The 7 Best Microphones for Church Choirs (2023)
There are a lot of options available to choose from when looking for a microphone for church choirs. It needs to have the correct polar pattern and a wide frequency range to deliver good sound clarity.
My top recommended pick is the Rode M5-MP. It has great sound quality and offers very good value for its price.
My recommended budget pick is the Behringer C-2 Studio Condenser Microphone. It offers very decent sound quality within a budget and comes in a pair.
The 7 Best Microphones for Church Choirs (2023)
Let’s look at them in more detail:
1. Rode M5-MP
The Rode M5 matched pair of microphones sounds very neutral and warm. They deliver a clear and detailed sound to give that natural feel most are after. The Rode M5-MP closely resembles the NT5 model.
Pros
- Relatively inexpensive for the quality of sound
- Detailed and clean sound
- Wide frequency response
- Matched pairs for wider choir
Cons
- No storage or carry pouch or box
- No high pass filter switch
The Rode M5 is a compact ½” cardioid condenser microphone with full frequency response, low noise, and cardioid polar pattern. It is a pencil-style polarised microphone that is compact and user-friendly. The small design and build make it seamless to use in any studio or recording session.
The Rode M5 comes as a matched pair. They are very good for acoustic recordings like a choir or a home studio with acoustic instruments. The small-diaphragm design makes it very good for live recordings studio use, and live performances. The pair gives you the flexibility to have a stereo or a mono image of the sound source.
| Condenser microphone | Yes |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Including Clamps | Yes |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz- 20kHz |
| Stereo pair | Yes |
| Output | 3 Pin XLR |
| Power | +24V/48V Phantom Power |
| Type | Matched Pair |
This is my top pick for a reason. The Rode M5-MP is one of the best options that offer a well-rounded and multi-applicable base for recording choirs.
2. Behringer C-2 Studio Condenser Microphone
Behringer C-2 Studio Condenser Microphone is the most affordable option. This microphone is very clean and produces good dynamic range and frequency.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Two Matched pairs
- Comes with a case and windshield
- Wide frequency response
- High pass filter switch
Cons
- Not the best for solo vocal recording
- Self-noise
The cardioid polar design makes it a good choice to record choirs. It’s a matched pair, meaning that they work together seamlessly for recording any instrument or sound source.
The frequency response of this microphone is full from 20Hz to 20kHz. The high pass filter switch means you can shape the sound as it is printing in the project. It’s not as good for recording solo vocals due to it being designed for stereo and much wider recording. The other issue is self-noise.
| Condenser microphone | Yes |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Including Clamps | Yes |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz- 20kHz |
| Stereo pair | Yes |
| Output | 3-pin Gold Plated XLR |
| Power | +24V/48V Phantom Power |
| Type | Matched Pair |
The Behringer C-2 comes at a great and affordable price, packed with a long list of features. It is probably the best budget pick you can find on the market for microphones.
3. Audio-Technica PRO 45
The Audio-Technica PRO 45 is a combination of great value and relatively affordable price. It’s a good microphone to have in your studio, applicable for all kinds of overhead recording purposes.
Pros
- Average price
- Wide frequency response
- Comes with a windscreen and steel hanger
- High SPL handling
- 25′ cable permanently attached between microphone and XLRM-type connector
Cons
- No case
- No high pass filter switch
The Audio Technica Pro 45 is a hanging microphone that is handy and discreet in any studio. With its ability to handle high SPL levels, it is great for recording ensembles and choirs.
With a wide and smooth frequency response, it is a good choice for recording while also used as a room or overhead microphone in a recording session. Cardioid pickup pattern means you will get superior performance and wide-area recording.
| Condenser microphone | Yes |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Including Clamps | Yes |
| Frequency Range | 70Hz- 16kHz |
| Stereo pair | No |
| Output | 3 Pin XLRM-type on |
| Power | +9-52V DC |
| Type | Overhead |
At a relatively affordable price, this is a good and versatile microphone to have in your studio.
4. Shure CVO-B/C Choir Microphone
The Shure Centraverse CVO is a low-profile and discreet microphone for many situations, not just studio recording. It’s a great versatile option if you are looking for a multi-purpose microphone.
Pros
- Relatively Affordable Price
- Comes with a windshield and memory wire
- Frequency response from 70HZ-16kHZ
- 25 ft. (7.6m) Cable Length
Cons
- No High pass filter switch
Its minimalist design makes it a great choice for placing it in various settings with minimum visibility. The CommShield® Filtering Technology is an additional feature. This feature helps in guarding against unwanted RF interferences.
Apart from all these advanced features, this microphone is great for old-school recordings. It has a very wide frequency response which makes it a good choice for ensembles and choirs. The polar pattern makes it suitable for overhead or room microphone use. Also, it can be used as a reverb microphone if you want to spice up your recording and experiment.
A couple of downsides of this product are no matched pair, it does not come with a case, and no high pass filter switch.
| Condenser microphone | Yes |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Including Clamps | No |
| Frequency Range | 70Hz- 16kHz |
| Stereo pair | No |
| Output | Attached 25-feet XLR Cable |
| Power | 11–52 V DC |
| Type | Overhead |
This is a good pick for those who are not just into music production and want to use the microphone for more than musical projects.
5. Samson C02PR Pencil Condenser Microphones
The Samson C02PR Pencil Condenser Microphone costs a bit more than the above options. But, it will give you the flexibility to record several instruments and comes as a pair. You can record in stereo without investing more in the microphone.
Pros
- Relatively affordable since you get a pair
- Two Matched pairs
- Comes with case and shock-mounted clips and a windscreen
- Good frequency response
- Ideal for use as drum overheads or cymbal microphones
Cons
- No high pass filter switch
- Restricted low end
The Samson CO2 pencil condenser microphone is a great choice for recording acoustic instruments. A great pick for recording stereo sound sources like ensembles and choirs. The low mass diaphragm gives out a good frequency curve which makes it a good option.
The pairs are matched and have a 134dB SPL sensitivity. The cardioid polar pattern also helps in the stereo recording when used in a room recording. It can act both as a reverb microphone or a dedicated overhead microphone for drums, choirs, ensembles, and so on.
The frequency curve is very limited in this microphone. This means you cannot get a good representation of the very low and sub frequencies. This means it is not effective in recording instruments like bass guitar or kicks of drums, etc.
| Condenser microphone | Yes |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Including Clamps | Yes |
| Frequency Range | 40Hz- 20kHz |
| Stereo pair | Yes |
| Output | 3 Pin Gold plated XLR |
| Power | +48V Phantom Power |
| Type | Matched Pair |
Overall, this is a good choice if you are looking for a particular use. The added flexibility allows for acoustic recordings as well as making use of this pair.
6. Audio Technica AT4021
The Audio Technica AT4021 is a pricey product, to say the least. But, it provides excellent sound quality and delivers clarity above all.
Pros
- Great audio quality
- Excellent Dynamic frequency response
- Comes with case, windshield, stand and clamp
- Switchable 10dB Pad
- High pass filter switch
Cons
- A little pricey
The Audio Technica AT 4021 is a high-end microphone that is marketed for pros. However, the cost will be justified by the quality of recording you will get from this microphone.
It comes with a full frequency response curve which means you can use this microphone in any situation and it will still sound good. This microphone is ideal for both live setups and studio recordings.
The high pass filter and switchable pad settings allow for easy sound-shaping without fiddling around with the preamp. This means your workflow will be much more efficient and you can get your ideas and creative flow going.
This microphone is marketed for pros and so it will be well beyond a lot of people’s budget. Moreover, it only comes with one microphone which means you will have to invest more if you want to get stereo sessions recorded for your projects.
| Condenser microphone | Yes |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Including Clamps | Yes |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz- 20kHz |
| Stereo pair | No |
| Output | Integral 3-pin XLRM-type |
| Power | +48V Phantom Power |
| Type | Single Condenser |
You will not be disappointed with the quality and performance of this mic. Use it on acoustic instruments, ensembles, choirs, or just as a reverb microphone.
7. AKG CHM 99
The AKG CHM 99 is a microphone that is specifically designed to record choirs and does a good job in that department.
Pros
- 125° pickup angle
- Good frequency response
- Specially designed for choir pickup
- Integrated spring clamp for optimum adjustment
Cons
- Comes with only a windshield
The AKG CHM 99 is a microphone specifically designed for recording choirs.
It comes with a good 125° pickup angle which means it allows you to capture a lot of sound with just one microphone. You can use it for a wide choir recording to get decent results.
The drawback is that it does not come in a pair, meaning you cannot record in stereo before investing more. Another issue is for traveling musicians. The lack of any case or pouch for transport means you will have to invest even more in this to keep it secured and safe.
| Condenser microphone | Yes |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Including Clamps | Yes |
| Frequency Range | 70Hz- 18kHz |
| Stereo pair | No |
| Output | Balanced XLR |
| Power | +9-52V DC |
| Type | Overhead |
This is still a decent mid-range microphone. As most come with their ups and downs, this one is no different, it is simply a matter of weighing the options.
How many microphones do you need for a church choir?
Generally, for a choir of 40-50 people, 4-6 microphones are enough to get a good quality recording. If you want to stretch it then one microphone can serve as a good starting point to record a choir of around 10-15 people.
When it comes to recording a choir, more microphones do not mean better quality. On the contrary, more microphones can cause feedback problems. The will also be very costly to get all the equipment required and you will end up spending even more money.
What type of microphone phone do you need for a church choir?
A cardioid condenser microphone is always preferred over a dynamic microphone for choirs. Moreover, proper stands, long cables, and durable design should also be kept in mind when looking for a microphone.
Do condenser microphones make the choir sound better?
Condenser microphones offer better sound quality than a dynamic microphone. They give out a more detailed, transparent, and fuller sound profile which helps get a great choir recording.
Where should you position the microphone?
The placement and position of the microphone are more important than how it is mounted. A good place to start with is to place your microphone at least 2-3 feet away from the choir. Adjust the height equal to the tallest member of the choir and you’re good to go.
You can increase the height by another foot or two if you like the sound of it. Next is to direct your choirs to sing naturally and not at the microphone to get an even and natural-sounding choir.
Verdict
Microphones for church choirs are not one-size-fits-all. You need to consider the size of your choir, the type of microphone, and the positioning of the mic before making a purchase.
My top pick is the Rode M5-MP which provides a good well-rounded quality build and sound. A natural and warm sonic capability at a reasonable price.
My budget pick is the Behringer C-2 Studio Condenser Microphone if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option but a decent one.
