Live Sound Engineer Michelle Klaessens Rawstron discusses her go-to microphones of 2025. After playing with a bunch of mics over summer 2025 at Music in Parks, here’s my current list of genuinely happy finds for vocals and instruments!

Introduction

As a sound engineer, the right microphone can make all the difference. I’m constantly experimenting with different mics to find the perfect fit for various voices and instruments. This summer, I’ve had some fantastic results with a few particular models. So, if you’re curious about what’s currently earning a top spot in my kit, here’s my updated list of favourite microphones!

My Top Vocal Mics

When it comes to capturing vocals, clarity, warmth, and reliable performance are key. Here’s my current hierarchy for vocal microphones:

• Shure Nexodyne (Cardioid and Supercardioid): These are my absolute top picks right now. I’m genuinely happy with the results I’m getting live with both the Shure Nexodyne cardioid and Shure Nexodyne super cardioid versions. They just sound fantastic.
• Shure Beta 58A (Supercardioid) & Audio-Technica AE4100 (Cardioid): These were my previous favourites, and they still hold a strong second place. The Beta 58A is a workhorse, and the AE4100 offers a superb cardioid pattern that works beautifully in many situations.
• Sennheiser e935 (Cardioid) & Austrian Audio OD505: If the first 4 above aren’t quite hitting the mark for a specific voice or environment, these are my next go-to options from my arsenal. They truly suit certain voices, especially some of the female vocalists I work with, bringing out unique characteristics.
• sE Electronics V7 & Sennheiser e835: These two deserve a special mention for their incredible value for money. They offer excellent performance for their price point, providing solid, reliable sound that punches above its weight. They’re definitely next in line after the e935 and OD505.
• Shure SM58 microphone: And finally, the humble SM58. It’s near the bottom of my personal list for go-to’s, but it’s not the absolute bottom. It’s a classic for a reason and can always get the job done in a pinch. If a venue has a low ceiling or shiny walls, or your vocalist is always cupping the mic, making it sound awful… then you almost always can’t go wrong with these as they are more forgiving of non-ideal environments and non-ideal handling situations.
• A Note on AKG D and C Series: I’ll be honest, the AKG D and C series aren’t my personal favourites; I sometimes find them a bit fatigue-inducing. However, with a bit of EQ work, they are totally usable – it just takes a bit more effort to dial them in.

Favourite Instrument Mics

Capturing the essence of an instrument requires a different approach, and I’ve found a couple of standout performers:

• sE Electronics V7 X (Snare): This mic is a fantastic choice for snare drums. It captures the punch and crack beautifully, making it my preferred option for a dedicated snare mic.
• Sennheiser e904 / e604 (Clip-on convenience): While the V7 X is excellent, the sheer convenience of a clip-on mic like the e904 or e604 often wins out, especially in busy stage environments. They’re quick to set up and still deliver solid results.

Conclusion – The Shure Nexodyne wins for Summer 2025

This list reflects my current preferences based on recent gigs and testing. Microphones are such personal tools, and what works best can vary greatly depending on the source, the room, and the desired sound. I’m always on the lookout for new microphones that can elevate the audio experience! On a side note, I love the cute little padded case that comes with the Shure Nexodyne vocal microphone – take a look below.

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