So you’ve decided on a condenser microphone and you’ve decided to go condenser over dynamic. You’re on your way to capturing professional-quality audio, but now you’re wondering which condenser is right for you. You want something versatile and durable so you can record a variety of instruments, but you also need it to be quiet enough to use near loud guitar amps.
In this article, we’ll round up the best multi pattern condenser microphones for a variety of recording needs.
Read on to find the best option for you.
Our Editor’s Best Multi Pattern Condenser Microphones Reviews
- One-inch dual-diaphragm microphone with three selectable polar patterns for the perfect setting. Polar Patterns: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, and Figure of Eight.
- Low noise electronics and transformerless output for high dynamic range, and excellent sound isolation.
- Switchable attenuation pad for high SPL (sound pressure level) applications up to 155 dB.
- Versatile, multi-pattern, professional-grade true condenser studio microphone. Great for voice-over, ASMR, singing, ensemble recording, ambient sounds, grand piano, woodwind, brass instruments, drums and percussion.
- Includes Shock Mount and Aluminum Protective Carrying Case.
- 1-inch true condenser microphone, featuring eight types of directionality to choose from, including three reverse polar patterns that give you higher flexibility and invite to experiment
- 8 polar patterns: Omni, cardioid, wide cardioid, super cardioid, figure-8, reverse cardioid, reverse wide cardioid, and reverse super cardioid
- Use it to record your vocals, acoustic instruments, Guitar amplifiers, drums, percussion, and everything else
- Natural transient response and high dynamic range make SURE that nothing will limit your performance on the technical side
- Comes ready to go with the included shock mount, Windscreen, and pop filter
- Studio Grade Professional Large Diaphragm Vocal and Instrument Condenser Microphone with Rugged Aluminum Carrying Case. XLR Connector. Delivers astounding sound quality for lead vocals and solo instruments
- Nine selectable polar patterns for the perfect setting for every application, including: Cardioid, Figure of Eight, Hypercardioid, Omnidirectional, and Wide Cardioid
- Audio frequency bandwidth: 20 - 20000 Hz. Equivalent noise level: 6 dB-A. Sensitivity: 23 mV/Pa. Signal to Noise: 88 dB-A. Bass cut filter: 160; 80; 40 Hz. Electrical impedance: 200 Ohms, Recommended load impedance: 2200 Ohms
- Versatile use with a lock mode for live sound applications and permanent installations, ensuring reliable performance without accidental setting changes
- Engineered for durability and equipped with a peak hold LED to indicate even the shortest overload peaks, the AKG C414 XLII ensures top-tier reliability and control for studio professionals as well as high-end hobbyists
- Includes Shock Mount and Case
- 20 dB attenuation pad and bass-cut filter for close up recording and reduction of the proximity effect
- Integrated capsule suspension reduces mechanical noise and resonances
- Computer-matched diaphragms to guarantee the highest polar pattern accuracy
- Overload detection LED
- Radiant RGB lighting with dynamic effects: Personalize stunning RGB lighting and dynamic effects for an eye-catching shot of customizable style.
- Built-in anti-vibration shock mount: Isolate the mic and suppress the sound of unintentional rumbles and bumps with the elastic rope suspension.
- Tap-to-mute sensor with LED status indicator: Use the convenient tap-to-mute functionality to prevent an audio accident along with the help of the LED mic status indicator. If the light is on, the mic is active, if the light is off, the mic is muted.
- 4 selectable polar patterns: Choose between four polar patterns (stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid, bidirectional) to optimize your broadcast setup and keep the focus on the sounds you want to be heard.
- Customizable via HyperX Ngenuity Software: Personalize your RGB lighting and effects with the HyperX Ngenuity software.
- Premium Condenser microphone with large 1.25” gold-sputtered diaphragm
- Low noise with stunning clarity and detail in the highs while retaining thickness and warmth on the low end
- Switchable polar patterns allow you to choose between cardioid, figure-of-eight, and omnidirectional for versatility in recording vocals and instruments
- Package includes 770X microphone, shock mount with integrated pop-filter, balanced 20' XLR cable and microfiber cleaning cloth
- SMOOTH AUDIO REPRODUCTION - The SM4 microphone features a brass 1-inch dual-diaphragm capsule, providing clean, controlled low-end frequencies and smooth, detailed highs for natural audio reproduction.
- SUPERIOR NOISE REJECTION - The SM4's uniform cardioid polar pattern ensures superior off-axis rejection of unwanted noise, capturing your sound source with clarity and precision.
- REDUCES PROXIMITY EFFECT - Designed with a large “sweet spot,” the SM4 reduces the proximity effect, offering more consistent audio quality, making it ideal for close-miking vocals and instruments.
- INTERFERENCE SHIELDING - The SM4 microphone employs patent-pending interference shielding technology, effectively blocking RF noise from cell phones, laptops, and Wi-Fi routers for cleaner audio.
- INTEGRATED POP FILTER - With an integrated pop-filter and woven mesh Faraday cage, the SM4 ensures clean audio capture by minimizing plosive sounds and protecting against unwanted noise.
Best Multi Pattern Condenser Microphones Buying Guide
Before choosing the best multi pattern condenser microphone you should consider following options:
1. Polar Patterns: Not all microphones are created equal! Some microphones are designed to give you multiple options to record.
You will find microphones that offer a figure ‘eight’ pattern, cardioid, and stereo. The figure ‘eight’ pattern is ideal for recording live performances, such as choirs and orchestras.
Cardioid is the most common pattern and is ideal for recording a single source, such as narrating a book. Stereo microphones are great for recording two sources at once, such as for a podcast.
2. Frequency Response: Every microphone is unique and is designed to give you a particular sound.
Some microphones are designed to give you a more ‘bright’ sound, some a more ‘warm’ sound. Some microphones are designed to give you a flat response, others have a boost in the mid-range, and some have a roll off in the high-end.
The microphone you choose will depend on the type of voice, or instruments you are recording. For example, if you are recording a piano, you may want to choose a microphone that has a boost in the mid-range.
3. Quality of the Capsule and Diaphragm: The capsule and diaphragm of a microphone have a direct impact on the final sound you are recording.
The capsule of the microphone is the part that captures the sound. The diaphragm is the part that vibrates, and in turn, passes the sound through the capsule.
The quality of the capsule and diaphragm will determine the amount of ‘overall’ sound and noise you will end up with. The capsule and diaphragm are the most important components of a microphone, and should be your first consideration.
Some microphones may have a capsule with a ‘better’ sound, but with a diaphragm that may introduce more noise. Others may have a capsule with a more ‘neutral’ sound, with a diaphragm that will introduce less noise.
Overall, the capsule and diaphragm should be the main point of your selection process.
4. Cost: Price is always an important consideration when buying a piece of equipment.
There are microphones that are designed to be affordable, and there are microphones that are designed to be more expensive.
It is important to keep in mind that some microphones may be designed to be more affordable, but with a capsule and diaphragm that will introduce more noise.
5. Ease of Use: Not all microphones are created equal! Some microphones are designed to be more versatile.
You will find microphones that are designed for close-up applications, as well as for use in a broadcast environment. Some microphones are designed to be easy to use, while others are designed to be more complex.
It is important to keep in mind that some microphones may be designed to be more versatile and easy to use, but with a capsule and diaphragm that will introduce more noise.
6. Quality of the Microphone Stand: You will find many microphones that are designed to be used on a microphone stand.
It is important to keep in mind that the stand you choose will have a direct impact on the overall quality of the microphone.
Some stands are designed to be more versatile, some are designed to be more affordable, and some are designed to be more durable.
It is important to keep in mind that the stand you
What else you should know about multi pattern condenser microphones
1) What are the best multi pattern condenser microphones for live sound reinforcement?
The best multi pattern condenser microphones for live sound reinforcement are the Shure SM58, the Audio-Technica AT2020, and the Rode NT1-A.
2) What are the best multi pattern condenser microphones for recording vocals?
The best multi pattern condenser microphones for recording vocals are the Neumann U87, the AKG C414, and the Rode NTK.
3) What are the best multi pattern condenser microphones for recording acoustic instruments?
Some of the best multi pattern condenser microphones for recording acoustic instruments are the Audio-Technica AT4050, the Rode NTK, and the Neumann TLM 102.
4) What are the best multi pattern condenser microphones for recording electric guitars?
The best multi pattern condenser microphones for recording electric guitars are the AKG C414, the Neumann U87, and the Audio Technica AT4060.
5) What are the best multi pattern condenser microphones for recording drums?
The best multi-pattern condenser microphones for recording drums are the AKG C414, the Neumann U87, and the Sennheiser MKH 800.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best multi pattern condenser microphones. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best multi pattern condenser microphones will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.