10 Best Stereo Microphones & Their Reviews For 2021
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What’s a stereo microphone and why do you need one?
There are many requirements and reasons to search for the best microphones, and since you are reading this, then you most likely want a microphone for singing or recording musical instruments.
We have options for everyone and if you want the best mics, then we’ve got you covered right now.
If you have a studio, then this is a wise investment, as a poor-quality microphone will lead to frustrating recording sessions and waste a lot of time.
You need a high-quality stereo microphone that can record/capture audio signals with high quality and accuracy, this is essential if you want to produce any music or recording.
Table of Contents
IN A HURRY? HERE’S OUR FAVORITE PICKS…
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | AKG C636 Handheld Vocal Microphone Black | $470.00 $399.99 | View on Amazon | |
 | Lewitt Multi-Pattern Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Shock Mount (LCT-640-TS) | $899.00 | View on Amazon | |
 | Audio-Technica AE2300 Cardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone | $269.00 | View on Amazon |
Last update on 2021-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10 Best Stereo Microphones Reviewed
Here are the 10 best stereo microphones, along with their features.
1. AKG C636
- Audio Analog or digital: Analog Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz Max SPL: 150 dB Connectivity: XLR Pattern and...
- The new AKG C636 is the legendary C535 updated for today’s rigorous live performance requirements
- Offering the pure studio sound you’ve grown to love, housed in a worry-free durable housing, you can now focus on...
- Spend a few minutes with the AKG C636, and you’ll realize you’ve never held a mic like this
- Its proprietary double-shock suspension system provides unparalleled rejection of handling noise
Last update on 2021-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
As a condenser microphone, the C636 is inherently more complex than the others, a complication that comes at a cost in both R&D and production.
It has an attractive exterior, a simple black color, and it’s light when held.
The C636 prides itself on its beautiful and serious design pieces which have made it a force to reckon with.
It handles noise and trade-offs with great professionalism and delivers the pure sound you love.
It comes packaged in a rugged case, hence there’s no need to worry, and now you can focus on your vocal performance rather than the microphone’s performance.
If you spend time with the AKG C363, then you’ll feel proud and confident holding this microphone – it’s unparalleled.
The sound is clear, complete, real, and more professional than other dynamic mics.
It’s unparalleled when it comes to noise reduction and preserving the quality of your performance.
This, it does by incorporating the latest multi-layered pop noise rejection system that eliminates noise and immersion.
It has a stable cardiac polar pattern that traps the feedback, and it also has a new property to reject broad-spectrum reactions.
The C636 generally removes the feedback by combining a uniform cardiac polar pattern throughout its frequency spectrum.
The C636 avoids unwanted acoustic reflections on the back of the capsule from stage sound sources.
This product is great for those looking forward to buying it.
Pros & Benefits:
- Great portable condenser and best microphone for the main reference
- Its sound is clear, real, and attractive
- Durable construction with a super-tough zinc alloy frame and spring steel mesh
- The 24k gold-plated capsule protects the microphone from moisture and corrosion
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
2. Lewitt LCT 640 TS Microphone
- Revolutionary Dual Output Mode provides the signal of the capsule's front and back diaphragm separately
- Polarizer plug-in allows polar patterns to be set and fine-tuned by simply using a slider bar
- MS Stereo with only one LCT 640 TS - just point the side of the mic to the signal source and record both outputs on...
- Standard Multi-Pattern Mode - plug in one 3-pin XLR and you have a large diaphragm multi-pattern condenser mic with...
- Perfect Match Technology - any two LCT 640 TS mics will always form a matched stereo pair
Last update on 2021-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Although similar in shape to Lewitt Audio’s LCT 640, the new LCT 640 TS has dual-diaphragm capabilities, and it includes Lewitt’s built-in matching capabilities.
TS stands for Twin System, thus it operates in two modes.
The LCT 640 TS features many previously unfamiliar functions like standard multi-mode, microphone mode, or dual microphone mode.
This provides the output of the diaphragm, it also allows for modification of the capture mode after voice recording and also opens the options for stereo recording.
In the dual-mode feature, the second diaphragm outlet is accessed via a miniature three-pin connector on the side of the body.
In the carrying case, there is a small 3-pin XLR disconnect cable, as well as accessories such as a foam windshield, suspension stand, microphone case, and a fairly neat magnetic shield.
Finally, it’s a neat and well-stocked package.
Usually, the middle stereo can only be created if we use two microphones, but now with the LVT 640 TS, it’s easy to make the middle stereo sound.
All you have to do is point that side of the microphone to the signal source and record both outputs on a stereo track in DAW.
It also changes the panorama of the two signals for adjusting the stereo width.
Also, the LCT 640 TS has many features in the classic multi-pattern condenser microphone, this is to facilitate dealing with polar patterns.
Lewitt has also produced a plug-in called Polarizer which is compatible with PC and MAC, and it’s also available as a plug-in VST, AU, and AAX using the polarizer.
You can simply set up the polar patterns using the slider.
Pros & Benefits:
- The package includes the LCT 640 TS, bumper case, and LCT 40 Wx windshield
- The LCT 640 TS was designed and engineered in Vienna, Austria
- The middle stereo B makes for high professionalism
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3. Audio Technica AE2300 Microphone
- Excels in high-SPL applications
- Proprietary double-dome diaphragm construction that improves high-frequency and transient response
- Maintains directionality across the entire frequency range
- Minimal off-axis coloration (frequency response is nearly identical at 0 degree, 90 degree, and 180 degree) helps...
- Switchable low-pass filter removes harsh, high-frequency hiss without negatively affecting the overall tone of an...
Last update on 2021-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Audio Technica AE2300 is a cardioid dynamic performance microphone and it’s one of the latest additions to Audio Technica’s Artist Elite series, in terms of design and creativity.
However, it’s not as impressive as the AE2500 and ATM250DE’s dual-capsule microphones, but it’ll equip you with the best dynamics and regular tools from ATM250 or ATM230.
The AE2300 is designed with a wide application cardioid high-pressure design.
This product is great for those looking to hear a perfect rhythm, guitar drums, and amplifiers, moreover, this product is ideally designed for stealth use.
The copper housing provided in the AE2300 and the upper grille make it more robust, while the rolling cylindrical sticks provide some mechanical insulation.
This product is very great for those looking to hear great surround sound.
It’s an innovative microphone that’s very well made.
The dual dome diaphragm improves the high-frequency response, the response is reasonable up to 120 degrees and goes up to 180 degrees off-axis.
And this is very useful when setting up a multi-microphone drum set for acoustically high lows and lows – oh, this product is innovative.
Also, AE2300 provides a medium to a high elevator that reaches more than 5 kHz, it also contains a small airlift at about 14 kHz, and this is more than wonderful for both drums and percussion.
Overall, the AE2300 is an iconic and very impressive microphone, and although small in size, it’s one of the most versatile armies of acoustic dynamics.
This product is great for those who want to use well-made dynamic microphones that can be used for many years without any maintenance.
Pros & Benefits:
- Drums, guitar, and percussion amplifiers are very professionally integrated
- The upper mesh and copper sheath with rotating cylindrical sticks provide some dynamic insulation
- High-frequency fast response
- You can set up a multi-microphone drum set acoustically
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4. Rode NTR Ribbon Microphone
- Highly sensitive 1.8 micron ribbon element
- Bi-Directional Polar Pattern
- Internal Shock Mounting System
- Custom designed and manufactured transformer
Last update on 2021-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The NTR is active and contains a built-in converter that delivers very high output, hence the microphone isn’t very accurate about Preamp requirements like other ribbon mics.
It can also be used with a wide range of amplifiers without the need for noise generation levels and this is a very cool thing.
It has internal shocks that eradicate the need for an external suspension stand, and although this microphone is heavy, the integrated stand attached to its base works very well in fixing it.
This product is great for those who want a microphone that provides a very natural representation of everything that was placed in front of it.
This is an alternative to using the occasional brightness in some other audio capacitors.
The tape responds to very subtle differences in sound pressure and usually has an eight-pattern capture pattern.
This is because both sides of the tape are evenly exposed, rejecting sounds from both sides.
Usually, ribbon microphones don’t require a power source and they produce a low output voltage, so you need a suitable high-quality amplifier to raise the level.
This can work in your favor if the sound of the space in which you work is very suitable for recording, and if the space isn’t good for recording, then using this product is a dead audio cabin.
It works with the highest efficiency, and this product is great for those looking for more sound accuracy and intimacy.
Rode’s new NTR addresses common criticisms of other ribbon mics.
Rode has also provided the microphone with an easy-to-operate screw, this makes it easier to secure the sensor tape in place when the product isn’t in use.
Availability of a free replacement during the 10-year warranty period.
Pros & Benefits:
- This product responds to very subtle differences in sound pressure and rejects sounds from both sides
- Equipped with an easy-to-operate screw that makes it easy to secure the sensitive tape in place
- It can be used with large sets of amplifiers without the need for noise generation levels
- It has internal shocks that help to fix it without the need for an external suspension holder
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5. Aston Microphone Origin
- Designed and Built in the UK
- Built in Pop filter ; Built in Pop filter using the latest stainless steel mesh knit technology
- End Caps ; Direct to stand microphone mounting
- Chassis 2 millimeter solid stainless steel laser cut and etched body
- Capsule ; The Aston Sound ; Developed by Professional Artists, Engineers and Producers
Last update on 2021-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Aston features a large degree of uncommon originality in this product, and Origin is a cardioid steady-style condenser that’s smaller than two mics.
It’s also a multi-mode condenser with an additional 10 dB of pad available, and there are two switches on the stainless-steel pad cover.
There is an XLR connection on the underside of the microphone, as well as a switch to install the microphone stand.
This is a very nice feature because there isn’t a need for a microphone clip and with these options, its usefulness is even more enhanced.
Origin has a solid and unattractive aesthetic that makes us only worry about the floor in case the mic stands collapses.
However, this mic isn’t heavy, and the drum feature in Origin is very cool and advanced.
This isn’t a very distinctive microphone, and when close, the sound doesn’t become buoyant and unbalanced.
In short, the low feature is unsatisfactory, the singing is the clear winner here, however, there is a lot of room for using the microphone at a far distance without losing or changing the voice.
Often, inexpensive subwoofer designs have a poor self-noise performance that’s pretty pronounced with someone singing quietly, but even so, the superior equalizer won’t drown out right away.
Origin has a sensitivity that easily displays the finer details of very harmoniously rich instruments such as the acoustic guitar.
If you are looking for a condenser with great sensitivity, then you should choose this Origin condenser.
Its spring head design provides extremely important protection against shocks and vibration.
Pros & Benefits:
- It has an XLR connection on the underside of the microphone
- Enjoy intense sound with a steady cardioid pattern
- It has great sensitivity that easily displays the details of rich tools, professionally and harmoniously
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6. Rode NT1 Microphone
- Large diaphragm 1” gold-sputtered capsule
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Ultra-low noise, self-noise of only 5dB (A)
- Includes Rode SM6 shock mount, pop filter and dust cover
- Internal capsule shock mounting
Last update on 2021-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The original NT1 from Rode was released about 20 years ago, followed by NT1A a few years later.
However, the company has reverted to the old name with the recently released NT1 model which is very similar to NT1A, but it has already been completely redesigned at the highest level, the only common component With NT1A is a networked network.
So, what’s new in the redesign?
First, they put the new HF6 capsule, which is designed to show an acoustic signature similar to the old capacitors but with no significant noise.
It works with a system called Rycote’s Lyre which works to reduce external vibrations, so NT1 is considered the quietest capacitor in terms of vibrations.
It has a beautiful design, is free from any noise, is coated in a dark gray color, and is also plated with nickel to resist corrosion.
It’s also coated with a layer of ceramics, which makes the last layer resistant to any scratches.
It features a shock mount called Rode’s SMR, it features a very beautiful and unique Lyre system where the Lyre II acts as a tension element that fixes each Lyre in the appropriate position to resist vibration.
Pros & Benefits:
- One of the best microphones for recording vocals and instruments
- These are the best inexpensive mics for a low budget
- One of the best audio mics for studio and stage
- The best broadcast audio microphones for every level and everyone
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7. Audio Technica AT5040 Microphone
- Studio vocal microphone audio-technica’s Premier studio vocal microphone, The AT5040 represents a milestone in...
Last update on 2021-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Are you looking for a sophisticated condenser microphone?
Well, this is the best mic for you.
Usually, the big focus is on general frequency response, pattern capture, quality improvement, and sound quality, and AT5040 from Audio Technica ticks all the boxes as a high-end condenser mic.
It’s a very high-quality modular capacitor that features a separate component design, definitely very low noise, highly advanced SPL processing, and a nice-looking shock holder.
In short, this product is very great for anyone looking for a noise-free audio capacitor.
And the very advanced inner capsule separation mechanism must also be highlighted.
It’s exquisite and handcrafted, and it’s characterized by a very beautiful build for high sensitivity and less noise.
It does all this without limiting the response to the high frequency, and this is a better advantage of this acoustic condenser.
The reason that the noise is very low and the sensitivity is high, is because Audio Technica has chosen to use 4 identical rectangular elements to summarize the outputs together.
Also, this large company operates in the use of electrically charged capsules, thus this is the best quality audio capacitor.
Pros & Benefits:
- It has a great openness to vocalization and this works great with vocals
- This microphone is really cool and well made even if it costs a lot
- It has an extremely low noise rating and a fast release holder
- A sophisticated condenser microphone from a great company
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8. Neumann TLM 102 Microphone
- Large-diaphragm microphone with cardioid directional characteristic (pressure gradient transducer)
- Compact Neumann design
- Very high maximum sound pressure level (144 dB)
- Slight presence boost above 6 kHz helps vocals to shine in the mix
Last update on 2021-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Neumann TLM 102 is a studio-grade cardioid condenser microphone that also works with a pressure gradient transducer.
Meaning that it has an inner diaphragm, and this diaphragm responds very well to the pressure difference on both sides of the microphone.
Despite that, make no mistake, it provides off-axis rejection from the back, and also provides the microphone with its signature tone that’s fine-tuned for the input signals.
This product is great for those looking to purchase an advanced audio capacitor, and this is what makes the Neumann TLM 102 a very different and naturally-sounding mic.
In between vocals and instrumental sounds, the Neumann TLM 102 is also a great help in preventing noise and explosives from distorting the signal, all thanks to the built-in pop shield.
And for those who may not be familiar with Neumann, it’s a German company that was founded in 1928.
They are the right equipment suppliers for established recording studios, simply because their devices are reliable and known for superior sound quality.
It’s for those looking forward to buying a smooth microphone, especially when using it for singing or using it as a loudspeaker microphone, or for acoustic instrumental.
Pros & Benefits:
- Ideal for efficient audio recording, the frequency range is 20Hz to 20kHz
- A large capsule containing a membrane helps to capture nuances
- The tapered pop shield has the great ability to handle large dynamic changes without any noise or distortion
- Enhances the lighter voice to help make other voices stand out
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9. SE Electronics sE2200a II Microphone
- SE Electronics sE2200a II C Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone OPEN BOX
Last update on 2021-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The best mid-range, multi-modal microphone, like many of the large-capsule audio capacitors, is the sE2200a II microphone.
The MKII response also shows a noticeable drop, but this decrease was not apparent during use, as it’s slightly offset by a gentle boost above 7 kHz and that’s what makes it special.
This product is great for those who want to try many different styles, the a2200 is famous for its remarkably bright sound.
So where do you start now?
The most important change is that the MKII comes in two versions, fixed heart pattern, and also comes in the full multi-pattern version, which we are talking about now.
However, there are other variations like the rubber black color and also a matching black holder with a metallic bob shield.
Although there are no big specifications, it’s well suited for designing a large capsule.
The decision to switch to the rubber black paint is very good.
The pop shield is well made, however, one of the side effects of this black coating is that the microphone is less prone to ringing in the event of a collision.
In general, this microphone works well whether it’s vocal or speech, and it also has a microphone close to musical instruments and percussion.
This product is great for anyone planning to record things in M/S, because you have two additional polar patterns to explore, and this is a very useful formation.
Another bonus is that you will get a three-year non-stop warranty, which may provide a fast and free replacement for a defective product, and this is a worthwhile consideration if this will be your primary microphone.
Pros & Benefits:
- Best multi-modal audio capacitor
- The best product for those who want to try several different styles, especially with a remarkable bright sound
- The decision to paint the MKII in rubber black is very good
- It looks elegant
- The pop shield is made with high professionalism
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10. Warm Audio WA-251
- Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone with 3 Polar Patterns
- Wood Presentation Box
- External PSU
- Shockmount
Last update on 2021-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Warm Audio is reputed to have some of the best audio mics like the Neumann U87.
WA-251, based on the legendary Telefunken ELA-M251, is a well-respected microphone in US recording studios, and it has a warm sound that’s not bad at all.
In theory, these two new models are the same, as they are both finished in a very beautiful yellow color.
Their polar patterns are identified by a large retro-looking switch.
The custom-designed WA-251 capsule is made of beautiful brass, and it aims to emulate all of the classic characteristics used in the CK12 capsule in older models.
The diaphragm is a gold-coated film made of Mylar, a material that can be likened to a very thin but very strong piece element.
The WA-251 transformer comes from the prestigious American transformer company, CineMag.
It’s arguably the best condenser design for a small diaphragm microphone, many condenser mics that feature smaller diaphragms with less technology benefit from transformers.
Coming with a dedicated shock mount, a bob shield, and a standard microphone clip that fits into a sturdy case, it’s a great product.
Pros & Benefits:
- It has an all-antique brass capsule type CK12
- Separate power supply
- Cardioid patterns are polymorphic and the shape is 8 polar
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Final Thoughts
There are a lot of options available online, and what you eventually purchase depends on the features you want.
Whether you have a private studio in your home or a theater, you can find the right stereo microphone.
Above, are the top 10 picks available online right now.
So I’ve included in this post a good review of each of these mics.
I hope that the article included enough information.
And if there’s an awesome mic I failed to mention, then do so in the comment section.
