Just starting out with your singing journey and not sure which mic to get? In this article we take a look at some of what we consider the best beginner microphone for singing whether on stage or in the studio.
Quick answer:
Rode NT1-A is great if you’re looking a combination of professional industry standard sound at a modest budget. Very few vocal microphones beat it in terms of what you get for what you pay for. Ideal for studio recordings.
On the other hand if you’re looking for a simple and cheap dynamic mic, the Shure SM58 a tough (literally) classic that you will see on stages all around the world.
Music Production Nerds is supported by readers like you! If you buy something through our affiliate links, we may earn a small commission at no expense to you.
Top 7 Best Beginner Microphone for Singing
-
Shure SM-58
-
Rode NT1-A
-
Audio-Technica AT2020 USB
-
Audio-Technica AT2035
-
AKG P220
-
Electro-Voice RE320
-
Samson C01
Best Beginner Microphone for Singing Reviews
Shure SM-58
Pros
- Durable construction
- Ideal for live performances
- Midrange recording emphasis
Cons
- Not super sensitive for capturing intimate details
- Requires external pop filter for studio recording
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Best features and specs
Shure SM-58 is one of the most popular and widely used microphones in the world. And this shouldn’t come as a surprise since this is one of the most consistent and reliable microphones you can encounter. If you take any two of these microphones, they will have the same frequency response and level of durability. But where it shines the most is its price since it’s extremely reasonable for something nearly indestructible.
User impressions
Users are quite impressed with Shure SM-58 as it is, quite frankly speaking, an industry standard for vocal recordings and it’s insanely budget-friendly. This mic is likable by most as it’s durable and has an excellent build quality. Users add that if you’re not going to perform live on stage in the nearest future, this mic will cover all your needs.
What we think
There’s a chance that you might not be very impressed with the sound of this microphone. But go to any professional recording studio and you will most definitely find at least a couple of SM-58s. And it’s a matter of perspective, what would you rather have a very expensive mic that could break down at any moment or a simply good one that will serve you for decades without any additional maintenance.
Bottomline
Shure SM-58 is a great choice for someone who is looking for a very durable and reliable microphone that offers great versatility both in studios and live gigs. Considering that this microphone has been a part of the music industry since 1966, and Shure managed to keep it extremely budget-friendly through the time, this mic is truly a must-have.
Rode NT1-A
Pros
- Dynamic range of 137dB
- Full frequency response
Cons
- Requires phantom power
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Best features and specs
Rode NT1 was a microphone that earned Rode a place amongst top audio equipment manufacturers. The A version of this mic is a modern take on the legend that shares the same DNA and heritage but gives you more durability and a full spectrum frequency response. It also comes with the included XLR cable, pop filter, shock mount, and a dust cover which means that you will be perfectly equipped for any of your artistic endeavors.
User impressions
Users like Rode NT1-A for evening out loud vowels with consonant sounds and constantly giving accurate, clear, finished sound without any unwanted artifacts when being plugged in preamps. Despite the signal coming through only one channel, you won’t probably notice it as this mic is great in giving you a feeling of material being recorded in stereo. Users also say that this mic looks really stylish and cool.
What we think
Although Rode NT1-A is a very decent all-around microphone, it truly shines on vocals. It’s more than capable of capturing even the smallest details, which means that it’s a perfect choice if you desire to capture very nuanced and intimate performances.
Bottomline
Rode NT1-A is a great choice for someone who is looking for a large-diaphragm condenser microphone with a very clean and transparent sound and the ability to record nuanced vocal performances with great accuracy. Although the price will surprise you in a good way, don’t be misguided by it. It’s not an entry-level microphone but rather a truly professional and top-shelf one.
Audio-Technica AT2020 USB
Pros
- USB connectivity
- Full frequency range response
Cons
- USB only
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Best features and specs
Audio-Technica AT2020 USB is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone with full frequency range response and USB connectivity. It has an extremely low self-noise and a built-in audio interface that lets you record audio with a sample rate of up to 48 kHz. It also offers you a built-in headphone jack with volume control so you could monitor the input signal directly.
User impressions
Users say that Audio-Technica AT2020 USB is great in catching even the slightest nuances of voice and still making the voice sound natural and clear. When used with a foam wind cover or pop filter, chances to have unwanted clipping and excess noise will decrease dramatically. Another nice touch that is noted by some users is that this mic comes with a tripod that is really convenient and the jack that is on the mic makes it easy to monitor yourself while recording or for other use.
What we think
To be completely honest, we usually are rather skeptical about USB microphones, but this one is truly impressive. It sounds exactly like a classic condenser mic with XLR output would and considering its convenience, it really is a no-brainer. The best thing about Audio-Technica AT2020 USB is that if you’re focused solemnly on home recording, you don’t need any additional gear. This microphone could be connected directly to your trustworthy laptop and you’re good to go.
Bottomline
Audio-Technica AT2020 USB is a great choice for someone who is looking for a very convenient USB mic with a very convincing and reliable sound of a conventional XLR microphone. Although it’s priced as an entry-level mic, it surely doesn’t sound like one. It has a full frequency range response and its built-in audio interface does its job perfectly.
Audio-Technica AT2035
Pros
- Switchable high-pass filter
- Wide dynamic range
Cons
- Requires phantom power
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Best features and specs
Audio-Technica AT2035 is a budget-friendly large-diaphragm condenser microphone with a very expensive sound. It has a full frequency range response and a very impressive dynamic range to handle high-pressure sounds. A switchable 80 Hz low-cut filter makes it especially convenient for recording vocal performances and it most definitely should be mentioned that this thing was built to last.
User impressions
Users like Audio-Technica AT2035 for sounding great and being very easy to set up. This mic is great in capturing the voice and recording it crystal clear, crisp, and warm. Also, users agree that this mic is really affordable considering the quality you’re getting, so affordability is always a plus.
What we think
The most important thing to remember about choosing the right microphone is that even the one that is considered the best might not be suitable for your voice particularly. Keeping that in mind, we believe that this mic can easily complement any given voice timber. Audio-Technica AT2035 gives a very natural sound with almost unprecedented consistency, which is almost unbelievable considering its price range.
Bottomline
Audio-Technica AT2035 is a great choice for someone who is looking for an affordable condenser mic with a very natural and crisp sound. This mic also offers you exceptional build quality, which means that it will last you for ages if properly used. Although Audio-Technica AT2035 is considered to be an entry-level mic, we believe that its properties will make you stick with it even when you will achieve a higher level of your career.
AKG P220
Pros
- Switchable low-cut filter
- 20 dB attenuation pad
Cons
- Requires phantom power
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Best features and specs
AKG P220 is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone with a switchable 20 dB attenuation pad and a low-cut filter up to 300 Hz. It has a very solid build quality and a very versatile performance. Due to its attenuation pad, you can easily capture very nuanced and detailed emotional parts or very loud and aggressive extreme vocals.
User impressions
Users agree that AKG P220 does its job of catching the sound in the clearest way possible, saving the vibe. Also, this mic is solidly built and comes with a case and shock mount. This mic has just enough of a rejection pattern, so when recording voice and instrument simultaneously, it makes the instrument sound quieter so that the vocal can shine.
What we think
When it comes to entry-level mics, usually cost-cutting is very noticeable, but not in the case of AKG P220. It comes with a beautifully made aluminum case and a very rigid shock mount. And it should be mentioned that the mic itself looks stunningly handsome with its matte body and a silver metal grid. When it comes to the price-to-value ratio, this mic easily beats every other entry on this list.
Bottomline
AKG P220 is a great choice for someone who is looking for an excellent and beautifully designed condenser mic that delivers the sound of the highest quality possible for a more than reasonable price. But as absurd as it may sound, its stunning looks are also its downside. It looks so good that it would be a shame to scratch it, which is almost inevitable in our line of work.
Electro-Voice RE320
Pros
- Humbucking coil
- Cardioid polar pattern
Cons
- None that we know of
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Best features and specs
Electro-Voice RE320 is a cardioid dynamic mic with a 2 position EQ switch and an integrated humbucking coil that eliminates electrical noises. Although one of the EQ switches is specifically tailored for capturing kick drums, the other is completely flat, so you get a linear frequency response from 30 Hz to 18 kHz. It also has a very durable body and comes with its own case and a shock mount.
User impressions
Users are quite impressed with Electro-Voice RE320 as it is insanely versatile and provides you with great sound. It looks really stylish and has a solid build. The only thing that you need to keep in mind is that this mic is really gain-hungry, so you need to make sure that it always runs through a preamp.
What we think
It may be a way above the price range of other mics on this list, but the reason why Electro-Voice RE320 is included is its sound. Considering that it is a broadcast mic, it gives you that distinguishable, crisp, and almost compressed sound that you used to hear on the radio. It can complement your voice greatly, especially if you haven’t developed the confidence of a professional vocalist yet.
Bottomline
Electro-Voice RE320 is a great choice for someone who is looking for a professional and durable microphone with a great sound. We do recommend a preamp in your setup with this mic, but other than that, it is a great addition if you are an entry level musician or producer and want to step up your game.
Samson C01
Pros
- Durable body
- Flat frequency response
Cons
- Requires phantom power
- A bit quiet for a condenser mic
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Best features and specs
Samson C01 is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone with a flat frequency response and decent dynamic range. It has a very transparent sound and a body that withstands the most extreme conditions, which makes it perfect both for live gigging and very busy studio work. The only downside is that the coating can be scratched very easily, but thankfully it comes with its own carrying case.
User impressions
Users like Samson C01 for being affordable, versatile, having a hyper-cardioid pattern and providing a sound of great quality. This mic gives you a clear, flat frequency response that only enhances the voice and you won’t get any noticeable self-noise and hiss.
What we think
Back in the day, we actually owned one of these mics, but a couple of years back we had to sell it. It was very regrettable, but we did it because Samson C01 is unusually quiet for a condenser mic and the preamp that we’ve been using at the time was very noisy and couldn’t be pushed hard enough. But apparently, the buyer didn’t have the same problem and left extremely satisfied.
Bottomline
Samson C01 is a great choice for someone who is looking for a very durable and sturdy condenser mic for an extremely budget-friendly price. If you have a decent preamp with a low self-noise, this mic would be perfect for you with its crisp and transparent sound. But even if you don’t have a preamp, considering how reasonably this mic is priced, you can easily afford one.
Beginner Microphone for Singing Buying Guide
One can argue that at the beginning of your venture into the vivid world of the music industry, what particular gear you would use wouldn’t really matter since you simply lack the knowledge and experience to identify what suits your purposes the best. Well, this assumption is completely wrong at its core since gear always has sentimental value even if it can’t offer anything else. Seasoned professionals of the industry over time develop a very cynical and pragmatic approach to choosing the gear. And there’re very strict criteria in the matter. But at the beginning, we all have somewhat naïve and romantic notions about our artistic journey.
Why gear matters
Considering the hardships and challenges of our current time, often we barely can remember what we had for breakfast, but we will never forget our first guitar or an analog synth that we got as a birthday present. It’s very safe to assume that those instruments weren’t of the greatest quality, at least for most of us, and couldn’t impress with great features. But still, they left an inerasable mark by simply existing in our life, even if for a brief period of time. Those instruments remind us about our first steps full of optimism and expectations, which makes them priceless.
Your first mic
This is why you should be careful and considerate while choosing your first mic. No matter what turn your life will take later, it will always stay with you, even if only as a memory. Thankfully, despite we live in a very interesting time, there are still quite a few advantages that they can offer. Nowadays, you can find very decent microphones even at the lowest price range, which means that studio-level professional quality of sound is more affordable than ever.
Important features
Nowadays, the best beginner microphone for singing most definitely should sound professional while being budget-friendly, so in this article, we’ve chosen some of the most affordable mics on the market that can easily compete with the most expensive and boutique counterparts when it comes to the quality of sound. When you’re making your first steps as a vocalist, it’s very crucial to analyze each and every vowel thoroughly, so we’ve made sure that our top picks can easily offer you the most transparent, accurate, and natural response possible. And, finally, we’ve tried to include some of the most feature-packed and versatile mics in the world since we are very well aware that modern times value convenience above all else.
