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This list of customer-preferred microphones is just a small sampling of the many mics available from Sweetwater. They represent the most popular choices made by our customers in recent months. You’ll find both long-standing favorites alongside newer offerings. Keep in mind that the microphones listed below aren’t limited to a single application. Most are versatile enough to handle many different applications in the studio. To learn more about different types of mics, check out our Studio Mic Buying Guide.

When it comes to recording vocals, most engineers reach for a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser mic. While no two voices are alike – each has its own distinctive timbre and harmonics – a large-diaphragm mic with a slight presence peak in the 2kHz-5kHz range works well much of the time. These versatile mics can serve you in recording other instruments as well.

Under $200	$200-$499	$500-$999	$1000 and Up
Audio-Technica AT2020	AKG C 3000 B	Audio-Technica AT4050	Neumann U 87

Studio Projects C1	Shure KSM27	BLUE Baby Bottle	Bock Audio 195

Rode NT1-A	Rode NT2-A	Neumann TLM 103	Neumann TLM 127 Set A

A good mic for acoustic instruments must be able to capture a wide frequency range and the transients that make up each instrument’s characteristic attack. Small-diaphragm condensers can handle both tasks well. Omnidirectional mics work well when recording ensembles or individual sections. Stereo pairs can be put to good use on pianos, percussion, and drum overheads.

Under $200	$200-$499	$500-$999	$1000 and Up
Samson CO3	Studio Projects C3	Rode NT2000	BLUE Mouse

Audio-Technica AT2041SP Studio Pack	AKG C1000S	AKG C 414 B-XLS	Earthworks QTC50

Audio-Technica AT3031	Shure SM-81	Audio-Technica AT4047/SV	Neumann KM 184 Pair

Recording a guitar or bass amp demands a mic that can stand up to close placement while capturing the full frequency range from the speaker. A variety of dynamic and condenser mics are particularly well suited for this task. In the right circumstances, a ribbon mic can also perform well.

Under $200	$200-$499	$500-$999	$1000 and Up
Audix i5	Rode NT4	AKG C 451 B	Neumann TLM 193

Sennheiser e 609 Silver	Beyerdynamic M 88 TG	Shure KSM44	Neumann M 149 Tube

Shure Beta 57A	Studio Projects C3	Audio-Technica AT4050	Royer R-121

Drum mics need to have high SPL capacity and fast transient response to be effective. A number of dynamic mics have become studio standards for drums. In addition, manufacturers have assembled packages with multiple mics, each optimized for a particular drum – toms, snare, kick – or cymbal application.

Under $200	$200-$499	$500-$999	$1000 and Up
Shure SM57	Sennheiser MD 421 II	AKG C 451 B	Beyerdynamic Sweetwater Opus Drum Pack

BLUE Kickball	Samson 7Kit Drum Mic Kit	Audix DP5-A	Earthworks DrumKit System

Audix D6	Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick	AKG Drum Pack

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Sweetwater Sound Inc. 5501 U.S. Hwy 30 W Fort Wayne, IN 46818 Get Directions »	Toll-free (800) 222-4700 Local (260) 432-8176 Fax (260) 432-1758 Contact Us »	Telephone hours: 9-9 Mon-Thu, 9-8 Fri, 9-7 Sat EST Retail Store hours: 9-8 Mon-Fri, 9-7 Sat EST Current Sweetwater time is 11:00 PM.