SMALL DIAPHRAGM CONDENSERS

We’ve reviewed a great number of microphones over the years, so the thought of putting some of our faves head-to-head to compare and contrast them was one that we just had to make happen. Over the course of the next few months, we will work our way through all types of microphone at various price points to give you the best possible overview of what’s currently available, so you can confidently make the right mic purchase for yourself.

Our first instalment features five small-diaphragm condenser microphones at the low-budget end of the spectrum (all of which are under $200), with UK prices ranging from £135 to £152. As an ultimate point of reference, we compared the five contenders with our classic Neumann KM 84 i, arguably the greatest small-diaphragm condenser mic of all time.

As we wanted to provide aural evidence of our findings, we decided to record