Whether you’re recording vocals in the studio or taking the stage with your band, you obviously want your voice to sound great. To that end, we set out to answer the age-old question: What are the best microphones for vocals? “Best,” of course, is a relative term; and it’s unreasonable to expect a $100 microphone to sound as good as a $10,000 mic. So, we’ve arranged our list of some of the best vocal microphones by price from low to high. We’ve also broken it down into two categories: live and studio, with wireless microphones grouped separately within the live category. With that said, there’s no rule that says you can’t use a “live” mic in the studio — or vice versa. Happy hunting!
Best Microphones for Vocals:
Vocal Microphones for Live Performance
Wired Vocal Microphones
sE Electronics V7 Vocal Microhone
The sE Electronics V7 handheld dynamic microphone proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to capture great-sounding live vocals. The V7’s specialized aluminum voice coil helps deliver natural-sounding reproduction of male and female voices, while giving it a crisp, open quality. Its supercardioid design delivers excellent isolation from ambient stage noise and allows copious amounts of gain before feedback. The V7 capsule’s integrated shockmounting cuts down on handling noise and rumble, while its internal windscreen attenuates performance-marring plosives and wind noise. The V7 mic is built tour-tough with durable zinc alloy construction and a rugged beveled spring steel-mesh grille.
Shure SM58 Vocal Microhone
No live vocal microphone list would be complete without the world’s most popular mic — the Shure SM58. Introduced in 1966, the SM58 has become the industry standard for handheld dynamic vocal microphones. Like its SM57 stablemate that proceeded it, the SM58 is based on the Unidyne III cartridge developed by Shure in the late 1950s. The SM58 is, in fact, a ’57, with an additional meshed ball grille that acts as an effective pop filter. Virtually every serious live sound and studio mic locker contains several (sometimes dozens of) SM58s. Why? Because you can hand one to any vocalist or place it in front of most instruments with excellent results. And this mic is virtually indestructible — which is important whether you’re gigging solo at your local bar or embarking on a world tour.
Beyerdynamic TG V90r Vocal Microphone
A ribbon microphone, onstage — really? Yes, really. The Beyerdynamic TG V90r vocal mic captures clean vocals onstage without being high-maintenance. It’s not delicate, and its high output doesn’t require a special preamp. Its cardioid pickup pattern reduces stage noise. And whereas most ribbon mics exhibit notorious proximity effect, the Beyerdynamic TG V90r vocal microphone remains natural-sounding even when brushing against a singer’s lips. Its ultra-sensitive 2-micrometer aluminum ribbon also makes it great for percussion and other instruments where the ability to capture fast transients is an asset. Whether erratic handling or inadvertent phantom powering, the TG V90r mic — like all Beyerdynamic TourGroup microphones — is built to handle whatever the road serves up.
Neumann KMS 105 Vocal Microphone
For studio owners, the name Neumann needs no introduction. But the Neumann KMS 105 makes no-compromise studio-grade sonics and legendary build quality available to front-of-house engineers in a supercardioid condenser mic built to meet the challenges of vocal use onstage. As you would expect from any Neumann microphone, the KMS 105 mic delivers full-frequency response, superior resolution, and accurate transient tracking. The KMS 105’s elastic shockmounted capsule features three metal basket layers that virtually eliminate plosives and sibilance. This vocal microphone is also appealingly lightweight, making it a delight to use in live performance.
Earthworks SR40V Vocal Microphone
If you’re after studio-quality vocals onstage, the Earthworks SR40V handheld condenser microphone is another entry that’s definitely worthy of consideration. The SR40V’s tight hypercardioid pickup pattern, lightning-quick transient response, and extended frequency range captures breathtaking vocals with the lifelike presence and silky air you thought you could only achieve in the studio. Capturing the subtle details that dynamic vocal microphones typically miss, the SR40V gives your live shows the studio polish that makes them sound like “the record,” without resorting to excessive EQ or effects. In fact, the Earthworks SR40V microphone sounds so amazing, you’ll also want to use it in the studio. It’s no wonder many sound engineers and producers consider this to be one of the best microphones for recording vocals.
Wireless Vocal Microphones
Audio-Technica ATW-2120b Vocal Microphone
Audio-Technica’s ATW-2120b handheld wireless system
delivers solid, true-diversity operation at an affordable price. The ATW-2120b features A-T’s Tone Lock squelch system for interference-free performance, while XLR and unbalanced 1/4″ outputs provide versatility for a wide range of operational scenarios. The ATW-R2100b receiver’s roadworthy metal enclosure is fitted with easy-to-use soft-touch controls and a clear, bright LCD display. The ATW-T220a transmitter’s cardioid dynamic capsule provides consistent sound quality and maximum feedback rejection. Automatic frequency scanning, which determines and sets the strongest available frequency, makes setup a breeze — and is all but essential when using multiple wireless systems. You can use up to 10 ATW-2120b systems together without frequency coordination problems or group selection issues.
Sennheiser EW 100 G4-835-S Vocal Microphone
Taking a step up in wireless brings us to the Sennheiser EW 135 G4 microphone. Boasting a 330′ transmission range and up to eight hours of battery life, the system’s SKM 100 G4-S handheld transmitter features a tight cardioid pattern that picks up the vocalist while rejecting ambient stage sound that can cause feedback. The EW 135 G4 mic system includes Sennheiser’s EM 100 G4 rackmount receiver, which offers automatic frequency scanning of 1,680 available UHF frequencies across a 42MHz bandwidth for interference-free reception. The microphone system is expandable, letting you link up to 12 receivers simultaneously.
Shure QLXD24/B87A Vocal Microphone
The Shure QLXD24/B87A handheld wireless microphone system’s streamlined operation makes it a great choice for wireless vocals in midsized music venues, presentation spaces, and houses of worship. The QLXD24/B87A vocal mic system delivers clear, interference-free performance thanks to its pristine 24-bit digital audio technology and highly efficient RF spectrum usage. Effortless to set up with the push of a button, the QLXD24/B87A wireless system’s receiver automatically identifies the strongest open frequency and syncs with the handheld transmitter. The transmitter comes with an interchangeable Beta 87A supercardioid condenser capsule and offers the versatility of optional (extra-cost) SM58, SM86, or Beta 58A capsules.
Shure Axient AD4DUS Dual-channel Receiver and AD2 KSM8 Handheld Transmitter
Designed for mission-critical applications in today’s congested wireless environments, Shure’s cutting-edge Axient digital wireless systems deliver an unprecedented level of performance and reliability. The Shure Axient AD4DUS 2-channel receiver can assign up to four antennas to a single channel for enhanced coverage and rock-solid signal quality. Axient wireless features a wide tuning range up to 184MHz for maximum spectrum coverage and includes advanced proprietary technology, such as Spectrum Manager, which provides graphically displayed automatic frequency scanning, as well as interference detection and avoidance, and can even store site-survey data for later retrieval. Another advanced feature, Shure’s Frequency Diversity mode, eliminates RF interference that can cause intermittent audio in less sophisticated systems.
Equipped with Shure’s KSM8 mic capsule, the Axient AD2 handheld transmitter teams up with the AD4DUS receiver to conquer the most challenging wireless applications. A choice of two operational modes optimizes performance for either maximum coverage (Standard mode) or enhanced channel counts (High Density mode). You can power Axient AD2 handheld transmitters with AA batteries or with Shure’s SB900A rechargeable battery for up to 9.5 hours of performance. And Axient’s smart batteries and networked charging technology mean you’ll always know how much remaining runtime your transmitters have, as well as the charging status of your spares.
Best Microphones for Vocals:
Vocal Microphones for the Studio
sE Electronics X1 S Vocal Microphone
If you need a high-quality condenser microphone that’s versatile enough for any studio task, check out the sE Electronics X1 S. This cardioid condenser mic features sE Electronics’s handcrafted gold-sputtered 1″ diaphragm and an all-metal capsule for clear, vibrant sound capture and long-term reliability. The X1 S vocal microphone is equipped with a 2-position pad and low-cut switch that let you fine-tune it to any source; this added versatility makes it an ideal choice for general-purpose studio deployment. The X1 S mic is well suited for tracking vocals. In fact, we’d say it’s one of the best microphones for recording vocals. Its smooth, forgiving nature brings out the lushness in female and male voices, regardless of genre. These same qualities also make the X1 S microphone an excellent choice for tracking acoustic instruments such as acoustic guitar and piano.
RODE NT1-A Vocal Microphone
The RODE NT1-A cardioid condenser microphone boasts full-frequency response, ultra-low self-noise, and a maximum SPL rating of 137dB, which makes it adept at capturing everything from a delicate airy singer to a screaming metal vocalist. The NT1-A mic’s low self-noise ensures that even the faintest whisper will be captured in minute detail. The microphone ships with a shockmount, pop screen, dust cover, and a mic cable. This vocal microphone’s sheer versatility, combined with its gentle price tag, has made the RODE NT1-A a must-have for any studio regardless of budget.
Shure SM7B Vocal Microphone
A broadcast standard vocal microphone that’s equally at home in the music studio, the Shure SM7B has endeared itself to a diverse talent pool that includes rap artists, metal vocalists, and radio announcers. Perhaps most famously, the SM7B was used for Michael Jackson’s vocals on his groundbreaking Thriller album. The SM7B vocal microphone features a cardioid pickup pattern and flat, wide-range frequency response plus switchable onboard high pass filter and separate presence boost. The SM7B mic works wonders on metal vocals and is a mainstay in both recording and broadcast studios. It’s a dynamic microphone, and as such its lower sensitivity allows it to capture the raw intensity of an incredibly loud performance and round off the edges for a cohesive vocal track that holds its own in dense metal mixes. Originally designed as a broadcast microphone for spoken word applications, the SM7B also rates highly with rappers, who like the way it captures nuances of inflection and evens out their performances.
Warm Audio WA-47 Vocal Microphone
Warm Audio made their mark redefining the pro audio price/performance ratio, so when they set out to design their version of a legendary large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone, we expected great things. We were not disappointed. Sporting discrete, transformer-balanced vacuum tube circuitry and a custom reproduction capsule, the Warm Audio WA-47 mic nails the huge, bold sound of the revered classic German microphone — a sound heard on innumerable iconic recordings. But the WA-47 microphone is no slavish copy. Where the original had two polar patterns, the WA-47 vocal mic boasts nine, which — along with robust 140dB SPL handling — translates to incredible versatility; there’s literally no signal the WA-47 can’t finesse. How is it on vocals? Bold and authoritative. After all, the classic ’47 was Frank Sinatra’s mic of choice. ‘Nuff said.
Mojave Audio MA-201fet Vocal Microphone
The Mojave Audio MA-201fet large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone is a studio workhorse you can place in front of almost any source to capture warm, full-bodied sound without a trace of shrillness. The 201 mic’s premium parts include a 3-micron gold-sputtered capsule, a custom Jensen audio transformer, a mil-spec FET, and specially designed low-noise resistors. The Mojave Audio MA-201fet microphone is perfect for a wide range of studio duties. From recording vocals to more raucous sources such as kick drums and guitar cabinets, the MA-201 microphone handles it all with composure. Many studios double their value and get a pair of them for drum overheads, piano, or any number of other stereo applications.
Audio-Technica AT4050 Vocal Microphone
The Audio-Technica AT4050 is one of Sweetwater’s most popular vocal microphones — and for good reason! Featuring a low-noise transformerless design, three polar patterns, an 80Hz highpass filter, and a 10dB pad, the AT4050 microphone is a solid choice for even the most demanding recording applications. The AT4050 mic delivers transparent highs and mids, nicely balanced by a rich low end. The mic’s transformerless design virtually eliminates low-frequency distortion and provides excellent transient response. Given its polished performance, impressive versatility, and reasonable price tag, it’s no wonder the AT4050 microphone is found in serious studios all over the world.
AKG C414 XLII Vocal Microphone
Among professional recording engineers, the AKG C414 microphone needs no introduction. Because of its ability to handle many different sources, this classic multi-pattern condenser microphone has seen heavy action in the world’s top recording studios, performance venues, and broadcast facilities. AKG has upped the ante with their C414 XLII vocal mic, improving the C414’s already-legendary versatility. With its nine polar patterns, state-of-the-art componentry, and reference-grade results, the AKG C414 XLII mic is a great choice for breathy, intimate female vocals or any source where you need nuanced reproduction with a delicate sense of air.
Neumann U 87 Ai Vocal Microphone
Introduced in 1967, the Neumann U 87 large-diaphragm condenser microphone gained instant favor with engineers, producers, and artists; by the mid ’70s it was an industry standard found in virtually every pro recording studio on the planet. The Neumann U 87 Ai vocal microphone is the modern incarnation of that classic mic. Whether you deploy it on vocals, pianos, drum overheads, tom-toms, guitar amps, brass, strings, congas, or any other source, you can count on the U 87 Ai microphone to do a great job. We all need vocals to shine in the mix, and the 87 was born for this. No other vocal microphone is so widely acclaimed, which is why you’ll hear the 87 on countless iconic recordings. The microphone’s three selectable polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8), plus a switchable highpass filter and 10dB pad, also make it incredibly versatile and an ideal choice for a broad range of recording techniques. To learn more about Neumann vocal microphones, check out 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Neumann Microphones on our website.
Manley Reference Gold Vocal Microphone
What are the sonic qualities you want in a studio microphone? Accuracy? Clarity? The ability to bring out the unique character of a voice or instrument? The Manley Reference Gold vocal microphone is a large-diaphragm multi-pattern tube condenser microphone that does all that and more. Introduced in 1990, the Reference Gold has become an industry standard — a staple of world-class studios, and a Holy Grail mic for audiophile recordings. It captures all the subtleties and nuance of a performance with ease and delivers a faithful, transparent rendition of every source. And its polar patterns — continuously variable between omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8 positions — give you amazing flexibility. If you find yourself reaching for high-frequency shelving to achieve an intimate, shimmery sound on vocals, it may be time to step up to the Manley Reference Gold.
Telefunken ELA M 251E Vocal Microphone
Telefunken’s ELA M 251E large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone
is a meticulous re-creation of a legend. The original, introduced in 1960, is reverentially considered to be one of the most glorious-sounding mics ever made and has been featured on countless classic recordings. With rare working-condition vintage 251s commanding prices in the tens of thousands of dollars, this faithful reissue is a no-brainer if you covet its uniquely smooth, present, and open sound — without the inevitable maintenance headaches that come along with owning vintage gear. Featuring three selectable polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8) and a maximum SPL of 138dB, the ELA M 251E delivers sumptuous results on any vocal or instrument.
So there you have it: Sweetwater’s Best Microphones for vocals. We’re sure you’ll be able to find your next vocal mic among these excellent choices. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate vocal microphone or you’re building your mic locker from scratch, it’s comforting to know that your Sales Engineer is here to help — so give us a call at (800) 222-4700! Meanwhile, check out some of Sweetwater’s other microphone articles, like the 10 Best Vocal Mics Under $1000 or the Best Microphones for Content Creators.
