Which mic for vocals

Thanks to its ability to deliver highly consistent vocal sounds in even the most undesirable acoustic spaces, the SM7B is one of the best vocal microphones for podcasters, streamers, and other content creators who want a reliable and predictable microphone to rely upon.

To get the most out of the SM7B and record a usable signal, users will need a microphone preamp with an above-average amount of gain or a booster like the Cloudlifter CL The best broadcast microphones for vocal use are typically built differently than live sound microphones and have an emphasis on eliminating ambient noise, handling noise, and other disruptive environmental factors that might otherwise interfere with the recorded sound.

For the best podcasting and streaming vocal sound possible, go with a mic like the Shure SM7B that has a heavy-duty housing, swappable windscreens for close-talk applications, and an internal shock mount.

While dynamic microphones are great for guitar amps, drums, and other loud sources, condensers provide a level of detail and sensitivity that makes them much better suited to all-around duties. Not all vocal microphones are portable and most require some form of external preamp and recording interface to function on the go. In addition to being a durable handheld design and having an industry-standard sound, this mic also comes with a mic clip and a zippered bag.

Whether you end up with the Audio Technica M from our list or a robust workhorse like the Shure SM58 , the best microphones for live vocals are undoubtedly dynamic microphones with handheld designs. Dynamic microphones are used for live sound more than any other microphone design, as they can take a fair amount of abuse and are great at rejecting ambient noise from other instruments in the immediate area.

Best Buy's Black Friday sales are already underway. Here are some of the best deals on TVs, headphones, laptops, and more. The best cheap gamin mice built for competitive gaming are no longer a pipe dream. Sign up to receive Popular Science's emails and get the highlights. Written By Jay Cabrera. Published Aug. Audio Technica. This guide is here to help inform you on different microphone types, their purposes, and give you a rundown on how to choose the most ideal microphone for your needs.

There are quite a few factors that go into purchasing the optimal mic for what your needs are. More often they are used on stage due to their background noise cancelling abilities and how durable they are. They are able to withstand lots of rough use, things like being dropped or thrown, as well as getting wet or dirty.

They also usually have an internal shock mount. They are usually less sensitive than condenser mics and have a smaller frequency response range. Dynamic mics are usually handheld and allow for more flexibility and movement when performing.

Condenser mics are more often used for recording in a studio. They are way more sensitive than dynamic mics and do not cancel out background noise. Instead, they pick up every little detail and nuance in your voice.

Condenser mics require a power source to operate, from either a battery or phantom power. Phantom power is a feature on many audio interfaces , mic preamps , and mixing boards so you should have no problem finding it. Condenser mics also usually are stationary in a studio and ideally should not be held while recording. Remember, there are also dynamic mics that do exceptionally well in studio settings and there are condenser mics made for the stage.

Most dynamic and condenser mics use an XLR cable to connect to an interface or mixer. However, there are plenty of decent USB microphones for vocals out there.

Wireless mics are also an option. They usually have an internal antenna that connects to a transmitter. The transmitter connects to your sound board and emits radio frequencies.

Wireless mics can sometimes be laggy and cut out if the frequency being used gets interrupted. Many mics come with features that make recording and mixing much easier and help the audio source to sound much better. Common microphone features include:. Frankly this is up to you. Whatever you feel comfortable spending is the right answer. If you can find a microphone with all the features you need that fits your budget, go for it.

Usually the more well-known a brand is, the better the microphones are, but some brands do have a wider range of prices. Good luck! Jordan Lent Jordan is not only a professional content creator and writer but also an audio engineer, music producer, and session musician himself. Read more about author. Internal shockmount helps prevent noise related to rough handling. Plosives are eliminated with an integrated pop filter. Extremely durable and made to last many years.

Only has a cardioid polar pattern. Definitely needs a preamp to boost audio volume enough. Not as low noise as other mics. Does not have any pad or filter controls. Compact enough to travel with or use comfortably in any setup. Extremely low noise and high clarity thanks to a wide frequency response and special electric circuit. Has a lot of versatility and can be used in many applications. Does not have a completely flat frequency response range and is boosted just after 6 kHz.

Audiophile-quality thanks to reliable materials like brass and stainless steel. Adds clarity with a little bit of vintage warmth to the audio source, especially good sounding with vocals. High output but little to no noise.

Extremely and maybe even unreasonably? Could have a few more options for the pad. Wide frequency response range. Extremely high quality due to modern circuitry. Handy features that make recording, editing, and mixing easier. Not completely flat frequency response. One of the most expensive on this list. Bold sound with just enough presence and warmth. Extremely wide frequency response range. Premium components for a balanced sound and lots of durability.

Nine polar pickup patterns. No high pass filter or attenuation pad. Not completely flat in terms of frequency, it adds a bit of classic coloration and brightness. Designed to be durable enough for on stage use with live performances.

Quite a wide frequency response range for a dynamic mic. Transformer automatically matches the impedance of any sound system used, giving you an accurate sound all the time. Is not shielded from electromagnetic interference. No internal plosive filter, must use an external mic cover.

Has variable controls that add to the flexibility of the microphone. Dual diaphragm capsule makes for accurate and transparent vocals.

Plenty wide frequency response range. Has a bit more low end response than the Neumann U 87 Ai. Can be a bit bright with some instruments and vocals. With some smart software, Townsend Labs claims the Sphere L can mimic both the frequency response and polar pattern of many desirable mics. Its dual-channel design even lets it track in stereo.

Of course, all this does come at a premium, but if your pockets are deep enough to plump for this in the first place, you may never have to buy another vocal microphone.

Warm Audio is renowned for its affordable reproductions of sought-after studio staples, ranging from some of the best vocal microphones such as the Neumann U87 to rack compressors such as the UA and LA-2A. The OC18 is the cardioid-only edition of the two microphones and is well-suited for tracking vocals and other acoustic instruments. When we reviewed both mics last year, we found that the OC18 had a slightly more boosted mid-high frequency than the OC, which can be flattering on some vocals.

Read our full review here. Instead of being a reproduction of a particular microphone, however, this large-diaphragm FET condenser culls features from the EMI TG Transfer Consoles for a genuinely unique microphone.

Mode A is ideal for tracking vocals, while mode B is more capable at handling the higher SPLs of guitar amps and drums. This large-diaphragm condenser benefits from its twin-triode valve that creates the vintage warmth of early recording eras. It pairs well with vocals, guitar amplifiers and performs ably as a drum overhead. The sE is the multi-pattern sibling of the hugely popular sE, famously adopted by vocal powerhouses such as Amy Winehouse.

This smooth-sounding microphone builds upon its predecessor by adding an optimised signal path that delivers even lower noise and increased clarity. This microphone demonstrates excellent SPL handling and offers high-pass and pad options letting you tackle all types of studio sound sources. Neumann has enjoyed a legendary reputation since the earliest days of the recording industry. The best mics to buy in 16 best vocal microphones Choose the right microphone for capturing exceptional vocal performances.