April 2021
Microphone Rankings Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Microphone rankings posted by key online experts, as of April 2021.
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend Microphones.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of Microphones, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for April 2021 ranking
Tom's Guide
MusicTech
Music Radar
IGN
CBR
PianoDreamers
Pitchfork
PC Gamer
Just Creative
Music Grotto
We ranked Blue Yeti #1 in April 2021 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Blue Yeti as #1.
Tom's Guide
The best microphone overall
|
Pros
Versatile
Reasonably priced
Great sound quality
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Cons
Not as precise as specialized mics
So-so mount
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We ranked Shure SM58 #2 in April 2021 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
Tom's Guide
The best music microphone
|
Pros
Optimized for music
Not very expensive
Durable build
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Cons
No easy USB connection
Not ideal for desktop setup
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CBR
|
Pros
Proximity effect is reduced with brightened mid range and bass roll-off
Brilliant-quality sound with crystal clear vocals
Minimal plosives due to in-built wind and pop filter
Convenient stand adapter and zipper pouch
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Cons
On/Off button does not exist
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We ranked Shure SM7B #3 in April 2021 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
We ranked Shure MV7 #4 in April 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Shure MV7 as #1.
PC Gamer
The best hybrid USB/XLR microphone
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Pros
Excellent Vocals
USB/XLR combo
Versatile
Easy Use software
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Music Radar
The best microphone for content creation
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Pros
Dual output adds versatility
MOTIV app is genuinely useful
|
Cons
USB-C connection would have been preferable
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We ranked Blue Yeti Nano #5 in April 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
Tom's Guide
A great compact Blue Yeti microphone
|
Pros
Great sound
Study build
Cheaper than the Blue Yeti
|
Cons
No stereo mode
Basic controls
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PC Gamer
The best microphone for entry level podcasters
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Pros
Very small and light
Easy to use
Great sound-quality
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We ranked Sennheiser MD 421 II #6 in April 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sennheiser MD 421 II as #1.
CBR
Editors' Choice
|
Pros
Robust microphone for professional use
Dust and humidity resistant
Consistent signal at reasonable distances due to dynamic capsule
Minimal off-axis noise and ambiance
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Cons
Costly
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Music Grotto
|
Pros
Crisp recording with or without background instrumentals
Excellent for loud vocals
160 max SPL
Effective feedback rejection
|
Cons
May not work well for very subtle vocals
Mic clip is somewhat weak
Some high notes sound sharp
|
We ranked Shure SM57 #7 in April 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Shure SM57 as #1.
We ranked Audio-Technica AT2035 #8 in April 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
Music Grotto
|
Pros
Max SPL of 158 dB
Includes 10 dB pad
Custom shock mount for isolation
Clean recordings for home studio performances
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Cons
Very sensitive to sound
Does not include a storage case or instructions
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We ranked Elgato Wave 3 #9 in April 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
Tom's Guide
The best microphone for streaming
|
Pros
Good for streaming
Intuitive setup
Simple design
|
Cons
No standout features
Can pick up background noise
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We ranked HyperX QuadCast S #10 in April 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
Tom's Guide
A gaming microphone with customizable lighting
|
Pros
High sound quality
Customizable lighting
Built-in shock mount and pop filter
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Cons
Standard QuadCast is cheaper
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PC Gamer
The best microphone with RGB
|
Pros
Easy to set use
Touch-sensitive mute button
Built-in Shockmount
Cool RGB lighting
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We ranked Neumann U87 Ai #11 in April 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
We ranked Samson G-Track Pro #12 in April 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Samson G-Track Pro as #1.
We ranked Rode Procaster Dynamic #13 in April 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
We ranked Warm Audio WA-47 #14 in April 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Warm Audio WA-47 as #1.
CBR
Premium Pick
|
Pros
Specially crafted for vocals and instruments
Most coveted all vacuum tube large condenser microphone
7 pin cable modifies the sonics completely
Excellent reflection filter improves the quality of voice recordings
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Cons
Holding it at 2 and 3 o’clock positions return noticeable proximity effect
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Music Grotto
|
Pros
Studio-quality construction and design
140 dB max SPL
Low-noise tube for optimal smoothness
Almost mimics the classic ‘47
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Cons
Could be pricey for a home recording mic
No hard case included for storage
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We ranked JLab Talk #15 in April 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
Tom's Guide
The best microphone for $100 or less
|
Pros
Excellent value
High sound quality
Four directional patterns
Easy to set up and use
|
Cons
Can pick up background noise
Bidirectional mode can be ignored
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We ranked Rode NT1 #16 in April 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
Music Radar
The best affordable condenser mic
|
Pros
Low noise
Sound quality
Integrated shock mount
|
Cons
Not a lot
|
CBR
|
Pros
Negligible low self noise of only 4.5 dB
Prevents all irritations for engaging and engrossing recording sessions
Body of 6061 aluminum and nickel plating prevents corrosion
Telescopic arm and pop shield with two axes of adjustment supports versatile applications
|
Cons
Need to soundproof your recording space
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We ranked Sontronics Podcast Pro #17 in April 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
We ranked Blue Microphones Snowball #18 in April 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
We ranked Fifine K669 #19 in April 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
CBR
Best value
|
Pros
Voice input is adjustable
Enhances and uplifts the sound quality of your audio projects
Comes with tripod desk stand for secure and easily portable tabletop use
Durable and rugged metallic body
|
Cons
The microphone stand is not completely stable
|
We ranked Aston Origin #20 in April 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
Music Radar
An excellent low-priced condenser mic
|
Pros
Fantastic price
Boutique appearance
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Cons
Very few
|
Music Grotto
|
Pros
Versatile for most voices
127 dB max SPL
Custom, mountable end caps
Built-in shock isolation adds a layer of durability
|
Cons
No shock mount included
Low-cut filter doesn’t lend to dynamic vocals
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We ranked AKG C636 #21 in April 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
Music Radar
A great handheld condenser and the best microphone for master reference
|
Pros
Clear, well balanced response
Superb feedback rejection
Excellent off-axis attenuation
|
Cons
You have to pay for quality
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CBR
|
Pros
Prevents all common issues of a stage microphone
Extremely tough body made from zinc alloy and a spring steel grille
Unfiltered and refined studio fidelity sound
Custom tuned and capable of processing 150dB SPL
|
Cons
A bit expensive
|
We ranked Rode NT1A #22 in April 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
We ranked Electro-Voice RE20 #23 in April 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
We ranked Audio-Technica 2020 #24 in April 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
CBR
|
Pros
Excellent vocal microphone that generates all the minute modifications present in the singers voice
Threaded stand mount rotates smoothly and connects securely
Brilliant starter microphone for studios
Offers incomparably versatile microphone for varied uses
|
Cons
Excludes the pop filter which is better than the wire mesh
|
We ranked Maono AU-A04 #25 in April 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
CBR
|
Pros
Can be easily fixed on your collar or tie with a sturdy metal clip
Convenient to use with a mobile by plugging its thin pin into your mobile’s 3.5 mm headset jack
78-inch long cord for flexibility to record your podcast away from the sounds of the PC
Captures sound evenly from all around the microphone
|
Cons
Not very rugged
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