How do popular condenser microphone brands compare in terms of quality and price?
| Product ⇅ | Price ⇅ | Diaphragm Size (mm) ⇅ | Max Sensitivity (dBV/Pa) ⇅ | Frequency Response (Hz) ⇅ | Self Noise Level (dB(A)) ⇅ | Polar Pattern ⇅ | Phantom Power Requirement ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Audio-Technica AT4050
US
|
£574.25 ≈ | 21.4 mm | 15.8 mV (open-circuit), -36 dB re 1V/Pa | 20-18,000 Hz | 17 dB | Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-of-eight | ✓ |
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Large-diaphragm, multi-pattern condenser with switchable pad and high-pass filter, capable of very high SPLs and low self-noise. Suited for versatile studio and live use on vocals, instruments, drum overheads, and guitar cabs.
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Blue Baby Bottle SL
US
|
£149.34 ≈ | 26 mm | 39.8 mV/Pa | 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 10.8 dB | Cardioid | ✓ |
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The Baby Bottle SL is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser mic with a warm, vintage-inspired midrange, smooth top end, and neutral low end. It includes a 100 Hz high-pass filter and -20 dB pad, suits vocals and a wide range of instruments, and is good for home and project studios.
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Rode NT2-A
US
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£237.64 ≈ | 1 in | — | 20 Hz-20 kHz | 7 dBA | Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure 8 | ✓ |
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The NT2-A is a multi-pattern large-diaphragm condenser mic with a gold-sputtered 1 in capsule, switchable polar patterns, pads and high-pass filters for studio versatility. It suits vocalists, instrument recording and home or professional studios seeking a quiet, flexible workhorse.
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