10 Best Microphones for Voice Recording

In this article I have compiled the top 10 best microphones for voice recording in 2022.

What is the best microphone for recording vocals?

Objectively speaking, there isn’t really one.

At least, there isn’t just one.

Depending on the singer, the same microphone can sound more or less good.

That’s why most studios have a lot of microphones available: to have more sound options and to be able to choose according to the artist.

In other words, there is no such thing as an absolute studio microphone.

However, in terms of microphones for voice recording, there are some models that can be considered safe.

Especially if you apply the right recording techniques.

But you still need to know which ones, because there are so many different brands and models.

So, to guide you in your choice, I have selected ten, all of which share the following characteristics:

• They have a very good quality-price ratio
• They are particularly suitable for recording vocals and voice recordings of all kinds.

So that you can easily identify the ones that fit your budget, I’ve sorted them by price.

I’ll guide you to make the right choice!

The Best Microphones for Voice Recording

1. AKG D5

Don’t let the low price of this dynamic microphone fool you.

It is a serious competitor to the famous SM58 which I will tell you about later.

It is quite solid and has a clear and balanced sound, which comes out well in the mix.

It is more balanced than the SM58, and will give your vocals more presence thanks to a fairly pronounced hump between 5 and 10 kHz.

An ideal vocal microphone for small budgets.

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2. MXL 770

 

A very good choice if you are on a tight budget but still want a good condenser microphone.

Indeed, the MXL 770 simply has an excellent price/performance ratio.

It has solid bass and is rather bright (frequency hump around 10 kHz).

Sometimes too much, but nothing that can’t be corrected with a little EQ.

Although it can work for many styles, it is an effective microphone for recording rock or rap/hip-hop vocals.

The design is also nice, and it comes with a suspension and case.

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3. Shure SM58

It’s a bit difficult to make a list of microphones for vocals without mentioning the SM58 (quite different from the SM57 by the way).

Of course, it is more often used for live performances, but many artists record with it in the studio, like Björk or U2.

This mic is a legend, a true industry standard.

It has a slightly darker sound than the AKG D5 shown before, and dampens bass below 100 Hz.

If you are looking for an easy-to-use microphone with a proven track record, you can go for the SM58.

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4. Audio-Technica AT 2035

We sometimes see recommendations for the AT2020, its little brother, but I advise you to take the AT2035 instead.

It is indeed more sensitive and has much less background noise, which is not negligible.

The mids are quite warm and the highs are soft.

Ideal for home studio use, it is a microphone that will record very well the details of your voice in a relatively neutral way.

Indeed, it has a fairly flat frequency spectrum, except for a peak after 10 kHz which helps to open up the sound a bit by adding presence.

An excellent microphone for singing at a very reasonable price.

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5. RØDE NT1-A

A very popular microphone for beginners who want to record, because it comes with a complete package including pop filter and suspension.

However, this is not a toy at all: it is a really good microphone.

It is known for its good sound quality and low background noise.

A little bump around 150 Hz will give your recordings a little warmth, while the high peaks will help your voice stand out in the mix.

A good choice for beginners looking for a versatile microphone.

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6. AKG C214

A much more affordable version of the famous C414 (which costs around 800 €).

It has a very detailed sound, associated with a fairly flat frequency spectrum.

As with most of the other condenser microphones on this list, there is a peak around 10000 Hz to open the sound. A small dip around 1500 Hz softens the voice.

In addition, the capsule has a dedicated suspension built into the microphone, which significantly reduces mechanical noise.

Also of note: the C214 has a -20 dB pad, which will allow you to record loud sound sources if required.

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7. Aston Microphones Origin

I often recommend the Origin because, although it is relatively inexpensive, it is a microphone with an impressive price/performance ratio.

Made in Great Britain, it is distinguished above all by its distinctive industrial design and solid construction.

In terms of sound, the recordings are very detailed and natural.

Clearly, the Aston Origin has nothing to envy to models five times more expensive: the voice recordings are warm and powerful, with high frequencies always soft and pleasant.

A great gift for your studio?

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8. Shure SM7B

Simply THE dynamic microphone to own.

Used by Michael Jackson on the “Thriller” album, it is particularly effective for male singers (but not exclusively of course) and is often used by extreme metal singers.

Cardioid, it rejects very well the sounds coming from the back.

That’s why I recommend it for your home studio: it will be quite easy to use in a room with average acoustics.

The sound is smooth, but it is possible via a slider to increase the midrange for more aggressiveness.

Be careful though: for it to work in good conditions, you will need a microphone preamp with at least 60 dB of gain.

If this is not the case, you can do as many people do and place a Cloudlifter just before (it is a simplified preamp using phantom power).

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9. LEWITT LCT 440 PURE

It is not always necessary to spend a lot of money on a microphone in order to obtain a good result.

In a home studio context, the LCT 440 Pure from LEWITT (a rising Austrian brand) is an interesting option.

The sound is clear, rather precise and of high quality.

The high frequencies, which are often the weak point of entry-level microphones, are rather soft and natural, which is appreciable.

And then, the microphone is delivered with a small pop filter and an adequate mount, which is a significant plus (especially for the price).

To be looked at carefully…

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10. Warm Audio WA-87

Finally, I conclude this list with the WA-87 from Warm Audio, an excellent microphone designed to reproduce the sound of the early Neumann U87s and using quality components while keeping the price right.

The WA-87 presents itself as a high-end but affordable microphone, with a directional pattern that allows it to be easily adapted to different recording situations.

The sound is fine (in a good sense), balanced and detailed.

It will easily find its place in your mixes thanks to its natural clarity.

Admittedly it is a bit more expensive than the others on the list, but if you are looking for a very good microphone for your (home) studio, I have no doubt that the WA-87 will satisfy you fully!

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To go further…

Having a good studio microphone is undoubtedly essential for recording vocals or voices of any kind.

However, as I mentioned in the introduction, it is also important to record in the best possible conditions.

This requires, among other things, the use of a room with properly controlled acoustics.

On this subject, I advise you to read my guide of the acoustic treatment in studio.