Studio and stage microphones cover condenser, dynamic and ribbon designs for recording vocals and instruments and for live performance. The range suits home studio owners, podcasters, touring musicians and venues, with over 30 models from Sennheiser, RØDE, Shure and Neumann among others.
How to choose a studio or stage microphone
Condenser or dynamic. Condenser microphones pick up fine detail and suit vocals, acoustic guitar and room recording in a quiet space. Dynamic microphones handle loud sources and noisy rooms better, which is why they dominate on stage and for guitar amps and drums.
Polar pattern. A cardioid pattern picks up sound from the front and rejects the rear, so it works for most solo vocals and instruments. Omnidirectional and figure-of-eight patterns are useful for room ambience, interviews and stereo techniques, but they also pick up more of the room.
Connection and power. Most studio and stage microphones use an XLR output, which needs a mixer or audio interface. Condenser models usually also need 48 V phantom power from that device, while dynamic models do not. Check that your interface provides it before you buy.
Where you will use it. A stage microphone needs to survive handling, tolerate feedback and stay clear at close range. A studio microphone is usually more sensitive and benefits from a shock mount and pop filter, so check which accessories are included or need to be bought separately.
Sound source. Choose the microphone for the main job. A large-diaphragm condenser is a common pick for vocals, a small-diaphragm model for acoustic instruments and overheads, and a robust dynamic for snare, toms and guitar cabinets.
Studio and stage microphone brands we carry
- Sennheiser: German manufacturer whose MD 421 dynamic microphone has been used on drums, brass and guitar amps in studios for decades; it has the largest number of models in our range.
- RØDE: Australian brand known for affordable large-diaphragm condenser microphones such as the NT1 and NT1-A, popular in home studios.
- Shure: American company behind the SM58 and SM57 dynamic microphones, which are standard on stages and in rehearsal rooms worldwide.
- Neumann: German maker of reference studio condenser microphones, including the U 87, a fixture in professional vocal recording.
- AKG: Vienna-based brand whose C414 large-diaphragm condenser is a long-standing studio staple with switchable polar patterns.
- beyerdynamic: German company that makes microphones as well as headphones, with a heritage in dynamic and ribbon designs.
Also in our range: sE Electronics, Prodipe and Blow.
Frequently asked questions about studio and stage microphones
Is a condenser or dynamic microphone better for a home studio?
A condenser microphone is usually the better choice for recording vocals and acoustic instruments in a treated or quiet room, because it captures more detail. If your room is noisy or untreated, a dynamic microphone often gives cleaner results since it picks up less background sound.
Do I need an audio interface to use an XLR microphone?
Yes, an XLR microphone needs a mixer or audio interface to connect to a computer, as it does not plug into a USB port directly. The interface also supplies preamp gain and, if needed, phantom power for condenser models.
What does 48 V phantom power mean?
Phantom power is a 48 V supply sent through the XLR cable from a mixer or interface to power a microphone. Most condenser microphones require it, while dynamic microphones do not. Ribbon microphones need care, as some older models can be damaged by phantom power.
Can I use a studio microphone on stage?
You can, but it is not always sensible. Studio condenser microphones are more sensitive, more fragile and more prone to feedback in loud rooms. For live vocals and instruments, a dynamic stage microphone is generally the safer option.
