As musicians, we all crave that perfect sound in our recordings. A big part of achieving this is choosing the right microphone. In this case, we’re talking about good vocal microphones. The market is flooded with options, but narrowing it down to the best ones can be tough.
When searching for a quality vocal microphone, focus on three key aspects: sound quality, build, and price. A clear and natural sound should be a top priority, followed by a sturdy design that will withstand the test of time. Lastly, we want to ensure that we stay within our budget without compromising on quality.
There’s no need to panic, though. We got you covered! We spent a lot of time researching and testing various vocal microphones to make sure you get the best bang for your buck.
With the perfect vocal microphone, your singing will shine as bright as your dreams. So let’s get started, and find the mic that’ll elevate your music to new heights!
Top Vocal Microphones
We’ve gathered the best vocal microphones for aspiring musicians and artists below.
RØDE NT1 5th Gen Studio Mic
Upgrade your sound game with this versatile and high-quality mic.
Pros
- Dual XLR/USB connectivity
- Low self-noise
- High SPL handling
Cons
- Heavy shock mount
- Requires sturdy stand
- Opened product from some sellers
We’ve been using the RØDE NT1 5th Generation microphone for a while now, and it’s a game-changer. The build quality is solid, and it can handle a wide range of applications, from voiceovers and guitars to drums and piano.
What sets this mic apart is its dual XLR/USB connectivity. You can plug it directly into your computer via USB or hook it up to a professional mixing console with an XLR cable. This makes it an all-in-one digital recording solution for both home and studio setups.
However, keep in mind that the included shock mount is quite heavy, so you’ll need a sturdy stand like the RØDE PSA1 to support it properly. Also, some users have reported receiving opened products from certain sellers, so be cautious when purchasing.
Overall, if you’re looking to invest in an excellent studio microphone, the RØDE NT1 5th Gen is a solid choice that will provide outstanding sound quality and versatility for all your music creation needs.
Shure MV7 USB Podcast Microphone – Silver
We highly recommend this microphone for its versatility and professional-quality sound.
Pros
- USB and XLR connections
- Intuitive touch panel controls
- Natural vocal reproduction
Cons
- Slight gain adjustment issues
- Price may be high for some
- Smaller size compared to SM7B
As aspiring musicians, we know that having the right gear plays a crucial role in the quality of our work. We’ve recently tested the Shure MV7 USB Podcast Microphone and found it to be an excellent choice for both podcasting and singing. Its versatility in offering both USB and XLR connections allows you to switch easily between digital and analog recording.
We were particularly impressed by its intuitive touch panel controls, which gave us seamless access to various settings such as gain, monitoring volume, headphone mix, and mic muting. This made it incredibly easy to create the audio environment we needed for our projects.
One of the standout features of the Shure MV7 is its ability to provide rich and natural vocal reproduction. This is especially important as it elevates the audio quality of our voice recordings – whether we’re talking to an audience during podcasts or singing our favorite tunes.
Although we did run into slight issues getting the gain adjusted correctly, it wasn’t a deal-breaker. Once set, the microphone delivered exceptional audio quality. Keep in mind, though, that the price tag of the Shure MV7 may be a little high for some budgets. Additionally, its size is noticeably smaller than the popular SM7B model.
In conclusion, if you’re in the market for a good vocal microphone that offers versatility and high-quality sound, the Shure MV7 USB Podcast Microphone should be at the top of your list.
AKG Pro Audio C214
A solid choice for those seeking good vocal microphones with detailed recording at an affordable price.
Pros
- Detailed recording of lead vocals and solo instruments
- Impressive dynamic range – 156 dB SPL
- Switchable 20 dB attenuation pad and bass-cut filter
Cons
- Not optimal for recording powerful low-end vocals
- May require more phantom power for louder vocals
- Cardioid-only design, unlike the versatile C414 XLS/XLII
We recently tried out the AKG Pro Audio C214 and were impressed by its performance on both vocals and instruments. The sonic character is reminiscent of the C414 XLS/XLII, making it a great budget-friendly alternative for beautiful, detailed recording. Although it’s not the best option for those who require powerful low-end vocal recording, the versatile switchable 20 dB attenuator and bass-cut filter help to manage close-up recording and proximity effect.
The mic is well-built with a shock and scratch-resistant all-metal body, and the integrated suspension helps reduce mechanical noise and stage vibrations. However, we noticed that it might require a bit more phantom power for louder vocals compared to some other microphones. Keep in mind that the C214 is a cardioid-only design, so it won’t have the same versatility as its legendary sibling, the C414.
Overall, the AKG Pro Audio C214 is an excellent affordable microphone for recording vocals and solo instruments with a detailed and up-front sound. If versatile polar patterns aren’t a priority and you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to the C414 XLS/XLII, you won’t be disappointed with this option.
Shure BETA 87A Vocal Microphone
Upgrade your vocal game with this studio-grade mic, offering clarity and reliability.
Pros
- Smooth frequency response
- Superior gain-before-feedback
- Built-in pop filter
Cons
- Requires phantom power
- Risk of feedback at high volumes
- Logo quality issue
You’re an artist, and your voice deserves the best. That’s where the Shure BETA 87A comes in. Ideal for studio recording and live performances, it captures your vocals with stunning accuracy.
With a gradual presence rise, this mic emphasizes the bright, sparkling aspects of your voice. Plus, its supercardioid pattern minimizes off-axis sound, making it perfect for isolating your vocals from other instruments.
But hey, we get it. No product is perfect. Be prepared to supply phantom power, as this condenser mic needs it to operate. And though it can handle high sound pressure levels, watch out for feedback at higher volumes.
Some users also reported logo issues – not a deal-breaker, but a tad disappointing.
All in all, the Shure BETA 87A vastly improves your sonic game. If you can handle the quirks, you’ll find this mic a worthy investment for your music.
Rode Complete Studio Kit with NT1 and Ai-1
Top choice for aspiring musicians with Rode’s exceptional quality at a fantastic price.
Pros
- High-quality NT1 condenser microphone
- Rode AI-1 USB Audio Interface
- All necessary accessories included
Cons
- Not the cheapest option
- Requires some assembly
- May need extra settings tweaks for certain voices
As aspiring musicians, we always look for the best gear to create top-notch music. This Rode Complete Studio Kit with NT1 and Ai-1 proves to be an ideal choice, thanks to its stellar quality and affordability.
The NT1 condenser microphone captures your voice with excellent clarity, while the Ai-1 USB audio interface ensures your recordings sound great on your computer. Additionally, the Studio Kit includes a shock mount, pop shield, XLR cables, and 48V phantom power, so you’re ready to begin right out of the box!
However, be aware that the Rode Complete Studio Kit might not be the cheapest option available in the market. Some assembly of the included accessories is required, which may not be ideal for absolute beginners. Lastly, depending on your voice type, a little tweaking of the settings might be necessary for optimal performance.
Despite that, the Rode Complete Studio Kit stands out as a reliable choice and excellent value for money. Invest in this all-in-one solution to kickstart your music-making venture with confidence and quality!
Buying Guide
When looking for a good vocal microphone, there are several factors to consider. Let’s first discuss some features that matter.
Price Range
microphones vary in price, so it’s essential to know how much you want to spend. It’s worth investing in a higher-priced microphone if it offers better sound quality and durability.
Connection Type
There are two common connection types: XLR and USB. XLR microphones require an audio interface, while USB ones can connect directly to a computer.
Polar Patterns
These patterns determine how the microphone picks up sound. Some common types include cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional.
Here are some aspects to consider before making a purchase:
- Your Needs: Determine the purpose of the microphone. Is it for live performances or studio recordings?
- The Room: Consider the acoustics of the space where you’ll be using the microphone.
- Feedback: It’s important to find a microphone that minimizes feedback to avoid unwanted noise.
Make sure to test the microphone before purchasing if possible. Experiment with different positions and distances to find the optimal sound. Also, take note of any customer reviews or recommendations from professionals in the industry.
By considering these factors, you’ll be well on your way to finding a high-quality vocal microphone to suit your needs. Happy shopping!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s an ideal mic for recording pro vocals at home?
We recommend condenser microphones for home recording. Some popular choices include Audio-Technica AT2020 and Rode NT1A.
Which microphone works best for karaoke singing?
Dynamic microphones are great for karaoke. The Shure SM58 and Behringer XM8500 are solid options to rock your performance.
Top choices for YouTube video recording mics?
For YouTube videos, we suggest USB microphones. Blue Yeti and Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ are popular choices among creators.
Need a high-quality mic for vocal performances?
Look for a durable dynamic microphone like the Shure SM7B or Sennheiser e835. They’re perfect for live vocals.
Seeking a mic to sing with built-in speaker?
A karaoke microphone with a speaker is ideal. Check out the BONAOK Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Mic for a fun experience.
Budget-friendly options for voice-over mics?
You don’t have to break the bank. Consider the Blue Snowball, Neewer NW-700, or Samson C01U for quality voice-overs.