What Is a Good Microphone for Recording Vocals?
A good microphone for recording vocals is a cardioid large-diaphragm condenser if your room is treated, or a cardioid dynamic if it isn't. Your room decides first, because a condenser records the walls along with your voice.
| Mic type | Example | Best room | Typical distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large-diaphragm condenser | Neumann TLM 103 | Quiet, treated | 8 to 12 inches |
| Dynamic | Shure SM7B | Untreated, noisy | 1 to 6 inches |
| Ribbon (figure-8) | Royer R-121 | Good-sounding, quiet | Varies |
The distances come from Shure's SM7B guide and Neumann's home studio vocal guide, which also says to pick a room that sounds "reasonably dry." A dynamic used up close picks up less of the room, which is why it's the safer choice in a bare bedroom.
And no, a dynamic isn't settling. Shure's SM7B history says the SM7 was used on most of Michael Jackson's lead vocals on Thriller, as covered in are dynamic microphones good for vocals. A ribbon's figure-8 pattern hears the back of the mic as strongly as the front, so save it for a good room.
Condensers need 48V from your interface (what phantom power does). Picks by budget are in the best microphone for recording vocals roundup, type tradeoffs in condenser vs dynamic microphone, and every mic category in the microphones for home recording hub.
Related questions
What kind of microphone is best for recording voice?
A cardioid large-diaphragm condenser if your room is quiet and treated, a cardioid dynamic like the Shure SM7B if it isn't. The dynamic is placed 1 to 6 inches away, so it hears less of the room.
What mic should I use for vocals as a beginner?
Start from your room. A dynamic such as the Shure SM58 suits a bare bedroom; a budget condenser such as the Audio-Technica AT2020 suits a quiet, treated one.
Are ribbon mics good for vocals?
They can be, but classic ribbons like the Royer R-121 have a figure-8 pattern that picks up the back of the mic as strongly as the front, so they need a good-sounding room.
More answers: Home recording FAQ