Looking for the best vocal mic in the world? Ok, gear porn lover. Here’s a top ten who’s who of microphones for singing – that nobody can afford! Ahoy: I sometimes use affiliate links. Some purchases may earn me a commission!
If you’re looking for the best vocal mic for you, it’s really not about spending the most money. And frankly, who can spend this much money on a mic?? Who should? I suppose if you can, go for it. But chances are, your best vocal mic isn’t on this list. But if you’ve got a little lot of scratch, this the list of the top ten contenders for ultimate tile of best mic for recording vocals. If you can’t get a great cut with one of these, I think you may be doing something wrong and need some help. 🙂
Now let’s look at this list! (stay tuned to the bottom to see some alternatives in case you can’t afford any of these – like I can’t!)
Here’s a list of the top 10 vocal microphones, ordered from most expensive to least expensive:
1. Telefunken ELA M 251E
- Price: ~$10,000 – $15,000
- Why it’s awesome: Known for its warm, airy top end and rich midrange, the ELA M 251E is one of the most revered vocal microphones in the world, often used on iconic recordings.
2. Neumann U 67
- Price: ~$7,000 – $8,000
- Why it’s awesome: The U 67 offers a classic tube sound with incredible warmth and detail, making it a favorite for vocal recordings in high-end studios.
3. Sony C-800G
- Price: ~$9,000 – $11,000
- Why it’s awesome: Famous for its crystal-clear sound and smooth top end, the C-800G is a go-to microphone for pop and hip-hop vocals, with a distinct presence in many chart-topping hits.
4. Neumann U 87 Ai
- Price: ~$3,600 – $4,000
- Why it’s awesome: The U 87 Ai is a studio staple known for its versatility, providing a balanced, natural sound that suits a wide range of vocal styles. Bunches of the songs from my Livin Is Bling and Don’t Stop albums were recorded with this guy! 🙂
5. AKG C12 VR
- Price: ~$5,000 – $6,000
- Why it’s awesome: This reissue of the legendary C12 offers a pristine, open sound with a lush top end, making it ideal for vocals that need to stand out in the mix.
6. Manley Reference Gold
- Price: ~$5,000 – $6,000
- Why it’s awesome: The Reference Gold captures every nuance of a vocal performance with stunning clarity and warmth, often described as a modern classic in high-end studios.
7. Bock Audio 251
- Price: ~$5,000 – $6,000
- Why it’s awesome: Inspired by the original ELA M 251, this microphone delivers a rich, detailed sound with a smooth top end, perfect for capturing high-quality vocal recordings.
8. Mojave Audio MA-1000
- Price: ~$3,500 – $4,000
- Why it’s awesome: Designed by David Royer, the MA-1000 offers a modern take on the classic tube microphone sound, with exceptional warmth and clarity.
9. Telefunken TF51
- Price: ~$1,900 – $2,000
- Why it’s awesome: Inspired by the ELA M 251, the TF51 delivers a smooth, open sound with a sweet top end, making it an excellent choice for vocals on a relatively lower budget.
10. Neumann TLM 103
- Price: ~$1,200 – $1,400
- Why it’s awesome: The TLM 103 offers the classic Neumann sound in a more affordable package, with a detailed and upfront sound that works well for various vocal applications.
Let’s be honest. This is not all of the possible contenders for best microphone for recording vocals. And it really depends on your vocals. A lot of big hits were recorded with Shure SM57s or 58s. The SM7B is all over all kinds of tracks. The AKG 414 is pretty badass for vocals (maybe it should be in the list instead of the TLM 103 honestly), and of course my two go tos these days are the Slate ML-1 and the Rode NT1. All these mics are awesome, may actually be better for your voice than one of the big expensive baddies, and are all wayyyy more affordable than this list of dream mics.
I’m a producer and artist who loves all things production, writes for many trades, and can’t get enough of AX73, Kee Bass, and Scanner Vibrato. Talk to me about it all on social media @RecordingLikeMacGyver!
AND if you want to instantly improve your tracks without buying anything new, grab the 10x Your Tracks eBook!