The 10 Best Microphones For Vocals
This wiki has been updated 27 times since it was first published in January of 2019. Whether you’re a singer, a journalist, or an online content creator, you know (or, at least, you’re learning) that the microphone that amplifies your voice is an instrument that can drastically alter the tonality of your sound, for better or worse. We've compiled a range of options, from budget-tier picks to models used in the world's most renowned studios and broadcasting facilities. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Manley Reference Cardioid
2. AKG C414 XLII
3. Mojave Audio MA-200
Editor's Notes
January 31, 2019:
In today's internet-driven digital world, a democratization of content creation has organically grown. Whether it's musicians making albums in their bedrooms, producers oscillating between podcasting and radio broadcasting, or Youtubers looking to start up a new channel, the motivations behind seeking out a vocal microphone are perhaps more varied and complex than ever. Therefore, our list contains options ranging from under $100 in price (like the classic Shure SM58) to meet the needs of amateurs and hobbyists, and goes all the way up to world-class microphones whose intimidating price tags have likely made some of the most richest musicians think twice before buying (like the Manley Reference Cardioid). There's likely something here for everyone, although our list does tend to skew more towards those recording vocals in a musical context.
4. Audio-Technica 4050
5. Neumann TLM 103
6. Shure SM7B
7. Rode NTK
8. Sennheiser MD 421
9. Rode NT1-A
10. Shure SM58-LC
Daniel is a writer, musician, and frequent traveler with a bachelor’s in creative writing from the State University of New York. In recent years, his writing chops have developed alongside his musical skills, thanks to a rich double life. During the day, he apprenticed with “Rolling Stone” journalist and critic Will Hermes, and when the sun set, he and his NYC-based, four-piece band gigged at high-end venues across the northeastern United States. His affinity for sharing things he's passionate about has culminated in nine years of experience as a music teacher at elementary schools, where he honed his ability to simplify and elucidate concepts to the uninitiated. All considered, he feels most at home writing about instruments, audio electronics and backpacking gear.