Whatever the reasons why you want your voice to be heard, you need a good microphone to ensure that your vocals are clear and loud to convey your message. Your voice is a powerful instrument. For it to have authority and power, sharpness and clarity come in handy.
Although it may seem as if any microphone will record good vocals, it is not always the case. Some mics will feel out of place in your hand as they come with a design suitable for mounting near an instrument. We have a comprehensive guide to some of the best microphones to record your vocals.
Best microphones to record vocals
Neumann TLM 103
TLM 103 has a large diaphragm and is suitable for several uses, although its reputation lies in vocals’ remarkable quality. It is a perfect choice if you wish a recording containing even the most exquisite details you would lose in other mics. Besides, the mic will also handle high volumes with composure.
With its remarkable 138dB optimum SPL, the mic can capture anything that powerful larynx releases without any risk of alteration. The dynamic range is 87dB, which will take you through the lows and highs in a similar manner producing an exceptional fidelity. The 1kHz sensitivity and subjective ration of signal to noise ranging at 87dB, the mic delivers quality sound without self-noise.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Premium clarity
- Noise cancellation
Audio-Technica AT2035
The condenser mic is an ideal investment for beginners in vocal recording. It offers premium quality at an affordable price. The AT2035 won’t pick sound from multiple directions as it has a single cardioid polar pattern. Therefore, the microphone is capable of canceling background noise while creating vocals rich in clarity.
You can use the AT2035 mic on the road, in the studio, or even at home. It is easy and secure to carry and use as it comes with a protective pouch. The package comes with a pop filter for even plosives free from distortions, while the sound quality integrity remains the same. You will also find a microfibre wiping cloth and a ten feet XLR cable.
The sound is stable and neutral, thus perfect for several uses. It can handle noises ranging between 148dB and 158dB. Self-noise will not go past 12dB, and the filter switch prevents excessive bass.
Pros
- Affordable
- High-quality sound
- Adaptable to different environments
Shure SM7B
The finest recording artistes in the world are known to use Shure microphones. Thus, it is an excellent choice for anyone who wishes to capture a sound that meets industry standards.
It is an upgrade of the SM58 and gives an exceptional mid-range emphasis. The cardioid dynamic microphone has an incredibly warm and round charm for your records. It has an inbuilt pop filter, so you don’t have to worry about quality and integrity alterations by explosive breath sounds. The model also has a detachable A7WS windscreen, which assists in reducing plosive sounds and ensuring that close records have a warmer and richer sound.
There is no need to mind about self-noise. The microphone uses air suspension to eliminate any transmission of mechanical noise during recording. It features electromagnetic protection against potential interference from monitors.
The microphone features a yoke mount, ensuring full directional control for optimal rejection and excellent stability. It is an outstanding microphone for home recordings and professional purposes.
Pros
· It features a detachable A7WS windscreen.
· Effective noise cancellation
Shure KSM42/SG
Another brilliant mic from Shure comes with a massive two-fold diaphragm condenser and utilizes the Prethos Advanced Preamplifier (PAP) technology to advance sound reinforcement. It has a streamline proximity control and low self-noise in combination with a higher cardioid level.
The KSM 42/SG has a super dynamic range and boasts impressive construction quality. It implements a transparent internal electrical system for brilliant audio quality and dependable performance, both in-studio and stage, without self-noise.
The microphone assures excellent quality, which is evident even before you begin to record. The second diaphragm is essential in the reduction of low-frequency sound alteration and proximity impact.
The mic also features a low profile pop protection that mounts through a magnet. Besides, there is also an interior pop shield for your plosives’ manageability, even when you are not using the external stopper. The rubber suspension mount balances your microphone wherever you take it.
Pros
- Great fidelity
- Efficient noise cancellation
Rode NT1000
Rode is an Australian company and markets the NT1000 as a versatile microphone to use with pianos and drums. However, many users testify that it is truly perfect for vocal recording as well. The mic has a unique build utilizing an SMD circuit system for extremely low self-noise of 6 dB.
It isn’t easy to find a multipurpose mic with such clarity on the two sides of an audio band and muddiness on mid frequencies. Although it is ideal for home and studio recording, its robust housing and mesh head makes it agood companion for tours and stage performances.
Paying attention to the vital stats reinforces its versatile and quality reputation. It has a remarkable 134 dB dynamism while the optimal sound pressure level is at 140dBA and a frequency range between 20Hz and 20 kHz such that even the performer can convey intimacy and immediacy without sound distortions. If you are comfortable with amic that does not feature adjustable polar patterns, then NT1000 will be an ideal choice at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Low self-noise
- Versatility
- Affordable
Mojave Audio Large Diaphragm Tube Mic
The mic has a large diaphragm tube and is among the most professional types in the market. Beginners may find the price a bit high, but its outstanding build quality and impressive sound suit your recording need. Besides, it has a stout and long-lasting construction.
It uses a military-grade vacuum tube and operates through a Jensen audio transformer. It has its own internal adjustable power supply voltage that you set at 115Volts and 230Volts. 50 or 60 Hertz. It also has a manual selection of three-micron one capsules. It is perfect for several close-up sources due to its fixed cardioid pattern. Other than recording vocals, the microphone can work with piano and for an overhead drum.
The large tube gives it a warm and plush sound on the low end with incredible crisp highs. The microphone has an exceptional dynamic range and produces 100 percent authentic sound imaging. It is a perfect choice if you want to bring out some intimacy in your live performance. The microphone has its protective casing and includes shock mount and wires, thus suitable for live use straight out of the package.
Pros
- Multipurpose
- Exceptional dynamic range
Warm Audio WA-47
It is an affordable mic with a remarkable build quality. It is cast on a large-diaphragm Neumann U47 conduit with nine polar patterns that make it great to collect sounds from all directions. Therefore, it is a perfect suit not only for the vocals but also for instruments.
Like its predecessor, the WA-47 microphone has a sonic profile, thus excellent if you wish to add a vintage sound to your music.
The Neumann tube varies from a 12AX7 coming with a lower gain factor. However, it does not mean that its audio is quiet. The microphone will suit both performances and presentations, giving the needed power and decibel gains while eliminating any background noise.
The WA-47 comes with a shipping weight of below 13 lbs due to the elegant wooden box package. However, the microphone itself has some heft that most performers appreciate.
Pros
- Suit both vocals and instruments
- Premium sound
- Top-notch build quality
AKG Pro Audio C214
The C214 combines outstanding audio quality and durability. It is thus suitable for live music in addition to stout capabilities for studio purposes. Besides, it has value for money.
The design focuses on vocals, although the microphone will also deliver quality sound for instrumental uses. When setting up a home studio, it isn’t easy to get a comprehensive recorder that provides breathtaking sound quality with several adjacent recording features.
The C214 has an adjustable 20dB attenuator and a bass-cut filter, which reduces proximity impact and extremely low noises for an adjacent recording of high output devices. It does all that without any compromise on the dynamic range, which is at 143dB.
The sonic characteristic preceeds the classic C414 XLII model but is more affordable. Therefore, it offers more clarified and detailed vocals. The C214 is hardy with a full metal die-cast body that is resistant to shock and scratch.
Despite being long-lasting, the material will still manage to show off its attractive and beautiful design in any performance.
Pros
- Durability
- High-quality sound
AKG Pro Audio C414 XLII
Do you wish to record high-quality audios that come together with a retro design? Besides, a rugged and stout mic that will suit road and studio purposes? Then go for C414 XLII.
C414 has a remarkable ancestry with the with its sonic profile being a model of the reputable AKG C12. Apart from the nine selectable polar patterns, it is suitable for numerous applications, from vocal recording to picking drum beats.
The exceptional range imitates all the sounds authentically with clarity as the three attenuator levels allow for the recording experience’s customization. The microphone is excellent for close up recording as it picks up the heat from sources of outputs, which are as high as 158dB.
The microphone reduces the risk of audio alterations through the bass cut filters, regardless of where you are. It can reduce wind noise and stage interferences while at the same time invalidating the proximity impact for impressive sound quality.
The C414 XLII microphone package consists of a protection case, pop-filter, windscreen, and shock mount to ensure that it is ready for use despite the where you are.
If you are looking for an exceptional audio recorder that conveys every bit of vocal expression, then the C414 XLII mic might be what you need.
Pros
- Premium-quality audio
- Suitable for both vocals and instruments
- Protective casing
Telefunken M80
The M80 is the ultimate choice for live performances. Dynamic mics are known for their less sensitivity compared to condenser types. Besides, they usually block most of the sound that is coming from the front. However, despite the M80 being a dynamic mic, it delivers premium vocals.
It has little mid-range, thus generating a transparent response and a precise elicitation of emotions and detail while performing with the mic. It is durable and gives high-quality sound despite having a low price point.
Its consistency is at another level for live recording regardless of the sound system you are using. The characteristic attributes to its transformer that complements with any audio interface. Its technology also helps to eliminate the proximity effect. You can use the mic for vocals and instruments as it is not a mid-range heavy. The vocals have an uncolored response and pick up all the notes on your voice, which results in a stable sound. Its broad range of frequency response lies between 50 Hz and 18kHz
Pros
- Premium quality
- Consistency with most audio interfaces
Buyers guide for the best microphone to record audios
There are some factors that you need to put into consideration before you shop for your mic. The guide below will help you in choosing an ideal microphone for your recording needs.
Environment
Consider where you will be recording your vocals most often. Do you intend to use it in the studio or at home? Will you use it for live performances? The environment where you use gear is as essential as the gear itself. In live performance, you need to choose a mic with the ability to eliminate distortions such as stage vibrations.
The type of microphone
Your purpose will determine if you go for a dynamic or condenser mic. Dynamic mics are suitable for stage performances due to their high noise canceling ability. Condenser mics are ideal for studios as they tend to capture even the slightest details in your voice.
Portability
If you are likely to use your mic in tours, then you should consider one that is an excellent travel companion. However, when it comes to a studio or home recordings, you will not pay a lot of attention to portability. However, a compact mic is always ideal, even on that desk at home. It does not have to be very big or very small.
Connections
XLR cables are the most common connections. You will also find mics that connect through USB and works pretty well for vocals. Therefore, if you have no audio interface to plug the XLR, you don’t have to shy away from using the USB mic. You may also wish to choose wireless mics as they offer more freedom in the movement without the hindrance of wired mics.
Related Article: Best Microphone to Record Vocals
Conclusion
When looking for an ideal mic, it might take time to consider your budget. However, the guiding factors should be beyond the price. You need to consider the quality and vigor of your recordings. Our comprehensive guide will help you in making a perfect choice in your quest for outstanding vocals.
