Before you rush off to buy yet another studio microphone, ask yourself the question: “Will this mic sound different than what I already own?” Too often we can be lured in to a purchase of a perfectly good microphone just because it’s been reviewed well and people like it.
The problem comes when that mic doesn’t sound all that different than what we currently have. We may own another great mic, but we’ve just missed an opportunity to add another “color” to our arsenal.
What Does Different Sound Like?
I suppose I need to clarify and define what I mean by microphones that sound “different.” You see, not all mics interpret sound the same way. Some emphasize the high mids, while others might have a bump in the low mid range. Some might roll off the low end while yet others have a high shelf to give that “airy” sound. The point is, not all mics do the same thing.
These differences can come from different microphone types: condensers vs dynamics vs ribbons. Or diaphragm sizes: small vs mid vs large. It can even come from electronics inside: solid state vs tube. And of course, every manufacturer has their own preferences when it comes to materials and design. All of these elements build up into mics that sound different from one another.
What Does Different Do For You?
When you have different sounding mics (I like to say microphones with a different “color”) you can create a more compelling recording faster. If you have, let’s say, two guitar amps that you need to record, simply put different sounding mics on each one and they will each be given their own unique character in the mix. You can make two similar sounding parts stand out.
On the flip side, if you have two very different sounding sources (for example two vocalists, one with a mellow voice and the other a harsher, brighter voice), you can use different colored mics to compliment each voice and be left with more palatable tracks. Throw a nice bright condenser on the mellow vocal to help it sit up in the mix. Then use a rounder, more mellow microphone to soften up the brighter vocal.
How This Can Look Practically
So what am I saying here? I’m not telling you to go buy a ton of microphones. That’s not the point. In fact I typically prefer to use as few mics as possible when recording. But practically speaking I’m suggesting you eventually have at least two different colored mics to play with, preferably three. This might be a large diaphragm condenser, a dynamic mic, and a small diaphragm condenser. This might be a condenser, a dynamic, and a ribbon.
They don’t even have to be different brands. Recently I tracked a folk acoustic EP for an artist using only three mics. They were all from the same manufacturer (Kel Audio), were all condensers (two large, one mid), but they each have very different sounds to them. One is full, and up front sounding. Great for lead vocals. One is more dull, earthy sounding. Used this on background vocals and cello. The other is clear and mid rangy, perfect for acoustic guitar.
Make Your Life Easier
If you only have one microphone. No problem. Go make killer records. That’s what I did for years. The issue though is when you decide to buy a second or third microphone, be selective. Don’t just buy a mic to have another one. Take the opportunity to add a new “color” to your tool box and it will make your recordings (and eventually your mixes) come together much faster and with greater musicality.
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My name is Graham Cochrane and I'm the founder of The Recording Revolution, one of the world's most loved audio recording and mixing blogs with over 200,000 readers each month. 
Busted! I bought an NT1 when I had a perfectly good AT2020. Granted, I reach for the Røde mic more often. Recently, I bought a box set of Sterling Mics, not knowing how it would sound. A month later and I still don’t know. 🙂
But what do you do if you can’t really hear how a mic sounds because there’s no way to hear one for yourself before you buy it? Like the Neumann TLM 102…I know it’s a great mic based off of reviews, but how can I tell if it’s got a different sound than my M Audio Sputnik before I purchase it?
iinm, there are mic test files available online. I don’t recall where, so you’ll have to do some searching. They might be helpful, though.
For ages I cut with just 2 mics and EQ and we did use impulses with acoustic mirror ( like 10 yrs ago ) and it was not bad. When we were signed we cut at Fresh tracks and studio 4 in PA. One difference is the tremendous mic locker those guys had but still recording at home you can do some amazing stuff following Grahams advice here of purchasing mics with different colors. There are some mic shootouts on youtube if you search for them and there are some test around and even a site but the name eludes me now.
Another thing is to look at the tech and build of a mic. Example small diaphragm and wide condenser. While Tube mics are perhaps more warm (debatable of course ) and dynamics more gritty and Ribon mics more dark. When we can afford them all then we have a pallet of colors to do our art with. Great article like always Graham I appreciate so much all you are doing for the community of guys doing music at home with limited resources.
In general you can make some assumptions about mics, like a solid state condenser might sound a bit brighter than your tube mic. But in general you could buy something and return it if you don’t like it, or rent a mic even for a gig.
if you had to use one mic for a rock/country guy voice, which mic would you reach for? I have a Blue BlueBird and i’m just not liking the feel of the mic even after I add eq and everything else your vids have taught me!
Hi Kyle, hard to answer that question. I’ve used a Rode NT1a on just about everything with great success. But some voices just make it sound harsh. I really like the mics from Kel Audio. Very musical. Not harsh.
Yes, very important to have different flavours.
I take it one step further and make sure my collection compliments my friend’s collection. Makes my microphone dollar go even further.
Good Tip Graham! I’m a bit stuck with a problem and I’d like your opinion (and the community opinion!) about it. A quick view of my mic locker first: A SM57 (snare/guitar), a Behringer B1 (Kick/Guitar), a Kel Audio Song Sparrow (Almost everything mainly mono OH/Vocals), and a Digital Reference Drum Mic Kit DRDK7 (200$ for 2 pencils, 4 tom/snare mic , 1 Kick mic). My interface is a presonus audiobox 1818vsl with 8 preamps, which features an ADAT input. I’d like to change my drum microphone, but I’ve read your article about drum bundles (great one by the way, I wish I had read it before!). I have two bundles that could make sense, for my needs. The Samson 8kit (You had one in the past right?) OR a Shure DMK52-57 (a beta52 and 3 sm57.) which one do you think is the best? Maybe I’ll need more preamps (a behringer ADA8000) too.
Or maybe you have a better suggestion or a better next step for me! Please let me know!
P.S. Thank you so much for your videos. They helped me so much, I’m very gratefull for them. Thanks for taking the time to make these, and giving back to the community
You’ve got a great start to your studio! I have used the Samson 8 kit before (my church owns it as well). I would honestly say with what you already have, go with the Shure kit (beta 52 and SM57s). Those are way more helpful long term than another drum mic bundle. Then keep using the Song Sparrow for a mono OH. Awesome setup.
Thank you man! I’m definitely going to take your advice. One last question: What pair of pencil microphones would you recommend for someone who think of using his microphones both live and in a studio? I’m looking for a good one, but at the same time I’m a bit on budget, so I’d like someone’s opinion to help me with this.
Thanks again!
Jay
The Rode NT5s are a great option. Well made mics for a solid price. Of course there are some mics for less. Perhaps the AKG Perception line.
Hi,
sorry to ask for advice here, but I thought it relates to the article.
I have two Röde NT2 (original), and an Yamaha C7 grand piano. Trying to find a good setup, I physically switched the mics between themselves, and discovered they give a very different sound from absolutely the same position, on same channel. One has more volume, warmer, and sounds nearer, the other more distant, less volume(needs more gain to show same input level), and feels colder. What would you recommend? Do I have to buy two identifical, balanced mics, or can I use this to obtain a good solo pian sound?
I wouldn’t worry about it too much if stereo recording. Or just go with one mic. I love a good mono piano 🙂
Hey Graham,
Your website is great! Been following it for a while now (and the podcast.) I’m fairly new to the recording game but I did get the Samson G track off of a recommendation of a friend. It’s been great having the interface and mic all in one but I am looking to buy a mic that I can use both in the studio and on stage. I mainly play acoustic guitar and sing, so I was thinking that the SM57 would be a great choice along with the Sennheiser vocal mic I already have. Thoughts?
Thanks again!
I think the 57 is a welcome addition to every studio. So versatile.
Hi Graham,
Love your blog!
I’m a pro bass trombone player and new in the recording world. Lately, I had several bad experiences in studio’s with guys who f°°° up my sound so I would like to now more about recording, mic’s and…
The setup I have bought is this: a Focusrite Saffire Pro 40, Pro Tools 11 (just bought your rethink tutorial box), a SE Electronic SE 1A stereo pair and a Shure SM58.
I’m thinking on buying some Yamaha HS7 monitors and a nice large diagram microphone for my bass trombone. What would you suggest and what do you think of my setup?
I would like to start with mostly piano-bass trombone projects for recording.
Thanks a lot! Bart
I think you have a great setup. Try all the mics you have see which sounds best on your trombone, piano etc.
Hii Graham,
This is Arjit from India.. I see a number of your posts regarding doing good recordings.. I m planning to setup my home recording studio.. I recently bought a sound card – Scarlett Focusrite 2i2.. Now I m planning to buy a mic,.
My budget in not too much.. For mic I can spend Rs. 10,000 max.. i.e. – $170 .. (Near about to that value)… including pop filter, shockmount & stand.. I know I m looking for a lot in a small budget.. But there are a lot of money crunches with me these days..
Can you suggest me some good models in this budget?? One of my friends suggested me Samson c03 that can come under this budget..
N i also like Rode NT1a but I guess Rode will go beyond my budget..
I would request you to kindly give me some suggestions.. 🙂 Thanks a lot
I like the Samson C01 and the Behringer B1