Senal SCM-660 Large-Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
- Dual 1.3" True Condenser Capsule
- Gold-Plated Diaphragm
- 3 Selectable Polar Patterns
- Selectable -10 dB Pad
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
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
Blue Yeti USB Microphone (Blackout)
- For Podcasting, Streaming, ASMR and More
- USB for Mac, Windows, and Mobile Devices
- Cardioid for Solo, Figure-8 for 2 People
- Omni for Room Capture, Stereo for ASMR
Other Buying Options
Polsen RC-77-U USB Retro Condenser Microphone
- USB 1.25" Large-Diaphragm Condenser Mic
- No Drivers or Power Supply Needed
- Delivers Clean & Natural Sound
- Mac and Windows Compatible
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
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
teenage engineering CM-15 Field Condenser Microphone
- Studio-Quality Supercardioid Condenser
- 1" Large-Diaphragm Capsule
- 48V Phantom Power Compatible
- Pseudo-Balanced Mini-XLR Output
Senal SC-550X Professional Cardioid Condenser Microphone
- Condenser Element
- Cardioid Polar Pattern
- Selectable -10 dB Pad
- Selectable Hi-Pass Filter at 80 Hz
Polsen RM-800 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (Black)
- For Vocals, Instruments & Podcasts
- Cardioid Polar Pattern Reduces Ambience
- Large 1.4" Gold-Plated Diaphragm
- -10 dB Pad and High-Pass Filter
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
RODE NT1 5th Generation Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser XLR/USB Microphone (Black)
- For Recording, Streaming & Podcasting
- Cardioid Pattern Reduces Ambient Noise
- Analog XLR & Digital USB-C Connectors
- 192 kHz / 32-Bit Float A to D Converter
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
Blue Yeti USB Microphone (Midnight Blue)
- For Podcasting, Streaming, ASMR and More
- USB for Mac, Windows, and Mobile Devices
- Cardioid for Solo, Figure-8 for 2 People
- Omni for Room Capture, Stereo for ASMR
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
RODE NT1 Signature Series Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (Black)
- For Recording and Podcasting
- HF6 1" True Condenser Capsule
- Silky, Warm Sound Character
- Extremely Low Noise of 4 dBA
Audio-Technica AT4040 Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
- For Voice, Instruments, Drums, and Cabs
- Cardioid Pattern Lessens Room Noise
- Switchable -10 dB Pad Hinders Distortion
- Low-Cut Filter Limits Bass Buildup
Other Buying Options
RODE NT-1 Cardioid Condenser Microphone with SMR Shockmount, Focusrite Interface & More
- NT1 Cardioid Condenser Mic
- Warm Low-End & Smooth Treble Response
- Shockmount & Dust Cover
- Focusrite Scarlett Solo Audio Interface
Sennheiser Profile USB Condenser Microphone Streaming Set with Boom Arm
- USB Mic with Accessories for Streaming
- Cardioid Pickup Pattern
- Adjustable Tilt Function, Locking Joint
- Mute Button with LED Ring
Other Buying Options
RODE NT1 5th Generation Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser XLR/USB Microphone (Silver)
- For Recording, Streaming, and Podcasting
- Cardioid Pattern Reduces Ambient Noise
- Analog XLR and Digital USB-C Connectors
- 192 kHz / 32-Bit Float A to D Converter
Other Buying Options
AKG C214 Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
- For Voice, Instruments, Drums & Cabs
- Cardioid Pattern Lowers Stage/Room Noise
- Switchable Pad Prevents Distortion
- Low-Cut Filter Suppresses Bass Buildup
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 (Silver)
- For Podcasting, Streaming, ASMR and More
- USB for Mac, Windows, and Mobile Devices
- Cardioid for Solo, Figure-8 for 2 People
- Omni for Room Capture, Stereo for ASMR
Other Buying Options
CAD E100Sx Large-Diaphragm Supercardioid Condenser Microphone
- Use for Vocals, Percussion & Instruments
- 1" Nickel-Plated Capsule
- Narrow Supercardioid Pickup Pattern
- Includes Low-Profile Shockmount
RODE NT-USB+ Professional USB Microphone
- For Podcasting, Voice-Overs & Music
- For Computers, Smartphones & Tablets
- Built-In High-Gain Revolution Preamp
- 24-Bit / 48 kHz Broadcast-Quality Audio
TASCAM TM-80 Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
- For Voice, Acoustic Instruments & Cabs
- XLR Output for Hookup to Mic Preamp
- Runs on 9 to 48V Phantom Power
- Shockmount Inhibits Vibration Noise
HyperX SoloCast USB Condenser Microphone
- For Streaming, Podcasts & Conferencing
- Works with Computers & Game Consoles
- Quality 24-Bit / 96 kHz Digital Audio
- Cardioid Pickup Pattern
Other Buying Options
Sennheiser Profile USB Condenser Microphone with Desktop Stand
- USB Mic with Accessories for Podcasting
- Cardioid Pickup Pattern
- Adjustable Tilt Function, Locking Joint
- Mute Button with LED Ring
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.