Choosing a Microphone for Home Recording and Home Studio

Choosing a microphone for any occasion can be a daunting task. There are many different types of microphones for many different applications. This is no different when it comes to choosing a microphone for a home recording or home studio.

As a record producer, many artists and home recording enthusiasts ask me all the time “what kind of microphone should I buy to record at home?” While there is no perfect microphone for all recording applications, there are some smart choices that can be made when choosing a microphone for recording instruments and vocals.

The AKG 414 ranges from $500 to $1000 depending on cartridge options and how new it is. The AKG 414 is a condenser microphone and comes with selectable polar patterns that dictate the direction in which the microphone receives sound. for example, cardioid receives sound in front of the microphone. Bidirectional receives sound from the front and rear, omnidirectional receives sound from the entire microphone, and hypercardioid is extremely focused on the front.

The new C414 XLS has all these patterns and more. A total of 9 patterns can be selected from a switch on the back of the microphone. The 414 also has selectable pads that attenuate the level of sound entering the microphone. That is, if you put the mic into something loud like a snare drum or guitar amp, you can attenuate (lower) the input to the mic. This is useful for guitar amps, drums, some trumpets, and even some singers. This mic is one of my favorites for female vocals, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, pianos, and percussion. The 414 has good high frequency response and diversity, making it one of my favorite microphones for home and professional users.

My other microphone option for under $1000 is the Shure SM-7. This mic is a classic and only costs around $300, making it very affordable for home recording. The Sure SM-7 is a staple in Rock and Rap music styles and is most often used for male vocals. You’ve heard this mic in action on plenty of recordings from Michael Jackson to John Mayer, as well as on just about every radio station. The SM-7 is also used for voice narration and is a favorite with radio DJs. The Shure SM-7 Microphone has a low input level so you can turn up the volume of the mic preamp. I use this mic over my $10,000 tub mic quite often on rock and rap vocals.

As a music producer, I get asked the question of choosing the microphone all the time. Like most people who record at home, your budget is probably limited. With the AKG 414 and the Shure SM-7, you should be able to handle a lot of recording applications and you’re sure to get a lot of bang for your buck.