Regarding audio recording, the microphone is perhaps the most critical component. The device captures the sound waves and converts them into electrical signals that can be processed and recorded. Thus, choosing a good microphone is essential for producing high-quality audio.
Many decent microphones are available in the market at a reasonable price range. For most people, these microphones get the work done. However, the price can be considerably high if you seek exceptional performance, advanced features, and outstanding quality.
These microphones are known for their unmatched sound quality, with crystal-clear audio output that captures even the subtlest nuances of a recording.
These expensive microphones suit recording studios, concert venues, and professional broadcasters. They’re designed to pick up the tiniest details of sound, delivering rich and full-bodied audio.
Here, we list 8 of the most expensive microphones available. These microphones represent the pinnacle of audio recording technology and come with many advanced features. However, due to their highly specialized nature, these microphones are typically only used by highly-skilled and experienced audio engineers and in professional recording applications.
8. Josephson Engineering C725 Microphone
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio: NA
source at: dt7v1i9vyp3mf.cloudfront.net
Josephson Engineering is a California-based company that manufactures premium microphones for professional audio applications. The seven series microphones designed by the company are geared toward expert users and promise to offer unprecedented flexibility.
Josephson C725 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that uses a hybrid of vacuum tube and solid-state technology and an advanced dual-diaphragm capsule. It offers five switchable directional patterns: omnidirectional, subcardioid, cardioid, hyper-cardioid, and figure-8. This feature makes the microphone extremely flexible to be used in various settings.
The microphone lets you switch between warm and cool to optimize the signal path. It is a highly sensitive microphone designed to capture even the most subtle nuances of a sound source and is perfect for recording vocal and instrument pickup.
Did you know?
Josephson Engineering is not a sales-driven company. It is solely focused on technology. The company doesn’t have a marketing department. Instead, it distributes its products through a few selected dealers. Josephson Engineering mics are not available on Amazon or any similar platforms.
7. Telefunken U48 Microphone
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±3 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio: 85 dBA
source at: telefunken-elektroakustik.com
Telefunken U48 is a large-diaphragm, tube condenser microphone, a variant of the classic U47. The U48 features a VF14K vacuum tube and an M7 capsule, both highly sought after for their unique sonic characteristics.
Its secondary polar pattern is bidirectional and not omnidirectional. This feature makes the microphone ideal for recording in a non-standard environment where ambient and non-direct sound control is critical. When cardioid mode, the sound output is identical to that of U47.
The microphone is suitable for recording vocals and acoustic instruments at any distance. No matter the source, the U48 microphone always offers a larger-than-life sound output.
Did you know?
Telefunken has a history of over a century. It was founded in Berlin in 1903.
6. Neumann KU100-Black Dummy Head Microphone
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio: 78dB
source at: static-neumann.s3.amazonaws.com
The Neumann KU100-BLACK Dummy Head microphone is a binaural recording device designed to replicate the hearing experience of a human listener. The microphone features two omnidirectional capsules mounted inside a human-like head made of a special material that closely resembles the density and acoustic properties of the human body.
The KU100-BLACK is known for its ability to capture incredibly realistic, natural, and three-dimensional soundscapes. It can be used in classical music production or ambient recordings. It is also commonly used for creating immersive audio experiences for virtual and augmented reality applications.
One unique feature of this dummy head microphone is it is loudspeaker compatible. Therefore, it can also offer a stereo experience like regular microphones but with a greater sense of space and depth.
Did you know?
The first commercially produced binaural pop record was released in 1978 by Lou Allan Reed.
5. Brauner VMA Tube Microphone
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio: > 83 dB (1 Pa/1 kHz-Cardioid)
source at: brauner-microphones.de
Brauner is a leading microphone manufacturing company that produces a small line of high-end microphones. Unfortunately, most of their microphones come with a hefty price tag.
The Brauner VMA is a large diaphragm tube condenser microphone designed for professional recording applications. It is known for its dual sound profile, which makes it a popular choice for capturing vocals, acoustic instruments, and other sources in a recording studio setting.
Brauner’s microphones portfolio is divided into two tonal groups, natural sounding and charming. VMA combines these two very different sound profiles in one mic.
As the model unites the features of Brauner VM1 and VMX, you can choose between the natural sound and a warmer full-character sound with a simple flick of a switch. It also offers the directional characteristics of VM1 and thus enables superior flexibility.
Did you know?
Brauner Microphone was founded in 1993 by Dirk Brauner.
4. Sony C-800G Microphone
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 18 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio: 76 dB (Uni), 73 dB (Omni)
source at: images.reverb.com
Sony C-800G is a Studio Tube Condenser Microphone ideal for studios and film postproduction houses.
The C-800G features a large dual-diaphragm capsule that provides a wide frequency response and excellent sensitivity, allowing it to capture both the subtle nuances and the full dynamic range of a vocal performance.
This high-end microphone includes an electronically selectable directivity switch, which allows you to choose between omnidirectional and cardioid pickup patterns, depending on your recording needs.
It also comes with a built-in unique Peltier-based cooling system that enables the mic to achieve optimum tube operating temperature resulting in low noise and low distortion.
Did you know?
The term microphone was coined by English physicist and inventor Sir Charles Wheatstone. He is best known for inventing the telegraph.
3. Telefunken ELA M 251 E Microphone
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±3 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio: 87 dBA
source at: telefunken-elektroakustik.com
Telefunken ELA M251 E is a legendary microphone introduced in the 1960s by the German company Telefunken. It is a version of the ELA M 251 microphone designed for the broadcast and television industry.
ELA M251 E is a true classic large diaphragm tube microphone featured on many legendary recordings. The company has recreated the model using modern components while keeping all the details of
the original version.
The microphone uses a 6072A vacuum tube, which together with the CK12 capsule, creates the signature magical sound of this legendary model. The CK12 capsule is capable of cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional polar patterns. In addition, the modern version is enabled for better current handling and lower self-noise than its earlier counterpart.
Did you know?
The “E” in its name stands for “Export,” as it was designed to be sold in the United States and other markets outside of Germany.
2. Telefunken ELA M 251 T Microphone
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±3 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio: 87 dBA
source at: promusicals.com
Telefunken ELA M251T is another microphone designed based on classic ELA M 251 models. However, it brings a modern twist to this classic model. Instead of the CK12 capsule, it uses a modernized version called CK13.
In CK-12, gold was used in the diaphragm membrane. In CK13, gold is replaced with Alloy 2213, an amalgam of Titanium and Aluminum. It is more rigid than gold and therefore offers greater accuracy in the low-frequency range. The material is also lighter than gold, which enables the microphone to provide a delicate and airy representation of upper frequency. As a result, you get more detailed recorded sound without losing depth.
Did you know?
It is believed Telefunken built fewer than 3700 original ELA M systems from 1960 to 1965. Those original models are now sold for thousands of dollars in the vintage market.
1. Brauner VM1S Microphone
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio: > 83 dB (1 Pa/1 kHz-cardioid)
source at: brauner-microphones.de
Brauner VM1S is the most expensive microphone on the market. It is the second Brauner microphone on this list. It is an updated version of the original Brauner VM1 and features a unique design and advanced technology that provides a warm and detailed sound. According to the company’s website, it is ‘the most intricate of all Brauner microphones.’
The model combines two identical VM1 microphones in a single housing. However, you can control the directional characteristics of both microphones, allowing independent usage of each.
The unique technology makes the microphone suitable for recording in various setups. For example, you can use it as the primary microphone in a traditional studio or as a stereo microphone to record the voice or instrument of a soloist. It is also suitable for recording the choir.
Did you know?
Brauner microphones are used by many renowned artists, including Celine Dion, Eric Clapton, Janet Jackson, Julian Lennon, Frank Sinatra jr., and others.
