Home Microphone Guides best home studio microphone | AMAZING VALUE!!

Don't forget to share if you found it helpful!

Hi friend and Welcome aboard!!

Success.

Today I’m comin’ at you with another post about microphones ..

Specifically, the best home studio microphone.

I will be outlining these options in the context of affordability, so if you’re looking for the most expensive one, look elsewhere. 😀

Expensive does not always = the best.

The microphone above (pictured in my studio) has not failed me and I’ve had it since 2007. That tells you something right there.

In fact, microphones nowadays have become so cheap, that it may seem like you’re getting a hunk of crap when it finally arrives..

I’m here to tell you otherwise

You don’t need to break the bank on this one. In fact, it would probably we wiser if you just went with something relatively affordable. It will service you just fine when starting out.

So without further ado, here are my recommendations:

1.) MXL 770

This is the microphone that I will buy if I’m going to get another one to replace my Samson C01. (Which I will discuss later).

Since I don’t own it, but have read a ton of reviews, I will condense them into Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • affordable and reliable
  • A durable workhorse, very sturdy, good build quality
  • clear and articulate sound
  • quality of a higher end mic
  • faithful, clear recordings (provided the right environment)
  • great for rap/hip hop vocalists
  • comes with shock mount
  • great for people with high voices, as the bass is pronounced

 Cons:

  • high end more prominent than lower frequencies
  • shockmount isn’t that great
  • feedback issues
  • raw sounding, picks up too much noise (a podcasters view, not a musician)
  • not the best choice for an untreated room. You will need to jerry rig a booth or have a booth already set up.

One reviewer was overwhelmed at how great it sounded after a bit of tinkering with EQ and some dynamic processing.

Another reviewer mentioned that if you are picking up outside sounds, you may be speaking into the mic from the wrong direction. It must be facing up and towards you (so you can see the logo).

Check out my comparison review of the MXL v67g vs. the MXL 770!

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REVIEWS ON AMAZON!!

2) The Samson CO1

What can I say? I’ve nursed and raised this microphone since it was just a pup *tear*

Lol, just kidding…

But seriously

This just may be the best budget mic out there. It doesn’t get a whole heap of attention, but the people that do comment or review it, absolutely love it.

And for Good Reason

It’s just solid. There’s not much else to say. It records very clean and “true” (if you will).

I have never had an issue with it picking up background noise either. It’s durable, heavy, and feels expensive.

I’ve had it since 2007!!

That must count for something right?

Check out my video review!!

Anyways, you can’t really go wrong with it. In fact, if you go to amazon, 3 reviews down you can see just how amazing it sounds. One reviewer was nice enough to put it to the test for us.

I will outline some Pros and Cons:

Pros

  • affordable
  • durable, heavy duty
  • clear and clean sound
  • high quality for low price

Cons

  • Low end can get a bit muddy, <200HZ.
  • a lot of hiss at times, if nothing is being recorded (use a compressor).
  • gives an extra low end and “loudness” to your voice.

THE BOTTOM LINE

It’s a mic that has stood the test of time for me, and remains a great value and long term investment..

SEE IT FOR YOURSELF!!

Also, an important thing to note: Condenser microphones require “Phantom Power”, which we have discussed in my guide to building a home studio here. One reviewer complained that his MXL770 was not compatible with the Scarlett 2i2. He said “It doesn’t work”.  There is a little 48V Phantom Power button on the 2i2. (If you look at the top of this post, the first picture clearly illustrates this point). Please make sure you press that button before writing negative reviews. THE MIC WILL NOT WORK OTHERWISE. Thanks!!


Well that’s about it folks! That’s all she wrote. If you guys have any more specific questions about the best home studio microphone, feel free to leave them down below in the comments or Contact me. I’d be more than happy to speak with you!

All the best and God bless,

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

Be sure to check out my Reviews and Resources page for more helpful and informative articles!

Save

Save

Don't forget to share if you found it helpful!

You may also like

6 comments

Michelle Medeiros April 8, 2015 - 7:26 pm

Great article! Lots useful information! I like when people are honest about the pros and cons ’cause like that they can really help us making a decision. Keep up the good work!

Reply
Stu April 8, 2015 - 7:35 pm

Thanks Michelle! Much appreciated and thanks for stopping by!
-Stu

Reply
Tony April 8, 2015 - 7:48 pm

Your best home studio microphone — 2 affordable & rugged options article has really highlighted the pros and cons two solid products. MX770 and The Samson C01 of which, both you have own and used for over eight years. Thanks for sharing. How do you rank the Bose sound system and speakers?

Reply
Stu April 9, 2015 - 2:11 pm

Hey Tony good to see you again.. Thanks for the comment. To be honest, I don’t have any experience with Bose products! Do you have any of their stuff?
-Stu

Reply
Donna April 9, 2015 - 12:15 am

Thanks for the great post. Good review on both products.
D

Reply
Stu April 9, 2015 - 2:11 pm

I appreciate that.. Come back by anytime!
-Stu

Reply

Leave a Reply to Tony Cancel Reply