Best Microphones for Vocals: Elevate Your Voice with These Picks!

The following is a guest post provided by Rowena Morris

Every singer knows that the right microphone can make or break their performance. With so many options available, finding the perfect match can be overwhelming.

But worry not, we’ve compiled a list of the best microphones for vocals to help you make an informed decision.

Neumann U87 AI Set Z: The Versatile Studio Giant

Neumann is a German manufacturer of professional recording microphones. Their most famous products are condenser mics for broadcasting, live performances, and music production.

High-quality recording microphone

One of their best vocal microphones is the Neumann U87 AI. Shout4Music recommends this versatile condenser microphone because it produces a high-end sound that is open and airy, thanks to its DC-DC converter.

It is also equipped with a balanced audio response along with a sensitivity that lets you get close to the mic without ruining the sound. This makes it a high-quality recording microphone for the studio.

Switchable pickup patterns

The Neumann U87 AI also lives up to its name as one of the most versatile microphones due to its three switchable pickup patterns: an omnidirectional polar pattern, a cardioid pickup pattern, and a figure-8 pattern.

This gives you many options when recording audio, as you can choose how you want the mic to record the human voice.

A versatile recording mic

Finally, it is adaptable. Aside from the human voice, it can capture sound from acoustic instruments, like acoustic guitars. This is beneficial if you plan to invest in only one mic for the recording studio.

(And at that price tag, make no mistake, it is an investment.)

Artists using Neumann

Some artists that use this mic are Ariana Grande and Twenty One Pilots frontman Tyler Joseph, proving that it is a decent vocal microphone for various music genres.

Rode NT1-A: The Perfect Studio Upgrade

Australian audio technology brand Rode creates microphones, audio software, and similar accessories.

Wide dynamic range

The Rode NT1-A vocal microphone is one of the best microphones on the market today. It’s an industry-standard condenser mic that delivers warmth and clarity to listeners.

This vocal mic has a wide dynamic range due to its neutral frequency response.

Thus, it’s the perfect studio microphone for singers who can reach the highest and lowest notes.

Cancels unnecessary noise

Lastly, this mic boasts an ultra-low self-noise, so you can rest assured that there’s no feedback whenever you’re recording vocals.

This makes it easier and faster to mix your tracks, ensuring there’s no unnecessary background noise.

A perfect upgrade option

Considering the features above, the Rode NT1-A is a great option for musicians wanting to upgrade from using USB microphones.

It will be more costly, but it’s an excellent start to investing in higher-quality microphones for vocals.

Artists using Rode

French DJ Madeon and American rapper Future are fans of this quality vocal microphone.

Madeon once recommended it to a fan via Twitter, while Future was seen using it as one of his studio microphones.

Shure SM7B: The Vocalist’s Workhorse

Shure is an American audio products corporation. They make microphones, in-ear monitors, and earphones, among many other music tools.

Specifically designed for vocals

One of their most famous creations is the Shure SM7B vocal microphone. It is a durable, dynamic mic specifically designed for vocals.

This equipment offers an astounding sound quality, emphasizing the singer’s vocals and making them pop.

Cardioid pickup pattern

It also has a cardioid pickup pattern that is great for handling noise. It is less sensitive to loud noises, perfectly capturing high and low notes when you record vocals.

Pre-installed pop filter

Last but not least, this cardioid mic has a pre-installed pop filter. With this, you don’t need to worry about how close you are to the microphone and disrupting the sound quality.

Artists using Shure

Music Week shares that the Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi used the Shure SM7B to record his newest album, “Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent,” set to release in May. Matthew Healy, The 1975’s vocalist, also uses this vocal microphone.

AKG C414 XLII: The Studio All-Rounder

Austrian audio company AKG is renowned for its range of microphones and headphones. The AKG C414 XLII vocal microphone is among their top offerings, designed for exceptional sound quality and versatility.

A studio favorite

The AKG C414 XLII is a popular choice for studio recording due to its multi-pattern capabilities and outstanding audio performance.

Its flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of recording applications, from vocals to instruments.

Multiple pickup patterns

This microphone features five selectable polar patterns: omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hyper-cardioid, and figure-8.

With these options, you can easily tailor the mic’s response to suit your recording needs, ensuring optimal results in various situations.

Enhanced presence

The AKG C414 XLII boasts a slight presence boost, which helps vocals cut through the mix with clarity and brilliance.

This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for singers who want their voice to stand out in a recording.

Artists using AKG

Legendary artists like Frank Sinatra and Adele have used AKG microphones in their recordings, a testament to the brand’s commitment to delivering top-notch sound quality.

Conclusion

Now that you know the top microphones for vocals, it’s time to elevate your voice! Try out these microphones and let us know which one works best for you.

If you enjoyed reading this, check out our other articles here at Composer Code. We’re dedicated to providing useful and practical information for musicians, singers, and audio enthusiasts alike.

Happy singing, and may you find the perfect microphone to bring out the best in your voice!