7 Best Rapping Microphones

Nowadays it’s easy to find a lot of microphones of all prices with hundreds of functions and features.

But if you do not know much about the subject it may seem overwhelming, so much technical information can make it difficult when you are looking for a good cheap microphone to record your rap vocals.

In this article we will review in detail the aspects to consider to choose the best rapping microphone that best suits your needs and budget.

Factors to consider before buying a microphone for rap recording:

Budget

Establishing a budget from the beginning is one of the most important steps to take into account as it will directly influence the options to evaluate. 

We will evaluate microphones that offer excellent performance specific to rapping focused on tight budgets.

But keep in mind that to achieve rap vocal recordings with a professional level of quality you need to invest in the following:

1. A quality microphone (regardless of price, there are very good quality microphones at affordable prices).
2. A support system for the microphone, either a stand or a spider arm.
3. An anti-vibration mount for the microphone head.
4. A pop filter
5. An audio interface or a phamton power supply.

Type of microphone

To record rap vocals, 2 types of microphones are commonly used; dynamic microphones and condenser microphones.

Dynamic microphones are mainly used for live concerts, this is because the audio capture pattern is wider.

Condenser microphones are used for recording in sound-controlled places, such as a recording studio.

Condenser microphones stand out for having a wider frequency response and a higher level of sensitivity, achieving a higher sound quality, so they are the best choice for recording vocals.

Condenser microphones are connected via XLR to an audio interface or phamton power supply.

Therefore, these microphones require a 48V power supply unlike USB microphones, which do not require an external power supply.

This of course has a direct impact on the final audio quality.

If you plan to take your rap productions to the next level and leave poor quality amateur recordings in the past, a condenser microphone connected to an audio interface is the best choice.

Polar Pattern

The polar pattern is the sound pickup direction of the microphone diaphragm.

For recording vocals the best choice is to go for cardioid polar pattern microphones, as they achieve greater sensitivity in capturing sound by recording at close and direct distances.

Diaphragm size

The larger the diaphragm of the microphone the higher the sensitivity levels of capture, this is ideal for recording rap vocals.

What is the best cheap rapping microphone?

In VILARCORP we have given ourselves the task of choosing the top 7 microphones that we recommend to our readers.

Taking into account that they probably have a tight budget but at the same time want to get the best out of their investment and therefore choose the best option to professionalize their rap recordings.

Rode NT1-A

Let’s kick off that list with my personal favorite, the amazing NT1-A from Rode.

 It’s priced significantly lower than other higher-end Rode models, such as the NTK, but with some of the same features.

The Rode NT1-A presents a substantial improvement to its predecessor, the NT1, as it improves in important sections such as; a spectrum of frequencies more better control of external noise, achieving better levels of noise cancellation.

As for the design, I find it elegant and minimalist enough, highlighting that it includes a very good quality pop filter.

Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

• Large diaphragm 1” gold-sputtered capsule
• Cardioid polar pattern
• Ultra-low noise, self-noise of only 5dB (A)
• Includes Rode SM6 shock mount, pop filter and dust cover
• Internal capsule shock mounting

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This accessory is essential when recording rap vocals, as it helps us to eliminate the explosive “p” that can damage a rap recording.

We have highlighted the Rode NT1-A as one of the best options available for recording vocals due to its perfect balance of high quality microphone at an affordable price.

It has a natural, nuanced and warm sound, with technical features that can be found in much more expensive models, without sacrificing performance.

The Rode NT1-A manages to capture rap vocals recordings excellently, even in demanding recordings performs quite well.

Allowing you to experiment with new sounds and ways of expressing your rapping without fear of affecting the quality of your recordings.

With transparent mid frequencies well achieved and subtle and smooth treble frequencies.

The Australian company Rode has earned an impeccable reputation for creating microphones of very good quality and solid construction at affordable prices.

The Rode NT1-A has quickly achieved the status of “classic” within the litter of new producers. 

For being an ideal microphone to get started in the world of professional studio quality microphones without having to invest thousands of dollars.

Among the features that highlight the Rode NT1-A is its wide dynamic range of audio capture.

Offering amazing clarity throughout its capture spectrum, especially in the mid and high frequencies, making it an ideal choice for rappers looking to turn their lyrics into real hits with studio quality.

The Rode NT1-A has a high SPL capability in addition to a low noise floor, around 5 dB, something surprising considering the price level of this microphone.

The Rode NT1-A is able to achieve a good performance in other tasks besides recording rap vocals, being a good choice for multifunctional producers.

This is because it manages to record instrumentals, piano, guitars and percussion without saturation and representing the sounds very well in a detailed and faithful way.

All in all, the Rode NT1-A is a solid choice that sounds simply outstanding.

If you want to take your rap recordings to the next level, check it out.

PROS

• Clear, detailed and neutral audio
• Includes useful pop filter for rapping
• Low noise levels
• Nuanced and transparent mids
• Smooth high frequencies

CONS

• No attenuation pad or filter

Rode NT1-A Specs

Shure SM7B

The Shure SM7B is the only dynamic microphone that we have included in this list, and there is a reason for that; it is simply amazing.

Usually condenser microphones are used to record rap vocals, that’s because they are the ones that offer greater sensitivity and more detailed sound, but this is not always an advantage, especially for producers who do not have the resources to condition their recording studio to levels where the sound is perfectly controlled.

Dynamic microphones capture the emotional nuances of the voices in a surprising way, suffice it to mention that the hit song “Thriller” by Michael Jackson was recorded with this microphone.

On Sale

Shure SM7B Microphone - Vocal Dynamic Studio Mic for Broadcast, Podcast, Recording, Gaming & Streaming, XLR, Rugged Construction, Detachable Windscreen, Smooth Sound, Warm Vocals, Wide-Range Frequency

• ONE MICROPHONE FOR EVERYTHING - Studio Recording, Home Recording, Podcasting & Streaming. The SM7B Is Trusted By The Worlds Leading Vocalists, Podcasters & Streamers.
• STUDIO VOCAL RECORDING - The SM7B’s Dynamic Cartridge With Smooth, Flat, Wide-range Frequency Response Produces Exceptionally Clean & Natural Reproduction Of Both Music & Speech.
• PODCAST & BROADCAST - Found In The Top Podcasting Studios Around The World, The SM7B Air Suspension Shock Isolation & Pop Filter Eliminate Both Mechanical Noise And Breathiness. So Words Get Through And The Rest Stays Out Of The Mix.
• STREAMING CONTENT - Professional Live Streaming Starts With A Microphone Capable Of Capturing Exceptionally Clean And Natural Reproduction Of Both Music And Speech. The SM7B Has Been A Pioneer In Such Abilities For Decades.
• PROFESSIONAL XLR CONNECTION - The XLR Connection Along With An Audio Interface Allows You More Control Over The Sound — Thus A Better Overall Sound Quality.

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Proving that the Shure SM7B is one of the best microphones designed in the industry, surviving the ordeal of the arrival of new competitors in the market.

The Shure SM7B is famous for being the most popular microphone among podcasters worldwide for its warm representation of the voices.

The Shure SM7B has an integrated switchable dual-band passive equalizer, making it very versatile, allowing you to cut the bass in situations that warrant it and increase the mids for more presence.

The Shure SM7B is an ideal choice for recording male vocals when recording flat or with the low-cut switch.

It also has a switch to reinforce presence in vocals, ideal for higher pitched voices and sibilant vocalists. 

And also in the opposite direction, switching the bright and high sounds and highlight the low and dark frequencies,

Without a doubt, the Shure SM7B is a well-deserved classic and a logical choice for rappers looking for a professional sound in their recordings.

Shure SM7B Specs

sE Electronics sE2200

The cardioid pattern is the ideal polar pattern we look for when recording rap vocals.

That’s where the fantastic SE Electronics sE2200 comes in, a microphone with beastly noise elimination.

The SE Electronics sE2200 has a clear and detailed sound capture for vocals, due to its large, oversized diaphragm. 

SE ELECTRONICS - 2200 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Mic with Shockmount and Filter

• Frequency range- 20hz-20khz
• 48v Power
• Sensitivity-23.7mV/Pa
• Max SPL-125/135/145db
• Impedance-<50 ohms

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The sE2200 has switches that allow you to adjust the settings according to the situation you want to record, for example;

-10 or -20 dB switch: Allows you to lower the gain of high SPL signals, achieving a clean capture even on loud vocals.

High pass filter switch: Has two points of attenuation variation for low frequency noise.

Anti-vibration bracket: includes a bracket that allows suppressing vibration and hardware manipulation sounds that may interfere with audio capture.

Anti-pop filter: this accessory is essential when recording rap sessions, due to the explosions of air generated when pronouncing the letter “p” during recording. With this element we can eliminate these sounds to have a cleaner and more professional recording.

In short, the SE Electronics SE2200 is a microphone that has earned its fame thanks to its outstanding performance, comparable to large microphones of thousands of dollars.

sE Electronics sE2200 Specs

Lewitt LCT 440 Pure

The LCT 440 Pure is a large diaphragm condenser microphone with cardioid polar pattern manufactured by the Austrian company Lewitt.

The name of this microphone perfectly defines its sound quality; Pure.

On Sale

LCT-440-Pure Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

• The Essence Of Studio Sound: The Lct 440 Pure Is A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone For Highly Detailed, Nuanced Recordings
• A True Allrounder; Record Your Vocals, Guitar Amps, Acoustic Instruments, And More; For Anything From Home Recording To Upscale Studio Production
• Capture Your Individual Sound; The Gold-Layered 1″ True Condenser Capsule Records Your Signal With An Impressive Amount Of Depth And Clarity
• No Limits On The Technical Side; It Features A Very Low Self-Noise Value And Handles Ear-Shattering Sound Pressure Levels

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The LCT 440 Pure is ideal for rappers looking for clear and bright sounds in their recordings, no switches or filter variants, just a solid, easy to use and fantastic sounding microphone.

The LCT 440 Pure includes some useful accessories such as an anti-vibration stand, a magnetic pop filter, a wind filter and a bag for safe transport.

With this microphone you will achieve a balanced recording, with well achieved brightness, flat response and low noise level, a perfect choice for vocals and all kinds of instruments.

Lewitt LCT 440 Pure Specs

Audio-Technica AT4040

This microphone comes from Audio-Technica, a company known worldwide for offering high quality sound products at affordable prices.

The Audio-Technica AT4040 is a side-address condenser microphone with fixed cardioid pattern that achieves an SPL of 145 dB and a flat audio capture with minimal noise levels.

On Sale

Audio-Technica AT4040 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

• Technically advanced large diaphragm tensioned specifically to provide smooth, natural sonic characteristics
• Externally polarized (DC bias) true condenser design, Exceptionally low noise, wide dynamic range and high SPL capability for greatest versatility
• Transformerless circuitry virtually eliminates low frequency distortion and provides superior correlation of high speed transients
• Precision machined, nickel plated brass, acoustic element baffle provides enhanced element stability and optimal sensitivity
• State of the art surface mount electronics ensure compliance with A T's stringent consistency and reliability standards

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It has a -10dB switch that allows reaching 155dB SPL, an ideal level for recording vocals, making it a very good choice for rappers. 

It has a low pass filter to cut low frequencies.

It achieves a very clear and accurate vocal pickup with an adequate level of brightness.

The AT4040 is extremely versatile, allowing not only to capture vocals in a very faithful and detailed way, but it is also a very good choice for recording all kinds of instruments, thanks to its high sound pressure level, which allows it to capture sudden volume spikes and still represent the sound correctly without saturating.

It has a solid and robust construction, perfect for those looking for a microphone that will withstand years and years of work.

Audio-Technica AT4040 Specs

AKG C214

The AKG C214 is also a very good option to analyze, especially for those producers who want a solid microphone, very good construction to record voices with very good voice presence, as is often done in rap recording.

The C214 is a cheaper version of the legendary C414 B-XLS (A microphone over a thousand dollars), but retaining many of its benefits and technical features.

The C214 is a condenser microphone with cardioid polar pattern of very good sound quality with a wide dynamic range (143dB) and a very good noise response.

AKG Pro Audio C214 Studio Grade Professional Large Diaphragm, Single Capsule, Vocal and Instrument Condenser Microphone with Rugged Aluminum Carrying Case. XLR Connector. Gray with Gold.

• Large-diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone with 143dB Dynamic Range
• Switchable 20dB Attenuation
• Low-cut Filter

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It is capable of withstanding high sound pressure levels (136dB), has a toggle switch to reach 20 decibels more, thus it is possible to use the gain directly on the microphone as needed.

This means that the C214 achieves a sound pressure level that reaches 156 dB.

The C214 has a switch to cut the low frequencies, which is convenient in certain cases.

The C214 captures within the standard spectrum of human hearing, 20-20000Hz.

Its curve stabilizes on a flat response line around 60Hz to 1000Hz, dropping slightly down to 2500Hz.

Providing a very clear voice presence with a lovely close-up effect very good for rap vocals.

For rap producers, it is one of the best recording tools you can get in this price range, if you can afford it it is one of the best microphone investments.

PROS

• Solid construction
• Aesthetically sleek and professional
• Large high-end diaphragm
• Good sensitivity
• Excellent dynamic range
• Excellent transient response
• Very low noise level
• Supports high sound pressure levels
• 20dB switch
• Bass roll-off filter
• Excellent vocal and vocal presence recording performance
• Excellent price/performance ratio
• Includes an anti-vibration mount, windscreen and carrying case. 

AKG C214 Specs

Audio-Technica AT2020

The Audio-Technica AT2020 is one of the best options in the low price range of microphones, offering a condenser element with cardioid polar pattern.

Being the perfect choice for novice producers who want to buy their first quality condenser microphone, to give a jump to the production quality.

Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Renewed)

• This Certified Refurbished product is factory refurbished, shows limited or no wear, and includes all original accessories plus a 90-day warranty
• The price/performance standard in side-address studio condenser microphone technology
• Ideal for project/home-studio applications, High SPL handling and wide dynamic range provide unmatched versatility
• Custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient response
• Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source

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Surprising in terms of its construction, as it is an extremely economical microphone but at the same time strong and firm, it is one of those microphones that you know will last for years.

It has a compact metal body of 9.6″ long by 2.6″ and weighs a pound and a half.

Thanks to its cardioid polar pattern condenser element, it is an ideal microphone for recording rap vocals and instruments in general.

 So if you are building your first home recording studio, it is a very good first step in the professionalization of your career.

Audio-Technica AT2020 Specs