Finding the right microphone for our voice is one of the most important and wise things that we must consider as singers. Years of study and rehearsals can end up in very bad performance when the equipment we choose doesn’t fit our voice or style. Just like a guitarist doesn’t play a random guitar during a concert, in the same way, a singer shouldn’t perform with a random microphone. It happens often that in a live setup the sound engineers or who is responsible for the audio equipment makes available the microphones, most of the times good standard microphones that fit most voices but if you know your voice and you want to achieve the best performance you can, you must also know what microphone is perfect for your voice. If you are looking for a new microphone for your live performances but you have no idea of which one would be suitable for your voice, you will find some answers in this post. We chose the 10 best microphones that are ideal for live singing and reviewed them to help you decide which one is the perfect match for you.
Here are some of the criteria we used to create this list:
FEATURES AND ACCESSORIES: All microphones have their own sound and characteristics. We chose those that have the most unique and recognizable. In these criteria, we considered also the accessories included in the package such as carry cases, pop screens, microphone mounts and all those additional tools included with the microphone purchase that can improve its audio quality, usage, and life.
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: We focused a lot on the response level of each microphone we chose. Usually, flat response is a good starting point but some microphones offer a unique sound that gives them a personal character. Many singers chose a warm response because satisfies most performers need, others prefer a flatter one.
DURABILITY: Microphones used in live setups are subject to wear off very fast compared to a microphone that is used only in the recording studio. We chose those that are known to be very durable and with a resistant structure.
PRICE: from affordable to expensive ones, we chose the best ones in each price range. Of course, there are similar microphones with similar characteristics and prices so we chose those that for us is the best match in their price range. Remember, only if a microphone is expensive doesn’t mean it will be better than another one, it all depends on how your voice sounds with one or the other.
CONNECTIVITY: Phantom power, XLR, condenser or dynamic microphone. Each model we chose has different requirements and some of them are compatible with all types of audio gear while others are more demanding.
HERE ARE OuR TOP 10 MICROPHONES FOR LIVE VOCAL PERFORMANCES
| Picture | BRAND & MODEL | FEATURES | PRICE | RATING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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PREMIUM TRUE CONDENSER CARDIOID VOCAL MICROPHONE |
$$$$$ |
10/10 |
|
|
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HIGH QUALITY RIBBON MICROPHONE WITH CARDIOID POLAR PATTERN |
$$$$$ |
9.5/10 |
|
|
|
CARDIOID/SUPERCARDIOID DIRECTIONALITY WITH FEEDBACK RESISTANCE |
$$$$$ |
9.5/10 |
|
|
|
SUPER-CARDIOID DYNAMIC MICROPHONE WITH HUM COMPENSATING COIL AND CONSISTENT ON-/OFF-AXIS RESPONSE |
$$$ |
9/10 |
|
|
|
HYPERCARDIOID POLAR PATTERN WITH EXTENDED FREQUENCY RANGE AND INTEGRATED 20db HUM-BUCK COIL |
$$$$ |
8.5/10 |
|
|
|
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: FROM 50 TO 15,000 Hz |
$$ |
8/10 |
|
|
|
CARDIOID PICK UP PATTERN WITH NEODYMIUM FERROUS MAGNET WITH BORON |
$$$ |
8/10 |
|
|
|
SUPER-CARDIOID CONDENSER VOCAL MICROPHONE |
$$$ |
8/10 |
|
|
|
UNIFORM SUPER-CARDIOID PATTERN – NEODYMIUM MAGNET |
$$ |
7.8/10 |
|
|
|
SUPER-CARDIOID POLAR PATTERN WITH A 70Hz – 20000Hz FREQUENCY BANDWIDTH |
$ |
7.5/10 |
LET'S HAVE A CLOSER LOOK TO PODIUM OF BEST VOCAL MICROPHONES FOR LIVE SINGING PERFORMANCES! HERE ARE THE REVIEWS!
Since its foundation in 1924 by young electrical engineer Eugene Beyer, the Berlin manufacturer has become known for its high-quality products and unique sound characteristics.
Numerous are the successful devices that this company has released during a period of almost one century, and they often set up new standards among their competitors, like the M19 in 1939, the M88 in 1963 or the MC740 in 1985, their search for perfection never stopped.
The TG V96C is definitely one of those microphones you cannot miss the chance to use. Designed for live vocal performances this cardioids pattern true condenser microphone shows an incredibly detailed and warm sound. The extremely low handling noise and the 5-layer pop protection are just a few of the characteristics of the TG V96C. The elegant design presents a specially coated surface that gives a perfect grip and its weight is perfectly balanced, offering the performer a great feeling. But it is inside this beautiful design that we find the real treasure. The outstanding clarity and fidelity of the sound reproduction of this microphone put it in among the top class microphones of its range, even in the most challenging live set-ups.
Beyerdynamic is famous for its never-ending research on new technologies and that is what they did developing and refining its SCT (Sound Channeling Technology). Its clarity of sound is reached by the acoustic labyrinth of channels that ensure perfect control of the sound waves.
USAGE
Singing and Speech
TRANSDUCER TYPE
Condenser
POLAR PATTERN
Cardioid
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
20 – 20.000 Hz
TRANSMISSION TYPE
Wired
CONNECTION
3-pin XLR male
If the condenser TG V96C surprises with its great performances this VG90R left us stunned. This ribbon microphone has been designed for vocal performances on stage! If you believe that ribbon microphones belong to the recording studio only, well you must try the VG90R, and you can be sure that Beyerdynamic will change your mind!
The crisp clear and natural sound of this ribbon microphone is the result of decades of research and improvements that Beyerdynamic only has been able to do. This is one of the very few microphones in its league that is suitable for live performances. Its cardioids polar pattern combines with a sturdy structure that makes it perfect and durable for stage usage. The 2 micrometers thin pure aluminum ribbon inserted by hand provides an outstanding fidelity of sound and makes every single microphone unique.
Just like the TG V96C, the SCT work on the TG VG90R is top class. The combination of the acoustic labyrinth of channels and the high-tech acoustic fabric, the treble resonator ribbon for smooth high-frequency reproduction and space behind the diaphragm to improve the bass sounds reproduction are just a few of the great achievements that make this microphone one of the best solutions for professional singers.
USAGE
Singing and Speech
TRANSDUCER TYPE
Ribbon
POLAR PATTERN
Cardioid
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
50 – 14.000 Hz
TRANSMISSION TYPE
Wired
CONNECTION
3-pin XLR male
It is very easy to spend good words about Neumann products. This German manufacturer is famous for setting up new standards both on quality and elegance.
Neumann microphones are one of the first choices among sound engineers when it comes to record voices and instruments in the recording studio. Famous for their silky, round and faithful sound, these microphones are often the favorite choice for many recording artists.
But if you think that Neumann microphone belongs to the studio only you are wrong. The KMS series of microphones have been designed to bring on stage the outstanding performance of the studio microphones. KMS 104 and KMS 105, thanks to the highly responsive performances of their condenser transducers and the cardioid / super-cardioid ( only cardioid for the KMS 104 ) directional pattern are able to capture the sound in a much more precise and authentic way thanks also to the high level of feedback rejection and outstanding pop protection. The hardened steel head grilles of the KMS 105 makes it very resistant and suitable for intensive use on tour and live usage, it can be easily unscrewed for cleaning the interiors and delivers perfect protection to the acoustic filters of the inner microphone. To complete the touring gear, the KSM microphones come with a matching protection bag that is very durable and you will find also a microphone stand clamp inside.
The KMS 105 present a Sound Pressure Level ( SPL ) of 150db and requires a supply voltage of 48 V ± 4 V. The rated impedance for the microphones of the KMS series is of 50 ohms and they both come with a 2 years warranty.
USAGE
Singing and Speech
TRANSDUCER TYPE
Condenser
POLAR PATTERN
Supercardioid
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
20 – 20.000 Hz
TRANSMISSION TYPE
Wired
CONNECTION
XLR3F
These are, in our opinion, the best MICROPHONES FOR LIVE VOCAL PERFORMANCES!
We really hope that among these amazing microphone you will find the perfect one for your voice. Tell us about your experience, have you tried some of them and what do you think about their sound? What is your favorite microphone?
