If you're new to home recording, you might be searching for some "beginner-friendly" mics to get started with. The good news is that there are several affordable beginner-friendly mics that produce excellent sound. While they aren't as good as microphones used in a professional recording studio, they are excellent for home recording. In this guide, we will talk about the things you need to consider for a home recording microphone and introduce several types that you can choose from. And before that let’s see why it is good to make recordings at home.
Four benefits to have microphone for recording at home
Since home recording microphone for podcast, recording software, and other equipment are available over the last decade or so, there has been an increase in home recording. Almost anyone with a computer and a few dollars for a microphone may begin recording at home. The main benefits are as follow.
You have unlimited time
Making amazing music frequently involves taking the time to explore and figure out what mix of creative aspects works best for the song. Recording at home allows you the opportunity to take all the time you want to explore alternative arrangements, instruments, and sound design to create "your sound". Even if you want to record the final version of your album at a professional studio, this "pre-production" work is beneficial to do at home.
It’s low-cost
Recording from home is likely to be less expensive than renting a professional studio 365 days a year. Reducing the strain on your recording budget allows you to invest more in other aspects of your recorded music business, such as merchandising and promotion.
You can feel more comfortable
This is entirely dependent on your individual creative workflow, although many people will find the comfort of their own home to be an ideal setting for creating and producing new music. However, many people find that producing music at home is quite distracting. This benefit is dependent on your mentality.
You can record whenever you want
The ability to capture any melodies or new song ideas that spring into your brain from time to time is perhaps the most significant advantage of having a recording setup at home. However, don't let technology slow you down! An acoustic guitar into an iPhone is about as nice as it gets for a worktape demo. Capturing your concept before the inspiration runs away should be your main objective.
How to choose a microphone for home recording studio: Three questions to consider
To choose the best home recording microphone, there are three questions to ask yourself to help you get some criteria, which allows you to narrow down the option range.
What are you recording with your microphone in the home studio?
The first thing to consider is what you intend to record.
Do you intend to capture loud sound sources such as guitar cabinets and drums? Or are you interested in recording vocals or instruments such as acoustic guitars or violins?
Varied instruments produce different degrees of sound pressure, and certain microphones are better than others at recording high levels of sound pressure.
Where will you be recording?
Another key factor to think about is the environment in which you will be filming. Poorly acoustic environments will reflect sound into your microphone, lowering the quality of your recording.
As a result, it's critical to record at a location with less reflected sound. In reality, some microphones detect sound from a larger range (even 360 degrees) than others.
In summary, capturing a quality recording will be challenging in a recording environment with bad acoustics.
What types of microphone for home recording do you want to use?
There are three main types used in home recording: dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones.
- Dynamic: Most music enthusiasts will be most familiar with it. It is the voice mic you see in the first row of most rock concerts. Audio experts like its ruggedness and ability to tolerate extremely high levels.
- Condenser: It is the most adaptable home recording microphone, capable of recording virtually any instrument. It is less common in the live scenario because it is more delicate and acoustically sensitive than the dynamic type and require a tiny electrical current to operate.
- Ribbon: It uses an old technique to make sounds as audio waves interact with a moving ribbon inside the mic. It, like condenser, requires external power. It is also known for being delicate. Many old ribbon microphones are incapable of handling high levels; the sound waves practically shatter the ribbon. Today's models are far more adaptable, and studio engineers who appreciate a highly detailed sound palette adore them.
What microphone should I buy for home recording?
From the aforementioned content we know that condenser microphone for home recording is versatile in home recording. However, it can also be divided into many types. Which one is the best for you? Below we take SYNCO as an example and make a general introduction to each type. Read on and make your choice.
Shotgun - Directional pickup pattern helps get high quality audio
SYNCO D series shotgun microphone home recording studio is the option to use when capturing pure sound from a long distance. It draws the sound toward the mic, shielding it from any other unwanted sounds. As a result, the sound is crystal clear in every detail. Below are key features that you may care about.
Features:
- Super- or hyper-cardioid polar pattern
- CNC brass construction
- Low cut
- Gain control
- Real-time monitor
- Powered by 48V phantom power or a AA battery
- XLR or 3.5mm connector
Wireless lavalier - Record audio without the limits of cables
SYNCO is producing a wireless lavalier microphone line that will be a breakthrough kit that will remove the limits of cords and allow the talents to roam about freely without compromising audio quality.
Professional wireless systems always have two components: the transmitter, which stays close to the talent, and the receiver, which takes up sound from the transmitter and sends it to the sound mixers. The transmitter has an omnidirectional condenser capsule built in and may be used as a lapel mic. It also has a mic input port for an external lavalier mic. The receiver comes with 3.5mm, Type-C or Lightning connector, making it a home recording microphone for computer, mobile phone, camera, etc.
Features:
- Omnidirectional pickup pattern
- 492ft/150m or 820ft/250m LOS transmission distance
- Low cut and gain control
- Display screen
- Real-time monitor
- Voice effects
- 3.5mm, Type-C or Lightning connector
- Wireless charging case
- one-button mute
Phone microphone - Home recording microphone that offers plug-and-play recording with mobile phone
A phone microphone is an external microphone that can record better audio than the phone's built-in microphone. If you are or will be a mobile creator, you will need a dedicated mobile-specific microphone to prevent stifling your creativity. A mobile phone microphone can be wired or wireless, directional or omnidirectional, and have a Lightning, Type-C, or 3.5mm connection.
Features:
- Omnidirectional or cardioid polar pattern
- Wireless charging case
- Real-time monitor
- Voice effects
- 3.5mm, Type-C or Lightning connector
- Low cut and gain control
*Note: Among the aforementioned features, some are shared by all models from that microphone series and some belong to a specific model. You can check the product page to learn detailed information.