If you’re doing any kind of vocal or instrumental recording and want to capture the fullest, richest sound you can without blowing your entire savings on studio equipment, Sennheiser’s MK 4 condenser mic is a quality option that can’t be beat at its price point.

Within the MK 4’s one-inch true condenser capsule is a large diaphragm plated in 24-karat gold for enhanced conductivity and corrision resistance, not to mention allowing it to capture the warm and clear, detailed sound of higher-end live mics, whether you’re in the studio or on stage.

The capsule is elastically mounted internally to keep handling and vibration noise to a minimum, which can be further improved with an elastic shock mount (pictured just above, sold separately).

Specifications:

• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20kHz
• Max sound pressure level (SPL): 140 dB
• Dynamic range: 130 dB
• Inherent self-noise: 10 dB
• Power supply: 48V phantom powering

Overall, this mic is a fantastic value with a lot of versatility in what you can do with it. Get the MK 4 for $300 on Amazon.