Your vocals deserve to shine. That’s why we’re guiding you through the best vocal mics available today from Shure, AKG, Rode, Aston, Telefunken, Neumann and more
When it comes to buying the very best vocal microphone, the decision is hugely personal. It really does boil down to the qualities of the voice it will be capturing and whether it’ll be used in the studio or on the stage. It can be hard to know where to start – especially when there are so many mics to choose from – but don’t worry, this handy guide to the best vocal microphones will point you in the right direction
It’s easy to take our gear cues from our favourite artists, but on finding out the cost of high-end recording and live equipment, it can bring us back down to earth with an almighty thud. Fear not, however, as there are plenty of superb quality mics out there that don’t cost a fortune but will still do your vocals the justice they deserve. In this guide, we’re looking at some of the best vocal mics available today, aimed at a variety of situations and budgets.
We’ve included some expert buying advice at the end of this guide. If you’d like to read it, click the ‘buying advice’ tab above – or if you’d rather get to the products, keep scrolling.
When you’re shortlisting a new vocal microphone, one of the main considerations should be the sound. Capturing an accurate representation of your voice is the sole job of a vocal mic, and for this reason alone we’d happily put our name behind the Shure SM7B dynamic mic. Balancing performance with cost, the Shure comes out in front on account of its glorious, rich vocal tone, high levels of build quality and its uncanny ability to suppress room noise. Surely one of the best vocal mics out there.
We’d also highlight the exceptional performance delivered by the Aston Spirit condenser mic. This growing British brand is producing microphones with a level of class which far belies their relatively low price tag. The Spirit offers superb value for money.
1. Shure SM7B
The best vocal mic – it was good enough for MJ
SPECIFICATIONS
Launch price: $399/£369/€366
Type: Condenser
Pickup pattern: Cardioid
Connection: XLR
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+A lot of mic for the price+Perfect for podcasting and voiceovers+Choice of the stars
REASONS TO AVOID
-Not great for live use
As an all-rounder vocal mic, the Shure SM7B takes some beating. Over the years it’s been adopted by some of the music world’s biggest names – Michael Jackson swore by them – while its rich, balanced tone has found it adopted more recently by the podcasting community
For home recording it’s a great choice as it features in-built protection against electromagnetic hum, meaning your computer monitor isn’t going to interfere with your signal. It’s also, as with all the Shure SM range, built to withstand all manner of performance situations without letting you down.
Read the full Shure SM7B review
2. Aston Microphones Spirit
The best of British engineering
SPECIFICATIONS
Launch price: $449/£289/€329
Type: Condenser
Pickup pattern: Cardioid, Omni, Figure 8
Connection: XLR
REASONS TO BUY
+Amazing value+Bomb-proof construction+Versatile
REASONS TO AVOID
-Not much!
Aston Microphones has quickly become one of the music equipment industry’s rising stars, on account of a growing portfolio of high quality, yet affordable, microphones. Made in Britain, the brand has picked up multiple NAMM ‘Best in Show’ awards for its gear, and we’re huge fans here at MR.
The Aston Spirit, the company’s flagship model, boasts a 1” gold-evaporated capsule, along with a variety of pickup patterns. What surprised us most, however, was the price. For a shade under $500 you get an incredibly well made, great sounding microphone. Highly recommended.
Read the full Aston Microphones Spirit review
3. AKG C414 XLII
Versatility and very high quality are order of the day
SPECIFICATIONS
Launch price: $1,099/£699/€777
Type: Condenser
Pickup pattern: 9 switchable patterns
Connection: XLR
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+One mic to rule them all+Built to last a lifetime
REASONS TO AVOID
-You’ll struggle to find anyone with a bad word to say about this mic
As the most expensive mic in the line-up, the AKG C414 XLII has a lot to live up to. It’s also just about one of the most versatile microphones we’ve come across, excelling at everything from speech to vocals, via acoustic instruments and even drums.
A total of nine pickup patterns are available, including combining two different patterns, meaning there is no application where this mic won’t suit, while the overall levels of quality, durability and construction are exemplary. Oh, and it sounds incredible too.
4. Shure Super 55
One of the best vocal mics for the stage
SPECIFICATIONS
Launch price: $249/£205/€220
Type: Dynamic
Pickup pattern: Supercardioid
Connection: XLR
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+Oodles of vibe+Simple as they come
REASONS TO AVOID
-Not the most versatile
The Shure Super 55, known affectionately as the ‘Elvismic’ on account of its most famous user, proves microphones don’t need to be dull. The Super 55 is a sturdy, eye-catching dynamic microphone built for a lifetime on stage.
A mic has to sound good though, and there are no complaints from us regarding its audio performance. The lack of an off/on switch will irk some, and the sheer weight of the thing will give roaming vocalists something to think about, but as a hard-as-nails workhorse, the Shure Super 55 is definitely worth your consideration.
5. Rode NTK
This solid mid-range tube condenser is one of the best vocal mics
SPECIFICATIONS
Launch price: $529/£449/€449
Type: Tube condenser
Pickup pattern: Cardioid
Connection: XLR
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+Build quality+Tube adds something unique tonally
REASONS TO AVOID
-Some users have reported a slightly boxy mid-range
Australian brand Rode is one of the best-known microphone specialists operating today. The Rode NTK is their flagship mid-point condenser, delivering exceptional performance for vocals and other speech-related applications. Part of the NTK’s magic comes from the twin-triode 6922 tube, which adds a touch of vintage warmth to recordings
We particularly like the build quality of the Rode NTK, which offers easy access to replace the tube, should you need to. As with the rest of the Rode range, there’s a lot of quality on display here at a great value price point.
6. Shure SM58
A scene veteran, still going strong
SPECIFICATIONS
Launch price: $99/£99/€98
Type: Dynamic
Pickup pattern: Cardioid
Connection: XLR
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+Hard to fault+Reliable as they come
REASONS TO AVOID
-Not particularly versatile
It would be remiss not to include the Shure SM58 in this list, right? We did consider omitting it, but couldn’t bring ourselves to do it. After all, for a large number of live performers this mic has been the go-to choice for decades now. You don’t become one of the best-selling vocal mics in the world by accident.
As a specialist live performance mic, the Shure SM58 offers the perfect combination of reliability, performance and durability, and all for a price which sits very nicely under $100.
Read the full Shure SM58 review
7. IK Multimedia iRig Mic Studio
Bus-powered condenser for the home studio
SPECIFICATIONS
Launch price: $149/£139/€156
Type: Condenser
Pickup pattern: Cardioid
Connection: USB
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+Small but mighty+Great results from vocals and acoustic instruments
REASONS TO AVOID
-Better suited to smaller studio setups
Rounding off the list, we nod to the growing list of condenser microphones designed never to leave the comfort of your home. The IK Multimedia iRig Mic Studio is a large diaphragm, bus-powered condenser mic which performs well in a variety of situations.
