One of the most exciting parts about service is right before the choir sings.
Everyone anticipates how beautiful they’ll sound.
The last thing you want is to not have your choir properly mic’d up.
So, you’ve decided to save yourself that embarrassment and look around for the best microphone for a church choir.
We’ve crafted this guide together specifically for those who are looking for choir mics and after testing dozens upon dozens of different mics, we’ve settled on the top 5.
If you want to know what they are and the criteria we used to choose them, keep reading.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick    | Our Top Pick | Shure CVO-W/C |
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2   | 2 | Rode M5 Compact |
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3   | 3 | Audio-Technica Pro 45 |
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4   | 4 | Behringer C-2 Studio Condenser |
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5  | 5 | AKG C1000S |
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The Top 5 Best Microphones for a Church Choir
The Shure CVO-W/C is an overhead condenser microphone that is designed with a frequency response that is able to capture fast transients.
This microphone offers low profile, ensuring minimum visibility in a number of different settings. Being that this mic has dependable and durable construction means that it can hold up in a variety of different environments.
The integrated wire hanger enables the most efficient and optimal placement.
Also including CommShield Technology and a snap-fit windscreen allows for this mic to effectively guard against RF interference and unwanted popping noises.
Pros
- Captures fast transient responses
- Discreet design
- Durable construction
- CommShield Technology blocks RF interference
- Affordable
Cons
- Can have small feedback sometimes
The Rode M5 Compact Microphones are compact cardioid microphones that are designed to capture on stage performances. It offers low noise while keeping a full-frequency response.
The all metal body ensures durability and the matte black design gives these mics a sleek and discrete look. These mics also have a variety that does not exceed 1dB between both microphones.
The included two WS5 wind shields eliminates unwanted sounds and popping noises and the RM5 stand mounts keep these mic tightly in place while recording.
Pros
- Phantom powered
- Blocks unwanted noises
- Includes mounts
- Offers full frequency response
Cons
- Does not offer a warm sound
Since you’re looking for a mic that is specifically designed for a choir or orchestra, the Audio-Technica Pro 45 Microphone lives up to the expectation.
This mic is a versatile solution for choirs and other speaking engagements. The self-contained electronics allows for you to use this mic with no external power source while also having a smooth and flat frequency response.
The main component that gives this mic its superior performance is the wide-range condenser element and the diaphragm, both increasing this mics overall performance.
The high-quality robust construction gives this mic an unobtrusive appearance. An excellent option for choirs
Pros
- Unobtrusive design
- No external power needed
- Wide-range element
- Smoot, flat frequency response
Cons
- Not great at picking up tones
- Can be a hassle trying to hang them
The Behringer C-2 Studio Condenser Microphone are designed for both studio and live performances. The cardioid pattern effectively eliminates unwanted feedback.
These versatile microphones can be used as either main or support microphones and they include a switchable low-frequency roll-off as well as input attenuation.
The metal die-cast body in conjunction with the ultra-rugged construction makes this mic extremely durable.
This mic also comes with a 3-Year Warranty, just in case of any accidental breaks or manufacturing malfunctions.
Pros
- Ultra-rugged and durable construction
- Cardioid pickup pattern eliminates feedback
- 3-Year warranty included
Cons
- Unit's base is short
- Not great at picking up surround sound
The AKG C1000S Microphone is a diaphragm condenser microphone that has the option to be powered by internal AA batteries or Phantom power and can be used with any piece of equipment or application.
The AKG is one of the only mics that can be switched from cardioid to Hyper-cardioid because if the built-in polar pattern converter.
There is also a presence boost adapter that provides three different frequency settings for different sources of sounds.
There is also a new external windscreen that helps to block out external sounds and popping noises. Also, the gold plated capsule makes this mic virtually indestructible.
Pros
- Can be powered by batteries or phantom power
- Gold plated phantom housing
- External windscreen
Cons
- Bulky
- No case included
4 Attributes To Look for When Choosing a Microphone for a Church Choir
Sensitivity
The sensitivity of a microphone is critical when using a mic for a choir because you want to capture everyone’s voice all at the same time, which means you’ll need a microphone that has sensitivity to sound not just coming from the front of the mic, but from the rear and both sides for that optimum sound that’s needed for a choir.
Condenser microphones are the best kinds of mics to get when sensitivity is needed, while also being able to effectively block out background noise which prevents any type of feedback, amust-have for a choir.
Durability
Of course this will be dependent on how often you use your mic and how exactly you’ll be using it. If you’ll be having multiple church services, you’re definitely going to want a mic that is constructed of a durable material like metal to withstand continuous usage.
Polar Pattern
There are several different polar patterns to choose from but the main ones you should focus on for a choir are omnidirectional and cardioid.
A mic that has an omnidirectional polar pattern can pick up sound equally from all directions because it has the same 360-degree output regardless of the sound source.
Being that this mic can’t be aimed to favor one source over another means that it is more likely to produce feedback.
A cardioid polar pattern mic is most sensitive to sounds that come from the front of the mic and the least sensitive to sounds that come from directly behind it.
This type of pattern would work for a smaller choir of around 2-10 people and offers excellent feedback rejection.
Battery Life
This is not something you really have to worry about if your mic is connected through wiring but if you’re using batteries it is important to know how often you’ll have to switch them out.
Mic’s can also be powered by phantom power which avoids you having to use wires and batteries both due to the mic having its own power source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need Multiple Mics for My Choir?
While you may need multiple mics to record a choir, using as few mics as possible is going to be ideal. The fewer mics you have, the less feedback and the sound can be adjusted much easier. A choir between 30-40 people should only require two or three mics.
How Do You Record a Choir With One Mic?
Grouping voice parts separately with one or two microphones can be helpful depending on the size of the choir. Once grouped add a stereo pair overhead anywhere from 6-10 feet directly in front of the choir at about 8-10 ft in the air if the room allows for it.
What Type of Microphone is Best for a Choir?
A condenser microphone is the best type of mic to use for a choir. This is because of its ability to pick up a wide range of sound over a small area. These style mics can pick up 20-30 singers at a time, so if you have a larger choir you may need two condenser mics.
Final Thoughts
We hope you found this article helpful in your search for a choir mic. Now that you know exactly what to look for when choosing a mic, you can feel much more assured about knowing whether you’re investing into a good mic.
All of the microphones on our list have proven that they can stand the test of holding up against a choir but our favorite pick is the Shure CVO-W/C , and for good reason.
Not only is this mic tailored specifically for capturing fast transients but it also as a high resistance to other intense frequencies that are nearby, proving it to be reliable against outside elements.
We hope that this guide gave you the information and confidence to make a decision that your choir and congregation will thank you for.