Top 7 Singing Microphones : For All budgets
Welcome to our blog post on the top 7 singing microphones ! If you’re a singer or vocalist, having a high-quality microphone is essential for capturing and amplifying your voice.
In this post, we’ll be reviewing and comparing some of the best singing microphones on the market. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, there’s a microphone on this list for you.
From condenser microphones to dynamic microphones, we’ll help you find the perfect fit for your voice and budget. So if you’re ready to find the perfect microphone for your vocals, keep reading!
You can also read our articles on best podcasting microphones and ASMR microphones as well.
Shure SM7B : Best Singing microphone
The Shure SM7B is a highly popular and well-respected dynamic microphone that has been used in a variety of settings, from recording studios to radio stations. Its versatility and reliability make it a go-to choice for many professionals. Is one of the best singing microphones out there and was also used by many legendary singers including MJ .
One of the standout features of the SM7B is its smooth, flat frequency response, which helps to accurately capture the sound of the source being recorded. It also has a built-in pop filter to reduce plosive sounds and sibilant sounds, making it suitable for recording vocals and spoken word.
The SM7B has a sturdy and durable design, with a rugged outer casing that can withstand the rigors of regular use. It is also equipped with a detachable windscreen, which can be removed and replaced if needed.
In terms of versatility, the SM7B can be used with a range of recording equipment, including mixers, preamps, and audio interfaces. It is also compatible with most recording software, making it easy to incorporate into any recording setup.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of the Shure SM7B microphone:
Pros of Shure SM7B as a singing microphone :
- Excellent frequency response: The SM7B has a smooth, flat frequency response that accurately captures the sound of the source being recorded.
- Durable design: The rugged outer casing and detachable windscreen make the SM7B a durable and reliable choice for regular use.
- Versatility: The SM7B can be used with a range of recording equipment and is compatible with most recording software.
Cons of Shure SM7B as a singing microphone : :
- Price: The SM7B is a high-end microphone, with a price point that may not be suitable for all budgets.
- Weight: The SM7B is a relatively heavy microphone, weighing in at around 2.5 pounds. This may not be an issue for some users, but it could be a consideration for those who need a more portable microphone.
- Required gain: The SM7B requires a high level of gain in order to produce optimal results. This may not be an issue for those with high-quality recording equipment, but it could be a problem for those with lower-end equipment.
Overall, the Shure SM7B is a top-quality and one of the best singing microphones that is suitable for a wide range of recording applications. Its smooth frequency response, durable design, and versatility make it a great choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike. While it may be a bit expensive and require a high level of gain, the excellent sound quality and reliability of the SM7B make it a worthwhile investment for those looking for a top-performing microphone.
Shure SM57 : Best budget singing microphone for live concerts
The Shure SM57 is a budget-friendly microphone that is often used for singing. One of the pros of using the SM57 is its versatility. It can be used for a variety of instruments and vocals, making it a great option for recording or live performances. Additionally, the SM57 is known for its durability and rugged construction, making it a reliable choice for singing microphones.
Another pro of the SM57 is its sound quality. It has a warm, full-bodied sound that is ideal for vocals, and it can handle high sound pressure levels, making it suitable for recording louder instruments.
However, there are also some cons to consider when using the SM57. One potential issue is its directional pickup pattern, which can make it more sensitive to background noise. This can be a problem in live situations where there is a lot of ambient noise, or in recording studios where the microphone may pick up sounds from other sources.
Another con is that the SM57 may not have the same level of clarity and detail as more expensive microphones. It is known for having a somewhat “midrange-heavy” sound, which may not be suitable for all vocalists or instruments.
Finally, the SM57 is a dynamic microphone, which means it requires a bit more power to operate than a condenser microphone. This may not be an issue in most situations, but it could be a problem if you are using a low-power amplifier or mixer.
Overall, the Shure SM57 is a budget-friendly option for singing that offers a good balance of versatility, durability, and sound quality. Its cons include sensitivity to background noise, a lack of clarity and detail, and a need for more power to operate.
Audio Technica AT2020 : Best budget singing microphone for home studio
The Audio Technica AT2020 is a popular choice for home studios on a budget. It is a cardioid condenser microphone, meaning it is sensitive to sound coming from directly in front of it and less sensitive to sound coming from the sides and rear. This makes it ideal for recording vocals, as it will pick up the voice of the singer while minimizing background noise and echoes.
One of the standout features of the AT2020 is its low self-noise, which means it produces very little noise on its own. This is important for recording vocals, as it allows the microphone to capture the nuances of the singer’s voice without being drowned out by background noise.
In terms of sound quality, the AT2020 delivers clear and detailed audio that is suitable for a wide range of vocal styles. It has a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, which covers the full range of human hearing, ensuring that all the details of the singer’s voice are captured.
The AT2020 is also well-built and easy to use. It comes with a stand mount and a carrying pouch, making it easy to set up and transport. It is also compatible with most recording software, making it a versatile choice for home studios.
Overall, the Audio Technica AT2020 is a reliable and budget-friendly option for recording vocals in a home studio. Its clear sound quality and low self-noise make it a great choice for singers looking to capture their voice with high-quality results.
Rode NT1A : Best value for money singing microphone , also the most popular
The Rode NT1A is a popular choice among singers and recording artists due to its high-quality sound and affordable price point. This microphone has a cardioid polar pattern, which means it is most sensitive to sounds directly in front of the capsule, making it a great choice for recording vocals in a home studio or for live performances.
One of the standout features of the Rode NT1A is its smooth, extended frequency response, which allows it to capture the nuances of a vocal performance with exceptional detail. It also has a low self-noise level, meaning it doesn’t pick up unnecessary background noise, making it ideal for recording in less than ideal environments.
The NT1A comes with a shock mount and pop filter, providing even more value for the price. It also has a durable build quality, making it a reliable choice for both studio and live use.
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Smooth, extended frequency response
- Low self-noise level
- Comes with shock mount and pop filter
- Durable build quality
Cons:
- Some users may prefer a different polar pattern for certain applications
- May require additional equipment for best results (e.g. preamp, compressor)
- May not be suitable for recording instruments with a wide dynamic range (e.g. drums, guitar)
Neumann TLM 102 : Best Singing microphone for home and studio
The Neumann TLM 102 is a highly respected and sought-after microphone in the world of singing and vocal recording. It is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone, which means it has a larger diaphragm than other types of microphones and is capable of capturing a wide frequency range. This makes it ideal for recording vocals, as it can accurately reproduce the full range of a human voice.
One of the standout features of the TLM 102 is its cardioid pickup pattern, which helps to isolate the sound source and reduce background noise. This makes it perfect for recording vocals in a studio setting, as it will pick up the singer’s voice and reject any unwanted sounds from the surrounding environment.
Another great feature of the TLM 102 is its low self-noise level. This means that when you’re recording vocals, there will be minimal background noise, resulting in a clean and clear recording. The TLM 102 also has a high maximum SPL (Sound Pressure Level), which allows it to handle loud singing voices without distorting the sound.
Overall, the Neumann TLM 102 is an excellent choice for singers looking for a high-quality microphone that can accurately capture the full range and nuances of their voice. Whether you’re recording in a studio or performing live, the TLM 102 is a reliable and professional microphone that will deliver exceptional results.
AKG C414 XLS Reference Condenser Microphone : Best mid range singing microphone
The AKG C414 XLS Reference Condenser Microphone is a highly respected and widely used microphone in the music industry. Known for its versatility and high-quality sound, it is often referred to as the best mid-range singing microphone on the market.
One of the standout features of the C414 XLS is its nine selectable polar patterns, which allow the user to adjust the microphone’s pickup range to fit their specific recording needs. This makes it an excellent choice for recording a variety of instruments and vocals.
The C414 XLS also boasts a wide frequency response, ranging from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, making it capable of capturing a full range of sound. It also has a high SPL handling capability, allowing it to handle loud sounds without distortion.
In addition to its technical capabilities, the C414 XLS is also known for its durability and reliability. It has a sturdy metal construction and can withstand the rigors of touring and recording.
Overall, the AKG C414 XLS Reference Condenser Microphone is a top-choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Its versatility, high-quality sound, and durability make it a valuable investment for any recording setup.
AKG P420 Condenser Microphone : Best Budget pick for home studio
The AKG P420 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that is suitable for a wide range of recording applications. It features a cardioid pickup pattern, which means it is most sensitive to sound coming from directly in front of the microphone, making it a great choice for isolating a single sound source in a recording.
One of the standout features of the AKG P420 is its dual-capsule design, which allows it to switch between cardioid and omnidirectional pickup patterns. This gives you more flexibility in your recording setup, as you can choose the pickup pattern that best suits the sound source you are recording.
In terms of sound quality, the AKG P420 delivers clear, detailed audio with a smooth, warm character. It has a wide frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, so it is able to capture a wide range of audio frequencies with ease. The microphone also has a high SPL (sound pressure level) handling capability, making it capable of handling loud sound sources without distorting.
The AKG P420 is a durable and reliable microphone that is built to last. It has a metal housing and a shock-mounted capsule, which helps to reduce handling noise and makes it more resistant to rough handling. It also comes with a metal carrying case, which makes it easy to transport and protect your microphone when you’re on the go.
Overall, the AKG P420 is a versatile and high-quality condenser microphone that is suitable for a wide range of recording applications. Its dual-capsule design and switchable pickup patterns give you more flexibility in your recording setup, and its clear, detailed sound quality and high SPL handling make it a reliable choice for recording a variety of sound sources.
