A microphone is basically to convert the sound to an electrical signal. In this era of technology, microphones or what we call mic are used everywhere like in mobiles, telephones, hearing aid, live recording sessions, public address systems, radio, and television broadcasting.

Not only this but also the mics are used in the computers too. For speech recognition, VoIP, ultrasonic or knock sensors, mics are everywhere. There are many types of the mic to convert the sound waves into electric signals-

• The Dynamic Microphone
• The Condenser Microphone
• The Contact Microphone

Dynamic Microphones use the wire coils in the magnetic field. The second type is the Condenser Microphone wherein the vibrating diaphragm is used as a capacitor plate. And, the last one is the Contact Microphone, which uses the crystals of piezoelectric material.

Before creating or producing any signal, any of these microphones have to be connected with a preamplifier.

The condenser microphone was first launched by E.C. Wente in the early 1916s. The condenser mic is also referred to as a capacitor microphone or electrostatic microphone. At that time the capacitors were actually called condensers and this keeps on going the same so far!

7 Best Condenser Mics-

Here is the list of the best 7 condenser microphones in the market as reviewed in 2021. Without wasting any more time, let’s dive in:

1. Rode NT1-A-MP
2. Audio Technica AT2020 Condenser Mic
3. MXL Cr89 Premium Low Noise Condenser
4. Stellar X2
5. Rode NT-USB Versatile Studio-Quality Condenser Mic
6. AKG C214 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Mic
7. Blue Spark Blackout SL XLR

1.Rode NT1-A-MP

Rode NT1-A-MP is available on Amazon at a price value of $549 in Nickel color. The product weighs 2080 grams.

This condenser microphone uses the 1″ capsule and comes with a gold plated diaphragm. Rode, the brand is already famous for producing the nicest microphones.

I really don’t think there would be anybody who hasn’t heard about the brand. Rode has already set some high standards in terms of quality and customer satisfaction.

If you’re looking for an extremely warm, crystal clear sound even at the low frequencies, Rode NT1-A-MP is the one. What makes it different from others is its nickel-plated diaphragm that offers you high-end quality. Not all the condenser mics come with the nickel-plated diaphragm.

Rode NT1-A-MP can also be used for other applications and the vocals are so clear. With this condenser mic, you don’t need to buy an audio interface except for the phantom power.

Key Specifications-

• Maximum SPL- 137dBSPL
• Polar Pattern- Cardioid
• True condenser
• Ultra-low noise
• Distortion-free sound
• Nickel-plated
• Noise level- 5dB
• Impedance- 100 Ohm
• Wired connectivity
• Number of channels- 1

2.Audio Technica AT2020

Audio Technica has bounced back launching its newly model Audio Technica AT2020 condenser microphone. The unidirectional polar pattern microphone is available on Amazon at $199.99 with 37dB audio sensitivity.

The corded electric condenser mic captures every nuance, the deep sound, the high pitches, the low acoustics, and the mid vocals so clearly, all thanks to its 16mm low-mass diaphragm.

Audio Technica AT2020 is available in such a low range and literally has a lot to offer. It works on the frequency range of 20Hz- 20kHz. Also, this condenser mic can handle high sound pressures pretty nicely.

Be it about recording vocals, string instruments, or a Leslie amp you want, Audio Technica AT2020 is so versatile and works entirely as per your convenience.

The maximum SPL of the condenser mic is 144dB and its normal is 124dB. Not only this but also the Audio Technica AT2020 offers dual preamps. For connecting to the mic as well as the guitar simultaneously, it has combo inputs.

Also, you can connect this condenser mic to the external MIDI equipment using its 5-Pin DIN ports.

It comes with the PreSonus Audiobox USB 96’s mic preamps that also has +48V phantom power.

Key Specifications-

• 37dB audio sensitivity
• 20Hz-20kHz frequency response
• 16mm low-mass diaphragm
• USB and XLR connectivity
• Unidirectional polar pattern
• 96’s mic preamps for +48V phantom power
• Threaded adapter

3.MXL Cr89 Premium Low Noise Condenser

This is one of the popular condenser mics from MXL and also the mic is not that expensive. It will cost you only $249.95 with a shock mount and flight case. The mic is purely black chrome in color and has a vibe exactly like a professional condenser mic.

It’s really attractive in looks. And, to all the black lovers, this is it! MXL Cr89 is a premium quality low noise condenser that weighs only 825 grams. It’s entirely made up of using aluminum.

MXL Cr89 has already a built-in preamp. This is actually the top-quality condenser mic that nobody can refuse to have once gone through its specifications and features.

MXL Cr89 is ideal for up-close recordings. It has an impedance of 150 ohms. This condenser mic is designed with an aim of producing a high sound quality and yes, there are no compromises with that.

Many professional engineers prefer to go with MXL Cr89 only. As I’ve already mentioned this is one of the best professional condenser mics. MXL Cr89 is the most selling condenser mic and is ideal for strings, acoustic guitars, and pianos.

Key Specifications-

• Low proximity
• Weighs only 825 grams
• Made of aluminum, in Black Chrome color
• The impedance of 150 ohms
• 138dB audio sensitivity
• 80dB signal-to-noise ratio
• Offers shock mount

4.Stellar X2 Large Diaphragm Condenser Mic

Stellar X2 is available on Amazon at a price value of $199 in black color. The mic is known for its large-diaphragm cardioid polar pattern. This condenser mic provides you the XLR connectivity.

There are many condenser mics that overpower other low frequencies but this is not the case with the Stellar X2, this mic has a balanced and neutral frequency response and hence offers you the distortion-free sound.

Its large and high-end diaphragm is an addition to the Stellar X2 that distinguishes it from others. The capsules of the Stellar X2 made up of high-quality brass and mylar imported from Japan and we all are aware when it comes to Japanese technology, there’s nothing beyond that.

Not only the Japanese technology but Stellar X2 also using German technology for its capacitors and other components that have the least tolerance only 1%.

Also, this condenser mic uses gold traces to enhance the entire sound quality with high conductivity, distortion-free sound, and ultimately great performance.

Key Specifications-

• Japanese imported mylar
• German capacitors
• JFET circuit
• Gold traces for enhancing the performance
• Noise floor less than 13dBA
• XLR connectivity
• Large-diaphragm
• Cardioid polar pattern

If connecting with the computer, make sure to have a power supply of 48V. Also, when it has an XLR connectivity, also you need an XLR to XLR cable to make the connection.

5.Rode NT-USB Versatile Studio-Quality Condenser Mic

Rode NT-USB versatile condenser mic is the cheapest mic in the list of the top picks reviewed in 2021. This condenser mic is available on Amazon at a price value of $169 in Black color.

This Rode NT-USB is highly recommended to be bought only from Amazon for quality reasons. Rode is known for assuring high quality and the brand has prioritized its goodwill and customer satisfaction over everything else.

The condenser mic has a decent power supply and hence you can skip the audio interface as it will work really well even without that.

This is the second model in the list from Rode and actually, there’s a lot of price difference between the two. So, if you having the mindset to get a budget-friendly Rode model only, Rode NT-USB is the one for you.

It offers you USB connectivity with a 3.5mm jack. Rode NT-USB is ideal for studio recordings. There are no compatibility issues and the condenser mic is flexible with all your devices like PC, Tablet, Camera, or mobile.

Key Specifications-

• USB connectivity with a 35mm jack
• Studio condenser microphone
• Unidirectional polar pattern
• Weighs 1.15 pounds
• 82dB Signal-to-Noise ratio

With the package, you’ll also get a pop shield, a tripod desk, ring mount, a pouch to put it in, and a 6m USB cable to make the connection.

6.AKG C214 Large-Diaphragm

AKG C214, the second expensive condenser mic on the list after Rode NT1-A-MP that is placed on the 1st position. The condenser mic is available on Amazon at a price value of $438.90 again in black color.

AKG C214 is well known in the market for its large diaphragm and hence can capture even the extreme vocals in detail. It actually uses the combination of C214 dual-capsule system and Back-Plate technology and ultimately offers you the outstanding dynamic range.

This condenser mic provides you the distortion-free sound even at extreme frequencies as all other mics listed above. AKG C214 actually comes with the 20dB attenuator switch that is responsible to control overpowering and distortion.

The maximum SPL that AKG C214 can handle is 156dB. This condenser mic also has the noise cancellation feature and can remove the low-frequency noise using its 160Hz bass-cut filter.

When it comes to the condenser mics, the consumers only look for the crystal clear sound and AKG C214 won’t disappoint you at all, the brand highly ensures mind-blowing sound quality.

Even in extreme sound pressure, AKG C214 ensures good sound quality. It has a long life as the mic is entirely made up of metal. This condenser mic is a great choice for vocals as well as solo instruments.

With the package, you’ll get along a mic shock mount, a metal carrying case, and a Blucoil 10-feet long cable.

Key Specifications-

• Frequency Response of 20Hz- 20kHz
• Unidirectional polar pattern
• XLR 3-Pin connectivity
• Weighs 1 pound only
• 81dB Signal-to-Noise ratio
• 160Hz bass-cut filter
• 20dB attenuator switch

7.Blue Spark Blackout SL XLR

Blue Spark Blackout SL XLR is available on Amazon at a price value of $200. Again the mic is in the black color. All these condenser mics are in black color except for one or two.

Blue never fails to amuse us and it was actually hard to choose one of them for the list. Finally, we have chosen this Blue Spark Blackout SL XLR condenser mic to be in the best condenser mics reviewed in 2021.

Due to its popularity and quality assurance, Blue Spark Blackout SL XLR is here. Blue is known in the industry for a very long period of time and hence, it gives an old-school vibe.

But when it comes to sound quality and performance, Blue is no less. The condenser capsule is made up using high-quality circuitry. Blue Spark Blackout SL XLR is considered one of the best condenser mics in the mid-range of around $200.

If you have a deep voice, you can adjust the low-frequency sensitivity using the ‘Focus Control switch’. This switch also works if your instrument has a low spectrum.

This condenser mic has a large-diaphragm that enhances its sound quality and its capsule is already made up of the high-quality that adds cherry to the cake. Blue Spark Blackout SL XLR is quite popular for offering a next-level detailed and focused sound.

Also, the mic uses the 100Hz low cut filter that ultimately is there again for the sound quality. In this range, getting so many features makes it a must to be grabbed to your bucket.

Along with the package, you’ll get the shock mount as well as a pop filter.

Key Specifications- 

• Large-diaphragm
• Unidirectional polar pattern
• 100Hz cut filter to remove the external noises
• Distortion-free sound using its -20dB pad
• Weighs 0.72 pounds
• Corded electric power source

Summing Up

This is all about the 7 best condenser mics in the market reviewed in 2021. All these mics have gone through the proper quality assurance test and then have made their way to this list.

Most of the listed condenser mics are around $250 except for one or two that are actually expensive around $500. So, as per your pocket allowance and convenience, you can have a look over this quick guide and get the one for you.