If you are in a rush and just want to know what the best vintage microphone is, we suggest the CAD Audio CADLive A77 Large Diaphragm Supercardioid microphone as the best one for the best balance in performance and vintage visual appeal.
Are you looking for the best vintage microphones? Look no further! Comes in all shapes and sizes, as well as age. Vintage microphones have managed to stand out over the years and offer plenty of excellent features.
Our post will focus on some of the 10 best vintage microphones you can buy on the market. But first, before we get into all the reviews, let’s just talk about the factors to consider before you buy a vintage microphone. If you are also into retro microphones we have a guide on that as well.
Vintage Microphone Buying Guide
Here is our vintage microphone buying guide to help you make the right decision.
Purpose
The first thing you need to consider is the purpose of the vintage microphone. Why do you need a microphone? This is a crucial question that you need to ask yourself before purchasing the mic.
The good thing about vintage microphones is that most of them are high-quality, which is something you can’t find in today’s mics. What’s more, they tend to have spirit and soul that results from being tested with time in studio pieces.
Find a Recently-Serviced Vintage Microphone
Another factor you need to consider is buying a vintage microphone that has been recently serviced. Although your search may lead you to readily-available classic mics, some of them may not be in good condition.
Therefore, you need to look for the ones that have been recently serviced and restored because it helps you find a good mic and saves you money in the process. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you made a worthy investment.
Test the Microphone
When buying a microphone, you must test it out first to ensure that it is functioning correctly. Some dealers may allow you a trial period, which is an excellent opportunity for you to use to go and test out the mic in your studio.
Testing out the mic will help you understand its sound production. That is where your ears are accustomed to hearing and making correct decisions. You can plug in your mic and begin to listen. You should note that older microphones tend to have a high noise floor, but what you need to look for is something that perfectly fits your needs.
Ensure that you clearly listen to all the pops, hiss, and crackles of the microphone that might make it difficult for you to record sound better. Once you’ve assessed the mic, you’ll be in a better position to make an ideal choice of whether to buy it or not.
Internal Makeup of the Vintage Microphone
The internal makeup of a mic also plays a significant role in your decision of whether to buy it or not. A mic’s originality is quite crucial, which means when looking for a vintage microphone because these are some of the things that give it value.
The enhanced features included in a microphone play an essential role in its functionality. The only exception for this is a ribbon microphone because ribbons usually wear out after a certain period, making an original ribbon not convenient.
10 Best Vintage Microphones to Buy on the Market
Here are the best 10 vintage microphones you should consider purchasing on the market.
1. Classic Retro Dynamic Vocal Microphone
- Retro style microphone
- It comes with a built-in pop filter
- It offers voice clarity
- Unidirectional microphone
- Efficient
- Cheap
The Classic Retro Dynamic Vocal Microphone is a retro-style classic microphone with a unique performance that provides you with an old fashioned elegance for on-stage or studio performance.
It features a built-in pop filter that reduces or eliminates the popping sound brought about by the mechanical impact of moving air, giving clear audio while using the mic. When it comes to voice clarity, you can clearly count in the Classic Retro Dynamic Vocal Microphone-ASIN.
It comes with a high signal output, low noise integration, an ultra-wide frequency response. The mic also has a reliable sensitivity and output impedance that offers crystal clear audio. Being a unidirectional mic, it has a cardioid heart heart-shaped pickup pattern with sensitivity mostly in the front and also rejects sound from other directions.
This makes it a suitable microphone for stage performances. It also features an adjustable angle, which is compatible with most modern mic stands.
2. MXL CR77 Dynamic Stage Vocal Microphone
- Suitable mic for stage performances
- Integrated shock mount
- Internal windscreen
- Rugged construction
- Directional and super cardioids pattern
The MXL CR77 Dynamic Stage Vocal Microphone is a convenient accessory for stage performances. It has convenient features to make it easier for you to use it. It has a vintage style combined with modern design elements internally and externally. You’ll find an integrated foam windscreen behind the grille of the mic, which filters out background noise and plosives.
The super cardioids polar pattern helps to reject periphery noise. This microphone also includes a built-in shock mount, whose main objective is to reduce unwanted vibrations’ noise. This feature allows you to come in close to the mic while using it or perform on stage.
The mic also has a robust design that is heavy and able to withstand the road’s rigors. It has distinct black chrome and a perforated metal grill with a matte black body, suitable for commanding the stage.
3. AKG Pro Audio Lyra Ultra-HD Microphone
- It offers Ultra-HD quality audio
- It comes with headphone output and mix controls
- It features an adaptive capsule array
- Versatile mounting options
- Excellent modern design
The AKG Pro Audio Lyra Ultra-HD comes with 24-bit high-resolution converters and an adaptive capsule array that offers user-friendly capture modes. The good thing about this mic is that it is easy to set up and universal compatibility. It has an intuitive plug-and-play setup and operation that supports a wide range of devices like PC, Mac, Android, and iOS.
It also features headphone output and mixes controls. It has zero-latency monitoring while tracking with full control through output volume, mute, and mic gain. There are also versatile mounting options that you can use with an integrated desktop mic stand or just mount to a normal boom mic stand.
The AKG Pro Audio Lyra Ultra-HD mic also has a modern design with a vintage appeal and camera-ready styling suitable for on-screen appeal. It uses a Corded Electric type of power source.
4. FAO Schwartz 1003436 Bluetooth Vintage Microphone
- It connects with your phone
- Stylish vintage look
- Ideal for stage performance usage or parties
- Modern Bluetooth tech
- Portable
The FAO Schwartz 1003436 Bluetooth Vintage Microphone can easily stream songs right from your phone, thanks to its Bluetooth technology. It also features a sleek and retro design that provides a luxurious feel, with a combination of built-in speakers.
It also offers a stylish 50S look that borrows from after pill mics like the ubiquitous and the famous calrad brand. With this mic, you can have karaoke everywhere due to its ultra-portable feature. Therefore, it allows you to rock around you go and impress your friends with your singing talent.
The advanced modern Bluetooth technology featured in the mic can connect to any smartphone. This makes it suitable even for parties, MC announcements, and stage performances.
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- Stylish and dynamic
- Exceptional performance
- Mid-range frequency response
- Slide switch to turn the audio on and off
- Compatible with a standard microphone stand
If you are looking for a simple, yet sophisticated microphone, then theNo products found. mic is an ideal option to consider. It features a stylish and dynamic look with a vintage appeal suitable for use at home, in the studio, or in a broadcast application.
This mic also offers top-notch performance, which is made possible by using a special magnet structure with a large 1 and ¼-inch aluminum low mass voice coil assembly that resembles that of the Heil PR 20.
There’s an included slide switch on the mic that enables you to turn the mic ON or OFF, with a small lock screw able to lock it in position.
6. CAD Audio CADLive A77 Large Diaphragm Supercardioid
- It offers articulate response through the flex diaphragm
- Provides hot signal through the power gap neodymium magnet
- It features a super-cardioid pattern
When searching for a convenient vintage microphone, price is not the only factor you need to check. You should confirm whether the microphone is user-friendly and efficient enough. Luckily, the CAD Audio CADLive A77 Large Diaphragm Supercardioid microphone is affordable and quite efficient.
This microphone has plenty of excellent features to offer users, such as the power gap neodymium power magnet, articulate response, and hot signal feature. It has a large diaphragm and is equipped with modern characteristics ideal for usage on any occasion. The performance and style also make this mic stand out and suitable to buy for anyone. All in all, it has all the makings of the best vintage microphone.
7. MXL V67G Large Capsule Condenser Microphone
- Large gradient condenser capsule
- Gold sputtered
- 6 micron density diaphragm
- Solid-state mic
- It offers crystal clear sound
TheMXL V67G Large Capsule Condenser Microphone comes with a large 32 mm pressure gradient condenser capsule that makes it convenient to use. It also offers an old school tube mellow that makes it produce a unique sound, with a combination of Class A FET circuitry and transformer output.
Another benefit of the V67G is that it produces killer vocals even during a busy mix and provides a great stage appeal. Thanks to its gold-plated round grill and unique vintage body. You are bound to be amazed by the sound produced by this microphone.
8. Warm Audio WA-47 Large-Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone
- It includes a large-diaphragm
- External PSU
- Wood presentation box
- Shock mount
Warm Audio is a reputable brand that produces acclaimed vintage-inspired preamps, compressors, and microphones. The Warm Audio WA-47 Large-Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone is one of their amazing creations, and it offers outstanding features.
This vintage microphone comes with a large diaphragm and 9 polar patterns. There’s also a wood presentation box included in the mic, together with an external PSU, and shock mount. It has a discrete, transformer-balanced vacuum tube circuitry and custom reproduction capsule. Although this mic is a bit costly, the features it offers make it worth the price.
9. LTC Encore MPE-01 Metal Stand Condenser Microphone
- Classic retro dynamic mic
- It features 3 separate capacitive microphone capsules
- Mute button
- Micro USB port
- 3.5 mm headphone jack
- Wide compatibility
Suppose you’re enthusiastic about classic retro dynamic microphones. In that case, the LTC Encore MPE-01 Metal Stand Condenser Microphone clearly fits into this category and has a lot to offer. It is the newest version and comes with 3 separate capacitive microphone capsules, a mute button, and a micro USB port.
You can also find 4 pickup patterns, voice capture on the microphone, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The good thing about this mic is that it is suitable for any conversation scenes such as podcasting, musical instruments, vocals, voiceovers, field recordings, and interviews, etc.
It is also compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10, and Mac OS. It is a plug-and-play type of mic with intuitive features, a convenient control dial, and a built-in audio jack for monitoring mode.
10. Shure 565SD-LC Microphone
- Versatile
- High-quality microphone
- Wind and “pop” filter for vocals
- Excellent speech production
- Dual impedance operation
- Silent magnetic reed ON/OFF switch
The Shure 565SD-LC Microphone offers excellent speech production on the stage, thanks to its cardioids pickup pattern. It also includes a wind and “pop’ filter suitable for vocals. There’s a wire mesh front grille, dual impedance operation, and a silent magnetic ON/OFF switch.
Versatility is another factor that makes this classic microphone stand out compared to its predecessor, the SM58. It has a convenient capsule, slide, and clip, which make it unique and efficient for users. The frequency response is 50 to 15,000 Hz.
Conclusion
The above best 10 vintage microphones we’ve discussed do not only have the vintage microphone look down, but they also perform well. While there are also many vintage microphones on the market, here we covered the best vintage microphones. Still, you need to be cautious and do your research to ensure you purchase a high-quality mic. Be sure to check out some of the ones we’ve recommended in our post to find out which one suits your needs.
