What are the best large-diaphragm condenser microphones for studio recording?
| 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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Aston Spirit
US
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£253.15 ≈ | 1 in | 23.7mV/Pa | 20Hz-20kHz | 14dB A-weighted | Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-of-Eight | ✓ |
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The Aston Spirit is a large-diaphragm, multi-pattern condenser mic with a 1 in gold-evaporated capsule, built-in pop filter and transformer-balanced circuitry. It suits vocalists, acoustic instruments and project/professional studios needing a versatile, durable microphone.
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Rode NT1 Signature Series
US
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£96.33 ≈ | 1 in | 25 mV / 94 dB SPL | 20 Hz to 20 kHz | 4 dBA | Cardioid | ✓ |
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Large-diaphragm (1 in) condenser with a warm, detailed sound, ultra-low self-noise and high SPL handling; includes SM6 shock mount, pop filter and XLR cable. Suited for vocals, acoustic instruments, podcasting and home studios seeking pro sound at an affordable price.
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Audio-Technica AT5047
US
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£2612.88 ≈ | four rectangular 2 micron diaphragms (combined area twice a 1 in circular diaphragm) | 35.5 mV/Pa | 20-20,000 Hz | 6 dB SPL | Cardioid | ✓ |
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The AT5047 is a high-end transformer-coupled large-element cardioid condenser microphone with four rectangular diaphragms, very low self-noise, and extremely wide dynamic range. It suits professional studio vocal and instrument recording where high SPL handling and low noise are required.
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Neumann U87 Ai
US
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£2239.51 ≈ | large dual-diaphragm (K 67/87) | 28 mV/Pa | 20 Hz ... 20 kHz | 12 dB-A (cardioid) | Omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-8 | ✓ |
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Classic large-diaphragm studio condenser with three switchable polar patterns, low self-noise, pad and low-cut options. Suited for professional vocal, speech, and a wide range of studio instrument applications.
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Audio-Technica AT4040
US
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£245.68 ≈ | 20.4mm | 25.1mV/Pa (-32dB) | 20Hz-20kHz | 12dB | Cardioid | ✓ |
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The AT4040 is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser mic offering low self-noise, wide dynamic range and high SPL capability. It includes a shock mount, has a switchable 80Hz high-pass and 10dB pad, and suits studio vocals, acoustic instruments and general-purpose recording.
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