MICROPHONES FOR vocals

Welcome to our guide on choosing the best microphone for vocals! Whether you're a singer, a songwriter, or a voiceover artist, having the right microphone can make all the difference in capturing the clarity, warmth, and emotion of your performance. In this guide, we'll cover the key factors to consider when selecting a microphone for vocals, as well as some examples of popular microphones used by vocalists.

Microphone Types: There are several types of microphones used for recording vocals, but the most common are dynamic and condenser microphones. Dynamic microphones are rugged and can handle high sound pressure levels, making them ideal for recording loud vocals and live performances. Condenser microphones, on the other hand, are more sensitive and can capture more detail and nuance in vocals, making them ideal for studio recordings.

Popular dynamic microphones used for vocals include the Shure SM58 and the Electro-Voice RE20. These microphones are designed to capture the full range of a singer's voice, from the low end of the chest voice to the high end of the head voice. They also have a cardioid polar pattern, which means they capture sound from the front while rejecting sound from the sides and rear, making them ideal for recording in noisy environments.

Popular condenser microphones used for vocals include the Neumann U87 and the AKG C414. These microphones have a wider frequency response than dynamic microphones, which means they can capture more detail and nuance in a singer's voice. They also have a cardioid polar pattern, similar to dynamic microphones, but with the added ability to switch to other polar patterns such as omnidirectional or figure-8.

Microphone Specifications: When choosing a microphone for vocals, there are several specifications to consider:

• Frequency Response: The frequency response of a microphone determines the range of frequencies it can capture. For vocals, you'll want a microphone with a frequency response that covers the range of human singing (typically 80Hz to 15kHz or higher for sopranos).
• Sensitivity: The sensitivity of a microphone determines how much sound it can capture. For vocals, you'll want a microphone with a sensitivity that's high enough to capture the nuances and dynamics of a singer's voice without picking up too much background noise.
• Self-Noise: Self-noise is the noise that a microphone generates on its own, without any external sound sources. For vocals, you'll want a microphone with a low self-noise rating, so that it doesn't introduce unwanted noise into your recordings.
• Maximum SPL: Maximum SPL (sound pressure level) is the loudest sound a microphone can handle before distorting. For vocals, you'll want a microphone with a high maximum SPL, so that it can handle loud singers and high volume recordings without distorting.

Additional Tips:

• Microphone Placement: When recording vocals, it's important to experiment with microphone placement to find the sweet spot that captures the best sound. Generally, you'll want to position the microphone about 6 to 12 inches away from the singer's mouth, and experiment with different angles to find the best sound.
• Pop Filter: To prevent popping sounds from "p" and "b" sounds, it's a good idea to use a pop filter with your microphone.
• Shock Mount: A shock mount can help isolate the microphone from vibrations and handling noise, resulting in a cleaner sound.
• Reflection Filter: A reflection filter can help reduce unwanted room noise and echo in your recordings, especially if you're recording in a less-than-ideal space.

Conclusion: Choosing the right microphone for vocals can be a challenging task, but with the information in this guide, you should be well-equipped to make an informed decision when choosing the best microphone for recording or amplfying vocals.