16 Best Recording Microphone For Vocals 2021 | Best Studio Microphone For Vocals

What is the Best Recording Microphone for vocals? If you are looking to record your own songs, or a demo at home, then you want the best studio microphone for vocals within your budget so you can get the best possible sound.

In a competitive modern industry, even home recording requires high quality results in order to get your demo or original songs noticed. A rough demo isn’t going to cut it these days – which means you need the best microphone for vocals, so your voice sounds it’s best.

In this article I’ll help you choose the best microphone for recording vocals – the one that will best suit your vocal style, they type of music genre you want to record and the budget you have. The best condenser mic for vocals, as well as dynamic mics.

In a hurry and just want to know our verdict for the Best Recording Microphone For Vocals?

• Best Under $300: Rode NT1-A
• Best Budget Microphone Under $100: MXL 770 (But honestly, spend a little more and get the Rode)
• Best $300 – $1,000 Pro home studio: Neumann TLM 102MT

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Choosing the best recording microphone can make or break the quality of your vocal demos and original recordings. If you want agents, managers, fans and record companies to take notice of your singing, you need a vocal recording microphone that helps your voice stand out with clarity.

As a wannabe pro singer you need the best microphone for recording vocals, but some singers may also be looking for the best recording microphone that can also handle guitar, or perhaps a microphone they can use both in the studio and for live performance.

Below is a roundup of my top choices that can fit within a home studio recording budget. Full reviews of these best mics for recording are listed further down the article as well as a breakdown of the ideal technical specs for a vocal recording microphone.

Best Recording Microphone: Quick Comparison Table

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Full Reviews For Each Microphone Below

Best Studio Microphone For Vocals: Dynamic VS Condenser Mics, Cardioid Patterns, Diaphragm Size.

At a basic level microphones are devices that capture sound and turn that sound into an electric wave that is then either recorded or can be distributed via speakers. When considering the best microphone for singing at home for you, you need to know the main differences between well known home recording mics.

Dynamic VS Condenser Mics

1.Dynamic Microphones 

You can delve really deep into the inner workings of Dynamic Microphones but on a basic level, dynamic mics are like small loudspeakers but instead of pushing electrical signals out, the dynamic mic works in reverse turning sound waves inwards and into electricity.

Dynamic microphones are the most popular professional microphones for singing live (well for music, in general, to be honest) because they are relatively affordable and are a durable, all round good quality microphone when it comes to performance. They also do not require any external battery or power source to use them – unlike condenser microphones – and can take a lot when it comes to sound or everyday wear and tear that a vocal microphone can endure. These are the mics that you will often see being used by band singers on stage.

BEST APPLICATIONS FOR DYNAMIC MICS:

• Although dynamic mics can and are sometimes used to record vocals in the studio, they are typically better used for live performance vocals.
• Good for amplified singing at home, not the best studio microphone for vocals.
• Typically cheaper than studio condenser mics, so if you are on a budget and looking for a mic you can use for both gigs & recording, a dynamic microphone can be a temporary substitute for home recording.

2. Condenser Microphones

Condenser microphones are a little more delicate than dynamic mics which makes them more responsive and sensitive to sound. This makes them a popular choice as a home studio microphone. It can also makes them a more expensive purchase as a vocal recording mic. As I mentioned earlier condenser mics also require an external power supply, this is often supplied by mixing boards or audio interfaces.

Because these microphones are so sensitive to sound you will also need a pop filter as it will pick up and often distort any ‘p’ or ‘sh’ noises.

Many condenser mics require phantom power / a preamp / a recording interface in order to hook them up to record at home, or even to use for live sound. Make sure you check out the Essential Accessories For Home Studio Vocal Recording section below to make sure you have all the right gear to record with a condenser mic at home.

BEST APPLICATIONS FOR CONDENSER MICS:

• All Pro & Semi Pro Vocal Recordings
• Versatile: The best condenser mic models can also be used to record some other instruments and for some live sound situations.

3. USB Microphones

If you are looking for good quality vocal recording, on a budget and your sole goal is semi-pro recording at home – with no interest in using your microphone in a live setting, then a USB microphone for singing is a convenient alternative to a traditional condenser mic. It’s removes the need for additional hardware (like a full audio interface or pre-amp) and is pretty much a plug and play solution that also means you don’t need to learn as much about the technical process of recording, so you can get started and get better results straight away.

Some modern USB condenser mics actually stack up quite well against traditional mics at the same price point. That said, the USB mic can only be used attached to your computer, so it lacks future versatility if you want to get into more live sound in the future.

BEST APPLICATIONS FOR USB MICS:

• For beginners getting into recording for the first time who want to try out home recording before investing in more professional recording gear.
• For recording a simple home demo for fun – Maybe strumming your guitar and singing along
• Recording your voice along to a backing track as a basic demo, or for personal review of your vocal for training purposes.

4. Tube Microphones (Valves)

Before solid state electronics, tubes (valves) were used in the pre-amplification stage of any condenser mic, in order to boost the raw signal. Today, most condenser microphones are solid state, but some producers still like the retro tone of using a tube mic. Modern tube mics typically have far better electronic design than those old-skool mics, so today you can get a reliable modern mic but with a vintage sound.

Pickup Patterns – Omnidirectional vs. Cardioid & Super Cardioid

The cardioid pattern of you studio microphone determines how it collects sound, and where from. This can make a huge difference to the finished result – how your recorded vocal will sound, as well as background noise.

Omnidirectional Microphone

An omnidirectional mic collects sound from every angle around the head of the microphone. This is great for capturing all ambient noise in a room. But for recording a single vocal, singing right next to the microphone, it’s not ideal as it will capture a lot of room reverb and unwanted noise from other places in the room. This causes a very dirty recording and leaves you little flexibility in post production to add or subtract reverb to suit the track.

Cardioid Microphone

The Cardioid pattern is typical in all the best microphone for recording vocals. They pickup sound from directly in-front of the microphone and greatly reduce ambient noise coming from behind or around the microphone. These may also be called “uni-directional” mics as they capture sound from one direction.

Super Cardioid & Hyper Cardioid Microphones

Super cardioid microphones have an even tighter directional pickup pattern – meaning even less spill pickup from ambient noise. They can be so directional that there positioning needs to be very accurate to collect all the intended sound – not always ideal for a singer that moves their head around the mic while singing. But, perhaps very useful if recording multiple instruments simultaneously in a live environment.

Figure 8 Microphone

Records mainly from in front and behind the microphone, ignoring sources to either side.

Switchable / Multi Pattern

Some microphones don’t have one fixed pickup pattern but instead you can switch between a selection of the above.

VERDICT: Generally the best microphone for recording vocals will be “Cardioid”

Diaphragm Size

The diaphragm is the part of the microphone that captures the vibrations that sound makes through air. Different size diaphragms effect the way that sound is collected.

Large diaphragm

Large diaphragms have an essential plus for live audio recording – Lower signal-to-noise ratio. This means less hiss and static when recording relatively quite sources – such as the human voice or an acoustic guitar.

The negative is their cardioid pattern becomes wider and is less directional at higher frequencies – above 8000 hz. So these are a great recording microphone for singing in isolation – where you don’t have other instruments recording around you, like drums.

Small diaphragm

Small diaphragm mics resolve the cardioid pattern issue, keeping a consistently directional recording field across the full human hearing range. The compromise is, the signal-to-noise ratio is much worse.

This is good for recording a hi-hat, for example. Where the signal volume is high and the transients up to 16k and beyond are needed in the recording. But small diaphragm is not so good for vocals.

VERDICT: Large diaphragm is the best microphone for recording vocals.

SPL (Sound Pressure Level) – How Loud You Sing

The loudest human scream ever verified was 129db (decibels) and the average singing voice is much less than that. Every microphone on this list can handle sounds up to a typical singing voice without damage or distortion. If you are considering something not on this list, you can always check the SPL to make sure it is over 130db. Some mics have an on board pad switch to increase the max SPL. For applications other than voice – like live capture of a guitar amp cranked to 11, higher SPL is important.

Under $300 – Best Recording Microphone For Vocals (On A Budget)

First time recording at home properly? Find the best studio microphone for vocals on a budget. Get sem-pro results at an affordable price.

Everything listed below is a cardioid pattern condenser, unless otherwise stated.

Rode NT1-A Anniversary Condenser Microphone (best microphone for vocals)

TOP PICK (HOME STUDIO) – The Rode NT1-A captures a very natural sound but with a hint of low-end lift around 120hz – adding a little bit of warmth and depth to vocals, without negatively changing the source sound. It holds onto the high end characteristics of each voice without harshness or becoming thin.

Very low signal-to-noise ratio, Rode even claim it is the quietest mic in its class – this means clean vocal recording, even with quieter singers. The Rode NT1-A has proven itself one of the best mics for recording while still being affordable, through 20 years of being produced and is still one of the best recording microphones out there.

Summary: Best All Round microphone for vocals Under $300

See Price & Check Out The Amazon Reviews

AKG P220 Vocal Condenser Microphone

Significantly cheaper than the Rode NT1-A, AKG have a habit of producing great microphones at a lower price point than competitors, which is why I’ve always had AKG in my home studio set for some 20 years now. The P220 is there best offering for the price. It’s reliability and the results you can get stack up against the best recording microphones at this price, though the NT1-A is worth the extra money if you can afford it.

Good at rejecting room noise too – so if your home recording space is not sound dampened, this mic is a good bet for a less reverb filled recording in a difficult space. Don’t expect miracles, but it does a better job than most competitors at this price.

On the negatives, the native EQ balance favours higher end more than it should, rather than middle warmth. You can fix much of this in post, but some breathiness or sibilance can affect the overall result.

Includes a high pass filter switch, and a -20db pad switch (meaning higher SPL recording is possible).

Summary: Best Vocal Mic For The Surprisingly Low Price

See Price & Check Out The Amazon Reviews

Audio-Technica AT2035

Similar sort of quality to the AKG P220, slightly more warmth and just a touch closer to a natural sound at a slightly higher price. Still a little bumpy in the mid range but with good sensitivity – accurately picking up a strong vocal signal even from a quiet source.

Not a lot between this and the AKG p220, you’ll do well with either. If you have a more treble focused or thin textured voice, especially for soprano singers, for example, the AT2035 will likely be a better fit than the AKG p220.

Includes 80Hz high-pass filter and -10dB pad switch.

Summary: All round affordable condenser vocal microphone, beats out the P220 if you are recording thinner and higher vocals.

See Price & Check Out The Amazon Reviews

Shure SM58 & Beta 58A – Dynamic Mics

The Shure SM58 is a legendary stage microphone that has been the go-to for sound guys for more than 50 years. It’s just a fantastic all round vocal microphone. If your main priority is to save money and have a microphone you can use for live shows as well as for basic studio recording, the SM58 is a reliable choice.

If you need a solely need a home studio microphone, I’d choose something else. The definition in the vocal just isn’t clear enough for a semi-pro studio, in my opinion. That said, apparently Michael Jackson recorded Billie Jean with an SM-57 instrument mic, so if you have the knowledge and creativity, you can make dynamic mics sound great.

Summary: Best affordable all purpose dynamic mic for live performance that can also be used in the studio.

SM58: See Price & Check Out The Amazon Reviews

By getting this mic with a “USB Signal Adapter” you can plug it straight into the computer with USB without the need for any extra interfaces, mixers or cables:

SM58 With USB Signal Adapter: See Price & Check Out The Amazon Reviews

Shure Beta 58A – The SM58’s big brother

I love the sound of the Beta 58 for live vocals with my particular voice. Other singers prefer the SM58. I feel the Beta 58 gives my voice more presence with a powerful mid-range. Just like the SM58, it can work as an all round live and home studio vocal mic, but still consider a condenser mic instead if you solely need a studio vocal recording microphone. Also has a supercardioid pickup for more directional focus.

Summary: Best dynamic mic for voices needing a boost in presence for live and studio use.

Beta 58: See Price & Check Out The Amazon Reviews

MXL 770 & MXL 770X

The MXL 770 has stood the test of time in the budget condenser mic category – 15+ years on the market and still going strong. This is pretty much the cheapest condenser mic available that can still deliver something close enough to a sem-pro studio sound for the home recording artist. It’s the best recording microphone you can get at this price point – if you really can’t afford something better.

Bass tones in the vocal pickup well, without rumble. Strong high end EQ response may be too much for some, creating a sometimes tinny effect – but for bassier voices, the high end boost may add additional punch to the voice. Like other budget condenser microphones, it’s the mid range that sometimes gets a little lost.

Includes -10db pad and a FET preamp built in.

Summary: The Only Sub $100 Condenser Mic Worth Considering.

770: See Price & Check Out The Amazon Reviews

The 770X can switch between cardioid patterns – making it an all round mic for other uses, not just vocals. You can switch from standard cardioid (for vocals), figure-of-eight (record from front and rear of mic simultaneously), and omnidirectional (Ambient Recording) polar patterns. This offers you a microphone that can be used for many other types of recording, not just vocals.

Very few mics have this quality of recording with a switchable pattern for a price this low. If you need that flexibility, on a budget, consider the 770X. Includes a 1.25” gold-sputtered diaphragm.

Summary: The 770X is pretty much the only switchable pattern home studio microphone at this price point worth considering.

770X: See Price & Check Out The Amazon Reviews

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Many condenser mics require phantom power / a preamp / a recording interface in order to hook them up to record at home, or even to use for live sound. Make sure you check out the Essential Accessories For Home Studio Vocal Recording section below to make sure you have all the right gear to record with a condenser mic at home.

Looking to record your own original songs? Improve your piano skills – see our Best Online Piano Lessons For Adults

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Best USB Microphones (Singing / Condenser) – Under $200

Rode NT-USB Versatile Studio-Quality USB Microphone (Cardioid, Condenser)

TOP PICK (BEST USB MICROPHONE) – The best USB microphone (condenser) available at time of writing. Although the NT-USD may find it difficult to compete with it’s XLR cousins in a similar price range (Like the original counterpart of this Rode mic, the NT1-A), for a USB microphone it does a stellar job.

Surprisingly solid build quality. The Rode NT-USB does a fantastic job at capturing a natural and balanced sound. Once you listen to the audio quality with this, other USB mics just won’t even be worth considering.

Summary: The number 1 USB mic for Vocal recording, period. The ideal studio microphone for computer.

See Price & Check Out The Amazon Reviews

Blue Yeti USB Microphone

The Blue Yeti is at the budget end of the semi pro scale for USB condenser mics. Seen more as a podcasting and voiceover mic, as a USB microphone for singing it is ok for basic home recordings, getting song ideas down on the computer etc. For a professional vocal recording, it’s not going to win awards. But if you want a simple USB mic on a budget, it’s a fine choice. But really, if you want the best USB microphone, spend the extra money and get the Rode NT-USB above.

Features multiple pattern selection – cardioid, bidirectional (figure 8), omnidirectional & stereo.

Summary: A cheaper and acceptable alternative but doesn’t beat the Rode NT-USB for results.

See Price & Check Out The Amazon Reviews

$300 to $1000 – Semi Pro Home Studio: Best Microphone For Recording Vocals

Ready to take sound quality to the next level? Get professional sounding results at home. Balance budget and quality when deciding how much to spend on the best recording microphone. Or Go Back To best studio microphone for vocals comparison table

AKG C214

One of two mics coming in on this list right at the bottom of this price bracket. Taking you one step closer to a pro sound, without breaking the bank but also at the cost of not quite getting you all the way there…

Very low signal to noise ratio. Many consider this home studio microphone to be perfectly attuned to vocal recording, beyond any other applications. So if your priority is getting the best microphone for recording vocals, this could be it. Very solid build quality and, well, I think it’s a beautiful piece of design too…

It’s another mic that can sometimes over-accentuate the top end, though not as much as some other microphones mentioned before. In general it handles all vocal styles, including rap, very well.

Includes -20db Switchable padding, 160hz low cut (which is too much cut for vocals, but can be good for other instruments)

Summary: A solid semi pro mic that excels in vocal recording beyond instrument recording.

See Price & Check Out The Amazon Reviews

Aston Origin – best recording microphone (Semi-Pro Standard)

TOP PICK (SEMI PRO) – The Aston Origin is an all round, versatile condenser mic. Great for studio vocals but also for other applications like studio acoustic guitar or electric guitar from the amp in a live show.

Great low noise to signal, and a very balanced natural sound – no boosts anywhere – it just captures what it hears well, giving you the flexibility to do all your boosts and changes in post, with a very clean, raw capture.

It’s a boutique microphone, built in the UK and it’s been making real waves given the quality is still available at a price point right at the bottom of the semi-pro category. It includes a built in pop shield, though you may want to buy an additional shield too, depending on your vocal style.

Pad switch for -10 & -20db, 80hz high pass filter. Mic stand screw built in – for direct connection to mic stand for live use.

The Aston Spirit pattern switching model (Omni/Cardioid/Figure-of-Eight) is also available.

Summary: Sensationally neutral capture for studio recording and live sound at a great price.

Aston Origin: See Price & Check Out The Amazon Reviews

Blue Microphones: Baby Bottle

Looking for a vintage / retro sound? The baby bottle by blue is a high tech, modern version of a classic tube (valve) mic. This brings you the retro sound of classic microphones but with the high tech solutions that have offered more consistent reliability with this type of build.

A slight boost in the mid range, which can be great for vocals. Crispiness in the high end is handled well. Sensitivity doesn’t quite live up to some of the pricier mics coming up, but it’s a top vintage mic nonetheless.

Summary: Classic tube mic retro sound, modern build quality and reliability. Best recording microphone for retro style recording at a reasonable price.

See Price & Check Out The Amazon Reviews

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern

The AT 4050 is at the edge of being a truly professional standard mic – and is actually used by many professional studios. Great, balanced recording that captures a natural sound as well as avoiding some of the high end crispiness or sibilance that some of the cheaper mics we’ve discussed fall prey to, while also providing smooth bass tones.

High end gold-plated diaphragms and switchable pickup pattern (cardioid, Omni, Figure 8). The neutral recording qualities leave you with a pure sounding vocal recording microphone with flexibility to add color yourself in post production. The AT4050 is also perfectly suited for recording other instruments as well as for live electric guitar.

Summary: A truly professional mic often used in pro studios with clear sound capture throughout its range.

See Price & Check Out The Amazon Reviews

Neumann TLM 102 MT

TOP PICK (PRO) – Another incredible high-end mic that really delivers crystal clear sound – with a slight bias to extra presence around the 6kHz range, which some producers will love for certain vocalists. Below 6kHz, a very linear capture ensuring very natural sound with silky bass.

Does it beat the AT4050? Many believe it does but it’s close. Choose the Neumann for that presence boost, and the AT4050 for the very neutral capture. The TLM 102 MT is a superb pro standard mic with a price that is still accessible to home studio artists. SPL 144db, and very low noise floor.

Summary: Best balance of price and quality for a pro standard vocal recording mic (condenser)

See Price & Check Out The Amazon Reviews

Lewitt Reference-Class Tube Condenser Microphone (LCT-840)

A sensational high end tube mic with the latest hi-tech circuitry with an externally polarized dual-diaphragm and a remarkably low noise floor for a tube mic. This work horse of a pro standard home studio microphone is flexible enough to record anything you throw at it, from drums and live guitar to a dynamically complicated studio vocalist. All with stunning results.

Features 5 switchable patterns (Omni, Wide Cardioid, Cardioid, Hypercardioid, Figure-8). -10db and -20db pad.

Summary: Another versatile pro standard mic with an extra touch of class

See Price & Check Out The Amazon Reviews

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Even the best recording microphone typically requires phantom power / a preamp / a recording interface in order to hook them up to record at home, or even to use for live sound. Make sure you check out the Essential Accessories For Home Studio Vocal Recording section below to make sure you have all the right gear to record with a condenser mic at home.

Or Go Back To best studio microphone for vocals comparison table

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Essential Accessories For Home Studio Vocal Recording

Just buying a vocal recording microphone is not always enough to make sure you are ready to record – make sure you have these essentials too.

A Laptop or Desktop Computer That Can Handle Music Recording

Low end laptops with low quality sound cards just won’t get you the clean results you want. Why buy a top end microphone with low signal to noise if your computer sound card then adds noise to the recording?

I use a Macbook Pro, and have for years. It’s portable so I can record on location or at home. It can handle even complicated simultaneous multi track recording, editing and playback.

The most important consideration, other than processor speed, is RAM – 16GB, or at least 8GB or you’ll risk some stutters.

See Price & Check Out The Amazon Reviews

Pre-amp OR Interface (And Phantom Power)

Unless you decide to buy a USB microphone, then you’ll need some way to get the audio signal from your vocal recording mic into your computer. Most of the mics listed above also require phantom power to operate, so you’ll need an interface that supplies that.

If you are only looking to do some simple recording using 1 microphone, perhaps recording to pre-made backing tracks, then something simple and versatile like the Shure XLR to USB signal adapter might suffice.

If you want to record a guitar and mic simultaneously, or do anything slightly more sophisticated, with even higher quality sound, then an audio interface is what you need.

Options start from simple budget interfaces with 1 XLR phantom powered and one instrument line in, up to 8 full XLR inputs and many more line in inputs. If you need to record a full band in one go, a minimum of 8 inputs is essential, more if you want to close mic the drum kit properly, or record vocals at the same time, rather than as an overdub. (Note, with additional line inputs you can record using dynamic mics, or buy an additional pre-amp unit to convert your balanced mics to the unbalanced line inputs.)

Remember, if you are spending a lot on the best recording microphone then buying a cheap interface will potentially lower the result from the microphone. Here are some interfaces to consider:

• Behringer (Various Models) – From a cheap and simple 2 input option, up to an 8 mic option with full pre-amp. Budget audio quality for basic recording.
• Focusrite (Various Models) – A small step up in audio quality and price, also with 2 to 8 input models.
• RME Fireface (24bit, 192KHZ) – A high end interface with 8 inputs – also firewire ready.
• Behringer Xenyx – 16 input full mixer – This mixer is designed for both live audio production, and simultaneous recording. Record your full band, live, or in the studio. That said, it’s not a true 16 input mixer – as some of the channels are stereo inputs. But, for the price, it’s a great option for simple live band recording.

For live sound, on a small stage, you may get phantom power direct from your mixer. If not, you’ll need a phantom power / DI box onstage. You can also use this to record direct into a computer – though it’s very inflexible compared to a proper recording interface.

DAW – Digital Audio Workstation

Your DAW is the software that controls and mixes your recording on the computer. It’s impossible to do multitrack recording without a DAW, so it’s essential. Here are some common options:

• Garageband (Mac) & Audacity (PC & Mac) – free / bundled software that does a decent job and can cover basic recording needs.
• Logic Pro (Mac) – My TOP PICK and the software I’ve used for years. Available in the Mac App Store. It’s relatively simple to learn, powerful and works smoothly. For a home studio, it’s really all you need.
• Pro Tools (PC & Mac) – The pro level (and expensive) choice of most studio pros. It’s incredibly complicated but also feature packed and powerful. Good if you are aiming to become a sound engineer. Otherwise, I’d stick with Logic.

Mic Stand & Shockmount

Most condenser microphones come packaged with a shockmount. These reduce mic handling noise and vibrations (ie. kicking mic stand and ground rumbles). If your chose mic doesn’t have one, grab a generic shockmount here. Note: very wide mics may not fit in this, most do.

As you shouldn’t hand hold record, you’ll need a stand too:

• Boom arm (Clips onto desk) – good if you are recording just by yourself
• Mic Stand – a regular mic stand with a boom arm, you can also use for live shows. Shockmounts typically have a standard adapter so they can fit on any regular mic stand.

Cables

If you get a high quality condenser Mic, there is no point getting a cheap cable that will lower the quality of the sound input.

• High End Gold Plated XLR – For Pro recording
• Standard Gold Plated XLR – For everyday home recording

Pop Shield

Prevent plosives ruining your recording. Get a pop shield to protect against unwanted vocal sounds. Some condensers have a built in pop shield, but most don’t.

See Price & Check Out The Amazon Reviews

Sonic Dampening – Acoustic Isolation Shield

If you are recording in a room at home that has not been dampened for reverb, then you can cheaply help minimise unwanted room reverb by using an acoustic isolation shield.

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There is plenty more to home studio recording, but having the best recording microphone for vocals is going to make a huge difference. It’s one of the biggest factors that can take you from amateur to semi pro or beyond.

Go Back To best studio microphone for vocals comparison table