If you’re looking for the best microphone for singing, then you’ve come to the right place! Whether you seek a mic for live performances, home studios, or recording vocals, there are a couple of things you should 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
- durability, massive selection and great budget options that meet everyone’s needs.
A dynamic microphone is commonly used in recording since it can make a vocal recording 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.
- 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.
- 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 a 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!
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 mics on the market…
Recording vocals
For recording vocals, you might find a dynamic vocal mic 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 microphone like the Shure SM7B.
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 mics 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 mic.
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 Microphone That Gives a Balanced Tone
Ted Score: 10/10
Best for: Live performances, lead singers, and public speakers.
Features: All-metal construction and extreme durability
Price range: £118.00
Pros
- Class-leading microphone
- Durable construction
Cons
- No on/off switch feature
Advanced Sonic Design That Delivers Outstanding Sound With Clarity
Ted Score: 9/10
Best for: Those seeking the perfect microphone for stage performance
Features: In-built anti-shock engineering that minimizes the handling noise
Price range: £177.25
Pros
- The most advanced dynamic mics for live performances
- Crystal-clear articulation
Cons
- Not meant for extremely high sound pressure
A Vocal Mic With Patented Varimotion Diaphragm
Ted Score: 8/10
Best for: Live stage performances
Features: Dynamic microphone element that gives accurate sound reproduction
Price Range: £122.75
Pros
- Eliminates handling noise
- Crystal clear microphone sound
Cons
- Lacks sound details
The Ultimate Top 3 Microphones for Recording Vocals
A Mic With Large Diaphragm Condensers and a Cardioid Directional Pattern
Ted Score: 10/10
Best for: Professional recording and studios, broadcast applications, home studio setups
Features: Shock mount; elastic suspension mount; electric circuit
Price range: £996.00
Pros
- Quality recording microphone
- Has a shock mount
Cons
- Expensive for beginners
A Powerful, Adaptable Tool for Musicians and Streamers Seeking a Good Vocal Recording Microphone at a Low Price Point
Ted Score: 8/10
Best for: Vocalists seeking a budget option with excellent quality
Features: Unique pivoting threaded stand mount; cardioid polar pattern
Price Range: £90.20
Pros
- Excellent price
- Dynamic range 124dB
Cons
- Needs additional equipment (shock mount, pop filter)
The Mic Has Five Selectable Polar Patterns That Help Achieve a Wide Range of Sounds
Ted Score: 10/10
Best for: Studio recording, live performances, and broadcasts
Features: In-built H85 shock mount – minimizing the handling noise; PF80 pop filter – eliminating the plosive sounds
Price range: £919.00
Pros
- Versatile condenser mic for stage and studio
- One of the most popular vocal recording microphones
Cons
- Pricey product
The Ultimate Top 3 Microphones for Recording Podcasts
Excellent Choice for Both Podcasting and Instrument Recording
Ted Score: 10/10
Best for: Podcasters and producers
Features: Flat frequency response – perfect for natural audio reproduction
Price range: £420.00
Pros
- The most popular dynamic microphone
- Successfully minimizes unwanted noise
Cons
- Not ideal for novices
A Mic With a Built-In Stand and Flexible Positioning
Ted Score: 10/10
Best for: Podcasting, live streaming, vocal recording, interviews, gaming, and more
Features: Three condenser capsules and four selectable pickup patterns
Price range: £105.00
Pros
- Has integrated amplifier for optimized playback
- Has built-in stand
Cons
- Picks up sibilant noise
A Mic With a Natural Neutral Sound Featured With a Smooth High End
Ted Score: 8/10
Best for: Capturing all the spoken words, radio, gaming
Features: Tight supercardioid pattern – captures details and depth and requires no EQ
Price Range: £93.00
Pros
- Great microphone for the value
- Captures amazing detail
Cons
- No stand included
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:
Sontronics ST-POP, Pop Filter
A Mic With a Natural Neutral Sound Featured With a Smooth High End
Ted Score: 9/10
Best for: Reducing Sibilance when Recording
Features: Flexible Gooseneck and Sturdy Clamp
Price Range: £/$30-50
Pros
Cons
High-Quality Microphone Cables
Many professional microphones require a high-quality microphone cable. The CLR cable provides balanced audio, which further provides clean audio transfer and protection from electrical damage.
Gear4Music has an excellent choice of microphone cables at an affordable price point. Most of them come in different cable lengths, so you can choose one that meets your needs.
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 Pro has a patented technology of six layers that absorb the needed and diffuse undesired sounds.
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, both by Gear4Music.
The table top 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.
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 Thonmax Universal Shock Mount is an accessory that will keep your mic in place thanks to its anti-vibration design.
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 mics 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. Gear4Music has excellent versatile industry standard mics for an amazing value.
FAQ
Which type of mic is best for singing?
One of the best vocal microphones for singing live is the Shure SM58. It is a perfectly durable mic that gives remarkable stage performance. The frequency range of Shure SM58 is 50Hz to 15kHz, perfect for highlighting vocals.
Which mic is best for singing for beginners?
Shure SM57 is one of the best dynamic mics for beginners and one of the most popular microphones worldwide.
Podcasters can rely on The Blue Yeti, a USB microphone for podcasting. This mic is equally good for recording vocals and stereo. The Blue Yeti gives you excellent recording sessions, whether when recording vocals, acoustic guitar, or piano.
Audio Technica AT2020 is a good studio microphone for beginners with an in-built volume control headphone jack and a mix control for blending the direct sound and the sound from your PC. Audio Technica AT2022 is also good for advanced users seeking studio mics with exceptional quality.
What microphone do most artists use?
Despite the top mics we picked in this ultimate guide, famous artists use other mics that match their sound waves, vocal frequencies, recording environment, and other factors.
Neumann U47, Shure SM7B, Shure Beta 58A, and Audio Technica AT2020 are just part of the most popular microphones used by famous artists nowadays.
