5 Best Microphones for Recording Vocals
- Felix Eriksson
- Dec 16, 2017
- 2 min read
A list of the absolute “BEST” vocal mics would have NOTHING under $3000. And for a basic studio, that’s ridiculous.
There are plenty great alternatives for much cheaper.
The first mic up is…
1. Shure SM58
For a long time now, the Shure SM58 has held the crown of “Most Popular Vocal Mic in the World“.
That because…it’s resistance to feedback, rugged casing, and ergonomic capsule makes it perfect for live performances.
And it works just as well in the studio…
You wouldn’t think that pro studios with unlimited budgets would ever use a $100 mic to record vocals. But it happens all the time.
That is why, this Shure mic is the obvious choice for ANY new studio.
Now, dynamic mics such as the sm58 are great for certain styles of music. But since large diaphragm condensers are normally the go-to mic for vocals…
2. Rode NT1A
When it comes to mid-priced vocal mics, Rode Microphones are the best of the best.
And that is why, the Rode NT1A is only the first of two condenser mics on this list.
In the category of “Best Cheap Vocal Mics“, it’s the hands down favorite.
The combination of price, sound quality, and overall reputation make this mic the obvious choice for your first vocal mic.
In home studios throughout the World, there is probably none more popular.
3. Shure SM7B
In the World of dynamic microphones…
The Shure SM7B is one of the few options SPECIFICALLY tailored for vocals.
It’s two most common jobs being: 1. Radio Broadcasting 2. SCREAMING Rock Vocals
For rock vocals especially, it’s the industry standard.
In fact, the original version of this microphone, the SM7, was likely used at some point by virtually every rock star since it’s release back in 1976.
The most famous example being Michael Jackson’s legendary Thriller album
4. Rode NTK
Most experts agree…for vocals, nothing beats the warm vintage sound of a tube mic.
So on a list of the top mics for recording vocals…we gotta have at least ONE, right? The problem is…most tube mics cost $3000 or more. But there are a few exceptions. And in the “under $700”, there’s none better than the Rode NTK.
If that vintage “tube sound” is what you’re after, then I highly recommend this mic.
Buy on amazon <- Click Here 5. Neumann TLM 102
In home studio circles, some might call it the “Holy Grail of Vocal Mics“…
Because for under $1000, the Neumann TLM 102 is about as good as it gets.
Now if you’ve heard of the Neumann Company before…
Then you also know they have long held their reputation as creators of the World’s Greatest Microphones…
ESPECIALLY, when it comes to vocal mics.
The problem is the cost. Many of their flagship models cost upwards of $3000 or more.
But with their newer line of TLM mics, Neumann made their “classic sound” much more affordable to the average guy.
Among the TLM mics, none is more popular than the Neumann TLM102.
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