8 Best Home Studio Microphone for Vocals in 2024

Whether you’re a budding vocalist or a pro musician, navigating the sphere of home recording can be quite daunting. How can I get the best sound quality in my home studio? Which microphone will help me optimize my recording space to get that professional sound? These are just some of the questions that will be at the forefront of your mind.

If you’re looking for the best home studio microphone for vocals that’ll help you make a place on the charts and take over the Spotify streams, then a good-quality condenser microphone is the answer. This type of microphone will ensure exceptional sound quality with fantastic accuracy.  

8 Best Home Studio Microphones for Vocals

A microphone is a fundamental instrument that plays a significant role in the capture and perception of your voice by the audience. Before choosing the best microphone for recording vocals, it’s vital to understand the distinct characteristics that affect sound clarity and quality. 

Just like each human voice has a unique nuance and timbre, no one microphone will be ideal for every vocalist. Typically, two types of mics are considered best for recording vocals – condenser mics and dynamic mics. 

Highly popular for their wider frequency response and sensitivity, condenser mics perfectly capture every detail and nuance in your voice. Dynamic mics, on the other hand, are more rugged and suitable for handling high sound pressure levels. This makes them ideal for use in live settings.     

A microphone that’s just right for your voice and your intended application can turn a good recording into a great one. Here, we have reviewed some of the best home studio microphones for vocals and compared their specifications in a chart form to help you find your perfect match. 

8 Best Home Studio Microphones for Vocals 

Best High-End Microphone: Neumann U 87

• Price: $3695
• Type: Condenser
• Connectivity technology: XLR
• Polar pattern: Multipattern
• Connector type: XLR
• Audio sensitivity: 127 decibels
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 87 decibels
• Pop filter: No
• Shock mount: Yes
• Frequency response: 20 Hz- 20 kHz
• Compatible devices: – 

The Neumann U 87 is like the Rolls-Royce of the world of vocal recording. Its wide range of features and exceptional versatility make it one of the best microphones for vocals available today. Highly popular for its rich, warm sound, this microphone is a legend in its own right. This large diaphragm studio condenser isn’t just suitable for home studios – in fact, you’ll find it in every professional studio worldwide. 

The well-balanced characteristics of this amazing microphone make it the perfect unit for all types of speech and music. Whether you’re using it as a spot microphone for a single instrument or for orchestra recordings, the Neumann U 87 is a great choice for use in studios and for broadcasting. 

It’s designed with three directional patterns – cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8. You can conveniently select an option with the help of the switch placed under the head grille. The 10 dB attenuation switch allows this microphone to handle high sound pressure levels of 127 dB without any distortion. You can also reduce the frequency response to negate the proximity effect.  

Pros

• Variable large diaphragm microphone
• Detailed yet warm sound signature
• Multiple pickup patterns
• Switchable low-frequency roll-off
• Pressure-gradient transducer designed with a double membrane capsule

Cons

• Expensive

Best Affordable Microphone: Shure SM7B

• Price: $399
• Type: Dynamic
• Connectivity technology: XLR
• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Connector type: XLR
• Audio sensitivity: -59 decibels
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 60 decibels
• Pop filter: Yes
• Shock Mount: Yes
• Frequency response: 50 Hz- 20 kHz
• Compatible devices: Personal computer

If you’re looking for a top-notch microphone for vocals without breaking the bank, then the Shure SM7B is the one for you. Featuring excellent build materials, remarkable sound quality, and unbeatable value for money, the Shure SM7B is a winner in every sense.

Whether you’re recording vocals for music, voiceovers, or podcasts, this workhorse of a microphone can capture the richness and nuances of your voice with remarkable clarity. This exceptional device can add depth, warmth, and a professional Touch to your recordings which is hard to find at this price point.        

Well-constructed and sturdy, the Shure SM7B is sure to last a long time. The attention to detail in its design and the inclusion of convenient features like the shock mount further makes it easier to eliminate unwanted vibrations. 

Pros

• Trusted by world’s leading podcasters, vocalists, and streamers
• Flat, wide-range frequency response
• Clean and natural reproduction of music and speech
• Pop filter and air suspension shock isolation
• Exceptional sound quality

Cons

• Heavy and bulky
• Only one level of gain

Most Stylish Microphone: Aston Origin Microphone

• Price: $249
• Type: Condenser
• Connectivity technology: Wired
• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Connector type: XLR
• Audio sensitivity: -32.5 decibels
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 78 decibels
• Pop filter: Yes
• Shock Mount: No
• Frequency response: 20 kHz
• Compatible devices: Audio Interface0, Audio Mixer

If you’re looking for a truly professional mic in an affordable price range, then the Aston Origin is a great option. This unique and stylish model delivers excellent detail and clarity, earning it a place on our list of best home studio microphones for vocals. 

Its Waveform mesh head is its most visually striking aspect, while the springy outer layer isn’t just a design flourish, but a cost-effective measure to keep the microphone capsule safe. Beneath this wave-form layer is the built-in pop filter that effectively eliminates vocal pops. 

Featuring capsule-chassis isolation and a proprietary end cap design, this unit can be direct-to-stand mounted without any handling noise. Whether you’re using this mic up close or from a distance, there’s hardly any alteration to your voice, making it an excellent option for recording vocals. 

Pros

• Excellent sound quality with depth and clarity
• Good proximity effect
• Elegant and modern design
• Handles gain very well
• Full metal construction

Cons

• No USB mount

Best for Beginners: Audio Technica AT2020

• Price: $99
• Type: Condenser
• Connectivity technology: Wired
• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Connector type: XLR
• Audio sensitivity: 37 decibels
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 74 decibels
• Pop filter: No
• Shock Mount: No
• Frequency response: –
• Compatible devices: –

The Audio Technica AT2020 is a fantastic option for musicians and producers who are new to home recording. Setting new standards for affordable home studio microphones, this cardioid condenser features a simple black design and durable build quality. The AT2020 supports a low-mass diaphragm that’s custom-engineered for superior transient response and extended frequency response. 

Perfect for the home recording market, this microphone features a cardioid polar pattern. It effectively rejects noises from the sides and the rear of the microphone, making it extremely helpful in instances where you’re recording in a room that isn’t completely quiet. 

Although this microphone doesn’t offer any pre-attenuation pads or filter switches, it has a wide frequency range that delivers clear and detailed sound. Another excellent feature of this reliable model is the maximum SPL rating of 144dB, which allows it to capture horns, drums, and even the loudest of singers clearly and easily. 

Pros

• Extremely durable
• Affordable
• Handles high SPLs with ease
• Rugged, metal construction
• Pristine audio quality

Cons

• Sensitive to plosives
• Requires additional equipment for best use

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Best Multi-Pattern Microphone: AKG C414 XL II

• Price: $1319
• Type: Condenser
• Connectivity technology: Wired
• Polar pattern: Multipattern
• Connector type: XLR
• Audio sensitivity: 158 decibels
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 20 decibels
• Pop filter: Yes
• Shock Mount: Yes
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Compatible devices: Audio interface

The AKG C414 XL II is a world-class, solidly built condenser microphone that’s become a staple in almost every recording studio. This compact unit is designed with a wide range of features and everything about this mic screams quality – good sturdy connections, well machined, heavy in hand, and durable construction. It also comes with a windscreen, shock mount, and flight case.

This multi-pattern device offers users the freedom to choose from nine different polar patterns, enabling it to capture the perfect sound for every application. It features a large diaphragm capsule that delivers outstanding spatial reproduction. A peak hold LED accurately shows even the shortest overload peaks, thus ensuring distortion-free recording every time. 

The included shock mount keeps the mechanical and handling noise at a minimum, while the pop filter easily eliminates sibilance and plosive sounds. The wide frequency range of the AKG C414 XL II helps to capture every nuance of your voice with outstanding detail and tonal accuracy, making it an ideal option for home studios as well as live applications. 

Pros

• Nine selectable polar patterns
• Amazing sound quality for solo instruments and lead vocals
• Three attenuation levels
• One mic for different settings
• Comes with a metal carry case, pop filter, windscreen, and shock mount

Cons

• Lacks warmth

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Editor’s Pick: Rode NT1 Signature Series

• Price: $159
• Type: Condenser
• Connectivity technology: XLR
• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Connector type: XLR
• Audio sensitivity: 4 decibels
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 78 decibels
• Pop filter: Yes
• Shock Mount: Yes
• Frequency response: –
• Compatible devices: Audio interface

The Rode NT1 is the perfect studio all-rounder, designed with a plethora of features that make it ideal for a wide range of applications. From instrument and vocal recording to streaming, podcasting, voiceovers, and content creation, this large diaphragm condenser mic delivers sound that is rich and full of warmth.  

It features high SPL handling capabilities that ensure you’ll have no trouble recording loud sounds from drums to guitar cabinets. It’s also very quiet, which means your recordings will be exceptionally clear even when you’re capturing the softest sound.  

The NT1 is constructed from premium-grade materials, which make it highly resistant to scratches and scuffs. It’s available in a variety of colors, allowing you to buy a unit that matches the aesthetics of your home studio. In addition, it comes with a shock mount and pop filter that help produce content that’s clear and free from plosives. 

The plug-and-play feature of this microphone combined with its excellent sound reproduction capability make it one of the top microphones for home studios. If you’re looking for a reasonably-priced yet high-performing microphone for vocal recording, video recording, or streaming, then the Rode NT1 is the one for you.

Pros

• Incredibly clear and quiet
• Ideal for vocal recording, music production, podcasting, and streaming
• Rugged aluminum body
• Available in a range of iconic colors
• 10-year warranty

Cons

• Cardioid pattern only

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Most Durable Microphone: Shure SM58

• Price: $99
• Type: Dynamic
• Connectivity technology: XLR
• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Connector type: XLR
• Audio sensitivity: -54.5 decibels
• Signal-to-noise ratio: –
• Pop filter: Yes
• Shock Mount: Yes
• Frequency response: – 5015000 hertz
• Compatible devices: Phone

In the sphere of vocal microphones, very few mics are so highly trusted by performers and vocalists as the Shure SM58. Over the years, it has earned the reputation of being reliable and consistent and that’s why, even after sixty years, you’ll find this mic with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Excellent for various vocal applications, this mic sounds warm and crisp, is built like a tank, and can be trusted to deliver time after time.  

The ergonomic design of this dynamic microphone makes it ideal for hand-held performances. The cardioid pattern minimizes unwanted background sounds, while the internal pop filter helps to lessen the negative effects of plosives. Built with high-quality materials, this device has set the standard in durability and reliability. 

The Shure SM58 boasts an outstanding convergence of durability, accessibility, sound quality, and price point. It works well in all situations, whether you’re live or in a recording studio. Its rugged build ensures that this unit will stay with you for a long time.

Pros

• Durable construction
• High-quality vocal reproduction because of its tailored frequency response
• Warm, crisp sound 
• Built-in pop filter and spherical mesh grille
• Plug-and-play

Cons

• May sound too bright

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Bonus Mention: Lark M2

• Price: $178
• Type: Lavalier
• Connectivity technology: Wi-Fi
• Polar pattern: Omnidirectional
• Connector type: Lightning/USB Type-C, 3.5 mm Jack
• Audio sensitivity: 115 decibels
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 70 decibels
• Pop filter: No
• Shock Mount: No
• Frequency response: –
• Compatible devices: MacBook/Camera/Laptop/Tablet, Samsung

The Lark M2 from Hollyland is an innovative wireless Lavalier microphone that’s becoming quite popular among content creators due to its size and convenience. Unlike traditional microphones, this unit is attached to your lapel instead of sitting on your desk, making it the perfect mic for creators who need to move.

Hollyland Lark M2

2-Person Wireless Mini Button Microphone.

Able to capture sound that’s smooth and true to life, this mic delivers the true essence of your voice. Its plug-and-play feature means that you can start recording as soon as you receive this unit while enjoying freedom of movement. 

The strong magnets at the back of each transmitter keep these mics in place even if you’re on the move. The Environmental Noise Cancellation feature further helps to minimize background noise, while the storage case also works as a convenient charging case.

Designed to offer studio-grade capabilities, the Lark M2 is an efficient tool that helps create everything from content in your home studio to semi-professional videos. It’s not just a great choice for vloggers, but also an ideal option for streaming. 

Pros

• Affordable 
• Flexible wearing options
• Studio-grade sound quality
• Simple to use
• Convenient carrying/charging box

Cons

• Small size can make it difficult to find the receiver button

How Do I Choose The Best Home Studio Microphone for Vocals

Choosing the best home studio microphone for vocals can affect the quality of your vocal demos and recordings. A microphone that delivers your voice with clarity will make a long-lasting impact on managers, agents, record companies, and fans. 

That’s why it’s important to take the following considerations into account when looking for a mic that best fits your requirements:

Type

The two types of microphones for vocals, condenser and dynamic, are designed with their unique internal circuitry and have their own weaknesses and strengths.  

Condenser microphones are considered best for recording studios because of their increased sensitivity and their ability to pick up the finest detail. 

Recording studios are controlled spaces that allow a fair degree of sound isolation. The non-reverberant, quiet recording environment is perfect for condenser mics as they can capture the subtle nuances of even the most low-pitched vocal performance. However, this heightened sensitivity could become a drawback, as these mics are prone to background noise and feedback. 

However, if your recording environment isn’t acoustically treated, then a dynamic microphone would be a better choice. These units only pick up sounds from the front, effectively blocking out background noise. Also, condenser mics require phantom power, while dynamic microphones don’t need any power or batteries.

Polar Patterns

Another critical factor that plays an important role in a mic’s performance is its directionality. Omnidirectional microphones pick up sounds from all directions while hyper-cardioid and supercardioid microphones are extremely directional, picking only the sounds that are directly in front of them. 

Most vocal microphones feature a cardioid polar pattern. They’re extremely sensitive to the sounds in the front, pick up very little sounds from the sides, and completely ignore the sounds from behind the mic. Such microphones are excellent for studio recordings, as they reject room noise and are more tolerant of any side-to-side movement by the singer. 

Flat or Colored Sound

Each microphone is designed with its unique sound characteristics. Units that offer a neutral sound with little or no peaks or troughs in frequency response are called flat, whereas microphones with increased variation in frequency response are considered colored. 

The best home studio microphone for you will depend on your recording preference and the characteristics of your voice. 

Choosing a flat mic in all circumstances will allow you to create a unique sound by using EQ in post-production. But it’s also possible that choosing a vocal microphone with more coloration will be more suitable for your voice. A bright-sounding mic may be best for a deep voice, while a warmer mic may be suitable for a thin-sounding high voice.  

Pop Filter

Pop filters are extremely helpful in stopping excessive air movement without causing any hindrance to sound passing through. Plosives or sudden air movements from ‘p’ sounds can result in unwanted volume jumps and even signal clipping, which can disrupt a recording session. 

Many mics come with pop filters; however, you may have to add more pop filters to your mic for convenient pop and noise protection. 

Budget

Another important consideration is how much you’re willing to spend on a home studio microphone. A good-quality microphone is sure to last many years; however, it may be a bit expensive. If you have a bigger budget, then you can invest in several different microphones to cover all eventualities.  

If you’re a beginner in the world of home recording, then choosing a versatile, great-sounding mic at a low price point is the smartest thing to do. 

Studio Setup

If you have a simple home studio setup with just a computer, then a USB mic would be the best choice. For professional recording environments, XLR mics are better as they can be attached to recording equipment like sound mixers or amps.

FAQs

What are the characteristics of a good-quality home studio microphone ideal for vocal recording? 

A microphone designed with a cardioid pick-up pattern, wide frequency response, and excellent SPL handling is best for vocal recording. In addition, shock mounts and built-in pop filters also help minimize background noise and enhance recording quality.

How do I select a home studio microphone that’s perfect for my needs?

Keeping the following considerations in mind will help you make the right mic selection: 

• Your recording environment
• Your budget
• Your singing style and
• What you’ll be recording most

What is the primary difference between a dynamic and a condenser microphone?

Condenser microphones are ideal for studio vocals, as they’re more adept at capturing every nuance and detail in your voice. On the other hand, dynamic microphones are more suitable for live events as they’re typically more robust and can withstand loud noises before distortion sets in. Understanding the different types of microphones can help you choose a unit that’s just right for you. 

Which is the best microphone for vocals for beginners?

The best studio mic for beginners is typically one that’s affordable and reliable. It also depends quite a bit on your setup, budget, and your room’s acoustics. A versatile large-diaphragm condenser microphone is typically considered the best option for beginners as it can handle a wide variety of recording tasks easily.  

What is phantom power? Do all microphones need it?

Phantom power is the power supplied to condenser microphones by mixing consoles or audio interfaces with the help of a microphone cable. Typically, dynamic mics don’t need phantom power.  

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a singer-songwriter, a producer, a sound engineer, or a beginner who loves to experiment with vocals and instruments in your home studio, then you’ll need some quality equipment to ensure that you capture the best possible sound. If you’re new to vocal recording and don’t have the budget to try out various microphones, then you’ll need to research to find the best studio microphone. 

That’s where we come in. In this article, we’ve reviewed some of the top products available to help you make an informed decision. So be sure to give this round-up a thorough read so you can easily find the option that’s best for you.

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