Are you looking for the best large diaphragm condenser microphone on the market? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will provide in-depth product reviews, as well as pros and cons of each mic. We will also provide a buying guide to help you make the best decision for your needs, as well as answer some of the most common questions about these microphones.
A condenser microphone is a type of microphone that uses capacitance to convert sound into an electrical signal. This type of mic is often used in recording studios, as they are able to capture a wider range of frequencies than other types of microphones.
There are many different types and sizes of condenser microphones available on the market today. In this blog post, we will focus on large diaphragm condenser microphones.
Let’s dive into our top picks for today, starting with the best overall condenser microphone on the market. You can navigate to the products in the table below, where we’ve mentioned our picks with highlighted features.
10 Best Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
| Image | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Rode NT1-A | A quality large diaphragm condenser microphone | Check Price |
 | Audio-Technica AT2020 | The best and affordable option | Check Price |
 | AKG Pro Audio C414 XLII | Top Quality Microphone | Check Price |
 | Sennheiser e 965 | Compact and ideal for stage use / vocals | Check Price |
 | Neumann TLM 102 MT | High End Vocal Condenser Microphone | Check Price |
 | Shure SM27 | A good price value | Check Price |
 | Neumann KM 184 | Amazing Studio Quality Condenser Microphone | Check Price |
 | Lewitt LCT 840 | Top Notch True Condenser Microphone | Check Price |
 | MXL V67G | Affordable Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone | Check Price |
 | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 | The Ultimate USB Audio Interface | Check Price |
What is a large diaphragm condenser microphone?
As the name suggests, a large diaphragm mic has a larger diameter than other types of condenser microphones. This type of mic is often used for recording vocals and instruments, as they are able to capture a wider range of frequencies than other types of microphones.
Due to their size, large diaphragm condenser microphones often produce a warmer, richer sound than other types of mics. They can also be more expensive than other types of condenser mics.
Pros and cons of large diaphragm condenser microphones?
As with any type of microphone, there are both pros and cons to using a large diaphragm condenser microphone.
Some of the pros include:)
- They capture a wider range of frequencies than other types of microphones
- They produce a warmer, richer sound than other types of microphones
- They are often more expensive than other types of microphones
Some of the cons include:)
- They are larger and heavier than other types of microphones
- They require more power than other types of microphones
- They can be more sensitive to background noise than other types of microphones.
Let’s review our top microphones one by one with specs, features, pros and cons so you can get a better idea why we’ve ranked them as the best budget large diaphragm condenser microphone.
1- Rode NT1-A | A quality large diaphragm condenser microphone
The Rode NT11-A condenser microphone is one of the best in the market today. It has a large diaphragm with a gold plated membrane, making it ideal for capturing high quality sound. The cardioid polar pattern ensures that you get great sound quality while minimizing noise interference and feedback.
This mic also has an SPL of 137 dBSPL, making it great for capturing loud sounds. The included shockmount and pop shield help to protect the microphone from damage, while the XLR cable ensures that you can connect it to a variety of audio devices. The Rode NT11-A condenser microphone comes with a instructional DVD, making it easy to get started using this great mic.
Build quality & features of the Rode NT1-A?
The build quality of the microphones is something that should be considered when making your purchase. Some mics, like the Rode NT-A, have a sleek and sturdy stainless steel construction that feels tough.
The sound quality of the Rode NT-IA is impeccable! The microphone has a very flat frequency response, making it perfect for capturing vocals or any other instrument. This also ensures that you won’t have to do much post-production editing on your recordings.
Additionally, the high sensitivity of the mic means that you’ll get great sound quality without having to crank up the volume too much. And, since it only produces five decibels of self-noise, you won’t have to worry about your recordings being polluted with unwanted background noise.
The Rode NT-IA is definitely one of the best large diaphragm condenser microphones on the market today! If you’re looking for a high-quality, versatile mic that will give you great sound quality, then this is the one for you.
2- Audio-Technica AT2020 | The best and affordable option Microphone
The Audio-Technica AT2020 Condenser Studio Microphone Bundle is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable condenser microphone. This mic has a cardioid polar pattern, which reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source.
It also has a high SPL handling and wide dynamic range, making it ideal for project/home-studio applications. The custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient response, making this mic a great choice for any situation.
Overall, the Audio-Technica AT2020 Condenser Studio Microphone Bundle is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable condenser microphone that delivers great sound quality.
It has a large diaphragm that delivers pristine sound quality and detail, making it perfect for studio recordings. The AT2020 also excels at capturing vocals and instruments during live performances. Plus, its price point makes it an affordable option for beginner musicians and recording artists.
The Build Quality
The Audio-Technica AT-2020 is built like a tank. It is quite a compact size at just nine and a half inches long by two and a half inches wide, and it weighs only one pound and five ounces. It has an all-metal build, so it is a rugged mic with metal grille that can take some abuse.
The mic also has a pivoting, threaded stand mount that can be detached if it is not needed. It does, though, provide a secure and stable placement of the mic in your position of choice. The AT2020 is quite a versatile microphone for its size and build quality. It can take some abuse and still perform admirably.
So, it offers great value for money. It’s a versatile mic that can be used for a variety of applications, and it sounds great too. If you’re on a budget and want a powerful microphone with amazing build quality, features, this is a significant option for you.
3- AKG Pro Audio C414 XLII | Top Quality Microphone
The AKG Pro Audio C414 XLII is a premium Vocal Condenser Microphone is a great choice for anyone looking for a quality large diaphragm condenser microphone. This mic has nine selectable polar patterns, making it perfect for any application, and three attenuation levels (-12/-18dB), which is great for close-up recording or high-output sources.
The mic also has three switchable different bass-cut filters, which is awesome for reducing wind noise, stage vibration or proximity effect. The best part about this mic is the overload warning with audio peak hold LED, which is great for detecting shortest audio peaks.
The build of the AKG C414 XLII and XLS is quite impressive. It feels solid and heavy, as if it could survive a drop or two. However, be careful with the mesh screen gold grill – it’s fragile and prone to dents and bends. The greatest danger of this is not simply scarring the look of your C414, but damaging the precious heart of the microphone – the capsule.
The capsule is responsible for the sound of the C414 and is too delicate to be careless with. Simply put, be careful to never drop this microphone. Although it may survive a few drops.
Build quality and features
Next, let’s talk about the sound of the C414. This microphone offers total of nine pickup patterns. This is great for when you want to capture sound from different directions, or if you’re using more than one microphone in your recording session.
The pattern selector switch is found on the front of the mic, directly below the gold grill. There are three main settings: cardioid, figure-eight and omni. The remaining six are intermediate settings that are best used when you want to experiment with the sound of your recording session.
The AKG C414 XLII and XLS both offer a great sounding pickup pattern for vocals. When testing this microphone out on male and female vocalists, the results were great. The cardioid pattern is perfect for close-up vocals, while the figure-eight and omni patterns are best suited when you want to capture sound from a distance or in an open space.
Box contents and more
The C414 microphone comes in a quality case, which is rather large and contains various accessories. The AKG logo on the carrying pouch lets you know that this product was designed with care from beginning to end
Even down to including all of those other little details like foam windscreens or shockmounts! Alongside your purchase will be an instruction manual showing how each specific polar pattern can help give insight into what kind sound recording techniques are best suited for different situations so it’s easy as pie when using our new toy.
4- Sennheiser e 965 | Compact and ideal option for stage performances / vocals
This microphone is super compact as compare to our other picks and offers a wide range of features and benefits, making them the perfect choice for anyone looking for premium-quality sound. We will take a look at the Sennheiser e965 microphone, one of the best options on the market today.
The Sennheiser e96 is a true condenser microphone, which means it uses external polarization to produce sound. This results in superior sound quality overall, compared to other types of microphones.
The diaphragm diameter on this mic is also one inch, making it ideal for capturing low-end sound without distortion. There are very few large diaphragm condenser microphones available on the market, making the Sennheiser e965 a unique option. If you are looking for a high-quality, large diaphragm condenser microphone, the Sennheiser e96 should be at the top of your list.
Features, Specs and more
If we talk about the best large diaphragm condenser microphone, it can be expensive, although they are worth the investment. But this microphone is affordable with all super handy features. When shopping for a large diaphragm mic, it is important to consider the type of sound you want to create and the environment in which you will be using it.
Sennheiser’s e965 microphone is a handheld microphone and ideally designed for stage performances and a great choice for those looking to invest in quality equipment that will last them through many performances.
This mic has been proven time after again as it withstands Even rougher conditions with ease, while still sounding clear and vibrant no matter what type of soundscape you’re capturing.
The e965 is a natural upgrade to dynamic microphones like the 935, and it has less background noises than other high-end condensers that are used in recording studios with live sound reinforcement at music festivals or events where they need an excellent performance without worrying about feedback ruining everything else going down simultaneously around them.
Because this device doesn’t get too expensive so you can still afford some top notch gear while still staying within budget if there’s anything left over after buying all your ingredients.
5- Neumann TLM 102 MT | The high-end studio quality vocal condenser microphone
The Neumann TLM 102 is a high quality, large diaphragm condenser microphone that offers superb sound reproduction and exceptional versatility. It is designed to withstand high levels of sound pressure, making it ideal for recording vocals, guitar amps, or acoustic drums.
The TLM 102 features a gentle boost in the upper mids, which adds a nice airy quality to recordings without making them sound nasal. The mic is also very easy to use, with no controls or filters of any kind. Simply point the red logo on the active side of the mic towards your sound source and you’re ready to go.
Overall, the Neumann TLM 102 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high quality, versatile condenser microphone. So definitely the best large diaphragm condenser microphone in the market.
Design, Features & Specifications
The TLM 102 comes with a pop shield built into the body, and while it does a decent job, we still found plosives to be an issue. The mic’s capsule is suspended by elastic to offer some degree of shock absorption, but Neumann does offer a ‘proper’ external shock mount as an accessory.
We’d advise that to be a near compulsory purchase because the TLM 102 was exceptionally sensitive to the occasional wobbles or foot-taps on the mic stand. You can of course use a high pass filter to mitigate this but prevention is always better than cure in the studio.
Aside from vocals, the TLM 102 is more than capable as an all-rounder in the studio. It’s able to withstand extremely high volume levels without noticeable distortion, meaning high gain guitar amplifiers and snare drums are all fair game.
We’d go as far as to say the TLM 102 would make a near-perfect partner for a Shure SM57 when it comes to dual-mic amp setups, giving you a broad tonal palette from which to make your mixes sing.
So who is the Neumann TLM 102 for? For us, this marks the perfect mic for the committed home studio owner who is looking to upgrade from whatever starter gear they had to proper pro-level equipment.
The TLM 102 doesn’t come with fancy tricks or tech, and there are no learning curves involved in getting the best out of it. It’s simple in all the right ways, and it will have a significant impact on the quality of your recordings. If you’re looking to invest in something special, this may just be the one for you.
6- Shure SM27 | A good price value
The Shure SM27 is a side-address large diaphragm condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern. It features a large diaphragm and has been designed for use in professional studio applications.
The mic has a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and it can handle sound pressure levels up to 137 dB SPL. In addition, it has a three-position low-frequency filter to help reduce unwanted background noise or counteract the proximity effect. The mic is also built tough, with a durable metal construction.
Overall, the Shure SM27 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality large diaphragm condenser microphone on a budget. It delivers great sound quality, has a robust build, and offers a number of useful features. It’s perfect for use in the studio, and it can also be used on stage for live performances.
Specifications, Features and more
It features a uniform cardioid pattern for superior off axis rejection, as well as a flat, neutral frequency response for natural reproduction on stage or in the studio. The microphone also includes a switchable low-frequency filter to help reduce unwanted background noise or counteract proximity effect, and a durable metal construction.
It features a super low-mass Mylar diaphragm, covered with a very thin layer of 24-karat gold, which delivers exceptional sound quality. Additionally, the SM27 comes with a three-position low frequency filter, an attenuator switch (-15dB), a fixed cardioid polar pattern, and a standard XLR connection.
It also has a built-in pop filter for reducing pops and other unwanted noise. When it comes to specs, the SM27 features a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz and a high max SPL value of 152dB. Finally, the mic is shipped with a rock-solid shock mount and a basic velveteen Shure-branded bag.
The SM27 is a great choice for those looking for an all-around excellent condenser microphone. It’s perfect for both professional and home studio applications, and its flexibility makes it ideal for a variety of uses. If you’re looking for a top-quality large diaphragm condenser microphone, the SM27 is definitely worth considering.
7- Neumann KM 184 | Amazing Studio Quality Condenser Microphone
The Neumann KM 184 is an amazing large diaphragm condenser microphone. It has a studio quality sound that makes it perfect for recording vocals, instruments, and more. It’s very durable and has a great design. The only downside is that it can be a bit expensive for some people. Overall
Overall, the Neumann KM 184 is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality large diaphragm condenser microphone. It’s perfect for use in the studio or on stage, and it offers amazing sound quality that is sure to please any musician.
The Neumann 184 is a great choice for those looking for a transparent and distortion-free sound. This pencil condenser mic has a single, cardioid polar pattern and is perfect for use in a variety of applications, including on the road. It’s also light and portable, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.
The can be a great investment for your home studio. They offer a wide range of benefits, from improved sound quality to greater versatility.
Features, Specifications and more
The Neumann KM184 is a top-quality microphone that’s perfect for use on stage or in the studio. It has excellent sound quality, making it ideal for recording acoustic instruments like brass, drums, and piano.
The KM184 is also great for ensembles and soloists. While it’s not optimized for voice recordings, it can be used for classical music when sonic authenticity is important.
At just 184 millimeters in size, the KM184 is perfect for use in radio and TV applications where a large microphone would be too obtrusive. And with its affordable price tag, the Neumann KM184 is a great investment for any musician.
So, if you’re in the market for a high-quality large diaphragm condenser microphone, the Neumann KM184 should definitely be at the top of your list.
It has a cardioid pattern that is frequency independent and will easily reject rearward sound, even at lower frequencies. Additionally, it has a very low self-noise, high overload capacity, and a sound that is free from any coloration.
It also has smooth frequency curves, which is great for musicians who are going to record from more than one source and are worried about outside sounds being included in the recording.
Additionally, it has a slight treble lift located around kHz that helps to add some brilliance and brightness to the recording. Lastly, its very low impedance output stage means that you can set it up on a very long cable run without suffering transmission losses.
All in all, the Neumann KM184 is an incredibly well-rounded and high-quality large diaphragm condenser microphone that is perfect for both professional and personal use. It’s definitely worth considering if you are in the market for a new microphone.
8- Lewitt LCT 840 | Top Notch True Condenser Microphone
The Lewitt LCT 840 is has been designed for professional studio use. It features dual triode tubes and ultra-thin one-inch externally biased low-mass gold-layered diaphragms, which combine to provide accurate transient response, smooth warm sound and extended dynamic range.
The five directional characteristics – cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-of-eight, wide cardioid and supercardioid – provide maximum flexibility in a variety of recording applications while the three-position pre-attenuation pad (0 dB, -20dB, and -40dB) allows for handling of extremely high sound pressure levels.
The illuminated user interface and jog dials make it easy to use even in dark environments and the integrated elastic shock mount provides convenient protection against mechanical vibrations.
Features & Specifications
The Lewitt LCT 840 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that offers a versatile range of features and functions. With its ability to switch between FET and tube circuitry, as well as its nine different polar patterns, the LCT 840 is ideal for both capturing a faithful rendition of a sound source and creatively enhancing it.
The LCT 840 is also equipped with a pad setting that ranges from -18dB to -36dB, making it suitable for capturing loud sounds. It also has a low-cut filter that operates from 40Hz all the way up to 300Hz, ensuring that you’re able to capture every nuance of the sound source.
All of these features come at a price, but the Lewitt LCT 840 is definitely worth the investment. It’s an incredibly versatile microphone that will serve you well in any recording situation.
9- MXL V67G | Affordable Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
The MXL V67G is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that has been designed for use in home recording studios. It offers a frequency response of 30Hz to 20kHz, and it can handle sound pressure levels up to 130dB.
It comes with a gold-plated grille and a royal green metal finish, and it has a large, pressure gradient capsule. The sound quality is very good for the price, and it is especially well-suited for recording voices and acoustic guitars.
The only downside of this microphone is that its low frequency response does not extend down to the level of a bass guitar or drum kick. However, for most applications, the MXL V67G will provide excellent results.
If you are looking for a great sounding, affordable large diaphragm condenser microphone for your home recording studio, the MXL V67G should be at the top of your list. It offers superb sound quality and is very easy to use. Highly recommended.
Build quality, features and specifications
The MXL V67G microphone is a well-built, good-looking model that will add a touch of class to any studio it is placed in. The green metallic chassis and gold grille give it a retro feel, while the MXL logo printed at the bottom of the body adds a touch of luxury.
All in all, the MXL V67G is a striking microphone that looks like it should be much more expensive than it actually is.
The build quality of the MXL V67G is excellent. It feels solid and well-made, and it should last for years with no problems. The only minor issue is that the gold grille may start to look a bit tatty over time, but this can easily be replaced if necessary.
Its last but not the least, and an affordable best large diaphragm condenser microphone for professional studios and vocals.
The MXL V67g is mainly used for recording vocals and does an excellent job. It has a lot of similarities with the iconic Neumann U87, even though they look different.
For example, both microphones have a 32mm capsule and can pick up frequencies up to 20kHz. Additionally, both have a built-in EQ circuit (the FET circuitry on the V67g), which decreases the highs to create a warmer sound at the mids.
This is especially useful if you want to thicken high-pitched voices, like those of female singers. It’s important to note that most mics at this price point tend to be very harsh when picking up high frequencies. However, the V67g doesn’t have this issue.
Overall, the MXL V67G is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, good-looking condenser microphone.
10- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
Because all of the mics we’ve shared in this guide are true condenser microphones. So you need a separate audio interface to use them. So here is our recommended Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface that you can pick for your microphone. Let’s discuss more about it.
The Focusrite Scarlett is a great audio interface for those looking to get into recording. The build quality is top notch and it comes with plenty of features that make it perfect for both music and podcast recording.
The converters are high quality and enable you to record at up to 24-bit/192kHz, which captures all the sonic detail of your recordings. The two low-noise balanced outputs provide clean audio playback, perfect for monitoring your recordings in real-time.
There are also plenty of software and content packs included to get you started recording right away. Overall, the Scarlett is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable audio interface that doesn’t compromise on quality or features. Highly recommended.
Buying Guide: Things to consider before buying the best large diaphragm condenser microphone
When shopping for a large diaphragm condenser microphone, there are a few factors you need to take into account: your budget, the features you need, and how you plan to use the mic.
Price is always an important consideration when making any purchase, but it’s especially important when buying a microphone because they can range in price from under $100 to over $1000.
The best way to figure out what features you need is to think about how you plan to use the microphone. Are you using it for recording music or podcasts? Do you need a mic that will work well for both vocals and instruments? Or are you looking for a mic to use in the studio?
Once you’ve narrowed down your needs, you can start thinking about what features you want. Some things to consider include: the type of connector (XLR or USB), whether the mic is cardioid or omnidirectional, and the weight and size.
Once you’ve decided on the features you need, it’s important to find a mic that will fit your budget. There are plenty of great mics available for under $500, and even some great options for under $200.
If you’re not sure which microphone is right for you, be sure to check out our reviews of the best large diaphragm condenser microphones. We’ve tested and reviewed mics from all the major brands, so you can be sure you’re getting the best possible product for your needs.
Conclusion: The Best Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
All of the products we’ve share with you in this guide are the absolute best large diaphragm mics. We mentioned low, mid and high budget options for you and now you can choose according to your budget.
Hope this guide was of some help. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below. You can also check out our other microphone related guides.
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FAQs: The Best Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
What is a large diaphragm condenser microphone?
A: A large diaphragm condenser microphone is a type of mic that uses a larger-than-usual diaphragm to capture sound. These mics are often used in studios and for live performances.
How much does a large diaphragm condenser microphone cost?
A: Large diaphragm condenser microphones can range in price from under $100 to over $1000. It depends on the features you want and a=off course your budget.
What are the best large diaphragm condenser microphones?
A: The best large diaphragm condenser microphones will depend on your budget and the features you need. Some great options include the Rode NTK, the Audio-Technica AT2035, and the AKG C414 XLII.
What are the differences between a large diaphragm condenser microphone and a small diaphragm condenser microphone?
A: The main difference between large and small diaphragm condenser microphones is the size of the diaphragm. Large diaphragm mics are often used in studios because they produce a rich, full sound. Small diaphragm mics are typically better for capturing detail and accuracy. They’re often used in live performances.
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