I love auditioning new mics. I always have. Other than the performer, instrument, and recording space, I believe microphones have the single greatest impact on the sound of a recording. During my career I’ve listened to hundreds of mics (and I’m not done yet). On my recording sessions, studio players and singers would frequently come in and look on the mic stands and ask “What are we trying out today?” Now as my mic quest continues, I recently discovered a handful of new microphones that are worthy of your attention. These not only sound great, but they’re also amazingly affordable.
Mojave Audio has been making great mics for years. Now they are making great affordable mics. The MA-50 solid-state cardioid condenser is their newest offering, and it sounds amazing, especially for the price. I heard it on acoustic guitar and was very impressed with its clear and clean interpretation. And on voice? It’s very present without being harsh, not scooped sounding at all. For the money, the MA-50 is a definite must-add to your mic locker.
Lauten Audio’s new Black series includes the svelte LA-320. Tall and thin, it’s light on the stand and easy on the ears. It’s on the bright side but is very appealing on female vocals, like some vintage classics that cost 10–20 times as much. With its extremely wide cardioid pattern, it’s a great mic for group background vocals or room miking. This tube mic includes highpass and lowpass filters, and it comes complete with a power supply, a shockmount, and a road case. Its expensive sound comes at a very comfortable price.
Aston Microphones is new on the world microphone stage, and their product line includes some of the greenest, most Earth-friendly mics around. Bucking conventions, their UK-made Spirit multi-pattern condenser features lots of innovation, extending from the industrial spring head basket to the mesh grille and even to the tumbled finish — all of which make this a distinctive looking mic. With its smooth and open sound and switchable highpass filter and pads, this is a versatile mic that you’ll be proud to own.
Miktek’s MK300 adds a new sonic signature to their range of high-value mics. Unlike most other inexpensive condensers, this mic brings a roundness and warmth to vocals that is unique and supremely appealing. This mic impressed me from the first time I heard it — if my eyes had been closed, I would have thought it was a big vintage tube mic with a German logo. With three patterns, this large-diaphragm condenser mic gains more girth and depth when switched from cardioid to bidirectional. For this price, you won’t have to think very hard about adding one to your collection.
What the world really needs is another handheld dynamic mic, right? Yeah, sure. That was my thought when I heard that sE Electronics was introducing the new V7. Boy, was I shocked – in all the best possible ways! It has a smoother sound without the midrange bite, but still with an elevated top end. Handling noise is drastically better than most. The V7 offers better off-axis rejection than I’ve ever heard before, not only to the rear of the mic but also to the sides, and that means lots more gain before feedback. I spent some time comparing it to similar mics I’ve used for years, and I’m sold. The V7 proves that the world does indeed need another handheld dynamic mic. And so do you.
Any or all of these newcomers would be great first mics or valuable additions to your mic collection. And at these prices, you can afford a stereo pair and enjoy them twice as much.
