Choosing the right microphone means ensuring a third of your success with a quality vocal recording. The wrong or poor microphone will ruin the sound of the vocalist and the whole song.
That’s why you need to take responsibility when choosing the right recording device.
The question “Which microphone to choose for recording vocals?” was asked at least once by each musician. It would seem that it is enough to find a suitable device for price and quality.
But, in the conditions of the home recording studio, you want to make the only right choice from the first time.
This review presents the best vocal recording microphones, which are of impeccable quality.
Sennheiser MK 4
It delivers powerful and warm sound. It has vivid details in the middle and precise details in the low-frequency range.
They make this microphone perfect for both vocals and acoustic instruments. Designed for home and design studios, the Sennheiser MK 4 is perfect for a wide range of recordings.
It is a condenser microphone for a professional studio recording with a large 24-carat gold diaphragm coating. Most importantly, it has high-quality diaphragm.
With a weight of 485 grams, the Sennheiser MK 4 has a robust design and a very pleasant holder.
It retains the screw when used without extra elastic suspension. Also, the microphone has a fixed cardioid diagram and the frequency response on the axis. It also has essentially flat, with a very mild increase in the presence between 3 and 10 kHz.
Even when working on a large number of different projects, the Sennheiser MK 4 fulfills any task.
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Shure Beta 58A
This model is known for its quality and clear sound. It transmits all shades of voice and vocals as accurately as possible.
Besides, the microphone provides isolation of the sound source from extraneous noise. Thanks to the super-cardioid directivity.
The Shure Beta 58A Vocal Dynamic Microphone can be used almost immediately after buy.
The microphone is the best solution for vocal performers, show hosts, and conference speakers. It has been designed for people who want clear and clear voice and vocal sound.
The microphone is also well suited for the sound of wind instruments. The vocal microphone can be set up and connected very quickly without any difficulty.
The microphone traditionally has a high-quality assembly. Capsule Shure Beta 58A provides a clear voice and vocal transmission of the performer.
It has a solid design and a special steel grille with an internal pop filter. The steel mesh grid ensures that the microphone capsule remains intact even if it falls.
The microphone works perfectly both outdoors and indoors. It is ideal for a variety of events, presentations, shows, concerts and so on.
MXL Mics 770
The MXL Mics 770 has features such as a double diaphragm. It also has an advanced shock mount system and a switchable directional chart.
A two-position directivity diagram switch provides the flexibility to use the microphone. The microphone dual-diaphragm provides high gain.
This microphone also has extraordinary uniformity across the entire frequency spectrum. It provides an extremely low proximity effect.
This results in correct bass output. There is an integrated “shock mount” two-level damping system.
It is able to stabilize the microphone capsule in horizontal and vertical movements. It can also significantly reduce operating noise.
The MXL Mics 770 has a frequency response of 50 Hz – 20 kHz, sensitivity of -51 dBV/Pa and the largest sound pressure level of 153 dB. The microphones’s double diaphragm is made of a lightweight 3/4″ gilded mylar.
It plays an important role in the reproduction of smooth, clear tops and a sounding upper middle. There is the use of discrete class-A transformerless preamplifier circuits.
It provides transparency and rapid dynamic response without the admixture of crossover. It also helps to achieve harmonic or intermodulation distortion.
Shure PGA48-QTR-E
It features an extremely robust and reliable housing design and excellent speech quality.
When creating this model, the features of speech and singing sound transmission were taken into account.
This model is the best way to cut off extraneous noise while transmitting voice as clear as possible.
The Shure PGA48-QTR-E is ideal for use in karaoke systems. But, it’s versatile and perfectly suited for transmitting vocals and speech in a variety of situations.
The microphone is enclosed in a compact black housing with a located on/off button. The capsule is protected by a reliable silver grating.
Switching is carried out using a cable XLR-QTR 6.3 mm, which is included. Also included with the microphone is an adapter for mounting on a rack and zipped case for storage.
How does this microphone sound? Open and smooth top frequencies, neutral sound are some of the terms that match the sound of this model.
By using this device in combination with guitar amplifiers, you get the authentic transmission of their sound. Recording the sound of a musical instrument with this microphone will also give you no problem with recording. Even when you’re close at hand.
Sennheiser MD421
In particular, the Sennheiser MD421 has been in demand for at least 35 years. And only some time ago the manufacturer decided to improve this model by releasing the second generation.
This dynamic cardioid microphone has surpassed all expectations. It turned out to be relatively compact, while inside it is an advanced electronics.
With this accessory, you can write not only musical instruments but also vocals. Some people record speech for podcasts or video blogs with this microphone.
The result is perfect. Sound processing in the editor is only needed in exceptional cases. It also features bass cut-off support.
The microphone comes in a sturdy packaging that protects the device from any damage. Inside this microphone is tightly packed in bubble wrap.
In the package, you will also find a pouch-shaped pouch on the lanyard. It perfectly protects the microphone from dust.
This simple and straightforward manual contains basic instructions for working with the microphone. It also has tips for troubleshooting some issues. You will also get some tips on how to avoid outside noise, wind and so on. This is very helpful for beginners.
Shure SM58
As if it were intended for ordinary karaoke. But the product would not have got into our rating if it did not have impressive features.
It also has a lot of positive feedback from satisfied customers. Dynamic Cardioid Microphone has a frequency range from 50 Hz to 15 kHz.
This means that the device transmits all the nuances of the human voice. The sound distortion here, even at high SPLs, has the smallest level.
Surprisingly, the manufacturer has done a great job even on wind protection. It does a great job of eliminating wind and breathing noise.
It also has a built-in capsule damper, which reduces the already mechanical noise. Shure is famous for its microphones that can be used for many years.
The SM58 is no exception to the rule. The microphone can be dropped, the technical condition of the device will not be affected in any way. Besides, a standard XLR connector is used here.
This makes it easy to find a long or extra cable for the microphone. In general, this is an excellent microphone for recording vocals. It’s also suitable for use in theater, circus, concert or anywhere else.
BM-800 Mic
It is made in the style of devices that were popular in the middle of the last century. It is available in both silver and copper versions.
Despite the classic appearance, under the chrome case hides modern components.
It is thanks to them that the microphone is able to capture sounds in the frequency range from 50 Hz to 15 kHz.
The cable here connects to a traditional XLR connector, which is a definite plus. Thus, the manufacturer is not trying to make money on the buyer at the expense of atypical cable.
In general, when filming a microphone can decorate not only the sound but also a picture.
The first thing that will amaze you in this microphone is a modern design without any attempts to copy the appearance of previous models. The device is made without any redundancy. This cardioid model runs on standard phantom power.
The function clip is made strong enough. The angle change is reliable and does not cause any problems with the recession. The clip is flexible enough between the microphone and the hinge connection.
This allows the absorption of the microphone movement through the stand. It comes with a brass thread adapter. Screws for the microphone are easily attached to the clip. This makes it easy to install the microphone from any angle.
Shure SV100-W
Behind the metal, the case hides modern components. Thanks to them the microphone was in this rating.
The product can boast a large diagram, which provides low noise and smooth natural sound.
The microphone comes with a mount that allows you to place it right at the sound source. The main purpose of the device is to record vocals.
But if you need it, you can also write musical instruments, including guitar. This model comes with a switchable bass cut-off filter, which may well come in handy.
That is, you can set a bass cut-off here, which will completely cut blowing out at close vocals.
Also, you won’t hear any other extraneous bass noises. The usual XLR is used as a connector here.
The microphone has low sound distortion even at high SPLs. A special internal filter isolates the microphone capsule from noise interference. It includes strong and gusty winds.
The microphone capsule works with stage check systems. It also uses personal monitoring systems and many Shure radio systems.
Audio-Technica AT2020
The product includes a -20 dB filter, as well as the upper-frequency filter. All this makes the microphone an excellent choice for capturing vocals.
This device is also used for capturing sound from the piano and other musical instruments. The device will delight with its rich bottoms, soft mid and clear upper frequencies.
It is one of the few condenser microphones that use a hand-assembled capsule. When recording vocals, the microphone provides excellent resonance.
The relief part of the fixed electrode cannot be overlooked. Thanks to it the sound of the whole frequency spectrum is perfectly balanced.
It is one of the best known and most widely used microphones for voice and vocals in its class.
It is also the ideal solution for professional and everyday use. It plays a wide range of frequencies from low bass to the highest frequencies.
The frequency range of this microphone is from 50 Hz to 16 kHz. You will get the flawless design, construction, and style from a professional manufacturer.
The high quality of the microphone assembly ensures its performance even in constant and daily use. It delivers the lowest possible level of sound distortion even at high SPLs.
Neumann TLM-102
It looks very stylish. The manufacturer has endowed his creation with a very large membrane. It captures all the details of the human voice.
At the same time, it uses a cardioid directional diagram, saving from recording extraneous sounds.
By default, the Neumann TLM-102 microphone is designed to record vocals. But, it is regularly used for other purposes as well.
For example, the device is placed near drums, guitar amplifiers and other sources of loud sounds.
It is interesting that the product knows how to raise the sound in the midrange area. That is, so you can clearly distinguish the human voice in the mix.
The customer should also be pleased with the anti-vibration mount of the capsule. This ensures that there is no mechanical noise. Included with the microphone is a fairly heavy metal holder SG 2, made on hinged mechanisms.
The optimal distance between the microphone and the speaker is about 5 – 6 inches. This gives an extremely natural recording quality.
There is some kind of intimacy effect, which of course has its advantages. But even so, do not push the microphone too far and avoid close contact with the vocalist. Low self-noise makes this contact possible.
If you study the sound of an acoustic guitar, the results are no less favorable. They will have a full frequency response and equal sound reproduction at low and medium frequencies.
AKG C214
Sound is captured by an inch diaphragm. And it does it very well. So, this model is used by some popular musicians.
There is the presence of wind protection. This simple accessory allows you to use the microphone in the open air.
Without worrying about sound quality. You also get an H85 holder. With its help, you can adjust the tilt of the device.
When developing AKG C214, the manufacturer has applied a completely new electronic circuit. This allowed you to significantly increase the dynamic range.
This microphone can withstand almost any sound pressure. This is facilitated by a special design of the capsule. It eliminates the closure of the diaphragm with a rear electrode.
The microphone has a super-cardioid directivity diagram. It provides high-quality sound transmission from the signal source. Integrated noise reduction technology allows for excellent suppression of extraneous and ambient noise.
The microphone has a wide frequency range for the transmission of sound frequencies in the range from 50 Hz to 16 kHz. The microphone also has a high sensitivity of 51.5 dB.