#10 Best Microphones for Live Vocals 2023
A great live show depends on having an excellent vocal microphone. Any of the ones we've listed are good quality and will last a long time. We have compiled a list of the best microphones for live vocals on the market. Read on below!
👤 Written by: | A. K. Sari |
⏳ Updated on: | |
📋 List: | 10 items |
👀 Reader: | 44 views |
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Studio singing is nothing like live singing. No vocal booth, no second take, and no mixing and mastering after the fact are available on the stage. It would be best if you put on a show for the crowd right then and there. And you need the best microphone for the job to do that.
When looking for the best microphones for live vocals, there are a few things to remember. You can choose from a lot of different models. In this article, we made a list of the ten best microphones for live vocals. We looked at how long they last and how good they sound, but we also left room for more personal things. So, let's look at the best live vocal microphones on the market and find the one that's right for you.
Table of contents
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1.Shure SM58LC Cardioid Dynamic Microphone : Best Legendary Microphone
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2.Shure BETA 58A Supercardioid Dynamic Vocal: Best Clean Vocals
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3.AKG D5 Vocal Dynamic Microphone: Best Balanced Frequency Response
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4.SENNHEISER Professional E 945 Dynamic: Best Noise Reduction
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5.sE Electronics V7 Studio Grade Handheld Microphone Supercardioid: Best For the Touring Musician
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6.Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone: Best Bulletproof Body
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7.Blue Microphones enCORE 300 Vocal Condenser: Best Sounds Crisp and Clear
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8.Telefunken M80 Dynamic Microphone Black : Best Colourful Option
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9.Lewitt MTP-550-DM Handheld Dynamic Performance: Best Solid Performer
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10.Audio-Technica AE5400 Cardioid Condenser Handheld Microphone : Best Natural Sound
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What are the essential features the best microphones for live vocals must have?
These are the things that the best microphones for live vocals must have. Think about both the mic’s range and how sensitive it is. Most professional vocal microphones can pick up sounds with decibel levels from 40 to 80. It’s better to have a higher sensitivity level because the lower frequencies will be picked up better by a microphone with a higher sensitivity level.
Practice helps you get better. You can hear how different phrases sound by trying them out. Use the mic as a “shoulder pickup” so your voice directly touches the instrument. It will stop the neck from resonating and making unwanted feedback so that the recording will be more accurate.
What types of audio will be produced microphones for a live vocal that must be considered?
When buying for best microphones for live vocals, first consider the sound. Three categories are vocal, acoustic, and electric. Each performs differently. The most basic type of microphone is the acoustic one. They don’t have much sensitivity, but great recordings will give you a lot of dynamic range.
Capsule mics, which are small and light, are the best acoustic microphones for singing. Vocal mics are made to pick up the original sound of a voice, no matter how low, high, or deep it is. Electric mics are better than acoustic ones at picking up the high natural tones of the voice. It also makes a more realistic vocal sound, with better extension and separation of low and high frequencies.
What should I consider before buying the best microphones for live vocals?
Mics come in numerous sorts and brands. You may improve your microphone’s sound in many ways.
- Connectivity: The more ways there are to connect, the better. Some voice mic systems connect through Bluetooth, which makes them more flexible and easy to use. It’s also better to choose a USB mic to recognize your voice.
- Size: When buying a mic, you should always think about how big it is.
- Ease-of-Use: A beginner will be frustrated by a mic that is hard to set up. If you have to click, type, or make too many changes to get the right sound, it will be hard to master. It’s also essential to have a setup that is easy to use.
- Design: One important thing to know about this mic is what it’s made of. Choose something that isn’t too big because it won’t be easy to move around.
How much is the average price of the best microphones for live vocals?
High-quality voice mics may cost $100 to $2,000, depending on features and organic certification.
Name | Rank | Check Prices |
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Shure
SM58LC Cardioid Dynamic Microphone | #1 | Amazon Shure.com eBay |
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Shure
BETA 58A Supercardioid Dynamic Vocal | #2 | Amazon Shure.com eBay |
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AKG
D5 Vocal Dynamic Microphone | #3 | Amazon Akg.com eBay |
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SENNHEISER
Professional E 945 Dynamic | #4 | Amazon En-us.sennheiser.com eBay |
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sE Electronics
V7 Studio Grade Handheld Microphone Supercardioid | #5 | Amazon Thepedalguy.com eBay |
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Electro-Voice
RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone | #6 | Amazon Bhphotovideo.com eBay |
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Blue
Microphones enCORE 300 Vocal Condenser | #7 | Amazon Sweetwater.com eBay |
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Telefunken
M80 Dynamic Microphone Black | #8 | Amazon Guitarcenter.com eBay |
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Lewitt
MTP-550-DM Handheld Dynamic Performance | #9 | Amazon Lewitt-audio.com eBay |
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Audio-Technica
AE5400 Cardioid Condenser Handheld Microphone | #10 | Amazon Audio-technica.com eBay |
10 List of Best Microphones for Live Vocals
- Have a problem
with this product?#1Shure SM58LC Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Best Legendary Microphone
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Shure SM58 LC Cardioid is one of the most famous dynamic microphones in the world today. Compared to other dynamic mics, this one has the best sound quality, which makes it the best live vocal microphone on the market. The SM58 LC is made to be used in live performances, studios, and on stages where a mic is needed. It has a frequency response from 50 to 15,000 Hz and a brightened midrange so that it can be used for vocals.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Legendary performance
The epitome of tough
Simple
Versatile
Astounding valueCons (reasons to avoid)
Not super sensitive, so not great for capturing intimate detailWhat other experts liked
The best thing about the Shure SM58, though, is that you can get one of these legendary, very powerful microphones for less than £/$100. Really, it should be in every studio.What other experts didn't like
This microphone needs an external pop filter to be used in a studio, and it's not very sensitive, so it's not great for getting close-up details. - Have a problem
with this product?#2Shure BETA 58A Supercardioid Dynamic Vocal
Best Clean Vocals
1 readers vote1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Shure Beta 58A is a tremendous super cardioid mic that can pick up excellent, clear vocals without breaking the bank. It makes vocals clearer without overdoing the higher register. It has a linear response across the whole vocal range, which singers can sing in different styles. Overall, this microphone is easy for singers and sound engineers to use. It is also very long-lasting.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Excellent gain before feedback
Good versatility works for everyone
Delivers nice and clean vocals
Excellent performance for the money
Quality build, reliable
Easy to useCons (reasons to avoid)
Lacks subtlety
Not as smooth compared to more expensive micsWhat other experts liked
It's dependable, adaptable, and sounds fantastic overall. It's the greatest sub-$200 supercardioid mic.What other experts didn't like
Due to its sensitivity, it might not be good for some singing styles that involve a lot of shouting or screaming. - Have a problem
with this product?#3AKG D5 Vocal Dynamic Microphone
Best Balanced Frequency Response
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The AKG D5 is a super-cardioid mic that is cheap and tough. It has more options for dealing with gain before feedback because the pick-up pattern is tighter. So, this live vocal microphone could be seen as a better and cheaper alternative. But it has the same flaw: it doesn’t go into enough detail. Compared to more advanced handhelds, the D5 may seem a little vague, but it works pretty well as a cheap piece of gear.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Good bang for the buck
Balanced frequency response
Decent overall sound
Above par gain before feedback
It easily cuts through the mix
Very durable, rugged designCons (reasons to avoid)
Lacks detailWhat other experts liked
This microphone has a Good price and Good quality and response.What other experts didn't like
There are times when the PB1000 can make the C5 too bright. - Have a problem
with this product?#4SENNHEISER Professional E 945 Dynamic
Best Noise Reduction
2 readers vote1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Sennheiser e945 is a great example of a great vocal mic. It’s well-made, and the sound it makes is clear and natural, with a nice bit of warmth, and it’s easy to hear over other instruments. Gain before feedback is also very good, and if it’s put in the right place, it can handle even the loudest stages without any trouble. As a super-cardioid, it works best when loudspeakers are placed on the side, and the talent is in the middle and a little back.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Clear, professional sound
Decent gain before feedback
Excellent overall noise reduction
10-year warranty
Great price for the qualityCons (reasons to avoid)
It May does not work that well for bass voiceWhat other experts liked
The Sennheiser e945 is a high-quality mic that gives a clean, clear, and strong response.What other experts didn't like
This microphone isn't very flexible, and the high end isn't as crisp as it could be. - Have a problem
with this product?#5sE Electronics V7 Studio Grade Handheld Microphone Supercardioid
Best For the Touring Musician
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The sE Electronics V7 has high-quality parts like a super-cardioid capsule and a neodymium magnet, which are suitable for high-output vocals that are isolated. It can also pick up a wide range of frequencies, from as low as 40Hz to as high as 19kHz. It is because the magnet is paired with a coil made of aluminum that is very light. The body consists of a solid and lightweight zinc-based alloy. There are also flat edges around the mic so that it doesn’t roll away when you put it down.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Tough – will probably outlive you
Nice design touches
Good, open sound
Great valueCons (reasons to avoid)
It May have a ringing noise sometimes when moving the microphoneWhat other experts liked
Compared to low-end and high-end microphones in general. V7 had character. The bottom end was well-controlled and there was no sibilance.What other experts didn't like
There was this ringing sound that changed depending on how I moved my mic. - Have a problem
with this product?#6Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone
Best Bulletproof Body
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:This live vocal microphone is a dynamic broadcast microphone standard in the industry. It blocks out the background as much as possible without affecting the quality and tone of the voice. The best thing about the Electro-Voice RE-20 is its “variable-D response,” which gives it a consistent sound no matter how close you are to the mic. It’s a very large sweet spot, and shifting close to it doesn’t change it much.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Maximum background rejection
Bulletproof body, immune to RF interference
Deep and smooth sound with a neutral tone
The very big sweet spot, negligible proximity
It offers a low-cut switch
Industry-standardCons (reasons to avoid)
More expensive than other dynamic mics
Somewhat heavy and bulkyWhat other experts liked
This microphone is perfect for voice-overs, podcasts, and other broadcasts. Its outstanding tone and lack of p-pops save time while recording voices.What other experts didn't like
The RE-20 is bulky and costs a lot, which is both bad things. - Have a problem
with this product?#7Blue Microphones enCORE 300 Vocal Condenser
Best Sounds Crisp and Clear
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The enCORE 300 is what Blue Microphones says is their best live vocal mic. It has a floating capsule design reduces handling noise, and its cardioid pickup pattern is very good at rejecting sounds that aren’t coming from right in front of it. This mic is useful for both live performance and recording. Some people say they’ve even used it to record clean amps. It is an excellent choice if you want a microphone that doesn’t stand out too much and that you can use in various situations.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Good for vocals
Good for live performances
It can be used as a recording mic
Sounds crisp and clearCons (reasons to avoid)
It has strong proximityWhat other experts liked
This microphone sounds so clear and nice. I hear a sound that is light, young, and pure.What other experts didn't like
This microphone sounded worse than all the others I tried and was heavier than all the others I tried that you hold in your hand. - Have a problem
with this product?#8Telefunken M80 Dynamic Microphone Black
Best Colourful Option
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The TELEFUNKEN M80 can handle loud sounds as well as a dynamic mic, but its frequency range is more like that of a condenser. On the low end, the M80 live vocal microphone goes down to 30Hz, while most dynamic mics only go down to 40Hz or 50Hz. It also goes up to 18kHz, making it the dynamic mic on this list with the widest frequency range. It’s also stylish, with six finishes like wood grains, colors, and metals to choose from.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Condenser-like sound
Sleek design
Quality build
Fun color optionsCons (reasons to avoid)
OverpricedWhat other experts liked
This microphone is good in every way and has a balanced low-end response.What other experts didn't like
They charge a lot more for designs made of wood and chrome. So it makes they are a bit pricey. - Have a problem
with this product?#9Lewitt MTP-550-DM Handheld Dynamic Performance
Best Solid Performer
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The MTP 550 DM is one of Lewitt’s cheaper live vocal microphones, but that doesn’t mean any corners have been cut. The MTP 550 DM is a straightforward microphone that does its job well. The enclosure shell is made of solid zinc die-cast, and the moisture-resistant capsule is held in place by a rubber suspension unit. You can throw this mic anywhere you want. It also sounds good because it is clear and real.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Inexpensive
Very robust
Low handling noise
Excellent feedback rejection
It punches well above its weight in terms of priceCons (reasons to avoid)
Aesthetics are a little uninspiringWhat other experts liked
The MTP 550 DM gives your vocal performance a strong, clear sound. The MTP 550 DM will solve all of your feedback problems.What other experts didn't like
I don't know why, but I couldn't make myself like the sound this mic made. Though, podcasts on YouTube gave MTP 250DM high marks. - Have a problem
with this product?#10Audio-Technica AE5400 Cardioid Condenser Handheld Microphone
Best Natural Sound
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:It would be great if some live vocal performances could sound as good as studio recordings. It is what the Audio-Technica AE5400 is meant to do. The AE5400 live vocal microphone has a hardened steel body to make it more durable for real-world use. It also has an internal shock mounting, a built-in windshield, and a custom transformer to keep noise and RF interference from getting in the way.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Same condenser element as the AT4050 studio mic
Pristine, natural sound
Hardened steel body
80Hz high-pass filter
10dB pad
Good value for a condenserCons (reasons to avoid)
Less robust than a dynamic micWhat other experts liked
The Audio-Technica AE5400 is an amazing microphone for stage singers that desire pure voices without live noise.What other experts didn't like
The Audio-Technica AE5400 audio is Not very clear at the low end of the spectrum
Conclusion: Best Microphones for Live Vocals
Once you know what kind of microphone you need, you should consider its most essential parts. Choosing the best microphones for live performances will always be a compromise, but there are some great options just waiting to help you or your vocalist shine. Some of the best products have been listed above, so choose one of the best microphones for live vocals that is right for you.