It doesn't matter if you're a professional, amateur, or just messing around in your bedroom- singing with the right microphone will make all the difference.
In this article, we'll discuss five of the best microphones for singers and provide reviews and a comparison table to help you find the perfect one!
1) MXL 770 with shock mount:
Review: This microphone is an excellent choice for singers on every level!
With its low price point, you can't go wrong. It comes with an impressive shock mount and has very little, to no feedback issues.
The best part of this mic? The sound quality is incredible - clear vocals with rich bass make the MXL 770 one of the most popular microphones for beginners and pros alike!
One size fits all: By adding a pop filter, your microphone will be ready to perform right out of the box. You don't have to worry about any extra setup, or fussing around before each performance.
This makes this mic perfect for beginners who need a little more time to perfect their sound.
The MXL 770 is also a great choice for recording in the studio, thanks to its plug-and-play compatibility with most computers. It's compatible with Windows or Mac, so there's no need to worry about buying expensive equipment just yet - you have everything you need right here.
2) SHURE SM57:
Review: The SM57 is a great dynamic microphone for singing. It's been around for over 50 years, and that means it's tried, tested, and true!
One size fits all: If you're looking to buy your first mic or one to have as a spare in case of an emergency - the SM57 will be perfect for you. This microphone has been used by pros like Linkin Park and Bon Jovi, so why not give it a shot?
It also works well with most instruments, including drums and guitar amps. However, we recommend staying away from lighter stringed keyboards (such as a ukulele), since this mic doesn't do too well with higher frequencies.
3) SHURE SM58:
Review: The best part about the SM58? It's built to last!
You can rest easy knowing that this microphone will be ready to perform in any situation. We recommend using it for live performances however, rather than studio work, since this mic isn't as versatile as others on our list.
One size fits all: This is a large-diaphragm dynamic microphone, so you'll need an XLR cable to connect your mic with your computer - no USB connection here.
Unfortunately, if you're looking for something plug and play, we suggest going with one of our other choices, such as the MXL 770 or Blue Yeti, (which offer both USB and XLR options).
If you're planning on recording live music or vocals, this mic doesn't offer the best sound quality, but it will certainly do the job. It's a great option for those looking to save money and don't mind taking some time to make sure their voice sounds as good as possible before hitting record.
The SM58 is also known as one of the loudest microphones at its price point, so if you need something with high gain that can cut through any mix - look no further than your local music store.
4) Blue Yeti:
Review: The Blue Yeti is one of the most popular microphones in recent years; it's known for its high-quality sound and plug-and-play capability.
This mic offers four different polar pattern settings (cardioid, stereo, omnidirectional & bidirectional). This makes it easy to switch things up depending on what you're recording.
One size fits all: With this microphone being USB compatible, no extra cords are necessary to connect your mic with your computer (or laptop). If you're running low on space, but don't want to sacrifice great audio quality - this will be a perfect fit for your needs.
You'll have plenty of room left over for other things, since you won't need to buy an expensive XLR cable.
If you're shopping for a Blue Yeti, we recommend also grabbing the Pop Filter that comes with this package deal - it will save you the hassle of buying one separately and having to install it yourself.
You can rest easy knowing your microphone is ready, right out of the box.
For those looking for multiple polar patterns, whether using their microphones in different settings or simply want options - take note:
The Blue Yeti Pro offers four additional pattern choices, including bidirectional, (which isn't offered on standard models). It's more expensive but if versatility is important, then definitely consider purchasing its big brother instead!
5) ELECTROVOICE RE20:
Review: If you're looking for a high-quality cardioid microphone with zero background noise and superior sound - the ElectroVoice RE 20 is it.
This mic isn't necessarily considered an entry-level model, so we recommend having some experience before using this one in your home studio or live performances.
We love that it offers both dynamic as well as condenser capabilities. This makes it perfect for those who are planning on doing more complex recording sessions down the road.
One size fits all: The RE 20 requires a lot of power to operate since it's a much larger diaphragm than our other choices, thus requiring its own separate 48V phantom supply unit at minimum.
If you're not comfortable picking up an additional piece of equipment, we recommend trying our other choices.
If you need something powerful, that's guaranteed to capture crisp vocals every time - the ElectroVoice RE 20 is your best bet.
It will bring out every subtlety in your voice, without adding any distortion or noise into the mix at all, (which can be a problem for lower-end models).
For those planning on using their microphone outside often (in windy conditions, for example), this mic does exceptionally well thanks to its internal pop filter. The foam screen provides extra protection against loud gusts of wind; it also reduces sibilance, so pick up some pretty sweet backing tracks before hitting if you want to sound like a pro!
Did we miss one? Let us know which one here.