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Best microphone for recording vocals
A practical guide to choosing the right mic for recording vocals with Mantra.
Overview
A good microphone is one of the most important tools for capturing high-quality vocal recordings. If you’re new to vocal production, it’s important to understand the basic types of microphones and how they differ.
This guide explains the most common microphone types, what to look for when choosing one, and lists reliable options that work well with Mantra.
Why a good microphone matters
Built-in mics or entry-level USB mics can be fine for casual use, but they often fall short when it comes to vocal quality. They may lack detail, introduce background noise, or give you less control over your sound.
A good microphone makes a noticeable difference. It will give you:
A clear and accurate representation of your voice
Less background noise and fewer distractions
Compatibility with studio gear like audio interfaces, pop filters, and mic stands
A smoother experience when recording with Mantra
What you need to know about microphones
Before we cover the different types of microphones, here are a few key terms and concepts that will help you understand what to look for.
Mic types
The three most common microphone types for vocal recording are:
Condenser: Sensitive and detailed. Ideal for vocals in treated spaces. Require phantom power.
Dynamic: Durable, forgiving, and easy to set up. Great for home studios and live use.
Ribbon: Natural and detailed sound, but fragile and generally more expensive.
XLR connection
Most professional microphones use an XLR connection, a three-pin analog cable that plugs into an audio interface.
Audio interface
An audio interface connects your microphone and instruments to your computer. If you don’t have one yet, check out our guide on choosing an audio interface for recording vocals.
USB microphones
USB microphones plug directly into your computer. They’re convenient and easy to use, but offer less flexibility and may not match the sound quality of XLR mics.
Phantom power (+48V)
Condenser and some ribbon mics require external power, known as phantom power. This is usually supplied by your audio interface through the XLR cable.
Polar pattern
This describes the direction a mic picks up sound from:
Cardioid: Most common for vocals. Picks up sound from the front and reduces pickup from the sides and back.
Supercardioid / Hypercardioid: Tighter pickup in front, with some sensitivity to the rear.
Omnidirectional: Picks up sound equally from all directions.
Figure-8: Captures sound from the front and back, but not the sides.
For most home vocal setups, cardioid is the best place to start.
Diaphragm size
Condenser mics are often grouped by diaphragm size:
Large-diaphragm: Most common for vocals. Warm, full tone with good detail.
Medium-diaphragm: A newer category. Balanced tone with both detail and some warmth.
Small-diaphragm: Typically used for instruments. Bright, accurate, and fast-responding.
Note: Dynamic mics aren’t usually categorized by diaphragm size, since it plays a smaller role in how they’re used.
What’s the difference between condenser and dynamic microphones?
When it comes to vocal microphones, you’ll most commonly come across condenser and dynamic mics. Both have their own characteristics and are suited to different environments and workflows.
Condenser mics are more sensitive and accurate. They capture a wider frequency range and more vocal detail, but they tend to be more fragile and require phantom power to operate (most audio interfaces come with phantom power, so this isn’t usually a concern).
Dynamic mics, on the other hand, are less sensitive, more durable, and don’t need phantom power to operate.
There’s no clear “better” choice - top-selling albums have been recorded with both types. These days, high-quality condenser and dynamic mics are available at all price points, including budget-friendly options.
Condenser microphones
Condenser mics are highly sensitive and accurate, making them ideal for capturing the fine details and nuances of a voice. This sensitivity also means that they very easily pick up background noise, so they work best in quiet, acoustically treated spaces.
They’re more fragile than dynamic mics and should be handled carefully.
Condenser mics require phantom power, which is typically supplied by your audio interface or mixer through the XLR cable.
For best results, sing from about 30 cm away. Getting too close can overload the mic and cause distortion. A pop filter helps control plosive sounds (“p” and “b” sounds) and also helps you maintain proper distance.
If your recording space is quiet and well-treated, a condenser mic is a great choice for detailed and natural-sounding vocals.
Dynamic microphones
Dynamic mics are less sensitive, so you’ll need to sing close to them for a strong signal. This improves the signal-to-noise ratio and makes them more forgiving in untreated spaces.
However, dynamic mics can still pick up background noise if your space is loud or reflective. No microphone can fully eliminate room noise on its own. If needed, you can use Mantra’s Gate module to reduce hum, hiss, and other unwanted sounds.
Dynamic mics are also more durable than condenser mics, making them ideal for both home studios and live performance.
If you’re new to vocal production, a dynamic mic is a solid choice that’s easy to use and delivers reliable results, even in less-than-perfect environments.
What about ribbon microphones?
Ribbon mics are known for their natural, detailed sound and smooth high-end response. They’re typically used in professional studios and for specific vocal tones.
However, they are very fragile and generally more expensive than other microphone types.
Because of their cost and fragility, ribbon mics aren’t usually recommended for beginners.
USB microphones
As the name suggests, USB microphones connect directly to your computer via USB, so you don’t need an audio interface to use one. They’re plug-and-play and easy to set up.
There are many good options available, but USB mics often have limitations, such as lower sound quality, limited input control, and less flexibility when integrating with studio gear.
These limitations may not matter if you’re just starting out, but they can become obstacles as your projects become more advanced.
Mantra works with USB microphones. If you choose one, make sure it’s designed for your intended use, whether that’s singing, podcasting, or voiceovers.
How do you connect a microphone to a computer?
Studio microphones use an XLR connection, which requires an audio interface to connect to your computer.
USB microphones are the exception. They plug in directly and do not need an interface.
If you’re using an XLR mic, make sure to read our guides on choosing an audio interface for vocals and connecting a microphone to a computer.
Choose a microphone based on how you’ll use it
With all the options available, it may be challenging to choose which mic to get. First, it’s good to think of your budget to narrow down your options. Luckily, you can get reliable and high-quality dynamic and condenser mics for affordable prices.
If you're just starting out, a good dynamic mic is often the easiest and most forgiving choice. It’ll give you clean results even in a basic room setup. If you eventually want to upgrade, a condenser mic can offer a noticeable jump in quality, as long as your space allows for it.
If you're building a basic home studio or podcasting space, there's no need to overinvest early. Start with something reliable and affordable, then upgrade as your needs evolve.
Best microphones for vocal recording
Top picks
Here are a few well-known options to consider. These are widely used in home studios and professional setups and work well with Mantra.
Shure SM58
Reliable, rugged, and great for close-up vocal work. A legendary live vocal mic that also works well in home setups.
Type: Dynamic
Polar pattern: Cardioid
Connection: XLR
Price: ~$110
Audio-Technica AT2020
Affordable and detailed. A solid first condenser mic for vocal production.
Type: Condenser (requires phantom power)
Polar pattern: Cardioid
Diaphragm size: Medium
Connection: XLR
Price: ~$120
Rode NT1
Another solid and versatile choice with an exceptionally clean sound.
Type: Condenser (requires phantom power)
Polar pattern: Cardioid
Diaphragm size: Large
Connection: XLR
Price: ~$160
Shure SM7B
A favorite for vocal tracking and podcasting. Has been used on countless records.
Type: Dynamic
Polar pattern: Cardioid
Connection: XLR
Price: ~$440
The Shure SM7B is a dynamic microphone that typically requires a preamp with at least 60 dB of gain to deliver a strong, clean signal.
To achieve optimal performance and reduce noise, many users pair it with an inline preamp such as a FetHead or Cloudlifter. These devices are designed specifically to boost the signal of dynamic and ribbon microphones before it reaches the main preamp, ensuring better clarity and headroom without introducing excessive noise.
Shure MV7+
A versatile mic with both XLR and USB connections, so you can use it with or without an audio interface.
Type: Dynamic
Polar pattern: Cardioid
Connection: XLR + USB
Price: ~$300
Acoustic treatment in your recording space
Your recording environment plays a big role in sound quality. If you're in a quiet, acoustically treated room, your recordings will sound more focused and detailed. But if your space has background noise or lots of reflections from hard surfaces, it can affect the clarity of your vocals.
Basic treatment includes things like thick curtains, rugs, and foam panels to reduce reflections and outside noise. It doesn’t have to be complicated to make a noticeable difference.
You can also use Mantra’s Gate module to clean up your recordings by removing hum, hiss, and other distractions automatically.
Do you need anything else?
Here’s what you’ll need in addition to the microphone:
Audio interface: Required for any XLR mic. If you don’t have an interface yet, see our guide on choosing an audio interface for recording vocals.
XLR cable: Used to connect the mic to the interface.
Pop filter: Reduces “p” and “b” sounds to keep your recording clean.
Mic stand or boom arm: Holds the mic steady and in the right position.
Headphones: Let you hear yourself clearly while recording with Mantra.
Basic room treatment: Things like curtains, rugs, or foam panels to reduce unwanted reflections.
A DAW: Read our guide on choosing the best DAW for your needs.
Vocal production software: Mantra gives you everything you need to track and mix vocals.
Mantra has all the tools you need for recording and mixing vocals
Mantra gives you everything you need to track and mix vocals in one place. Whether you're recording a song, podcast, voiceover, or livestream, it simplifies the entire vocal chain so you can focus on the performance, not the setup.
Learn more about what Mantra can do and download a 14-day free trial.
Need help?
Our support team is here to assist you.
Email: support@neuraldsp.com