Best Condenser Microphones for Intermediate 2025

Perfect condenser microphones for intermediate - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Studio Recording For Vocals For Acoustic Music For Broadcasting For Home Studio

BRANDS: Neumann Shure

Earthworks Audio SR314 BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Earthworks Audio SR314 BK

by Earthworks Audio

Vocals Acoustic Music Home Studio

Key Feature:

• Wide frequency response

✓ PROS

• Low self-noise for quiet sources
• Professional studio standard

✗ CONS

• Can pick up unwanted room noise
• May emphasize sibilance

Earthworks Audio SR314 BKCondenser Vocal MicrophonePolar Pattern: CardioidFrequency range: 20 - 30000 HzSensitivity: 10...

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 571667

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ehrlund Microphones EHR-H - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Ehrlund Microphones EHR-H

by Ehrlund Microphones

Broadcasting Acoustic Music Vocals

Key Feature:

• Low self-noise for quiet sources

✓ PROS

• Wide frequency response
• Exceptional sensitivity and detail

✗ CONS

• May emphasize sibilance
• Sensitive to handling and vibration

Ehrlund Microphones EHR-HLive Vocal Condenser MicrophoneWith patented triangular Ehrlund capsuleIntegrated dirt filter...

⭐ 4.4/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 433449

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sennheiser E 965 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Sennheiser E 965

by Sennheiser

Studio Recording Acoustic Music Broadcasting

Key Feature:

• Low self-noise for quiet sources

✓ PROS

• Capture subtle vocal nuances
• Low self-noise for quiet sources

✗ CONS

• Can pick up unwanted room noise
• More fragile than dynamic mics

Sennheiser E 965True Condenser Vocal MicrophoneSupercardioid/cardioid switchableSwitchable low-cutSwitchable -10dB...

⭐ 4.7/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 207769

$582

Buy at Thomann View Details

Shure KSM11 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Shure KSM11

by Shure

Studio Recording Home Studio Acoustic Music

Key Feature:

• Exceptional sensitivity and detail

✓ PROS

• Capture subtle vocal nuances
• Exceptional sensitivity and detail

✗ CONS

• More fragile than dynamic mics
• May emphasize sibilance

Shure KSM11Condenser Microphone3/4" gold diaphragmPolar pattern: CardioidFrequency range: 50 - 20000...

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 609762

$977

Buy at Thomann View Details

Shure KSM 9 CG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Shure KSM 9 CG

by Shure

Home Studio Studio Recording Vocals

Key Feature:

• Wide frequency response

✓ PROS

• Capture subtle vocal nuances
• Professional studio standard

✗ CONS

• More fragile than dynamic mics
• May emphasize sibilance

Shure KSM 9 CGHigh-end Condenser Vocal MicrophoneFor live applicationsDual diaphragmSupercardioid/cardioid...

⭐ 4.4/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 194364

$747

Buy at Thomann View Details

Earthworks Audio SR314 SB BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Earthworks Audio SR314 SB BK

by Earthworks Audio

Broadcasting Studio Recording Vocals

Key Feature:

• Low self-noise for quiet sources

✓ PROS

• Exceptional sensitivity and detail
• Capture subtle vocal nuances

✗ CONS

• More fragile than dynamic mics
• Requires phantom power

Earthworks Audio SR314 BlackCondenser Vocal MicrophonePolar pattern: CardioidFrequency response: 20 - 30000...

⭐ 4.4/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 549777

$912

Buy at Thomann View Details

Shure Beta 87A Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Shure Beta 87A Bundle

by Shure

Home Studio Acoustic Music Vocals

Key Feature:

• Capture subtle vocal nuances

✓ PROS

• Exceptional sensitivity and detail
• Wide frequency response

✗ CONS

• May emphasize sibilance
• Requires phantom power

Shure Beta 87A Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Shure Beta 87A*Condenser vocal microphone*Because of its high precision...

⭐ 5.0/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 254380

$395

Buy at Thomann View Details

DPA 4097 CORE Choir Mic - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

DPA 4097 CORE Choir Mic

by DPA

Vocals Broadcasting Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Wide frequency response

✓ PROS

• Capture subtle vocal nuances
• Low self-noise for quiet sources

✗ CONS

• Requires phantom power
• More fragile than dynamic mics

DPA 4097 CORE Choir MicChoir MicrophoneCharacteristic: SupercardioidFrequency range: 20 - 20000 Hz± 2 dB / 20 cm (7.9...

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 468172

$1,242

Buy at Thomann View Details

Lewitt MTP W950 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Lewitt MTP W950

by Lewitt

Broadcasting Acoustic Music Home Studio

Key Feature:

• Professional studio standard

✓ PROS

• Professional studio standard
• Capture subtle vocal nuances

✗ CONS

• Can pick up unwanted room noise
• Sensitive to handling and vibration

Lewitt MTP W950Stage MicrophoneDetachable 1" real condenser capsuleSwitchable characteristic: cardioid or...

⭐ 4.7/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 561547

$802

Buy at Thomann View Details

Neumann KMS 104 BK Plus - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Neumann KMS 104 BK Plus

by Neumann

Acoustic Music Vocals Broadcasting

Key Feature:

• Wide frequency response

✓ PROS

• Low self-noise for quiet sources
• Wide frequency response

✗ CONS

• More fragile than dynamic mics
• Can pick up unwanted room noise

Neumann KMS 104 BK PlusCondenser Vocal MicrophoneOptimised for female voices in rock and pop areaPolar pattern:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 229388

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Austrian Audio OC707 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 5.0/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Austrian Audio OC707

by Austrian Audio

Home Studio Acoustic Music Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Professional studio standard

✓ PROS

• Professional studio standard
• Exceptional sensitivity and detail

✗ CONS

• Sensitive to handling and vibration
• Can pick up unwanted room noise

Austrian Audio OC707Condenser Vocal MicrophonePolar pattern: cardioidFrequency response: 35 - 20000 HzSensitivity: 10...

⭐ 5.0/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 526317

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Neumann KMS 105 Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Neumann KMS 105 Bundle

by Neumann

Vocals Acoustic Music Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Capture subtle vocal nuances

✓ PROS

• Wide frequency response
• Capture subtle vocal nuances

✗ CONS

• May emphasize sibilance
• Sensitive to handling and vibration

Neumann KMS 105 Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Neumann KMS 105*Condenser Soloists Microphone*The KMS 105 has been...

⭐ 4.6/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 254381

$725

Buy at Thomann View Details

Neumann KMS 104 BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 5.0/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Neumann KMS 104 BK

by Neumann

Home Studio Broadcasting Vocals

Key Feature:

• Professional studio standard

✓ PROS

• Exceptional sensitivity and detail
• Low self-noise for quiet sources

✗ CONS

• More fragile than dynamic mics
• Can pick up unwanted room noise

Neumann KMS 104 BKCondenser Vocal MicrophoneCardioidFrequency range: 20 - 20.000 HzImpedance: 50 OhmMaximum level: 132...

⭐ 5.0/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 194340

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

EV RE520 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

EV RE520

by EV

Acoustic Music Studio Recording Home Studio

Key Feature:

• Low self-noise for quiet sources

✓ PROS

• Low self-noise for quiet sources
• Professional studio standard

✗ CONS

• Requires phantom power
• Can pick up unwanted room noise

EV RE520Vocal MicrophoneWorking principle: CondensorDirectional characteristic: SupercardioidFrequency range: 40 -...

⭐ 4.5/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 464869

$347

Buy at Thomann View Details

Earthworks Audio SR314 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Earthworks Audio SR314

by Earthworks Audio

Acoustic Music Studio Recording Home Studio

Key Feature:

• Capture subtle vocal nuances

✓ PROS

• Professional studio standard
• Capture subtle vocal nuances

✗ CONS

• Requires phantom power
• May emphasize sibilance

Earthworks Audio SR314Condenser Vocal MicrophoneDirectional characteristic: cardioidFrequency range: 20 - 30000...

⭐ 4.8/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 462895

$857

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Condenser Microphones

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced condenser microphones typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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Best Condenser Microphones for Intermediate 2025

Earthworks Audio SR314 BK

Ehrlund Microphones EHR-H

Sennheiser E 965

Shure KSM11

Shure KSM 9 CG

Earthworks Audio SR314 SB BK

Shure Beta 87A Bundle

DPA 4097 CORE Choir Mic

Lewitt MTP W950

Neumann KMS 104 BK Plus

Austrian Audio OC707

Neumann KMS 105 Bundle

Neumann KMS 104 BK

EV RE520

Earthworks Audio SR314

How to Choose the Best Condenser Microphones

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying condenser microphones?

How much should I spend on condenser microphones?

Are expensive condenser microphones worth the investment?

What are the best brands for condenser microphones?

Should I buy condenser microphones online or in-store?

Related Best Lists

Best Large Diaphragm Microphones

Best Wireless Microphones with Handheld Microphone

Best Transmitters

Best Wireless Microphones with Headset Microphone

Best Wireless Systems for Guitar and Bass

Best Headset Microphones

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