Editor’s Choice
- The pickup pattern rejects feedback
- 10 dB mode works well when recording with low noise
- Made with a sturdy thick metal to guarantee long service
Budget-Friendly
- They are very affordable mics
- Long-lasting microphones, thanks to the sturdy and durable body build
- Fast delivery
If you are in a hurry and just want to find out the best choir mics, then I’d recommend the Rode NTK Cardioid Condenser Microphones as the best one.
Today, we shall be looking at the best choir mics for a small church, megachurch, or recording studio.
I’ve noticed that many churches prefer handheld mics for their choir which is recommended. The only shortcoming is that handheld mics don’t withstand the harshness of the stage. Moreover, they can’t pick up a wide range of sounds over a small area.
I’m not saying handheld mics are bad, but they are not a suitable option for the situation.
The best choir mics for church capture voices in a clearer and broader way. With the output amplifier to the right level, it increases the anointing (If you spent a good time in prayer, of course).
Here are the Best Choir Mics we’ll be reviewing:
- Rode NTK Cardioid Condenser Microphones
- Behringer C-1U Studio Condenser USB Microphone
- Samson C02 Pencil Condenser Microphones
- Shure MX202 MicroFlex Condenser Microphone
- Audio-Technica PRO 45 ProPoint Cardioid Condenser Hanging Microphone
What Makes the Best Choir Mics for Church
Buying the best choir mics is a daunting task. There are overwhelming options with both positive and negative reviews.
It, therefore, becomes hard to draw a thin line. I had to roll up my sleeves and dig deeper when researching.
Below are a few factors to consider before you make a decision.
Choose between Wireless or Wired Microphone
Both types of these best choir mics have their pros and cons. Wireless microphones have no limitation when it comes to mounting. What you might consider is the distance range it should connect to the receiver.
Wired mics sound better than analog wireless mics. But they are similar to wireless digital mics in sound picking and amplification.
The downside of wired mics is “messing” up the stage. Moreover, you have to use long cables if the stage is big. Check out this article to get a complete comparison of the two.
Size of audience
For a small church with few members, any type of microphone can do the job. Why? Amplification and sound picking are the last thing the sound technician will worry about.
In this case, a handheld mic can do the job. Besides, you won’t spend a lot of money as these mics are cheap.
On the other hand, a big congregation needs more powerful and sophisticated mics to amplify voice to every corner of the church.
Check the VHF and UHF
UHF (Ultra High Frequency) and VHF (Very High Frequency) are terms used to describe a microphone’s frequency level.
They aren’t specifically related to the frequency, but the transmission of voice signals from the mic to the receiver.
VHF mics transmit from around 170 MHz to 216 MHz. UHF mics transmit around 5 times more than VHF ranging from 450MHz to 915 MHz.
As you can see, UHF seems to take the cake. The significant downside of UHF mics is that they are costly.
Taking into consideration that frequency is not prone to interference easily; you might consider VHF mics. Besides, many churches use VHF mics and they haven’t got any problems.
You would only consider UHF mics for two reasons. First, if you have the money to spend on a mic. The second is if your church is located in an area with transmitters that interfere with frequency.
How Do You Mic Your Choir?
This is an important question I thought we should tackle first as it greatly affects your buying decision.
Now, you might have bought the best choir mics but still don’t get the sound amplification you wanted.
The solution is not buying another mic or giving a bad review on Amazon. You get the gist.
The answer is simple. Mic the right way. Check the video below to get an idea of what I’m about to talk about.
There are three ways of setting the mic for a choir:
Hanging-Overhead mics
You need quality amplification, right? Then hanging the mic from the ceiling might be the most suitable way to get it.
Overhead mics produce fantastic audio without any hindrance. You can easily connect and control the output from the soundboard.
The only problem you might have with hanging mics is the installation. You better get a good technician to do it safely and firmly to the ceiling.
Matched Pairs
Matched pair system is effective when you have a huge choir. It involves putting two identical choir microphones on a stand.
You set them symmetrically in front of the choir and organize the sound on the soundboard. It gives double the sound output as it picks sound from a broad range.
Handheld Mics
I know, I know. We are talking about the best choir mics here. But wait.
Surprisingly, handheld mics are still an ideal option for churches that don’t want to spend money on buying more choir microphones.
You’ll have to use a couple of handheld mics to get the same sound quality though. The next big task will be balancing the audio, which only expert sound technicians can do.
Now that we have tackled the most important part, here are my five best choir mics that will fit your needs.
Rode NTK Cardioid Condenser Microphones
You can love Rode for many reasons. But what makes them on top of the game is their highly skilled and qualified disciplines. It is the secret behind their high-performing products.
The NTK condenser mics have continued with the company tradition. This is a ½ cardioid condenser mic with full frequency response.
The body is made up of durable and thick material. As always, the tough body guarantees long service. What could make this better? The 10-year warranty.
The manufacturer used ceramic coating with a matte black finish for a “lively” and attractive look.
It would impress even the most demanding sound technician when you combine the outside beauty with the high-quality and “pencil” structure.
Rode NTK mics ensure it gets a variation of not more than 1dB. The feature improves the sensitivity between the pair of microphones (Yes, one set comes with two similar mics).
A complete set should have microphone clips and windshields. Be wary if one piece is missing. It’s because there are many cases of counterfeit products from rogue companies.
Check the premium foiled certificate to verify the authenticity immediately after it’s delivered to you.
Pros:
- They sound very neutral
- Mics don’t need much preamp gain
- Easy and fast to install
- Come with well-written and informative manual instructions
- High-quality sound output
Cons:
- They are unprotected in the box
- You might get a few pieces missing after purchase. Check before you confirm receipt.
Behringer C-1U Studio Condenser USB Microphone
Topping our list today is the Behringer C-1U studio condenser USB microphone. Before I continue, it’s important to note that most choir microphones are multi-functional.
You can use them as drum overheads or studio recording mics for recording guitar and violins.
Why so? They are condenser microphones that can capture vocals and acoustic instruments in live or recording settings.
Behringer is no different.
As a condenser microphone, this mic needs a source of phantom power. This feature makes them more sensitive than dynamic microphones.
Behringer might not have to deal with cases of noise distortion or hum. This is an old trick of the switchable low-frequency roll-off and input attenuation.
The mics are incredibly well-built with a hard body. They would take minimal scratching and a few knocks before showing signs of damage.
You get extra accessories like custom stand adapters, a stereo bar for mounting mics, a transport case, and a windscreen. The fact that Behringer C-1U is affordable makes it the right piece to add to your sound arsenal.
Pros:
- The pickup pattern rejects feedback
- 10 dB mode works well when recording with low noise
- Made with a sturdy thick metal to guarantee long service
- Large-diaphragm condenser microphone with built-in USB interface
- Comes in a padded case for extra safety when carrying
Cons:
- The volume level is too low
- Bad preamp
Samson C02 Pencil Condenser Microphones
Samson C02 mics might be your favorite for live recordings of the church choir. Here’s why.
Firstly, live recording requires a mic with low-mass diaphragms. This employs a linear frequency response with an optimal transient pick-up. It’s what Samson C02 condenser mics are made for.
In addition, the mics can withstand sound pressure levels reaching up to 134dB SPL. This is not only ideal for a huge choir. They can also step in as drum overheads mics and crash cymbals.
A mistake that sound technicians make when setting mics for church choir is forgetting about vibrations from sudden movements. It’s even worse when dealing with a children’s choir. Kids tend to move a lot when boredom sets in.
The manufacturer knew this would be a drawback and added a few accessories to address the problem. These are the protective carry case and two shock-mounted mic clips.
Lastly, Samson C02 mics come with two windscreens to reduce noise distortions when the choir is singing. The result is a clear and crisp sound.
Pros:
- The microphone is affordable
- They are very sensitive
- Comes with many accessories
- Well-built and sturdy
Cons:
- You need preamps as they are low volume mics
- You might have to add a fathead phantom to boost the signal.
Shure MX202 MicroFlex Condenser Microphone
Shure is a powerhouse when it comes to creating impressive sound systems. The Shure MX202 is a perfect example of its prowess in the industry.
Unlike other mics we have seen, Shure’s MX202 overhead condenser mic is specifically meant for a church choir. In short, it’s not a multi-functioning mic, which is not a shortcoming as such.
Why? The tailored frequency response captures fast transients above the choir and can handle sound sources up to 120 dB SPL.
As the name hints, it’s an overhead microphone meant to be hung from the ceiling. The feature allows for placement above choirs to capture sound effectively. This is a strong point for versatility.
The MX202 Microflex condenser microphone captures Shure quality sound in a compact, adjustable package. The MX202 features a condenser microphone cartridge attached to a flexible, 4″ gooseneck with a 30′ cable. The inline preamp offers easy microphone stand or ceiling installation, and when combined with the high sensitivity cartridge’s wide frequency response, this microphone provides accurate sound reproduction with a minimum of RF interference or electromagnetic hum.
Pros:
- Includes mic stand adapter
- Available with a plate-mounted preamp
- Wide dynamic range and frequency response
- Balanced, transformerless output for increased immunity
- Supplied stand-mount adapter for portable applications
Cons:
- You might have some feedback issues if placed in the wrong position
Audio-Technica PRO 45 ProPoint Cardioid Hanging Microphone
Wrapping up this article is Audio – Technica condenser mics. And it just gets better here. I can shorten the description of this mic into three features.
- Produces natural sound
- Good balance
- Receives high gain before feedback
I know I said that most of the products are affordable, but none beats the Technica Pro-45 condenser mic in price and the value you get in return.
Similar to Shure CVO mics, the Audio-Technica PRO-45 mics are suspension mics for choirs and orchestras. It has a 7.6meter cable running to the soundboard. This would be of benefit to a huge church where their soundboard is far from the stage.
To keep up with the stiff competition, the microphone boasts of smooth frequency response from 70 – to 16,000. It also features a low mass diaphragm for top-notched performance during the worship service.
Moreover, the mic does an excellent job of capturing the vocals and reproducing them in a beautiful and natural way.
Pros:
- They are very affordable mics
- Long-lasting microphones, thanks to the sturdy and durable body build
- Fast delivery
- Responsive customer care
- Easy to use
- No sound distortion and feedback
Cons:
- Might not pick all the tones
- Installation is a daunting task.
Bottom Line
Getting the best choir mics is not easy. I can attest to that. There are so many considerations to take into account before you make a choice.
I would advise that you do more research on the five choir microphones I have suggested. You can consider the price and features. But it all comes to personal preference, which will make the ultimate difference.