18 best microphones for vocals

The BEHRINGER C-3 condenser microphone is suitable for both vocal recording and concerts. The model has the ability to lower the sound to -10 dB, there is a button for a low-pass filter and switching the directional pattern. Assembled securely. The singer's voice writes without extraneous noise, but only in conditions of good noise isolation and using a high-quality sound card.

The model has poor equipment: it comes with a stand holder and a case. Cable, pantograph, pop filter and windscreen must be purchased separately. Significant disadvantages of the device: flat sound and blockages in low frequencies. According to user reviews, this t-shirt is more suitable for concerts than for recording. True, the device completely conveys all the shortcomings of the voice.

Capacitor t-shirt for beginner singers. Affordable cost and durable case, clear sound for the price range up to 6000 rubles. are the main advantages of the model. According to reviews, the average life of the device is 8 years. The recording quality of the C-1, of course, is far from more expensive microphones, but it justifies its price.

Disadvantages: no rack and pop filter, writes noises, ringing at the top, recording requires careful post-processing. Although such problems do not occur on all models of the device, Mike clearly does not live up to the title of “best” among microphones for vocals. But for those who know how to work with sound and have good equipment at their disposal, the C-1 will serve faithfully both at concerts and in the studio.

The Maono AU-A03 has everything you need to create a home recording studio. This microphone is equipped with a tripod stand, windscreen, pop filter and Jack 4pin (male), 2x Jack 3pin (female) adapters. According to the manufacturer, the device belongs to capacitor models, but in fact it is electret. The sound quality is good, but not ideal. To make the recording pleasing to the ear, AU-A03 is recommended to be used together with a good external sound card (XLR-XLR cable) or with phantom power.

Cons: there are noises, when connected directly to a PC, it writes very quietly. Over time, gaps appear in the bracket. But you can put up with these disadvantages if you look at the cost of the microphone. After careful setup, it will fit not only for vocals, but also for recording podcasts, video dubbing.

Budget model from the American company Shure. Dynamic microphone with cardioid directivity. The device is designed for recording vocals, voice communication and podcasts, videos, karaoke. Not suitable for live performances.The SV100-A fits comfortably in the hand and has a power button on the body. Lightweight and practical. There is a 4.5 m long cable included in the kit. This model is good for beginner musicians. Recording quality is average, but after processing it sounds much better.

The device is definitely worth the money. There is no stand in the kit, as well as a pop filter, wind protection. All this will have to be purchased separately.

Dynamic microphone with excellent sound recording performance for the price range up to 6000 rubles. The model deserves attention, if only because it has a supercardioid orientation. And this is a rarity for budget microphones. The device records vocals, cutting off unnecessary noise and interference. Does not emit from other equipment. Voice transmission is natural. No dull and synthetic sounds. There is a switch on the body.

As good as the AKG P5S is, it's still not suitable for performing on stage. The model is ideal for home recording and studio work. For concerts, it is better to pick up something more expensive: a wireless radio system or a professional Mike.

Video review

The American company M-Audio has released a condenser microphone with 3 polar patterns: cardioid, bidirectional and circular. The device turned out to be balanced, with a good frequency response from 30 Hz to 20,000 Hz. The model comes with a convenient desktop stand, cable and USB adapter. The device works without phantom power. Suitable for streaming and amateur vocal recording. The screen displays data on the sensitivity of the sensors, the mode of operation (there are 4 of them: standard, bidirectional, stereo and all-encompassing).

There is an input for connecting headphones and a built-in sound card. The microphone is worth the money, but still has one drawback - it picks up noise. Rustles, sounds from the street - all this gets on the record. The problem is fixed by T-shirt tuning or post-processing.

C01U Pro is a USB microphone suitable for both beginners and professional musicians. Works with all operating systems, there is a headphone jack. The model is equipped with a built-in sound card and wind protection. When listening to yourself while recording, there is no delay at all. The sound is clean, but sometimes still requires post-processing.

For some users, the microphone turned out to be slightly noisy. Despite the presence of a windscreen, extraneous sounds, clicks, breathing and other sounds still get on the record.

Condenser model with USB connection and built-in audio card.The ATR2500-USB microphone is versatile: it can be used for vocals, video recording, audiobooks and just communication. The device comes with a stand and a USB cable of a comfortable length of 1.8 m. The case has a headphone output with volume control: the signal is transmitted without delay and distortion. Connects to a PC without additional settings and searching for suitable software.

According to user reviews, the sound quality of the ATR2500-USB is 4 plus. The device falls short of the “excellent” rating due to noise, which is sometimes recorded. The disadvantages of the owners of the model also include unreliable fastening, lack of a pop filter.

Video review

The RDM-180 pleases with a rich bundle at a fairly budget price. The microphone comes with a pantograph tripod, a pop filter and a windscreen. Connects via USB. The model is good both for recording vocals and for podcasts, communication. The voice is written without unnecessary noise: a pop filter and a windscreen dampen interference. The RDM-180 does not emit phonics and does not require phantom power.

The disadvantages of the model are the flimsy design of the pantograph: the elements stagger, creak during the assembly process. The fastening to the table is very weak, so it is better to immediately purchase another rack or replace some of the parts.

Dynamic studio microphone for vocal recording. One of the best models from the American manufacturer Shure. Differs in small weight (only 278 g), superkadioid directivity, good frequency response. Similar models are available in wired and wireless versions. The BETA 58A delivers clear sound and performs well live. User reviews indicate that the model is ahead of the SM58 in terms of sound quality. Suitable for professional and home studio. Improves the timbre of the voice, makes backing vocals and vocals more vivid and rich. Included with the device is a holder and an adapter for a stand, a cable.

The BETA 58A assembled in Mexico has no cons. In Chinese models, the sound transmission quality often suffers, and the assembly is much worse.

Studio microphone with super-cadian pickup. In terms of price, reliability and voice transmission, it is not inferior to well-known models from Shure. This device has a diaphragm thickness that varies from the edges to the center, there is noise protection, made in the form of double vibration isolation. The dynamic AKG D5 is suitable for both vocal recording and stage performance. Fans can also use it as a karaoke microphone.

The device has only one drawback - a narrow capture zone in the front. Because of this, the device has to be placed close to the sound source.

Professional dynamic microphone that delivers clear sound with minimal distortion even at high sound pressure levels (SPL). It features a reliable assembly, the presence of a built-in windscreen and damper, a frequency transmission range from 50 Hz to 15,000 Hz. The SM58-LCE is one of the best solutions for voice recording and live performances. No wonder this model is so fond of foreign and Russian musicians.

Users complain about the high cost of the microphone, an uncomfortable stand (stand) and the lack of a power button (another SM58SE modification has it). When choosing this model, you should know that it is not universal. The voice will be written in 5 plus, but the instrument is only in 4. Therefore, to record guitar, drums or keyboards, you need to select a different microphone.

Studio microphone, made in the original retro style. The cost, of course, is far from the budget, but the high price tag is justified by the build quality, excellent technical characteristics and beautiful design. The manufacturer calls the 55SH SERIESII an Elvis microphone. Indeed, this device exactly copies the classic Mike. The directivity here is cardioid, the voice is recorded without interference. The model is universal: it perfectly writes both vocals and instruments. The case is cast, the capsule has shock protection.

The main disadvantage of the device is a very high price. For this price, you can buy a very suitable T-shirt, even with a complete tripod. And the quality of the recording will not suffer much. The 55SH SERIESII is a beautiful dynamic microphone for those who like to stand out from the crowd.

One of the most affordable and durable dynamic microphones for vocals. Excellent value for money and quality. The E 835-S has a power button on the body, which is convenient when recording in a studio / at home, but not very comfortable during live performances: you can accidentally turn off the mike. Compared to other dynamic models, this device has a more affordable price. The frequency range here is slightly higher than the Shure SM58: from 40 Hz to 16000 Hz. The voice is written with tangible bass, highs and mids are voluminous, realistic.

This studio microphone is not without flaws. In the reviews of the owners, they talk about the unsuccessful acoustic decoupling of the case from the capsule.

Video review

AT2020 is a microphone that is ahead of more expensive Chinese models in terms of recording quality. Of course, this is not a budget solution, but for its cost, Mike produces a fairly clear sound. Female vocals convey naturally, do not make the voice dry and deaf. It connects via a 3-pin XLRM connector, there is also a modification with USB, but that model has a much worse recording quality. The device is equipped with a light weight cardioid diaphragm, has a wide frequency range: from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. The model is used for digital recording and live performances.Works without drivers, but with a sound card. There are no negatives to be found in user reviews of the AT2020.

The device has no significant disadvantages. Only the bundle is rather poor: the microphone comes without a stand (there is a holder), a windscreen and a pop filter.

The Perception 120 condenser microphone from AKG is a good solution for a budget of up to 10,000 rubles. The cost is justified. The model is universal: suitable not only for vocals, but also for streaming, video recording and voice communication. Works with phantom power, connects to a PC via an external sound card. The recording quality is excellent, but background noise is sometimes recorded (depending on the features of the additional equipment). There are preset treble and bass on the case.

According to user reviews, the device has a minimum of flaws. The equipment here is not rich: there is no cable, rack and pop filter. All this will have to be purchased separately. Another downside is the slightly higher price. Still for 9250 rubles. I would like to get a microphone at least with a cable.

Condenser Mike with spider and table stand included. Works with a sound card, requires phantom power from 9 to 48 watts. Zinc die-cast housing with aluminum diaphragm. Directional pattern - cardioid. The model is suitable for recording vocals in a home studio. Not suitable for concerts - too high sensitivity. The microphone writes volumetric, clear and airy sound. Can also be used to record instruments.

The disadvantages of the model are the large coverage of ambient sounds. The large membrane captures extraneous noise, so it is recommended to record in a room with good sound insulation. The complete tripod is inconvenient: it is very difficult to fix the microphone in the right position.

Video review

The MK-319 is a condenser model for professional singers and those who are demanding on the quality of the recorded sound. The microphone is cardioid. There is a low-pass filter, the hinge is included. Suitable for recording vocals and instruments (winds, strings and plucked, bowed, percussion). The device can be used for podcasts and videos. Vocals are written without noise only in studio conditions. At home, the record will have to be processed.

User reviews of the MK-319 are positive, but the model still has a number of drawbacks. Literally 3-4 years ago, the device cost 2 times cheaper, now the price is very high. A significant minus is that the case becomes loose over time. If you use the microphone carelessly, it will quickly become unusable. But subject to the rules of operation, its average service life is 6-7 years.