Top 30 Microphone Xlr Brands in 2024

Microphone XLR Buying Guide: Introduction

When it comes to recording audio, having a high-quality microphone is crucial for capturing the best possible sound. And one important aspect of any professional-grade microphone is the type of connector it uses to transmit that sound signal to a recording device or amplifier.

The XLR connector is a time-tested type of balanced audio connector that has been the standard in the audio industry for decades. These connectors are known for their high quality, durability, and reliability, and are commonly found on all sorts of professional audio equipment, including microphones, mixers, and amplifiers.

In this buying guide, we’ll take a closer look at what makes XLR connectors so special, as well as some important factors to consider when selecting an XLR microphone for your recording needs.

What is an XLR Connector?

An XLR connector is a type of audio connector that uses three pins to transmit a balanced audio signal. The design of the XLR helps to eliminate interference and noise that can be introduced into the audio signal by other electrical equipment or components, which ultimately translates into a cleaner, clearer sound.

XLR connectors are typically used on microphones in professional settings, as well as on mixers and amplifiers. They are also commonly used in live sound and concert productions, where high-quality audio transmission and noise reduction are crucial.

The three pins on an XLR connector correspond to the three components of a balanced audio signal: the positive signal, the negative signal, and the ground. By transmitting the audio signal in a balanced (differential) manner, the XLR connector helps to reduce the potential for interference and to improve the overall sound quality.

Overall, the XLR connector is a reliable and versatile audio connector that has earned its place as the industry standard.

Choosing an XLR Microphone

When selecting an XLR microphone, there are a number of factors to consider in order to ensure that you get the best possible sound quality and performance for your needs. Here are some of the most important considerations:

Microphone Type

One of the first things to determine when selecting an XLR microphone is the type of microphone that best suits your needs. There are a number of different types of microphones, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits:

• Dynamic Microphones: These microphones are known for their robustness and durability. They are typically used in live settings, as they can handle high sound pressure levels without distorting. Dynamic microphones also tend to be relatively inexpensive compared to other types.
• Condenser Microphones: These microphones are known for their sensitivity and accuracy, making them ideal for studio recording applications. They require external power (either from a battery or from the equipment they’re connected to), and tend to be more fragile and expensive than dynamic microphones.
• Ribbon Microphones: These microphones use a thin ribbon element to capture sound, and are known for their warm, natural sound. They are typically used in studio environments where their unique character can be appreciated, and can be quite expensive.

When selecting an XLR microphone, it’s important to consider the type of microphone that best suits your needs and budget. Each type of microphone has its own unique characteristics and benefits, so be sure to choose one that will work well for your specific recording needs.

Polar Pattern

The polar pattern of a microphone refers to the directionality of its audio pickup. In other words, it describes which directions the microphone is most sensitive to, and which directions it ignores.

There are a number of different polar patterns to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses:

• Cardioid: This polar pattern is most sensitive to sounds coming from directly in front of the microphone. It also rejects sounds coming from the back and sides of the microphone, which helps to reduce background noise and capture clean, focused audio.
• Figure-8: This polar pattern is sensitive to sounds coming from directly in front of and behind the microphone, while rejecting sounds coming from the sides. It’s often used for stereo recording applications, as it can be used to capture sound from two different directions simultaneously.
• Omni-directional: This polar pattern captures sound from all directions equally. It’s typically used in situations where a more natural, ambient sound is desired, or where multiple sound sources need to be recorded at once.

When selecting an XLR microphone, it’s important to consider the polar pattern that best suits your specific recording needs. Depending on what you’re recording, you may want a microphone that’s more focused or directional, or one that captures a more natural, ambient sound.

Sensitivity

The sensitivity of a microphone refers to how effectively it can convert sound waves into electrical signals. A more sensitive microphone will capture quieter sounds more effectively, while a less sensitive microphone may require louder sounds in order to generate a strong signal.

When selecting an XLR microphone, it’s important to consider the sensitivity that you need for your specific recording needs. If you’re recording quieter sources, such as acoustic instruments or vocals, you may want a more sensitive microphone. If you’re recording louder sources, such as drums or electric guitars, you may want a less sensitive microphone to avoid distortion.

Frequency Response

The frequency response of a microphone refers to the range of frequencies that the microphone can effectively capture. A microphone with a wider frequency response will be able to capture a broader range of sounds, while a microphone with a narrower frequency response may be more focused and detailed.

When selecting an XLR microphone, it’s important to consider the frequency response that best suits your specific recording needs. If you’re recording a wide range of instruments or sounds, you may want a microphone with a broader frequency response. If you’re recording a single instrument or voice, you may want a more focused microphone with a narrower frequency response.

Budget

Finally, it’s important to consider your budget when selecting an XLR microphone. There are high-quality microphones available at a wide range of price points, so it’s important to determine how much you’re willing to spend and to find the best microphone for your needs within that budget.

Be sure to consider the type of microphone, polar pattern, sensitivity, and frequency response that you need, and to choose a microphone that provides the best combination of features and performance for your budget.

Conclusion

An XLR microphone is an important component of any professional-level audio setup. When selecting an XLR microphone, be sure to consider the type of microphone, polar pattern, sensitivity, frequency response, and budget that best suit your specific recording needs. With the right microphone, you’ll be able to capture high-quality, clean, and accurate sound that will help to bring your recordings to the next level.