Large Diaphragm Recording Microphones
Shure MV7 Podcast Microphone (Black)
- Legendary Broadcast Sound in USB Format
- USB and XLR Connections
- Built-In Pop Filter for Plosives
- 3.5mm Jack with Direct Monitoring
Rode NT-USB Mini USB Microphone
- Designed for Podcasting and Streaming
- Works with Computers and Tablets
- 4 Mics at Once Max via Connect Software
- Built-In Pop Filter & Isolation Stand
Other Buying Options
Senal UC4-B USB Professional Multi-Pattern Microphone
- Four Selectable Polar Patterns
- Stereo, Cardioid, Bidirectional & Omni
- 16/24-Bit, 44.1 to 192 kHz Sample Rate
- Connects Directly to Computer via USB
Other Buying Options
Senal UB-440 Professional USB Microphone
- Cardioid Condenser Element
- 16-Bit/48 kHz Recording Resolution
- Integrated Preamp with Variable Gain
- Headphone Monitor Out with Gain Control
Blue Yeti USB Microphone (Blackout)
- For Podcasting, Streaming, ASMR & More
- USB for Mac, Windows, and Mobile Devices
- Cardioid for Solo, Figure-8 for 2 People
- Omni for Room Capture, Stereo for ASMR
Shure MV7 Podcast Microphone Bundle
Blue Snowball iCE USB Condenser Microphone with Accessory Pack (Black)
- For Podcasting, Streaming & VoIP
- Clear & Present Sound
- For Computers & iOS Devices
- Cardioid Capsule Minimizes Room Pickup
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone (Dark Gray)
- For Streaming, VoIP, Music & More
- Works on Computers and Tablets
- Cardioid Polar Pattern
- Includes Tripod Desk Stand
Other Buying Options
Rode NT1-KIT Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
- For Vocals, Instruments & Live Stage
- Cardioid Pattern Reduces Ambient Noise
- Ultralow Self-Noise of 4.5 dBA
- Internally Shock-Mounted Capsule
Other Buying Options
Blue Yeti USB Microphone (Midnight Blue)
- For Podcasting, Streaming, ASMR & More
- USB for Mac, Windows, and Mobile Devices
- Cardioid for Solo, Figure-8 for 2 People
- Omni for Room Capture, Stereo for ASMR
Tascam TM-180 Studio Condenser Microphone with Shockmount, Hard Case, and Zippered Soft Case
- For Studio and Live Recording
- Cardioid Pickup Pattern
- 10 dB Pad
- Low-End, Roll-Off Switch
CAD E50 Equitek Large-Diaphragm Side-Address Studio Condenser Microphone
- Analog Mic for Podcast, VO & More
- Condenser Capsule Picks Up Nuance
- True-to-Life Sound
- Cardioid Pattern Minimizes Room Noise
Tascam TM-280 Studio Microphone with Flight Case, Shockmount, and Pop Filter
- Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
- Cardioid (Unidirectional) Polar Pattern
- 34mm Pure-Gold-Sputtered Diaphragm
- 10 dB Pad Switch
Rode NT-USB Desktop USB Microphone
- For Podcasting, Voice-Overs & Music
- Works with Computers & iOS Devices
- Included Pop Filter Minimizes Plosives
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack
Other Buying Options
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+V Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone (Limited Edition Silver)
- For Streaming, VoIP, Music & More
- Works on Computers and Tablets
- Cardioid Polar Pattern
- Includes AT8458a Shockmount
Blue Yeti X USB Microphone (Dark Gray)
- For Online Content Creators
- Works on Mac and Windows Computers
- Built-In Customizable LED Lighting
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack Built-In
Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
- For Vocals, Podcasts, and Instruments
- Cardioid Pattern Reduces Ambient Noise
- Ultralow Self-Noise of 5 dBA
- Internally Shock-Mounted Capsule
Rode NT-USB Mini USB Microphone Kit with Broadcast Arm and Closed-Back Headphones
- Great for Podcasting, Streaming & VO
- USB Microphone
- Desktop Boom Arm
- Closed-Back Headphones
CAD E100SP Studio Pack with E100SX, CX2, AS10, VP1, and CLC25
- E100Sx Large-Diaphragm Condenser Mic
- CX2 Connect II 2x2 USB Audio Interface
- AS10 Acousti-Shield Acoustic Enclosure
- CLC25 Premium XLR Cable (25')
CAD Equitek e300 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone (Black)
- Cardioid, Omni & Figure 8 Patterns
- Flat or -20dB Pad Switch
- High Pass Filter Switch
- 9V NiMH Hydride & Phantom Power
Other Buying Options
Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Black)
- For Vocals, Speech, and Instruments
- XLR Output for Hookup to Mic Preamp
- Operates on 48V Phantom Power
- Pivoting Stand Mount
Other Buying Options
Shure MV7 Podcast Microphone Kit with Broadcast Arm (Black)
- MV7 Podcast Microphone
- XLR or USB for Analog or Digital Use
- Two-Section Broadcast Arm
- Mount Mic to Desk without Clutter
Blue Yeti USB Microphone (Silver)
- For Podcasting, Streaming, ASMR & More
- USB for Mac, Windows, and Mobile Devices
- Cardioid for Solo, Figure-8 for 2 People
- Omni for Room Capture, Stereo for ASMR
Blue Yeticaster Professional Broadcast Bundle (Blackout)
- For Broadcast-Quality Podcasting & More
- USB for Mac, Windows & Mobile Devices
- Cardioid for Solo, Figure-8 for 2 People
- Omni for Room Capture, Stereo for ASMR
Rode NT1A Complete Vocal Recording Kit with Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Interface, Headphones & More
- Includes Rode NT1-A Microphone
- Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser
- Low Self Noise
- Includes Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Blue Yeti Nano Multi-Pattern USB Condenser Microphone (Blackout)
- For Content Creators, Podcasts & VO
- Works with Mac, Windows & iOS Tablets
- Cardioid & Omni Polar Patterns
- Included VO!CE Vocal FX
Samson G-Track Pro USB Microphone with Built-In Audio Interface (Silver)
- For Recording Vocals & Instruments
- For Mac & Windows Computers
- Interface with 1/4" Instrument Input
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack
Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
- For Voice, Instruments, Drums & Cabs
- Cardioid Pattern Lessens Room Noise
- Switchable -10 dB Pad Hinders Distortion
- Low-Cut Filter Limits Bass Buildup
AKG P120 Desktop Vocal Recording Kit
- P120 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
- Isolation Filter with Tabletop Stand
- Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
- Pop Filter and XLR Cable
Logitech Blue Yeti for Aurora Collection USB Microphone (Pink Dawn)
- For Gamers, Podcasts, ASMR & More
- USB for Mac, Windows, and Mobile Devices
- Cardioid for Solo, Figure-8 for 2 People
- Omni for Room Capture, Stereo for ASMR
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Learning About Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
Large diaphragm condenser microphones (LDMs) are the tools of choice for recording-studio engineers seeking to capture a deep, rich sound with superior frequency and transient responses. Generally, recording studio microphones are considered large if their diaphragm (the vibrating membrane that captures audio) is one inch in diameter or more. However, some manufacturers refer to the general size of the whole unit when classifying microphones by size. Like all condenser microphones, LDMs require a power source.
Benefits of Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
Thanks to their greater surface, larger diaphragms capture more audio than their smaller counterparts, and thus offer superior noise performance. In fact, large diaphragm models were once the norm, as their efficient sound capture effectively compensated for the interference emitted by old-style amplifiers. In high-end models, self-noise can be as low as 7 dB-A, around half of that of typical small-membraned units. Another plus for larger units is that vocalists and instrumental soloists prefer their rich and vibrant sound. However, small diaphragm condenser microphones offer superior transient, accuracy, and frequency responses. In addition, their consistency makes them the mic of choice for engineers seeking to capture the sound of orchestras and choirs.
Microphone Types
Studio condenser microphones come in two main types: small and large diaphragm. The most obvious difference between large and small types is that LDMs are bulky and side addressed, while small diaphragm condenser microphones tend to be slender in form with the capsule at the top of the tube. The most popular type is the cardioid condenser microphone, named after its heart-shaped pickup area. It captures sound from the front and sides, but not from the rear, which reduces ambient noise.
You can choose from several types of large diaphragm condenser mics and studio mic sets, including tube/valve microphones. These mics feature nine polar patterns, including cardioid, to deliver outstanding audio quality from all kinds of sources. You can also go for USB condenser microphones, which connect to laptops, tablets, and other computerized devices. Other options include dynamic recording microphones. Compared to condenser microphones, these are much tougher and more durable, which makes them ideal for use in live performances. The formerly popular bidirectional ribbon recording microphones are now making a comeback because of their ability to capture warm, natural sound.
Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Accessories
Reflection filters help minimize the ambient noise that can contaminate your audio recordings. These often come as parts of large diaphragm condenser microphone kits, and you can buy them separately. Other components often included in kits are shock mounts to reduce vibration, and pop filters that you position in front of the mic to remove plosives from speech and vocals.