Trying to narrow down the best microphones for recording is a huge task. There are so many great microphones out there that I honestly struggled to single out a reasonable number of good microphones ...

From budget basics to iconic studio staples, this ranked guide breaks down every major microphone brand and why the right fit ...

Cardioid: This picks up sounds best in one direction, so you need to face the front of the mic to record. This is best for solo voice recording where you want to minimize sound from other directions.

For podcasters and live musicians who want to travel light, Shure has a microphone and interface for Mac, iPad and iPhone.

To help you buy the best microphone ... use it to record your audio separately. Apogee MiC Plus - USB Microphone with Cardioid Condenser Mic Capsule, for Capturing Vocals and Instruments ...