The best microphones for singing include a variety of tried-and-true dynamics and condensers for the stage and studio. In addition to certain newer mics that appeal to content creators looking for all-inclusive, multi-input recording packages. There’s no reason why a singer on a budget can’t take home something that genuinely inspires. Perhaps the legendary Shure SM7B or an acclaimed starter condenser like the Audio-Technica AT2020. Hear your voice shine like never before through one of the microphones we’ve chosen here. Whether you’re a performing musician, studio vocalist, or even a podcaster or livestreamer.
Microphones for Singing: Features
Dynamic vs Condenser
When it comes to the dynamic vs condenser microphone showdown, there are a few notable differences between the two types.
Dynamic microphones use an inner coil that moves in response to acoustic energy and generates an electrical signal. They’re considered physically durable and acoustically insensitive, capable of handling massive input volume before distorting. With this in mind, dynamic mics are usually considered less “hi-fi” than condensers.
Condenser microphones rely on a pair of charged metal plates to create a recordable signal in response to acoustic energy. Compared to dynamic mics, condensers are more sensitive in construction and sound reproduction. For this reason, they’re most frequently reserved for the studio, where condensers are favored for their detailed and accurate sonic characteristics.
Microphones for Singing on Stage vs Studio
To find the right microphone for singing, consider whether you’ll use it primarily as a stage microphone or a studio recording/live-streaming fixture. On stage, robust dynamics are the go-to choice. Based on their ruggedness and reliability. Many dynamic mics are handheld in design with built-in pop filters and internal shock mounts. If you stay in the studio, a condenser microphone may be the better choice. As they capture every nuanced detail of your voice in more pronounced fidelity.
XLR vs. USB
The standard professional microphone connection is XLR. It requires an external preamplifier to boost its mic signal to line level for recording. Audio interfaces contain a select number of preamps for this purpose. Moreover, they link your hardware studio gear and your recording software. On the other hand, USB vocal microphones are a convenient solution for live streamers, content creators, and casual musicians who desire high-quality sound without the fuss of an interface and XLR cables. USB mics have built-in preamps and are considered all-in-one devices for plug-and-play sound capture.
Polar Pattern
While not a significant consideration for most basic applications, understanding different polar patterns is essential for engineers and producers — professional and aspiring. Polar patterns determine the directionality of a microphone, including its sensitivity at different angles. The pattern you’ll see frequently — cardioid — is most sensitive at 0° on-axis and offers the most rejection at 180° off-axis. As you dive deeper into condenser microphones, many offer selectable polar patterns for varying techniques and usages.
Frequency Response
Frequency response is another critical feature to keep in mind. More than just the range it covers (e.g., 20Hz–20kHz), a vocal mic’s response refers to its overall EQ curve, including which frequencies it boosts and which it attenuates. A “flat” response captures sources naturally, while those with recognizable “color” may hype or subdue different areas.
Best Microphones for Singing
Rode NT1 Cardioid Mic
The RØDE NT1 (not to be confused with its sibling, the NT1-A) is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser. It features a smooth, even frequency response and exceptionally low self-noise. It also has a studio-ready bundle, including a shock mount and pop filter. This allows vocalists and creators to hit the ground running. The RØDE NT1 is noted for being an excellent value. Capturing crystal-clear, flat audio that translates perfectly to sung vocals, voiceover, and even broadcast. This workhorse condenser makes a fine addition to any studio. Also, it sounds great on acoustic guitar, strings, and other instruments.
Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic
The Shure SM7B is one of the most ubiquitous broadcast microphones ever made, first popularized by radio and film/TV applications before legendary engineer Bruce Swedien famously recorded Michael Jackson’s Thriller vocals with a vintage iteration of the microphone in 1982. Featuring a cardioid polar pattern, wide and flat frequency response, robust built-in pop filter, and an internalized air suspension system to eliminate handling noise, the Shure SM7B is still one of the finest vocal and broadcast microphones on the market. Use it on vocals, voiceover, podcasts, and live streams. Some users enjoy it on instruments, like snare drums and electric guitar cabinets.
Shure SM58-LC Vocal Mic
The Shure SM58 is widely regarded as the most famous handheld dynamic microphone in the world — if you’ve ever seen a singer clutch a microphone live, it was almost surely (pun intended) an SM58. Inexpensive and tough as nails, the 58 sports a rugged metal pop filter, internal shock mounting system, uniform cardioid pickup pattern, and an ultra-wide frequency response that is fine-tuned for vocals. Hit the stage or the studio with confidence that the Shure SM58 will reliably perform its best — even after a drop or several (hundred). Check out Julian Evans’ hands-on review of the SM58 for an even deeper look into the classic mic.
IK Multimedia iRig Stream Mic
IK Multimedia, known for its acclaimed iRig series of mobile interfaces for guitar and bass players, created a complete studio solution with the Stream Mic Pro. It couples a multi-pattern condenser microphone with a high-fidelity audio interface for iOS, Android, Mac, and PC. The iRig features a stereo auxiliary input and headphone output. Switchable polar patterns include cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8, and stereo. Practically, you could record a group podcast or conference call on omnidirectional, use figure-8 to capture a face-to-face interview, switch to stereo for instruments and ensembles, or keep it on cardioid for vocals, voiceover, and solo sources. This is an all-in-one package that simplifies audio for a multitude of creators.
Sennheiser e 935
The Sennheiser e 935 is a premium handheld dynamic microphone for singing, with a specially tailored frequency response of 40Hz–16kHz using a neodymium capsule that stands up to extreme sound pressure levels like those found on stage. Its internally shock-mounted capsule absorbs handling noise, and the e 935 also features a hum-compensating coil to minimize buzz associated with dirty power or bad grounds. Unlike certain dynamic mics, the Sennheiser e 935 boasts impressively fast transient reproduction, so it never misses the details of a spirited performance.
Audio-Technica AT2020
Audio-Technica’s AT2020 is one of the top affordable workhorse condensers for home and project studios. It incorporates a linear, full-spectrum frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz, superior transient response, low self-noise, and high SPL tolerance. Part of its design genius is a low-mass diaphragm that effortlessly captures the natural details of performance or voiceover while being sturdy enough to handle loud sound sources with minimal distortion. The AT2020 is an outstanding starter condenser for vocalists, and it’s affordable enough to be purchased in pairs for studio enthusiasts hoping to record instruments and ensembles using stereo miking techniques.
Conclusion
Whichever you choose, the best microphones for singing vocals also work well on many other sources. Suppose you’re an aspiring engineer or producer. In that case, you can’t go wrong with workhorses like the SM58, AT2020, NT1, and SM7B, all of which can be used to record vocals and instruments. The iRig Stream Mic Pro offers something else altogether, which is perfect for content creators seeking a quality microphone and audio interface in one intuitive unit. Serious stage performers will love the quality of the Sennheiser e 935. At the same time, the Shure SM58 once again makes its appearance as the most enduring handheld dynamic microphone the world has seen. In any case, the top microphones for singing, recording, and broadcasting all deliver exceptional quality without breaking the bank.
