TOP 17 Best Microphones for Voice, Vocal and Instrument Recording

The rating includes 16 good microphones for recording voice, vocals, voice acting, streams, for recording musical instruments of various levels.

For recording voice and vocals at home it makes no sense to buy the most expensive microphone. A microphone of an average price up to 15,000 rubles is also suitable. If there is a sound-absorbing coating on the walls and a good sound card, then you can safely choose any microphone from the rating.

For recording guitar and other musical instruments Condenser microphones work well. Of course, there must be a sound-absorbing wall covering and sound card... Otherwise, the microphone will not be able to fully show itself, the recording will be of poor quality, extraneous noise and sound distortion.

For dubbing video clips, recording podcasts an inexpensive USB microphone will do, even a built-in sound card will do the trick.

A simple microphone that comes with headphones is only suitable for voice communication via the Internet. It is suitable for communication between gamers, but not in all situations: for example, due to the lack of noise cancellation, third-party noises can annoy the interlocutors, negatively affecting the gameplay. To record a voice when dubbing something, recording videos for a blog or vocals at the level, you need a high-quality sound recording device.

How to Choose the Right Microphone?

1. Decide what the microphone is for. If this is the voice acting of videos on YouTube or streaming, then you should not buy an expensive studio microphone for this, an inexpensive USB microphone is enough for this. Maono AU-A04, it writes sound much better than any built-in microphone in headphones.
2. Listen to the microphone before buying. Now it is possible to listen to the recording from a microphone in any specialized store. As a last resort, you will always find an overview on Youtube.
3. Do not listen to anyone when choosing a microphone without listening to it yourself. It often happens that a person likes how a microphone records not for 35,000 rubles, but for 15,000 rubles. Price, of course, is an important indicator of quality, but whether this sound is right for you, you need to understand before buying!
4. As I wrote above, a good microphone needs a room with sound absorption on the walls and a good sound card. Otherwise, an expensive studio microphone will not reach its potential, and you will not get the desired effect, disappointed in the manufacturer.

Do I need a sound card for the microphone

High quality recording of music, vocals and voices requires a good sound card or its potential will remain beyond its capabilities. Firstly, low power will not allow working with high-impedance devices, and secondly, the sound of the material will upset, you will not be able to select the audio resolution (frequency of discrediting), add effects, and third-party noises will torment you.

The best professional microphones for recording voice, vocals

There are two types of microphones in recording studios: for capturing vocals and recording instruments. According to their design, they are divided into capacitor, dynamic and tape, according to their directionality - into unidirectional, bidirectional, guns and non-directional.

The most expensive and high quality professional condenser microphone for sound recording, which became the best among analogs in 2012 and the gold standard.Thanks to its balanced parameters, it is ideal for recording speech and vocals. When used as a point microphone, he is excellent at writing instruments: cello, guitars, drums. Records detailed bass and rich mids.

The best microphone for recording vocals and instruments has three switchable pick-up patterns. Works with sound up to 127 dB without the slightest distortion. A low cut filter compensates for the effect of the proximity effect. It features a remarkably flat frequency response. The design of the device has not changed since the 1970s, only the component base has been updated.

Features:

• negligible level of own noise;
• balanced frequency response;
• three directional patterns;
• Versatile: Suitable for capturing voice and instruments.

A universal transformerless microphone with a linear frequency response, practically without its own noise. Suitable for recording vocals and instruments in recording studios. The capsule used in the U87 reduces off-axis noise (cardioid). This eliminates the appearance of acoustic feedback when recording concerts.

An enlarged grille, transparent to acoustic vibrations, protects the capsule from intense sounds and noises resulting from blowing out. It copes equally well with sounds with a pressure of 138 dB and physical vibrations of the environment that are barely visible to the human ear. Replacing the transformer with an electronic circuit eliminated the effect of RF signals on sound.

Features:

• large membrane;
• transformerless circuit;
• low own noise;
• works with voice and all instruments.

Microphone for voice and instruments, produces soft and high quality sound. Especially pleasant mids. Due to its soft top, this microphone is often compared to ribbon microphones. Great for recording acoustic guitar, drums and other muses. tools. In this series, the capsule has been redesigned, thanks to which the "lower middle" has become even smoother. The sound is even compared with such an expensive model as the Telefunken ELA 251.

Comes with a black oak case, handcrafted to completely isolate the microphone from vibration.

Features:

• a lightweight version of the C414 at an affordable price;
• robust patented design;
• high sensitivity;
• sensitivity switch;
• a low-pass filter to get rid of the zoom effect.
• Capsule - two 33 mm membranes (one gold-plated)
• Frequency response - 30Hz / 18kHz
• Directivity - Cardioid
• Sensitivity - 25 mV / Pa
• Impedance - 190 Ohm
• SPL limit level - 140 dB
• Intrinsic noise - no more than 18 dB (curve A)
• Power Supply - Phantom 48V
• Size - 187mm x 47mm
• Weight - 475 grams

Universal tube condenser microphone with five directivity patterns, the best solution in the price range up to 70,000 rubles. It is used in all areas of sound recording: concerts, choirs, vocals, instruments, thanks to a 10 dB attenuator, a frequency range of 20 Hz - 20 kHz and high quality electronic components. An advanced low-pass filter removes zoom effects from audio.Lamps add detail, warmth, naturalness and appeal to the sound.

A solid scope of delivery includes:

• case for storage and carrying;
• multilingual documentation;
• power adapter with cable;
• wooden case with soft upholstery;
• holder "spider" with an additional cable;
• 8 pin cable.

Features:

• five directional patterns;
• solid delivery set;
• sound pressure up to 138 dB;
• tube amplifier;
• low-pass filter.

Professional studio microphone with enviable -38 dB sensitivity and wide gold-plated diaphragm. It is mounted on a suspension that protects against mechanical noise. It features low intrinsic noise and dense, detailed sound without the slightest distortion, provided by a polarized capsule with a two-triode tube amplifier. The latter brings vintage notes to the natural clean sound. The directional pattern is one - cardioid. With the right vocal direction, the microphone unleashes the manufacturer's potential. Supplied in a carrying case with power supply and cord, 8-pin cable, mount and documents.

Features:

• ultra-low self-noise;
• switchable power supplies 120 / 220V;
• peak sound pressure without distortion - 158 dB;
• mounting on an M2 rack;
• heat treated steel mesh.

Microphone for voice and instruments, designed as an alternative to the expensive C414 models. Equipped with a performance 1-inch capsule that reduces vibration noise. An attenuator with a switch expands the scope of the device - writes clear sound with a pressure level of 156 dB. A low-pass filter allows you to record close to the sound source without any zoom effect. Outstanding performance is provided by a combination of capsule properties and a patented diaphragm design. It picks up the quietest sounds, the sources of which are tens of meters away, and therefore requires a soundproof room.

Features:

• a lightweight version of the C414 at an affordable price;
• robust patented design;
• high sensitivity;
• sensitivity switch;
• a low-pass filter to get rid of the zoom effect.

Affordable single-pattern microphone incorporating advanced LEWITT technology. An inch capacitor capsule captures the smallest nuances of the voice and all shades of a musical instrument, conveying the author's character and emotional background. The design allows you to capture the live sound of any instrument in all its variety. Due to the low intrinsic noise and the ability to work with high pressure sound, it writes both the quietest sounds and from the amplifier. An anti-shock holder isolates the unit from noise transmitted through the rack.

Features:

• captures the sound of instruments in their entirety and volume;
• the soundproofing rack does not transmit mechanical vibrations to the membrane;
• gold-plated diaphragm;
• magnetic pop filter prevents frequency loss.

Professional studio microphone with a well-known diaphragm design. Suitable for capturing instruments and voices from any distance, and gives the second "velvety".Catchy sound demonstrates due to the use of proven circuitry and perfectly tuned preamp. By replacing the transformer in the circuit with a set of electronic components, its own electromagnetic noise does not exceed 18 dB. The imperfection of the tuning influenced the sound at the HF - they are slightly raised. Placed in a nickel-plated case.

Features:

• equipped with a shock absorber suspension;
• single directional pattern;
• high frequencies are raised;
• there is no high-pass filter;
• picky about room acoustics.

A device for recording vocals and speech, radio with a flat wideband frequency response. It is widely used in radio, television and recording studios. Has a cardioid directivity with maximum reflection, slight off-axis coloration and a barely noticeable cut at the low-mid range. The strut with pneumatic shock absorption eliminates the transmission of mechanical vibrations. The design suppresses electromagnetic noise and broadband interference generated by computer electronics and mobile equipment. A high-quality POP filter compensates for noise arising from human breathing.

Features:

• flat frequency response;
• switchable low-frequency suppression filters;
• effective pop filter;
• advanced protection against electromagnetic interference;
• bracket for precise positioning of the device.

Best microphone for home studio and PC

The requirements for the recording quality of microphones for the home are lower than for professional ones, and they are much cheaper.

Condenser microphone for a wide range of applications, designed for consumer use. Records a variety of instruments (wind, percussion, keyboards) and a human voice. A pattern switch adapts the device to different situations. A high-pass filter suppresses frequencies below the cutoff. The attenuator normalizes the volume, which is especially important when the sound source is located near the diaphragm. The gold-plated foil diagram will prevent the capsule from sticking during intense sound. The capsule itself is fixed on an anti-vibration base.

Features:

• switchable directional patterns;
• switchable high-frequency filter and attenuator;
• low own noise;
• good sensitivity at peak sound pressure.

The Rode NT1-A is one of the quietest condenser microphones in the price range. The transformerless circuit generates noise with an intensity of only 5 dB - demonstrating almost record clarity of sound. The device guarantees crystal clear, realistic sounding of instruments even at peak SPL (withstands up to 137 dB). The 1-inch diaphragm is plated with a few microns of gold, and the case is a glossy nickel-based composition. Supplied with a cloth bag for transporting and an anti-vibration device for attaching to the stand.

Features:

• shock-absorbing mount;
• gold plated leads;
• low noise non transformer circuit;
• cushioned capsule mount.

Studio microphone for voice recording with a dimensional diaphragm. Has a cardioid radiation pattern and improved acoustic performance.The shock-resistant housing design minimizes the refraction of sound waves in the grille, making the sound softer. Long-life low-frequency reed switches are used. High quality circuitry and gold plated connectors ensure one-to-one sound transmission.

Features:

• phantom power +48 V;
• needs additional shielding;
• gold-plated plugs;
• recordings do not need timbre processing.

High quality USB microphone for home recording studio and video scoring. Thanks to the cardioid diaphragm, it cuts out third-party noise. Powerful ADC guarantees high-resolution audio fidelity. A larger aperture expands the frequency range of the device. Supplied with an accurate positioning stand. Powered by USB and features a headphone jack for real-time recording monitoring. There is a regulator for choosing the balance between the level of the input signal and the volume of the sound in the headphones.

Features:

• power is supplied via USB;
• cardioid cuts off third-party sounds;
• fast mounting on a rack with precise positioning;
• power indicator LED;
• windscreen and pop filter.

An instrument for recording speech, vocals, instruments, concerts and choral performances. The 1-inch diaphragm withstands SPLs of up to 160 dB, allowing close-up recording of intense acoustic and percussion sounds without introducing distortion. The optimized electronics housed in a shielded housing do not generate their own noise. Gold-plated XLR interface improves signal transmission quality. The hand-crafted capsule expands the dynamic range. Switchable low pass filters compensate for intense bass. It is mounted on a rack with a rigid quick-detachable fastener.

Features:

• acoustic distortion filter;
• inch condenser capsule;
• wide dynamic range;
• switchable attenuator;
• gold plated metal pop filter.

Condenser microphone for a computer, housed in a metal case. Unlike most analogs, it is installed on a tripod stand and an adjustable stand. The first does not provide for the installation of a windscreen, the second can bend in a zigzag manner. When connected to a PC with Windows 7-10, it does not need to be configured, the OS automatically picks up the device and installs drivers for it. Cardioid allows you to use a microphone for communication, voice acting, recording comments, broadcasting.

Features:

• instant launch on the computer;
• stand and stand allow you to install wherever and how you want;
• pop filter with double shielding;
• power is supplied through.

USB interface condenser microphone designed for aspiring multimedia creators and small recording studios. Supplied with spider mount and bracket, but can be mounted on a tripod and a regular stand. The sampling rate is 192 kHz. The electronic filling is housed in a glossy metal case. The cardioid diagram and capacitor capsule allow you to capture sound from all directions while suppressing extraneous noise.

Features:

• rich equipment;
• fast connection and discovery;
• excellent noise reduction;
• unilateral cardioid;
• frequency range: 30 Hz - 16 kHz.

USB condenser microphone for the home studio with the sound-picking characteristics of professional equipment. Oversized diaphragm with a diameter of 16 mm with advanced algorithms for signal conversion and amplification made it possible to achieve a frequency response shape close to ideal. Thanks to the diaphragm, the microphone perceives mechanical vibrations of the medium in the range of 40 Hz - 20 kHz, which covers the range of human perception and almost all instruments. Voice correction when recording vocals and voiceovers is rarely required. Thanks to the cardioid, it captures sounds in space, while retaining maximum detail.

Features:

• ASIO driver support;
• sound pressure - 136 dB;
• transformerless input stage reduces intrinsic noise;
• all-metal shockproof housing.

If you don't work in a professional recording studio, feel free to buy a microphone for home use. Such devices are cheaper than their advanced counterparts, the quality is practically not inferior to them, they quickly connect and get ready for work.