When it comes to vocals, the condenser microphone is imperative equipment which can determine the quality of the output you deliver. You need to have a proper understanding of what makes a condenser microphone suitable for vocals in order to make your choice. You might have the best voice in the world and yet, without the right mic, you will be unable to underline your talent as a vocal artist.
To bolster the confidence in your voice, and to enhance the quality of your delivery, there is a wide range of mics available in the market. It can be challenge to make the best choice if you are unaware of the factors to consider. Condenser mics are able to pick up the best details of your voice but may vary in many other aspects.
Buying Guide
In order to facilitate this journey of finding the right fit for you in terms of the mic for vocals, we have jot down a few aspects that might be worth considering before making your purchase.
Polar/Pickup pattern
This explains how the mic is able to receive the sound in relation to the position of the mic. Cardioid pickup pattern refers to capturing the sound from the front and rejection of sound from the back. This is quite popular among vocals. Omnidirectional and Figure 8 polar patterns are more useful for the ambient sound receptions, usually useful when recording chorus.
Frequency Response of the Mics
Check whether the mic has a diaphragm large enough to successfully pick up the lowest frequencies if you have a deep voice. Usually female voices need ones with smaller diaphragms since they have higher frequencies.
Versatility
Some mics comes with high maximum SPL- these work very well with picking up loud sounds from instruments such as drums and big speakers. However, this is not that common among condenser mics. Condenser mics are usually best with acoustic equipment just as guitar.
Best Microphones for Vocals
Considering all the different aforementioned aspects, we have scoured the market and narrowed down the list of best condenser microphones for vocals to the top 4.
| Product Name | Features | Price | Check On Amazon |
| Neumann TLM 102 |
|
$500-$800 | Check the Price |
| Shure KSM44A |
|
$$$ | Check the Price |
| Rode NT2-A |
|
$$$ | Check the Price |
| Audio-Technica AT2035 |
|
$200-$350 | Check the Price |
1. Neumann TLM 102
This topper in our list comes with a compact built, a large diaphragm and some of the most sought after features at affordable costs. The maximum pressure level of the sound for this mic is 144 dB, which means it can allow recording of sounds of almost all sorts- drums, loud sounds or just vocals. It is perfect for home and recording studios with an aesthetic design.
Pros:
- Comes with a stand mount
- Produces solid, very clear sounds
- Very compact
Cons:
- Relatively expensive for the design
2. Shure KSM44A
This is one of most expensive mics in the market, but is worth the price you pay with the multi-pattern pickup pattern, dual-diaphragm condenser capabilities. The mic comes with a sleek, classy design, with an internal pop-filter that can help remove maximum amount of noise interferences. It also comes with a three-position switch on the back of the mic that can allow you to customize a low-frequency response.
Pros:
- One of the flattest and most clear sound producing mics in the market
- High reliability and durability
- Ground-breaking specifications
Cons:
- The neutrality of the sound produced by the mic is sometimes not appreciated by users.
3. Rode NT2-A
This is a highly versatile, high-end mic, which is known to be able to pick up recording sounds from three different positions- cardioid, omnidirectional and figure 8. Moreover, the high-pass filter is easily positioned on the body of the mic. This comes with a big type HF1 dual 1 inch capsule condenser what can pick up the details in the voice even better. It is pretty responsive to almost all kinds of voice and styles and even able to pick up sound live from multiple sources simultaneously.
Pros:
- Produces fuller sounds
- Comes with built-in filters
- Three-position pickup pattern
Cons:
- Heavier than usual mics
4. Audio-Technica AT2035
This condenser mic is one of the best for vocals, designed especially for live performances as well as home studio applications. It is able to pick up the details of the voice, removing the maximum amount of background noise, delivering phenomenal audio output. It also comes with a changeable 80 hz high-pass filter and a pad of 10dB.
This mic comes with a large diaphragm and a custom shock mount.
Pros:
- Superb clarity in sound produced
- Solid metal built
- Cardioid pickup pattern
- Budget friendly
Cons:
- Does not come with a XLR cable
- The pop filter is reported to not be satisfactory
Final Words
We have given our verdict on the best mics for the vocals out there, considering the aspects in relation to the frequency response, pickup patterns, impedance levels and the best value of money. It is your job now to choose what syncs most with your preferences.
You may also like to read: Your Guide To Condenser Microphones.
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