Best Vocal Microphones For Live Performances Under $250

Anyone who’s worked in the recording studio knows the importance of good microphones. When it comes to recording a great sound, the best vocal microphones are what make the difference. If you want to get the most out of your recording sessions, you need to find the right microphone for your needs. Luckily, we‘ve done the research for you. We've scoured the market and found the very best microphones for the jobs you'll be doing.

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Tips for Buying a Recording Mic

If you want to make the most of your money-saving purchase, there are a few additional techniques to get the maximum benefit from your microphone.

• Consider the range of the microphone as well as its sensitivity. Most professional vocal microphones can pick up sound that ranges from a low 40 to a high 80 decibels.
• A higher sensitivity level is preferred because the more sensitive your microphone, the better it will pick the lower frequencies. Don’t be tempted to use the lowest setting on your vocal mic. It will sound muffled, which is not what you're trying to achieve. You need the highest sensitivity setting to capture low-frequency sounds without distortion.
• Practice makes perfect. Try different phrases so you can get a feel for the sound. Use the mic as a “neck pickup” so that the vocal comes into direct contact with the instrument. This will prevent the neck from resonating with unwanted feedback and will provide a more accurate recording.

Microphone Buying Considerations

The first thing to consider when shopping for a microphone is the type of audio it will produce. There are three main types: vocal, acoustic, and electric. Each is a good fit for certain kinds of performances.

Acoustic microphones are the most basic. They don’t offer much in the way of sensitivity, though you‘ll get plenty of dynamic range with good recordings. The best acoustic microphones for singing are small, lightweight capsules, known as capsule mics. Some come with a carrying case; others don't. Most are manually activated or require batteries.

Vocal mics are designed to capture the original sound of a voice, whether it's deep, low, or high. Acoustic mics are more sensitive, but they produce a distorted sound that's hard to hear in recordings, especially when the vocalist is speaking softly.

Electric mics are better than acoustic at capturing the natural high-pitched tones of the voice. It also produces a more realistic vocal sound, with better extension and separation of low- and high frequencies. You can usually tell a microphone's type from its name.

Vocal Microphone Price Ranges

The cost of a decent pair of high-quality vocal mics can range anywhere from $100 to $2,000, depending on the features included and whether or not they’re certified organic.

Inexpensive

For $75 to around $120, you can find basic pairs of microphones that include a microphone and a stand. If you're not a fan of the default position of your microphone, or you want an option that supports cardioid mikes, this is a good range to consider.

Mid-Range

In the $125 to-$200 range, the choices get much more interesting, as you get both cardioID and balanced arm mike options, and you start to find higher quality vocal microphones with updated, more ergonomic designs.

Expensive

Between $200 and $250, good quality microphones start popping up, but they don't come close to matching the price of professional-grade models. The quality of an organic microphone is often subjective, so it's worth shopping around to see what's the best bang for your buck.

Vocal Mic Features

This article covered the whole range of technologies, including passive, active, and hybrid. We chose the products based on the sound quality and features these offer, as well as on their cost.

Reviews

We scoured the net to find out how well these products worked, how reliable their manufacturer was, what were the most common issues users encountered. Voice mics are supposed to last for a long time, even with long hours spent away from the mic. This is why the battery life is an important feature to look out for, especially if you’re one of those people who work late at night or when the kids are asleep. Most voice mics today have a battery that can last up to 6 hours. However, this is not a guarantee, so it is best to check.

Connectivity

The more connection options, the better. Some voice mic systems connect via Bluetooth, making them more versatile and convenient. On the other hand, others use the power cord to connect to your computer. With this kind of connection, there are a lot of potential issues. It is better to choose a voice-enabled mic that has a USB connection.

Size

When buying a mic, it's always good to consider the size of the device. You can get a versatile unit, but if it doesn t fit in your bag, you won't be able to use it. In this case, choosing a smaller model is advisable.

Ease-of-Use

A mic with a complicated setup will frustrate a beginner. If it takes too many clicks, inputs, or adjustments to get the right sound, then it will be difficult to master. The convenience of a simple setup is also important.

Design

If you want to be productive as soon as possible, look for the design of your voice recorder. Depending on your taste, pick a model that you like and can use easily. One important thing to note is the material used in the body of this mic. Choose something that isn't too bulky, since it won't be convenient to carry around.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve determined what type of microphone you need, you should consider some of its key features. You'll want a mic that's durable enough to withstand prolonged use, so you can record your voice over a variety of surfaces. Ideally, the microphone should be dustproof or waterproof, too. While most beginner models use diaphragms, advanced models often use piezoelectric materials that provide better noise cancellation. Some microphones are slightly more sensitive than others, and you want to find a microphone that produces a clear, crisp recording of your vocals. If you choose a more expensive model, it may also feature a noise-cancelling feature. The best microphones also produce a reasonable level of clarity, allowing you to easily hear your own voice in recordings.