12 Best Mics for Recording in 2023

Tired of recording with a mic that makes you sound like a dying cat? Fret not. Check our list of the best mics for recording in 2023 and say goodbye to crappy sound quality!

Are you spending countless hours, only to come up with a recording that sounds like it had been recorded in a tin can?

If you’ve numbed your fingers with endless Google searches to find the answer to “Which mic is best for recording vocals?” – we feel your pain. And your search ends here as we’ve got the solution. After relentlessly researching and testing, our audio wizards’ team has rounded up the 12 best microphones for recording in 2023.

From the heavenly harmonies of Shure SM7B to the pristine audio of Rhode, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s upgrade your recording game, shall we?

TL;DR – Top Mics for Recording

Shure SM7B: The chosen one among microphones with a devoted fan base, and rightfully so. It can adapt to various recording scenarios.

 ●   Lewitt LCT 440 PURE: The best microphone for home studio recording. It can pick even the tiniest nuisances of voices.

 ● Rode Lavalier II: A perfect compact mic for recording on the go. It has a low-profile design and complements all voice timbres.

 ● Audio-Technica AT2020: Aclose-miking microphone ideal for recording on the computer. It can handle high sound pressure levels perfectly.

 ● Blue Yeti X: The best USB mic for recording YouTube videos. It has four recording modes and can record multiple people simultaneously.

 ● Shure SM57: A super-durable, dynamic mic ideal for recording a variety of instruments. It has a natural presence boost and attenuated bass frequencies.

 ● Neumann TLM 102: A large diaphragm cardioid studio mic with a high-end pop filter. It is ideal for aggressive rap styles but a bit pricier.

 ● Rode NT1-A: A great yet quietest microphone for live music and recording female vocals. It comes with an internal shockmount to eliminate unwanted noises.

 ● Rode VideoMic: The best shotgun microphone to work with video recordings. It comes with a high-pass filter for top-notch outdoor audio quality.

 Shure MV7: A dynamic USB/XLR hybrid mic, ideal for recording and podcasting. It features the ShurePlus MOTIV Desktop app to tweak your audio and save custom presets.

 ● ThronmaxMDrill One Pro: The best mic for recording vocals on Mac. It comes with 4 polar patterns, a USB-C port, and an LED displaying gain levels.

 ● MXL 990: A vintage-style pocket-friendly mic offering a sweet and balanced sound. It’s perfect for vocalists who want to achieve high definition.


Types of Microphones for Recording

There are typically three types of microphones used for recording:

1.Dynamic

Dynamic mics are durable and versatile and offer great low and mid-level frequency response. They are best suited for recording loud sounds like guitar amps, drums, and vocals.

2.Condenser

Condenser mics are highly sensitive and have flat frequency curves with superior high-ends. They are perfect for recording subtle nuances, podcasts, acoustic instruments, and vocals.

3.Ribbon

Ribbon mics are highly sensitive and provide a better frequency dynamic range. They are ideal for capturing the natural tone of vocals and acoustic instruments. However, they are also fragile and expensive.

Should I Choose a USB or XLR Microphone for Recording?

Choosing between a USB or an XLR microphone depends on your preferences and specific needs. XLR mics generally provide more professional recording with high audio quality due to their large diaphragm and better preamp circuitry.

On the other hand, USB mics are smaller and portable, offering better flexibility in terms of customization and setup.XLR mics are ideal for live performances but may require additional equipment, such as a mixer or USB audio interface.

Whereas USB mics can be plugged directly into a computer’s USB port and are ideal for home studio recording or if you are tight on a budget.

12 Best Microphones for Recording in 2023 – Our Call

When it comes to listing down the best microphones for recording in 2023, we didn’t just roll a die or pick names out of a hat. But our team put in some serious leg work. We tested some of these mics and tapped into the knowledge of our streamer/podcaster pals in the community.

Even dug deep into the mic-loving subreddits like r/AudioEngineering, r/Audiophile, r/LiveSound, and r/Podcasting and Discords. We tested the mics we had on our hands by hooking a Universal Audio Apollo Solo Heritage Edition Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with our PC (i9-13900KF +  RTX4080).

Moving forward, we put the mics through paces for weeks. After all, a mic can’t just look pretty – it must also sound the part! We looked at various factors, such as frequency response, sound quality, sensitivity, and noise cancellation.

And because we know different people have different needs, we’ve categorized our top picks for different use cases. You’ll get the best for vocals, the best for outdoor recording, and even the best budget option. That way, you can find the perfect microphone for your specific use case without sifting through a million options.

Best Overall Microphone for Recording

Ready to meet the “Beyonce” of microphones? Look no further than Shure SM7B, with a more devoted fan base than “One Direction.” It is a dynamic cardioid microphone ideal for every kind of content, from home and studio recordings to podcasts and streaming.

With a smooth and wide-range frequency response from 50 to 20,000 Hz, it can capture every nuance of your voice. While a 150 to 300 Ohms impedance and -59 dBV sensitivity give it that iconic warm and balanced tone.

What’s more, it’s XLR connection and audio interface give you more control over the sound than Thanos had over the Infinity Stones. SM7B boasts a Suspension Shock Isolation and Pop Filter that eliminate mechanical noise and breathiness.

And with its cardioid pattern, you can sing or speak at a comfortable angle without worrying about off-axis audio ruining the take. Plus, its advanced electromagnetic shielding eliminates the hum from computer monitors and other studio equipment. In testing, SM7B was able to dampen background noise coming from the back and top.

And during recording, it completely suppressed the loud voice emanating from our Gateron Blue mechanical keyboard. Overall, SM7B is a force to be reckoned with, whether you’re belting out a ballad or dropping some sick rhymes. However, it’s not for beginners and won’t reach its full potential if you don’t have a preamp or audio interface.

9.4
Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone
  • ONE MICROPHONE FOR EVERYTHING - Studio Recording, Home Recording, Podcasting and Streaming. The SM7B Is Trusted By The Worlds Leading Vocalists, Podcasters and Streamers.
  • STUDIO VOCAL RECORDING - The SM7B’s Dynamic Cartridge With Smooth, Flat, Wide-range Frequency Response Produces Exceptionally Clean and Natural Reproduction Of Both Music and Speech.
  • PODCAST and BROADCAST - Found In The Top Podcasting Studios Around The World, The SM7B Air Suspension Shock Isolation and Pop Filter Eliminate Both Mechanical Noise And Breathiness. So Words Get Through And The Rest Stays Out Of The Mix.

Best Microphone for Recording Vocals at Home

If you are in for affordable microphones for home recording, Lewitt LCT 440 PURE is like a luxury sports car at a used car price. It is a large-diaphragm cardioid microphone with a 1-inch gold-layered condenser capsule offering highly-detailed recordings.

Whether you’re recording vocals, guitar amps, or acoustic instruments, this microphone captures every note and nuance with impressive depth and clarity. It boasts a dynamic 20 to 20,000 Hz frequency response, -31.2 dBV sensitivity, max 140dB SPL and a 110 Ohms impedance.

While a 3-micron gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragm, a pressure gradient transducer, and a gold-plated 3-pin XLR connector ensure a sturdy and clear connection. The LCT 440 PURE also comes with a magnetic pop filter to eliminate unwanted noises and a shockmount that shields against noise shock and vibration.

In testing, it was able to pick up even the tiniest details of voice, including those sultry low notes. While the pickup was mainly frontal, it provided a perfectly balanced and clear recording.

Unfortunately, that special sauce is missing to make the sound really pop, particularly in certain frequency ranges where you might expect to feel compression. But overall, LCT 440 PURE is the best microphone for recording vocals in a home studio due to its high-end performance on a budget.

9.4
LCT-440-Pure Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
  • The Essence Of Studio Sound: The Lct 440 Pure Is A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone For Highly Detailed, Nuanced Recordings
  • A True Allrounder; Record Your Vocals, Guitar Amps, Acoustic Instruments, And More; For Anything From Home Recording To Upscale Studio Production
  • Capture Your Individual Sound; The Gold-Layered 1″ True Condenser Capsule Records Your Signal With An Impressive Amount Of Depth And Clarity

Best Microphone for Recording Vocals on a Phone

For those who like to record on the go and capture their creativity straight from their phones, the Rode Lavalier II ticks all the boxes. It is an omnidirectional Lavalier condenser microphone for pristine audio recording.

Moreover, it complements all voice timbres with a 20 to 20,000 flat frequency response, a -38dBV sensitivity, a 200 Ohms output impedance, and a max 106dB SPL. Rode Lavalier II also offers a mind-boggling off-axis response and condenser capsule to eliminate the proximity effects and crank up the gain before the feedback.

What’s more, it features a flat cable that threads easily through your clothing and a low-profile design that doesn’t pop up on the camera. Add to it a 3.5mm locking TRS connector, allowing you to use it with wireless systems such as RØDE Wireless GO II and AI-micro.

It also has colorful ID tags for keeping track in chaotic mic setups and a mini furry windshield to record outdoors in windy conditions. To connect it to your iPhone or Android, you can download the Rode Reporter app.

In testing, the Rode Lavalier II displayed great sensitivity for indoor and outdoor vocals. The background noise was minimal, and when connected to a handheld-mounted iPhone 14, we could add high-level audio to our videos.

The audio quality was also excellent in a noisier environment. But we observed it tends to cover the capsule when concealed, which would not have been an issue if it had a higher frequency.

9.4
Rode Lavalier II - Black
  • Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone with Locking 3.5mm TRS Connect Accessies - Black
  • Premium lavalier microphone for high-quality audio capture in broadcast, filmmaking and content creation applications
  • Revolutionary low-profile design and ultra-compact mounting clip

Best Microphone for Recording Vocals on a Computer

If you want to take your computer recordings to the next level, Audio-Technica AT2020 greatly fits the bill. It is a pocket-friendly cardioid condenser microphone with an integral 3-pin XLRM connector, ideal for recording vocals on a computer.

For a budget mic, AT2020 really shines, capturing every nuance of vocals with the speed and accuracy of a ninja. It comes with a 20 to 20,000 Hz dynamic frequency response range, a -37dBV sensitivity, a 100 Ohms impedance, and a max 144dB SPL.

Also, it’s a unidirectional mic, so it only picks up the sounds at the front. In fact, we were pleasantly surprised by its off-axis noise rejection. Because it’s not every day you can come across a mic that can shut out the annoying sounds of a computer.

In testing, we used an XLR-to-XLR balanced cable connected to a USB audio interface and plugged it into our computer. The AT2020 displayed good sound suppression and sensitivity. It was able to record subtle sounds and handle high-pressure sound levels without distorting them.

Although AT2020 is a close-miking microphone, it didn’t fare well when the sound source was too close to it and exhibited over-amplification of the bass frequencies. But that can be mitigated by buying a separate pop filter.

9.4
Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser
  • The price/performance standard in side address studio condenser microphone technology
  • Ideal for project/home studio applications; The noise level is 20 dB SPL
  • High SPL handling and wide dynamic range provide unmatched versatility

Best Microphone for Recording YouTube Videos

Let’s move on to the microphone that will make your YouTube videos sound like a million subscribers. The Blue Yeti X is a USB condenser mic boasting a 20 to 20,000 Hz frequency response, a max 122 dB SPL, and a -36 dBV sensitivity.

Moreover, it has 13 Ohms impedance and records 24-bit/48kHz audio. An illuminated multi-function smart knob will give you real-time control over your voice, making it a breeze to stay profesh on camera.

While with Blue VO!CE software, you can achieve any sound you want – from a vintage radio host to a modern-day superstar. And let’s not forget the 4-capsule array, which guarantees crystal-clear audio that will leave your audience in awe.

With a mute button, you can finally stop your co-host’s rambling or your incessant chatter with one click. And with four recording modes, you can switch between streaming, podcasting, and recording multiple people simultaneously. You’ll also get a 3.5mm port and a micro USB port.

In testing, the Blue Yeti X displayed rich low-mids, crisp high-mids, and high-frequency details. Its selection of mic patterns also added more versatility. However, the lack of a pop filter was a bummer for us, and for those seeking DSP presets, this mic doesn’t have any.

9.4
Blue Yeti X Professional Condenser USB Microphone
  • Four-Capsule Array – Capture legendary Blue broadcast sound with greater focus and clarity than ever for professional streaming, podcasting and YouTube
  • High-Res LED Metering – Visualize your voice level at a glance and adjust up or down for powerful, broadcast quality sound
  • Multi-Function Smart Knob – Fine-tune your on-stream sound with easy-access controls for mic gain, mute, headphone volume and blend

Best Microphone for Recording Music

If you really want rock-n-roll mixes, Shure SM57 has been a staple in music recording for decades. It is a dynamic cardioid instrument mic with a 40 to 15,000 Hz frequency response, a -56 dBV sensitivity, and 150 Ohms output impedance.

A max 160 dB SPL makes it able to handle sound as loud as a stun grenade. And yet it can even pick the faintest nuances from quieter instruments. With its contoured frequency response and presence boost, SM57 enhances voice clarity, the bite in the guitar amps, and the snap in snare drums.

What’s more, you can angle its swivel stand adapter to get the sound you want while keeping those pesky unwanted sounds out of your recording. Not to mention, it’s super-durable and can survive a world tour, a mosh pit, and your clumsy bandmate’s beer spill, all without missing a beat.

On top of that, the SM57 features an XLR connector, a spherical mesh grille, and a built-in pop filter to filter out background noises. In testing, the sound details really popped.It displayed attenuated bass frequencies and high upper midrange and treble frequencies.

However, if you’re considering using it to record your vocals, you might want to think again. This mic is designed specifically for recording instruments. Also, keep a good six inches between your instrument and the microphone, as it shows a noticeable close proximity effect.

9.4
Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone
  • EXEPTIONAL VOCAL PERFORMANCE - The SM57-LC delivers high-quality vocal reproduction, thanks to its tailored frequency response and brightened midrange for clear and present vocals.
  • INDUSTRY STANDARD - The first choice for performers around the globe, the SM57 Dynamic Vocal Microphone is ready to bring any performance to life. From the club to the stadium, Shure has your back.
  • CLARITY & CARE - The uniform cardioid polar pattern reproduces every note as it was intended, delivering warm, crisp sound time after time.

Best Microphone for Recording Rap Vocals

If you want to drop some sick bars, Neumann TLM 102 is the best condenser microphone for vocal recording, especially rap vocals. It is a large diaphragm cardioid studio mic featuring a 20 to 20,000 Hz frequency response.

Not to forget, with a presence boost above 6 kHz, this mic gives your vocals a little extra sparkle. It also boasts a max 144dB SPL, a 50 Ohms output impedance, and a -39 dBV sensitivity.

With its high-end pop filter, you can spit your hottest bars without worrying about plosives getting in the way. And if you like to go hard, no problem – its high SPL can handle even the most aggressive styles.

Plus, its frequency range is perfectly tailored for rap vocals, so you’ll sound crisp and clear every time. In testing, the TLM 102 could handle high sound pressure levels like a pro. It displayed some serious boom in the low end and a real smack in the lower mids.

Also, we didn’t have to play with the EQ in post-production, which is rare for us, so that’s a win.However, what we didn’t like was the overall sound profile, which felt somewhat woody, which many rappers may also not like. Also, you’ll have to lose some purse strings as this mic is quite pricey.

9.4
Neumann TLM 102 Condenser Microphone, Nickel
  • Large-diaphragm microphone with cardioid directional characteristic (pressure gradient transducer)
  • Compact Neumann design
  • Very high maximum sound pressure level (144 dB)

Best Microphone for Recording Female Vocals

“What microphone makes you sound better?” If you’re a female vocalist, the answer is in the Rode NT1-A. It is a cardioid condenser microphone known for its exceptional clarity and versatility in capturing the nuances of all vocal types.

Furthermore, it features a dynamic 20 to 20,000 Hz frequency response, a -32 dBV sensitivity, a max 137dB SPL and 100 Ohms output impedance. With a self-noise of only 5 dB-A, it’s the quietest microphone you can get your hands on.

So you can practically whisper your heart out and still sound like a superstar with every breath and nuance captured in exceptional detail. And, even when belting out powerful vocals, it won’t distort due to overload.

Its tough satin nickel finish can take a beating, so you don’t have to be too gentle with it. And with its excellent off-axis rejection and internal shockmount, you can be sure that it’s only picking up the sounds you want. Just remember to give it the phantom power it deserves: a modest 48V.

And if that’s not enough, the Rode NT1-A comes with tons of accessories such as a shockmount, pop filter, dust cover, and an XLR cable.

In testing, it could pick up sultry low notes to high-pitched female vocals admirably and capture acoustic guitar. However, for those females who like to sing slightly higher, the NT1-A might be too bright to handle.

9.4
Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
  • Large-diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Mic with Shockmount
  • Pop Shield
  • Dust Cover
  • XLR Cable

Best Microphone for Outdoor Video Recording

Going out to capture the best outdoor shots means you’ll need a microphone to handle the elements and capture high-quality audio. And that’s where the Rode VideoMic comes in.

It is a professional-grade shotgun condenser microphone with a super-directional cardioid pattern. Featuring an ultra-lightweight yet rugged ABS construction, it exhibits a wide bandwidth and low noise for its compact size.

Moreover, it boasts a whopping 40 to 20,000 Hz frequency response, a -38 dBV sensitivity, a max 134 dB SPL and 200 Ohms output impedance. Plus, it has a simple switch with only three positions – off, on, and a high-pass filter that cuts out low frequencies and accentuates voices.

A 9V battery also provides enough juice to last 100 hours. Besides, thanks to its LED status indicator, you will be able to guess when the battery is low. What’s more, the mic’s shoe mount features a 3/8″ thread in the base to hook up with a mic stand or boom pole.

While a 3-stage pad ensures you can fine-tune the audio to perfection. Not to mention, it comes with a ⅛” connector and a windscreen. In testing, the Rode VideoMic could snatch up voices at distances exceeding 20 feet without missing a beat.

The sounds were full and rich, the shockmount reduced operator noise, and the high-pass filter did a stellar job of keeping the audio quality top-notch. However, we observed the windscreen did not fare well in high winds.

And, if you have camera controls near the accessory shoe on your camera, the shockmount might get in the way. So, have a care for that.

Best Microphone for Recording Podcasts

If you are ready to become the next podcast sensation, then listen up. Because we’ve got the answer to your burning question: What microphone is best for recording podcasts? Let us introduce you to the Shure MV7.

It’s a dynamic cardioid USB/XLR hybrid microphone for those podcasters who wish to dip their toes in the professional audio pool and casual users. The MV7 features a 20 to 20,000 Hz frequency response, -55 dbV sensitivity, max 132 dB SPL, and 314 Ohms impedance.

What’s best about it is that besides having a dual USB/XLR output, it has an in-built 3.5mm headphone jack to monitor headphones directly while recording. The Shure MV7 is built like a tank and has a frequency response that will make your voice sound like buttery goodness.

Plus, the touch panel makes it easy to adjust the gain, monitor volume, and headphone mix, and mute the mic. And let’s not forget about the ShurePlus MOTIV Desktop app – it’s like having a sound engineer in your pocket. You can easily tweak your audio and even save your own custom presets for next time.

And with the adjustable yoke, you can position the MV7 on any standard stand or boom. In testing, Shure MV7 displayed tight control in the low end and a boost in the mids. However, If we had to point out a tiny flaw, it would be that highs were slightly less wild compared to condenser mics. But for recording podcasts, this won’t be an issue.

9.4
Shure MV7 USB Microphone
  • USB OR XLR CONNECTIONS - Dual USB/XLR output allows digital or analog recording
  • CLOSE MIC APPLICATIONS - Great for podcasting, recording, live streaming, and more
  • INTUITIVE TOUCH PANEL CONTROLS - Intuitive touch panel for control over gain, monitoring volume, headphone mix, and mic muting

Best Microphone for Recording Vocals on Mac

If you yearn to unleash your inner superstar on your Mac, ThronmaxMDrill One Pro condenser microphone best fits Mac users. It boasts a 20 to 20,000 frequency response, 4 polar patterns, -36dBV sensitivity, a max 12dB SPL, and 32 Ohms output impedance.

The best perk of MDrill One Pro is that it comes with a USB-C port, allowing you to connect it to your Mac. As well it also features a 3.5mm headphone input for zero-latency monitoring.

An LED display shows gain levels, and a knob adjusts those levels. While an RGB strip at the bottom lets you change colors to fit your performance mood. Thanks to its four polar patterns, it makes a versatile microphone.

In testing, the ThronmaxMDrill One Pro was a rockstar, with excellent high-end performance and low noise. Although it has great recording modes, it displayed lower output levels in some modes. But overall, we personally liked the performance of its cardioid mode.

9.4
THRONMAX MDRILL ONE CONDANSER Computer Microphone (Black)
  • VERTIGAIN Technology: Helps to increase quality and clarity by up to 10 Percent compared to other digital USB microphones - the sound wave reaches the 3 condensers without being scattered by microphone mesh
  • 4 dedicated recording modes: 4 different polar settings offer the ultimate flexibility - record vocals, instruments, podcasts, interviews, conference calls, streaming and much, much more
  • Professional recording: The MDRILL One features studio controls to help you professionally control every aspect of the recording process

Best Budget Microphone for Recording

How much is a good recording mic, you ask? Not as much as you’d think! If you are looking to save some coins but still want to capture decent audio, MXL 990 is the most iconic yet pocket-friendly microphone for recording.

A musicians’ favorite, it is a large-diaphragm condenser mic boasting 30 to 20,000 Hz frequency response and a max 130dB SPL. It also features a -36dBV sensitivity and 300 Ohms impedance.

What’s best about this budget-friendly microphone is that it gives you the best of both worlds. A FET preamp and a large gold-sputtered diaphragm offer professional sound quality. While its revolutionary condenser provides smooth high-ends and a solid low and midrange reproduction. It also includes a custom shockmount and a stand adapter.

In testing, the MXL 990 offered a sweet, balanced sound with a touch of high-end sparkle. This is especially great for vocalists who struggle to achieve the definition they crave. However, you might want to think again before taking it to the stage. It’s not exactly built for rocking out, but it could work for a mellow acoustics session.

9.4
MXL 990
  • FET based design with transformer balanced output for a variety of applications.
  • Vintage body style with champagne finish.
  • Includes custom shock mount, mic stand adapter & carrying case.

How to Pick the Best Microphone for Recording?

To pick the best microphone for recording, consider six things:

1.Frequency Response

The frequency response refers to the range of sound frequencies a recording mic’s transducer can capture. A high frequency such as 20,000 Hz means more leeway in post-processing sound editing. It is also ideal for capturing vocals and high-pitched sounds.

While a low-frequency range is perfect for capturing low-pitched sounds. For example, a frequency response around 50 Hz is suitable for recording toms and snare drums, and 40 Hz and lower is ideal for bass drums.

2.Capsule Type

A mic’s capsule is the part responsible for converting sound waves into an electrical signal. You will find three types of capsules in recording microphones: Dynamic, condenser and ribbon.

3.Polar Pattern

The polar pattern is how the mic picks up sound from different directions. Popular patterns include cardioid, super-cardioid, hyper-cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, and shotgun. Different patterns have their strengths and weaknesses, but cardioid is usually preferred for vocals.

4.Sensitivity

Sensitivity is how responsive a microphone is to sound. Higher sensitivity is best when you aim to capture quiet sounds, while lower sensitivity is useful for loud sources.

5.Pop Filter

If you need a mic for recording vocals, many come with a pop filter to reduce unwanted noises caused by plosives.

6.Shockmount

Many mics also come with a helpful shockmount for recording in noisy environments or with sensitive microphones.

FAQs – Best Mics for Recording

Does an Expensive Mic Make You Sound Better?

No, an expensive mic doesn’t make you sound better. A microphone’s performance depends on various factors, such as placement, recording environment, and the source of the material you are recording, like vocals or an instrument.

However, a high-end microphone can undoubtedly improve the quality of your recordings in some instances. It can capture more nuances and details in the sound. But if the factors are not at par, the recording may still not sound great.

Why Is Blue Yeti So Popular?

Blue Yeti is popular due to its versatility, sturdiness,and four polar patterns, making it suitable for a wide range of recording scenarios. It is the ultimate content creator mic for podcasters, Twitch streaming, and YouTube production.

Moreover, it is priced competitively and offers great value compared to other USB microphones without breaking the bank. It also doesn’t require additional equipment and has its own USB port and software that comes with tuned presets. Furthermore, you can create your own customized sounds.

How Do I Stop My Mic from Picking Up Background Noise?

You can stop your mic from picking up background noise in various ways. Adjust the mic placement, gain, and volume levels, use a pop filter, add soundproofing to your recording space, and use noise reduction software.

Can I Use a Smartphone As a Microphone for Recording?

Yes, you can use a smartphone as a microphone for recording. However, external microphones provide better control and sound quality in the recording process.

How Much Should I Spend On a Recording Microphone?

The amount you should spend on a recording microphone depends significantly on your budget and needs. There are some decent options available for under $100. However, you may need to invest more if you want professional-grade audio quality.

Can I Use a USB Microphone for Recording Music?

Yes, you can use a USB microphone for recording music, as they are quite suitable for rough tracks. But if you want professional-grade audio quality, consider using an XLR mic with a separate audio interface.

Comparison Table

MicrophoneCapsule TypeFrequency (Hz)Sensitivity (dBV)Rating/10
 Shure SM7B Dynamic 50 – 20,000 -59 9.5 
 Neumann TLM 102  Condenser 20 – 20,000 -39 9.5
 Shure MV7  Dynamic 20 – 20,000 -55 9.5
 Blue Yeti X  Condenser 20 – 20,000 -36 9.5
 Lewitt LCT 440 PURE Condenser 20 – 20,000  -31.2 9.0
Rode NT1-ACondenser20 – 20,000-329.0
 Shure SM57  Dynamic 40 – 20,000 -56 9.0
 Rode Lavalier II  Condenser 20 – 20,000 -38 8.5
 MXL 990  Condenser 30 – 20,000 -36 8.5
 Rode VideoMic Condenser 40 – 20,000 -38 8.5 
 ThronmaxMDrill One Pro Condenser 20 – 20,000 -36 8.5
 Audio-Technica AT2020 Condenser 20 – 20,000 -37 8.0 

Conclusion

There you have it, folks! Our top picks of the best microphones for recording in 2023 have got you covered no matter your needs – whether you’re a vocal virtuoso or on a budget.

To cut to the chase, the Shure SM7B, Neumann TLM 102, Shure MV7, and Blue Yeti X are hands down our top favorites. Why? Because they’re versatile mics that excel in both live and studio recording. But at the end of the day, it’s your call. Choose one that provides you with the real bang for your buck. Happy recording!

Ed has fond memories of the times when he played games on an 8-bit console. If you want to make him talk for hours on end, just ask him about Valla from Heroes of the Storm. Eddie despises hackers and gamers who do not take the game seriously. He sees RealGear as a place where he has the freedom to express his viewpoint regarding PC and console games and put his journalism skills into practice.

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