Cheap directional condenser mics for voice use - some ideas

published Feb 27, 2019 01:00   by admin ( last modified Feb 27, 2019 11:50 )

I'm thinking of getting an affordable directional condenser mic for use as a boom mic but also as a general voice mic. It would be nice if it is switchable to different polar patterns. Ideally I'd like to pay around €50, but two of the below ones are more expensive.

AKG C1000S MkIV

Around €90. AKG C1000s MKIV The AKG C1000S is a classic condenser microphone, that gets a surprising amount of hate on the Internet, including from some people who have actually used it. The only mic I've seen receiving more hate is the Blue Yeti. Both mics are best sellers so they can't be all that bad. The AKG CS1000S Mk IV can run on two AA batteries besides 48V which is great, and it has switchable polar and frequency characteristics which also makes it more versatile.

Here is a Youtube example including rap. The Session with Blazewun - indoor dialogue AKG c1000 test - YouTube The rap is also recorded with it, and not just the monologue. The rap uses the hypercardoid setting.

AKG C1000 Battle - Indoor Dialogue - The Adapter Features - YouTube same guy again, now comparing all the modes: Cardoid, hypercardoid and presence.

Avantone CK-1

Around €150. Avantone CK-1. Rave reviews on the store sites. A bit on the expensive side for my budget. It gives you three different capsules and a shock mount included. Good.

This is the video I found wrt voice. It seems to have been lossily encoded into oblivion though: Avantone CK-1 Microphone Test w/Hyper Cardioid Cap Installed on Vimeo

Samson C02

Here we're coming down to €45 territory. Samson C02. Supercardioid characteristics and shock mount included.

Samson C02 Voice-over Test Demo - YouTube

Vocal Test Samson C02 Condenser Mic - Beneath The Surface - YouTube

Samson c02 mic vs Zoom SGH-6 shotgun - YouTube