10 Best Ceiling Microphones & Their Reviews For 2021
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If you are in the market for a ceiling microphone, it can be a bit daunting, as there are such a vast array of products to choose from.
The general applications you plan to use the mic for will certainly help narrow down your choices.
For example, if you are looking to amplify or record an ensemble group, choir, theater stage, or conference room, you’ll likely already have decided that you need an overhead (hanging) microphone.
Here, we’ve reviewed in detail 10 of the best ceiling microphones on the market today.
Whilst these overhead mics may seem very similar at first glance, the specifications may give you a better sense of which would suit your requirements more aptly.
For example, some are designed with difficult positioning in mind, mobility of use, or for a variety of directional applications, depending on the sound you are planning on picking up.
Table of Contents
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Last update on 2021-06-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10 Best Ceiling Microphones Reviewed
Now, let’s find the right ceiling microphone for you.
1. Shure CVO-W/C Overhead Condenser
- Tailored frequency response ideal for capturing fast transients above choirs and other ensembles
- CommShield Technology that guards against unwanted RF interference from portable wireless devices (smartphones,...
- Superior Shure design and rugged, dependable construction
Last update on 2021-05-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
First on our list is this high-quality, overhead condenser microphone from no other than microphone giant, Shure.
This Shure microphone has a unidirectional polar pattern with an XLR connector.
It features a tailored frequency response which makes it an ideal choice for capturing fast transients above ensembles such as choirs or other groups – it’s ideal for such applications.
This microphone also features Commshield Technology to guard against any unwanted RF interference from nearby portable wireless devices (such as smartphones), as well as high resistance to powerful nearby radio signals.
Shure is an established and trusted microphone brand worldwide – a global name you can trust.
Made with a superior Shure design with rugged and dependable construction, this mic can last you for years if used with care.
Ideal for many applications, providing high-quality audio from podiums to meeting rooms, desks, houses of worship, and more.
CVO overhead mics are professional electret condenser microphones designed for optimal sound reinforcement.
The reviews for this microphone reflect that it’s particularly popular for choir and stage work, and it provides a high-quality sound pickup.
This wired Shure mic is available in white or black.
It has an item weight of 10.3 ounces, product dimensions of 4 x 2.5 x 6.5 inches, frequency response range of 70 – 16000 Hz, XLR connector type, and an impedance of 180 Ohm
Pros & Benefits:
- Cardioid polar pattern featuring tailored speech response
- Commshield technology to guard against RF interference
- Rugged and dependable construction
- Trusted global microphone brand
- Unidirectional polar pattern
- Black or white finishes
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
2. ClearOne Ceiling Microphone Array Kit
- Full 360-degree coverage
- Three unidirectional elements reduce reverberation and noise
- Design minimizes noise pickup from ceiling sources
- Optimized to work with ClearOne mixers
- Multiple ceiling microphone arrays can be connected to any ClearOne mixer for covering a large room space
Last update on 2021-05-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You won’t be disappointed with the ClearOne Ceiling Microphone Array Kit.
Often a popular choice, this model comes with the superior benefit of full 360-degree coverage.
This makes it ideal for ensemble applications, too.
One of the best things about this hanging microphone is that it’s designed to minimize noise pickup from ceiling sources.
Another important benefit of this ClearOne product is that it’s optimized to work with branded ClearOne mixers.
It also features three unidirectional elements that are designed to reduce reverberation and noise, this affordable microphone is easy to install as well.
Perfect for any conferencing application that requires high-quality audio.
Exceptional audio quality from three mounted wide-range microphones within a single unit.
The reviews on this mic reflect that it’s a powerful product that delivers great sound quality, it’s available in an all-white finish.
The drawback of this mic is that it may not operate optimally with non-brand mixers, and it’s only available in one color.
It has an item weight of 1.7 pounds, product dimensions of 9.8 x 4.9 x 3 inches, a frequency response range of 100 Hz – 12kHz, XLR connector type, and a sensitivity of 114 mV/Pa.
Pros & Benefits:
- Full 360-degree coverage
- Noise minimization from ceiling noise sources
- Optimized to work with ClearOne Mixers
- Three wide-range mics mounted onto a single unit
- Three unidirectional elements designed to reduce reverberation
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
3. Audio-Technica PRO 45 ProPoint Cardioid Condenser Hanging Microphone
- Hi-SPL handling is ideal for suspension over choirs and orchestras
- Wide-range condenser element with low-mass diaphragm for superior performance
- Self-contained electronics eliminate need for external power modules
- Flat, smooth frequency response
- 25' (7.6 m) cable permanently attached between microphone and XLRM-type connector
Last update on 2021-06-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This microphone from Audio-Technica is hard to beat.
Often a popular choice for those looking for hanging microphones, this cardioid mic features a wide-range condenser element in addition to a low-mass diaphragm for superior performance.
It also features self-contained electronics that will eliminate the need for any external power modules.
You will notice and enjoy this microphone’s smooth, flat frequency response, it comes with a 25’ (7.6m) cable which is permanently attached between the mic and XLRM connector.
Its hi-SPL handling makes it perfect for suspending above choirs and orchestras.
Furthermore, it features a unidirectional polar pattern, this mic has a robust construction and an unobtrusive design appearance.
This microphone’s reviews are consistently solid, being reviewed as having great pickup and this, reflects that it’s effective for a wide variety of applications with exceptional sound quality.
It comes in black and white finishes.
Its drawback is that it requires an external phantom power at +9V – +52 V.
It has an item weight of 0.1 pounds, product dimensions of 2.25 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches, a voltage of 240 Volts, XLRM connector type, and a sensitivity of 37 dB.
Pros & Benefits:
- Hi-SPL handling – ideal for choir or orchestra suspension
- Self-contained electronics/low-mass diaphragm equals superior performance
- Superior flat and smooth frequency response
- Unidirectional polar pattern
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
4. Shure MX202B/C Condenser Microphone
- Black mini-condenser Cardioid mic, w/cable, in-line preamp, stand adapter
- Balanced, transformer less output for increased immunity to noise over long cable runs.
- Supplied stand-mount adapter for portable applications
- When combined with the high sensitivity cartridge's wide frequency response, these microphones provide accurate...
Last update on 2021-05-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This black, cardioid mini-condenser mic is an excellent microphone for all your overhead recording and amplification needs.
It’s designed with a balanced, transformerless output that allows for increased noise immunity over long cabling runs.
This microphone comes with an included stand-mount adapter to assist with portable applications.
It’s from Shure – a global highly trusted brand in microphone design!
Furthermore, this microphone features a high sensitivity cartridge with a wide frequency response range, enabling an accurate sound reproduction whilst minimizing any RF interference and electromagnetic hum.
These mini-electret condenser mics are ideal for miking performance groups and choirs.
The attached 4 inches (101 mm) gooseneck allows users to easily aim the mic at the sound source.
It comes in either white or black.
The reviews for this mic reflect that it’s particularly popular for stage/theater work and that it produces a high-quality sound.
This wired mic has an item weight of 15.2 ounces, product dimensions of 9.9 x 4.7 x 3.2 inches, XLR connector type, and an impedance of 150 Ohm.
Pros & Benefits:
- Peace of mind from a global leader in mic design
- Gooseneck design for accuracy of positioning
- Stand-mount adaptor included
- RF filtering
- Interchangeable patterns for a choice of polar patterns
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
5. Samson CM12C Hanging Choir Microphone
- Miniature hanging Choir Microphone, Condenser element, Cardioid Pickup Pattern
- Mini XLR connector, Steel Hanging positioning bracket, Hardwired 30-foot cable
- Mini to standard XLR connector included
- Multistage windscreen
- 9-52 Volt Phantom Power Operation
Last update on 2021-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for the perfect hanging microphone for a performing choir, then you can’t go wrong with the Samson CM12C.
This miniature hanging choir microphone is a popular choice given its condenser element and cardioid pickup pattern.
It features a mini XLR connector and a steel hanging positioning bracket for ease of use, not only that, but it also comes with a 30-foot hardwired cable for easy maneuverability.
Included with this Samson hanging microphone, is a handy mini/standard XLR connector.
This hanging microphone operates on a 9-52 Volt Phantom Power Operation.
Samson is a well-established and trusted brand in all things audio, thus you don’t need to worry about the quality of the product.
This mini condenser mic comes in black only, other than a few connection issues, this product still delivers a great quality sound.
This wired mic has an item weight of 14.8 ounces, product dimensions of 9.5 x 4.5 x 3.25 inches, and XLR connector type.
Pros & Benefits:
- Has a condenser element and cardioid pickup pattern
- Mini XLR connector
- Steel hanging position bracket included
- Includes a hardwired 30-foot cable
- Samson is a well-established audio production brand
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
6. Peavey VCM 3 Choir Microphone
- Available in Black and White
- Miniature, cardioid pattern, choir microphone
- Back-electret condenser element
- 9-52 Volt phantom power
- Includes 10-meter slim profile microphone cable, windscreen, and wire-form hanging adapter
Last update on 2021-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another hanging mic being offered by a well-respected brand in microphone and audio products.
This mic is a miniature choir microphone with a cardioid pattern, the Peavey Choir Mic also features a back-electret condenser element.
As with many mini-condensers, this mic operates with a 9-52 Volt phantom power.
You’ll have no problem with this mic that comes with a 10 meter, slim profiled mic cable, and wire-form hanging adapter.
Works on an XLR connector, it’s ideal for micing up a performance group or choir ensemble.
The reviews for this mic reflect excellent application for choir use with great value-for-money quality.
This wired or wireless mic has an item weight of 4.59 ounces, product dimensions of 12 x 2.5 x 2 inches, and XLR connector type.
Pros & Benefits:
- Cardioid patterned choir microphone
- Back-electret condenser element
- Works on 9-52 Volt phantom power
- Comes with a slim profile 10-meter microphone cable
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
7. Shure CVO-B/C Centraverse Overhead Cardioid Condenser Microphone
- Tailored frequency response ideal for capturing fast transients above choirs and other ensembles
- CommShield Technology that guards against unwanted RF interference from portable wireless devices (smartphones,...
- Superior Shure design and rugged, dependable construction
- Tailored frequency response ideal for capturing fast transients above choirs and other ensembles
- CommShield Technology that guards against unwanted RF interference from portable wireless devices (smartphones,...
Last update on 2021-05-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here is another solid option for your overhead sound production needs from Shure.
This Shure mic has a tailored frequency response range which is ideal for capturing the fast transients from choirs and other performance ensembles.
With built-in Commshield technology designed to guard against any unwanted RF wireless device interference, it also features high resistance to any intense radio signals nearby.
This mic has been constructed for rugged dependability with its superior Shure design.
Furthermore, this unidirectional polar pattern mic has a frequency response of 70 to 16000 Hz.
Installed with a fully integrated wire-aiming hanger, it enables optimal placement above performance ensembles and choirs for the perfect capture.
Its cardioid polar pattern features a tailored response for speech, also comes with an attached 25-foot XLR cable.
This mic is particularly sensitive, with crystal clear sound quality, however, it requires a lithium-ion battery for power.
This mic has an item weight of 10.3 ounces, product dimensions of 4 x 2.5 x 6.5 inches, 1 Lithium-ion battery, XLR connector type, and an impedance of 180 Ohm.
Pros & Benefits:
- Tailored frequency response for speech
- Cardioid polar pattern
- 25 foot attached XLR cable
- In-built Commshield Technology to guard against RF interference
- Comes in black and white finishes
- Made by a globally trusted brand, Shure
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
8. AKG Pro Audio CHM99 Hanging Cardioid Condenser Microphone
- Compact solution for plug-and-play
- Wide pickup angle for unobtrusive pickup in difficult places
- Twist-free cable to fix and secure the designated mic position
- Spring steel hanging clamp included for quick and hassle-free installation
Last update on 2021-05-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a compact solution for miking up speech or ensembles, this could be the mic for you.
This mic is the ideal compact solution for easy plug-and-play.
It features a wide pickup angle to achieve unobtrusive pickup despite difficult places, this mini condenser mic also features a twist-free cable that can be easily fixed and secured to the required mic position.
The AKG Pro Audio hanging mic is a cardioid pattern mic that features a steel spring hanging clamp for a hassle-free, quick and easy installation.
Ideal for a multitude of applications – houses of worship, conference rooms, theater stages, and more.
Comes complete with a phantom power adapter that connects to standard mixer input (9V to 52V power supply), however, this mic comes in black only.
Its drawback is that it requires external phantom power.
It has an item weight of 12.8 ounces, product dimensions of 6.5 x 4.8 x 2.52 inches, a frequency response range of 70 – 18000 Hz, an impedance of 600 Ohm, XLR connector type, and a sensitivity of 18mV/Pa.
Pros & Benefits:
- Compact design for easy use – plug and play
- Twist-free cable
- Phantom power adapter
- Steel spring hanging clamp for easy positioning
- Ideal for hard to reach areas
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
9. Audio-Technica U853R Cardioid Condenser Hanging Microphone
- Low-Profile design
- Accepts interchangeable elements for angle of acceptance from 90 degrees to 360 degrees
- Includes AT8438 stand adapter, steel hangar and windscreen
- Operates on Phantom Power
Last update on 2021-05-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another product from the trusted brand, Audio-Technica, this cardioid condenser hanging microphone could just be the reliable and popular mic you need.
A popular choice for many, this low-profile designed condenser microphone is a cardioid condenser microphone with a unidirectional polar pattern.
This cardioid mic accepts elements that are interchangeable for angles of acceptance ranging from 90 to 360 degrees.
Audio-Technica includes an AT8438 stand adapter for easy portability with this mic’s package.
It also comes with a steel hanger and a windscreen, thus this condenser mic is ideal for choir, orchestra, theater or speech, recording, and/or sound reinforcement.
The Audio-Technica U853R comes equipped with an unfigured RFI shield innovation, and an Unsteer filter to reduce the pickup of low-frequency white/ambient noise.
This mic comes in black only and it also requires phantom power from an external interface.
It has an item weight of 13.6 ounces, product dimensions of 5 x 9.6 x 2.8 inches, a frequency response range of 30 – 20000 Hz, XLRM connector type, and an impedance of 180 Ohm.
Pros & Benefits:
- Made by a world-leading audio brand, Audio-Technica
- Low profile condenser design
- Interchangeable elements to support up to 360-degree angles
- Includes AT8438 stand adapter
- Steel hanger for ease of positioning
- Operates on phantom power
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
10. Audio-Technica U853RU UniPoint UniLine Condenser Hanging Microphone
- Designed for suspension over choirs, instrumental groups and theater stages
- UniLine polar pattern provides narrow 90 acceptance angle
- Superior off-axis rejection for maximum gain before feedback
- UniGuard RFI-shielding technology offers outstanding rejection of radio frequency interference (RFI)
- UniSteep filter provides a steep low-frequency attenuation to improve sound pickup without affecting voice quality
Last update on 2021-05-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This last choice is again from Audio-Technica but with a difference – it’s fresh on the market, yet to be reviewed at large.
This hanging condenser mic is designed for suspension over instrumental groups, ensembles, choirs, and theater stages.
Unlike the other mics reviewed, this mic is designed with a UniLine polar pattern which provides for a 90-degree acceptance angle.
However, this mic features a superior off-axis point of rejection to enable maximum gain before feedback.
It also features a UniGuard RFI-shielding technology which offers an outstanding rejection when it comes to radiofrequency (RF) interference.
With a UniSteep filter, this mic provides a low-frequency attenuation that improves sound pickup without voice quality being affected.
So, yes, this mic is new and unrated, but it comes from a solid brand in audio equipment and promises to deliver an unsurpassed quality when it comes to immunity from RFI – radio frequency interference.
Comes in black only and its acceptance angle may not suffice the required pickup.
It has an item weight of 10.4 ounces, product dimensions of 9.9 x 5.1 x 2.8 inches, a frequency response range of 30 – 20000 Hz, XLRM connector type, and an impedance of 250 Ohm.
Pros & Benefits:
- UniLine polar pattern for 90-degree acceptance
- UniGuard RFI shielding technology
- UNiSteep filter for improved pickup
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
FAQs That Will Help You Better Understand Microphones
When it comes to choosing the best ceiling microphone for you, it depends upon several factors, and it’s important to consider your options thoroughly, as it’s an investment you want to get right.
When used correctly, microphones can last many years so it pays to do your homework.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of important FAQs to assist you in better understanding microphones and what to look for:
What is a dynamic microphone?
Dynamic microphones are the same as miniature loudspeakers that essentially work in reverse.
Speakers convert electrical signals into the sound we hear from them, whereas dynamic mics work by converting sound waves into electricity.
Dynamic mics are known for their sturdy, simple design and versatility, and a popular choice amongst musicians buying for durability and longevity.
What is a condenser microphone?
The construction of a condenser microphone is considerably more complex than that of a dynamic mic.
They produce a stronger audio signal, which makes them more responsive and sensitive than dynamic mics.
For this reason, condenser mics are a popular choice for recording more subtle sounds such as that of acoustic instruments.
What is Phantom Power?
Regarding audio equipment, phantom power is DC electric power that is transmitted through a microphone via its cables.
This is necessary to operate any mic that contains electronic circuitry, such as condenser mics.
What does Omnidirectional mean?
Microphones that are omnidirectional can pick-up sound from every and any direction.
Because they, therefore, tend to pick up unwanted background noises, they are most often used for general broadcasting or reporting as opposed to music recording or performance.
What does Cardioid mean?
The word Cardioid can be directly translated to mean ‘heart-shaped’.
Coincidentally, this is actually an accurate description of a cardioid mic’s directionality.
Cardioid mics primarily pick up sound from the front (the direction the microphone is pointing), as well as gleaning a little sound info from the sides.
Cardioid mics are the most popular mics for recording music.
What does Bidirectional mean?
This is often referred to as a figure-eight directionality, a bidirectional pattern that picks up sound from opposite sides of the microphone.
There isn’t much call for these mics in any musical settings, but they can be popular choices for podcasting.
What does variable directionality mean?
Sometimes mics can switch between different directionalities, which provides greater versatility than standard microphones.
What does impedance mean?
The word ‘impedance’ in audio terms refers to a microphone’s receptiveness to an audio signal or AC and this is measured in ohms.
Low impedance microphones (around 600 ohms or lower) are superior at retaining audio quality, so long as cables longer than approximately 16 feet (5 meters) are used.
These issues shouldn’t affect home setups, but a high impedance can be a sign that the microphone being used has other components that are of low quality.
What does the frequency response mean?
Manufacturers of microphones do love to shout about their product’s frequency responses!
The term ‘frequency response’ essentially refers to the range of frequencies that a microphone is capable of detecting.
However, just knowing what that range is doesn’t tell you much on its own.
What you really need to know is just how responsive a given microphone is at specific frequencies, that’s why it’s important to consider what you will be recording before selecting a microphone.
Mics that are ideal for picking up mid-ranges and higher frequencies is a great choice for guitar and vocals, whereas if you are recording a bass guitar, you’ll want to opt for a mic that excels in picking up lower frequencies.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best ceiling microphone can be quite overwhelming.
However, we hope that our list has been able to help you make a choice, or at least, narrow down the choice to just a couple of choices.
Before you purchase any of these products, identify and highlight what you need the microphone for and check for those that align with your list.
Remember, when used with care, microphones can last many years, hence why you should also go for a durable mic.
If you know about any other awesome mic, then tell us via the comment section.
