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If you’re thinking about performing live, one of the first thing’s you’ll need is a microphone. Singing live is nothing like singing in a studio – and you’ll need a microphone that can handle the change of scene.
Read on to discover the best microphones for live vocals in all budgets, styles, and situations.
Our Recommendations for Best Microphone for Live Vocals
- Shure SM58 (Best overall)
- Electro-Voice RE3-ND96 (Best wireless mic for live vocals)
- Behringer XM8500 (Best budget microphone for live vocals)
- Shure SM27 (Best condenser microphone for live vocals)
- Rode M1 (Best Microphone for live vocals and acoustic guitar)
- Sennheiser Pro Audio E935 (Best microphone for live female vocalists)
- Shure Super 55 (Best vintage live mic)
1. Shure SM58
Pros:
- Extremely versatile
- Sounds fantastic; incredibly well-balanced, clean sound reproduction
- Superb value
- As durable as microphones get
Cons:
- None
The Shure SM58 is undoubtedly the best microphone for live vocals. One of the most versatile microphones ever created, the Shure SM58 is a legendary live mic, and the classic go-to for live vocalists and band performances. Achieving almost cult status, the microphone provides an excellent balance of value, construction quality, and sound.
The Shure SM58 is a dynamic microphone made specifically for vocals. Extremely well balanced, the mids and highs are bright without being piercing, and the lows are prominent without being overbearing. The cardioid pickup pattern helps isolate the vocal and prevent the microphone from picking up any other unwanted sound.
The Shure SM58 is one of the most durable microphones for live vocals; the rigors of the stage are no match for it’s supreme construction. Drop resistant, gig-bag resistant, and even water resistant, these microphones will probably outlast you.
They also have a built-in pop filter, which helps minimize any unwanted sibilance during a live performance. The combination of value, versatility, sound, and durability make the Shure SM58 one of the best microphones for live vocalists – be it a beginner or a seasoned performer.
2. Electro-Voice RE3-ND96
Pros:
- Extremely easy to set up and use
- Sounds fantastic
- Excellent performance in loud environments
- Well constructed; feels premium in the hand
Cons:
- Can sometimes lose clarity in quiet performances
If you’re looking to take to the stage without the wires, look no further. The Electro-Voice RE3-ND96 is a trailblazer in the realm of live wireless vocal mics, and offers a pro-level wireless setup without the pro-level hassle.
The RE3-ND96 is a large-diaphram, super cardioid microphone built for the stage. Excelling in loud environments, it can handle tremendous amounts of gain without feedback, while still delivering detail and depth in quieter performances. The microphone also features top-notch construction, aiding its touted longevity.
While the sound quality and durability are fantastic, what really sets this microphone apart is its ease of use. The RE3 receiver will automatically scan to select open frequencies which it can then connect to using its ultrasonic sync function. The receiver features an LCD screen that displays useful information such as group and channel data, and battery levels.
For anyone looking for a wireless microphone for live vocals that sounds great, lasts, and is extremely easy to set up and use, the Electro-Voice RE3-ND96 is a choice you can’t go wrong with.
3. Behringer XM8500
Pros:
- Unbeatable price
- Sounds really good, especially in the mids and lows
- Well constructed
- Cardioid pickup pattern does a great job at isolating the vocal
Cons:
- Has a warmer sound profile, making it less versatile than other microphones, such as the Shure SM58.
- No on/off switch
If you’re looking for the best microphone for live vocals on a budget, the Behringer XM8500 is unbeatable. Coming in at around twenty dollars, the value you get with this microphone is unparalleled.
The Behringer XM8500 is a well balanced dynamic microphone with a sound profile often compared to the Shure SM58. However, the Behringer is warmer, making it less versatile than the SM58. If you’re only using the microphone for vocals, this is not a problem, and can actually add nice character to the performance.
The cardioid pickup pattern on the XM8500 does an excellent job at isolating the vocal, and the steel mesh construction works well at reducing sibilance. The construction quality is good, providing durability that can easily handle use on and off the stage.
The microphone does not have an on/off switch, which can be a potential hassle; however, there are few microphones that provide such quality sound at such a low price point.
4. Shure SM27
Pros:
- Fantastic frequency response
- Excels at the accurate representation of delicate vocals without sacrificing quality in louder performances
- Really good durability for a condenser microphone
- Captures an impressive amount of nuance
- Surprisingly versatile
Cons:
- Some may want a little more gain
While dynamic microphones have traditionally ruled the stage, some vocalists long for the superior frequency response that only a good condenser mic can provide.
That’s why Shure developed the SM27 – a rugged condenser microphone fit for life on the stage. The microphone has a neutral frequency response and very low self-noise, making it excellent for the accurate reproduction of delicate vocals and other more subtle sound sources.
This doesn’t mean that the SM27 is exclusively for softer vocals – its -15 dB pad makes it equally viable for harder genres such as rock and metal. Construction quality, like any microphone in Shure’s SM series, is superb.
The combination of quality, frequency response, and durability make the Shure SM27 the best condenser microphone for live vocals.
5. Rode M1
Pros:
- Incredible amount of sensitivity – captures all the subtlety of an acoustic performance
- Warm, smooth sound profile
- Tons of detail
- Natural sound reproduction with plenty of character
- Sturdy, and feels good in the hand
Cons:
- Can be too sensitive for a band setting
If you’re a solo performer looking to mic up you and your acoustic instrument, the Rode M1 is a fantastic choice. The M1 sounds different from other dynamic microphones – it’s more sensitive and can pick up a voice a foot away. While this may be disadvantageous in a band setting, it’s a necessity for solo performers and vocalists.
Another thing that sets the Rode M1 apart is its level of detail. Vocals sound natural, and the subtlety of acoustic instruments shine through. The microphone picks up every little thing – including differences in playing styles – allowing for an incredibly defined and dynamic performance. The result is a warm, smooth response, natural with plenty of character.
The M1 has an ergonomic design and is comfortable to use as a mounted or handheld mic. It is well touted for feeling sturdy in the hand without being too heavy. The mic is also noted for its durability – you should have no problems throwing it in your gig-bag.
6. Sennheiser Pro Audio E935
Pros:
- Excellent frequency range, from 40 Hz to 18000 Hz
- Captures all the detail of the vocal
- Minimizes frequency spikes and dips
Cons:
- Could be more versatile
- Not the best choice for men, or those with deep voices
The best live microphone for female vocalists is undoubtedly the Sennheiser Pro Audio E935. Boasting a frequency range of 40Hz to 18000 Hz, the E935 captures all the detail of a female vocalist while minimizing any frequency spikes or dips.
This is crucial for a female vocalist because it ensures the proper amount of brightness and clarity without sounding harsh – a problem many female vocalists suffer with other microphones. The result is crisp, detailed, and warm with perfect accentuation and emphasis.
If you’re a female vocalist looking to make your vocals shine, this is the microphone for you.
7. Shure Super 55
If you’re looking for something a little different, the Shure Super 55 is a microphone that is sure to add some flair to your performance. Boasting the same components as the Beta 55A, this microphone isn’t just a looker.
Pros:
- Looks fantastic
- Warm, vintage sound profile
- Captures an incredible level of detail
- Provides a dynamic performance with tons of character
Cons:
- High frequency response might deter some
- Must be used mounted to a microphone stand
The Super 55 gives you modern electronics in a sleek vintage package. Your audience is sure to take notice. The microphone sounds excellent – pronounced bass and crisp high ends, with a frequency response reaching from 60 Hz to 17 kHz. This helps provide more of a vintage tone and decreases the prominence of the proximity effect.
It’s easier to use than traditional vintage microphones as well, and much less expensive. Like it’s famous predecessor, the Unidyne 55, this microphone is designed to be used on a stand. However, the mic is shock mounted, so you’re free to swing that stand around and get funky.
FAQ’s
What Kind of Microphone Is Best For Live Vocals?
There are two different kinds of microphones – the dynamic mic and the condenser mic. Dynamic mics are great for loud sounds, provide excellent durability, and are usually cheaper than condenser microphones. For these reasons, they are traditionally chosen for live use.
Condenser microphones are usually more expensive, but provide increased detail. It comes down to personal preference – what you’re like as a vocalist plays a large role in whether you favor a dynamic or condenser microphone.
What Kind of Microphone Do Professionals Use?
There is no clear cut answer; professionals use all kinds of microphones. If they have a clear cut favorite, it’s because they’ve been around long enough to know what they like. Music is a personal thing; there is no one-size-fits-all. The best way to find out what you love is to try many things.
Is The Shure SM58 Good Live?
Yes, the Shure SM58 is good live – dare I even say, the Shure SM58 is the best microphone for live vocals. Designed specifically for the vocalist, the Shure SM58 thrives on stage. There is a reason so many bands, vocalists, and other musicians trust their performances to the SM58 – its a microphone that consistently delivers great results every time.
