7 Best Vocal Mics that Will Make You Sound like a Pro in 2023
Whether you’re an aspiring vocalist, a seasoned recording artist, or a studio engineer, the best microphone for vocals can elevate your sound to professional heights. From the studio to the stage, from the robust to the refined, each microphone in this collection offers unique features and innovations that cater to a wide spectrum of vocal needs.
In this post, we’ll explore these masterpieces of audio technology, unraveling their features, dissecting their specifications, and understanding what makes them the best microphones for vocals.
Whether you’re looking to invest in your first professional microphone or seeking to add a new gem to your collection, this guide is your compass to finding the best microphone for vocals.
What are the 7 Best Vocal Mics in 2023?
Here are the 7 best microphones for vocals:
1. Rode NT1 5th Generation – Most Value for Money Vocal Mic (US$ 249.00)
Why would you want this microphone?
You want a vocal microphone that sounds great, is versatile, and give you the best bang for your buck.
Product Info
- Microphone Type: Hybrid Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Diaphragm Size: 1″ (25mm)
- Power Requirements: USB bus powered, 48V phantom power
- A/D Resolution: 32-bit floating point/192kHz
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -32 dBV/Pa (25.12 mV/Pa) @1kHz
- Max SPL: 142 dB
- Self Noise: 4 dB (A-weighted)
- Output Connection: XLR, USB-C
- Weight: 308g (0.68 lbs)
- Accessories: SM6 Shockmount, XLR Cable, USB-C to USB-C cable, Dust Cover
Features
- XLR/USB hybrid connectivity
- 32-bit float digital output
- Onboard DSP with advanced APHEX controls for real-time audio processing
- Includes SM6 shock mount and pop filter
Pros
Cons

Rode NT1 5th Gen
2. Earthworks ICON – Best USB Mic for Vocals (US$ 349.00)
Why would you want this microphone?
You don’t want the hassle of having an audio interface and just want a great-sounding plug-and-play USB microphone.
Product Info
- Microphone Type: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Power Requirements: USB Bus Power
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -34 dBV/Pa (20 mV/Pa) @1kHz
- Max SPL: 132 dB
- Output Connection: USB-micro, 3.5mm headphone monitoring jack
- Weight: 680g (1.5 lbs)
- Accessories: Built-in Pop Filter, orbital mic adapter, mic stand
Features
- Triad-Orbit M2-R mic adapter
- Built-in pop filter
- Analog gain of -20dB to +20dB controlled by mic gain knob
- Digital gain of -12dB to +30dB controlled by connected device or software
- Mic gain knob doubles as a mute button
Pros
Cons

Earthworks ICON
3. Shure KSM8 Dualdyne – Best Vocal Mic for Live Performance (US$ 399.00)
Why would you want this microphone?
You perform at live gigs regularly and need the best microphone for the job.
Product Info
- Microphone Type: Dual-diaphragm dynamic
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 16,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -51.5 dBV/Pa (2.66 mV/Pa) @1kHz
- Output Connection: XLR
- Weight: 330g (0.72 lbs)
- Accessories: Zippered hard carrying case, microphone mount, 5/8” to 3/8” thread adapter
Features
- Patented dual-diaphragm cartridge for minimizing proximity effect
- Internal pumping pneumatic shock mount for reducing handling noise
- Diaphragm stabilization system for protecting the diaphragm against plosives and impact
Pros
Cons

Shure KSM8
4. DPA 2028 – Best Vocal Mic for Live Performance & Studio Recording (US$ 600.00)
Why would you want this microphone?
You perform at live gigs but also do studio recordings regularly and don’t want to have too many vocal microphones for each situation.
Product Info
- Microphone Type: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
- Power Requirements: 48V phantom power
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -46 dBV/Pa (5 mV/Pa) @1kHz
- Max SPL: 160 dB
- Self Noise: 22 dB (A-weighted)
- Output Connection: XLR
- Weight: 286g (0.63 lbs)
- Accessories: microphone clip
Features
- Four-stage capsule protection – Internal shock mount, pop filter, foam windshield, and external metal mesh
Pros
Cons

DPA 2028
5. Austrian Audio OC818 – Best Vocal Mic for Studio Recording (US$ 1,249.00)
Why would you want this microphone?
You want a high-quality vintage-looking professional studio microphone with innovative and versatile features.
Product Info
- Microphone Type: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Figure-8, supercardioid, omnidirectional, and custom programmable
- Power Requirements: 48V phantom power
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -37.7 dBV/Pa (13 mV/Pa) @1kHz
- Max SPL: 148 dB
- Self Noise: 9 dB (A-weighted)
- Output Connection: XLR (mic), Mini-XLR (dual out cable)
- Weight: 360g (0.79 lbs)
- Accessories: microphone clip
Features
- Five polar patterns selector switch
- -10dB and -20dB attenuation pad
- High pass filter at 40, 80, and 160 Hz
- Dual outputs for recording each diaphragm separately
- PolarPilot app for remote control with the OCR8 Bluetooth Dongle (sold separately)
- PolarDesigner plugin for shaping different polar patterns
- StereoCreator plugin for setting different stereo recording techniques
- AmbiCreator plugin for creating an ambisonic B-format signal with two OC818
Pros
Cons

Austrian Audio OC818
6. Lewitt Pure Tube set – Best Warm-Sounding Vocal Microphone (US$ 1,299.00)
Why would you want this microphone?
You want a vocal microphone that can add a warm and deep tone to your voice, like the classic sound of a ribbon microphone.
Product Info
- Microphone Type: Tube condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Diaphragm Size: 1″ (25.4mm)
- Power Requirements: External power supply
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -31 dBV/Pa (28.2 mV/Pa) @1kHz
- Max SPL: 132 dB
- Self Noise: 7 dB (A-weighted)
- Output Connection: 7-pin XLR
- Weight: 692g (1.52 lbs)
- Accessories: Power supply, shock mount, pop filter, 7-pin XLR cable, transport bag, hard-shell transport case
Features
- Hand-selected 12AU7 tube adds warmth to the sound
- No capacitors and semiconductors in the signal path for clean audio
- Transformer-based filter for controlling proximity effect
Pros
Cons

Lewitt Pure Tube
7. AKG P120 – Best Budget Vocal Mic (US$ 99.00)
Why would you want this microphone?
You just started out in your recording journey or have a tight budget and need an affordable vocal microphone that sounds great.
Product Info
- Microphone Type: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Diaphragm Size: 0.66″ (16.93mm)
- Power Requirements: 48V phantom power
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -32.4 dBV/Pa (24 mV/Pa) @1kHz
- Max SPL: 130 dB, 150 dB with Pad
- Self Noise: 19dB (A-weighted)
- Output Connection: XLR
- Weight: 455g (1 lbs)
- Accessories: Mount adapter
Features
- Switch for bass roll-off at 300 Hz
- Switch for -20dB pad
Pros
Cons

AKG P120