10 Best Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphones in 2023
by The Press Desk
Chandler Limited REDD Microphone
Chandler Limited kicks off our list with the REDD microphone, an exquisite tube condenser with switchable cardioid/omni patterns that not only comes with the aura of an EMI/Abbey Road pedigree but combines circuitry from the REDD.47 preamplifier with a carefully-crafted handmade custom capsule to offer a groundbreaking piece of engineering. This means that the REDD microphone can be used with or without an external “regular” mic preamp, and with its amazing design and rich sound it is entirely possible that your favourite mic pre will just have to sit out for recordings made with this one!
Neumann M 149 Tube
One of the classic names in microphone design & manufacture - Neumann - unsurprisingly appears several times on this list! Their first entry is the M149, a tube condenser microphone that is the modern incarnation of the venerable M49. As with its predecessor, the M149 has a wide & dedicated audience thanks to its superbly transparent sound quality, which for many is simply unparalleled, and also due to its ultra-flexibility with an impressive nine polar patterns, offering cardioid variations, omni and figure-8 for versatility. When Neumann themselves label a mic as “high-end” we are bound to take it seriously - if your bank account allows it there isn't much to argue against here.
Neumann U 67 Collector's Edition
Neumann revives one of its most successful mics ever with the U67 Collectors Edition, bringing back the highly desired tube LDC present on so many of our favourite records. Despite a sea of available clones and "inspired-bys", according to Neumann this is the de facto reissue, built exactly as it was back in the 1960s following the original specifications & schematics, so look no further if you are after the rich sound of this glorious mic. It goes without saying that this level of quality does not come cheap so have your gold card at the ready, but it is certainly an easier path to sonic nirvana than chasing down vintage units and having to deal with all their associated maintenance burdens.
Lauten Audio Atlantis FC-387
Big in sound as well as physically, the Lauten Atlantis FC-387 is an extra large 38mm capsule FET condenser full-featured with 3 position switches (omni, cardioid and figure-8) and multi voicing technology. Other three switches labeled as Forward, Neutral and Gentle are able to change the colour and character of the microphone providing unmatched recording flexibility. The Atlantis also brings three-way gain staging (+10, 0 and -10dB) so you can use whatever preamp pleases you the most.
Peluso Microphones P-12
The Peluso P12 is based on one of the most coveted tube microphones of all times - the AKG C12 - which (according to many in our community) is the Holy Grail when it comes to large diaphragm condensers. The P12 not only replicates the looks of the revered Austrian classic but more importantly it closely follows the sound characteristics with a careful selection of components that revives the character of that vintage mic in all its glory. Best of all, it does so without the often insanely high and mostly prohibitive price tags usually associated with mics of this calibre.
Shure KSM32
A Top-10 microphones list without a Shure mic would be the audio equivalent of committing heresy, and as far as large-diaphragm condensers go the KSM32 is certainly a safe bet. This detailed-sounding cardioid mic is a community favourite for many reasons, shining on many applications and importantly, doing so without shredding one's hard-earned finances, making it a great choice for the budget-conscious engineer looking for a workhorse type of microphone that provides a lot of bang for the bucks.
Sony C-800G
As of late, Sony, the Japanese electronics behemoth known for its immense range of consumer AV products, hasn’t been associated much with pro audio or with studio recording microphones in general, yet their C-800G is arguably one of the most successful condenser mics of all time. Known for its clean and up-front sound, this is a go-to microphone for vocals with many award-winning records from hundreds of chart-topping artists under its belt. This mic is one of the most beloved studio products of all time across all our forums so it easily earns a spot on our list.
Soundelux U195
Designed by microphone guru David Bock, the Soundelux USA U195 is a hand-made large diaphragm FET condenser microphone that delivers top-notch sonics with huge versatility at a price point that won’t scare the budget-conscious Gearspacer away. Aimed at those looking for a one-stop solution for all condenser needs, the U195 is capable of seamlessly tackling any recording job with ease, without sacrificing quality and definitely worthy of Bock's reputation.
Warm Audio WA-47
Budget favourite Warm Audio wraps up our list with the WA-47, the brand’s take on the - you guessed it - the legendary U47. The WA-47 is inspired by two “benchmark” U47 examples with subtle sound differences, and Warm Audio’s approach was to capture the common essence that made the 47 one of the most iconic tube condenser mics ever produced - and they put it all together with 21st-century components and manufacturing technology. As one might expect, the WA-47 comes with the highly inviting Warm Audio price tag, so there is no reason not to try it.
Manley Labs Reference Silver Microphone
Manley Ref Silver is inspired by the acclaimed Sony C-37A and features a David Josephson (Josephson Engineering Inc.) american built capsule with Manley's proprietary circuit design. Since June of 2020 Manley Ref Silver utilizes Manley's Switch-Mode Power Supply used in praised Manley equipment such as the VoxBox and Massive Passive and specifically designed for high voltage vacuum tubes. Manley reference Silver offers a High-Pass Filter switch set to -3db at 55Hz, a frequency response of 10Hz-30kHz and a maximum input SPL of 150dB.
