My favorite mic in each of the larger studios is always their oldest RCA ribbon mic from the 40s. Never fails. Neumann sounds not as good with horns. The AKG 414 is a decent fallback.

At home, I use a ribbon mic from Beyerdynamic. I have some good Shure and Rode condensers, but the ribbon is better. Keep in mind I am only recording wind instruments. Whole different story for vocals.


BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.