Top 4 Microphones For A Choir (Under $200)

What are the best low-budget microphones to mic a choir?

What makes a microphone suitable to capture the essence of a choir? I assure you that it does not just take any random mic from the closet. A microphone that is best to record a vocal or instrumental choir needs specific characteristics to reach the audios maximum potential. 

After extensive research, personal experience with three different churches, and reviews; We formulated a list of the top 4 best microphones to record a choir.

In Short, Here are the best Cheap Microphones for a Choir

• AKG C1000S
• Rode M5-MP
• Shure CVO-W/C
• Audio-Technica PRO 45

1. AKG C1000S

The AKG C1000S is a versatile small condenser microphone that works incredibly well for recording a choir for either live or studio use. It’s able to withstand a really loud choir with its high SPL handling of 137dB. This microphone has 2 switchable polar patterns; cardioid and hypercardioid. When this mic was tested for a choir, the cardioid polar pattern worked extremely good.

This microphone was able to capture a vocal choir with remarkable clarity. Only 1 AKG C1000S was able to handle upwards of 20 vocalists at the same time achieving a smooth blend between all of the singers. Keep in mind that the mic must be placed correctly to capture all voices evenly. The sound quality of the choir was full, smooth, and bright. In the case where you want to brighten up the sound even more so, you can use the presence boost, which adds 3-5dB between 5-9kHz.

Luckily, the mic has high SPL handling to withstand loud audio mixed with an exceptional frequency response of 50Hz-20kHz to capture all the voices. In the case where a vocal or instrumental choir is too loud, within the C1000S battery compartment is a -10 dB pad. To reduce rumble, it also has an 80 Hz low cut filter as well.

Overall, the AKG C1000S is a fantastic microphone to use for a live vocal or instrument choir. It is also highly versatile, giving you the ability for anything else outside of a choir. I highly recommend it.

Features

• -10 dB pad for louder input
• 80 Hz low cut filter
• Switchable polar patterns: cardioid, hypercardioid
• Presence boost adds 3-5dB between 5-9kHz
• Option to use 2 AA batteries for mobile us (120 hours battery life)

Pros

• Extremely versatile: best used for vocal choir, instrumental choir, acoustic guitar, speakers, and percussion
• Works well for just about any venue type.
• Internal shock mount for reduced handling noise
• Works great for any type of venue
• Reliable
• Can handle a choir up to 25 people

Cons

• Highpass filter and -10 dB pad on the inside of the microphone (battery compartment)
• Needs Phantom Power

Included Accessories

• Stand adapter
• Windscreen
• Carry bag

Tech Specs

2. Rode M5-MP

The Rode M5-MP is a matching pair of small cardioid condenser microphones that are excellent to mic up a choir. Uniquely if both microphones are correctly placed, you will be able to capture an incredibly full sound of a vocal or instrumental choir with great clarity. The Rode M5-MP works excellent for not only live use but studio applications as well.

In my personal opinion, these microphones are well under-priced for the sound quality and durability they provide. The Rode M5-MP is the only microphone on this list that offers the full frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz. In other words, the mic picks up every single audible frequency a human can hear. It also has the highest SPL of 140dB on this list that can record extremely loud voices or instruments without clipping.

Overall, the Rode M5-MP is an incredible choice to mic a vocal or instrumental choir below $200 on the market.

Included Accessories

• Two RM5 stand mounts
• Two WS5 windshields

Features

• Paired microphones
• Cardioid polar pattern
• Small diaphragm condenser mics

Pros

• Comes with 2 separate microphones
• Comes with every accessory you need to get started
• Full frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz
• Works well for just about any venue type.
• Incredibly versatile: Great for recording vocal or instrument choir, high-hats, drum overheads, violin, flute, brass, and woodwind instruments.
• Dependable microphone and sound
• High SPL of 140dB
• Can handle a choir up to 25 people

Cons

• Most expensive microphone on this list

Tech Specs

3. Shure CVO-W/C

The Shure CVO-W/C was explicitly designed to mic a choir by hanging it on top of the group. The electret condenser is an excellent value for its meager price. If placed correctly with the right EQ, a one time $89 investment is all you will need for your choir. It has a cardioid polar pattern with a customized frequency response of 70 to 16,000 Hz.

The mic comes with a windscreen to help dampen unwanted higher frequencies. Don’t let the picture fool you; this microphone is relatively durable for its small size. You will be surprised by the great sound such a little microphone can produce. The Shure CVO-W/C will also work well for a conference room or a play that needs a hanging microphone.

Overall, the Shure CVO-W/C is the best choice for you if you are planning on hanging it down from a ceiling to mic a choir while never planning on moving it.

Features

• Protection from RF interference with CommShield Technology 
• Hanging microphone customized for a choir

Pros

• Great value for an extremely low price
• Works well for just about any venue type.

Cons

• Sometimes feedback occurs. Best to EQ the mic properly to protect from feedback or unwanted squeals.

Tech Specs

4. Audio-Technica PRO 45

Here is another hanging mic to be placed over a choir. However, in my opinion, this one sounds a bit better. Although it is not as discrete as the Shure CVO-W/C, the Audio-Technica PRO 45 is an outstanding bang for the buck. The tailored frequency response of 70 – 16,000Hz with a cardioid polar pattern is excellent for picking up the voice. The sound quality is clear and crisp with a flat response for better post EQ. They even react very well with adjustments to gain.

The Audio-Technica PRO 45 is quite durable along with the high-quality steel hanger it comes with. It also works well for conference rooms or plays that need some hanging microphones.

Features

• Hanging microphone customized for a choir (25-foot cable)
• Requires phantom power, +9V to +52V
• Cardioid condenser
• Comes with a windscreen and steel hanger

Pros

• Great sound quality for the low price
• High-quality hangers
• Very reliable
• Works well for just about any venue type.
• Hangs from ceiling without turning

Cons

• Possible feedback without proper EQ

Tech Specs

The Bottom Line

Here are the absolute best cheap microphones for a choir below $200.

• AKG C1000S
• Rode M5-MP
• Shure CVO-W/C
• Audio-Technica PRO 45

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