As the choices out there for that next new mic grow by the year, choosing a single does-it-all option gets harder. We on the blog have been keeping an eye on developments new and not-so-new - here are five of our favourites for any occasion.

Can One Mic Really Do It All?

Fundamentally, almost anything can be recorded with virtually any mic. That said, the limitations of certain combos will quickly make themselves known, such as lack of sensitivity or the desired directivity. Other times, a mic’s character might disagree with a certain voice, or be unable to resolve the speed or complexity of an instrument’s signature.

Despite this, many would say that the Everything Mic does already exist, and without having to introduce mic modelling systems which while very effective are a slightly different thing, it could be argued that the large diaphragm condenser mic might be the closest thing that audio engineers have to this mythical tool in a convertional microphone. Certainly it has the acuity for every situation. OK, so having the luxury of picking out a certain voicing from a certain mic to bring out the very best in a source is great to have, but the all-round mic will earn its keep time after time.

It’s true that many multi pattern studio stalwarts spend their life in cardioid mode, but surely exploring their entire polar repertoire from time to time is going to turn in recordings that surprise or otherwise keep things fresh. Whether you’re looking to start from scratch with a true all-rounder, or just fancy livening up your locker, here are five of our favourites that can collect just about any sound out there.

Lewitt LCT 441 Flex

We begin with a mic whose moniker and very shape comes very close to a competing product with the same three digits in its name. That might be no surprise given Lewitt’s Austrian heritage, but evidently this mic’s creators wanted to make mics as good or better than some of the big-name competition.

LCT 441 Flex has a whole tonne of things going for it considering the price. It’s incredibly quiet - far quieter than the noise floor of even the world’s quietest studios. It has excellent snap on accessories to keep the pops out and the mic pointing where it should. Perhaps most notable is its five polar patterns plus three ‘reverse’ patterns that simply flip the two diaphragms’ states to shift the perspective. Its microswitched buttons shouldn’t ever introduce any scratchiness or loud thumps and bumps, and their operation is lockable too to make sure you’re always pointing at the amp and not at the guitarist’s jeans…

Audio Technica AT2050

When picturing a large diaphragm condenser mic, many artists and engineers might envisage a mic that is both big and expensive. Weighing in at less than the proceeds of what many would call a day’s work, the diminutive AT2050 from Audio Technica defies both conventions and packs a seriously high quality pickup into a chunky metal housing for a sound and feel that punches well above its weight. I say this having settled on buying a pair of these for a college studio that needed quality, affordability, and durability - they did not disappoint, and that even extends to the slimline shockmount that puts a famous Austrian rival to shame…

Although hardly groundbreaking, these mics will do everything demanded of a multi pattern LDC, and leave you change to buy more of them if needed. OK the sound is hardly sublime, but it’s certainly clean, true, flexible (thanks to three patterns with switchable HPF and pad), and repeatable, and for many recordists that’s most of what’s needed right there in one mic. With the shockmount, a great quality zipped pouch and brass thread adaptor also in the box, there’s a lot to love here that isn’t as far behind the exotic choices as you might think…

United Studio Technologies UT Twin87

For many, Neumann’s classic U87 epitomises the large studio mic archetype. Its distinctive look means that it’s one of the few designs that makes it recognisable to even casual observers, but many designers offer more than mere homages to this titan of the studio. One such company is United Studio Technologies, whose UT Twin87 has found friends on the blog such as Steve DeMott, who has a pair in his locker as a high quality option for when a classic multipattern signature is needed.

The UT Twin87 sets out to capture the essence of the original classic with a contemporary spin of its own. United Studio Technologies say they have achieved this by duplicating both earlier and revised ‘87-style circuits. These land as its switchable Vintage and Modern modes meaning that the mic can be reconfigured on the fly for “an exceptional reproduction of the sonic capabilities of both microphones”- presumably a reference to the original and later Ai variants. Many of the ‘87 ingredients are in there, such as a large-core output transformer, and the company’s own 24k gold sputtered dual diaphragm/dual backplate K87 style capsule, but other innovations such as its ‘True Cardioid Mod’ make practical improvements that confirm that the UT Twin87 is no meek tribute. At around 800 USD, the prospect of getting a pair for less than the price of one of its inspiration could make many studios look twice at this bespoke take on the U87 legend.

Austrian Audio OC818

The original AKG C414 was a rather different beast to the modern variants that fly the flag for this famous design. Setting out to not only to provide the legendary handcrafted CK12 capsule’s sound from the early ‘414’s, Austrian Audio’s OC818 quenches so much more than unquestioning retro desires.

Based around the company’s modern CKR12 ceramic ring capsule, the OC818 first and foremost aims to bring much of its forebearers’ sound, but this mic also supercharges itself to go much further than its muse ever could. If you’re familiar with how multi-mics do their thing, you might have wondered in the past how useful it would be to tap two signals from both sides of the capsule. Not only does OC818 let you do that via a second mini-XLR output, but also its PolarDesigner software lets you do switched or variable pattern tricks and more after the event. Bluetooth control also means you won’t need to wear a jet pack to change patterns on mics that are up in the air…

You can read a lot more about the company’s heritage and the thinking behind the design here in Julian’s in-depth article.

Aim Audio Inspire

Reading this list, you might be wondering if it’s all been done before, and whether any new design can truly bring anything new. Fewer readers might be aware of German mic manufacturers Aim Audio; this is a new company who are bringing mic production back to Berlin with its Inspire large diaphragm multi pattern condenser mic backed with the Essence cardioid-only variant. Both sport original features, and Inspire will tick many boxes for those looking for something that aims to innovate.

Housed in an easy-to-place elliptical body, Inspire has a 1” Gold Sputtered Mylar true condenser capsule, but more interestingly a switchable Transformer/Electronic Output stage. Bridging the gap between classic LDC designs, and modern iron-less outputs, the potential is there for either subtle colour across its output versus more clinical renderings. Taking its cue from other modern designs, Inspire also features switchable backlit controls (for stealthier use where needed), and includes the well implemented Orbit shockmount and Sentry magnetic pop shield option. Weighing in at around $699 / €799 / £679, Inspire appears to be keenly priced given the features on offer.

How About You?

What are the mics in your arsenal that can be trusted to deliver the goods no matter what they’re pointed at? Let us know in the comments.