Last updated on August 4th, 2022 at 10:24 am
A vocal microphone can make a voice more deep and soft while singing. It catches the sound waves and converts them into electrical signals. A best vocal mic for soft voice can give many transitions to the same recording. Each microphone has its own unique functions towards people with a particular tone.
A microphone is the most significant tool for any music studio. Therefore, picking the best microphone for recording vocals is very important. Microphones have different types, specifications, and patterns. Here you can check them out in detail.
Types of Vocal Microphones
There are two prominent types of microphones with different functions.
1. Dynamic
- A dynamic microphone has a diaphragm, voice coil, and magnet.
- It produces a great voice when the sound hits the diaphragm, which vibrates the voice coil that eventually transforms the sound waves into electrical signals.
- They’re more versatile and best to use in the big music events.
- They have a plain design and are extremely rugged.
2. Condenser
- The condenser microphones are delicate and complex.
- They have good sensitivity and a great output level.
- Perfect for in-house productions and home studios
- Have a small and delicate outlook
Parts of Microphone
A microphone is not a single thing but a mixture of many great instruments that create the best vocals.
- Coil
A coil is generally attached to the diaphragm and it starts vibrating along with the diaphragm. The diaphragm works as a receiver just as the eardrums. When a sound wave enters into the amplifier, it helps the diaphragm to vibrate.
- Windscreen
A small microphone windscreen helps the microphone from dirt. It’s like a stubborn metal that covers the microphone from the outside and works as an obstacle against the breathy sound.
- Capsule
A capsule is where the sound gets transformed from vibration to and electrical signal.
- Output
It is the place where you put the cable into the microphone and connect it with other devices.
Patterns of Microphone
A pattern detects the sound direction where it is coming from and makes it to the center of the microphone. There are 6 different labor polar pattern of a microphone.
Omnidirectional Pattern
The omnidirectional mic pattern picks up the sound from all sides of the microphone. No matter where the user will speak, this pattern catches the sound from all directions. The omnidirectional patterns give the highest frequency and a wide-range.
Unidirectional Pattern
A unidirectional microphone is able to capture the sound coming from only one direction. It works oppositely to the omnidirectional microphone as it picks up the sound from all the directions equally.
Cardioid Patterns
A cardioid mic pattern is used to record the big speeches and it dismisses the sound from different directions. It diminishes the sound coming from the sides.
A cardioid pattern drops the sound waves and yields the negative signals, which ultimately drops the positive signals from the omnidirectional component.
Hyper-cardioid Patterns
It has a bigger figure 8 that helps to reach the most stretched area of front sensitivity and a little projection of back sensitivity of the microphone.
Super-cardioid Patterns
It has a few similarities with the Super-cardioid patterns. It mostly picks up the sound from the front area and less from the back area.
The hyper-cardioids generate nulls at 109.5 by a joining proportion of 3:1. Whereas, the super-cardioid creates nulls as 126.9 by a consolidating proportion of 5:3.
Sub-cardioid Patterns
It has a consolidating proportion of about 7:3 with a 3-10 dB level between the front and the back areas. Moreover, it includes no null points.
Necessary Things to Work with Microphone
There are some other important things, which should be present while you work with a microphone. They’re:
- DAW recording software
- Computer or Laptop
- Pop filter
- Microphone stand
- Headphones or speakers
- Audio interface
Best Selling Vocal Microphones
There’s a list of top quality microphones, which are highly recommended by professionals.
1. Shure SM7B Cardioid Microphone
This is one of the best vocal mic for soft voice, which has a quick frequency response. It has a pop filter that provides clear vocals and cut off the background noise. Moreover, it has a rugged exterior that makes it long-lasting. It weighs 2.03 pounds and best to use at large gatherings and musical events.
2. Neumann TLM 103 Condenser Microphone
It is a great condenser microphone for vocals to use in the studio rooms and in-house productions. It consists of a cardioid microphone with a large diaphragm. Likewise, there’s a microphone, shock mount, and briefcase available in the packing. It weighs 7.7 pounds only and has a cardioid pattern.
3. SE Electronics sE2200a II C
This condenser microphone is useful for stereo recordings and has a large diaphragm. It’s the most prominent types of microphone that has a wide range. Furthermore, it has a good frequency rate from 20Hz to 20KHz. It weighs only 2.79 pounds that makes it highly portable.
4. Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Mic
This dynamic microphone has a rugged design and the ability to reproduce better vocals. It’s easy to use and best to manage the big festivals. Moreover, this microphone for recording is resistant to dirt and dampness.
It’s the best choice to use for group singing and broadcasting. It weighs 13.6 ounces and comes with two years warranty. It has a cardioid polar pattern and sensitivity of 2 mV/Pa +- 3 dB. Further, a microphone clip is also available with its packaging.
5. Rode NTK Premium Tube
This carbon microphone is a great alternative for better vocals and guitar amps. It has a sensitive transducer, which provides the audiophile-grade components. Moreover, it has a wide dynamic range that gives a clear imitation of any sound. It weighs 14.2 pounds and comes in a silver-grey color.
Conclusion
We’ve elaborated one of the best vocal mic for soft voice above, which are convenient for both professional and in-house productions. There are multiple brands that have microphones with different amazing qualities. Make your research and go through all the pros and cons before considering any vocal microphone.
FAQs
1. What is the best wireless microphone for live vocals?
Here’s a list of top wireless microphones for live vocals that you can buy:
- Shure SM58. The Shure SM58
- Shure Beta 58A. The Shure Beta 58A
- Sennheiser e835. The Sennheiser e835
- Audix OM-3. The Audix OM-3
2. What is the best microphone for jazz vocals?
Shure Beta 87, Audix OM5, and the Beyer M88 are considered to be the best quality microphones for jazz vocals.
3. What are the types of microphones?
There are mainly two types of microphones, which work differently.
- Dynamic Microphones
- Condenser Microphones
4. What are the best microphones for podcasting?
There are many great microphones that are being used by the professionals for podcasting. They include:
- Blue Microphones Yeti USBRode Procaster.
- NEAT King Bee.
- Audio-Technica AT2035PK
- Rode NT-USB
- Samson Meteor
- Shure SM7B
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