What’s the Best Microphone for Singing? An Ultimate Guide

Music equipment is often underestimated, and this is especially true of capturing vocals. However, picking the best vocal microphone isn’t just opting for a reassuringly expensive one. It’s finding a mic that suits the essence of your voice, as well as the vision you have for the track or performance.

After all, while it is often ideal for many artists, great music doesn’t always showcase high-fidelity sound (think Joy Division vs Ed Sheeran).

So how do you choose?

However, with so many options available, and conflicting options, selecting the ‘right’ microphone can be tricky. Finding one that suits your vocal characteristics and the specific demands of your environment is essential.

This choice significantly impacts the sound quality of your vocals, influencing both your performance and the listener’s experience. At TYX recording studios, we’ve learned a lot about what creates great vocals. In this ultimate guide, we’ll try to make this decision easy for you.

That being said, if you’re not with us at our studios, we couldn’t possibly advise on what mic is best for you. Ultimately, it’s up to you to figure that out and choose a microphone that blends

Table of contents

1. How does a microphone work?
2. What’s unique about recording the human voice?
3. Understanding polar patterns
4. Dynamic or condenser? That depends…
5. Factors to consider when choosing a vocal microphone
6. The best vocal microphones for live performances
7. What’s the best vocal mic for studio recording?
8. How to choose the mic that suits your voice
9. Additional considerations and accessories

How does a microphone work?

To understand how microphones transform sound into electrical signals, let’s look at the basics of their operation. At their core, microphones consist of a diaphragm that vibrates in response to sound waves. These vibrations are then converted into electrical signals by various methods, depending on the type of microphone.

Dynamic microphones use a coil moving within a magnetic field, while condenser microphones employ a capacitor whose capacitance changes with the vibrations. This process enables the capturing and reproduction of sound, allowing it to be amplified, recorded, or transmitted.

What’s unique about recording the human voice?

Recording singing involves capturing the intricate dynamics and emotional expression of the voice. This process demands a microphone that can faithfully reproduce the broad range of frequencies and intensity levels of singing, from the subtle to the powerful.

A microphone designed for vocal recordings should ensure clarity, preserve the singer’s distinct timbre, and handle the dynamic shifts in volume and pitch without losing fidelity. This precise capture (or rather recording) of singing nuances is critical for conveying your intended emotional and artistic expression.

Understanding polar patterns

When it comes to recording vocals or any sound, the polar pattern of a microphone plays a crucial role. Think of polar patterns as the microphone’s listening shape – they determine how it “hears” the sound around it. Imagine you’re standing in the centre of a circle, and the microphone is at the centre, too. The shape of that circle represents the polar pattern.

Now, let’s break down 7 of the most common polar patterns you’ll encounter:

1. Cardioid

Focuses on capturing sound from the front while minimizing background noise from the sides and rear. Ideal for solo vocal performances and situations where isolation is needed.

2. Supercardioid

Similar to cardioid but with a narrower pickup pattern, providing greater isolation of the vocal source while still minimizing off-axis noise.

3. Hypercardioid

Another variation of the cardioid pattern with an even narrower pickup angle, offering even greater isolation of the vocal source but with slightly increased sensitivity to sound from the rear.

4. Omnidirectional

Omnidirectional microphones capture sound equally from all directions, making it suitable for capturing natural ambience or group vocals. However, it may pick up more background noise in less controlled environments.

5. Figure-8 (Bidirectional)

Picks up sound from the front and back while rejecting sound from the sides. Useful for recording duets or interviews where two sources are positioned opposite each other.

6. Subcardioid

A variation of the cardioid pattern with a wider pickup angle, providing a balance between focusing on the front source and capturing some sound from the sides.

7. Shotgun (Highly Directional)

Also known as "lobar" mics, these aren't typically used for vocal singing. Shotgun microphones have an extremely narrow pickup pattern, capturing sound primarily from the direction they are pointed. Often used in film and broadcasting for capturing distant or specific sound sources.

Dynamic or condenser? That depends…

To better understand the types of microphones available and their impact on vocal performance, we need to look at the distinct characteristics of dynamic and condenser microphones. This understanding will help you match a microphone to your vocal style, performance, or recording environment.

Generally speaking, condenser microphones are used for studio recording, while dynamic for live vocals. However, there are no fixed rules when it comes to creativity, and it very much depends on what kind of sound you’re seeking.

Dynamic Microphones—The go-to for live performances

A dynamic vocal microphone is a trusty ally for singers facing the rigorous demands of live performances. The dynamic mic is renowned for its resilience against high sound pressure levels and minimal handling noise, are perfectly suited for the energy of live vocal performances.

The robustness of the dynamic microphone ensures that vocalists can deliver powerful performances without worrying about the durability of their equipment.

Condenser Microphones—Capturing studio precision

For recording vocals in the studio, condenser mics are unmatched. They excel in capturing the full spectrum of the human voice, from the softest whisper to the most powerful note, with crystal clear sound quality. This is also why a condenser mic is often used to record acoustic instruments,

These vocal mics, with their superior sensitivity and wide frequency range, are essential for artists aiming to record vocals with depth, clarity, and precision. The condenser mic’s ability to pick up the subtle nuances of vocal performances (or acoustic guitars) makes them a favourite in recording environments.

Check out our guide for a detailed breakdown of the differences between condenser and dynamic mics.

Factors to consider when choosing a vocal microphone

As we’ve said, choosing the right vocal microphone is more than deciding between dynamic and condenser types. Several factors play a pivotal role in ensuring your voice is captured just as you intend, in both live settings and studio recordings.

Audio transparency

If you're seeking a microphone that captures the natural sound of your voice without colouration, audio transparency is key. A quality vocal microphone will provide a true representation, making it seem as though there’s no barrier between the singer and the audience.

Frequency response

The frequency response of a microphone affects how various pitches are captured. Microphones with a flat response response are often preferred for studio recordings to ensure all vocal nuances are accurately reproduced.

Handling noise

For live performances, a microphone’s ability to minimize handling noise is crucial. Dynamic vocal microphones and certain condenser microphones designed for live use are engineered to reduce these unwanted sounds.

Durability

A rugged construction ensures that the microphone withstands the rigours of live performances. Whether you’re touring or frequently moving your setup, durability in a vocal mic shouldn’t be overlooked.

Sensitivity to plosives and wind noise

A built-in pop filter or the ability to attach an external one can significantly improve sound quality by reducing plosives and wind noise, especially important for recording vocals.

Feedback rejection

Live vocal mics need to have excellent feedback rejection to avoid the howl of feedback during performances. Microphones with a cardioid polar pattern are often effective at isolating the sound source and reducing feedback.

Considering these factors will help you navigate vast array of microphones available. Then, through testing, you can select one that best suits your unique voice and the demands of their performance environment.

The best vocal microphones for live performances

A microphone can totally elevate a live vocal performance. If you’ve got a gig looming, you need a mic that complements your style while ensuring clarity and durability under live conditions.

Trouble choosing the best live vocal mic? Here’s a round-up of some popular options:

Rode M1 ($100)

Celebrated for clarity, perfect for solo performances.

Shure SM58 ($75 to $150)

An industry staple since 1966. This professional cardioid dynamic microphone is renowned for its robustness and versatility.

Audix OM2( $75 to $100)

Excellent for its clear sound and noise rejection.

Electro-Voice ND86 ($150-$200)

Stands out for feedback resistance on loud stages.

AKG Pro Audio C5 & Beyerdynamic TG-V50 ($100 to $200)

Deliver bright, detailed vocals.

Sennheiser e845 ($100)

Offers great value without compromising quality.

Shure Beta 58A ($100)

Superior for wide-range vocalists with off-axis rejection.

AKG D5 ($100-$120)

Ideal for heavy metal with its Varimotion diaphragm.

Shure KSM8 ($400)

Reduces proximity effect, suited for lower frequencies.

Neumann KMS 105 ($650-$700)

There’s a goof readon TYX uses Neumman mics. They makes some of the best vocal mics available, and the KMS 105 offers unrivalled precision for loud stages.

What’s the best vocal mic for studio recording?

What mics are best for a recording studio depends on your voice and musical goals. Do you want a bright or warm sound? A raw or crisp sound? A flat response or a low noise floor? The variables are endless but don’t get too overwhelmed by them – there are many great options to choose from.

Depending on your needs, many of the mics below are popular for good reasons. Here a several trusty studio mics:

Audio-Technica AT2020 ($50-$100) – It may be a budget microphone, but it’s a versatile workhorse that gets the job done. A great dynamic cardioid microphone, ideal for beginners.

Rode NT1-A – ($170 – $230) Combines quality with affordability, ideal for vocalists.

Audio-Technica AT4040 ($300) – Despite it’s relatively low price, has low self noise, and great versatility.

AKG C414 XLS ($900 – $1,100)

Offers flexibility with switchable polar patterns.

Shure SM7B ($300-$400)

Dynamic choice for a warm, natural sound.

Aston Origin

This Aston microphone was introduced in 2016.

Neumann TLM 103 ($1,300 – $1,500)

The condenser microphone we use at our famous production studios. Chosen for its excellent sound quality and reliability, perfectly captures that studio sound.

How to choose the mic that suits your voice

Vocal range influences microphone selection because certain mics better capture higher or lower frequencies. Music style can dictate whether you need a mic that excels in capturing the raw power of rock vocals or the subtle nuances of acoustic performances.

The recording environment affects your choice because some microphones are better suited for studio work, while others excel in live settings due to their durability and feedback rejection capabilities.

For bright or sibilant voices

If your voice tends to be bright or has pronounced sibilance, a microphone with a smoother high-frequency response, like the Neumann TLM 102, can help balance the tonality, reducing harshness.

For deep or warm voices

For voices with a rich, deep quality, a microphone that accurately captures lower frequencies without muddiness, such as the Shure SM7B, is ideal. Its flat, wide-range frequency response ensures the warmth of the voice is preserved without losing detail.

For versatile recording needs

For vocalists who explore a range of styles and dynamics, a microphone with a wide dynamic range and multiple polar patterns, like the AKG C414, offers the flexibility to capture performances accurately across different genres and settings.

Additional considerations and accessories

Microphones in isolation are only a small piece of the musical puzzle. Enhancing your vocal recordings tends to require multiple accessories and consideration. These essentials not only improve your recording experience but also ensure the capture of clear, professional audio.

Shock mounts

Shock mounts play a crucial role in ensuring your recordings are as clear as possible by isolating the microphone from physical vibrations. This isolation prevents unwanted rumble and noise from reaching the microphone when you’re moving around or when the mic stand gets bumped.

For anyone serious about recording, especially in environments where absolute sound clarity is paramount, using a shock mount is a small but significant step towards professional-quality audio. It’s an essential tool in your recording arsenal to maintain pristine sound quality.

Pop filters

Pop filters are like shields for your microphone. They’re thin screens or mesh covers placed in front of your microphone to block out unwanted sounds caused by plosives. Plosives are those strong bursts of air that come from certain sounds like “P” and “B” when you speak or sing into a microphone.

Without an external pop filter, these bursts of air can hit the microphone directly, causing a sudden spike in volume and creating distracting pops in your recording. But with a pop filter in place, it acts as a barrier, diffusing the air and preventing those popping sounds from reaching the microphone. This helps preserve the natural clarity of vocals in your recordings, making them sound smoother and more professional.

High-quality audio interface

A high-quality audio interface serves as a vital link between analog sound sources and digital recording devices. Its primary function is to accurately convert analog signals, such as those from microphones or instruments, into digital format without any loss of fidelity.

This ensures that the recordings maintain their original clarity and richness, capturing every nuance of the sound source. By employing high-quality analog-to-digital converters, a top-notch audio interface guarantees professional-grade recordings, making it an essential tool for any audio production setup, whether for music, podcasts, or other content creation projects.

Phantom power

Phantom power is an essential feature for condenser microphones, supplying the voltage they require to operate effectively and capture detailed soundscapes. Unlike dynamic microphones (which generate their own signal through electromagnetic induction) condenser microphones rely on an external power source to polarize their internal capacitor element.

This polarization helps to capture a broader range of frequencies and nuances, making them ideal for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, and other intricate sound sources. Without phantom power, condenser microphones would be unable to function, emphasizing its crucial role in facilitating high-quality audio capture in professional recording environments.

Cardioid polar pattern

The cardioid polar pattern is the go-to for clear vocal recordings. It excels in isolating the primary sound source while minimizing unwanted background noise. Imagine the shape of a heart facing the sound source – this is how the cardioid pattern operates. It captures sound predominantly from the front while significantly reducing sounds coming from the sides and rear.

Image from SoundGuys

This focused pickup pattern makes cardioid microphones ideal for capturing vocals or solo instruments in noisy environments, as they excel at highlighting the intended sound while rejecting distractions. Whether in a studio or live setting, the cardioid polar pattern helps ensure that your vocal recordings maintain clarity and professionalism by keeping the spotlight on the main source of recordings

Switchable polar patterns

Vocalists favour microphones with switchable polar patterns for their adaptability to different recording techniques and acoustic environments. These mics offer versatility by allowing users to switch between various pickup patterns, such as cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8, enabling them to achieve optimal sound quality and isolation in any setting.

Good luck on your musical journey!

At TYX Studios, we understand the journey to finding the perfect vocal microphone is unique for every artist. Whether you’re drawn to the clarity of condenser microphones, the warmth of dynamic mics, or the versatility of models with switchable patterns, we hope our insights guide you towards making an informed decision that best suits your vocal style and recording needs.

If you need any advice on what the best microphone for you is, are sound engineers are happy to help. If you’re interested in how we can support your music career or want to check out our recording studio, reach out to us today.

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