Buying guide
Microphones: how to choose the right type
Our microphone range covers 415 products from 28 brands, including . This guide explains how the main microphone types work, what polar patterns mean and how to match a microphone to what you record.
Types of microphone
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Condenser Microphones
120
Detailed, sensitive microphones for vocals, acoustic instruments, overheads and room sound, in large- and small-diaphragm designs.
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Dynamic Microphones
71
Robust, versatile microphones for live vocals, guitar amps, drums, podcasts and broadcast, needing no phantom power.
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USB Microphones
33
Plug-and-play microphones with a built-in preamp and converter, for podcasting, streaming, voice-over and simple home recording.
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Shotgun Microphones
19
Highly directional microphones for film, video, broadcast and location sound, used on boom poles or cameras.
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Ribbon Microphones
14
Smooth, natural-sounding microphones with a figure-8 pattern, loved on guitar cabinets, brass, strings and drum overheads.
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Lavalier Microphones
11
Tiny clip-on microphones for interviews, presentations, film, theatre and video, wired or for use with wireless systems.
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Camera Microphones
10
On-camera and compact wireless microphones that improve the sound of video recorded on cameras, phones and action cams.
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Microphone Kits
15
Bundles of matched microphones and accessories: drum microphone sets, stereo pairs and complete vocal or podcast packages.
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Wireless Systems
40
Wireless microphone, instrument and in-ear systems that free performers and presenters from cables on stage and on set.
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Microphone Accessories
78
Stands, boom arms, shock mounts, pop filters, windshields, reflection filters and other accessories that help microphones sound their best.
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Before you buy
- Decide what you will record most: vocals, instruments, speech or video
- Choose dynamic for loud or untreated spaces and condenser for detail
- Check the polar pattern for the room and the number of sources
- Make sure your interface or mixer supplies phantom power if needed
- Budget for a stand, cable and pop filter
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a condenser and a dynamic microphone?
A dynamic microphone is robust, needs no power and picks up less room sound. A condenser needs phantom power and captures more detail and high frequencies, which suits vocals and acoustic instruments in a quiet room.
Which microphone is best for recording vocals at home?
Consider the room first. In a treated, quiet room a large-diaphragm condenser gives detail and presence; in a noisy or reflective room a cardioid dynamic usually sounds cleaner.
Which microphone is best for podcasting?
Look for a cardioid microphone with good rejection of room sound, used close to the mouth. Dynamic broadcast-style microphones and USB microphones are both popular for this.
Do I need phantom power for my microphone?
Condenser microphones and active ribbon microphones need it; most dynamic microphones do not. Phantom power is supplied by most audio interfaces and mixers, usually switched as 48V.
What does cardioid mean?
A cardioid microphone picks up sound mainly from the front and rejects sound from the rear. Its pickup pattern is heart-shaped, hence the name.
Can I plug a microphone straight into my computer?
Only a USB microphone. XLR microphones need an audio interface or a mixer with a microphone preamp.
How much should I spend on a microphone?
More money usually buys lower self-noise, a smoother and more consistent sound, better build and sometimes multiple polar patterns. A well-chosen affordable microphone in the right room often beats an expensive one in the wrong room.
Can I try microphones before I buy?
Yes. Products marked In Store are on the shelf in our Rotterdam showroom at Oude Binnenweg 38, where you can try them.