If you’re planning to get a vocal microphone, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll dive into the world of professional microphones and select the best ones for professional vocal recording.Â
While our focus is to get the best mics for capturing speech and voice with precision, microphones in our list also excel in diverse applications, such as instrument recording, broadcasting, streaming, and more.Â
1. Hollyland Lark Max
Microphone Type: Wireless Microphone
Frequency Range: 20 Hz–20 kHz
Polar Pattern: OmnidirectionalÂ
Hollyland LARK MAX
Wireless Microphone with Studio Audio.
The Hollyland Lark Max uses the MaxTimbre technology. This is a multilayer membrane mic design that improves voice recordings while reducing unwanted resonance for crisp and clear vocals. The Lark Max has a 48 kHz, 24-bit sampling rate, maximum SPL of 128 dB, and 70 dB signal-to-noise ratio for rich and clear voice reproduction.Â
It also features Digital Signal Processing (DSP) to reduce noise and interference. The built-in DPS also effectively minimizes distortion to keep the signal clean. The Lark Max also features Environmental Noise Cancellation that reduces outside noise from your environment, ensuring clear recordings in loud locations.Â
The Lark Max also features optional EQ settings, including Low Cut, Hi-Fi, and Vocal Boost.Â
2. Rode NT1
Microphone Type: Condenser
Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 20,000 kHz
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
The Rode NT1 is a class-leading studio microphone with exceptionally low-frequency response, low self-noise, and tight cardioid polar pattern. It is also the go-to mic for many vocalists, offering the classic sound reproduction of studio mics while having extremely low noise.Â
The NT1’s warm bass, clear midrange, and smooth top end make it a great mic for recording vocals and acoustic instruments.Â
When it comes to the build, the NT1’s capsule is internally shock-mounted to minimize vibrations. Its body is machined from high-grade aluminum and protected with military-grade ceramic coating, ensuring it can withstand even the harshest recording environments.Â
3. Shure SM7B
Microphone Type: Dynamic
Frequency Range: 50 Hz to 20,000 kHz
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
The SM7B is engineered for professional voice recording. It has a flat, wide-range frequency response that outputs clean and natural reproduction of speech and music. This mic has a heart-shaped cardioid pattern which is great for studio applications, where singers may move from side to side while recording.Â
Nonetheless, the SM7B still offers excellent side and rear noise-rejection. It has a low sensitivity and has great noise rejection beyond 1 foot from its axis. This allows the mic to pick up the singer close to the mic with most of the room noise being rejected.Â
The SM7B also has an SPL of 180db, allowing it to perform well even with the loudest rock singers and instruments.Â
4. Audio Technica AT4040
Microphone Type: Condenser
Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 20,000 kHz
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Audio-Technica is quite known for making exceptional condenser microphones and the AT4040 is a proof of that. This condenser mic offers pristine sound quality in different applications. It has a large diaphragm condenser that allows it to clearly capture vocals and even instruments. The AT4040 can also accurately isolate sound source from background noise, which is great for professional studio environments.Â
The AT4040 is also fairly big, measuring 6.7 inches in length. It comes with a shock mount and the overall build is solid. Audio-Technica also offers a 5-year warranty for the AT4040 so you know you’re in good hands.Â
Similar with other condenser mics, the AT4040 comes with a minus dB pad and a low frequency roll-off.Â
5. AKG C414 XLS
Microphone Type: Condenser
Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 20,000 kHz
Polar Pattern: Cardioid/Figure of Eight/Hypercardioid/Omnidirectional/Wide Cardioid
The C414 XLS is a premium studio microphone from AKG. It’s a multipattern condenser mic that lets you choose between wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, omnidirectional, and figure of eight polar patterns. This is a great feature that allows you to get the optimal sound based on your setup and recording needs.Â
With a frequency range of 20 Hz – 20,000 kHz the C414 XLS can perfectly capture vocals, strings, horns, and other instruments. It also has a 152dB dynamic range and low noise floor, so you can expect the C414 to deliver exceptional audio reproduction in any musical environment.Â
6. Shure SM58
Microphone Type: Dynamic
Frequency Range: 50 Hz to 15,000 kHz
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Being around since 1966, the SM58 is considered as one of the most popular vocal microphones in the industry. This mic was originally designed for a live setting, combining exceptional noise rejection and warm sound. It’s also widely used for recording vocals in the studio due to its unique sound.Â
Being a dynamic microphone, the SM58 picks up less room noise compared to typical conder microphones. A lower sensitivity means less handling noise, allowing artists and vocalists to hold the SM58 while recording.Â
The SM58 also comes with a built-in shock mount and foam pop filter to protect against vibrations, unnecessary mouth noise, and reduce breathing sounds.Â
7. Sontronics Solo
Microphone Type: Dynamic
Frequency Range: 50 Hz to 15,000 kHz
Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
Here’s another dynamic mic that can be an alternative for the Shure SM58. While it’s not as iconic as the SM58, the Sontronics Solo is a great handheld microphone. Weighing under 20 oz, it’s an excellent mic to carry around and captures detailed live vocals, like the SM58. It can also be used for studio recording applications, delivering rich and full sound that can match more expensive microphones.Â
What’s great about the Sontronics Solo is that it has a tight pick up and excellent side rejection. This helps reduce unwanted noise during live performances and recordings. The Solo also delivers clear and full-bodied sound out of the box with no processing needed.Â
8. VMS ML-1
Microphone Type: Condenser
Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 20,000 kHz
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
The VMS ML-1 uses a groundbreaking technology that can emulate the characteristics of various high-end microphones. This allows the ML-1 to be extremely versatile in many recording applications. Whether you need to capture vocals, instruments, or other source, the ML-1 ensures professional-grade sound quality that you can adjust in post-production.Â
The ML-1 also has an FET circuit path for a linear, flat, and clean response that allows your recordings to be as neutral as possible.Â
As proof of its popularity and exceptional performance, the ML-1 is used by many artists, including Demi Lovato, Snoop Dogg, Zedd, and more.Â
9. Aston Microphones Origin
Microphone Type: Condenser
Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 20,000 kHz
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
The Aston Origin features a 1†capsule that enables it to record a broad range of frequencies and provide detailed sound reproduction. It has a fixed cardioid polar pattern and is equipped with a -10 dB pad and 80 Hz low-cut filter. Its low noise, excellent sensitivity, and wide frequency range, makes it a great microphone for capturing vocals in live and studio applications.Â
The Origin has a built-in wire mesh that helps reduce plosives and has a max SPL of 127db. Its self-noise is around 18dBA, which is a bit loud for some, but is not enough to cause issues with your recordings.Â
10. Neumann TLM 102
Microphone Type: Condenser
Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 20,000 kHz
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
The TLM 102 features a large-diaphragm condenser that delivers professional quality sound. Despite being smaller, the TLM 102 retains Neumann’s signature look with a chrome ring and diamond logo.Â
Its new large diaphragm capsule allows the TLM 102 to capture clear and focused audio across the midrange, which makes it one of the best microphones for recording vocals. It has a low self-noise of 12dBA and a high SPL handling of up to 144dB.Â
The Neumann TLM 102 has a uniform cardioid pickup pattern, which is ideal for home studios, live applications, and more.Â
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right microphone for you can be overwhelming. But with the help of our guide and the list above, you should be ready to make an informed choice and get the best vocal microphone that fits your needs.Â
Whether you like the warm sound of condenser mics or want the convenience of a wireless microphone, we’ve ensured that there’s a vocal microphone above that is perfectly suited to your preferences and requirements.Â
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