The Best Value Microphones for Vocals and Speech Recording
Get a decent vocal sound affordably.
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Recording vocals at home presents several challenges. We’re going to discuss these and look at some of the best value microphones for vocal recording.
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Apart from budget limitations, most of us aren’t working in soundproof or treated acoustic environments. This means having the most sensitive valve microphone might not give you the results you imagine.
Instead, you could end up capturing a passing car or your neighbour’s washing machine in pristine audio quality. For this reason, dynamic mics are often preferred. While condensers may require close-mic techniques and low-gain settings.
Choosing the Best Value Microphones for Vocals
Gain management is essential, regardless of which type of mic you’re working with. In addition, your audio interface’s preamps might not have enough discrete gain to match your choice of mic and deliver the recording standard you desire.
For this reason, make sure you investigate:
You may have seen, heard of, or even used mics on this list – let’s find out why.
Best Value Microphones: Shure SM58
The 58 is the world’s most popular stage microphone, but it’s also great for recording. The off-axis cancellation is excellent, so you can record in tight spaces without worrying too much about reflections.
The optional windshield can reduce sibilance and plosives, but more than anything the 58 requires sparing use of gain. Moreover, it’s flexible enough to use handheld or on a stand, as long as you get your mic distance correct you can get great results.
- More from Shure
Best Value Microphones: Audio-Technica AT2020
The AT2020 is another mic that shines on multiple sources, vocals being one of them. This medium-diaphragm cardioid condenser captures a wide frequency range and doesn’t need a high-end preamp to get good results, although this does help.
As it’s a condenser, the AT2020 needs a shock mount and pop filter to reduce any incidental noise. Overall, it’s a versatile mic that can produce decent vocal recordings in a quiet environment.
- More from Audio Technica
Best Value Microphones: Shure MV7X and MV7i
The MV7X has already taken the podcasting world by storm as an affordable mic that offers excellent intelligibility. A budget broadcast-style mic built for capturing the human voice, this is a great choice for vocal recording at home.
The localized pickup pattern makes it usable even in reflective environments that aren’t ideal for recording, but it’s still a relatively low-output mic. This means it will perform at optimal with a Cloudlifter or another in-line mic pre.
Meanwhile, the Shure MV7i is a USB mic with a difference. While most USB mics connect to your computer like an audio interface, the MV7i actually has an XLR combo input that allows you to connect an additional XLR mic or an instrument. This means you can add a microphone for a guest on your stream or podcast, or plug in your guitar for a jam.
What’s more, the MV7i has a range of digital functions that you can access from the MOTIV desktop app. These include auto gain, compressor, reverb, real-time denoiser, and EQ presets. Get it at Thomann.*
- More from Shure
Best Value Microphones: RODE NT1 5th Generation
The NT1 5th Gen gives you the best of two worlds: an XLR cardioid condenser with a trusted design, and a USB mic with 32-bit 192 kHz recording, a RODE Revolution mic preamp, and a range of handy DSP features. This makes the NT1 useful in a wide range of situations, from recording to content creation, streaming, and more.
From the RODE Connect, RODE Central, or UNIFY apps, you can access and control all the APHEX processing, such as the full-featured compressor, the high-pass filter (75 or 150 Hz), the noise-gate, and the famous Aural Exciter, with its Big Bottom function for getting the perfect podcast voice.
Overall, this version of the NT1 provides great value, because even if you upgrade your setup with a dedicated audio interface at a later stage, you can still use the NT1 as your main mic by simply connecting it via XLR. Get it at Thomann.*
Best Value Microphones: Shure SM7B
The SM7B is a professional recording and broadcast microphone that has been used for years in studios around the world. Renowned for its clarity and great low-end on vocals, it’s an excellent recording tool we’ve heard on some of our favourite records.
In addition, it’s equipped with low-cut and mid-boost switches so you can optimize it somewhat to fit your voice and recording environment. One thing about the SM7B, however, is that it’s low output mic so the average audio interface doesn’t have enough gain to drive it.
- More from Shure
Best Value Microphones: AKG 214
Introduced in 2008, the AKG 214 is an affordable version of the 414 with its own specially-designed version of the famous CK12 capsule. This cardioid condenser mic will get you into the same ballpark as many professional studio mics twice its price, which allows you to acquire a pair of them for stereo recording applications.
The large 1-inch evaporated-gold dual diaphragm capsule captures a wide frequency range (20 – 20000 Hz), and its integrated suspension reduces mechanical noise. Speaking of noise, the noise floor is particularly low, with a signal-to-noise rating of 81 dB-A, and there is a switchable 160 Hz low-cut filter, as well as a -20 dB pad for high SPL sound sources.
If you’re looking into more “pro” condensers, this is a great place to start, because it’s great on vocals, acoustic guitars, guitar amp cabinets, and it’s an ambient room mic. Although it doesn’t have an omnidirectional pickup mode, the 214 can still be used in XY drum overhead configurations to great effect. What’s more, there is a multipattern version called the 314. Get it at Thomann.*
Best Value Microphones: Neumann TLM 103
The TLM 103 is widely used as a budget alternative to the famous U87 condenser microphone. It’s an excellent choice for female vocals, and it’s designed to produce great recordings plugged straight into your audio interface.
The 103 is particularly sought after for the pleasing way it captures high frequencies. It’s more expensive, for sure, but you’re still getting a mic that punches way above its price range in terms of audio quality. Get it at Thomann.*
More about the Best Value Microphones:
- All about microphones
- Check out podcasting gear
- Thomann’s guide to microphone accessories
Videos:
*Note: This article about the best value microphones contains affiliate links that help us fund our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always stays the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
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4 responses to “The Best Value Microphones for Vocals and Speech Recording”
awesome Mike’s.can you suggest me a good Mike to record my brass instruments?
The Beyerdynamic M88 TG is a good choice.
Also the Cascade Fatheads are nice on brass. Most ribbons seem to get along good with brass.
As much as I agree with the TLM103 being included in this list, I really like the TLM102 even better. A friend has the 103 and I have a matched pair of 102’s and the 102’s have good Neumann mojo but without the 103’s hyped upper frequencies. For me the 102’s are smoother and easier to mix most of the time. They sound really good. Either way though Neumann’s are a worthy investment.