When choosing a microphone, several factors come into play, each influencing the final audio output. One of the primary considerations is the purpose of the microphone. Are you recording voiceovers, vocals for music, capturing ambient sounds, podcasting, or doing voice overs? Different applications often require different microphone characteristics.
The type of microphone is another crucial factor. There are dynamic microphones, which are robust and can handle high sound pressure levels (SPL) without distortion, making them ideal for live sound environments and recording loud sources like guitar amplifiers. In contrast, condenser microphones are more sensitive and offer a broader frequency response, making them a popular choice for studio vocals, acoustic instruments, and other detailed sound sources. Ribbon microphones, another category, are known for their smooth vintage character.
Polar patterns determine how microphones pick up sound. A cardioid microphone, for instance, captures sound primarily from the front, making it suitable for direct sound sources like vocals. Omnidirectional microphones capture sound from all directions, ideal for ambient recordings. Bi-directional or figure-8 microphones pick up sound from the front and back but reject sounds from the sides, often used in specific studio setups.
The environment where you’ll be using the microphone also plays a role. If you’re in a controlled studio environment, you might opt for a large-diaphragm condenser microphone for its detail and nuance. However, in a room with a lot of ambient noise or without sound treatment, a dynamic or shotgun microphone will probably be better due to their directional nature.
Then there’s your budget. While it’s true that some high-end microphones can cost thousands of dollars, there are many budget-friendly options that offer excellent quality for their price. It’s essential to balance your needs with your budget and remember that a more expensive microphone doesn’t always equate to being the best fit for every purpose.
Here’s a list of mics that are great for voice overs, vocals and podcasting.
In no particular order:
Neumann U87 Ai
If microphones were cars, the U87 Ai would be the lambo everyone’s turning their heads to look at!
- Price: $3,200 USD
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Where to Buy: Major audio retailers, Neumann’s official website, and Amazon.
- Best Suited For: Professional Studios and high-end voice over projects.
- Features:
- Large-diaphragm condenser microphone
- Omni, cardioid, and figure-8 polar patterns
- Details: The Neumann U87 Ai has been a staple in professional studios for decades. Its clarity, warmth, and versatility make it a top choice for voice overs.
Shure SM7B
Podcasters’ best friend! If it had a tail, it would wag every time you start recording.
- Price: $400 USD
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
- Where to Buy: Major audio retailers, Shure’s official website, and Amazon.
- Best Suited For: Podcasts, broadcasting, and vocals in untreated rooms.
- Features:
- Cardioid dynamic microphone
- Flat, wide-range frequency response
- Air suspension shock isolation
- Details: The Shure SM7B is renowned for its ability to capture smooth vocals. Its built-in air suspension shock isolation minimizes mechanical noises.
Rode NT1-A
The Swiss Army knife of mics – versatile, reliable, and always sharp!
- Price: $230 USD
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Where to Buy: Major audio retailers, Rode’s official website, and Amazon.
- Best Suited For: Home studios and semi-professional voice over work.
- Features:
- Large-diaphragm condenser microphone
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Ultra-low noise
- Details: The Rode NT1-A is known for its ultra-low self-noise. The package often includes a shock mount, pop filter, and XLR cable.
Audio-Technica AT2020
The ‘gateway drug’ into the world of professional audio. Once you try it, you’re hooked!
- Price: $100 USD
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Where to Buy: Major audio retailers, Audio-Technica’s official website, and Amazon.
- Best Suited For: Beginners and general vocal applications.
- Features:
- Cardioid condenser microphone
- Wide dynamic range
- High SPL handling
- Details: The AT2020 offers impressive sound quality for its price. It’s known for its clear and detailed sound.
Sennheiser MKH 416
The James Bond of mics – sleek, professional, and perfect for those undercover voice ops.
- Price: $1,000 USD
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
- Where to Buy: Major audio retailers, Sennheiser’s official website, and Amazon.
- Best Suited For: Film, outdoor recordings, and professional voice over artists.
- Features:
- Short shotgun microphone
- Super-cardioid/lobar polar pattern
- Rugged and durable
- Details: The MKH 416 is a top choice for film and location sound recording. Its focused pickup pattern and resistance to humidity make it ideal for challenging environments.
Sennheiser ME 66
The ‘roaming reporter’ of mics – always in the heart of the action!
- Price: $220 USD (capsule only, requires K6 or K6P powering module)
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Where to Buy: Major audio retailers, Sennheiser’s official website, and Amazon.
- Best Suited For: Field recordings, film production, and for use in untreated rooms.
- Features:
- Short shotgun microphone capsule
- Super-cardioid polar pattern
- High sensitivity but very directional
- Details: The ME 66 is part of Sennheiser’s modular microphone system. When paired with the K6 or K6P powering modules, it becomes a complete microphone. It’s known for its focused sound and high sensitivity.
AKG C414 XLII
The chameleon of the studio – it blends into any sound situation you throw at it.
- Price: $1,100 USD
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
- Where to Buy: Major audio retailers, AKG’s official website, and Amazon.
- Best Suited For: Professional studios and versatile voice over work.
- Features:
- Multi-pattern large-diaphragm condenser microphone
- Nine selectable polar patterns
- Transparent sound
- Details: The AKG C414 XLII is incredibly versatile due to its nine selectable polar patterns. It’s known for its transparent sound.
Blue Yeti Pro
The tech-savvy cousin in the mic family. Always up for a digital hangout!
- Price: $250 USD
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Where to Buy: Major audio retailers, Blue’s official website, and Amazon.
- Best Suited For: Podcasters and home studio enthusiasts.
- Features:
- USB and XLR microphone
- Multiple pattern selection
- Plug-and-play nature
- Details: The Blue Yeti Pro offers flexibility for both digital and analog recording. Its multiple pattern selection makes it versatile for various recording needs.
Electro-Voice RE20
The radio star that video didn’t kill. Still rocking the airwaves!
- Price: $450 USD
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Where to Buy: Major audio retailers, Electro-Voice’s official website, and Amazon.
- Best Suited For: Broadcasting and podcasting.
- Features:
- Cardioid dynamic microphone
- Smooth frequency response
- Effective internal shock mounting
- Details: The RE20 is a staple in many radio stations due to its ability to handle plosives and proximity effect well.
TLM 103 by Neumann
The younger sibling of the U87, always trying to outshine its elder with crystal clear vocals.
- Price: $1,300 USD
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
- Where to Buy: Major audio retailers, Neumann’s official website, and Amazon.
- Best Suited For: Professional voice over artists and studios.
- Features:
- Cardioid condenser microphone
- High clarity and presence
- Warm sound signature
- Details: The TLM 103 offers a slightly more affordable entry into the Neumann sound. It’s known for its clarity, presence, and warmth.
MXL 990
The underdog that packs a punch way above its weight class. Float like a butterfly, record like a pro!
- Price: $70 USD
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½
- Where to Buy: Major audio retailers, MXL’s official website, and Amazon.
- Best Suited For: Beginners and budget-conscious users.
- Features:
- Cardioid condenser microphone
- Affordable with decent sound quality
- Suitable for voice overs and musical instruments
- Details: The MXL 990 is a popular choice for those starting in voice overs due to its affordability. Despite its price, it offers a decent sound quality.