Which Microphone Should You Choose?



I would humbly suggest something from sE Electronics - they're amazing...

So you’ve caught the recording bug. You’ve got ideas, riffs, beats, and half-finished masterpieces sitting on your phone, and now it’s time to bring them to life properly. But there’s one question every home recordist asks first:

Which mic do I actually need?

Dynamic? Condenser? Ribbon? A mic for vocals, drums, or instruments?

Take a breath — we’ve got you. The crew at Musicmaker Dublin have helped everyone from total beginners to pro producers build their perfect home setups, and today, we’re breaking it all down.

This is your complete guide to choosing the right microphone for home recording, featuring some of the finest gear from sE Electronics, plus our own Musicmaker mic bundles for getting started fast.




Understanding Mic Types

Before you dive into specs and prices, it’s worth knowing the three main types of studio microphones — each built for different jobs.

Dynamic Microphones – Rugged & Reliable

Dynamic mics are your all-round workhorses. They’re tough, simple, and perfect for loud sources like vocals, amps, or drums. They can take serious sound pressure without distorting and don’t need external power (phantom power) to run.

They’re also naturally forgiving — great for smaller or untreated rooms where you might not want every reflection and breath captured in forensic detail.

Check them HERE.

Condenser Microphones – Detailed & Expressive

Condenser mics are the studio’s secret weapon. They’re far more sensitive, capturing every nuance of your voice or instrument. Perfect for vocals, acoustic guitars, piano, and softer sound sources.

They do need phantom power, usually supplied by your audio interface, but the clarity and sparkle they bring are worth every volt.

If you want that “record label polish” on your vocals or acoustic tracks, a condenser is your best mate.

Check them HERE.

Ribbon Microphones – Smooth & Vintage

Ribbon mics are the romantics of the microphone world. They capture a silky, natural tone — warm highs, full mids, and a beautifully smooth roll-off that flatters guitars, strings, and brass.

They’re delicate compared to dynamics, but for home recordists chasing that vintage, organic sound, a good ribbon mic is pure magic.

Check them HERE.


How to Choose the Right Mic for the Job

Think of it this way:

  • Vocals: A condenser mic gives you detail and presence.
  • Electric guitar amp: A dynamic mic handles volume and grit. Condensers can be used for a wider sound.
  • Acoustic guitar / piano: Condenser or ribbon, depending on the tone you want.
  • Drums / percussion: Small diaphragm condenser for overheads, boundary mics for room or kick and dynamic for close micing.
  • Podcasting / streaming: A simple condenser will get you started on the journey

Now let’s get specific — here are some of our favourite microphones available right now at Musicmaker Dublin.



Perfect dynamic mics - the sE Electronics V7 series microphones.


For Vocals: sE Electronics X1 S Studio Bundle

If you’re recording vocals at home, the sE Electronics X1 S Studio Bundle is your ticket to studio-grade sound without the studio-grade price tag.

Inside the bundle you’ll find:

  • sE X1 S Large Diaphragm Condenser Mic – crystal-clear detail and presence.
  • RF-X Reflection Filter – reduces room reflections for cleaner takes.
  • Shockmount, pop filter & cable – everything you need to get started.

It’s warm, professional, and built for the realities of home recording — plug it in, and suddenly your living room sounds like Abbey Road.

More details HERE.


The sE Electronics studio-in-a-box - Check it out in Musicmaker today.


For Acoustic Instruments: sE Electronics sE7 Sidefire Condenser Mic

The sE Electronics sE7 Sidefire Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone is a secret weapon for acoustic instruments. With its sleek side-address design, it captures the full body and brightness of your sound while keeping setup simple and compact — perfect for tight home studios or mobile rigs.

It delivers crisp, natural tone on acoustic guitars, piano, percussion, and even overheads. The Sidefire design gives you more placement flexibility without losing clarity or precision.

Also available as a matched stereo pair, the sE7 Sidefire excels at creating rich stereo images and lifelike recordings of acoustic ensembles or drum kits.

Clear, fast, and full of detail, this mic adds depth and realism to any track — a must-have for anyone serious about capturing instruments the right way.

More details HERE.



Also available as a Matched Pair - the se7 Sidefire.


For Vintage Tone: sE Electronics X1 R Ribbon Mic

The sE X1 R Ribbon Microphone brings warmth and character that condenser mics just can’t replicate. It’s lush, smooth, and rich — perfect for electric guitar amps, horns, or that classic, rounded vocal sound.

With its handcrafted ribbon element, it delivers that timeless analogue warmth straight out of the box. Think old-school soul, jazz, and vintage rock textures.

Plug one in, and suddenly your mix sounds three-dimensional.

More details HERE.



Vintage vibes in modern times - the sE X1 R Ribbon mic.


For Drums & Live Rooms: sE Electronics BL8 Boundary Mic

Need to capture the whole kit or a natural room sound? The sE Electronics BL8 Boundary Microphone is built for exactly that.

It sits right on the surface — perfect for inside a bass drum, on a stage floor, or in a conference room. It’s rugged, powerful, and delivers tight, punchy low end with plenty of definition.

A brilliant choice for drummers, podcasters, or anyone recording in a live space.

More details HERE.



The sE BL8 Boundry mic both looks and sounds like the future.


For Gigging & Everyday Use: MM sE Electronics Mic Packs

Sometimes you just want to plug in and go — no fuss, no excuses. Our Musicmaker sE Electronics Mic Packs give you exactly that.

Choose between:

Each bundle includes:

  • Pig Hog XLR cable – ultra-reliable and noise-free.
  • Stagg mic stand – sturdy, height-adjustable, and gig-ready.

Perfect for singers, podcasters, and anyone ready to sound great today.




How to Build Your First Mic Locker

If you’re serious about home recording, aim for three mics over time:

  • A large diaphragm condenser – for vocals and acoustic instruments (like the X1 S).
  • A small diaphragm condenser – for stereo recording and detail (the sE7).
  • A dynamic mic – for amps, drums, or warmth (the V7 Series)

That’s your foundation — three mics, endless possibilities. From voiceovers to full-band demos, you’ll have every sound covered.


Quick Mic Buying Checklist for Home Recording

Before you hit record, here are a few key things to consider — straight from the Musicmaker crew:

  • Match the mic to the task. Vocals love condensers like the sE X1 S, while amps and drums thrive with dynamics like the V7 or V3.
  • Think about your space. In untreated rooms, a dynamic mic will pick up less background noise. If you’ve got some acoustic treatment, go for the detail of a condenser.
  • Check for phantom power. Condenser and ribbon mics often need it — make sure your audio interface or mixer provides +48V.
  • Don’t forget accessories. A stand, shockmount, and pop filter make a massive difference in sound quality. (Luckily, the sE X1 S Bundle includes all three!)
  • Monitor your sound. Always record with good headphones so you can hear what your mic is really capturing.
  • Start small, expand smart. One good mic can do a lot — add specialised models later as you grow your setup.


Let's go.


Final Word

The right microphone doesn’t just capture sound — it captures emotion. Whether you’re whispering into a condenser, shouting into a dynamic, or sweetly singing into a ribbon, it all starts with choosing the right tool for the job.

At Musicmaker Dublin, we stock a full range of sE Electronics microphones and exclusive bundle packs for every type of creator.

Come in, test them side by side, and let your ears decide.

Because the right mic records your story.



Check out all of our current Microphones HERE.