What is THE best microphone for vocal or voice recording?
Well, I can’t answer that question, because there isn’t just one.
In fact, in the studio equipment market, there are numerous microphone models.
Dozens and dozens.
So, whether you are looking for a cheap microphone for your vocal takes or a high-end mic for ultra-quality vocal recordings, how do you choose?
Well, the answer is simple: by selecting a model that can be considered a safe bet.
Typically, one of the microphones listed in this article.
Important note: if you are looking for a live singing microphone, click here to see my selection (I will write a dedicated article soon).
Because indeed, on this page, I have selected 10 of the best microphones for voice or vocal recording.
And as you know (or not), Projet Home Studio specializes in everything related to home studio recording, I chose not to present you with overpriced microphones.
Because sure, you can get a microphone like this one, which as you will see is overpriced, and your voice will probably sound good.
But in a typical home studio context, no one has that budget (I wish you did though :D)!
So I preferred to make a list that is truly useful rather than recommend inaccessible things.
(Note that, for easier navigation, the microphones are sorted by price.)
However, I have included some more expensive microphones at the end of the article as a bonus, which may interest you if your budget is high or if you want to go further with your equipment.
Note: Keep in mind that there is no absolute studio microphone. Depending on the singer, the same microphone can sound more or less good, and this is generally unpredictable (which is not always mentioned when selling microphones).
However, if you go for a model that can be considered a safe bet, there shouldn’t be too many issues — especially if you apply the right recording techniques.
With that said, let’s dive into my microphone recommendations for singing. If you have any questions after reading this article, feel free to leave a comment — I will guide you to make the right choice! 🙂
1. Audio-Technica AT 2020
Brand: Audio-Technica
Type: Condenser (Large Diaphragm)
The AT2020 is a very popular microphone in home studios for two reasons:
- on one hand, its price is very low (below the €100 mark);
- but additionally, the quality/price ratio is truly excellent.
Indeed, although it is a small microphone, the AT2020 offers a pleasant sound with rather smooth highs.
Sure, it’s not perfect, and there may be a slight background noise, but honestly, it’s an excellent microphone that I find perfect for beginners or those with limited budgets who still want quality recordings.
Indeed, it has a fairly flat frequency spectrum, except for a peak around 8/10 kHz that helps open up the sound by adding presence.
In short, an excellent microphone for singing at a very reasonable price.
Note that I sometimes recommend, especially in my personalized assistance services, the model just above, namely the AT2035, which is a bit larger, a bit more sensitive, and has slightly less background noise.
► See the current price on: Amazon Thomann Woodbrass
2. Shure SM58
Brand: Shure
Type: Dynamic
A bit difficult to make a list of microphones for singing without mentioning the SM58 (not much different from the SM57 by the way). Sure, it is more often used for concerts, but many artists record with it in the studio, like Björk or U2.
This mic is a legend, a true industry standard.
It has a somewhat dark sound, certainly not very open, and attenuates the lows below 100 Hz — but it can do the job very well if you are starting out or recording voices where a very high level of detail is not essential (like hard rock vocals, scream in metal, etc).
In short, if you are looking for a first microphone that is easy to use and has proven itself, the Shure SM58 could be an interesting option.
► See the current price on: Amazon Thomann Woodbrass
3. RØDE NT1-A
Brand: RØDE
Type: Condenser (Large Diaphragm)
A microphone highly sought after by beginners who want to record because it comes with a complete pack including a pop filter and suspension. However, this is not a toy at all: it is really a good mic.
It is known for good sound quality and low background noise. A slight bump around 150 Hz adds warmth to your recordings, while peaks in the highs will help your voice stand out during mixing.
As for the drawbacks, I find the microphone a bit too bright and slightly aggressive on certain voices. That said, you can really make something interesting with it, as you will hear in the video example below, which I find very telling.
A good choice for beginners looking for a versatile microphone that does the job without going over an indecent budget.
► See the current price on: Amazon Thomann Woodbrass
4. Aston Microphones Origin
Brand: Aston Microphones
Type: Condenser (Large Diaphragm)
I often recommend the Origin for voice recording because even though its price remains accessible, it is a microphone that has an impressive quality/price ratio.
Made in Great Britain, it stands out primarily for its characteristic industrial design (which will look great in your studio, at least if you like the style) and very solid construction (it won’t get damaged if it falls).
In terms of sound, recordings are quite detailed and natural, albeit a bit dark.
Clearly, the Aston Origin has nothing to envy from models five times more expensive: vocal takes are warm and powerful, with high frequencies always smooth and pleasant.
This is actually a microphone that I used for a long time for my own voice on my YouTube channel.
A nice gift for your home studio? 🙂
► See the current price on: Amazon Thomann Woodbrass
5. Beyerdynamic M90 PRO X
Brand: Beyerdynamic
Type: Condenser (Large Diaphragm)
A really little-known option, but having had the chance to test it for a YouTube video and really appreciating the microphone’s quality/price ratio, it seemed relevant to mention it in this article.
If you want to see & hear all that, here is the video in question:
Indeed, the M90 PRO X from Beyerdynamic didn’t really get a strong marketing push upon its release, so it is not often talked about.
Yet, the sound is warm, the highs are pleasant, and for the price, you get sounds that are perfectly usable in a home studio context. I’m almost surprised the microphone isn’t more expensive.
► See the current price on: Amazon Thomann
6. LEWITT LCT 440 PURE
Brand: LEWITT
Type: Condenser (Large Diaphragm)
It is not always necessary to spend a fortune on a microphone to achieve quality results.
In a home studio context, the LCT 440 Pure from LEWITT (an emerging Austrian brand) is an interesting option.
The sound is clear, quite precise, and qualitative.
The highs, which are often the weak point of entry-level microphones, are quite natural, which is appreciated. However, they are highlighted, which gives a very modern voicing to recordings made with this microphone (but it all depends on the original voice).
It is therefore better reserved for voices that are not too bright to begin with.
Finally, note that the microphone comes with a small pop filter and an appropriate mount, which is a significant plus (especially for the price).
Definitely worth a close look…
► See the current price on: Amazon Thomann Woodbrass
7. Warm Audio WA-47jr
Brand: Warm Audio
Type: Condenser (Large Diaphragm)
I am one of those who prefer Warm Audio products, regularly using one of their preamps for my mics, the TB12.
And among their wide range of microphones, I find the WA47-jr particularly suitable for recording vocals or voice.
Especially in a home studio context, which seems to be the intended use for this mic given the price (just below €300 at the time of writing).
In essence, the microphone is inspired by the famous Neumann U47 from the past. Although the sound is different, it is still a nice microphone with a good quality/price ratio, with selectable directivity (cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-eight) and built-in FET amplification (no transformer).
The sound is rich, quite warm, and at the same time relatively flat (except for some boosts in the highs). Since the recordings are of good quality, you can adjust your signal as you wish during mixing without bringing out any particular problems.
In terms of quality/price ratio, I even think we have something better than its big brother the WA47 (which, well, is tube-based, so that also justifies the significant price difference).
► See the current price on: Amazon Thomann Woodbrass
8. Shure SM7B
Brand: Shure
Type: Dynamic
Simply THE dynamic microphone to own.
Used by Michael Jackson on the album “Thriller” in its previous version (“SM7”, almost identical), it is particularly effective for male singers (but not exclusively, of course) and is often used by extreme metal singers.
Cardioid, it rejects sounds coming from the back very well.
This is why I recommend it for your home studio: if you have a room with a lot of reverberation and do not wish to apply acoustic treatment, this is probably one of the microphones that will give you the best result (even though most of the time, I still prefer condenser microphones).
The sound is smooth, but it is possible via a slider to boost the mids for more aggression, to obtain a sound that cuts through the mix a bit more easily.
However, be careful: for it to work well, you will need a microphone preamp with at least 60 dB of gain. If not, you can do like many people and place a Triton Fethead just before (it’s a simplified preamp that uses phantom power to boost the signal cleanly, meaning without adding too much background noise).
► See the current price on: Amazon Thomann Woodbrass
9. AKG C214
Brand: AKG
Type: Condenser (Large Diaphragm)
Sometimes considered a much more affordable “version” of the famous C414 (which goes for around €1000), the C214 is ultimately quite different from its big brother.
It has a detailed sound, associated with a fairly flat frequency spectrum, and does particularly well on vocal takes.
As with most other condenser microphones on this list, there is a peak around 10,000 Hz to open up the sound. A small dip around 1500 Hz softens the voice.
In the low frequencies, it provides a rather powerful sound, with real density, reminiscent of what can be achieved with much more expensive microphones.
Additionally, the capsule has a dedicated suspension integrated into the microphone, which significantly reduces mechanical noise.
Also note: the C214 has a -20 dB pad, which will allow you to record loud sound sources if needed.
In short, probably one of the best microphones for singing in (home) studio under €500.
► See the current price on: Amazon Thomann Woodbrass
10. Neumann TLM 102 / 103
Brand: Neumann
Type: Condenser (Large Diaphragm)
Two suggestions in one for the last choice in this selection.
In fact, the TLM103 is often talked about, so I wanted to mention it here because it’s a good microphone. But the price is a bit too “premium” compared to the quality, I think.
While the TLM102 from the same brand, a bit less highlighted, is associated with a much more reasonable price that can allow a home studio enthusiast to access a Neumann mic without exceeding €1000.
In terms of sound, both microphones sound good, but I have a preference for the TLM102. Certainly a bit darker, I also find it less aggressive. The TLM103, on the other hand, gives a more “finished product” and “modern” sound, which can work very well in rap productions for example, but will often be a bit too frontal due to a marked presence in the highs.
► See the current price:
Bonus: 4 “high-end” microphones for vocal recording
To complete this article, I think it is interesting to look at a few recommendations for more “high-end” microphones, starting from €1000 and above.
Even though for a beginner these might not necessarily be relevant choices, having a very good microphone in your home studio can drastically improve your musical productions.
And this, even if you connect it to a small audio interface…
11. Mojave MA201 FET
Brand: Mojave Audio
Type: Condenser (Large Diaphragm)
A somewhat original choice perhaps in this selection: a Mojave microphone.
This is not very well known in France, but in fact, it is a brand owned by David Royer, who also manages the very famous Royer Labs ribbon microphone brand.
With the Mojave MA201, you have a microphone with real character, very modern I find in sound and in the way the highs are presented.
There may be a bit of sibilance that stands out, but this is also related to the style, which is more frontal than other microphones.
An interesting choice if you want something original in your studio.
(Note that there is also a 301 FET version with several directivities)
► See the current price:
12. AKG C414 XLII
Brand: AKG
Type: Condenser (Large Diaphragm)
We talked earlier about the C214 from the same brand: this time, it is the big brother, the famous AKG C414 in XLII version, a modernized variant of the vintage C414.
In terms of sound, I find this microphone has quite a bit of character: it highlights the highs in a marked way, which can be interesting especially on dark voices or to give a somewhat modern and open quality to recordings.
Additionally, since the microphone integrates 9 different directivities, it proves to be a versatile tool that will allow you to record other sources besides vocals, such as overhead drums or a piano.
Also note, the presence of high-pass and low-pass filters, with various settings possible.
► See the current price on: Amazon Thomann Woodbrass
13. Neumann TLM 49
Brand: Neumann
Type: Condenser (Large Diaphragm)
If you want to have a Neumann microphone in your studio without going for prices like €2000 or more, I recommend taking a look (and a listen) at the TLM 49 from the brand, which is still significantly more performant than the TLM 102 / 103 we discussed earlier.
In the low frequencies, you find the pleasant and characteristic density of high-end microphones, and the highs are, I find, silkier and more controlled than on the TLM 103.
So yes, we are starting to get to a fairly high price, but it remains an interesting investment in the long term for anyone looking for absolutely excellent sound quality for their vocal recordings (that said, keep in mind that the other, cheaper microphones in this article still allow for high-quality results).
► Compare prices for the Neumann TLM 49 on: Thomann Amazon Woodbrass
14. Neumann U87 Ai
Brand: Neumann
Type: Condenser (Large Diaphragm)
Difficult to talk about somewhat high-end microphones for singing without mentioning the Neumann U87 Ai.
Even if it does not sound at all like the old vintage models (now overpriced), it is a legendary microphone with a warm and precise sound, very pleasant to listen to, and which generally integrates very well into mixes.
We are really talking about high-end here, and I find the microphone quite versatile in the sense that it can adapt to many voices.
However, the downside if I dare say, is the price: we are clearly looking at a premium price, and even if the brand makes quality products, we know we are paying a bit for the name “Neumann” on the microphone.
In any case, it can make a very nice object in a home studio oriented a bit “pro”!
► See the current price on: Thomann Woodbrass
To go further…
Having a good studio microphone is undoubtedly essential for recording vocals or voices of all kinds.
However, and I referred to this in the introduction, it is also important to record under the best possible conditions. This involves, in particular, using a room with properly controlled acoustics.
On this subject, I recommend reading my guide to acoustic treatment in the studio.