Best Multipurpose Condenser Microphones in 2022

Last update: December 2, 2022

Are condenser mics worth it?

Condenser mics are definitely worth the investment if you are looking to improve your audio recordings. They are able to capture a wider range of frequencies than dynamic mics, which results in a more accurate and natural sounding recording. They are also more sensitive, so they are able to pick up more subtle details in the sound.

Can you damage a condenser mic?

Condenser microphones are generally very rugged and can withstand a fair amount of abuse. However, like any piece of electronic equipment, they can be damaged if not used correctly. The most common type of damage to a condenser mic is physical damage to the capsule, which can occur if the mic is dropped or hit. Additionally, the electronics inside the mic can be damaged if the mic is exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity.

Do all condenser mics need phantom?

No, not all condenser mics need phantom power. Some can operate using a standard battery, while others may have an internal power supply that does not require phantom power.

Do condenser mics pick up background noise?

Condenser microphones are designed to pick up a wide range of frequencies, which means they can also pick up a lot of background noise. If you're recording in a noisy environment, it's best to use a different type of microphone that is less sensitive to background noise.


USB Microphone with Studio Headphone Set 192kHz/24 bit MAONO A04H Vocal Condenser Cardioid Podcast Mic for Mac and Windows, YouTube, Gaming, Livestreaming, Voice Over Review:


The video I've attached has all of my opinions. It's a really lengthy movie, but that's because I have a lot to say about each item in this package and because there is a lot of material included.If you want a more succinct summary, this bundle will provide you with a solid starting point for activities like podcasting, streaming, and/or making YouTube videos. The audio quality is comparable to that of Blue Microphone goods, however this model seems better priced and comes with more accessories.



USB Computer Microphone, Plug &Play Desktop Omnidirectional Condenser PC Laptop Mic,Mute Button with LED indicator, compatible with Windows/Mac, ideal for Youtube,Skype,Recording,Games(1.5m /5ft) Review:


With its simple setup and respectable vocal quality, this USB microphone is particularly practical for communicating with individuals throughout the world and in various time zones. My friend, who resides in Tasmania, Australia, can clearly hear me, as if I were only in the adjacent space or right there! I appreciate how the microphone is positioned on a flexible goose neck! The neck is reasonably flexible and strong, so it keeps its position. I needed to replace my old Logitech microphone, which cost $39.99, but I was unable to find a replacement for less than $100. Supply and demand, plus the fact that it was a high-quality equipment, I suppose, but I wouldn't spend $100 to replace it. CMTECK appears to be a decent value for the money; it works well for basic Webcam and Skype functions as well as desktop audio recording. The unit will stay firmly in place on your desk thanks to the device's strong and solid foundation. The unit's solitary mute button will toggle, but you must really push it; it is not a touchscreen plunger button, but it is constructed solidly enough to last under normal use. Additionally, the "trigger" pull is strong enough to prevent your cat from simply activating it if it walks over the device, which is good! OVERRALLPROS: 1. Decent voice and sound quality during audio recording and transmission2. USB connection, which means the microphone is full-duplex and transmits and receives concurrently (Tx/Rx) as you receive data from your client or host source. Nowadays, the majority of USB-based microphones are full-duplex by default!3. Best value for the money; robust construction; won't shatter into a thousand pieces if pushed over or accidentally drops to the ground; just don't spike it!4. The flexible goose-neck design is comfortable for the user and effectively secures it in place.CONS: 1. The positioning of the buttons and switches on the chassis of the device should have been improved.2. The volume, gain, and input controls on the device are completely software-controlled through your system; they are not physically adjustable.3. There isn't a separate stereo audio jack or connector to attach accessories or other devices.4. The unit's base could need a little more ergonomic thought; while the triangle shape may be attractive, it makes the device a little ungainly on a desk or other surface with limited space. It is not very feasible to carry it on the move, such as when visiting a coffee shop or a bar where computer equipment and coffee mugs compete for table space. In addition, if your system is not plugged into a power source, this item will probably devour your battery capacity! Portability is so restricted.Given the price, which is just under $20, I would repurchase this item; however, if it rose to $25 or even $30, I would shop elsewhere. Still, I'm pleased with my purchase.



Fifine USB Podcast Condenser Microphone Recording On Laptop, No Need Sound Card Interface and Phantom Power-K669 Review:


Despite the positive evaluations, I was dubious about this microphone. Even the few reviews on YouTube are positive, and the most of them conclude that the microphone's limitations are much outweighed by its usefulness, which is, to be honest, its price. I purchased it for $24 during a flash sale, but the regular price is more than justified given how good it sounds.The Neewer NB-35 Microphone boom arm, which is PERFECT for this microphone and has a pop filter, was used to pick it up. For less than $50, you can have a full USB microphone setup. Even just that is quite fantastic.However, less than a week after purchasing this, I was at Best Buy for a significant discount and saw that the Blackout edition Blue Yeti and the Ghost Recon Wildlands game combo were on sale for a startling $75. So, I bought it.I wanted a new mic because I'm a singer/songwriter with more than 20 years of recording experience, play PC games, and occasionally stream.I've been comparing this mic against the Yeti throughout the day (I have the black Fifine K669B, for the record). The Yeti is bigger, feels more luxurious, includes a mute button, gain control that can be adjusted to a louder volume, and has 4 distinct polarity settings, among other things, for recording podcasts or in stereo. But utilizing the Yeti's cardioid settings to match the Fifine's, I tested this side by side with it. To make sure they were as evenly matched as possible, I changed the gain controls in Windows so they were the same and raised the gain knob on the Fifine slightly to match the Yeti.When comparing the Yeti and the Fifine side by side, I am unable to tell a difference in the audio that is significant enough to warrant the Yeti's already reduced price.The audio really is that excellent. As good as a USB microphone will be, that is. You can't go wrong with the Fifine if you require more than one polarity pattern and have the extra scratch. Just place it directly in front of the microphone (and the sides). I was shocked to learn that they both pick up the same background noises and had a very similar sensation, especially after hearing such great things about the yeti. when placed around 6 "My voice sounded more natural coming from the Fifine mic as compared to the Yeti mic, which may have had a tiny bit more clarity. My voice isn't especially bassy, but what little bassiness there was was, in my opinion, better on the Fifine. Not stupidly bassy, but the tone was undoubtedly more pleasant. Where this microphone will be, at around 6 "out of my face. It is about one-fourth the size of the Yeti, compact, light, and exceptionally well built from metal. Furthermore, you must purchase a specific adapter or hope that the one you receive will work with the yeti's bizarre irregular threading on the mount part. The yeti weighs A TON. Fifine simply functions. Additionally, if something happens to it, you can simply purchase a replacement for $25 and call it a day.Both microphones aren't worth your time if you're a professional streamer or someone looking for a pro-level microphone for voice-over or singing work; instead, you should use an interface and an XLR microphone or microphones to get the best sound possible. However, this mic is a fantastic value if you're recording tracks, coming up with song ideas, messing around, gaming, streaming, or chatting with friends in discord. It would be more upbeat if there was a mute button. However, you can simply reduce the gain to zero.Although I really want to like the Yeti and I don't work for Fifine or Neewer, I'll probably return it in the morning. Although it's a beautiful mic, having something that sounds just as good for $50 is more beautiful. (IN CARDIOID MODE, specifically.) The Yeti is also larger, heavier, and occupies more space. I was certain that the Yeti would blow me away when I first started testing them, but I am unable to tell the difference—or, to put it another way, I am unable to understand why anyone would think the Yeti sounds better.I think it might have something to do with reputation, similar to the Beats headphones. My daughter has a pair of Beats, and while they're not terrible, they don't sound all that much better than a pair of Klipsch headphones I bought for $30 on sale. Situation is the same. In my opinion, Yetis are best suited for people who require a headphone passthrough, intend to use them for purposes other than streaming or talking, or for kids who simply believe they are cool because other kids have them.TL;DR: Don't be duped; believe your ears; and simply purchase this microphone and give it a try. You really don't have much to lose.



Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone, Cardioid - Black Review:


Without a question, this is the most enjoyable and effective microphone I have ever used. When I tested it on the Skype feature that lets you hear your own mic after receiving it, it sounded a lot better than the reviews on this site and on YouTube had led me to assume. Although I truly appreciate this mic, there are a few design problems that are just downright bothersome.Positives: The stand is gorgeous. I've seen some reviews that were critical of the stand, but that's sort of..dumb. It functions as a stand and has rubberized feet to prevent scratches on your table. What else do you want it to be able to do, perform backflips or bend space and time? The body is made out of a lovely and thick plastic, while the legs are made of steel. You simply have to pay $50, and it's not made of pure gold.Disassembling the snowball is simple. If you like, you can very easily screw the snowball onto a boom stick. I appreciate how simple it is for me to unplug it after I've finished using it. I'm a little paranoid, so I feel safer without the microphone and the possibility of someone listening to me. So it's amazing to be able to withdraw the power cord with ease and then re-insert it just as simply when I need to use it.The actual item is stunning. It was a wise decision to spend the extra $10 to get the black version because it blends in well with the other items on my desk, though I do feel like I was taken advantage of.The audio quality is very fantastic in and of itself. I'm pleased I chose this over purchasing one of those $100 XxxM0nTaInD3wxxX pro elite mlg gaming headsets made by Razer, which come with subpar headphones and a subpar mic. Get these excellent headphones and this microphone and follow my advice. This will be beneficial in a variety of ways, including my eventual goal of providing voice overs for mods. But for the time being, I use it to talk to my buddies when we play video games.Negative: the red LED. It is obtrusive and has a poor appearance. Yes, it informs me when it is on. What else could I have done to get this information? Whatever program I'm using it for. If you're using Windows, you can even use the microphone area under Recording Devices when you right click on the speaker icon. I suppose covering the light with electrical tape or simply not placing it there in the first place would be preferable.the electrical cord. The power cable that comes with the snowball does not even fit the gadget. I received a brown cable in my case. Brown. Cable. Doesn't match anything at all; it would match my desk, but the tone is so strange and unattractive that it doesn't even do that.I really like this product all around. I'll use it to play catch with my friends if it ever dies.4/5



Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone, Cardioid - White - 1974 Review:


Without a doubt, this is the most enjoyable and effective microphone I have ever used. When I tested it on the Skype feature that lets you hear your own mic after receiving it, it sounded a lot better than the reviews on this site and on YouTube had led me to believe. Although I really like this mic, there are a few design flaws that are just downright annoying.Positives: The stand is gorgeous. I've read some reviews that were critical of the stand, but that's kind of..dumb. It functions as a stand and has rubberized feet to prevent scratches on your table. What else do you want it to be able to do, perform backflips or bend space and time? The body is made out of a lovely and thick plastic, while the legs are made of steel. You only have to pay $50, and it's not made of pure gold.Disassembling the snowball is simple. If you want, you can very easily screw the snowball onto a boom stick. I appreciate how simple it is for me to unplug it after I've finished using it. I'm a little paranoid, so I feel safer without the microphone and the possibility of someone listening to me. So it's wonderful to be able to remove the power cable with ease and then re-insert it just as easily when I need to use it.The actual device is stunning. It was a wise decision to spend the extra $10 to get the black version because it blends in well with the other items on my desk, though I do feel like I was taken advantage of.The audio quality is pretty fantastic in and of itself. I'm glad I chose this over purchasing one of those $100 XxxM0nTaInD3wxxX pro elite mlg gaming headsets made by Razer, which come with subpar headphones and a subpar mic. Get these excellent headphones and this microphone and follow my advice. This will be beneficial in a variety of ways, including my eventual goal of providing voice overs for mods. But for the time being, I use it to talk to my friends while we play video games.Negative: the red LED. It is obtrusive and has a terrible appearance. Yes, it informs me when it is on. What else could I have done to get this information? Whatever program I'm using it for. If you're using Windows, you can even use the microphone section under Recording Devices when you right click on the speaker icon. I suppose covering the light with electrical tape or simply not placing it there in the first place would be preferable.the electrical cord. The power cable that comes with the snowball does not even fit the gadget. I received a brown cable in my case. Brown. Cable. Doesn't match anything at all; it would match my desk, but the tone is so strange and unattractive that it doesn't even do that.I really like this product all around. I'll use it to play catch with my friends if it ever dies.4/5



Rode NT-USB Versatile Studio-Quality USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone Review:


I narrate E-Learning courses and brief instructional videos as part of my job as an instructional designer. Both my home office and the corporate office are available to me. Initially, I was utilizing my Blue Yeti USB microphone with the PSA1 Studio Arm's Radius II shock mount. Although this arrangement worked perfectly, having to transfer it from office to office was a pain. I then made the decision to buy a second setup. I chose this setup after doing much study to determine what would work best for me.I now have a Rode NT-USB microphone mounted on the PSA1 Studio arm with the SM6 Shock Mount attached.I particularly enjoy how the SM6 shock mount suspends the microphone, which significantly minimizes the amount of background noise the microphone picks up.I have been learning about all of this on my own because I am not a trained audio engineer. But I'm a pro looking for excellent narration. Both my needs and my budget are met by this item. This is marginally superior to the Blue Yeti/Radius II setup I have. Compared to the Blue Yeti, this microphone offers a little bit more control over unidirectional sound. The Blue Yeti performs admirably and has several features that this microphone does not. This mic works well for basic narration when you simply need to pick up sound or speech coming from one direction.I use this microphone with the computer programs Audacity and Storyline 2. It works great and generates the high-quality sound I need to pique students' interest.I would repurchase this item.



Sony ECMCS3 Clip style Omnidirectional Stereo Microphone, Silver Review:


It has two inputs and is a stereo microphone (L



USB Microphone,Fifine Metal Condenser Recording Microphone for Laptop MAC or Windows Cardioid Studio Recording Vocals, Voice Overs,Streaming Broadcast and YouTube Videos-K669B Review:


Despite the positive evaluations, I was dubious about this microphone. Even the few reviews on YouTube are positive, and the most of them conclude that the microphone's limitations are much outweighed by its usefulness, which is, to be honest, its price. I purchased it for $24 during a flash sale, but the regular price is more than justified given how good it sounds.The Neewer NB-35 Microphone boom arm, which is PERFECT for this microphone and has a pop filter, was used to pick it up. For less than $50, you can have a full USB microphone setup. Even just that is quite fantastic.However, less than a week after purchasing this, I was at Best Buy for a significant discount and saw that the Blackout edition Blue Yeti and the Ghost Recon Wildlands game combo were on sale for a startling $75. So, I bought it.I wanted a new mic because I'm a singer/songwriter with more than 20 years of recording experience, play PC games, and occasionally stream.I've been comparing this mic against the Yeti throughout the day (I have the black Fifine K669B, for the record). The Yeti is bigger, feels more luxurious, includes a mute button, gain control that can be adjusted to a louder volume, and has 4 distinct polarity settings, among other things, for recording podcasts or in stereo. But utilizing the Yeti's cardioid settings to match the Fifine's, I tested this side by side with it. To make sure they were as evenly matched as possible, I changed the gain controls in Windows so they were the same and raised the gain knob on the Fifine slightly to match the Yeti.When comparing the Yeti and the Fifine side by side, I am unable to tell a difference in the audio that is significant enough to warrant the Yeti's already reduced price.The audio really is that excellent. As good as a USB microphone will be, that is. You can't go wrong with the Fifine if you require more than one polarity pattern and have the extra scratch. Just place it directly in front of the microphone (and the sides). I was shocked to learn that they both pick up the same background noises and had a very similar sensation, especially after hearing such great things about the yeti. when placed around 6 "My voice sounded more natural coming from the Fifine mic as compared to the Yeti mic, which may have had a tiny bit more clarity. My voice isn't especially bassy, but what little bassiness there was was, in my opinion, better on the Fifine. Not stupidly bassy, but the tone was undoubtedly more pleasant. Where this microphone will be, at around 6 "out of my face. It is about one-fourth the size of the Yeti, compact, light, and exceptionally well built from metal. Furthermore, you must purchase a particular adapter or hope that the one you receive will work with the yeti's weird uneven threading on the mount part. The yeti weights A TON. Fifine simply functions. Additionally, if something happens to it, you can just purchase a replacement for $25 and call it a day.Both microphones aren't worth your time if you're a professional streamer or someone seeking for a pro-level microphone for voice-over or singing work; instead, you should use an interface and an XLR microphone or microphones to obtain the best sound possible. However, this mic is a fantastic value if you're recording tracks, coming up with song ideas, messing around, gaming, streaming, or speaking with buddies in discord. It would be more upbeat if there was a mute button. However, you may just reduce the gain to zero.Although I really want to like the Yeti since I don't work for Fifine or Neewer, I'll probably return it in the morning. Although it's a lovely mic, having something that sounds just as nice for $50 is more beautiful. (IN CARDIOID MODE, specifically.) The Yeti is also larger, heavier, and occupies more room. I was certain that the Yeti would blow me away when I first started testing them, but I am unable to tell the difference—or, to put it another way, I am unable to understand why anyone would think the Yeti sounds better.I think it might have something to do with reputation, similar to the Beats headphones. My daughter has a set of Beats, and while they're not terrible, they don't sound all that much better than a pair of Klipsch headphones I bought for $30 on sale. Situation is the same. In my opinion, Yetis are best suited for persons who require a headphone passthrough, intend to use them for purposes other than streaming or chatting, or for youngsters who simply believe they are cool because other kids have them.TL;DR: Don't be duped; believe your ears; and just purchase this microphone and give it a try. You really don't have much to lose.



Condenser Microphone,NASUM 3.5mm Recording Microphone Plug and Play,Computer Microphone with Filter Suitable for Voice Recording,Podcasting,Skype,YouTube,Games,Google Voice Search Review:


To aid in product reviews, I purchased this item. My MacBook Pro's USB port accepts it directly, and the device is instantly recognized by the computer. However, you will have to pick it in settings. You can hear a significant improvement in the audio quality compared to the internal microphone on the MacBook Pro in my video review (see above!). The stand keeps the microphone stable, and it also comes with a couple extra bands to hold the mic in place. The build quality is great. If you wanted to use it hand held, you could easily take it off the stand. At this price, a great product!



Shure MV88 iOS Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone Review:


Since December 2015, I have recorded live music performances in stereo using the MV88 and a portable iPhone 6s Plus. There is no competition for this application as of July 4, 2017. In my experience as a musician and software engineer who codes audio signal processing, the sound quality is superb. amazing lows and extended, clear natural highs in comparison to microphones like the Zoom iQ7 and the vintage Tascam iM2. According to Amazon, external links are not permitted; nevertheless, searching for "youtube electric eye fortunate strike" should turn up two videos of the same performance, with audio from the Zoom iQ7 and the MV88.Other excellent stereo microphones are available from Rode and Shure, but they are much heavier and bulkier, making them unsuitable for handheld filming.And the mono, overload-prone built-in iPhone mics are unbeatable; they are designed for noise cancellation and monoaural voice, not stereo live music. The first time you hear recordings with the MV88, you might start laughing out loud. Commenters who claim there is little to no difference—possibly using the iPhone speaker—might be listening. The real test is with headphones and external speakers.Utilizing the MOTIV app is simple. Documentation is a joy—clear and thorough, frequently addressing why as well as how. I've never heard distortion during live performances, except from what might be attributed to an overloaded mixer, monitor, or amps in the original performance, thanks to its Band preset's light compression and limiting. The blasts weren't distorted even on video from Motley Crue's Final Tour on December 31, 2015. (google youtube motley crue antera77, at 27:42)Landscape mode ("horizontal") video can include stereo audio that is perfectly positioned thanks to the stereo mics' incredibly sophisticated pivot and twist arrangement. Mics like the Rode iXYL and the ostensibly abandoned Blue Mikey Digital Lightning—whose website, as of 04Jul2017, boasts iOS 7 compatibility—need portrait mode for this, making them essentially worthless for landscape mode video. Unlike mics like the Zoom iQ7 that have plasticy, distorted Mickey Mouse ears seeming construction, the jewel-like, all-metal construction screams quality.Suggested upgrades, with 10 being the highest priority/cost:10/10: To the single MV88 "Communication Established" LED, add two or three green LED level meters to indicate the microphone's level when recording.The biggest mistake I made when recording videos was not paying attention to the audio levels. An iOS video program with on-screen audio level meters, such as Filmic Pro, has proved a great solution. Apple should add audio level meters as a preference option as the default Camera app doesn't have any. Carry earphones or headphones to the live show to listen to the audio; this is a much less elegant workaround. In a live music context, earbuds are difficult to hear and more bulky and complicated to lose and use incorrectly—especially now that iPhone models 7 and newer require an adapter for headphones.Three LED level meters are included in the $100 Zoom iQ7 Lightning microphone, thus they are probably cost-effective.4/10: The Shure MOTIV app's "Turn Airplane Mode On When MV88 Detected" option.I frequently forget to activate Airplane Mode, which results in audio that is tainted with interference when I get home. There is no reliable way to determine if interference is present while recording a video, not even with a video app like Filmic Pro that has an audio level meter.Airplane Mode shouldn't be set to automatic:Although it's unclear whether iOS would let that, some people like to do live streaming and/or take calls while recording, even if it causes the video app to pause.3/10: MV88 communication software system dependability should be improved.I'm not sure if this is useful. However, I've experienced major letdowns as a result of ignoring the MV88 green LED. When the serial data connection wasn't noticed, the awful, mono iPhone microphone took over, or worse, there was no audio. Even when using an app with an audio level meter, such as Filmic Pro, I occasionally fail to detect whether the on-screen audio meters are showing stereo, mono, or no audio. It seems that failing to create a serial data connection even when the MV88 is connected into the Lightning port is very typical. It makes sense considering that several systems must operate flawlessly:mechanical connection for lightning* Three computer programs: the iOS, video, and Shure MOTIV appsA dedicated video camera with a permanently attached stereo mic and built-in software would make the perfect live music recorder. Given the limitations of integrating with the hardware and software of the iPhone, it's possible that Shure has already achieved the highest level of communication dependability.1/10: Include RFID—the MV88 is so little that it's simple to lose!The cost of a passive 916MHz RFID tag would be $150 a negligible $0.15 (in volume as of 2006). Right there on the iPhone, you have the radio equipment necessary to transmit RFID signals. The MV88 is at least someplace in the room, which is more practical than having it lost at the gig. The MV88 might benefit from having GPS chips and a beeper, although they are almost certainly not financially viable. Source: RFID on wikipedia.——The inaccuracies in the evaluation "Not $150 worth of mic, simply ok" are what I'd like to talk about in the remaining portion of this review.By Amazon Customer #99 on March 7, 2017", as these misconceptions are frequent and might prevent many people from selecting the MV88 wisely:"To sum up: It's excellent, but disappointingly not $150 good...One is at least as excellent for less with Zoom.I am wholly opposed. When compared to rivals like the $100 Zoom iQ7, superior performance, build quality, and features make the $150 price tag well worth it. The majority of the other evaluations on this page usually concur with this.It's acceptable for speaking, podcasts, and YouTube videos, but not really sufficient for musicians.


How do I choose a condenser microphone?

If you're looking for a condenser microphone, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. First, consider the size of the diaphragm. Smaller diaphragms are more sensitive, so they're better for picking up subtle sounds. Larger diaphragms are more resistant to sound pressure, so they're better for capturing loud sounds. Next, think about the frequency response. You'll want a microphone that can capture the full range of frequencies you're looking for. If you're recording music, for example, you'll want

How does a multi pattern mic work?

A multi-pattern microphone is a microphone that is able to change its polar pattern. This means that the microphone can be used to record sound from different directions. The most common polar patterns are omnidirectional, cardioid, and bidirectional.

Is a Blue Yeti a condenser mic?

The Blue Yeti is a condenser microphone, meaning that it uses a capacitor to store electrical energy. This makes it more sensitive than other types of microphones, which is why it's often used for recording high-quality audio.

What are condenser microphones best for?

Condenser microphones are best for capturing audio with a lot of detail. They are often used in studios for recording music and podcasts. They are also popular for use with DSLR cameras for video production.

What are the 4 polar patterns?

The four polar patterns are omnidirectional, cardioid, bidirectional, and figure-8. Omnidirectional microphones pick up sound equally from all directions, while cardioid microphones are more sensitive to sound coming from directly in front of them and less sensitive to sound coming from behind them. Bidirectional microphones are most sensitive to sound coming from directly in front of and directly behind them, and figure-8 microphones are most sensitive to sound coming from directly in front of and directly behind them, with a null point in the middle.

What are the 4 types of microphones?

The four main types of microphones are dynamic, condenser, ribbon, and USB. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to choose the right microphone for the job. Dynamic microphones are the most common type, and are often used for live performances. They're rugged and can handle high sound levels, but they don't have the same fidelity as other types of microphones. Condenser microphones are more delicate, but they offer better sound quality. They're often used in studios for recording music and podcasts. Ribbon microphones are similar