If only for its unusual shape and form factor, the Neumann BCM 104 Large-diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Broadcast Microphone made our list as an honorable mention.
There are so many classic microphones that audio engineers have learned to make their “go to” microphones. That favorite vocal microphone that sits every female vocal just perfectly in the mix, or that specific kick drum mic combination that has been iconic for more than 20 years that delivers the punch and snap so consistently. Every engineer knows the mics they like, and that is the problem. Too often, engineers can be guilty of grabbing what is tried and true instead of remaining curious and experimenting with new technology in the microphone realm. This article is here for those engineers who are committed to being curious and experimenting with new gear. Here are 5 of the best mics you may have never heard of.
1. The sE Electronic V7 Vocal Mic: sE Electronics is a company that has been around for a long time in the studio microphone realm. Their mics have been known for their control and clarity for a great price. However, a few years ago they released their first vocal microphone. The quality and control that comes with this capsule for the price is really impressive. This microphone is actually being used in a lot of megachurches across the US because of how versatile it is. It sounds great for a preaching microphone and a lead vocal microphone, and the surprise is that it only costs $100. It can also be purchased in a wireless capsule for both Shure and Sennheiser.
While there is nothing wrong with grabbing the trusty SM58 or e865 vocal microphone, it's important to know that options are available that may offer similar, or better solutions.
2. The Deity Microphone V-Mic D4 Duo Shotgun mic: For those who regularly need a quality shotgun microphone for shooting video announcements or Facebook Live videos, the cost of a good shotgun mic can seem astronomical, or at least it used to. This compact microphone which costs less than $75.00 sounds great and could easily give a comparable quality to that of a mic 3 or 4 times the money. Hey, if I’m wrong, you barely spent anything.
3. The Rode Podmic Podcast/kick mic: The Rode Podmic is a $100 microphone that is designed for those who want to host a podcast, but for this article the mic is being suggested for something else, a kick drum mic. This may seem surprising at first, but there is a rich history in the audio industry of using radio mics that have a nice low end for kick drums. This mic sounds better than any other $100 kick mic floating around on the market and also can double for doing video voice overs as well.
4. The Earthworks SR40V Vocal Microphone: Most audio folks know Earthworks either because of their experience with their RTA mics or the 3-mic drum kit system that changed the way so many engineers thought about mic’ing drums, but this mic is a “game changer.” It should come to no surprise for anyone familiar with Earthworks that this is the most expensive mic listed in the article, coming in at $749.99. However, the extreme clarity the mic produces along with its significant control (it has a very tight hypercardioid pickup pattern) and the Maximum SPL of 145db makes it clear with the biggest vocal. It also comes with a 15-year warranty. This is a mic, not often talked about, but worth every penny spent on it.
5. The CAD E100SX Drum Overhead Mic: Out of all the mics listed, this could be the most known of all of them. However, this mic is worth mentioning. While CAD does not typically come up when the top 3 or 4 drum mic companies are discussed, the E100SX is one of the most surprising sounding overhead microphones in its price range. It has the ability to articulate cymbals clearly, while also grabbing strong low-mid range tone. For those who desire to have the AKG C414 sound, but can’t afford it, the CAD E100SX ($299.00)is a great mic to buy for a pair of drum overheads.
While there is nothing wrong with grabbing the trusty SM58 or e865 vocal microphone, it's important to know that options are available that may offer similar, or better solutions. Who knows, they may also save money. So maybe you can’t afford not to experiment a little.
