Vocal recordings are the heart of music production, podcasting, voice-overs, and many other audio applications. Choosing the right microphone for vocals ensures clarity, warmth, and accuracy in your recordings. This blog will explore what to look for in a vocal microphone, the different types available, and top picks categorized by budget. We will also compare popular microphone brands and models to help you make an informed decision.
What You Need in a Microphone?
When selecting a microphone for vocals, consider the following factors:
- Frequency Response: An excellent vocal microphone should have a frequency response that flatters the human voice, typically 20Hz to 20kHz.
- Polar Pattern: The polar pattern determines the microphone’s sensitivity to sound from different directions. Cardioid patterns are popular for vocals as they focus on the sound source when minimizing background noise.
- Sensitivity: High sensitivity ensures the microphone can capture quiet sounds without requiring high gain, reducing noise.
- Build Quality: Durability is essential, especially for live performances and frequent transport.
- Connectivity: Make sure the microphone is compatible with your recording setup, whether you need XLR or USB connections.
Types for Vocal Recording
Vocal microphones come in various types, each with unique characteristics:
- Dynamic Microphones: The microphones are popular for their durability and ability to record at high sound pressure levels, dynamic microphones are great for live performances and loud vocalists. They have a limited frequency response but are robust and reliable.
- Condenser Microphones: These microphones are sensitive and capture a wide frequency range that make them ideal for studio recordings. They require phantom power and are more delicate than dynamic microphones.
- Ribbon Microphones: Offering a warm and natural sound, ribbon microphones are used for vintage vocal recordings. They are fragile and need careful handling.
Top Picks for Best Microphone for Vocals
Budget-Friendly Options
Audio-Technica AT2020
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Type: Condenser
Price: ~$99
Review: The AT2020 offers exceptional clarity and detail for its price. It has a cardioid polar pattern and is perfect for home studio setups.
Pros: Affordable, good build quality, and clear sound.
Cons: Requires an audio interface with phantom power.
Shure SM58
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Type: Dynamic
Price: ~$99
Review: The SM58 is a legend in the music industry, known for its reliability and performance in live settings. It has a cardioid pattern and is built to withstand rough handling.
Pros: Durable, excellent for live performances, and good sound quality.
Cons: Limited frequency response for studio recordings.
Mid-Range Professional Choices
Rode NT1-A
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Type: Condenser
Price: ~$229
Review: The NT1-A is renowned for its extremely low self-noise, perfect for capturing detailed vocal recordings. It also comes with a shock mount and pop filter.
Pros: Low noise, clear and detailed sound, comes with accessories.
Cons: Sensitive to room acoustics.
AKG C214
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Type: Condenser
Price: ~$358
Review: The C214 offers professional-grade sound quality, capturing vocals with precision and warmth. It has a robust build and includes a shock mount and windscreen.
Pros: Excellent sound quality, durable, and versatile.
Cons: Higher price point.
High-End Studio Microphones
Neumann U87 Ai
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Type: Condenser
Price: ~$3,695
Review: The U87 Ai is a studio standard, providing unmatched clarity, warmth, and versatility. It features three polar patterns and a high-pass filter.
Pros: Superior sound quality, versatile, and professional build.
Cons: Expensive.
Sony C-100
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Type: Condenser
Price: ~$10,000
Review: The C800G is a luxury microphone used in top-tier studios. It delivers pristine vocals with incredible detail and warmth, which is ideal for high-end recording projects.
Pros: Outstanding sound quality, used by professionals.
Cons: Costly, requires a dedicated power supply.
Comparing Microphone Brands and Models
Shure Microphones
- SM58
- Best for: Live performances, durable, and reliable.
- Pros: Extremely durable, handles high sound pressure levels well, resistant to moisture, and feedback rejection. Its built-in spherical wind and pop filter improve vocal clarity.
- Cons: Limited frequency response compared to condenser microphones, not ideal for capturing subtle vocal nuances in studio settings.
- SM7B
- Best for: Broadcast and studio vocals, it offers a warm and smooth sound.
- Pros: Excellent for close-up vocal work, highly versatile with bass roll-off and mid-range emphasis controls, robust construction, effective shielding against electromagnetic hum.
- Cons: Requires high gain preamp, larger size might not be ideal for all setups, relatively higher price for a dynamic microphone.
Neumann Microphones
- U87 Ai
- Best for: Studio standard, versatile with multiple polar patterns.
- Pros: Exceptional sound quality, three switchable polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8), low self-noise, high SPL handling, built-in high-pass filter and pad, widely used in professional studios.
- Cons: High cost, requires careful handling due to sensitivity.
- TLM 103
- Best for: More affordable than the U87, it offers excellent sound quality for studio use.
- Pros: Large diaphragm for a natural sound, low self-noise, high SPL capability, cardioid pattern minimizes background noise, more affordable than U87 with professional-level quality.
- Cons: Fixed polar pattern (cardioid only), still relatively expensive compared to other brands.
AKG Microphones
- C214
- Best for: Mid-range condenser captures detailed and warm vocals.
- Pros: Large diaphragm condenser capsule, high SPL handling, built-in switchable 20dB pad and low-cut filter, rugged metal body, shock mount and windscreen included.
- Cons: Only cardioid pattern, higher price within mid-range category, might need additional EQ adjustments for certain vocal types.
- C414 XLII
- Best for: High-end, versatile with multiple polar patterns, used in professional studios.
- Pros: Nine selectable polar patterns, high sensitivity, detailed and accurate sound reproduction, built-in pad and filter options, includes shock mount and pop filter.
- Cons: Expensive, complex controls may require a learning curve, very sensitive to room acoustics.
Rode Microphones
- NT1-A
- Best for: Budget-friendly with low self-noise, ideal for home studios.
- Pros: Extremely low self-noise (5dBA), detailed and clear sound, durable build, comes with shock mount, pop filter, and XLR cable, affordable for its quality.
- Cons: Sensitive to room noise and reflections, requires phantom power, fixed cardioid pattern limits versatility.
- NTK
- Best for: A tube condenser microphone delivers a warm, rich sound suitable for studio recordings.
- Pros: Warm and smooth sound characteristic of tube microphones, large diaphragm for detailed capture, high SPL capability, includes power supply and cables.
- Cons: Requires external power supply, higher noise floor compared to solid-state condensers, relatively expensive.
Products with Top Reviews
Audio-Technica AT2020
“The AT2020 is a fantastic microphone for beginners. It’s affordable and offers great sound quality for the price. It works well for vocals and acoustic guitar.”
Shure SM58
“I’ve used the SM58 for years in live performances. It’s incredibly durable and provides consistent sound quality. It’s the industry standard for a reason.”
Rode NT1-A
“The NT1-A is my go-to for recording vocals. Its low self-noise and clear sound make it perfect for studio use. Plus, the included accessories are a great bonus.”
Neumann U87 Ai
“The U87 Ai is the best microphone I’ve ever used. It captures every nuance of my voice with stunning clarity and warmth. Worth every penny for professional recordings.”
Best Recommendation
After evaluating various microphones based on performance, versatility, and price, the Neumann U87 Ai stands out as the top recommendation for studio vocal recordings. Its exceptional sound quality, multiple polar patterns, and professional build make it an unparalleled choice for vocalists and producers. For those on a budget, the Audio-Technica AT2020 offers excellent value and performance for home studios.
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FAQs for the Best Microphone for Vocals
What are the best microphones for vocals in a home studio?
A condenser mic is a wise choice if you’re a recording vocalist in home studios. But if you’re a live performer, your first choice of microphone ought to be a dynamic one.
What I Would Suggest as the best microphone for vocals under $100?
The AKG P120, Shure PGA181, Audio-Technica AT2020, MXL V67G, Pyle PDMIKT100, and FIFINE K690 are the best microphones under $100.
Which type of mic is best for singing?
The most excellent voice microphone overall is the Rode NT1, the Shure SM7B deserves special recognition, and the AKG C414 XLII is a high-end option. There are a couple of top microphones for singing: AKG C214, the best affordable premium vocal microphone, and Audio Technica AT2020, the finest affordable microphone for recording vocals.