The need to buy choir microphones often arises from time to time. And just as there are real variations regarding these needs and contexts, many of the best choir microphones under $1000 differ from one another.
Even from a particular brand, you are very likely to find models that are practically different from each other.
View choir microphones here
Budget aside this buyer guide will make you informed enough to choose a cardioid choir mic that suits the exact use context or application you have in mind.
Table of Contents
Top Choir Microphones
9 Best Choir Microphones – Reviews
Shure MX202B/C Condenser Microphone
The SHURE MX202B is a small cardioid choir microphone. This mic comes with flexible mounting. The length of it is about 10 cm and the cord of 9m.
With electret condenser miniature microphone of the popular series, MicroflexMX200 is produced by Shure, an American maker of sound and audio products.
The mic can be used for scoring choirs and performances of artists on stage. Usually, this type of microphone is placed over the heads of the performers.
Shure MX202B Features
- Device type: miniature condenser microphone
- Frequency response: 50 Hz to 17,000 Hz
- Polar pattern: cardioid
- Output impedance: 150 Ohm
Actual output impedance of 180 ohms - Sensitivity: -35 dBV / Pa 18 mV
- Signal/noise ratio: 66 dB
- Noise level: 28 dB
- Power supply: Pphantom (11 V to 52 V)
Powered by DC 2 mA
- Here is one of the best microphones with very high sensitivity and a wide frequency range of 50 Hz – 17,000 Hz.
- This allows you to use the microphone in scoring at concerts and in a professional recording studio. Shure MX202B is equipped with a flexible mount such as “gooseneck”, a length of which is 10 cm.
- Most times the model of theatrical and choral microphones differs in terms of simplicity of use and the highest level of functionality.
- All you need to do is to place and secure the microphone on the chorus, fixing its position by means of a flexible neck. The miniature hanging microphone can be used for scoring plays and musical ensembles.
- For optimum performance, this product needs phantom power to operate. This model comes with the microphone capsules of three types: “C” – cardioid polar pattern, “S” – super-cardioid directivity, “O” – a circumferential direction.
- Frequency range on this product is 50 Hz – 17,000 Hz. According to the experience of past users, the product is also known to have an impressively wide range.
- Specifically, from Amazon, you can find this a little bit under $200. Note that this is sold as an individual mic, not a set. For a home studio recording mic, you can use this tool on your computer.
- We’re not sure of any cons for this Product!
Astatic 900W Cardioid Condenser Hanging Choir Mic
If you have been looking for great hanging condenser microphone with low noise before arriving here, this is it. It has a wide, flat frequency response that delivers unrivaled, natural sound quality.
This ASTATIC 900W cardioid choir microphone minimizes the impact of feedback when using the sound-amplifying equipment.
The microphone features a flexible gooseneck-type body which is laminated in plastic. This makes it possible to direct the microphone head in the right place for dubbing.
The microphone is equipped with a 3-pin mini XLR connector with a phantom power adapter. Also, the ASTATIC 900W includes a 10-meter cable.
CAD Astatic 900W Features
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Transducer: Electret
- Frequency response: 150 Hz – 20k Hz
- Signal to noise ratio: 26dBA
- Maximum input sound level: 132dB
- Output impedance: 440 Ohms
- Output connectors: 3-pin XLR
Beyerdynamic MC930 Small Diaphragm True Condenser Cardioid Microphone
For those specifically interested in choir microphone with multiple mics, the Beyerdynamic MC 930 Stereo set is now within your reach. Inside the pack, you’ll find two condenser microphones with a cardioid polar pattern, two windshields, two holders and cases.
The frequency range of the microphones is 40-20000 Hz and the signal noise ratio is 71 dB.
Common user applications include choir, orchestra, instrument and vocal recording. However, there are some people that have found the mic to be working perfectly for presentations.
The only seeming drawback is that it belongs to the class of relatively expensive condenser microphones. That’s if you decide to buy the complete set.
With the switchable pre-attenuation of 15 dB in the MC 930, you’ll be positioned to experience impressive output at high sound pressure levels.
Wherever excellent sound and maximum gain-before-feedback are top priorities, this microphone performs really well.
Beyerdynamic MC 930 Features
- Switchable bass roll-off filter with 6 dB/Octave at 250 Hz
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Receiving sensitivity: 30 dB
- Connection method: XLR
- Pre-attenuation mode: 14dB
- Phantom power requirement
- Nominal impedance: 180 Ohm
Rode M5-MP Matched Pair Cardioid Condenser Microphones
For an interesting number of years, Australian mic manufacturer Rode has offered their mid-priced NT5 small diaphragm condenser microphones, and that model has been generally very well received, with excellent sales and lots of positive reviews.
As at the time of this writing, around 86% of past buyers of their M5 condenser microphone had positive experiences with it.
In an effort to make quality small diaphragm Rode condenser microphones available to an even wider audience, they’ve developed the new M5; an even more affordable small-diaphragm condenser mic with similar sound and characteristics to the more expensive NT5. The M5 is currently available only as a matched pair.
Unlike the NT5 and NT55 which use true externally polarized condenser capsules, it uses a 1/2″ pre-polarized electret condenser capsule with a permanently-charged backplate.
Should you register your purchase on their site online, you’ll get 10 years warranty on this one.
The most common context where this microphone had performed really well includes choral, vocals and acoustic performances. In terms of price, you’ll be able to find this one slightly under $200.
So if you have actually done a search for the best condenser choir microphones under $200, here is one that’s within your reach right now.
Rode M5 Features
Sensitivity: -34.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (20.00mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz
Dimensions: 100.00mmH x 20.00mmW x 20.00mmD
Maximum output level: 13.5mV (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1KΩ load)
Polar pattern: cardioids
Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20k Hz
Power options: P24 and P48
Behringer C-2 Studio Condenser Microphones
This is another one of the best choir microphones under $200. Yes, it’s really that cheap. So if you want something below this price range, then you’ve got a good option here. Whether it’s for school or the best microphone for church choir, the Behringer C-2 condenser will serve you well like it did for thousands of other users.
And the interesting thing is that it’s judged as one of the longest-lasting microphones.
Durable design, strong metal material and aesthetically attractive capsules, you get them all here.
Instead of buying just a single mic, you consider the two matched microphones that come in a set. With this product, you get switchable low-frequency roll off and input attenuation.
In the box, you also get a mic stand adapters but no windscreen on this one. In comparison to Shure M5, you get a nice, warmer sound.
Assuming you need to hook this up to Tascam DP 006, you’ll definitely need a preamp.
For those that have video recording in mind, it’s best to go for large diaphragm condenser microphones like Audio Technica AT2020, MXL 770 or Neewer NW-800.
Behringer C-2 Features
- Low cut filter: 6 dB/Octave @ 120 Hz
- Sensitivity: -41 dBV/Pa at 1 kHz
- Load impedance: 1000 Ohms
- Equivalent noise level: 19 dB A-Weighted
- Maximum SPL : 140dB SPL
- Signal to noise ratio: 75dB
- Power requirement: 48v phantom
- Pad: -10dB
CAD Audio CAD GXL2200 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
In comparison to more expensive condenser microphones, the GXL2200 is missing some of the desired airiness and sparkle. For the price, however, there isn’t much to complain about with the microphone’s clarity, detail, and overall sound reproduction, especially if you have setup your computer for music production thoughtfully.
The GXL 2200 has a frequency response of 30Hz-20kHz and the high sensitivity you would expect in a large-diaphragm condenser. The microphone offers a quality sound for professional applications.
It provides a primarily flat response, with some presence boost in the high frequencies.
This mic avoids any harshness that might occur as a result of the boost (as is common with other budget microphones). Aside from the added presence, the CAD GXL2200 has a very accurate sound reproduction that is true to the original source.
Now if you have used an older model of CAD cardioid microphones, this is like to be an impressive upgrade for you.
Just in case you are wondering about USB compatibility with your Mac, it doesn’t work with this product. You really need phantom power to make it functional.
CAD GXL2200 Cardioid Microphone Features
- Frequency response: 30 Hz – 20k Hz
- Sensitivity: -36dBV (16mV) at 1 Pa
- Polar pattern: cardioid
- Equivalent noise level: 20 dB A-Weighted
- Maximum SPL: 130 DB SPL
- Impedance: 75 Ohms
- Operating voltage: 48v
Rode NT5-MP Compact Cardioid Condenser Microphones
For some reasons, if an acoustic recording is what you have in mind, the first thing to understand here is that it is better to buy small diaphragm condensers instead of the larger counterparts.
The sample thing applies to choir applications too. In this case, the two microphone brands or product models (Shure KSM141 vs Rode NT5) compared here already have great options.
Expectedly, these two types of choir mics have many similarities. But there are some interesting factors that made each one different from the other.
Looking at the transducer type, both of these products can be classified as condenser microphones.
At 20 Hz – 20 kHz, these products have the same frequency range as well as output connector which is – 1 x 3-Pin XLR.
First and foremost, one key factor that makes these two different from each other is the price. While KSM141 inches close to $1000, Rode NT5 can be found on Amazon selling under $500.
For equivalent noise level, you get 14 dB-A from Shure and 16 dB-A weighted from Rode. Signal to noise ratios stands at 80dB for the former and 78dB for the later. Impedance is about 150 and 100 Ohms respectively.
Both can be used for acoustic piano, guitar, and even vocals. And you get two mic pairs when you buy any one of them. From Shure alone, you also get foam windscreen, 27m adapter and carrying case.
Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone
The outstanding thing I noticed about Audio Technica AT897 is that it works really well beyond normal audio recording contexts.
In clear terms, this microphone works for film, broadcast and other video applications. This is one area that many other brands come behind Audio Technica.
And I suspect a little brand distinction in this area contributes to the reason why their products are relatively more expensive than.
The microphone’s short length of eleven inches ensures it remains out of the camera frame when mounted on a compact consumer video camera.
When capturing audio at long range, the microphone’s narrow pickup pattern enhances signal reproduction, off-axis sound rejection, and minimizes noise and ambiance, which delivers a natural sound.
However, the frequency pattern of MKE 600 is nothing short of epic and I love that curve above any other shotgun.
This microphone is reasonably flat and while peaking in the upper range with a slight 2-3 dB boost it gives just about enough presence not to sound “dull”.
However, unlike harsher AT897 this transition is very smooth, natural and unobtrusive. The lower end initially rolls off at 100 Hz, while the “low cut” switch sets it at 200 Hz.
With this move, Sennheiser outsmarts both AT897 and NTG-2 whose “low cut” switches are set at 100 Hz and can’t roll off any further.
Coming with the product is a soft foam windshield and shock mount.
The frequency response on these products stands at 20 Hz – 20 KHz for AT897 and 40 Hz – 20 KHz for MKE 600. Signal to noise on the AT897 is 77dB.
Audio-Technica AT4021 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Low self-noise, extended frequency response and high SPL handling; these are just a few of the cool Audio Technica AT4021 features you’ll experience when you buy on Amazon or another retailer of choice within your reach.
Looking at the condenser choir microphone price comparison, the Rode NT5 model leads AT4021 competitor here with something around $100.
Now that’s a big margin for the price-conscious buyer who considers affordability as a top priority.
Impedance stands at 100 Ohms for Rode and 250 Ohms for the competing AT. Dynamic range is 128 dB and 132 dB respectively. Both operate on 48v and uses same 1 3-Pin XLR.
Another similarity is the operation on the same polar pattern – cardioids. Signal to noise ratio is 78dB for Rode and 80 dB for AT.
For each of these microphones, there is a wide range of accessories you can buy for convenience and more value extraction.
Such accessories cables, mic stands, shock mounts, wind protection, pop filters, capsules and replacement parts. Rode offers 10 years warranty while you get only 5 years with Audio Technica.
Choir Condenser Microphones – Buyers Guide
In terms of practical applications, the microphone reviews here serves in all the contexts mentioned earlier. Besides, some of them can work really well for home studio recording mics, stage presentation, and recording vocals.
Whether you are the lead singer or just a member responsible for buying the mic, you are sure of getting what you want. Here we break down the best choir microphones for 2020 for the smaller budget.
First, let’s look a little bit on why people buy choir microphone in the first place.
Choir Microphone Replacement
At home, on the road, in the church or office – accidents do happen.
Apart from what can we normally call accidents, there are many possible damaged microphones. On the other hand, what you are using might have stopped functioning like it uses to.
And now, you need an upgrade. These are just a few of the instances where the need for choir microphone replacement may arise.
Spare a few minutes here and you’ll become able to make the comparison as well as find attractive mic within your budget. There are more than ten mentioned here.
You can move straight to that session immediately.
Formation of New Church Branch
We all know that a standard church always has a choir. However, when new branches have opened the need for condenser choir microphone may arise.
Hence this is not a kind of one man’s affair the church is likely to make provision for the purchase. If you are the one responsible to buy this sound equipment, be rest assured the products mentioned here are well within your reach.
And in the case you are the one opening the new church, you’ve come to the right place. These microphone reviews are meant for you.
Outside Church Singing Competition
In many different locations, choir competitions are hosted from time to time. And now you know that the best time to prepare is before, not during the competition.
If you wait until the event or rely on a little bit faulty mic for your practices, you are automatically giving yourself and colleagues zero chance of success.
Who doesn’t know that sound equipment boosts moral too.
Today the choir microphone comparison and reviews will help you make maximum preparation. Probably, a big prize is at stake and it matters a lot to you and your team.
Addition of New Singers
Balanced voices and sound clarity, these are the things you won’t experience if they struggle with a faulty or low-grade mic persists.
And it gets even worse sometimes the number of singers is numbering upwards 20 – 50. While everybody cannot be using them closely at the same time, the settings and simply spreading them out definitely helps a lot.
How To Choose Choir Microphones
In a situation where this is your first time, choosing the best choir microphone is likely to be a bit harder for you.
Yes, you can ask your friends or colleagues but at a point, some little confusing questions start to arise. So regardless of the technical jargons that may seem overwhelming, here are the key points that matter most as it relates to choosing a good microphone.
Consider Your Needs
What exactly do you want to do with the mic?
While some are interested in choir microphones, others need one solely for home studio recording. Make sure you understand to a moderate extent, the compatible uses of each microphone before you buy microphones online or offline as the case may be.
Types of Choir Microphones
There are many different types of microphones often intended for different use cases.
However, there are some that can be used in more than one practical context. Regarding types, you get options like condenser vs dynamic, handheld, headset, lavalier, drum mic and even the best USB microphones.
Polar Patterns
The polar pattern of the mic should as well be taken into account. Interestingly, this also relates to the context in which you want to use the mic. Here is one of the key factors that determine the quality of sound output you’ll experience while making use of one.
You’ll want to make sure your microphone is able to minimize background noise and do a good job of isolating the sounds it should be picking up.
Price
Obviously, you should find and go for the one that is within your budget.
Remember that, while you do get what you pay for, the most expensive mic on the market may not be the best for your application. Our recommendation is to pick something in the mid-range of the products that would work for your needs.
The best products are usually found in the mid-range of prices because they aren’t overinflated just from popularity and they aren’t made cheaply to merit the lowest price.
Check The Fine Print
Whichever one you choose, don’t forget to check the warranty and return policy from the retailer selling a microphone to you.
This will allow you to test, check for quality or defects and return accordingly within the allowed return duration. Sure you won’t like to find out when it’s already late that the quality and priority features you weren’t aren’t obtainable.
Having reached this stage, I’m betting you’ll definitely find something within your budget from the best choir microphones you’ve read so far.
And if you still have questions regarding where to buy a choir microphone online, follow any of the product links above to get it from Amazon. You are likely to get fast free shipping too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which microphone is best for a choir?
If you have no budget constraints, I would suggest the Audio-Technica AT4021. It is a very easy-to-place mic but remains hidden. It has good reinforcement and sensitivity, reduces distortion, and has excellent response.
If your budget is a constraint, the Shure MX202B/C Mic is one of the best options. It has a good frequency response, low distortion, and high sensitivity.
How do you mic a choir?
Each choir has its unique style, but some basic principles remain the same everywhere: placing the mics properly in a choir, removing unused mics and reducing the number of mics down to a minimum, no over-amplification of the choir, singing naturally, letting the choir mix on its own, no singing at the mic, etc.
Do choirs need microphones?
Yes, but very few. As a rule of thumb, if you have a choir of 15-20 singers, all you need is a single cardioid mic. You need to keep in mind the choir’s placement relative to the mic: you should create a wedge with approx three rows and ten feet deep.
If you are blessed with a larger choir group, 2-3 mics placed appropriately will do the trick for you.
What is a choir mic?
Choirs try to use mics that are relatively invisible to the congregation. That is why the most popular type of choir mics are hanging mics. You can put them up by hanging them from the ceiling of your church. Condenser mics are a popular choice because they are much smaller than other types.
Typically choir mics are either in a cardioid or super-cardioid polar pattern. These types of mics can pick up the voices of a wide range of singers while still rejecting unnecessary feedback.
How loud is a choir?
Evidence suggests that choir singing can reach levels of 110dB, which, if I compare with a common denominator, the same as a rock concert or a riveting machine working in the background. There are studies to suggest that loud choir singing can lead to hearing impairment in singers.
Best Studio Mics was started by a husband and wife team who love the sound and the technicals behind recording it. Both are professional theatre artists, one with a stage management background and one more on stage. One also has experience in film and television work and the different audio requirements of that arena.