Best Vocal Mic Under 1000

A vocal microphone is designed to capture nuances of your voice while you switch between different notes and it does not have to be super-expensive.

Gone are the days when you had to break the bank to get a microphone that could only record decent-quality vocals at best. The market for vocal microphones under $1000 has exploded in recent years as the artists have started setting up their home studios. Be it condenser or dynamic, the competition between manufacturers is fierce, offering more variety than ever. 

While having more options is always better, it can be overwhelming when trying to purchase one. So, we have tested some of the popular vocal microphones on the market and compiled a list of what we believe are the best among them.

Let’s get to them:

1. Why Is Shure BLX288/B58 The Best Wireless Vocal Mic 1000

Shure BLXx288/B58 is a dual-channel handheld wireless system designed specifically for live vocal performances. It features a dynamic capsule with a low noise floor and a supercardioid polar pattern, specifically designed to accentuate vocals, ensuring crisp audio quality. This makes it the first choice for onstage vocal performances.

Shure BLXx288/B58 delivers rich warm sound whether they are used for lead vocalists or the background singers. A -10 dB gain attenuation switch can be engaged to prevent signal overload if the vocalists are too loud. Furthermore, it is a complete unit so you would not need to purchase any extra equipment to get started. All premium components are made up of road-tested ABS polymer to impart strength and withstand the abuse frequent traveling can throw their way.

2. AKG Pro Audio C214 Is The Best Mid-Range Condenser Mic Under $1000

C214 is one of the most premium large diaphragm condenser microphone one can find at this price point. Featuring a classic rectangular shape, it encases a condenser capsule in a metallic grille, which feels pretty sturdy. Furthermore, it offers a cardioid or directional pickup pattern, which does an excellent off axis rejection. The frequency response is wide and largely flat, delivering clear and detailed high end sounds. The only exception is in the lower notes, in which you experience a gentle roll-off under 60 Hz.

C214 promises to mimic the sound quality of C414, a top-of-the-line variant, and surprisingly it comes quite close, even to a tube microphone. The low end frequencies are well-controlled providing just enough proximity effect to accent the singer’s voice without producing plosive effects. While the mid price range is pretty standard, most singers will be excited to hear bright, brimming, and sparkly higher notes that are well-nuanced and rich in detail. I have already mentioned it as the best condenser mic for vocals in my previous articles.

3. SE ELECTRONICS – SE4400a Is An All-Purpose Studio Mic Under 1000

Home recordists who are trying to build a home studio capable of recording both instruments and vocals without spending too much should definitely give SE4400a a shot. The microphone doesn’t have overbearing tonal characteristics and offers a larger-than-life vibe with a peak presence and warm audio. Featuring a large diaphragm, it works great for vocals and adds a little warmth to the low end gains.

This versatile mic offers a relatively flat frequency response ranging between 20Hz-20Khz, with a slight peak at 10KHz. It enables the microphone to capture neutral and natural sound, making it a great choice for acoustic recordings. The max SPL on this unit is also relatively high, which along with high and low pass filters goes a long way to deliver clear and crisp results while working loud instruments inside the studio. It’s important to note that, unlike some specialty microphones, the SE4400a is not a tube mic.

4. TZ Stellar X3 Is The Overall Best Condenser Mic Vocal Recordings

TZ may not be as reputed as Shure or AKG, but with X3 they have seemingly outdone themselves, providing excellent value at a surprisingly affordable price. They have put together a unit that rivals some of the priciest options on the market. It records the vocals with incredible precision and clarity, be it voiceovers, podcasts, or a song. Whether it is the deep lows or shimmering highs, the microphone will not let you down.

Furthermore, it features a directional pickup pattern which performs a solid job of rejecting unwanted sounds. While it delivers impressive performance inside a treated studio, it works just as well in untreated home studios as well. When held in hand, it feels pretty solid despite its compact size, ensuring durability even when not used with a great deal of caution.

5. Shure GLXD24R+/B87A Is The Best Wireless Dynamic Mic For Vocals

The Shure GLXD24R+/B87A is an impressive unit for both performers and presenters seeking reliable and top-notch wireless performance. While there are a number of features that can be talked about in this system, the most impressive aspect is its vocal reproduction. The directional pickup pattern ensures it delivers noise-free sound and high SPL prevents the audio from distortion even in extremely loud environments.

Furthermore, it features a robust build quality, making it a great choice for musicians who are mostly on the road. Setting it up is super easy and even those with no prior experience of handling such an equipment can get it up and running. Its intelligent frequency management system automatically selects the best available channel and can also handle multiple systems in challenging environments allowing performers to seamlessly switch between two mics.

6. How Neumann TLM 102 Is The Best Vocal Condenser Microphone

TLM 102 MT serves as an entryway to the legendary ecosystem of audio gear produced by Neumann. Despite being priced much lower than the other offerings of the reputed mic manufacturer, TLM 102 MT is a formidable piece of gear.  It delivers probably the most elegant sound for a condenser microphone in this category.  The large diaphragm and a wide and flat frequency response ensure it captures every detail in the vocals. 

It produces warm audio with rich bass with silky smooth highs. The depth in the sound makes the recording sound very natural and transparent. Furthermore, it features a pretty tight cardioid pickup pattern to counter high sensitivity to ensure the sound is free of unwanted noise. 

Best Vocal Mics Under 1000: Notable Mentions

Things To Know Before Purchasing a Vocal Microphone

We hope we have narrowed down your options but it is important to understand the basics of how microphones work and how different features influence their practical performances to make the right choice. This section will explain all the aspects you should be mindful of while making a purchase.

Condenser Mics vs Dynamic Microphones

Dynamic and condenser are the two most common and popular capsules in microphones. They have fundamental differences in their design which invariably affect their applications. Condenser units feature a sensitive capsule, enabling them to record detailed and more nuanced audio than dynamic microphones. That said, it also makes them prone to capturing the background noise. Thus, while these microphones work best for vocal recordings in the studio, their reliable use for live performances is quite limited.

Dynamic microphones, on the other hand, feature a relatively robust diaphragm that is not as sensitive as their condenser counterparts, but it allows them to work under higher sound pressures. Thus, they are generally reserved for live performances, such as concerts and speeches at churches. However, using the same mic for both studio and live settings is not typically recommended due to these inherent differences.

So, if you are looking for a microphone to record vocals in a studio, condenser mics are your best bet, but if you want something for live performance, dynamic mics are a better choice.

Max SPL

Max SPL is often overlooked while purchasing a mic for vocals, but you should pay close attention to it because it is one of the determining factors of the versatility of a microphone. It tells how well a microphone works under higher sound pressures. Typically, dynamic mics, often used with bass amps, have higher max SPL than their condenser counterparts because of a less sensitive diaphragm. It allows you to work loud instruments such as kick drums and guitar amps with them.

However, modern condenser capsules have also evolved and there are quite a few good condenser mics that offer a high max SPL. So, while you are looking for low self noise, a large diaphragm, and all the other parameters, it is best to take a look at the max SPL as well. Having a condenser microphone with a higher SPL allows you to work with brass instruments too, making it versatile and enabling more applications.

Polar Patterns

Polar or pickup patterns describe the parts of the microphone that are sensitive enough to capture sound signals. There are two main types: unidirectional and omnidirectional. Unidirectional or cardioid pattern captures sound from one direction while rejecting the sound waves coming from other directions, thereby ensuring the sound remains free of unwanted noise. However, it also means that they cannot record more than one sound source at once.

Omnidirectional polar pattern, contrastingly, picks up the sound from all directions. Such mics are used when the ambient environment or room sound is intended to be captured. However, it also exposes the microphones to noise, which can take a lot of time in post-production to clear.

Typically, mics with directional pickup patterns work best for vocals, but there may be some applications that require omnidirectional patterns.

Frequency Response

Frequency response is generally described in graphs which represent how a microphone responds to a particular frequency. It is a useful instrument to determine whether a particular microphone is good for your desired applications. For example, if you are looking for a mic to produce neutral and natural results, you should pick a microphone with a flat response.

A flat line on the graph indicates that the microphone does not manipulate the sound and produce it exactly as it is recorded. However, if you want a microphone to accentuate lower notes and dampen higher notes, it should have a frequency response with a peak at lower notes and depression at higher notes.

You will have to be familiar with your voice type and the other artists who record in your studio to make the right choice by looking at the frequency response curve. That said, the frequency response can be tweaked by adding high pass and low cut filters, but you can only do so much with those accessories.

Low Sensitivity To Handling Noise and Vibrations

Whether it is a live performance or recording, some artists like to hold the microphone in their hand which produces handling noise. If the microphone is too sensitive the vibrations produced by handling can produce unwanted noise in the audio. Thus, it is important to keep an eye out for sensitivity and accessories like shock mounts, which can reduce the impact of vibration on the final audio by applying recording techniques.

Build Quality

The build quality of a microphone should also be considered while purchasing, especially if you are a frequent traveler. Your microphone should be able to withstand the abuse frequent traveling can throw its way. Typically, dynamic mics are more durable because their components are held tightly together. However, condenser microphones have also come a long way as the manufacturers have employed metallic casings to protect the delicate diaphragm.

You should look for a microphone with a metallic construction, preferably the one that comes with external cases to ensure it lasts a decent duration of time.

As you consider the various high-quality options available under $1000, remember there are also excellent vocal mics around the $500 mark if you’re working with a tighter budget. If you are looking for affordable options that cost less than $1000, then try to look for the best vocal mic under 500$ in the market. This can be a practical choice without sacrificing quality.

Frequently Asked Questions