Budget vs. Premium: 13 Best Microphones for Recording Singing

Our top pick, the Neumann U87, is the ultimate studio standard mic for all. This microphone is best known to be the most used studio microphone for 50 years. In that sense, its quality is undoubtedly unmatched. When you choose the Neumann U87, you're choosing a level of quality that has been proven over decades.

As a legend in the microphone industry, many have said that no professional recording studio is complete without this microphone. Technically, the U87 uses the same dual diaphragm condensed capsule design, so its consistency will never fade. The quality of this studio microphone will always be the same, wherever the years pass.

This microphone's popularity also comes from its versatility. In addition to capturing voices, it is a perfect companion for capturing instrumental music like acoustic guitar, cello, and even drums. It's all thanks to its natural sound and unique midrange presence. Of course, the microphone's solid bass response and excellent details also take the lead!

Next is Telefunken U47! Some of you may be familiar with this microphone, as it has been a staple of every professional top-tier recording studio for many years, including vocals, electric guitar, and even orchestral. However, it's clear why. This microphone has a large diaphragm tube that provides a vibrant tone.

Technically, Telefunken U47 has two polar patterns: cardioid and omnidirectional. Thus, it can be a versatile mic for soloists or groups. With its legendary extended low-frequency response, it must be an excellent match for every singer with deep, impactful bass tones.

If you are willing to pay for a premium-quality one, you better invest in this microphone. For your information, prominent singers like Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, and Olivia Rodrigo have also approved this microphone and have been seen numerous times using it for their voice recordings.

Another contender from Neumann. We chose the Neumann U47 as the best budget option for every singer looking for a top-tier microphone at a fair price. This microphone is priced in the $1000 range, making it a great spot. So, what makes this microphone unique?

As a piece of information, this microphone was the first microphone with electrical pattern switching (cardioid and omni) before many brands followed. So, as a visioner, you can expect more in its quality. Another stand-out feature is its excellent low-noise performance, which helps you record a clear, clean voice without hissing sounds.

Moreover, this microphone is built to last, ensuring you can record for years. It is designed with premium materials that are unique and highly durable. Singers who have used this microphone include SZA, John Mayer, Justin Bieber, and Zayn Malik. So, are you interested in trying it?

If you are a singer with high notes as your primary ability, you better invest in something superior like the Sony C-800G. This has a wide frequency range of 20 Hz to 18kHz and a high sensitivity of -33 dBV/Pa. For this reason, it can capture even the highest pitch.

The Sony C-800 G stands out with its unique built-in cooling system, effectively reducing noise and distortion. This feature ensures you can capture pristine, clear sound, even in less-than-ideal recording environments. It's not just for the studio—this microphone delivers high-quality sound wherever you are.

In that sense, you can also use this microphone for things other than singing, such as live streaming, podcasts, and more. This undoubtedly is a breathtaking microphone you must invest in. However, its price may be a little too high, but it's all because this microphone delivers premium features. You can prepare around $10K to take this one home!

No worries! We also have a wallet-friendly option for you! Lets tune in to Neumann TLM 102 bk Studio Set. The TLM 102 is this brand's most affordable large diaphragm condenser microphone, costing less than a thousand dollars, further helping you stick to your budget.

Accordingly, this microphone can handle even extreme SPLs without distortion. Yes! Despite its low price, this microphone isn't low-quality. Neumann TLM 102 is designed and manufactured in Germany with excellent attention to detail. Compared to other expensive Neumann microphones, this TLM 102 is reduced in size and features, but its quality is still at the top.

This microphone also excels in its direct sound without transmission losses. Its high signal levels can capture more powerful bass. Due to its enormous dynamic range, using this microphone can be effortless. It is perfect for every recording activity, ranging from home projects to demanding live performances.

We have a singer's favorite in sixth place: TLM 103 Studio Set! Famous singers like Alan Walker, Shawn Mendes, Zach Bryan, and Billie Eilish use this microphone in their recordings. We believe it may be because it has a consistent cardioid pattern focusing on capturing one voice: you. No other voice can come in unless you wish!

Looking at its visuals, this microphone is quite different in appearance than some of the microphones we have reviewed above. Its concept is a modern classic with a capsule design derived from the legendary U 87 A but with slightly bigger dimensions.

Regarding its technical performance, this TLM 103 has set a new standard. With an incredibly low self-noise with only 7dB-A, we can add this microphone to the list of the quietest microphones available on the market. Additionally, with its vast dynamic range of 131 dB, it can easily capture from a whisper to a booming bass.

Another cheap microphone takes the spot! This time, the Blue Spark Condenser Microphone has a bottom rock price of $199.99. Yes! It is the most budget-friendly, great-quality microphone we can find. Many options offer only a low cost but settle for garbage-material quality. That's not what we want! Of course, you want something truly great in a low price tag, right?

Produce stunning recordings for vocals, guitars, pianos, and more; this microphone delivers detailed and transparent sounds with a versatile high-pass filter. At this rate, if you are ready to start your career journey in singing or music production, this is your time!

At the heart of this microphone is Blue's custom JFET design. This design ensures that the capsule's backplate is evenly charged, allowing consistent and transparent sound delivery. Additionally, it features discreet class-A circuitry, which helps maintain a pure signal.

When you are frustrated by the sudden thin and collapsed sound produced by your microphone, you can ensure that you will not experience those again when you buy the Neumann M49! For those who don't know, this microphone was once discontinued, but it has now made a comeback!

Crafted in Germany, the Neumann M49 boasts a large diaphragm that delivers engaging, clear sound with a touch of vibrant richness. That may also be why legendary songwriter and singer Josh Homme loves to use this microphone.

This microphone has gained a well-deserved reputation for its silky and neutral capture for decades. Some singers love this microphone because of its warm vintage sound, which adds more drama and sentiment to every voice.

Telefunken ELA M 251 is known for its versatile polar pattern selection, including cardioid, omni, and figure 8. This microphone is easily used for singing, gaming, podcasting, and everything you want!

What sets this microphone apart is its detail and warm tone production. The ELA M 251 offers an extended, focused low end, detailed mid-range response, and silky top end. So, expect to hear the smoothest sound reproduction from this mic!

If you buy the set, you will get a complete system. It includes an M 950 E power supply, an M850E sommer tube microphone cable 10m long, an FC50 locking flight case, an M751 Rycote shock mount, and a WB50 wooden microphone box. There is no need to prepare additional USB cables! Such a good investment microphone, right?

Neumann comes with another battle. M 149 Tube microphone is taking over with its advanced features. This studio tube microphone has nine directional characteristics with seven positions low cut. Yes! It has up to 9 selectable polar patterns for versatile recording options.

This microphone must have extremely low self-noise. We can say that all of this brand's microphones are strong in their low self-noise features. Thus, if you do not have a studio, you can buy one from Neumann. Now, let's return to the M 149 Tube: It can drive long cable runs of up to 300m without transmission losses, maximizing the seamless output stage with ultra-low distortion.

While it is at a premium price, it is still accessible from other Nuemann's pricey microphones. No worries! Since this microphone is crafted with detailed craftsmanship and ultra-premium material, it won't easily break, making it worth buying!

Now, let's warmly welcome this eye-catching microphone from Soyuz! You'll understand why we chose the SU-017 Large once you see its appearance, right? Yes! We fell in love with its sleek gold look! Just so you know, its lollipop-like cardioid capsule is interchangeable, and it comes with a hand-tuned, gold-sputtered 344m diaphragm.

One thing that makes this microphone special is its material and design. This premium mic is handcrafted in Russia! The body and capsules are manually machined, the transformers are wound in-house, and the handwriting is attached point-to-point. This detailed crafting makes this microphone durable and can withstand a prolonged period.

Trust this gold microphone if you want a microphone for love singing on stage! It captures ultra detail, warmth, and silky smooth audio. It also has louder sources, optional from 10 to 20dB pads. Since it is below 25dB, it is susceptible to capturing voice, which makes it louder for the audience to hear the sounds.

The Retrosonic Pro Audio Nordic Audio Labs NU-47 was not just an ordinary microphone. It was a bold attempt to create the most capable fidelity microphone ever, and they succeeded. This success aligns with the NU-47's impressive capabilities, leaving potential buyers impressed and convinced of its quality.

Its remarkable frequency range is a standout feature that makes the Retrosonic Pro Audio Nordic Audio Labs NU-47 a worthy investment. This unique quality has provoked numerous discussions in forums, with many users marveling at how quietly this microphone can capture sound.

Moreover, it delivers crisp and rich sounds that many audiences can appreciate. The Retrosonic Pro Audio Nordic Audio Labs NU-47 is also used by legendary singer Jennifer Lopez, which means it is approved to be one of the best microphones for singing!

Lastly, the Studio Tube Microphone U67 Set from Neumann is also a premium option microphone that delivers high-quality sounds. It balances sound in three polar patterns: omni, cardioid, and figure-8!

Renowned as a superb vocal microphone for singers, the Neumann Studio Tube Microphone U67 Set is not limited to vocals. Its versatility extends to various instruments, making it a valuable addition to any recording setup. Furthermore, its classic tube circuitry ensures razor-sharp clarity, so you can expect to hear detailed results!

Another essential fact is that the Neumann Studio Tube Microphone U67 Set is handmade and hand-soldered in Germany. The material used is undoubtedly unmatched! This microphone is built with durability in mind, ensuring it will accompany you for a long time.