Shure SM7b (yes, low gain, but with a good preamp no worries)
Shure ksm44
AKG C214
Warm Audio WA14
Warm Audio WA-47Jr
Audio Technica AT4033
SE Electronics 2200
Aston Stealth
_____ OTHER!

I realize some might be condenser and some dynamic . . . and different genres, voice, etc. But, in general, for general male vocals, for the most standard best bet for working out in most scenarios . . .

Which to get?

Note: I wrote "singing" as spoken word and rap might be a different animal

 

Last edited: Apr 14, 2025 at 5:14 AM

The SM7b is my all time favorite mic. I choose it over $10,000+ mics all of the time.

 

I know most of these mics and I would go for a AKG C214.

The AKG C214 is a great vocal mic and a real working horse for all kind of applications.

I have owned 4 AKG C214s and use them a lot.

My 50 cents

 

Hello tommyzai. Years ago I recorded three songs in a studio in Long Beach, CA using the Shure KSM44 on my vocal and liked it quite a lot. If you can find one used you'll pay around 400 bucks though new around 1,000. That's the only one that I have direct experience with.

 

Oops, I put a more expensive mic on that list, but maybe used . . . . ?

 

Finding a $400 used price on a $1000 mic is either good luck or a condition issue to be aware of. The Warm WA-87 is usually closer to $400 used and they are only about $700 new. That Shure is more often about $600+ used, and in good condition.

 

That's a nice list, especially first 3 on it and if you need a good, characterful mic.

To make it a bit easier for you, you may be able to find a AT4047 for $400. Not impossible. Great mic. Would be my choice over 4033.

 

I found one for about $400. Would the Warm WA-87 be significantly better than any of the list above as a basic male singing mic?

 

Hello @tommyzai, here's another hot tip:

Shure Beta 87A condenser vocal microphone - 309 €
www.shure.com/en-US/products/microphones/beta_87a?variant=BETA87A
www.thomann.de/de/shure_beta_87a.htm?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvt6L3unXjAMV_4ODBx0NmQTaEAQYASABEgKRCfD_BwE

 

The newer WA-87 R2 is a bit nicer than the first version from the examples I've heard to compare . The top end is not as annoying. Around me new it can be had for under 500 buckaroons.

https://www.thomannmusic.ch/warm_au...jyLtW9wVCd94BorRP25DHou9tmC_U1QxoChS8QAvD_BwE

 

Aston Spirit excellent sounding mic.

 

Many of the mics listed work quite well in this situation. But another thing to consider is.....the voice itself.
Everyone's voice is different. What works best for soemone else might not be what works best for you.
If you have access to a a large music store like GC, I would suggest you demo some mics. I've recorded
enough male, (& female), vocalists to know that "one size" does not always "fit all".

 

I'm liking what I hear from Sennheiser MK4!! Any thoughts before I buy . . . others definitely better for the price?

 

For this microphone, Sennheiser uses a 1" true condenser capsule, which is also used in the company's own vocal microphone e 965.

The microphone capsule is housed in a robust, nickel-plated metal housing with a black plastic head. From an acoustic perspective, the two-layer microphone grille is quite open, resulting in a low-resonance, clear sound. Those who fear impact noise can successfully combat it with the optional MKS 4 microphone shock mount. The MK4's self-noise level is 10 dB(A) lower than that of any room, making it flexible even when recording quiet sounds for sound design and Foley.

Conclusion

I find something to complain about with most products – but with the Sennheiser MK 4, I can't think of anything. It's a thoroughly competently designed microphone at a competitive price. It almost seems as if the Sennheiser Group wants to give its cheap competitors a proper broadside. Just over a year ago, the Neumann TLM 102 (see S&R 12.2009) was already a clear statement: top quality from a traditional manufacturer at a low price. The Sennheiser MK 4 takes things up a notch in terms of price/performance: it's an impeccably crafted studio microphone with outstanding technical specifications and a distinctive sound. I'm honestly amazed that such a good microphone, made in Germany, can be offered at such a low price. Highly recommended!

https://www-soundandrecording-de.tr...l=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp

Sennheiser MK4 - 365 € www.thomann.de/de/sennheiser_mk4.htm
Sennheiser MKS 4 - 87 € www.thomann.de/de/sennheiser_mks_4.htm
Sennheiser MK4 Set - 449 € www.thomann.de/de/sennheiser_mk4_set.htm

 

Another mic to consider: Lewitt LCT 441, (around $350,-) It sounds great on male voice. But I would only get a condenser if the recording space is acoustically treated. If it isn't, better get a dynamic mic, it picks up much less room.
And +1 on listening and trying mics before buying.

 

SM7B for the least hassle with room influence.

 

Last edited: Apr 15, 2025 at 1:28 AM

SM7 or RE20 if you can afford it... my voice works on a SM58 I also like the old Studio Projects C1, they're cheap used.

 

I'm a cheap bastard when it comes to mics (and headphones) I've got a half dozen or so mics and the one I use most is the MXL 990, it works well for my voice. I got it from a fellow who was a entertainment lawyer and sang rap on the side. (true story)



I liked it well enough to buy another as a spare and/or backup, and it came in this kit with its skinny little brother, it has a nice shock mount, works well upside down or right side up. about 100 clams from Amazon

but pay an extra 25$ and get this shock mount for it instead of the one that comes in that kit.



this one comes with a nice case, that can double as a lunch bucket/bento box as long as you aren't too big an eater..

https://www.amazon.com/Liquid-Audio...490&sprefix=mxl+990+microphone,aps,148&sr=8-5

 

if your on a budget for not alot of money ...

AGK P420 for about 200 buck cames with a case a suspension mount and the mic its decent for at home recording

Audio-Technica AT2020 for 100 bucks is a work horse i used for years does everything well in a home studio environment.

ive used higher priced mics at home and honestly you need to be in a proper studio to take fully advantage of them.

if you feel the need the RODE NT1A large diaphragm is about the top of the line that you need for home recording it runs about 310 and comes with. everything you need

and of course the SHURE SM7B is great if you wanna blow all your budget @ 400 +/-

my 2 pence

 

Slate ML-1 is on sale right now. ;-)

I love this mic even without the emulations.