With a good microphone, you can make your vocal recording sessions fruitful. You also increase your chances of getting noticed or acknowledged as a pro vocalist. Choosing a vocal mic can be daunting especially when there are lots of options available out there. In this guide, you will learn more about ten of the most recommended vocal mics.
10. Audio-Technica AT2035PK Vocal Microphone
Audio-Technica AT2035PK is a vocal mic with a large diaphragm for smooth and natural sound and low noise. The microphone features a high SPL handle and wide dynamic range to offer unmatched versatility. The custom shock mount also delivers superior isolation.
AT2035PK comes with a circumaural design on its contours for excellent sound isolation in loud settings. The adjustable studio boom arm offers a full 360° rotation. The mic also features flexible, spring-stabilized joints coupled with thumbscrews to allow easy repositioning.
9. Razer Seiren X Professional Grade Streaming Microphone
Razer Seiren X is a professional grade streaming mic with a Cardioid Pickup Pattern for recording sound at a tighter angle. Such a pattern also allows the microphone to produce crisp, clear audio by eliminating unwanted background noise. The built-in Shock Mount helps reduce vibrations and protect a sound stream against sound abnormalities.
Seiren X comes in a sleek design for superior audio broadcasting. The mic has settings for extended frequency and transient response that enable it to pick up a broader range of nuances and capture your voice. You can use it to monitor yourself in real time while streaming with a goal of hearing your voice without any echo effects. Seiren X has a frequency response rate ranging from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
8. Delta M2 Amplified Dynamic Power Base Microphone
Delta M2 is a heavy-duty microphone with sleek looks to match its sound streaming and recording capabilities. You can use it in your home studio to record music or podcasts. You won’t have to use a battery since the mic comes with an AC adapter.
7. BLUE MICROPHONES Yeti USB Microphone Midnight Blue
Blue Microphones Yeti is a uniquely designed USB Microphone for sound recording and streaming. The mic can operate once you plug it into your computer’s USB port with the included USB cable. The four different pattern modes allow for versatile sound recording and streaming. They include cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional and stereo.
The Stereo Mode is ideal for capturing a realistic sound image since it uses the left and right channels. On the other hand, the Cardioid Mode suitable for game streaming, podcasts, and vocals can record sound sources in front of the mic. The omnidirectional mode picks up sound equally from all directions while the bidirectional mode records from the front and the rear.
6. Samson Meteor Mic USB Studio Microphone
Samson Meteor is a vocal microphone with a 25mm diaphragm condenser for high-quality audio recording. The mic also features a cardioid pickup pattern and a flat frequency response rate of 20 Hz to 20 kHz for versatile sound capturing. The fold-back leg design allows for optimal mic positioning.
5. Blue Yeti Nano Premium USB Mic
Blue Yeti Nano is a USB mic which is perfect for game streaming, podcasting, music recording, Skype calls or YouTube. The mic has customary threading for radius III shock mount and compass boom arm. Yeti Nano has Cardioid and Omni pickup patterns that back sample rates up to 24-bit/48Khz. The microphone is also compatible on Mac and PC.
4. Rode NT-USB USB Condenser Microphone
This is one of the best USB mics with a low price range. It features an exceptional USB quality without the need for an additional third party or special driver equipment. Besides, it provides a solid sound and durable build, and has no skimping on quality components.
Moreover, the design of the mic is well thought out and provides a pair of solid controls and a handy headphone monitor. It also comes with a well fitted pop shield and a decent mount at no additional cost. Although there are better mics for sure, the NT-USB Rode, in the long run, proves to be a decent investment.
3. Rode NT1A Anniversary Vocal Condenser
With the Rode NT1A flagships, the value for priced-mics has just been raised. The Rode NT1 Anniversary model is a total redesign of the NT1 classic studio microphones. It features a new nickel plated body with a state of the art surface mount electronic circuitry. With a presence peak of 12 kHz and a possibility to lift the low end to around 120kHz, the mic produces detailed highs and does not skimp. It can also create a well-balanced sound. Additionally, the mic is suited for acoustics and vocals instruments. In fact, if you are using acoustic guitars, you will feel much at home, beside the mic has an SPL rating, meaning it can as well handle electric guitars.
2. Shure Dynamic Microphone, XLR (SM7B)
Updated from the earlier models, the SM7B is a dynamic mic with a flat, smooth and wide range frequency response, which is appropriate for both music and speech. The mic best suits all audio professional applications. Moreover, it features excellent shielding against electromagnetic hum produced by computer monitors and other electromagnetic devices. Additionally, it has A7WS windscreen used for closed talk applications besides having a mounting bracket.
1. Neumann TLM 107 – Nickel
This is a modern, transparent and universal application microphone. The TLM 107 has set standards on the large diaphragm microphone technology. With a novel operating concept and five directional characteristics, the mic capture sounds without any compromises. Besides, it features an impressive low-self noise and level handling by capturing everything from the low tone voice to the high sound of drums. Additionally, its high precision and extensive performance spectrum allow for limitless possibilities in post-production and mixing. Moreover, with a fresh and sleek modern design, it perfectly embodies the Neumann philosophy of innovation based on tradition. It has a transformer less circuitry that permits a high degree of linearity and high dynamic range.
Conclusion
The microphones discussed above stand out for their powerful sound recording and streaming capabilities. When choosing a vocal mic, consider features such as the frequency response rate and design. The microphone should have an excellent build quality and features for background noise reduction.