Best
All-Round Mic for Vocals
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Best Feature: Flat frequency response - perfect for natural audio reproduction
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TedScore™: 10/10
Best
Microphone for Live Vocal and Singing
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Best Feature: All-metal construction and extreme durability
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TedScore™: 10/10
Best
Microphone for Recording Vocals
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Best Feature: Shock mount; elastic suspension mount; electric circuit
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TedScore™: 10/10
If you’re looking for the best microphone for singing, then you’ve come to the right place! Whether you require a mic for live performances, home studios, or vocal recordings, there are several factors to consider when buying one.
So read on…
What Type of Microphone Do I need?
What type of microphone you need depends on what you intend to use it for. Are you a studio recording vocalist, a live performance singer, or do you just need a microphone for speech use? We will review the different types of microphones below and hopefully help you to make the best choice possible.
The 3 Different Types of Microphones
1. Dynamic Mics
The best thing about dynamic microphones is their durability, massive selection and great budge,t options that meet everyone’s needs.
A dynamic microphone is commonly used in recording since it can make vocal recordings sound fantastic.
Dynamic microphones can also handle high SPL (sound pressure level, i.e. how loud you can play or sing into a mic), making them a natural option for loud sources like acoustic guitars, bass cabs, and drum kit close mics.
2. Condenser Mics
Condenser microphones come in two subcategories, small diaphragm condenser microphones, and large diaphragm condenser microphones.
Compared to a dynamic mic, the condenser microphone is much more fragile. These microphones are excellent if you need richer color sounds, but they don’t travel so well – so keep them in the studio.
3. Ribbon Mics
Ribbon microphones generate their signal using an ultra-thin ribbon made of electro-conductive material suspended between magnet poles.
Ribbon microphones produce warm and shining voices. The high quality of ribbon mic is the main reason for their high prices and presence in only professional studios.
Which Pickup Pattern Do I Need And What Is A Microphone Polar Pattern?
A polar pattern is the space surrounding the microphone from where it picks up the sound. Microphones are most sensitive to sound in their polar patterns. A polar pattern is a three-dimensional space that comes in different shapes, like cardioid pickup pattern, omnidirectional, and figure-8 or bidirectional.
The cardioid or unidirectional mic has a one-direction pickup pattern and records audio from a single direction, while the sides and back of the mic reject the sounds.
The omnidirectional microphone has an equal sound pickup pattern on each side, while the figure-8 or bidirectional mic records audio only from two directions, often in the front and back.
Omnidirectional
Omnidirectional mics provide realistic and natural audio recordings. They pick up sound from all sides equally; in other words, it will record the signals from each side with the same gain.
With omnidirectional polar patterns, you will inevitably pick up a little environmental sound and ambient noise. Sometimes this can be quite useful, and at other times, can be a complete pain!
Figure-8
Figure-8 mics are also known as bidirectional. These mics have perfect back and front pickup patterns, while the sides are completely blocked.
The polar pattern of bidirectional microphones makes the 8-shape, which is where the Figure-8 name comes from. Because of this shape, bidirectional microphones form null points to the sides where the sound is rejected.
These mics are great at capturing the natural ambient of the recording space.
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Microphones for Vocals
When looking to buy a vocal mic, there are many things to consider because after all, the human voice is a complicated thing to process and amplify! There is a super article here you may want to jump over to called ‘The Best Vocal Mics Under 500‘.
Will your vocal microphone be primarily for a podcast (speech use), live vocals, or recording vocals?
Podcast
If your purpose is podcasting, you need a dynamic or a versatile condenser microphone.
But before making a choice about a podcasting microphone, ask yourself how your microphone will be connected to whatever will the recording device will be. The two main connectivity options are USB microphones and XLR microphones.
A USB microphone is easier to connect directly to your computer, while XLR mics require extra equipment like an audio interface; but tend to be better at capturing vocals.
Live Vocals
A live vocal microphone is often a dynamic mic with a cardioid pattern.
Professional microphones for live performances are often pricey, but some affordable microphones might meet the needs of most beginners, but this is most definitely an area you have to be careful of, as there are some truly terrible live vocal microphones on the market…
Recording Vocals
For recording vocals, you might find a dynamic vocal microphones is the best option, especially for someone looking for affordable prices. But if you have the cash, a cardioid condenser mic is a great option. One of the resaons to record vocals is to create the most faithful reproduction of your performance, and a great condenser microphone will help with you.
Do you want to use your vocal microphone on musical instruments?
For recording musical instruments, we recommend choosing a dynamic vocal microphones like the Shure SM7B (which you can read about below).
This model has excellent durability and can handle high SPL. The SM7B is one of the best microphones for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, drum overheads, etc.
Do you want portability?
If you need portability, you should consider a handheld mic. These mics are suitable for many occasions, like karaoke, work meetings, schools, presentations, interviews, news reportage, etc. They are one of the best types of vocal microphones for multi-use.
The wireless handheld microphone is more flexible but also pricier than the wired one.
Diaphragm Size
The diaphragm size is a feature that makes microphones differ from type to type. The two main types you’ll see on the market are the large diaphragm condenser and the small diaphragm condenser.
Large-diaphragm condensers (LDC) have a diaphragm diameter larger than 1 inch, while small-diaphragm condensers’ (SDC) diameter is smaller than ½ inch. LDC mics have more accurate transient responses and lower-self noise than SDCs.
LDCs and SDCs also differ in their price point. Small diaphragm condensers have a low price point and are more affordable, while large diaphragm condensers range from inexpensive to very pricy.
Phantom Power Usage
The mic’s phantom power is the voltage that maintains power into the active microphone components. The phantom power is usually provided by a battery inside the vocal microphones.
The standard phantom power ranges from 11 to 52 volts. Generally, condenser mics are the ones that require phantom power for proper operation, while dynamic microphones don’t need it at all.
Sound Quality
When you come to sound quality, try and purchase the highest priced point microphone you are able to. Cheap microphones are rarely high enough quality for us to recommend.
The right microphone is the one that gives you the best sound quality and makes your performance as natural as it should sound.
Your ideal vocal microphone should also be compatible with your voice, purpose, performance type, and existing music equipment.
The Ultimate Top 3 Microphones for Live Vocals and Singing
Best Vocal Mic
OVERALL: Live performances, lead singers, and public speakers.
FEATURES: All-metal construction and extreme durability
PRICE RANGE: £/$ 118.00
Shure SM58
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Class-leading microphone
- Durable construction
- No on/off switch feature
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Best For Sound Quality
OVERALL: Those seeking the perfect microphone for stage performance
FEATURES: In-built anti-shock engineering that minimizes the handling noise
PRICE RANGE: £/$ 177.25
Audio Technica AE6100
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- The most advanced dynamic mics for live performances
- Crystal-clear articulation
- Not meant for extremely high sound pressure
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Best Mic For Live Stage Performance
OVERALL: Live stage performances
FEATURES: Dynamic microphone element that gives accurate sound reproduction
PRICE RANGE: £/$ 122.75
AKG D5 S
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Eliminates handling noise
- Crystal clear microphone sound
- Lacks sound details
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Ultimate Top 3 Microphones for Recording Vocals
Best for home studio set ups
OVERALL: Professional recording and studios, broadcast applications, home studio setups
FEATURES: Shock mount; elastic suspension mount; electric circuit
PRICE RANGE: £/$ 996.00
Neumann TLM 103
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Quality recording microphone
- Has a shock mount
- Expensive for beginners
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Best for streamers
OVERALL: A Powerful, Adaptable Tool for Musicians and Streamers Seeking a Good Vocal Recordings Microphone at a Low Price Point
FEATURES: Unique pivoting threaded stand mount; cardioid polar pattern
PRICE RANGE: £/$ 90.20
Audio Technica AT2020
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Excellent price
- Dynamic range 124dB
- Needs additional equipment (shock mount, pop filter)
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Best for live performances, and broadcasts
OVERALL: The Mic Has Five Selectable Polar Patterns That Help Achieve a Wide Range of Sounds
FEATURES: In-built H85 shock mount - minimizing the handling noise; PF80 pop filter - eliminating the plosive sounds
PRICE RANGE: £/$ 919.00
AKG C414XL II
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Versatile condenser mic for stage and studio
- One of the most popular vocal recording microphones
- Pricey product
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Ultimate Top 3 Microphones for Recording Podcasts
Best for Podcasters and producers
OVERALL: Excellent Choice for Both Podcasting and Instrument Recording
FEATURES: Flat frequency response - perfect for natural audio reproduction
PRICE RANGE: £/$ 420.00
Shure SM7B
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- The most popular dynamic microphone
- Successfully minimizes unwanted noise
- Not ideal for novices
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Best For Podcasting, live streaming, vocal recordings, interviews, gaming, and more
OVERALL: A Mic With a Built-In Stand and Flexible Positioning
FEATURES: Three condenser capsules and four selectable pickup patterns
PRICE RANGE: £/$ 105.00
Blue Yeti
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Has integrated amplifier for optimized playback
- Has built-in stand
- Picks up sibilant noise
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Best For Capturing all the spoken words, radio, gaming
OVERALL: A Mic With a Natural Neutral Sound Featured With a Smooth High End
FEATURES: Tight supercardioid pattern - captures details and depth and requires no EQ
PRICE RANGE: £/$ 93.00
Sontronics Podcast Pro
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Great microphone for the value
- Captures amazing detail
- No stand included
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Microphone Accessories
Pop Filter
A pop filter is a commonly used microphone accessory for noise protection. In most cases, a pop filter is used in a recording studio. It can reduce or completely eliminate popping sounds.
Pop filters are excellent for studio microphones since they are designed to stop noise damaging from “B” and “P” sounds.
Most pop filters are designed to fit any microphone stand, but the one we recommend is:
OVERALL: A Mic With a Natural Neutral Sound Featured With a Smooth High End
FEATURES: Flexible Gooseneck and Sturdy Clamp
PRICE RANGE: £/$ 30-50
Sontronics ST-POP, Pop Filter
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Does what it says on the tin!
- none!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
High-Quality Microphone Cables
Many professional microphones require a high-quality microphone cable. The XLR cable provides balanced audio, which further provides clean audio transfer and protection from electrical damage.
Don’t accept a low quality cable. You’ll regret it. Most of them come in different cable lengths, so you can choose one that meets your needs.
OVERALL: Delivers exceptional sound reproduction
FEATURES: Ultra-flexible cable jacket eliminates tangling
PRICE RANGE: £/$ 14-34
Roland High Impedance Microphone Cable
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Delivers exceptional quality.
- Sonic accuracy and natural reproduction.
- none!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Portable Vocal Booths
A vocal booth is a soundproof box or booth that rejects all external noise and picks up only the sounds inside the box. The portable vocal booths are smaller lightweight versions that are easy to carry everywhere.
One of the best portable vocal booths is sE Electronics Reflection Filter Pro. This product is excellent for dry vocal and instrument recording in studios with improper acoustic conditions.
The sE Reflection Filter X has a patented technology of six layers that absorb the needed and diffuse undesired sounds, check it below:
OVERALL: Perfect tool for vocal recording
FEATURES: Eliminates unwanted background noise
PRICE RANGE: £/$ 75-99
sE Electronics
Reflexion Filter X
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Lightweight and easy to store
- Tough for any demanding work environments
- none!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Mic Stands
You have two options when searching for a microphone stand. The first one is Table Top Mic Stand, and the second one is Boom Mic Stand.
The tabletop microphone stand is short, while the boom microphone stand has adjustable height and is excellent for stage performance.
Both options are on a budget and excellent for beginners.
OVERALL: Delivers exceptional sound reproduction
FEATURES: fully adjustable height, swivel and tilt
PRICE RANGE: £/$ 19-22
Boom Mic Stand
by Gear4music
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Perfect for any scenario
- Easy to position and transport
- Durable for ultimate longetivity
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Shock Mount
Depending on the mic type you are interested in buying, you can choose a different shock mount.
However, there are also universal shock mount accessories that fit most microphones, regardless of their type. Some microphones have internal shock mount, so you might not need an additional one for these types.
The Presonus Universal Shock Mount below is an accessory that will keep your mic in place thanks to its anti-vibration design.
OVERALL: Provides isolation from physical vibrations for cleaner recordings
FEATURES: Built from industrial grade metal and quality components
PRICE RANGE: £/$ 24-29
PreSonus Universal
Shock Mount
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Universally compatible with all microphone stands
- Robust and reliable industrial metal construction
- Isolation from physical vibrations for cleaner recordings
- Check first for your microphone's compatibility.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Best Microphone For Singing
Summary
We hope this guide has helped you find a good microphone for recording human voices and acoustic instruments. Once you determine what type of vocal microphones you need, you can go to the microphone store and get one.
If you are a beginner or have a tight budget, you can rely on some of the options mentioned above.
Good luck with your search for finding the best microphone for singing. Drop a note in the comments as to what you eventually purchased!
As someone deeply vested in the classical music recording scene, the distinctions between microphone types and their respective polar patterns outlined in this article are invaluable. While my personal preference leans towards condenser microphones for their sensitivity and fidelity, it’s enlightening to understand the merits and use cases for dynamic and ribbon microphones as well. The discussion on microphone polar patterns was particularly beneficial, offering insights into how different pickup patterns can dramatically effect recording outcomes.
so you’re telling me my shower singing could go platinum with the right condenser mic? lol just kidding, but for real, didn’t know there was so much to consider when picking out a mic. always thought a mic was a mic, guess i was way off. cheers for the enlightenment!
Interesting take on the best mics for live performances, though I have to say, ribbon mics didn’t get the spotlight they deserve. Sure, they’re fragile and not your go-to for every scenario, but for studio recording? Their warmth and vintage sound are unparalleled. Anyone else think ribbon mics are underrated?
Totally agree with you on ribbon mics, Vinyl_Vince. They have a unique sound profile that’s hard to beat in the studio environment. Especially for vocals and soft instruments, their sensitivity and natural sound really stand out.
really liked the section on microphones for podcasting. it’s awesome to see recommendations that cover different needs like gaming, interviews, and live streaming. your picks seem really solid and it’s got me thinking about upgrading my setup. appreciate the breakdown on each type’s benefits, makes choosing a lot easier.
Fascinating read on the differences among microphone types. I always thought that condenser mics were universally superior in capturing sound detail until now. Understanding the context in which each microphone type excels really opens up a more nuanced view for audio recording. Great job outlining these differences.
hey there, was reading through your bit on microphones for live vocals and i’m kinda torn between dynamic and condenser mics. i get that dynamic is rugged and generally better for live stuff, but i’ve heard condenser mics pick up vocals with more clarity. so, in a live session with a band, would a condenser mic be a terrible choice or could it actually work with the right setup? like, is the feedback issue manageable, or is it just a no-go for loud environments? thanks for any insight!