Which microphone should I use for singing?

Singing is a remarkable tool for conveying a message or an opinion . To make it more alive, the singer adds emotion (joy, sadness, melancholy, etc.) in order to better attract the audience's attention and touch them deeply. To have this effect, the song must have a certain sound making it perfectly audible . Beautiful, catchy music to support the voice is, of course, essential. But without a clear, detailed vocal recording , the audience will have difficulty understanding the messages in the song and it will be difficult for them to capture the emotions conveyed. Hence the importance of using a good microphone .

Cardioid, super-cardioid, condenser, or dynamic, which one should you use to record vocals? Opinions on this subject vary from one sound engineer to another since everyone has their own preferences. However, if you are looking for the right microphone suitable for your voice recording projects , this guide is for you. We review the best microphones for singing currently available on the market. We tell you about their technical specifications, their advantages and their price.

Shure SM58

Our list of best mics for singing and vocal recording would be incomplete without the Shure SM58. This unidirectional microphone has shone so much during its existence that it has become a benchmark for use on stage. However, many artists use it in the studio to record their vocals. This is the case for U2 or Björk.

If the Shure SM58 has become a legend, it's because it has quality to spare . Belonging to the category of dynamic microphones , it is perfectly suited to close-up vocal recording . Simply align the source to its axis to have a warm sound with great detail. Thus, sounds in front are isolated, those to the sides are attenuated, and those behind are completely eliminated. Reverb is neutralized once the microphone is aimed at the sound source.

With a frequency response of 50 Hz to 15 kHz perfectly clear and crisp voice sound . Its curve indicates a bump in the midrange, proof of its sensitivity to this frequency range in which the voice generally falls.

Lightweight, but extremely robust, the Shure SM58 allows the singer great maneuverability and total freedom of movement on stage . Its steel shell is topped with a metal grille serving as a windbreak and pop filter. The microphone capsule is carefully protected inside it.

The advantage of the Shure SM58 is that it will never let the singer down on stage. At some point, when the mood rises and the surrounding environment becomes noisier, the sound from this microphone rises above all others, while perfectly isolating the sound source it is capturing.

The use of this handheld microphone in the studio is certainly less common, but it can be used as a second microphone for vocals or for musical instruments, notably brass, drum elements (except bass drum), and the guitars.

Priced at around 105 euros , the Shure SM58 is easy to use even if it provides high-end results corresponding to the expectations of most artists. Microphone for singing par excellence, it is renowned for its robustness which makes it almost indestructible . Buying a Shure SM58 microphone is a long-term investment.

MXL 770

The MXL 770 is a cardioid condenser microphone ideally suited to recording vocals or speech. Even though it is entry-level recording equipment, it includes a whole range of high-quality electronic components , which allows it to offer excellent value for money.

pressure gradient condenser microphones . In other words, it is assigned to the proximity effect resulting in a boost of low frequencies when the source of the sound to be recorded is very close to the microphone. Note that both sides of its diaphragm (cardioid directivity) capture the sound.

With a frequency response of 30 Hz to 20 kHz , this microphone is perfectly suited to recording vocals . Very easy to configure and use, it faithfully reproduces typical sound frequencies in a clear and understandable voice. The low frequencies offer a very balanced response , and the highs are attenuated to prevent background noise polluting the high frequencies. Additionally, this microphone is suitable for capturing loud sources given its SPL of 137 dB max .

As for the design and finish of the MXL 770, its shell and the grille enclosing its capsule are a discreet, but very elegant matte black. Its solid and robust construction guarantees it resistance to any test .

Offered at an average price of 121.89 euros , the MXL 770 comes with a hard storage case. As it is a condenser microphone, do not forget to connect it to a +48 V phantom power supply .

Basing yourself solely on the price criterion to estimate the quality of a microphone is not valid with the MXL 770. Indeed, despite its low price, this microphone should not be underestimated in terms of quality since it can compete with other microphones more expensive than it.

Blue YETI X Professional USB

The Blue YETI X Professional USB is a USB microphone intended primarily for recording vocals and speech . Being an omnidirectional microphone, it offers very clear and warm 2.0 stereo sound It tolerates a maximum SPL level of 120 dB , which allows it to properly record the sound of the voice, without losing the slightest detail.

Offering a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz , the Blue YETI X Professional USB enhances the voice and faithfully reproduces the subtleties characterizing the vocal timbre of the singer. This omnidirectional microphone is equipped with an illuminated VU meter allowing you to see in real time the level of the source to be captured.

Another strong point : the microphone volume can be adjusted directly from the microphone. To record the voice against a background of pre-recorded music, simply put the music in a USB media and plug it into the USB port of the microphone. The singer just has to start the music and he can start recording.

The Blue YETI X Professional micro-USB is certainly designed for use more in a home studio than in a professional studio. However, it can serve as a second stereo microphone , or even be used live with some arrangements.

Offered at an average price of 167.98 euros , with a best price at 159 euros , the Blue YETI X Professional USB is very simple to use, which is very suitable for home use.

Audio-Technica AT2035

The Audio-Technica AT2035 is the happy medium between its brother, the cheaper AT2020, and its other brother, more expensive Audio-Technica AT2050 large diaphragm, side-adjustable cardioid condenser microphone .

It is suitable for recording in the studio as well as on stage. Designed with a polar pattern, it mainly records sound applied to it centrally, and it only picks up a very low level of feedback. It focuses on the source to be recorded and isolates unwanted sounds coming from the back and sides.

The Audio-Technica AT2035 is equipped with an 80 Hz high-pass filter to neutralize unnecessary low-frequency rumble. It also features a switchable 10 dB attenuator to manage a source whose high level is likely to cause analog distortion or signal peaks.

This feature is useful for recording when the artist must sing very close to the microphone or when the equipment must be placed in front of a guitar or bass cabinet amp in order to capture the sound. The AT2035 microphone from Audio-Technica produces particularly soft and natural sound . It owes this performance to the width of its diaphragm as well as its very low noise design.

In addition, it perfectly withstands high sound pressure levels. Thanks to its wide dynamic range , this microphone is suitable for recording all types of sound sources, whether acoustic or electric.

Offered at an average price of 180 euros , with a best price of 160.40 euros , the Audio-Technica AT2035 is considered an entry-level microphone at an attractive price. Even if it cannot compete with the most expensive microphones, it allows you to record the voice with precision , thus favoring obtaining a rendering rich in detail. However, it should be used in a quiet room, as its sensitivity level is quite high.

The Audio-Technica AT2035 comes with a storage pouch, an SM6 shock mount for better isolation, a pop filter, an adapter for attaching it to a microphone stand or boom, and a high-end XLR cable .

AKG ProAudio P420

AKG is one of the world's largest manufacturers of microphones and audio accessories. The brand's very first dynamic cardioid microphone dates back to the 1950s. Several decades later, the company released one of the best microphones on the market: the AKG ProAudio P420. This is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that comes in several models.

double diaphragm design , it has 3 selectable polar directivities, namely omnidirectional, cardioid, and shape 8, thus confirming its versatility. Even though this microphone was designed for singing and speech , it can be used to capture a wide variety of sounds.

With a built-in -20dB attenuator , the AKG ProAudio P420 supports high SPL sources, up to an impressive 155dB . With such a wide dynamic range, drums, bass guitar, orchestral instruments, or other louder sound sources can be easily captured. The result will be clean and perfectly audible .

This microphone also incorporates a 300Hz low-cut filter to effectively eliminate unnecessary low frequencies. With a signal-to-noise ratio of 79 dB , it produces clear, clean sound, with virtually no audible background noise. Its robust design and highly resistant black metal body guarantee a high dynamic range.

Offered at an average price of 185 euros , with a best price at 171 euros , the AKG ProAudio P420 comes with a spider shock mount as well as an aluminum storage case. To get an excellent result from use, it should be used in a quiet room , as it is very sensitive . It also requires the use of a preamplifier, an external sound card, or a mixing board.

The Rode NT1-A

The Rode brand is known for the high-quality audio equipment it produces. Among them is the Rode NT1-A. This is a large diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone particularly suitable for recording vocals in a professional studio, on stage or at home. Being versatile, it is also suitable for capturing other sound sources , in this case acoustic or electric musical instruments.

The Rode NT1-A condenser microphone primarily picks up sounds located on its axis. As a result, it only produces a very low level of handling noise or unwanted surrounding environment. Equipped with a heavy diaphragm and a capsule with a gold-plated membrane , this microphone is very little subject to vibrations and noise pollution.

When used for vocal recording, the Rode NT-1A provides exceptionally warm sound . With its frequency response of 20 Hz to 20kHz and its wide dynamic range of +132 dB , this microphone produces clear sound and can handle high sound pressure.

However, it is super quiet since it only generates an own noise level (A-weighting) of 5dBA , which is very low. It owes this remarkable performance not only to the high quality of its surface-mounted electronic circuit, but also to its gold-plated connectors ensuring better signal transfer .

The nickel-plated look and satin finish of the Rode NT1-A speaks volumes about its build quality. The microphone is delivered with a spider suspension, a pop filter which is attached to the suspension, a 6 meter XLR cable, and a pouch allowing storage away from dust.

As it is a condenser microphone, the Rode NT1-A must be plugged into an external +48V phantom power in order to operate. Priced at less than 200 euros with all-inclusive accessories, with a current best price of 138 euros , the Rode NT1-A offers excellent value for money.

SE Electronics sE2200a II

The sE2200a II is an improved version of the famous sE2200a which has enjoyed great sales success. This is a multipolarity condenser microphone produced by the company SE Electronics. In other words, its polarity can instantly reverse during use. With cardioid, omni, or figure-8 polar patterns, the sE2200a II features a hand-designed gold-plated dual diaphragm

Some microphones are better suited to soft acoustic sounds and struggle to handle high SPLs. On the contrary, others are more comfortable with high SPLs, but lose detail when used to capture a soft sound source.

The advantage of the SE Electronics sE2200a II is that it can handle both cases perfectly, making it a versatile microphone offering a wide dynamic range . Its very low noise floor allows it to produce a clean signal when recording from a soft source. This is particularly the case when the singer must whisper or speak in a low voice.

Conversely, with a max SPL of 130 dB , it can be used to record loud sounds like those from drum elements, such as the snare drum. 10 dB pad attenuator and a high-pass filter help to better manage the signal and eliminate unwanted frequencies .

In terms of design, that of the SE Electronics sE2200a II has been carefully thought out to attract attention. Its black rubber paint not only makes it very stylish, but also helps to dampen resonances. Robustness and high manufacturing quality are obviously there.

Offered at an average price of 229 euros , with a best price at 200 euros , the SE Electronics sE2200a II offers good value for money. It can serve as a first or second microphone for a studio. It comes with a shockproof support and its pop filter has been integrated into the compartment housing its capsule. Note that the sE2200a II belongs to the category of condenser microphones. Therefore, it needs a +48V phantom power supply .

The Shure SM7B

Shure no longer needs to be introduced to audio enthusiasts and professionals. Most of the time, the brand serves as a benchmark for microphone quality . The Shure SM57 , SM58, and SH55 mic are some of the company's best products.

For recording singing vocals , the Shure SM7B is the ideal candidate. This is a classic cardioid polar pattern dynamic microphone. It is considered best for use in a recording studio or broadcast studio (radio, TV set, etc.).

Suitable for any environment, the SM7B offers a flat, wide-range frequency response . This makes it suitable for both recording vocal tracks and producing podcasts.

More expensive compared to the SM58, the Shure SM7B provides a softer and warmer voice sound thanks to its frequency bandwidth of 50Hz to 20kHz . It also benefits from more technical features than the SM58.

It benefits in particular from a midrange boost making voices more natural and more present . A built-in low cut filter helps reduce unwanted low frequencies. Another built-in filter contributes with its anti-interference shielding to neutralize hum caused by magnetic field and electrostatic interference from computer screens.

In terms of sound quality, the Shure SM7B microphone is certified and credited by many renowned artists who have already used it. Examples include James Hetfield from Metallica and Anthony Keidis from Red Hot Chili Peppers. The late Michael Jackson himself used it for the recording of his famous album “Thriller”, which remains to this day the best-selling album of all time.

In terms of manufacturing, the Shure SM7B is no exception to all the other microphones of the brand, since the quality and robustness are there. However, to obtain a better result with this microphone, it should be used with a more powerful preamplifier , as it is quite power-hungry.

Offered at an average price of 379 euros , with a best price at 341 euros , the Shure SM7B comes with a clip and a windshield.

Sennheiser MD 421-II

Sennheiser is famous throughout the world for the quality of the audio equipment it produces. The Sennheiser MD 421-II is one of the best representatives of the brand and also one of its best-selling products. This is a very popular microphone among recording professionals and has been for decades. It must be said that its voice capture performance is excellent.

Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use , the Sennheiser MD 421-II is versatile. In other words, it is not only used for recording vocals and speech, but also for capturing sound from musical instruments, including guitars, brass, and even drums, including bass drums. . Note that it can cope with high sound pressures, of the order of 130 dB max .

With its full-bodied cardioid , the Sennheiser MD 421-II has a feature to adjust low frequencies based on five settings. Therefore, it offers various tonal options allowing it to adapt to any instrument while providing clear and natural sound reproduction, even if the source is placed very close to it.

This microphone faithfully reproduces a wide range of sounds it captures, especially those rich in mids and bass. The highs sound clearer, the mids are balanced, and the bass is deep. In short, the sound is perfectly balanced .

With its frequency response of 30 Hz to 17 kHz , the Sennheiser MD 421-II manages feedback rejection very well. Effectively reducing unwanted background sounds and noise, this microphone is suitable not only for recording vocals, but also for live broadcasts.

In terms of build quality, the German brand proudly presents the steel and tempered glass composite construction of the MD 421-II. The latter is renowned for its resistance and robustness .

Offered at 395 euros , with a best price at 375 euros , the MD 421-II is suitable for home studio as well as a large number of environments. It comes with a mic tripod mount with 3/8 thread.

Neumann TLM 102

The Neumann name is very popular with audiophiles, audio engineers, and home studio and professional studio owners. If this brand is so famous around the world, it is because it inspires quality and robustness in terms of audio equipment, particularly with microphones.

Developed by the Neumann company, the TLM 102 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone intended for home or professional studio recording. Its cardioid polar pattern allows it to withstand very high SPLs .

Therefore, it can adapt to sources with high sound pressure, notably the various elements of the battery. It is also suitable for capturing sound from low volume sources thanks to its fast transient response rate . But where he excels is in recording vocals .

In fact, it restores extremely correct sound for any type of voice. Hisses, breathing noises, and all other annoying noises are automatically eliminated, despite the high sensitivity of this microphone.

The Neumann TLM 102 microphone is characterized by a dominant vocal presence . It slightly raises the bands around 6 kHz , which provides a subtle shine making vocal corrections easier when mixing.

As a result, the words are significantly more audible and understandable . You get a clearer, more present bass sound down to less than 6 kHz , with minimal coloration. The advantage of this microphone is that it is suitable for use in a home studio, even if the acoustics in the room leave something to be desired.

Offered at an average price of 625 euros , the Neumann TLM 102 remains relatively affordable compared to the brand's other microphones. It comes with an elastic suspension cage to reduce the risk of capturing unwanted noise. A pop filter has been introduced into the grille compartment to prevent boom noises .

As it is a condenser microphone, the TLM 102 must be connected to a +48V phantom power supply to operate. This studio microphone is perfect for professional use.

Warm Audio WA-47

The Warm Audio WA-47 is a microphone designed for recording in professional or home studios. It can be used to capture sounds from various sound sources, in this case drums, piano, guitars, brass, etc., and it has the particularity of being suitable for any type of voice .

large diaphragm condenser microphone produces a very high quality , sought after by many artists. It owes its versatility to its 9 directivities namely omni, cardioid, figure 8, and six other polar diagrams that can be chosen from the external power supply.

Design-wise, the Warm Audio WA-47 is inspired by the classic '47 with which some of the best hits of the last 50 years were recorded. The classic '47 is so expensive today that it is rarely seen in recording studios anymore. Fortunately, the soft, vintage and warm sound that characterizes it is faithfully reproduced by the WA-47 which offers an identical frequency response.

The WA-47 capsule is manufactured by an Australian company . Designed with a pattern of holes similar to that of the classic '47, it is subject to particular care during the manufacturing line to allow better sound transmission .

The vacuum tube, capacitors, output transformer, and all other components of this microphone have been carefully selected to reproduce the unique sound of the Classique'47.

Among the advantages of the WA-47 is the high quality of its components . In particular, we should mention the 7-pin GAC-7 cable connecting the microphone to its power supply. Supplied by the Swiss company Gotham Kabel, this high-end cable ensures a more airy passage of the signal , thus allowing a wider stereo sound to be obtained compared to cheap cables.

Its other advantage is its price around 900 euros with a better price at 800 euros . Offering a faithful recreation of a legendary microphone at an affordable price is not only a source of pride for Warm Audio, but also a real challenge.