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Performing live is a whole different beast than recording in a studio. With the noise, weather, outside elements, and accidents waiting to happen, it can be hostile to your audio gear, especially your microphone. Still, your mic will be your best friend during performances, so itās necessary to pick one that delivers well despite it all. You need a dynamic microphone robust enough to brave the unpredictability of a live session and sounds great too. If all that checks out, this post is for you. Keep reading as we introduce five of the best vocal mics for live performances you should get in 2024!
Included in this guide:
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  |
| 4.8 | Check Price |
Runner-up  | Sennheiser E 945 Vocal Microphone
| 4.6 | Check Price |
Top Pick  | Telefunken M80 Vocal Microphone
| 4.6 | Check Price |
Top Pick  |
| 4.5 | Check Price |
Lowest Price  | SE Electronics V7 Vocal Microphone
| 4.7 | Check Price |
Related Article: The Top 5 Best Microphones for Recording Vocals In 2024
The Shure SM58 is an iconic vocal microphone loved by legendary stars and artists like Paul MacCartney, Alice Cooper, and Roger Daltrey. With a frequency response tailored for live vocals (50Hz-15kHz), itās the perfect stage microphone whether youāre belting your heart out or baring your soul with a ballad. The SM58 effectively cuts through background noise on stage with its cardioid pickup pattern and a pneumatic shock mount, ensuring a crisp and vibrant vocal production. Itās also a favorite among singers for its reliable hardware. A steel mesh grille and enamel-coated metal protect the capsule from damage, making it the best vocal partner for singers who move around.
Sennheiserās E 945 microphone is a champ when it comes to vocal clarity. Featuring a super-cardioid pickup pattern, it provides a narrower angle of sensitivity compared to typical cardioid mics. It means it effectively rejects unwanted background sound and focuses on your voice for reproduction with natural transparency despite the live environment. The shock-mount capsule is another welcome addition, lowering the micās sensitivity to impact and handling noise. Durability-wise, the E 945 is a reliable companion for the most intense stage performances. Reassuringly solid, this masterpiece boasts a metal body and metal windscreen protecting the diaphragm.
The Telefunken M80 Vocal Microphone has a super-cardioid polar pattern and a frequency response of 50Hz to 18kHz. Any vocal put through it will sound richer, filled with vibrant details even on stage. With its well-balanced low-end response, it makes vocals sound full while helping them cut through the mix. The M80s pick up response is mellow and it represses the noise from handling nicely. It is a bit on the brighter side so that is something to keep in mind.
The Rode M1 is a rock-solid microphone worthy to be in your toolkit. Under its formidable aluminum body is a high-power neodymium capsule, delivering warm vocals with astonishing details. The sharply-angled cardioid polar pattern ensures pick-up with no spill or feedback. Engineered with extraordinary precision, the M1 almost completely rejects noise and impact from handling. An internal pop filter also helps eliminate plosive blasts from spoiling your live performance. The best part? The M1ās ergonomic design makes it remarkably comfortable to hold, perfect for rigorous sessions on the road.
The SE Electronics V7 Microphone proves you donāt need to spend hundreds of bucks to dominate the stage. The V7 exudes a crisp, open sound, thanks to SE Electronics' specialized DMC7 aluminum coil. Paired with a vast membrane and neodymium magnets, you get super-sonic accuracy. Surprisingly for its price, the V7 features a super-cardioid polar pattern, which does its job wonderfully, isolating vocals and filtering excess noise. The vast frequency response of 40Hz - 19kHz is a fantastic feature, allowing the V7 to cater to a wide variety of vocal styles and registers. No wonder Billie Eilish picked the V7 up for her hair-standing whisper-sing live vocal delivery!
Related Article: Shure SM57 Vs Shure SM58: Battle Of Two Legendary Mics
There are plenty of considerations when choosing a singing mic. The build, pickup pattern, and sound reproduction quality are all crucial. However, consider its practical features, too! Examine the micās noise sensitivity, EQ optimization, feedback resistance, grip comfort, and overall usability.
Very important. The polar pattern determines how well the microphone picks up sound from different directions. For live performances, cardioid or supercardioid patterns are ideal because they focus on sound coming from in front of the mic while rejecting sound from the sides and rear, minimizing feedback and background noise.
Wireless microphones offer greater mobility and reduce stage clutter by eliminating cables. However, they can be more expensive, require batteries or charging, and are subject to potential interference. Wired microphones are more reliable in terms of connection, generally cheaper, and donāt require power sources, but they limit movement and can contribute to stage clutter.
While studio microphones can be used for live performances, they are not always ideal due to their sensitivity to handling noise, susceptibility to feedback, and overall fragility. Live performance microphones are specifically designed to address these challenges, making them more suitable for the demands of live settings.
The Shure SM58, renowned for its durability, is one of the most popular microphones used by singers. Plenty of famous artists, both old and new, have used the SM58. Musicians like Paul McCartney, Shawn Mendes, and Demi Lovato are known to use the iconic Shure mic.
Are you ready to improve your live performances? Pick up Shureās SM58 if you want a microphone offering the best balance in fidelity, stellar sound quality, and durability. Of course, Sennheiserās E 945 is another worthy contender, rocking a super-cardioid pickup, a lightweight yet robust build, and a beautifully detailed reproduction. For a more budget-friendly option, consider SE Electronics V7 for its versatility and outstanding sound, even with a large crowd!
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