The 1940s and ’50s saw an increase in radio enthusiasts and hobbyists and in 1957 the patent for the first wireless microphone was filed. In 1964 the Electret microphone was released. This model was revolutionary because it increased the accessibility of microphones thanks to its low cost, smaller size, and increased reliability. The 1970s saw greater improvements to both dynamic and condenser microphones, and clip-on microphones became the norm in the 1980s. Many of the most sought-after microphones from history have been recreated and reproduced for the modern era. If you’re looking for a microphone that is usable, high-quality but still retains its vintage aesthetic then the following brands may be ideal for you. This mic was made for vocalists in live situations but can also be used in studios. Needless to say, chances are you won’t be bringing any of the other mics mentioned on this list to any gigs, as they are prized possessions that need to be handled with uttermost care for studio-only use.

Countless legends have recorded iconic music with this mic, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby, Tony Bennett, and the Beatles. Few microphones throughout history have the pedigree of the Neumann U47. For many, this mic is THE studio microphone and has been used in countless recordings by some of the greatest musicians ever, produced by one of the most respected microphone brands ever.Also called the ‘Piezoelectric Microphone’ this microphone type was most commonly used between 1930-60. In other words, the Shure 55SH Series will give you great vocal sound with fantastic isolation. It comes with its stand mount built into the mic and you can connect easily via an XLR cable, just like you would with any other dynamic microphone. Another great feature of the U67 is its versatility. You can mostly use it on any source imaginable.

The Coles 4038 features a pressure gradient ribbon transducer that is capable of withstanding high sound pressure levels without distorting. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at vintage and antique microphones and compiling a list of products that exemplify the best examples of retro microphones and their multiple alternative uses. Different types of Microphone Seminal Beatles record Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band employed the AKG C12 quite a bit for the bass. For the remainder of the group’s sessions at Abbey Road, the C12 would be the primary choice for recording Paul’s bass.Soundelux 251: This model recreates the AKG model ‘Telefunken ELA M251 TM’, one of the most iconic and sought-after retro microphones. The AKG C12 is another vintage microphone that helped build the history of western music in the last century. Advanced Audio CM251: This is a large-format condenser tube microphone that recreates the iconic ELA M251 model.