Best Microphones For Christmas 2020

Microphones aren't just for singers. Anyone that's interested in recording music or playing live will benefit from having a microphone in their posession We've hand picked some of the best microphones to suit all budgets that make for some great Christmas gifts for musicians and podcasters alike. 

Mic Type: Condenser
Pattern: Cardioid
Included accessories: Dust cover, shockmount, pop shield, XLR cable
Connection: XLR 

Heralded as 'the world's most popular condenser microphone', the Rode NT1A vocal mic package is the perfect Christmas gift for anyone that wants a good quality microphone to start recording with. It's great for singers as it adds some lovely warmth to their vocals, but it also works really well for guitars, piano and drums. It even comes with some incredibly useful accessories, making this a great all-in-one Christmas gift. 

Mic Type: Dynamic
Pattern: Supercardioid
Included accessories: None
Connection: XLR 

This is a dynamic microphone so it's great for live use. In particular, the P5i is ideal for lead singers and, with its rugged metal construction, will stand up to years of rigorous use. It's also been designed so that feedback and ambient background noise isn't too much of a problem, making this the perfect Christmas gift for singers who are used to being on a noisy stage.

Mic Type: Dynamic
Pattern: Cardioid
Included accessories: None
Connection: XLR 

This is a microphone that has been specially designed for spoken word, so it's the perfect Christmas gift for podcasters or anyone thinking of starting a podcast. It's got an all metal construction, so it's sturdy and can handle being transported if you're on the move, plus the sound quality is really good so your recordings are never compromised!

Mic Type: N/A
Pattern: N/A
Included accessories: None
Connection: XLR 

The MXL Mic Mate is an incredibly useful tool to have, especially if you're recording on the go, or often travelling. It means that you can plus any regular XLR microphone into a USB port, essentially negating the need for an audio interface. It's a really good Christmas gift idea for any musician that records often outside of the studio. It's even useful for podcasters, as it means they can use a quality mic, and just plug straight into the USB slot of their computer. It's even got phantom power!

Mic Type: Condenser
Pattern: Variable - Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure 8 and Single Point stereo
Included accessories: None (stand is integrated)
Connection: USB

The M-Audio Uber Mic is a really versatile USB microphone ideal for recording vocals, instruments or even for podcasting. With this, you can plug straight into the USB slot of your computer, so you don't need an audio interface. The Uber Mic is of a fantastic quality and features four selectable polar pattersn meaning you can capture different sound sources in different ways. It's a great microphone and will make for the perfect Christmas gift for anyone that wants to get started recording music or podcasts.

Mic Type: Condenser
Pattern: Cardioid
Included accessories: Leather pouch, stand mount
Connection: XLR

This mic packs way above its price point and is one of the most popular choices when it comes to condenser microphones. Whilst it's a great choice for beginners wanting to start recording, it's just a great mic to have, even if you're more advanced. The AT2020 works really well for vocals and sounds just as good on acoustic guitars, pianos and loads more. It's a great Christmas gift for any musician that has an interest in recording at any level.

Mic Type: Condenser
Pattern: Multi - Omni, Cardioid or Figure-of-Eight
Included accessories: Shockmount and premium pop shield
Connection: XLR

You'll see Aston microphones in some of the biggest studios around the world. They're used by beginners and professionals alike, and are of a superb quality. They're made in the UK and showcase exceptional build and sound quality. The Aston Spirit has a beautiful, crisp high end and sounds great when used on vocals, though it's many people's go-to mic for acoustic guitar too. If you're looking for a Christmas gift for someone that's really into recording music, then this could well be the way to go. It also includes a high quality shockmount and pop shield, and is finished in a really cool, limited edition black colour.

Mic Type: Condenser
Pattern: Multi - cardioid (unidirectional), bidirectional and omnidirectional 
Included accessories: Lightning to USB Micro and USB to USB Micro cables (stand is integrated)
Connection: USB

A great mic for using directly with a computer, iPhone or iPad, without the need for an audio interface. It's a really cool gift for anyone that wants to record high quality audio on the go. It can be used for broadcasting, podcasting, or recording music. It's got three selectable polar patterns so it can capture the sound in different ways, making it really versatile. Samson make some incredible products, and this Satellite USB Mic is no exception!

Mic Type: Condenser
Pattern: Cardioid
Included accessories: Pouch
Connection: XLR

This is a microphone that's best suited to bass instruments like a kick drum, bass guitar or tuba. It's really rugged and sturdy, and the sound quality is really good. Quite often, lower register sound sources can get muffled and muddied with certain microphones, but the Sennheiser E602 II captures them well meaning you get clearer and better sounding recordings. 

Mic Type: Condenser
Pattern: Cardioid
Included accessories: Windscreen, shock mount, tripod stand and XLR cable
Connection: XLR

This has to be one of the best options for beginners looking for a recording microphone. It's suited for vocals and instruments, so it doesn't matter what sound source you're recording, you'll be able to get good results with this microphone. With it, you even get a table stand, winde shield, shockmount and XLR cable so if you're looking for an all-in-one Christmas gift for someone that wants to start recording, then look no further!

Mic Type: Dynamic
Pattern: Supercardioid
Included accessories: Mic clip, thread adapter, black internal windscreen, carrying pouch, sE logo sticker
Connection: XLR 

An excellent microphone for mic'ing up instruments either in the studio or on stage. The sE V7 X sounds incredible on snares, guitar amps, toms, horns and many other instruments. It's a really useful microphone to have in your toolbox if you're a producer, sound engineer or even just someone that wants to record some music at home.