Aside from performing in front of a live audience, musicians are now able to share their talent to a larger crowd through the internet. Over the years, the internet community has grown. From being an intellectual system for the government, then for academics and information gathering. Now, it has evolved into a source of entertainment and even income.
Among the professionals that were greatly helped by the digital age are the musicians. Digital technology has made musicians reach their audience across nations and with that, budding artists gained confidence in showcasing their talents. If you are one of them and you are now beginning your journey in sharing your music to the world, you must invest in quality equipment. Your priority should be a good microphone.
Your vocal and instrument sound will be your audience’s first taste of you, and first impressions do last. It should be a microphone that you can be proud to use both for live performances and recording sessions.
With the overwhelming choices available, following are the best vocal mic models. Here’s a list that covers our five best picks, all under $500!
Lauten Audio Series Black LA-220 FET Condenser Microphone Black
One thing that is very hard to avoid when recording yourself in a made-up studio are those little but very irritating background noises. Lauten Audio’s LA-220 FET condenser microphone is great for aspiring artists. Its unique cardioid polar pattern and high-quality capsule make it an ideal microphone for most artists.
It is more affordable than most multi-functional microphones and still help you solve common recording environment glitches. It features two independent filters that you can easily switch on and off. The 120 Hz low-cut and 12 kHz high-cut filters are meant to filter low-end noise and harsh tones, respectively and can even be switched on simultaneously.
What’s more, it is already equipped with its own spider shockmount that makes the microphone vibration-free. Other features are the JFET amplifier manufactured in the United States. It also has a pressure gradient diaphragm in its 1” condenser capsule, and a balanced output transformer.
Even if you are still in the process of developing your recording skills, this mic can give you the professional-sounding vocal and instrument sound that you are looking for.
Aston Spirit
With a unique framework and outstanding design, one look at the Aston Spirit and you will definitely fall in love with it. Every Aston Spirit’s chassis is individually tumbled then engraved, and not mass-produced.
The amount of care and work the company puts into this microphone says a lot about their passion for music. It has a waved-form head that not only serves as a unique design but also as a shock-proof protector of the microphone’s internals.
The built-in mesh-knit, on the other hand, filters and eliminates hitches on your recordings. Its custom-molded end cap with built-in interchangeable adapter can be mounted directly to a mic stand.
Not just beautiful on the outside, the Aston Spirit microphone balances its appearance with performance. To deliver a true and lovely recorded audios, it takes pride on its pressure-gradient large-diaphragm condenser microphone and variable polar patterns that are switchable between Cardioid, Omni, and Figure-8.
Rode NT1-A Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Recognized widely as one of the quietest microphones, the Rode NT1-A cardioid condenser microphone is an ideal microphone for vocal and instrument recording for home-studios. Its wide dynamic range enables it to record from the loudest of instrument to the softest voice. The high-standard manufacturing is evident on its high-quality results. It captures real and transparent recordings that do not need much post-edits.
The RODE NT1-A’s other features include a large diaphragm 1” gold-sputtered capsule, cardioid polar pattern, and externally biased true condenser. The microphone comes in a package called Complete Vocal Recording Solution with a shock mount, detachable pop filter, and 20-inch XLR Cable, dust cover, and instructional DVD.
Shure SM58-CN Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone
A true icon of its kind, Shure SM58-CN is a durable and dependable vocal microphone that has been proving its worth generation after generation. Professionals have tried and tested it, and has always been on top of their choices whether indoor or for an outdoor performance.
The microphone is an industry standard with features that outperform its competitors. It has a tailored frequency response of 50Hz to 15kHz, specifically shaped for vocals.
Uniform cardioid pickup pattern, pneumatic shock mount, and built-in pop filter isolate the main sound source, captures the note as it is, and eliminates vibrations and background noise. Together, they cut down unwanted noises such as wind and breathing.
It also has a stand adapter that rotates 180° and is break-resistant, allowing you to be carefree as you do your music. No need to worry about getting it worn out because its steel-mesh grille and enamel-coated metal construction can resist wear and abuse. It comes with a zippered-storage bag, as well.
Conclusion
To rank, our 4th option from the list is the Lauten Audio Black LA-220 (FET Condenser Microphone Black), followed by Aston Spirit (Large Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone) at 3rd. Both of these microphones have sleek designs on top of their performance, and can easily catch the young generation’s taste.
Our 2nd favorite is Rode NT1-A Cardioid Condenser Microphone that comes with a complete package. It would be nice to purchase a microphone complete with all the accessories needed to be able to record at home and build a foundation.
In conclusion, we choose the classic Shure SM58-CN Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone as the best option for buying a vocal mic. It has proven that simple is always better as long as it is being used as intended and your expectations are being exceedingly met.
The true essence of a vocal microphone is to be able to reproduce your sound as it is without worrying of any environmental glitches or background noise getting in your way, and that’s exactly how the Shure SM58-CN performs.