If you're looking for a cheap microphone for vocals, it's important to know what factors to consider before making a purchase. Although affordability is a top priority, you'll want to make sure you're still getting a quality product that meets your needs.
One factor to consider is the type of microphone. The most common types for vocals are dynamic and condenser microphones. Dynamic microphones are durable and versatile, making them a great choice for live performances. On the other hand, condenser microphones offer more detail and clarity, making them a better choice for recording in a studio setting.
Another factor to consider is the frequency response of the microphone. This refers to the range of frequencies it can accurately pick up. For vocals, you'll want a microphone with a frequency response that emphasizes mid-range frequencies (between 1kHz and 3kHz) as this is where most vocals fall.
Are you tired of paying top dollar for a decent microphone? Do you want a budget-friendly option that still delivers impressive sound quality? Look no further! In this article, we'll explore some of the best cheap microphones for vocals on the market. Are dynamic or condenser microphones better for your specific needs? What is the optimal frequency response for vocal recordings? Keep reading to find out.
10 Best Cheap Microphone For Vocals
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The product is ideal for recording vocals, instruments, podcasts, and streaming on platforms like Twitch in home or professional studio settings.
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This product is ideal for capturing clear and crisp vocals on stage or in the studio, with its supercardioid dynamic mic.
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Ideal for professional voice recording and broadcast, with a warm and smooth sound, rugged construction, and detachable windscreen.
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The product is ideal for recording high-quality vocals and instruments in a professional setting.
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This product is ideal for live vocal performances and recording due to its dynamic cardioid pattern and built-in pop filter.
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Ideal microphone for vocalists looking for a vintage sound and iconic look with a durable casing and included accessories.
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Ideal for capturing clear and accurately detailed vocal recordings with a wide frequency response range.
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This product is ideal for professional live performers as it reduces wind and breath noise with built-in shock mount and pop filter.
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Ideal for professional vocal recording and broadcasting, providing clear and natural sound with minimal background noise.
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The product is ideal for anyone in need of a portable, high-quality PA system with a wireless microphone.
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1. Neumann Studio Mic: Home To Pro Recording.
The compact microphone is an excellent choice for those who need a high-quality microphone that can deliver clear and crisp sound. Its genuine Neumann large diaphragm capsule ensures that it captures every detail of the sound, making it perfect for use in a variety of settings, such as recording studios, live performances, and podcasts.
Thanks to its transformerless circuitry, the microphone can handle high sound pressure levels without distortion, making it ideal for use with loud instruments such as drums and electric guitars. Additionally, the gentle treble lift of the microphone provides silky highs, making it perfect for capturing vocals and acoustic instruments with precision and clarity.
The uniform cardioid pattern of the microphone ensures that it captures sound from the front while rejecting sound from the sides and rear, making it perfect for use in noisy environments. The integrated pop screen also helps to prevent unwanted pops and plosives, ensuring that the recording is clean and clear.
Overall, the compact microphone is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a high-quality microphone that can deliver clear and crisp sound in a variety of settings. Its genuine Neumann large diaphragm capsule, transformerless circuitry, gentle treble lift, uniform cardioid pattern, and integrated pop screen all work together to provide a professional-grade microphone that is easy to use and delivers exceptional results.
- Genuine Neumann large diaphragm capsule for clear and crisp sound
- Transformerless circuitry for high SPLs without distortion
- Gentle treble lift for silky highs
- Uniform cardioid pattern for noise rejection
- Integrated pop screen for clean and clear recordings
2. Dynamic Voice Performer Bundle
The BETA 58A is a professional-grade microphone specifically designed for exceptional vocal performance. It boasts a tailored frequency response that delivers natural-sounding vocals with a present mid-range and controlled bass rolloff, which minimizes proximity effect.
With its uniform supercardioid pattern, the BETA 58A offers superior gain before feedback that ensures clear and consistent performance even in noisy environments. The neodymium magnet provides high output with low noise, resulting in a clear sound for professional-quality recordings and performances.
Built to last, the BETA 58A features a hardened steel mesh grille and rugged construction that makes it resistant to wear and abuse, making it ideal for use on the road or in the studio. Additionally, its advanced shock mount system reduces mechanical noise and vibration for a smooth and stable performance every time.
The BETA 58A is minimally affected by varying load impedance, ensuring it maintains its superb performance regardless of the system it's connected to. With over 90 years of audio engineering experience, the BETA 58A is designed and built to Shure's high standards of quality, ruggedness, and reliability, making it a go-to choice for musicians and audio professionals worldwide.
This microphone comes with an A25D adjustable stand adapter, 95A2050 5/8” to 3/8” (Euro) thread adapter, and 26A21 storage bag to ensure safe and secure storage and transportation.
- Tailored frequency response for natural-sounding vocals
- Uniform supercardioid pattern for superior gain before feedback
- High output with low noise thanks to neodymium magnet
- Hardened steel mesh grille and rugged construction for durability
- Advanced shock mount system for smooth and stable performance
- Minimally affected by varying load impedance
- Designed and built to Shure's high standards of quality and reliability
- Comes with adjustable stand adapter, thread adapter, and storage bag
3. Pro-Quality Sm7b Mic For Broadcast & Recording
The Shure SM7B is a versatile microphone that can be used for various purposes such as studio recording, home recording, podcasting, and streaming. It is trusted by the world's leading vocalists, podcasters, and streamers. The microphone features a dynamic cartridge with smooth, flat, wide-range frequency response that produces exceptionally clean and natural reproduction of both music and speech. It also has a cardioid pattern that is designed to reject off-axis audio, capturing the sound just as you want it, with minimum coloration.
The SM7B is widely used for studio vocal recording, as it can capture exceptionally clean and natural reproduction of both music and speech. Its air suspension shock isolation and pop filter eliminate both mechanical noise and breathiness, making it perfect for podcasting and broadcasting. It is also capable of capturing exceptionally clean and natural reproduction of both music and speech, making it a pioneer in professional live streaming. Its XLR connection, along with an audio interface, allows you more control over the sound and provides better overall sound quality. At least 60dB of gain is recommended to get that iconic warm and balanced tone most commonly associated with the SM7B.
The SM7B is also great for close-miking studio applications, such as instruments and ASMR audio, where warm and smooth full-frequencies are a must. It comes with advanced electromagnetic shielding to defeat hum from computer monitors and other studio equipment. The microphone has a bass rolloff and mid-range emphasis (presence boost) control with graphic display of response setting. The rugged construction of the SM7B secures the microphone cartridge, and it comes with a detachable close-talk windscreen and switch cover plate. The package also includes a free 2-year warranty.
- Versatile microphone for studio recording, home recording, podcasting, and streaming
- Trusted by the world's leading vocalists, podcasters, and streamers
- Dynamic cartridge with smooth, flat, wide-range frequency response produces exceptionally clean and natural reproduction of both music and speech
- Cardioid pattern rejects off-axis audio, capturing the sound just as you want it, with minimum coloration
- Air suspension shock isolation and pop filter eliminate both mechanical noise and breathiness
- Pioneer in professional live streaming
- XLR connection, along with an audio interface, allows you more control over the sound and provides better overall sound quality
- Great for close-miking studio applications, such as instruments and ASMR audio
- Comes with advanced electromagnetic shielding to defeat hum from computer monitors and other studio equipment
- Bass rolloff and mid-range emphasis (presence boost) control with graphic display of response setting
- Rugged construction for securing the microphone cartridge
- Detachable close-talk windscreen and switch cover plate included
- Free 2-year warranty included
4. Akg Pro Audio C414 Xlii Vocal Condenser Microphone, Multipattern
The AKG C12 is renowned for its exceptional sound quality, which is due to its sonic character. It is an excellent choice for lead vocals and solo instruments, as it provides astounding sound quality.
This microphone features nine selectable polar patterns, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. You can choose the perfect setting for every use case.
It also includes three attenuation levels (-6/-12/-18dB) that can be used for close-up recording or high-output sources of up to 158dB SPL.
Moreover, the AKG C12 comes with three switchable bass-cut filters that can be used to reduce wind noise, stage vibration, or proximity effect.
An overload warning with audio peak hold LED is included to detect shortest audio peaks, which is a useful feature for professionals.
- Exceptional sound quality for lead vocals and solo instruments
- Nine selectable polar patterns for versatility
- Three attenuation levels for close-up recording or high-output sources
- Three switchable bass-cut filters to reduce unwanted noise
- Overload warning with audio peak hold LED for professional use
5. Shure Dynamic Vocal Mic With Cable & Accessories
The SM58-CN is a dynamic vocal microphone that delivers an exceptional vocal performance. Its tailored frequency response and brightened midrange provide clear and present vocals, making it the first choice for performers around the globe. It has a uniform cardioid polar pattern that accurately reproduces every note as it was intended, delivering warm, crisp sound time after time. The built-in pop filter and spherical mesh grille keep any unwanted noise out of the mix, ensuring clarity and care. The SM58's durability is unmatched, with its break-resistant stand adapter and sturdy construction, it can withstand the toughest performances on the road. It is versatile and can hold its own live onstage as well as in the studio, isolating between vocals and instruments. The package includes the SM58 microphone, 25' XLR cable, shock mount, A25D mic clip, and storage bag.
The SM58-CN delivers exceptional vocal performance with its tailored frequency response and brightened midrange. It has a uniform cardioid polar pattern that accurately reproduces every note, ensuring clarity and care. The built-in pop filter and spherical mesh grille keep any unwanted noise out of the mix, making it a versatile choice for live onstage performances as well as in the studio. Its durability is unmatched, making it the perfect companion on the road.
The SM58-CN is an industry standard for performers around the globe. Its uniform cardioid polar pattern and built-in pop filter ensure clarity and care, while its durable construction and break-resistant stand adapter make it a reliable companion on the road. It can hold its own live onstage as well as in the studio, isolating between vocals and instruments.
- Exceptional vocal performance with tailored frequency response and brightened midrange
- Built-in pop filter and spherical mesh grille to keep unwanted noise out
- Uniform cardioid polar pattern reproduces every note as it was intended
- Durable construction and break-resistant stand adapter for reliable use on the road
- Versatile choice for live onstage performances as well as in the studio
6. Classic Sound Mic: Shure Super 55 Deluxe
The Super 55 Deluxe Vocal Microphone is an excellent addition to any sound application where a stand-mounted microphone with a classic look is desired. Its iconic chrome-plated design with vibrant blue color additions is sure to catch the eye of any user. The microphone features a shock-mounted cartridge that minimizes handling noise and ensures quiet operation. Its rugged die-cast casing ensures reliability under rigorous conditions, making it ideal for stage, studio recording, podcasting, and other sound applications.
The Super 55 Deluxe Vocal Microphone has a tailored frequency response for natural vocals and speech. Its high gain-before-feedback and excellent off-axis rejection ensure that the sound quality is top-notch. The self-tensioning swivel mount permits tilting through 45 degrees forward and 80 degrees backward, making it easy to adjust to the user's needs.
The microphone's supercardioid polar pattern ensures that it captures sound from the front while minimizing ambient noise from the sides and back. The microphone also features a signature satin chrome-plated die-cast casing and vibrant blue foam, which gives it a vintage look that is sure to impress any user. Integrated, swivel stand mount is included, making it easy to attach to any stand.
Overall, the Super 55 Deluxe Vocal Microphone is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a dramatic improvement in sound quality with an unmistakable vintage design. Its combination of updates makes it the ideal choice for anyone looking for a classic look with modern sound quality.
- Iconic chrome-plated design with vibrant blue color additions
- Tailored frequency response for natural vocals and speech
- High gain-before-feedback and excellent off-axis rejection
- Shock-mounted cartridge minimizes handling noise and ensures quiet operation
- Rugged die-cast casing for reliability under rigorous conditions
- Self-tensioning swivel mount permits tilting through 45 degrees forward and 80 degrees backward
- Supercardioid polar pattern ensures that it captures sound from the front while minimizing ambient noise from the sides and back
- Integrated, swivel stand mount is included
7. Neumann Vocal Condenser Microphone, Black (Tlm 102 Mt)
The Neumann large-diaphragm microphone with cardioid directional characteristic is a must-have for anyone looking for an exceptional sound quality. With its pressure gradient transducer, it is capable of producing a natural and clear sound that will impress even the most discerning listener. Its compact design makes it easy to use and transport, making it perfect for both professional and amateur use.
One of the standout features of this microphone is its very high maximum sound pressure level of 144 dB. This means that it can handle even the loudest of sounds without distortion, making it perfect for recording live performances or loud instruments.
Another great feature of this microphone is its slight presence boost above 6 kHz. This helps to bring out the best in vocals, allowing them to shine in the mix and giving them a professional and polished sound. This makes it perfect for recording vocals, whether it be for music, podcasts or voiceovers.
- Exceptional sound quality
- Very high maximum sound pressure level (144 dB)
- Compact design for easy use and transport
- Slight presence boost above 6 kHz helps vocals to shine in the mix
8. Shure Pro Vocal Mic: Sm86-Lc – Shock-Mounted & Wind-Filtered
The Shure SM86 is a cardioid vocal microphone that offers an extended high frequency response, making it an excellent choice for stage monitors and personal monitors. It requires phantom power, which can be supplied from an external power supply or directly from preamplifiers, mixers, or consoles with built-in phantom power. The suitable sources should provide 11 to 52 Vdc phantom voltage, and a load impedance of at least 600 Ohms is recommended. The load may be as low as 150 Ohms, but a reduction in output level and output clipping level will result. The microphone comes with a condenser cartridge that provides studio quality sound and a tailored frequency response for a clear reproduction of vocals. The rugged construction of the microphone helps it withstand the rigors of touring sound. The cardioid polar pattern of the SM86 minimizes unwanted background noise. Additionally, the microphone features a built-in three-point shock mount that minimizes handling noise, and a two-stage pop filter that reduces wind and breath noise.
- Extended high frequency response for clear vocal reproduction
- Suitable for stage monitors and personal monitors
- Rugged construction makes it durable for touring sound
- Cardioid polar pattern minimizes unwanted background noise
- Built-in shock mount minimizes handling noise
- Two-stage pop filter reduces wind and breath noise
9. Ultimate Vocals Bundle: Shure Sm7b And Cloudlifter
The Shure SM7B Microphone Bundle is a professional-grade package that includes a Shure SM7B microphone, Cloud CL-1 Cloudlifter, an extra XLR cable, and a MicroFiber cloth. This bundle is perfect for professional voice-over applications with its flat, wide-range frequency response that captures every detail of the human voice. It also features air suspension shock isolation that minimizes mechanical noise and vibrations. The microphone comes with a pop filter built-in to prevent plosives and a cardioid polar pattern for excellent off-axis rejection.
The Shure SM7B also comes with roll-off and presence boost controls that allow users to tailor the microphone's response to different recording situations. The Cloudlifter 1x Mic Input is a must-have accessory for any microphone setup as it improves the signal-to-noise ratio by adding clean, transparent gain. It is compatible with passive dynamic and ribbon mics and provides +25 dB of gain which is ideal for use with low-output mics, noisy or low-gain preamps. The Cloudlifter requires only phantom power to operate and is made in the USA. This bundle also includes an extra XLR cable and a MicroFiber cloth for easy cleaning.
In summary, the Shure SM7B Microphone Bundle is a perfect package for professional voice-over applications. Its flat, wide-range frequency response and pop filter built-in feature are designed to capture every detail of the human voice. The Cloudlifter improves the signal-to-noise ratio and adds clean, transparent gain. It is ideal for use with low-output mics, noisy or low-gain preamps. The bundle also includes an extra XLR cable and a MicroFiber cloth for easy cleaning.
- Professional-grade bundle for voice-over applications
- Flat, wide-range frequency response
- Air suspension shock isolation minimizes mechanical noise and vibrations
- Pop filter built-in to prevent plosives
- Cardioid polar pattern for excellent off-axis rejection
- Roll-off and presence boost controls for tailored response
- Cloudlifter improves the signal-to-noise ratio and adds clean, transparent gain
- Ideal for use with low-output mics, noisy or low-gain preamps
- Extra XLR cable and MicroFiber cloth included
10. Pro Acoustics Multi-Position Bundle With Wireless Mic.
The Bose S1 Pro Multi-Position All-In-One PA Bluetooth System Bundle is the perfect solution for those who need high-quality sound on-the-go. The bundle includes a Bose S1 Pro Multi-Position All-In-One PA Bluetooth System without a battery, an AC Power Cord, a Pure Resonance Audio UC1S Ultra-Clear Dynamic Vocal Microphone with On/Off Switch, and a U3 2.4 GHz Digital Wireless Plug-On Microphone System. This system delivers high-output sound from a small, lightweight, and ultra-portable enclosure that is easy to carry using the convenient carry-handle.
The Bose S1 Pro Multi-Position All-In-One PA Bluetooth System features wireless Bluetooth streaming from your mobile device with one-touch pairing, allowing you to easily connect your device and stream music or audio. The system also has a uniform cardioid (unidirectional) dynamic microphone pickup pattern, which isolates the main sound source and minimizes background noise to deliver clear and crisp audio.
The Pure Resonance Audio UC1S Ultra-Clear Dynamic Vocal Microphone with On/Off Switch is designed to deliver high-quality vocal performance, making it perfect for singers, public speakers, and presenters. The microphone features an on/off switch, which allows you to easily mute and unmute the microphone, and a durable construction that ensures long-lasting performance.
The U3 2.4 GHz Digital Wireless Plug-On Microphone System is a reliable wireless microphone system that delivers clear and stable audio. The system includes a plug-on transmitter and a receiver, which can be easily connected to any mixer, amplifier, or PA system. The system operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which is less crowded than other frequency bands, ensuring stable and interference-free operation.
- High-output sound from a small, lightweight, and ultra-portable enclosure.
- Wireless Bluetooth streaming from your mobile device with one-touch pairing.
- Uniform cardioid (unidirectional) dynamic microphone pickup pattern isolates the main sound source and minimizes background noise.
- The Pure Resonance Audio UC1S Ultra-Clear Dynamic Vocal Microphone with On/Off Switch delivers high-quality vocal performance.
- The U3 2.4 GHz Digital Wireless Plug-On Microphone System is a reliable wireless microphone system that delivers clear and stable audio.
Best Cheap Microphone For Vocals FAQs
Are there any specific brands or models of cheap microphones that are great for vocal recording?
Yes, there are several specific brands and models of cheap microphones that are great for vocal recording. One such brand is Audio-Technica, which offers several affordable options such as the AT2020 and the AT2035. These microphones are known for their clarity and sensitivity, making them a great choice for recording vocals.
Another brand to consider is Rode, which offers the NT1 and NT1-A models. These microphones are popular among musicians and podcasters alike for their warm, natural sound and low self-noise.
Other affordable microphone options for vocal recording include the Samson C01 and C03, the MXL 770 and 990, and the Behringer C-1. These microphones may not have the same high-end features as more expensive models, but they can still produce great results for home recording and amateur projects.
Overall, finding a good cheap microphone for vocal recording is all about balancing price and quality. With a little research and experimentation, it's possible to find a microphone that fits your budget and still delivers excellent sound.
Can a cheap microphone deliver good-quality vocals for recording?
A cheap microphone may not always deliver good-quality vocals for recording. The quality of the microphone plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound of the recorded vocals. While some lower-priced microphones may have decent sound quality, they may not be suitable for professional-grade recordings.
The cheaper microphones may have limited frequency response and dynamic range, which can result in distorted or muffled sound quality. Additionally, they may not be able to handle high sound pressure levels, which can cause clipping or distortion in the recorded audio.
That being said, it is possible to find affordable microphones that can deliver decent sound quality for home recordings or demos. It is essential to research and compare different microphone models and read reviews from other users to determine which microphone will work best for your recording needs. It is also important to note that the quality of the recording is not just determined by the microphone but also by other factors such as the recording environment and the skills of the recording engineer.
How does a cheap microphone compare to a high-end one in terms of recording vocals?
When it comes to recording vocals, the difference between a cheap microphone and a high-end one can be significant. A cheap microphone can produce a hollow and thin sound with poor clarity, while a high-end microphone can capture the fullness and richness of the vocals with exceptional clarity.
High-end microphones are designed with high-quality components and advanced technology to deliver superior sound quality. They have a wider frequency response, which allows them to capture a broader range of tones and nuances in the vocals. They also have better sensitivity and low noise levels, which means they can pick up even the faintest of sounds.
On the other hand, cheap microphones are usually made with low-quality components and lack the advanced features that high-end microphones have. They often produce a distorted sound with background noise and hiss, which can be distracting and affect the overall quality of the recording.
Overall, investing in a high-end microphone is worth the expense if you want to produce high-quality recordings with exceptional clarity and richness in the vocals.
What are the best budget-friendly microphones for recording vocals?
When it comes to recording vocals, having a good microphone is crucial. However, not everyone can afford the high-end microphones that professionals use. Luckily, there are some great budget-friendly microphones that can get the job done.
One of the best microphones for recording vocals on a budget is the Audio-Technica AT2020. It is a condenser microphone that is known for its clarity and accuracy. Another great option is the Shure SM58, which is a dynamic microphone that is perfect for live performances and recording vocals.
If you're looking for something even more affordable, the MXL 990 is a great choice. It is a condenser microphone that is often used in home studios and is known for its warm tone. The Behringer Ultravoice XM8500 is another option that is both affordable and versatile.
Ultimately, the best budget-friendly microphone for recording vocals will depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, these options are all excellent choices that won't break the bank.
What are the features to look for in an affordable microphone for recording vocals?
When looking for an affordable microphone for recording vocals, there are a few key features you should consider. The first is the type of microphone. Condenser microphones are typically better suited for recording vocals, as they offer a more detailed and clear sound. The next feature to consider is the frequency response of the microphone. Look for a microphone with a frequency response that is well-suited to the human voice, typically in the range of 80Hz to 15kHz.
Another important factor to consider is the microphone's sensitivity. A more sensitive microphone will pick up more detail in the recording, but also has the potential to pick up unwanted background noise. You'll want to strike a balance between sensitivity and noise reduction.
Finally, consider the microphone's polar pattern. A cardioid pattern is typically best for recording vocals, as it focuses on sound coming from directly in front of the microphone while minimizing sounds from the sides and rear.
Ultimately, the key to finding an affordable microphone for recording vocals is to do your research and read reviews to find a microphone that meets your specific needs and budget.