A Brief Overview

The Church Choir

For many churches, the choral group is an essential part of service, because it leads the congregation in singing God’s praise. The choir is there to guide the congregation into times of worship, and they are responsible for backing the lead vocalists at times.

Because the choir is important to church services, the audio quality is important. One of the best ways to increase the quality of your choir’s sound. The microphone is responsible for getting sound and transporting it to the speakers, so we want the choir’s naturally beautiful sound to translate well through the microphone. With many cheap microphones, we experience a loss of audio quality, so it is important to choose the right microphone for your budget.

We recognize that every church has a different budget, so we want to provide you with the best options to choose from. From microphones with an affordable price to microphones that are cutting edge, here are the best options for a choir high-quality microphone. The best microphone for you is not always the most expensive one, but sometimes affordable microphones are going to be a great option.

The Best Microphones at a Glance

BEST OVERALL	BEST BUDGET	BEST EXPENSIVE
Audio-Technica U853	SAMSON CO-2	The Audix Microboom System

A Little About Microphones Before We Start

Condenser Mics

When it comes to Choir Mics the most common microphones are condenser mics, because they have a natural sound and are great for picking up fine details. Condenser microphones usually have a super-cardioid polar pattern that picks up a wide range of voices and suppresses most feedback. (https://www.shure.com/en-US/performance-production/louder/how-to-choose-the-best-mics-for-the-choir-at-worship)

Condenser mics are better for live performances because they can pick up many different ranges of voices. Condenser microphones bring more definition than dynamic microphones, so they are better for live performances, like church services. 

Dynamic Microphones

On the other hand, there are dynamic microphones. Dynamic microphones create power by using sound to move a diaphragm, and they can handle loud volumes. They are rugged, but they are also bulky. Oftentimes, the dynamic microphones are less expensive than the dynamic microphone but they are not always the best choice when it comes to choosing a microphone for your church’s choir.  (https://www.teachmeaudio.com/recording/microphones/dynamic-microphone)

Polar Pattern

The cardioid condenser microphones seem to be the perfect choice for choral groups because they have the condensing that protects them from distortion and are set in a polar pattern that can pick up the entire choir. 

A polar pattern is simply the way that a microphone takes in sound. A cardioid polar pattern is a directionality of how a microphone picks up sound. https://producelikeapro.com/blog/cardioid-vs-condenser/ It picks up the sound that is in the realm of 180º in front of the microphone and it drops the sound coming from behind the microphone. That way there is no accidental sound pick-up. The cardioid pickup pattern is truly the best selection when it comes to microphones, but a variable polar pattern is welcome as well. 

Overhead Microphones

Overhead microphones are the best option for choirs because they can be placed by a sound engineer to pick up the optimal amount of sound. The sound engineer can analyze the choir pattern and place the overhead microphone so that it will be consistent for all services. Furthermore, overhead microphones can be moved in the event that you want to change your stage design or setup.

Mic placement is a science when it comes to choirs, so make sure that you choose an experienced sound engineer or choir director to place it. That way you can get the best quality of sound picked up on the mic.

Handheld Microphones

A handheld microphone might be fine for smaller choirs. Groups of 5 or fewer could use a handheld wireless microphone because all five singers can get picked up on a handheld.

We will caution you against using a handheld microphone for your church choir simply because of the hassle of it.

Wireless Microphones Vs. Wired Microphones

For choirs, we recommend using a wired microphone, because you can rely on phantom power to consistently bring power to your microphone. With most wired microphones you won’t have to put batteries in them, so there is no need for pesky rechargeable batteries. 

If you choose an overhead microphone it should be wired to the ceiling either way, so it is not too much of a hassle to make that the power source too. Overall, wired microphones are a good idea, especially for churches that don’t want the bother of having to switch batteries and don’t mind the wire hanging from the roof. 

Full Frequency Response

The human ear can preview up to around 20kHZ of sound, so getting a microphone that can achieve the full frequency response of over 20kHZ is a great option too. It is okay if the microphone goes over the 20kHZ range, but it should not be any less than that 20kHZ standard.

Many of the microphones on this list go up to 30kHZ, so they will all be great choices when it comes to full-frequency response. 

The Best Choir Microphones

Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica microphones are a good choice because they have a long-standing reputation for excellent sound quality. Choral groups would benefit from an audio-technica microphone that provides superior performance.

Audio-Technica U853

https://amzn.to/3oU9imM

The Audio-Technica U853 is a great choice for a wired hanging condenser microphone that comes with many different options for you to choose from. With this microphone, you can select the polar pattern from unidirectional to cardioid to 90º. 

Pros:

• It hangs from the ceiling 
• Offers multi-direction polar patterns
• Is reasonably priced

Cons:

• Larger than other microphones on this list

Audio-Technica Pro 45

https://amzn.to/3OY8J60

The Audio-Technica Pro 45 is a hanging choir microphone that is a great choice as a less expensive option than the U853. It has a cardioid polar pattern and a low mass diaphragm that is the industry standard. Being a simple small-mass diaphragm condenser microphone simplifies this model, to cut costs as well. It cannot change polar patterns like the previous module, but it is smaller and can offer similar audio quality.

Pros:

• Less expensive than the previous model
• Comes with a cardioid polar pattern

Cons:

• Is bigger than some of the other microphones on this list
• Fewer options than the U853

Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser

https://amzn.to/45X5v8M

The AT2020 by audio technica is another cardioid condenser microphone as a choral recorder, but its application might be different than the previous models. It was made with a studio recording in mind, rather than a live performance. It is large, provides great audio quality, and has a cardioid polar pattern. Although you could hang it from the ceiling, it was not designed specifically for that. 

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality and control
• Low Price point

Cons:

• Was not designed to hang from the ceiling
• Non-adjustable polar pattern
• Rather bulky

Shure Microphones 

Shure microphones are also a good option because Shure’s brand is known for high sound quality and consistency. An industry standard, Shure offers many different options when it comes to microphones that can pick up the best sound. 

OUR PICK – Shure MX202

https://amzn.to/3quRAGJ

The Shure MX202 is one of the best options on this list. Although it is more expensive, it offers incredible quality and options. It comes with multiple cartridges that allow you to change the polar pattern. Plus, with the MX202 you can get it in multiple colors and with different endings. This is clearly the best option on the list. 

Pros:

• Cartridges to adjust the polar pattern
• Comes with a 30 foot long cable 
• Shure quality sound
• Come in multiple color options

Cons: 

• More expensive 

Shure KSM137

https://amzn.to/3CkTY5H

The Shure KSM137 is a very durable and elite-quality microphone. The components are gold-plated to increase durability, and it has a switch that can allow the microphone to take high levels of sound without any breakage. It comes in a very pretty champaign color and comes at a very expensive price. However, this is the best choir microphone for churches that want the absolute best sound quality and performance. 

Pros:

• Gold-plated components
• Adjustable decibel intake 
• Switch to reduce background noise 
• Highest Quality of sound 

Cons:

• Very Expensive
• Only comes in gold/champaign color 

Shure CVO-B

https://amzn.to/3J5YLvL

The Shure CVO is a low-profile ensemble microphone that offers great audio quality and protects against unwanted radio frequencies. The body of the microphone is discrete and will not be a distraction to congregations during worship. Although this one does not have as many fancy options, it is simple and provides great performance and durability. 

Pros:

• Small/Discrete
• Relatively inexpensive
• CommShield® Technology guards against unwanted RF interference

Cons:

• Audio quality is not top of the line
• No on-mic controls 

Audix Microphones 

Microboom System

MicroBoom System

The Audix Microboom system is an incredible option for churches that want a great-looking microphone system that delivers incredible quality. It comes in three lengths: 24″, 50″, and 84″ so that you can choose the size that fits your stage and choir best. This is a great system for large choirs, and it is a significant investment. However, we would still recommend this if you have a large choir or if you need more than one mic placed. 

The microboom system is great, so it might be worth the investment from your church. If you plan on having a choir for a long time and want to have the best possible sound quality, this is the microphone for you.

Pros:

• Length options
• Audix sound quality 
• Well-made arm

Cons: 

• Very expensive 

Audix A131

A131

The Audix A131 is a large-diaphragm microphone that is great for choirs. Although it is less discrete than other options on this list, it is an incredibly durable and quality-packed option on this list. Audix, like Shure, has a reputation for great sound quality, so you can be certain that this Audix will perform well. 

Due to the large diaphragm, the Audix A131 lets off very little internal noise, however, the frequency response is not as high ranging. So long as you don’t have the choir doing whistle notes, it should cover all of the range that your choir needs.

Pros:

• Great Design 
• Large-Diaphragm for reduced internal noise
• Internal shock mount for durability

Cons:

• Smaller Frequency Range 

Audix A133

A step up from the A131, the Audix A133 is very similar to the previous model, but with more options. The Audix A133 has the added benefit of on-mic controls that can eliminate unwanted sound. 

Pros:

• Great Design 
• Large-Diaphragm for reduced internal noise
• Internal shock mount
• On-mic controls to reduce unwanted sound

Cons:

• large and distracting 
• Smaller frequency range

Audix A127

A127

The Audix A127 is a good option for very small choirs. Unlike the previous models on this list, the polar pattern for the A127 is omnidirectional which means that it will only pickup sound directly in front of the microphone. It comes as a very discrete mic that offers extreme clarity and definition. 

Pros:

• Discrete Body
• Extreme Clarity 
• Low-Noise Circuitry 

Cons:

• The omnidirectional polar pattern is not great for larger choirs. 
• Expensive

One of the Best: The Audix ADX40

The Audix ADX40 is a very discrete choral microphone that offers decent sound quality at a good price. It comes with a super-cardioid pattern that protects from sound bleeding from other instruments on the stage. It only goes up to 20kHZ, which is low compared to some others on this list, but it should not be a problem.

Pros:

• Less Expensive than the previous Audix models 
• Very Small Casing 
• Super-Cardioid Polar Pattern

Cons:

• Miniature size means its less durable than other models

Audix M1280B

M1280B

The Audix M1280B is another great offering from Audix because it brings adjustable polar patterns, RF immunity, and accessories options. A fairly simple microphone, this model will do the trick. With just enough customization to be nice without being overwhelming, this mic might be perfect for your congregation 

Pros:

• Immune to Radio Frequency interference 
• Polar Pattern Options 
• Accessory Options

Cons:

• Not made specifically for Choirs 
• No on-mic controls 

Audix M1255B

M1255B

The Audix M1255B is the final Audix model on this list, and it comes with similar features to the M1280B. It is still immune to RF interference and has interchangeable polar pattern options. The range on this microphone is lower than the other models, but that should not be a problem based on the range that people sing at. 

Pros:

• RF immunity
• Polar Pattern Options
• Accessories Options

Cons:

• No on-mic controls

Samson Microphones

Samson Microphones is another brand with a plethora of options that can achieve great sound quality. Samson microphones are a great option for less expensive microphones than Shure, but they have good performance. 

Samson CM

https://amzn.to/3P0mEsg

Pros:

• Flange Mount 
• Cardioid Polar Pattern

Cons:

• Built for speeches and presentations 
• Doesn’t pickup past 16kHZ

CO1

https://amzn.to/3WWWOY5

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Durable
• Cardioid and Large-Diaphragm for reduced noise

Cons:

• Heavy
• Large 

Budget Pick – CO2

https://amzn.to/3p1JAN1

Pros:

• More discrete than the previous model 
• Reaches 20 kHZ of sound pickup
• Lightweight 
• Inexpensive

Cons: 

• Less durable 

CL7A

https://amzn.to/3qswmcA

Pros:

• Shock-mounted capsule for less unwanted noise 
• On-Mic Controls 
• Large Diaphragm and Cardioid polar Patter

Cons:

• Cuts low-range frequencies 
• Built for studio applications
• Very Bulky 

CL8A

https://amzn.to/42xCde0

Pros:

• Very Durable 
• Versatile (Omnidirections, cardioid pattern, and bidirectional cardioid polar patterns)
• On-mic controls

Cons

• Not built specifically for choirs
• Bulky 

Behringer Microhpones

Behringer C-2 studio condenser microphone

https://amzn.to/3WY5c9Q

Pros:

• Tiny (Small Mass Diaphragm)
• On-mic controls
• Feedback elimination 

Cons:

• Puts off internal noise 

HM50

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HM50WH–behringer-hm50-premium-condenser-hanging-microphone-white

Pros:

• Hanging Mic
• Unidirectional Polar Pattern 
• Inexpensive
• Small 

Cons:

• Not the highest sound quality

HM50-BK

Pros:

• Hanging Mic
• Unidirectional Polar Pattern 
• Inexpensive
• Small 

Cons:

• Not the highest sound quality

Earthworks Audio

Earthworks FW730

Earthworks has a great mic option when it comes to choirs in the FW730, because it is a 30kHz with a cardioid microphone polar pattern. 

Pros:

• Great Frequency Range
• Built for Choirs
• Sleek Mic Stand

Cons:

• Pretty Expensive

Astatic 

Astatic 2600VP

Pros:

• Hanging Microphone 
• Continuously Variable Polar Pattern
• RF Resistance 
• Relatively inexpensive 

Cons:

• Hanger is clunky
• Lack of Relevant Reviews 

Sennheiser

Sennheiser e 614

https://en-us.sennheiser.com/instrument-microphone-polarized-condenser-percussion-woodwind-string-e-614

Pros:

• Supercardioid Polar Pattern
• Discrete, pencil design
• Relatively inexpensive

Cons:

• Not made specifically for choirs

AKG

AKG GN155

https://www.akg.com/Microphones/modular-microphones-components/2765H00180.html

Pros:

• Great gooseneck Stand

Cons:

• Microphone sold separately

DPA 

DPA Microphones 4097

https://www.dpamicrophones.com/gooseneck/4097-micro-shotgun-microphone

Pros:

• Humidity Resistance 
• Lightweight 
• Accessories

Cons:

• Less known Brand

Closing

Overall, there are many options when it comes to microphones for your church’s choir, but the most important things to focus on when choosing microphones are your budget and needs. Don’t break your budget, because you really want a specific microphone. Instead, we recommend choosing a budget microphone if it suits your congregation best.

For more church production content check out our article on drum cages for churches!