To pick the right microphone means to provide a third of the success of high-quality vocal recording. An improper or poor quality microphone will spoil the sound of the vocalist and the entire song. Therefore, the choice of a recording device must be approached with responsibility.
The question "Which microphone to record vocals to choose?" At least once asked every musician. It would seem that it is enough to find a suitable device for the price and quality and pick it up in the store, but in reality everything is not so simple. In a home recording studio, when there is no money to buy a whole fleet of microphones, I want to make the only right choice the first time.
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Revision sitetells how to choose a microphone to record vocals. We studied the market and selected the thirty best microphones for recording vocals in the low, middle and top price segment. In drawing up the list of devices, external factors affecting the choice of microphone were not taken into account: the structure of the room, the presence of sound insulation, and the individual characteristics of the voice. We chose microphones only in terms of price and quality.
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Microphones for vocal recording: 30 best models. Content:
How to choose a microphone to record vocals
Microphone directivity
The directionality of the microphone determines how the microphone records the surrounding space and is chosen for the room in which the recording is being made. Microphones are divided into several types according to their directivity:
In addition to its compact size, which is about the same as a credit card, it is sold at a very affordable price. Today, however, Raspberry Pi has competition. There is no direct audio output, although there are links to you for self-loading output. There are also several additional features. Good performance in a few hours increased the company's stock by 4%. We will see if the performance of the good giant will continue in the current quarter.
How to make music with a computer - Introduction The history of modern popular musical instruments and controllers How to make a bit How to make a ringtone Record sounds with a microphone Create an entire song. 10% for the second child of the family 10% for a friend. . Some of them can be calculated as.
- Omnidirectional and hemispherical;
- Unidirectional - cardioid, supercardioid, hypercardioid and semi-cardiode;
- Bidirectional.
Omnidirectional microphones react to all sounds around them, that is, they record the sound both in front of and behind them. Omnidirectional microphones are perfect for recording multiple vocalists or percussion, as well as in cases where the room has unique acoustic characteristics. Hemispherical microphones respond to signals from one side of the sphere, but they remove them as clearly and honestly as possible.
In order to be able to record, for example, from a microphone, we must connect it to a computer; there must be such a microphone input in front of or behind the case. The second important thing is to check that the microphone input sometimes does not turn off. Sound recording with a microphone.
Now that we’ve set the volume and make sure the microphone isn’t turned off, we can proceed to the recording. It is worth paying attention when recording, whether it is a microphone or tape recorder. These recordings are often planned well in advance of the enterprise in conjunction with the recording of images, mainly for television projects.
The scheme of the work of omnidirectional and hemispherical microphones.
Unidirectional cardioid microphones Record the signal in front of the microphone, ignoring everything that happens from other sides. Such devices are the best choice for home recording studios and non-ideal acoustic rooms in which it is not possible to equip a full-fledged vocal room. By adding such a microphone with a sound-absorbing screen behind the microphone, you can eliminate unwanted echoes of the room.
As for recording only sound, this happens mainly when recording live albums. These two forms are the main ones that we meet when talking about professional live recordings. As is known, in most cases there is not even what to say about quality. Thanks to technological advances, miniaturization and easy access to high-quality equipment, live recording is incomparably easier today than before. As you know, before introducing digital technology everything was done using tape.
Field and live recordings meant the need to transport all the equipment trucks: coils from several wheels, separate consoles, racks of analog processors, wiring, etc. To which all employees were applied. To reduce the transportation time and any difficulties with unloading such equipment, specially prepared trucks with fully equipped recording studios were launched. Needless to say, this type of enterprise was an expensive operation and required a lot of preparation.
The scheme of the cardioid, supercardioid and hypercardioid microphones.
Supercardioid Microphones They have a narrower zone of sound capture in front of them, but at the same time they collect a little signal behind them. Hypercardioid Microphones develop the ideas of supercardioid devices: an even narrower zone of sound capture in front and a wider zone in the back. Semi-Cardioid Microphones often used in lectures, meetings and other talking activities.
Today, because of cheap, modern technologies, everything is different. Although the mobile digital audio and video production studios embedded in large US trucks are still in use, there are also many ways to record live for people with a slightly lower budget.
In order for a sound recording system to check live recordings, it must meet several basic requirements. The smaller and lighter the equipment, the better. You never know where and when you will use it - preparation and transportation should not be a laborious task. The same goes for unloading and on-site preparation. Secondly, the system should be compact, but not cost-effective. If you have already decided to record live dedicated equipment, it should offer good quality.
Bidirectional microphones have greater versatility due to the possibility of switching the pattern. The price of such devices is much higher than that of omnidirectional or unidirectional microphones, but in return, the sound director receives a device that is ready to record in different rooms.
It all depends on the individual circumstances and opportunities, especially financial. You should also think about what worries you — whether it's a quick sound recording for more pleasure or something more professional. The main thing is regardless of whether you are broadcasting a concert or working separately, or if you collaborate with a performer.
Hardware: simple registration methods. If you are interested in an easy and fast recording of a concert or other event, you want to reduce the amount of equipment as much as possible, do not work with the performer, etc. You have several options. Video camera with microphone input. . One of the easiest and fastest solutions. Most of the microphones built into the camcorder are not suitable for loud sound - the volume at a concert will usually be too high for such a microphone, and the recorded signal will be suppressed, noisy and blurry.
The scheme of the bidirectional microphone.
Pros and cons of microphones of different directions
Omnidirectional microphones:
- Depends on the acoustics of the room;
- Record the natural reverberation and echo of the room;
- Do not have acoustic insulation;
- Possess low sensitivity to the sounds of human breathing;
- They have an extended low frequency range, which is suitable for recording instruments with low sound.
Unidirectional cardioid and supercardioid microphones:
The situation changes the presence of volume control at the entrance - not all models are equipped with them. If so, just close the input signal. Then it all depends on the quality of the built-in microphone. What to do if the camera has an external microphone. Of course, this means additional costs, but it allows you to choose the right microphone for your work. Of course, the results will not be harsh, but the sound will be quite clear and unstable. However, be careful to move the microphone - changing its position will drastically change the sound of the recording.
The best solution is to position the microphone in a fixed position. As above, the solution is simple and does not give sensational results. It is quite expensive, but a popular device works great in this area. The recorder will check almost any situation, except, perhaps, for really loud guitar concerts. After recording, it would be advisable to work with the tracks - compressing and getting rid of unwanted frequencies can significantly change the quality of the recording. A bit more expensive, but more efficient and flexible.
- Isolate unwanted sounds and signals from the side and from the rear of the microphone;
- Less sensitive to the acoustic properties of the room;
- They have the maximum difference in the sound of signals from the front and rear.
Unidirectional hypercardioid:
- Almost completely insensitive to sounds coming from the side;
- They have the maximum possible isolation from the adverse effects of the room, ambient noise and the feedback effect;
- Prevent sound leakage.
Bidirectional:
In addition to the recorder itself, of course, there will be several microphones and accessories. Just set up and connect multiple microphones. For simple recordings, four microphones, for example, a foot, a bass and two capacitors in stereo, can suffice for the entire device. Make sure that the device that interests you can record 4 or more tracks simultaneously. Of course, the preamps do not fail, and the design and durability leave much to be desired, but the asset of this equipment is a good value for money, many features and ease of transportation.
- Used during speech recording;
- Isolated from any adverse sounds that come in handy when recording a drum set.
Microphone sensitivity
People have an unpleasant habit - to constantly move from the microphone. The sensitivity of the microphone helps to minimize the loss in the volume of the sound signal due to the movement of the vocalist. It is the good sensitivity that made the Shure SM7B microphone an indispensable tool on radio stations.
Equipment: multi-track registration. These offers should be the starting point for someone who is interested in relatively easy real-time recording. To get a really good live recording, ideal for recording all tracks separately.
All this in order to be able to mix and match records later. Here it is necessary either to broadcast the concert itself, or to cooperate with the developer, and his consent to access the console. It is recommended to use conventional cables with short connectors.
They will no longer be separate tracks, but using groups of instruments in combination with the main console mix gives you some editing and mixing capabilities. Now let's talk about the recorder itself. If you need something more, check it out. If used, the system is very compact and easy to transport.
Microphone frequency range
The range of the reproduced microphone frequencies allows you to understand which instruments and sound sources can be recorded using the device. Some models of microphones record more high frequencies, others - low, and still others have a balanced sound. For this reason, the sound of the same instrument is different when recorded by different microphones.
In the case of recording a four-part rock band consisting of drums, bass, guitar 1, guitar 2 and voice, the channel list may be as follows. Drum pads: tomatoes, overhead Drum: tomatoes, overhead Guitar 1 Guitar 2. For additional sources, such as voice support, you can mix them into a subset of drums or create a separate group for all voices. All this obviously requires the presence of subgroups on the console.
The maximum number of eight channels is a limitation, and if you want to record a live performance professionally, you will need a little more. This should be enough for most popular music shows. Meeting the equipment is just the beginning. If we broadcast the concert, and we want to record it at the same time, we will have a lot of preparation. Of course, you have to prepare the stage and the entire sound system, and then connect the recording system. This may seem trivial, but be sure to carefully check whether the recorder is working before you start recording correctly.
Comparison of the frequency ranges for microphones Oktava 319 (top) and Shure SM58 (bottom).
The range of the reproduced microphone frequencies may become the main argument in favor of buying one or another model. Decide what instruments and vocals you will record. Think about what frequencies you can amplify or trim with an equalizer, and which ones can be left clean. This will reduce the number of suitable microphone models.
If both systems are self-serving, you can easily forget and suppress it from trouble and later stress. So, when the system and the team are ready, feel free to spend a few minutes writing a short trial version and checking that the interface drivers are working properly and that the signal from all channels is clean and unobstructed.
To accurately set the gain, it takes some time. The recorded signal is transmitted through two microphone preamps: one in the console and one in the interface. It is therefore recommended to use regular connectors, rather than microphone cables, which provide a stronger signal. Changing the gain level at the console when mixing pitch will change the power of the recorded signal, so make sure that even at the loudest moments the recorded signal does not come close to digital 0 dB, which can cause distortion and unwanted overdrive.
Power supply
Virtually all microphones require + 48V phantom power. If budget devices prefer to be powered by a sound card, then more expensive microphones often come with their own external power source.
If you are coming frequent exit sessions, look in the direction of microphones with phantom power. If you plan to use the microphone only in the studio, then feel free to consider devices with a separate power source.
Then the exact location of the microphones is crucial. Due to the lack of acoustic insulation and reflective surfaces, the phase of specific paths can be very inconsistent. In addition, stage microphones can also collect sound from monitors, which can be quite problematic during subsequent mixing. If you have time, and you can afford it, it is recommended to use even minimal acoustic insulation, such as isolating microphones on amplifier screens or trying to position the drummer so that they do not touch directly above the drums head.
Microphone noise level
The noise level is one of the biggest drawbacks of budget microphones. In a foreign method, the noise level is designated as “Noise Floor”, and its value reflects the noise level that the microphone itself produces.
A microphone connected to a sound card emits background noise even when it is not recorded. Noise occurs for a variety of reasons: electrical line guidance, operation of a preamplifier or audio interface, poor-quality cables. It is difficult to identify the real cause, and it is almost impossible to find out the actual noise level of a microphone without testing with its equipment.
Microphone dynamic range and headroom
The dynamic range in the diagram shows that the microphone will record all sounds between 15-135 dB without frequency loss. In addition, 19 dB (headroom) remains in the microphone’s storage, acting as an overload protection device.
The dynamic range of a microphone is the difference between the minimum and maximum volume of a sound that can be recorded by a microphone. Within the dynamic range, the microphone will record the full range of frequencies, while beyond its boundaries the microphone will pass through individual frequencies.
Headroom is a dynamic microphone margin at which it records the signal without overloading.
Before you buy a microphone, decide which sound sources you will record. If you are not talking about recording too low or loud instruments, then choose models with averaged values.
Microphones for vocal recording: the best models in terms of price and quality
sE Magneto Electronics
sE Magneto Electronics
Price:from $ 119
Type of:Condenser
Orientation:Cardioid
Budget model from the company sE Electronics. Despite the low price, Magneto copes well with the recording of vocals and speech, with sufficient detail and neutral sound transmission.
High frequencies are enough, but low frequencies are a bit lacking. You should not expect incredible warmth in your voice from the device either. However, if the budget is very limited, and a microphone for voice recording is needed - sE Electronics Magneto will be an excellent choice.
AKG D5
Price:from $ 139
Type of:Dynamic
Orientation:Supercardioid
Direct competitor of the legendary microphone Shure SM58. AKG D5 is a device for those who need a universal microphone for vocals. The device copes equally well with work in the studio, and with concerts.
Rode m3
Price:from $ 149
Type of:Condenser
Orientation:Cardioid
Budget condenser microphone with a small diaphragm. Miniature Rode M3 is suitable for recording vocals, acoustic guitars and power tools.
The model can work from phantom power or 9V batteries, which makes the device mobile and convenient to work in the field.
Shure SM58
Price:from $ 124
Type of:Dynamic
Orientation:Cardioid
One of the most popular live performance microphones. Among the advantages: low price, built-in pop filter and resistance to any interference. In addition, it is worth noting the strength of the design - in the issue of survivability Shure SM58 can safely bear with the Nokia 3310.
The model is not perfect (there are not enough high frequencies), but it will be an excellent choice for beginning recording engineers and young rock singers.
Audio-Technica AT2020 USB
Audio-Technica AT2020 USB
Price:from $ 129
Type of:Condenser
Orientation:Cardioid
A convenient option for novice musicians and those who want to get the maximum quality at an affordable price.
Audio-Technica AT2020 USB works well with voice: a microphone pleasantly adorns the voice and clearly conveys timbre. Working with the device is simple to disgrace - just connect a microphone to a computer and select recording as the source to start recording vocals or conducting a podcast.
Audio-Technica released two models of the AT2020: one with a USB connection, the second with a standard XLR connector. The difference in price between the two varieties is minimal, so choose the model that best fits your studio.
Rode NT-USB
Price:from $ 175
Type of:Condenser
Orientation:Cardioid
Externally reliable and stylish, the Rode NT-USB perfectly copes with both vocal and speech recording. The microphone is popular among the leading podcasts, and it comes complete with a pop filter and a desk stand.
JZ Microphones HH1
JZ Microphones HH1
Price:from $ 179
Type of: Dynamic
Orientation:Cardioid
The lightweight JZ Microphones HH1 sounds brighter than most dynamic microphones for voice recording. Unlike the Shure SM58, the output signal of this model is more powerful due to a gain of +3 dB, and the output noise is much less even when working with quiet sound sources.
sE Electronics X1T
sE Electronics X1T
Price: from $ 189
Type of: Condenser
Orientation: Cardioid
The main features of the model X1T - gold-plated primer handmade and power system, automatically switches to the desired scheme of work, depending on the voltage. The sound is clear, bright. The brightness is especially good when recording acoustic instruments, although there are no problems with the X1T when working with vocals.
Blue Microphones Spark Digital
Price: $199
Type of: Condenser
Orientation: Cardioid
The Spark Digital microphone is designed for those who are used to recording in the field. The device is based on the classic Blue Microphones Spark model, in which the XLR port is replaced by USB. The model is characterized by a pleasant sound and usability: you can even record from tablets and smartphones on Android and iOS.
Rode NT1-A Recording Pack
Rode NT1-A Recording Pack
Price: from $ 229
Type of: Condenser
Orientation: Cardioid
Despite the rare inaccuracies in the transmission of voice timbre and a small frequency surge in the region of 120 Hz, the sound of the Rode NT1-A will please the musicians. Recorded vocals make a pleasant impression, although some note excessive neutral sound. One way or another, NT1-A is the best condenser microphone for recording vocals in its price segment.
Avant Electronics Avantone CR-14
Price:from $ 259
Type of: Tape
Orientation: Bidirectional (Figure-8)
Inexpensive ribbon microphone in retro style, characterized by versatility. Avantone CR-14 is suitable for recording vocals, and any musical instruments - guitars, keyboards, strings, percussion.
The sound is warm and a bit gloomy, so get ready for a small post-processing vocals around the top of the top.
Rode NT1
Price:from $ 269
Type of:Condenser
Orientation:Cardioid
Rode NT1 is similar in performance to NT1-A, although the company notes that the only similarity of the models is the protective grid. NT1 clearly conveys the voice, adding heat to it in the bottom area. There are also no problems with working out the mid and high frequencies. You are looking for a microphone for recording vocals and are not too short on money - take Rode NT1, you will not regret.
Sontronics STC-2X
Sontronics STC-2X
Price:from $ 279
Type of:Condenser
Orientation:Omnidirectional
Sontronics STC-2X makes vocal recording fun. Clear and detailed sound, dense bottom without differences in frequency and a pleasant effect of presence, which manifests itself in frequencies in the region of the upper bottom.
Lewitt LCT 240
Price: from $ 289
Type of: Condenser
Orientation: Cardioid
The Austrian company Lewitt is known for its Lewitt LCT 640 microphone, which is considered to be a true classic in the world of microphones. Since not everyone can pay € 900 for a microphone, the company has released a simplified and cheaper model of the device.
Lewitt LCT 240 has a powerful tone and solid tone that is perfect for deep male vocals. There is no trace of a manual assembly in the device, but the minuses of the microphone end there.
MXL V69 ME
Price:from $ 299
Type of:Lamp
Orientation:Cardioid
Despite the excessive brightness in the transmission of voice, MXL V69 ME has a rich tube sound and the ability to add additional beauty to any voice.
sE Electronics sE2200T
sE Electronics sE2200T
Price: from $ 349
Type of: Lamp
Orientation: Cardioid
The sE2200T is based on the popular sE Electronics sE2200A condenser microphone. The T version adorns any voice pleasantly and is considered one of the best tube microphones for voice recording in terms of price and quality.
sE Electronics sE2200a MkII
sE Electronics sE2200a MkII
Price: from $ 399
Type of:Condenser
Orientation:Omnidirectional
The second generation of capacitor sE Electronics sE2200A. Balanced microphone for recording vocals, giving the voice of fatness and richness at the output.
Shure sm7b
Price: from $ 436
Type of: Dynamic
Orientation: Cardioid
Shure SM7B was created with an eye on podcasting, radio broadcasts and voice-over, although it proved to be excellent when recording vocals in hip-hop and rap music. The model easily handles any conversational tasks, and the built-in windscreen suppresses any external noise. Despite the unusual suspension system, the Shure SM7B is the best microphone for podcasting and those who often work a lot with speech.
M-Audio Sputnik
Price: from $ 599
Type of: Lamp
Orientation: Omnidirectional
Representatives of M-Audio note that when creating the Sputnik model they were inspired by the popular AKG C 212 and Neumann U47 microphones. The resulting device has an interesting, albeit too sterile sound. Ideal for those who require accurate, honest and not embellished voice.
JZ Microphones Vintage 11
JZ Microphones Vintage 11
Price: from $ 699
Type of: Condenser
Orientation: Cardioid
JZ Microphones Vintage 11 is characterized by deep sound, stylish appearance and high precision voice transmission. When creating the device, JZ Microphones engineers were inspired by the design of the microphones of the 1920s and 1950s, as well as the sound of the classic Neumann U47, Neumann U67 and AKG C12.
Audio-Technica AT4040SM
Audio-Technica AT4040SM
Price: from $ 495
Type of: Condenser
Orientation:Cardioid
After analyzing dozens of different devices from competitors, engineers at Audio-Technica created a microphone that absorbed all the best from other models. At the same time, the AT4040SM is devoid of frequent shortcomings of other recording devices - frequency bursts, sound distortion, a large amount of noise.
Audio-Technica AT4040SM is a versatile microphone for recording vocals, backups, speech and musical instruments. Balanced sound, pleasant bass response, as well as tinge richness.
AKG C 214
Price:from $ 469
Type of:Condenser
Orientation:Cardioid
The younger brother of the premium model AKG C 414. It sounds great, has the highest details and gives the voice a pleasant rich colors. Without a doubt, the best microphone for recording vocals in the price range up to $ 500.
sE Electronics sE4400a
sE Electronics sE4400a
Price:from $ 649
Type of:Condenser
Orientation:Omnidirectional
Thanks to the omnidirectional design, sE Electronics sE4400a is suitable for any studio tasks, be it vocal, speech or musical instruments. The recorded voice sounds clean and clear, and the musical instruments - bright and loud. Add to the signal a bit of compression and equalization, and you get an unmatched sound!
AKG Perception 820 Tube
AKG Perception 820 Tube
Price:from $ 699
Type of:Lamp
Orientation:Omnidirectional
The flagship model of AKG. Perception 820 Tube offers high-quality assembly, a pleasant soft sound and a special controller to switch the directionality of the microphone. Additionally, the device is equipped with a switch that allows you to change the sound parameters without moving the microphone in space.
Violet Design The Wedge
Violet Design The Wedge
Price:from $ 849
Type of:Condenser
Orientation:Cardioid
High-quality performance, soft and warm sound, and memorable retro design. Violet Design The Wedge is a great choice for recording vocals at near professional and professional level.
R ø de NTR
Price:from $ 999
Type of:Tape
Orientation:Bidirectional
Røde microphones are rightfully considered the best ribbon microphones on the market. Model Rode NTR is no exception and is ready to offer the highest accuracy of transmission of any sounds. Due to the design and characteristics, NTR works with any preamp without the need for additional adjustment - just plug in a microphone and you can record.
AKG C 414 XL II
Price: from $ 1099
Type of: Condenser
Orientation: Omnidirectional
Professional studio microphone for voice recording. For almost 100 000 ₽, the musicians are offered the highest detail of the signal, a clear and accurate transfer of vocals, the absence of any bursts and noises, as well as giving a rich coloring to the voice.
Sontronics saturn
Sontronics saturn
Price:from $ 1099
Type of:Condenser
Orientation:Omnidirectional
In terms of sound quality, this microphone is on a par with the Neumann U87 and AKG C 414, considered to be a true classic among microphones. Retro design, high-quality diaphragm, and light and airy sound are the main features of Sontronics Saturn. Perfectly cope with both the recording of the main vocal and backing vocal parts.
Lauten Audio Horizon
Lauten Audio Horizon
Price:from $ 1199
Type of:Lamp
Orientation:Cardioid
A tube microphone for recording vocals with a warm sound. Natural voice transmission, the absence of frequency bursts, drops, dirt and noise. Equally well with both the recording of vocals and musical instruments.
Sontronics aria
Price:from $ 1349
Type of:Lamp
Orientation: Cardioid
Premium device from the company Sontronics. The components of the success of this microphone are soft and warm sound, lack of excessive embellishment of the voice and vintage design.
What is needed to start recording.
- Register on the site, confirming in the account settings one of the social. networks.
- Connect a microphone to your computer
How it works
- Connect the microphone (preferably singing with headphones)
- Choose the minus you want
- Click on the "Record Online" button
- Allow browser access to the microphone
- You press the "Start" button and eat beautifully;)
- Click the "Stop" button and then "Save"
- Waiting for record processing (up to 1 minute)
Then on the page of your performances you can listen to the result.
So, what is next?
You can delete the unsuccessful performance and try to sign up again. There are no restrictions on the number of entries.
What are my computer requirements?
Most computers meet these requirements. Modern OS and modern browser.
Recording is not possible on iPhone / iPad and similar devices (exception: some tablets on Android).
Synchronization
Usually it is no more than 0.1 seconds, but the hearing already perceives it. This can be corrected in the performance settings by simply dragging the slider to the right or left.
