Recording a Voice
A large-diaphragm condenser microphone is a popular starting point for detailed studio vocals. In acoustically difficult rooms, a dynamic microphone can reduce the amount of surrounding room sound.
Musikhaus Korn Guide
What Do You Want to Record? Your Recording Setup Starts with the Sound Source
Vocals, podcasts, acoustic guitar, guitar amplifiers, drums, piano or a complete ensemble all place very different demands on microphones and audio interfaces. Before choosing a brand, diaphragm size or number of channels, answer one question first: what do you want to record – and how many signals need to reach the computer at the same time?
Voice to drum kit
Microphone, DI & line explained
Plan the right channel count
Choose Your Sound Source First
Which Recording Setup Fits Your Project?
Start with the source instead of the equipment. Once you know what needs to be recorded, the required microphone type, connection and number of interface inputs become much easier to determine.
Podcast & Voice-Over
For a single speaker, a USB microphone is particularly straightforward. An XLR microphone with an audio interface remains more flexible if additional speakers or instruments may be added later.
Guitar, Piano & Strings
Small-diaphragm condenser microphones respond quickly to transients and are particularly interesting for acoustic guitar, grand piano, strings, percussion and stereo recordings.
Recording Electric Guitar
Dynamic instrument microphones are proven tools for guitar amplifiers. The dry guitar signal can additionally be recorded separately through an interface or DI box.
Bass & Keyboard
Electronic instruments can often be recorded directly through line or instrument inputs. A DI box is useful for long cable runs or when a balanced signal path is required.
Recording Drums
Anything from a minimal stereo setup to individual microphones on kick, snare, toms and overheads is possible. The recording method determines both the number of microphones and the interface inputs required.
Recording an Ensemble
Here the spatial balance is often more important than capturing every instrument individually. A matched stereo pair can record the ensemble and room as one coherent acoustic picture.
Recording a Band Simultaneously
Several musicians require a corresponding number of inputs. Count vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards and drums as individual signals before choosing an audio interface.
From Sound to Computer
The Right Recording Technique at a Glance
| Source | Typical Signal Path | Channels | Good Starting Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Podcast | USB microphone or XLR | 1 per speaker | Dynamic or USB |
| Vocals | Microphone → Interface | 1 | Large diaphragm |
| Acoustic Guitar | Microphone | 1–2 | Small diaphragm |
| Electric Guitar Amp | Instrument microphone | 1+ | Dynamic |
| Keyboard | Direct line signal | 2 for stereo | Interface line inputs |
| Drum Kit | Several microphones | 2–8+ | Drum microphone set |
| Ensemble | Stereo microphone setup | 2+ | Matched pair |
Vocals, Podcast and Speech
Which Microphone Is Suitable for Voice?
Large Diaphragm for Detailed Vocals
Condenser microphones reproduce fine details and quiet components very accurately. In a classic XLR setup they generally require phantom power and are more sensitive to room acoustics.
Dynamic for Controlled Voice Recording
A dynamic microphone used close to the speaker often captures less room ambience. This is useful for podcasts, broadcast work and speech recording in rooms that are not fully acoustically optimised.
USB for an Easy Start
USB microphones combine microphone, preamp and converter in one device. A separate audio interface is therefore unnecessary.
When Is XLR Worthwhile?
A separate interface becomes more flexible as soon as several microphones, different preamps or additional instruments need to be recorded.
Transients and Natural Timbres
Recording Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Strings and Wind Instruments
With acoustic instruments, microphone position influences the sound at least as strongly as the microphone model itself. A small-diaphragm condenser microphone is a versatile starting point because of its fast response.
For acoustic guitar, a microphone can initially be placed around the neck-to-body joint. With piano, string groups or larger instruments, stereo recording is often worthwhile because it preserves width and spatial scale more naturally.
Individual wind and string instruments can additionally be recorded with specialised clip-on microphones whenever a constant microphone position or greater freedom of movement is required.
Microphone or Cable?
Recording Electric Guitar, Bass, Synthesizer and Keyboard
Mic the Guitar Speaker
A dynamic instrument microphone placed a few centimetres in front of the speaker is the classic guitar-amp recording method.
Moving the microphone towards the centre of the cone generally produces a more direct sound, while moving towards the edge often makes the result softer.
Record Guitar or Bass Directly
An instrument or Hi-Z input accepts a high-impedance guitar or bass signal directly.
The clean DI track can later be processed with amp simulations or sent back through a real amplifier for re-amping.
Keyboard and Synthesizer
Electronic keyboard instruments generally provide line-level outputs. A stereo sound requires two line inputs.
For long cable runs, a DI box can be useful for balanced signal transmission.
Two to Eight Microphones and More
How Many Microphones Does a Drum Kit Need?
There is no fixed number. Two overheads or another reduced setup can be enough for a natural overall image. If kick, snare, toms and cymbals need to be mixed individually later, correspondingly more microphones and interface inputs are required.
Dynamic microphones are particularly useful for kick, snare and toms, while small-diaphragm condenser microphones are frequently used as overheads.
A complete drum microphone set already combines these different tasks and can simplify the first multichannel drum-recording setup.
Not Every Instrument Needs Its Own Microphone
Recording Choir, Ensemble and Room Sound
With a choir, string ensemble or acoustic concert, the combined sound is often more important than individually capturing every musician.
Include the Natural Acoustics
Microphones can be positioned further away and capture more of the natural room.
Microphone height and distance determine the balance between direct sound and reverberation.
Move Closer to the Sources
Shorter microphone distances reduce unwanted room reflections. Individual soloists can additionally be supported with their own microphone.
Plan Two Complete Recording Channels
Two microphones also require two preamps and two recording paths. A true stereo recording therefore requires at least two simultaneously usable inputs on the audio interface.
A matched stereo pair is a practical starting point: techniques such as XY and other stereo arrangements can reproduce the ensemble and its recording space with only two microphone channels.
Count Channels Before Buying
How Many Inputs Does Your Audio Interface Need?
| Recording | Sensible Minimum | Example |
|---|---|---|
| One Speaker | 1 microphone input | Podcast or voice-over |
| Vocals + Guitar | 2 inputs | Singer-songwriter |
| Stereo Piano | 2 inputs | Two microphones or stereo line signal |
| Band Demo | 4–6 inputs | Several sources simultaneously |
| Multitrack Drum Kit | 8 or more | Kick, snare, toms and overheads |
Allow some reserve: if two inputs are enough today but you may later record a drum kit or a complete band, a larger or expandable interface can be the more useful long-term choice.
Sorted by Recording Source
17 Recording Products for Different Sources
The current selection combines microphones for voice, acoustic instruments, guitar amplifiers and drums with audio interfaces, monitoring and a flexible microphone stand.
Vocals, Speech & Podcast
Microphones for Voice Recording
Large Diaphragm
Lewitt
Lewitt LCT 440 PURE
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Dynamic
Shure
Shure SM7B
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XLR + USB
Rode
Rode NT1 5th Generation
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USB-C
Rode
Rode NT-USB+
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Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Strings & Stereo
Small-Diaphragm Microphones for Acoustic Sources
Matched Pair
Lewitt
Lewitt LCT 040 MATCH Stereo Pair
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Stereo Pair
Rode
Rode M5 MP
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Small Diaphragm
Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica AT2031
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Guitar Amp & Loud Instruments
Dynamic Microphones for Close Miking
Drum Recording
Complete Microphone Sets for Multichannel Drums
8 Microphones
Eikon
Eikon DMH8XL
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7 Microphones
AKG
AKG Drum Set Session I
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Premium Drum Kit
Lewitt
Lewitt BEATKIT PRO
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Audio Interfaces & Monitoring
Complete the Recording Chain
2 Inputs
Focusrite
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
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Studio Bundle
Focusrite
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio 4th Gen
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Multichannel
MOTU
MOTU M6
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Monitoring
KORN
KORN DK-880 Studio Headphones
View Product
Microphone Stand
König & Meyer
K&M 210/9 Microphone Stand
View Product
Recording Brands at Musikhaus Korn
Manufacturers for Microphones, Interfaces and Studio Equipment
Studio & Drum Microphones
Large-diaphragm microphones, small-diaphragm models and complete drum microphone sets.
Voice, Vocals & Instruments
Microphones for speech, vocals, instruments and professional production.
Instrument & Studio Systems
Instrument, vocal and studio solutions for different recording applications.
USB Audio Interfaces
Audio interfaces ranging from compact solo recording solutions to expandable multichannel studios.
Recording Interfaces
Recording interfaces with different channel counts, input concepts and routing options.
Avoid These Mistakes Before Buying
Common Mistakes When Building a Recording Setup
Buying the Interface Before Counting Channels
Two inputs are enough for vocals and guitar, but not for a full multitrack recording of a drum kit. Define the simultaneous sources before choosing the interface.
Evaluating Only the Microphone Type
A sensitive studio microphone also captures poor room reflections in great detail. Microphone placement and the acoustic environment are part of the recording system too.
Confusing Line and Instrument Level
Keyboards, synthesizers, passive guitars and microphones provide different signal types. Selecting the correct interface input avoids unnecessary level and tone problems.
Frequently Asked Questions Before the First Recording
Answers About Choosing a Recording Setup
What do I need to record vocals?
For a classic XLR setup you need a microphone, audio interface, XLR cable, microphone stand and headphones. With a USB microphone, the interface and separate microphone cable are often unnecessary.
Which microphone is suitable for podcasts?
A dynamic speech microphone is particularly useful for close-mic recording and difficult rooms. USB microphones offer the simplest direct connection to a computer.
How do I record an acoustic guitar?
A small-diaphragm condenser microphone positioned between the neck-to-body joint and sound hole is a useful starting point. Adjust the final position by listening.
How do I record a guitar amplifier?
Position a dynamic instrument microphone close to the speaker. Even small movements between the centre and edge of the speaker cone can change the sound significantly.
Do I need a microphone to record bass?
Not necessarily. Electric bass can be recorded directly through an instrument input or DI box. A bass amplifier can additionally be miked and blended with the direct signal.
How do I record a keyboard in stereo?
Use two line inputs on the audio interface. Record the left and right keyboard outputs separately and place them appropriately in the stereo panorama.
How many microphones do I need for drums?
Anything from two microphones to eight or more can work. The deciding factor is how much independent control you want over kick, snare, toms and cymbals during mixing.
Which microphone is suitable for piano?
Small-diaphragm condenser microphones are a versatile starting point. Two microphones are frequently used as a stereo pair when spatial width is important.
How do I record a choir or ensemble?
A stereo pair can capture the combined sound and room very naturally. Microphone position and distance are often more important than giving every musician an individual microphone.
Are two inputs enough for a home studio?
For vocals, songwriting, podcasts and many stereo recordings, yes. If you want to record drums or an entire band simultaneously, plan for more channels.
When do I need phantom power?
Many condenser microphones require 48-volt phantom power. Most modern audio interfaces provide it at their XLR microphone inputs.
What is more important: the microphone or the audio interface?
Both need to fit the task. The microphone has a major influence on how the source is captured; the interface determines preamplification, connection options and how many signals can be recorded simultaneously.
Sound Source First, Technology Second
What Do You Want to Record? Recording | Musikhaus Korn
A good recording setup does not begin with the most expensive microphone. It begins with the specific recording task. A single speaker needs only a compact signal path, while stereo piano, drums or a complete band require significantly more inputs.
Vocals are frequently recorded with large-diaphragm condenser or dynamic microphones, while acoustic instruments benefit from precise small-diaphragm microphones. Guitar amplifiers are traditionally miked, whereas bass, keyboards and synthesizers can also be recorded directly through instrument or line inputs.
Define these sources first and then choose microphone type, channel count, audio interface and monitoring. This creates a recording setup that works for your current project and can still be expanded sensibly later.
More Buying Advice and Practical Knowledge
Choose Studio, Instruments and Equipment That Fit Together
Find further guidance on recording, microphones, musical instruments, studio equipment, DJ technology and event equipment in the central Musikhaus Korn guide.