Dynamic microphones have long been the standard in vocal performance mics. However, if you’re looking for a handheld with extended bandwidth, greater detail and fast transient response, a condenser mic is just the ticket. With that in mind, we present this look at some current top-end condenser models. No frequency response data is given; a “flat” response is rarely desirable and many models include high-pass or low-pass filters to tweak the sound.
AKG C636
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Max SPL: 150 dB
- Sensitivity: 5.6 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 20 dB (A)
- Weight: 11 ounces
- Notes: Switchable 80 Hz LF roll-off
- Street Price: $705
Apex Electronics Apex395
- Pattern: Cardioid/hypercardioid/omni
- Max SPL: 134 dB SPL
- Sensitivity: 13.8 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 17 dB (A)
- Notes: Includes three capsules for changing polar patterns
- Street Price: $79 (Canadian)
Aspen Pittman Designs DT1
- Pattern: Hypercardioid
- Max SPL: 146 dB
- Self-Noise: 28 dB (A)
- Weight: 12 ounces
- Notes: Dual-top converts from probe to ball head
- Street Price: $119
Audio-Technica AE5400
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Max SPL: 157/147 dB (pad in/out)
- Sensitivity: 10.0 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 14 dB (A)
- Weight: 11.6 ounces
- Notes: 10 dB pad; LF roll-off; same capsule as AT4050 studio mic
- Street Price: $439
Audix VX5
- Pattern: Supercardioid
- Max SPL: 140 dB
- Sensitivity: 5 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 26 dB (A)
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Notes: -10 dB pad and bass roll-off switches
- Street Price: $249
Austrian Audio OC 707
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Max SPL: 150 dB
- Sensitivity: 10 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 19 dB (A)
- Weight: 12.35 ounces
- Notes: Switchable 120 Hz low-cut filter
- Street Price: $449
CAD Microphones C92
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Max SPL: 138 dB
- Sensitivity: -40.0 dBv (10mV) @ 1PA
- Self-Noise: Not stated
- Weight: 10 ounces
- Notes: TrueFlex Equitek diaphragm
- Street Price: $99
DPA Microphones 2028
- Pattern: Supercardioid
- Max SPL: 160 dB
- Sensitivity: 5 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 22 dB (A)
- Weight: 10.1 oz.
- Notes: 3-stage shockmount/filter/grill
- Street Price: $610
Earthworks SR117
- Pattern: Supercardioid
- Max SPL: 140 dB
- Sensitivity: 5 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 20 dB (A)
- Weight: 13.6 ounces
- Street Price: $179
Electro-Voice RE520
- Pattern: Supercardioid
- Max SPL: 150 dB
- Sensitivity: 5.6 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 17 dB (A)
- Weight: 11.7 ounces
- Street Price: $335
Ehrlund EHR-H
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Max SPL: 127 dB
- Sensitivity: 8 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 9 dB (A)
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
- Notes: Unique triangular capsule
- Street Price: $599
Lewitt MTP W950
- Pattern: Cardioid/Supercardioid
- Max SPL: 140 dB
- Sensitivity: 8.1 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 21 dB (A)
- Weight: 14 ounces
- Notes: Pad, low-cut filter switches
- Street Price: $799
Microtech Gefell M900
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Max SPL: 143 dB
- Sensitivity: 17 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 13 dB (A)
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Notes: M910 supercardioid version also avail.
- Street Price: $1,414
Miktek PM5
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Max SPL: 142 dB
- Sensitivity: 18 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 19 dB (A)
- Weight: 10.4 ounces
- Notes: Handheld version of C5 studio mic
- Street Price: $599
Milab LSR-3000
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Max SPL: 150/138 dB (pad in/out)
- Sensitivity: 13 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 25 dB (A)
- Weight: 10.4 ounces
- Notes: 12 dB pad and 80 Hz low-cut
- Street Price: $1,443
Neumann KMS 105
- Pattern: Supercardioid
- Max SPL: 150 dB
- Sensitivity: 4.5 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 18 dB (A)
- Weight: 10.6 oz.
- Notes: KMS104 similar cardioid version
- Street Price: $749
Peavey CM1
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Max SPL: 136 dB
- Sensitivity: 7.1 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 24 dB (A)
- Weight: 11.2 ounces
- Notes: Internal shock-mount reduces handling noise
- Street Price: $129
Peluso Microphone Lab Stage One (PS-1)
- Pattern: Supercardioid
- Max SPL: dB SPL
- Sensitivity: 10 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 18 dB (A)
- Weight: 14.75 ounces
- Notes: Onboard HP, LP and -18 dB pad switches
- Street Price: $699
RØDE M2
- Pattern: Supercardioid
- Max SPL: 141 dB SPL
- Sensitivity: 6.3 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 23 dB (A)
- Notes: Lockable on/off switch
- Street Price: $179
Schoeps CMH 641
- Pattern: Supercardioid
- Max SPL: 130 dB
- Sensitivity: -36 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 14 dB (A)
- Weight: 6.7 ounces
- Notes: Switchable 60 Hz LF roll-off; also avail as cardioid CMH64
- Street Price: $1,925
Sennheiser e 965
- Pattern: Cardioid/Supercardioid switchable
- Max SPL: 152/142 dB (pad in/out)
- Sensitivity: 7 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 21 dB (A)
- Weight: 13.9 ounces
- Notes: Switchable low filter and -10 dB pad
- Street Price: $549
Shure KSM9HS
- Pattern: Hypercardioid/Wide-cardioid switchable
- Max SPL: 150 dB
- Sensitivity: 2.81 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 20-22 dB (A)
- Weight: 10.6 ounces
- Notes: Similar KSM9 is Supercardioid/Cardioid switchable
- Street Price: $769
Superlux PRO 238 Mk II
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Max SPL: 136 dB
- Sensitivity: 10 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 16 dB (A)
- Weight: 13.8 ounces
- Notes: Switchable 100 Hz low-cut filter
- Price: $340 (list)
