While there are standard desktop mics and headset mics that can record voice input, the overall recording quality of such units is not on par with a microphone designed specifically for vocals. Therefore, we are here with the best microphones we could find on the market for vocal recordings and other similar applications. But before we get to our picks, let us take a look at some crucial factors that affect the overall performance and quality of these microphones.
Polar Pattern: The polar pattern of a mic, or any recording device for that matter, indicates the ability of the microphone to pick up sound. As you can imagine, a lot of users would want the microphone to pick up only the sounds they want to be recorded, instead of all the external noise and disturbance. Therefore, a lot of users go with a cardioid or unidirectional microphone. But if you are recording in a completely silent room, you might find a bidirectional or omnidirectional mic more useful. Control Options: There are a lot of parameters that you constantly need to change when you are using a mic, just like your speakers. For the mic, you should be able to quickly mute the mic with the press of a button instead of going through the system and disabling the input from your system. Another important control option is the gain control, allowing you to change the gain on the go. Some USB microphones also offer a quick change bipolar pickup pattern that some might find useful. Connectivity: A great microphone for a desktop system is one that can be easily connected to any system without any problem. Therefore, the most connectivity option that you will find on most microphones on the market is the standard USB connection. But if you are buying a microphone for advanced applications like recording your voice or voiceovers for your videos, you might pick one that has multiple connectivity options such as XLR connectors or a 3.5 mm analog option.
Microphones, whether we are talking about standard lapel mics or advanced desktop microphones, are quite complicated peripherals and there is a lot more to know before you can decide which option is the best pick for your application. And since there are a lot of options in the market for a microphone, it might be difficult to study all options in depth. Therefore, we have created this list of the best microphones which are best suited for vocals. We will be offering all necessary information with each of our picks along with a helpful “Buying Guide” to lead you towards the best option for your needs.
Best Microphone For Vocals
Best Microphone For Vocals Reviews
1. Logitech Microphone For Vocals
Logitech is one of the most famous brands in the market for computer accessories and gadgets. Since Logitech designs the best mice, keyboards, headphones, and other accessories, it is not surprising to find a similarly decent microphone coming from Logitech.
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Coming at the top position on our list, we have the most popular and preferred option for streamers, youtubers, and content creators coming from Logitech. The Logitech Blue Yeti USB Microphone is the best microphone designed for such applications and it certainly has the feature set for it. First of all, this unit offers a custom 3-capsule design, offering 4 different recording modes that are cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, and stereo sound pickup modes. With that, you can expect the best audio quality from the Logitech Blue Yeti USB Microphone for all kinds of applications. To further improve the performance of the mic, you can use it with the blue voice software designed to work with this mic. In this software, you will find various sound modulation options as well as extra effects that you can add to the recorded sound. On the mic itself, you will find various control options such as mute button, pattern selection, gain control, etc. Best Features:
It has USB, 3.5 mm audio jack connectivity options It features Unidirectional, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, and stereo input patterns This mic has a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz Supports blue voice software for further enhancements
Pros:
Best option for streamers and content creators Unique 3-capsule design Multiple onboard control options
Cons:
A bit expensive compared to other standard desktop microphones
2. Shure Microphone For Vocals
When it comes to studio-grade audio equipment, Shure is a brand that is preferred by a lot of buyers. Shure manages to deliver high-quality audio peripherals within an affordable price range. The Shure SM58LC is one of the best studio-grade options we have picked for our list of the best microphones for vocals. With a standard professional microphone design, the Shure SM58LC offers a cardioid polar pickup pattern, making it a good choice for vocal recordings. The frequency response range of the Shure SM58LC also ranges from 50 Hz all the way up to 15 kHz, catering to your recording needs. The Shure SM58LC also ensures enhanced midrange notes along with bass roll control to further improve the vocal quality. You will also notice a proximity effect with this microphone due to the cardioid pickup pattern. It helps to differentiate between the primary vocals and background noises and isolate the sound you wish to record. It also has a built-in wind and pop filter so you won’t need to buy one additionally. Best Features:
It has XLR connectivity option It features Unidirectional input pattern This mic has a frequency range of 50 Hz to 15 kHz Enhanced midrange notes with bass roll-off feature
Pros:
Studio-grade option for a microphone Cardioid pickup pattern Built-in pop and wind filter
Cons:
Frequency range could have been better
3. MAONO Microphone For Vocals
If you are looking for a complete audio recording set instead of just a mic, then the following option from MAONO will definitely suit your needs. This brand specifically caters to the needs of those who use audio recording equipment for professional applications. The MAONO studio set is ranked at 3rd position on our list of the best microphone for vocals since it is more than just a microphone. Instead, it is a complete set which might be just the set you need to complete your in-house studio setup. This set includes a cardioid microphone, a studio headphone, and lots of accessories needed to set up and use the set for vocal recordings. The microphone in this set has a 16 mm diameter and works at a sampling range of 192 kHz with a frequency response ranging from 30 Hz to 16 kHz. As for the headphones, the MAONO studio set includes pretty high-end headphones operating with 50 mm drivers to give you an immersive audio experience. They also feature advanced noise-reduction technology so that you can focus on your work and understand what your mic is recording with utmost clarity. And in terms of design, these headphones are simply the best as they have a flexible body with foldable ear cups. Best Features:
It has USB, 3.5 mm audio jack connectivity options It features Unidirectional input pattern This mic has a frequency range of 30 Hz to 16 kHz Complete studio set including headphones and accessories
Pros:
It comes with a lot of accessories including 6.35 mm adapter for mixers Ergonomic design for both, microphone as well as headphone Sampling rate and frequency response is pretty good
Cons:
Not the best option if you already own decent pair of headphones
4. Rode Microphone For Vocals
If you are into listening to podcasts from various famous podcast artists, you are probably already familiar with the brand Rode. There is a wide selection of audio recording devices manufactured by Rode that are preferred by professionals. Even though Rode is quite a premium brand for audio recording devices, it also offers some budget options for those who are looking for a beginner’s microphone for vocal recordings. One such option is the Rode PodMic Broadcast. As the name suggests, this microphone is specially designed to be used for podcasts where voice and vocals are equally as important as the content itself. And to offer connectivity with additional sound modulation and monitoring devices, it also offers XLR connectivity. As for the mic quality itself, the Rode PodMic Broadcast is a broadcast-quality microphone that usually does not require any further audio processing and offers an output ready to be broadcast. You will get rich and dense sound output from this microphone without any disturbances due to the internal pop filter. The Rode PodMic Broadcast manages to minimize the plosives in your vocals and even vibration sounds with the shock mount. Best Features:
It has XLR connectivity option It features a Unidirectional input pattern This mic has a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz Possible to use with advanced audio recording gear
Pros:
Preferred choice of experienced professionals Minimizes plosives from vocals Great option for the budget
Cons:
More accessories should have been included
5. TONOR Microphone For Vocals
Up next, we have one more budget option for a microphone that can perform pretty well for vocal recordings. This option is coming from TONOR which includes many essential accessories with the ic so that you won’t have to buy anything extra. The TONOR Condenser Microphone is yet another great budget option we have found for this list of the best microphones. This is also a cardioid microphone offering a reliable unidirectional polar pickup pattern along with a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, which is wider than many other premium picks on the market. The upgraded design for the mic capsule of this microphone includes a low-noise preamp, offering a wide dynamic range for recording. The TONOR Condenser Microphone completely eliminates the sound coming from the sides and rear of the mic and focuses only on what’s coming from the front. This is also a complete set of microphone accessories as you will find a boom arm, metal shock mount, pop filter, mic cover, connectivity cable, and even cable ties to manage the cables once you have finished setting up the mic. The boom arm included with this microphone is also quite durable since it is made up of steel and has a large desk clamp to offer stable installation. Best Features:
It has XLR connectivity option It features Unidirectional input pattern This mic has a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz Complete accessory kit included with the mic
Pros:
Highly adjustable boom arm Wide dynamic range High SPL handling
Cons:
Requires external power source to operate
Best Features:
It has USB connectivity option It features Unidirectional input pattern Most affordable option for a unidirectional mic Comes with a 3-legged stand
Pros:
No assembly is necessary to use the mic It has a mute button Suitable for entry-level applications
Cons:
Frequency range should have been better
7. Sennheiser Microphone For Vocals
If you are an audiophile, you are probably wearing headphones made by Sennheiser while reading this guide since it is one of the most sought-after brands for high-quality audio devices. If you need a similarly high-end microphone, check out this option from Sennheiser. The Sennheiser Professional E 945 is one of the premium options we have for the best microphones for vocals. Just by looking at the unit, you can tell that it is a professional-grade microphone with a standard studio microphone design. Not only that, but it also offers a super-cardioid voice pickup pattern to provide excellent noise cancellation. Plus the fell-metal body of the Sennheiser Professional E 945 makes it a reliable option for long-term applications. With the shock-mounted capsule, you can expect little to no disturbances in your recording sessions with the Sennheiser Professional E 945. It has a very low sensitivity to impacts and handling noises, making your recordings flawless. It also has a hum compensating coil that minimizes the effect of electrical interference and makes sure that only your voice will pass through the mic. Overall, the voice picked up by the Sennheiser Professional E 945 is rich, and detailed, and it can really reach out to your audience. Best Features:
It has XLR-3 connectivity option It features Uni-directional input pattern This mic has a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20kHz Used by professionals for performances
Pros:
Super-cardioid polar pickup pattern Shock-mounted capsule Hum compensating coil to reduce electrical interference
Cons:
Very expensive microphone from this list
8. FIFINE Microphone For Vocals
FIFINE has also come up with a great choice for a microphone, especially if you are a gamer or streamer. Unlike any other option on this list, the FIFINE mic has many integrated features suitable for such applications. The FIFINE USB Gaming Microphone is the best option for gamers as you might have noticed the RGB illumination on the mic. But, the FIFINE USB Gaming Microphone not only looks and, but also performs very well with 16 bit, 48 kHz sampling rate, and cardioid polar pickup pattern. And unlike most other mics that have a physical mute button, the FIFINE USB Gaming Microphone offers a soft-touch mute button for even better access. You can also check the status of the mic via the LED indicator present on the mic. Apart from that, there is a large dial present on the mic body for controlling the gain. So, you will be able to control the input volume of your mic swiftly without needing to minimize whatever program or game running on your desktop. The FIFINE USB Gaming Microphone is compatible with most gaming systems, whether you are using a Windows PC, a macOS system, or a console such as Xbox or PlayStation. Best Features:
It has USB connectivity option It features Unidirectional input pattern One of the best options in terms of design It has RGB lights along with LED indicator
Pros:
Best option for gamers and content creators Plug-and-play type microphone Easy mute control along with gain control
Cons:
Average performance compared to other premium choices
9. Audio-Technica Microphone For Vocals
Audio-Technica is also a well-renowned brand around the globe known for its audiophile-grade headphones and audio accessories. If you are also a fan of Audio-Technica’s product quality, then this microphone from the same brand won’t disappoint you. The Audio-Technica AT2020USB+PK is also one of the premium and best microphones present on the market right now. This is also a condenser microphone with USB connectivity to offer universal compatibility with all systems. There is a high-quality AD converter present in the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+PK that manages to offer a 16-bit, 48 kHz sampling rate with this mic. The mic itself has a dedicated headphone jack along with a volume control knob to allow real-time audio monitoring. In terms of design, Audio-Technica has managed to introduce great sound isolation on this mic via the circumaural design. Therefore, you can record your vocals even in a loud environment or on a noisy day and won’t see much of a difference. It also comes with a boom arm and premium-quality headphones, offering you a complete set. As for the headphones, you will get the signature Audio-Technica sound quality from the 40 mm rare earth magnet drivers and an enhanced low-frequency tuning of these cans. Best Features:
It has USB connectivity option It features Unidirectional input pattern This mic has a frequency range of 15 Hz to 20kHz Complete audio setup from Audio-Technica
Pros:
One of the best options in terms of sound quality Mic has a headphone jack for audio monitoring Included headphones are pretty great
Cons:
Not the best option if you already have a an audiophile-level headphone
10. Electro-Voice Microphone For Vocals
For the last position on our list of the best microphones, we have saved the most premium option from Electro-Voice. Apart from this mic, there are a lot of other sound peripherals like speakers, column systems, subwoofers, etc. designed by Electro-Voice that are currently being used for professional sound artists. The Electro-Voice RE20 is our final choice for the best microphone suitable for vocals. This is certainly the only option for you if you haven’t found a compatible microphone on this list so far. While you will have to spend a lot more on this microphone, its performance surely outweighs its cost. This is a dynamic cardioid microphone that manages to deliver a quality close to a professional condenser studio mic. With this mic, you can expect a smooth and natural voice output, making it a great choice to record vocals with. As for the design, there is barely any competition to the Electro-Voice RE20. It has a variable-D design including a heavy-duty pop filter on the inside. This allows manual voice modulation and a distinct output from close-in voice input. There is also a shock mount on the Electro-Voice RE20, minimizing any noise or interference caused by vibrations. There is also magnetic shielding provided to the Electro-Voice RE20 that can eliminate the humming sound generated by electrical interference. Best Features:
Most premium choice for a microphone It features Unidirectional input pattern Variable-D design Offers a smooth and natural sound
Pros:
Perfect option for professional vocalists It has a built-in heavy-duty pop filter Extremely rugged build quality
Cons:
Not the best option for beginners and entry-level artists
Buying Guide For The Best Microphone For Vocals
Even though microphones are pretty common nowadays and almost all laptop and desktop webcams already feature a built-in microphone, these microphones are basic options that simply pick up a flat sound. Some of these options are of no use to someone who wishes to use their microphones for creative applications such as recording vocals or sounds. For that, there is a special range of microphones available that can pick up detailed sound with many additional features useful for such creators. Today, we have brought you a list of such microphones that can be the best option for recording vocals. But before you decide which option is right for you, make sure you check out our buying guide for the best microphones in order to understand what you’re buying and what you can expect from it in terms of application and performance. In this buying guide, we will go through some of the crucial features of a microphone and tell you how these features affect the overall performance and quality of the microphone in the long run.
1. Connectivity Options
Before you start checking the features and specifications of a microphone, you should first check the available connectivity options of the said microphone. The mic won’t be of any use to you if you simply cannot connect it to your system to record the content you wish to record. While it is still possible to buy additional accessories like connectors or signal converters, these accessories will degrade the input quality of the mic unless you are buying a premium unit. Therefore, we will suggest you check the connectivity option of the mic before anything else. If you are going to connect your mic directly to your laptop or desktop computer, you should pick up an option that has a USB connectivity option. A USB port is available on every single system these days and it resolves the connectivity issues for you. On the other hand, for advanced mic applications, you will need some other connectivity options like a 3.5 mm jack or XLR connector. While these connectivity options are superior in comparison, you must also invest in additional audio interface devices to get the best out of your mics.
2. Polar Pattern
When it comes to microphones, the most important characteristic of these devices that can define their overall quality and performance is their polar pattern. As you know, professional microphones, unlike the ones that are available in headsets and webcams, are capable of picking up audio from only a certain direction and disregarding anything else coming from anywhere but that direction. Such options are absolutely perfect for vocal recordings since you obviously want your microphone to pick up only your vocals and cut out background noise, even if it is white noise. Therefore, the most popular microphone options for vocal recordings offer cardioid or unidirectional polar pickup patterns. The polar pattern basically tells you how the mic is going to react to the incoming sounds. As the name suggests, unidirectional mics record the sounds coming from the front of the mic only. These options manage to cancel out the background sounds without needing any additional software. But with that, you will also lose the input quality a little bit since these mics don’t sound natural. If you want a perfect imitation of your mic, you should create a completely soundproof room and record with an omnidirectional microphone.
3. Control Options
Control options are essential to have on the microphone. While options don’t actually affect the pickup quality or the performance of the microphone, they simply make the unit easy to use and add some extra functionality to the mic. One basic control option that you must get on your mic is the mute option. You never know when you would want to stop the recording urgently and it is not possible to do so via the system settings or the software you are using as you will have to browse through various settings and stop the mic. Instead, you can simply use the mute button on your mic and it will stop recording all inputs instantly. Therefore, almost all microphones feature a mute button at the front for quick access. There are some additional control options that might be useful for creative applications, especially for vocal recordings, such as polar pattern switch, audio monitoring options, profile switch, gain control, and much more. With more control options, your microphone will become more versatile in nature and will allow you to use the unit for multiple applications.
4. Additional Accessories
A microphone is probably the most intricate piece of hardware you will own as it needs many additional accessories to set up and use. You cannot simply buy the mic and start using it right away. If you want a permanent mic installation on your desk, you also need an adjustable boom arm for your mic. With that, you can adjust the orientation of the mic and keep it close to you without changing your sitting position. There are some accessories that are essential for a vocal mic such as a pop filter, shock mount, and much more. Since it might increase your expenditure by quite a lot if you were to buy all these accessories separately, you should look for an option that comes included with all of these accessories. It increases the overall value of the product and allows you to use the unit right after opening the box. Some microphones designed for studio applications also feature a similarly high-end headphone in the set so that you can get decent equipment for sound input as well as output. Apart from that, if you need additional audio monitoring hardware, you should probably buy one along with the mic.
Conclusion:
If you are familiar with content creation and other creative desktop tasks such as recording vocals or voiceovers, you must know the importance of using the right microphone for the job. There are many different types of microphones available in the market that are designed to serve specific purposes. While the microphones available in our webcams and headsets are right for basic applications such as calls and online meetings, these options won’t offer the quality needed for vocal recordings. The microphones that do offer such quality are special desktop mics designed for streamers and content creators, or studio microphones. Therefore, we have brought you this list of the best microphones available on the market that will offer a desirable performance regarding vocal recordings. You can find all the related information about these products along with our picks as well as in our buying guide for these microphones. But if you need any more help, check out our top recommendations from this list. Comment * Name * Email * Website
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