The right microphone for music production depends on how you work. This article presents the results of our 2020 survey of 3,272 music makers, ranking popular dynamic and condenser microphone series. The SHURE SM series took first place, with the SM58 standing out as a trusted vocal microphone. The survey also highlighted the affordable audio-technica AT2020 and higher-end choices such as the AT4040 and AKG C414 XLII. Even with vocal software such as VOCALOID and realistic software instruments available, microphone choice remains important when recording acoustic instruments and vocals.
Which Microphones Were Most Popular? Survey Results
An Extract from the YouTube Video’s Questions and Answers
I’m thinking about buying a microphone. Do dynamic microphones not need a pop filter? In the comparison, the condenser sounded less noisy to me. Is that because of the microphones’ pickup patterns rather than the presence or absence of a pop filter?
Dynamic microphones are often used without an external pop filter, but plosive breath noise can still be picked up. I would therefore use a pop filter if possible. Condenser microphones are more commonly used for studio vocal recording. For this video, we also recorded vocals with dynamic microphones, including the SM58 and e945, to compare their characteristics, particularly the high-frequency differences, using an analyzer. If your main goal is recording vocals at home rather than live performance, a condenser microphone is a good place to start.
Here are the results of the equipment survey we conducted in 2020.
A total of 3,272 people responded, with the following breakdown of amateur and professional music makers:
- 2,769 amateur music makers, approximately 85%
- 503 professional music makers, approximately 15%
Respondents Who Did Not Use a Microphone
These are the numbers of respondents who did not use condenser or dynamic microphones in their music production:
- Amateurs: 941, approximately 34%
- Professionals: 63, approximately 13%
By the time of this survey, vocal production tools such as VOCALOID were already widely available.
Realistic software versions of acoustic instruments were also plentiful. The results suggested that many people could produce music without needing a microphone at all.
The Top Five Microphone Series
Let’s move on to the product survey results.
1st: SHURE SM Series
A total of 463 respondents: 394 amateurs and 69 professionals.
The most popular model was the SM58, a standard choice for recording, live performances, and events.
SHURE SM58
Manufacturer’s website: https://bit.ly/2Rk8wLo
A total of 262 respondents: 225 amateurs and 37 professionals.
Its frequency response is tailored for vocals, with a bass roll-off designed to help control proximity effect.
It also offers the durability associated with dynamic microphones, making it a familiar choice for live performance.
SHURE SM57
Manufacturer’s website: https://bit.ly/2Zw49BA
A total of 117 respondents: 100 amateurs and 17 professionals.
Its directional pickup helps minimize unwanted sound from surrounding sources.
It is a well-known choice for recording electric guitar amplifiers and snare drums.
Those were the results for SHURE’s most popular models.
With affordable pricing and dependable performance, it is easy to see why so many people keep one on hand.
Now let’s look at the microphones ranked second and below.
2nd: audio-technica AT Series — 368 Respondents
A total of 368 respondents: 304 amateurs and 64 professionals.
The most popular model was the AT2020, used by 139 respondents: 129 amateurs and 10 professionals.
This condenser microphone is known for delivering good sound at an affordable price, making it a strong value choice in this survey.
It can cover vocals and a wide range of acoustic instruments, including acoustic guitar, and can also be used for livestreaming and commentary.
Product website: https://bit.ly/3bPlytP
Another popular model was the AT4040, used by 103 respondents: 63 amateurs and 40 professionals.
The article describes it as a design based on the successful AT4033a, capable of capturing a wider dynamic range.
It cost more than the AT2020, but its higher proportion of professional users reflected its appeal as a microphone for clear recordings.
Product website: https://bit.ly/3jSPIj2
3rd: RODE NT Series — 139 Respondents
A total of 139 respondents: 115 amateurs and 24 professionals.
The most popular model was the NT1-A, used by 100 respondents: 87 amateurs and 13 professionals.
This condenser microphone was also highly popular with beginners in recording and music production.
RODE promoted its very low noise and a clear, balanced sound that could be used without corrective EQ.
It is particularly well suited to recording vocals and acoustic guitar.
Product website: https://bit.ly/3bO7SPK
4th: AKG C Series — 122 Respondents
A total of 122 respondents: 82 amateurs and 40 professionals.
The most popular model was the AKG C214, used by 50 respondents: 43 amateurs and 7 professionals.
This condenser microphone uses a single capsule derived from the C414 dual-capsule system, offering performance close to the C414 XLII discussed below.
It captures subtle sound nuances and can be used for vocals, acoustic guitar, percussion with the 20 dB pad engaged, and ambient recording.
It is also an option for people who have gained recording experience and want to take their sound quality further.
Product website: https://bit.ly/33nvy9D
The next most popular model was the AKG C414 XLII, used by 32 respondents: 14 amateurs and 18 professionals.
Its sound draws on the character of AKG’s classic C12. Its strong showing among professional respondents also stood out.
With nine selectable polar patterns, a pad, and filter settings, it offers considerable flexibility. Combining these settings makes it useful across many sound sources and recording situations.
Product website: https://bit.ly/2FqvrSN
5th: SENNHEISER e Series — 46 Respondents
A total of 46 respondents: 33 amateurs and 13 professionals.
The most popular model was the SENNHEISER e945, used by 19 respondents: 14 amateurs and 5 professionals.
The SENNHEISER e945 is a dynamic microphone designed for vocals.
Its supercardioid pickup helps reject unwanted sound and resist feedback when positioned appropriately, while its construction reduces handling noise.
Its ability to capture vocal dynamics and a broad frequency range also makes it useful for preserving live performances as recordings.
Product website: https://bit.ly/36mS7yp
The Top Five Condenser Microphones Used by Professionals
- 1st: audio-technica AT4040 — 40 Respondents
- 2nd: AKG C414 XLII — 18 Respondents
- 3rd: NEUMANN U87 Ai — 15 Respondents
- 4th: RODE NT1-A — 13 Respondents
- 5th: audio-technica AT2020 — 10 Respondents
For the professional-user ranking, we have limited the results to condenser microphones.
With so many microphone models available, responses were spread across a wide range of products. The NEUMANN U87 Ai, a familiar professional studio choice, nevertheless made the top five.
The video also includes sound demonstrations, so listen for each microphone’s sonic characteristics.
Microphone Setup Tips for Vocal Recording
We have also prepared a guide to microphone setup for anyone who wants to record clear, high-quality vocals.
Visit the page below for the key setup points!
Looking Back and What Comes Next
We have presented rankings of audio interfaces, MIDI keyboards, speakers, headphones, and microphones popular among music makers. How did your equipment compare?
At the time of this series, we were also planning surveys of software instruments and plug-ins, with rankings and comparison videos.
We hope these results provide a useful reference when considering equipment. Thank you for reading to the end.
🎤 Microphone Listening Challenge for Music Makers 🎤
Question: Which microphone was used for each vocal recording? The prices below are those quoted in the original November 2020 post.
• NEUMANN U87 Ai — ¥300,000
• AKG C214 — ¥35,000
• RODE NT1-A — ¥30,000
• SENNHEISER e945 — ¥20,000
• audio-technica AT2020 — ¥10,000
• SHURE SM58 — ¥10,000Article: https://t.co/czpNPUg5kG pic.twitter.com/7KnhkRB5zt
— SLEEP FREAKS (@SLEEPFREAKS_DTM) November 2, 2020
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which microphones suit beginners in music production?
The audio-technica AT2020 and RODE NT1-A were two accessible choices highlighted in this 2020 survey. Both offer good recording quality at relatively affordable prices and are useful for vocals and acoustic guitar.
Q2. What should I look for in a vocal microphone?
Look for a microphone with a response suited to vocals, such as the SHURE SM58 or SENNHEISER e945. The SM58’s bass roll-off helps control proximity effect; for either microphone, placement and distance also matter when aiming for a clear, balanced vocal sound.
Q3. What features do microphones popular with professionals offer?
The audio-technica AT4040 and AKG C414 XLII placed highly in the professional ranking and offer wide dynamic range for demanding recordings. The AT4040 has a fixed cardioid pattern; the C414 XLII adds nine selectable polar patterns, providing flexibility across different sources and recording situations.
Q4. When should I choose a dynamic or condenser microphone?
Dynamic microphones are durable and well suited to live use, while condenser microphones are sensitive and often chosen for studio recording. Condensers are common in home music production, but dynamic microphones can also be effective for vocals.
Q5. Why is the SHURE SM58 so popular?
The SM58 combines affordability with dependable performance and is a standard microphone for recording, live performances, and events. It is trusted by users ranging from beginners to professionals.
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