toggling through four clicks, each designated by a small LED light, on the rear button of the mic. The front control, through rotation of an 11-dot volume meter, allows the ability to set the mic gain, headphone volume, and blend the mic and computer sound in your headphones. Pushing this button instead of rotating mutes the microphone. There are only these two physical control buttons on the microphone itself. All other adjustments can be done to fine tune through your streaming or recording software and through the G HUB software. I used the G HUB to test my voice and vocals through several presets and heard a distinct difference. Some presets made my voice seem dull and other made it fuller and more professional sounding. I liked the “Classic Radio” preset best as it added clarity to my voice and made it stronger. When set as the default microphone, Yeti X is marketed to work with any streaming or recording software. I tried it with three different ones that are installed on my computer and it worked well with all three. It doesn’t matter which software you use, because the Logitech G HUB allows for fine tuning of the audio settings so that you can create your own ultimate, signature sound. System requirements for the Blue Yeti X are as follows: PC – Windows 7,8.1, 10 MAC – macOS 10.10 or higher USB 1.1/2.0/3.0 Internet access for Logitech G HUB software is optional, but through G HUB the firmware can be updated periodically as needed. The firmware can also be updated over the USB using Blue Sherpa found at bluedesigns.com/Sherpa. The Blue Yeti X Pro USB microphone is impressive and fun to use. It's very easy to install because of its plug-and-play capability. The four capsule condenser arrays, the four pickup pattern settings, the G HUB presets, and the numerous built-in mixer capabilities make this an exceptional buy. Its affordable, professional, built to last and has a variety of unlimited customization possibilities. I would highly recommend you look at this product if you are in the market for or considering the purchase of a good microphone. I expect to use it in a variety of capacities for many years to come. Simply put – I love my Blue Yeti X.SwigglesMilam

When I was offered the opportunity to test, and review, the new Yeti X Professional USB Microphone from Blue, I jumped at the chance, and for a few reasons. First, I have been considering getting a mic for my computer for several months now, and Blue was the primary (ok, “only”) brand on my list. Second, knowing that Logitech now owns Blue, there are bound to be people praising, and condemning, this acquisition, as well as those who believe Blue’s quality would go down because of it. So, wanting to have first-hand experience, and be able to report the “results”, this opportunity was, as Spock would put it, “logical”. UNBOXING AND INITIAL IMPRESSIONS: Packaging is fairly high-end, with a box-within-a-box design…the outer box is your typical thin, but sturdy, box, covered with information. The info is minimal, but is also presented in 6 languages. The inner box, however, is constructed of plain black corrugated cardboard…QUITE sturdy…and, it needs to be, considering the weight of the mic…this thing is HEAVY. Open the box, and you’re presented with a quick-start guide. Unfortunately, this isn’t your typical quick-start guide, which would have walked you through the steps of getting the mic set up & operational. Instead, it’s a quick guide walking you through the operation of the mic, itself…and it’s NOT very clear. While the images and named function are large enough, there are NO words to inform you as to what you’re actually doing. So, where is the actual manual. In-short…and this is VERY disappointing…there isn’t one. You can go to Blue’s website, and download the real quick-start guide, but it’s not really that informative – page 2 provides the “installation” info, page 3 provides some very brief info on software control options, pages 4-5 cover the buttons & meter info, pages 6-7 cover the “smart knob” & LED metering info, and page 8 covers “pickup patterns”. The remaining pages provide no operational info. SETUP: Setup was both simple, and difficult. Starting with the ‘difficult’, this is because there was no manual, nor quick-start guide included. Not even the aforementioned included sheet contained any info. It was only on a whim that I Googled ‘blue yeti x’, found my way to the product page, clucked “downloads”, and found the (so-called) “manual”…which, again, is actually nothing more than a ‘quick-start guide’. If you don’t already have it installed on your computer, you will also need to download/install the Logitech G-Hub software. After installing G-Hub, you’ll need to restart your computer, then plug the mic in…and wait…and, once the mic’s drivers (which are stored on a chip inside the mic) have been installed, you’ll need to restart your computer again. Think you’re done? Not quite. Once the computer reboots (and you’ve logged in, if your computer requires a password), you’ll need to go to your audio settings, and set the Yeti X as the ‘Default’ recording device. Only then is everything set up, and ready to go…well, once again, not quite. Next, you’ll need to start up the G-Hub software, wait for it to recognize the Yeti X mic (future occurrences of opening G Hub, it will instantly recognize the mic, as long as it’s already plugged into a USB port), and then go through the process of properly setting your gain, EQ, and (if you choose) “Advanced Controls”. Alternately, instead of playing around with the EQ & Advanced Controls, you can play around with the “Blue Voice” presets (of which there are 11). You can also download more presets, through the “BROWSE MORE PRESETS” option. NOW, you’re finally set. G-Hub: This is where all of the mic’s “magic” comes from. It’s also what Logitech uses for accessing all information & settings pertaining to Logitech G-series products, and products from other Logitech-owned brands. If you already have a G-series keyboard and/or mouse, then you’re already familiar with G-Hub, and how it functions. Not only does G-Hub update itself whenever a new version is available, but it also monitors the “attached” device’s firmware, and will inform you when new firmware is available. Having owned Corsair gaming products, and having had to deal with Corsair’s iCue software, G-Hub is much more user-friendly. While iCue is more powerful, G-hub is MUCH easier to use. CLOSING THOUGHTS: To be completely honest, I haven’t yet had time to test out all of the Yeti X’s functionality (that could take several weeks, if not longer, especially with my job), but, from what I’ve experienced so far, this thing is absolutely fantastic. several years ago, I was a DJ for an online radio station, ands, instead of using an actual mic, I used the built-in mic on my gaming headset. While it performed great for what I was using it for, in real-world usage, I would have barely considered it “adequate”. On a scale of 1-10, I would have given that Logitech headset’s mic a 3..maybe 4. The Yeti X, for now, deserves at least a 9 (the only reason I can’t (yet) give it a ‘10’ is that I hPanther68

Pros: -If you tweak the settings (especially the gain level) via G Hub, this mic captures voice/sound amazingly -sturdy build quality -futuristic yet classy look to it -for a USB mic, the sound quality comes very close to the quality of an XLR mic Cons: -Doesn't come with a pop filter, I suggest you get one for this mic -This is just my experience but this mic did NOT sound great out of the box. You need to customize the settings to cater to YOUR voice -The EQ settings take patience w/experimentation and tinkering till you get that "sweet spot" -For some reason, this mic has the presets in G Hub with the gain level set way too high -pricey, this should be around the $129.99 range, not $169.99 -lastly, if you intend to use a boom arm with a shock mount, the two mounting holes on the sides are exposed. Very awful looking but you eventually get used to it. Bottom Line: This is an intermediate level mic. It takes some tinkering and patience with the EQ settings via G Hub (you have to download this) to make it shine. In my experience, this mic sounded really flat and awful out of the box. Thank goodness the EQ via G Hub gives you the power to customize the mic to cater to YOUR voice 🙂VESPA5

The RODE NT1 has long been a mainstay for any recording studio. This was my chance to get one and I have to say it's reputation has not been overstated. I have and have worked with many microphones in the last 50 years and the RODE NT1 has just become my all around "go to" mic. From it's almost noiseless "floor" (4.5) to it's crystal clear warm overtones, this microphone is pure joy to work with and at an affordable price. Top that off with RODE's 10 year manufacturer's warranty and you'll be hard pressed to find a better deal. I couldn't. Thank you Sam Ash for being close by and having my order in record time. KUDOS, Navy House Studio, Richmond, VA.Budmoe

Note the pop filter is no longer the same steel one pictured in the product photos, RODE uses a more standard circular mesh filter compared to the steel mesh. Nonetheless, still works amazingly and for the price/bundle + quality for a starting XLR set, it’s fantastic. Sounds clear, professional, there’s a reason the NT1 has been popular for so long now. Only gripe I have is the USB power – using my M1 iMac (which has only USB-C), even using a dongle in the thunderbolt port didn’t seem to power the mic enough which resulted in a LOT of crackling. Had to buy a USB-C cable capable of 100W and plugged in directly to my iMac, solved the issue. If you’re a Mac user, I recommend swapping the cable unless you have a USB type-A port capable of properly powering this mic. However, that’s just my experience, your experience may differ especially if you’re using PC, which I can’t vouch for. Overall though, highly satisfied.WhoelsebutCoop

If you are considering the purchase of your first condenser microphone, then I highly recommend the Rode NT1 Kit. – High build Quality – Everything you need comes in the kit – Strong signal – Low noise – Perfect on vocals and acoustic guitar When broadcasting on JamKazam and micing my acoustic with the NT1: someone that I play with frequently on JamKazam asked me; "What guitar are you using?", before answering I asked why do you ask? They said it sounds amazing. Then I told them its my Ovation elite that I always play, it is just that I am micing it with my new Rode NT1. To which they replied…Wow it sounded like you had a different guitar…it sounds so full and rich. I have had this microphone for a couple of weeks now and it has met and surpassed my expectations. Before buying I did my research into all condenser mics in the $300 range; compared specs, product reviews like this one. If you are on the fence about which condenser mic to buy to get started with, get off the fence and get yourself the Rode NT1 Kit. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.David

The web says this mic is noisy. I haven't found this to be the case as I run it into my Xenyx 302 mixer. It isn't the lightweight, ultra-portable podcast mic (like my Tonor BM-800) – but then it doesn't weigh like an elephant either! The pickup pattern is nice too. You don't get bells & whistles with Behringer – just solid performance at a good price. BUY IT!anthonmallabur_0