How to choose a home recording vocal microphone | Criteria when deciding between condenser and dynamic

Condenser home recording microphones do not necessarily have higher sound quality. By taking into account room reflections, outside noise, and even the singing style, you can record a natural voice with less post-processing.

Environments for condenser microphones

Suitable when you want to record small breathing sounds, the atmosphere of the voice, and delicate high frequencies. On the other hand, it has high sensitivity and can easily pick up reflections from PC fans, roads, and rooms. You will need a reasonably quiet room and an environment where you can maintain an appropriate distance from the microphone.

Environments suitable for dynamic microphones

This type makes it relatively easy to suppress surrounding sounds and makes it easy to record powerful voices from close distances. Suitable for rooms with a lot of reflections and loud voices. However, depending on the product, the required gain is large, so you need to check the preamplifier performance of the interface.

1｜Brightness and sibilance of voice

If you use a microphone that emphasizes high frequencies with a person who has a bright voice or a strong voice, it may be painful. A clear microphone may be suitable for dark voices. Rather than correcting the voice quality, give priority to a combination that sounds natural without being harsh.

2｜Check the sound in the room

In a room where clapping hands leaves long metallic echoes, the more sensitive the microphone, the more difficult it will be to post-process. Make a short test recording in an area with thick curtains, bedding, and clothing, and listen to ambient sounds in the silent areas.

3｜Directivity and sound collection surface

Unidirectionality tends to be easier to handle for home recording. Each product also differs in how much sound is suppressed at the back and how the tone changes when removed from the mouth.

4｜Required peripheral equipment

Condenser microphones may require 48V phantom power, a shock mount to reduce vibration, and a pop guard. Dynamic mics may require sufficient gain or an in-line preamp. Don't decide your budget just by the microphone itself.

When comparing, record at the same distance, the same singing style, and the same perceived volume. A microphone that is easy to hear before mixing, and whose high-pitched sounds don't hurt even when the volume is turned up, makes it easy to use for a long time.