The Best Microphones for Rap Vocals in 2019
Believe it or not, today is one of the best times for rap.
It wasn’t long ago that hip-hop and R&B became the dominant genre in America for the first time in history. In 2017, Nielsen Music discovered that hip-hop and R&B accounted for 25.1% of the U.S. music consumption, while rock, which held the top spot prior, were responsible for 23%.
While this means that hip-hop artists are flourishing, it doesn’t mean that you get a better chance of breaking into the industry. You still need talent, the right team behind you, and proper equipment. Whether you’re only starting or you’re looking to upgrade, check out the best microphones today that will help you record clean vocals.
1. Neumann TLM 102 MT
This model is quite expensive but not for good reason. It can be the best microphone for vocals as it has clear peaks around 6 kHz, making sure your voice comes clear and strong. The rappers’ voice is open while still making the words intelligible.
It’s good for use alongside drums and guitars as it can take a maximum sound pressure level of 144 dB. It also smooths out guitar strums, taking out the harshness of the sounds.
2. MXL V67GS
This microphone stands out with its bright green body and a golden head. It has that classic look and a compact design, but its looks don’t reflect its price.
The MXL V67GS packs quite a lot of features into its compact frame despite its low price. It has a pressure gradient condenser capsule with a frequency response of 30 Hz to 20,000 Hz. It’s pretty silent, as well, having a self-noise of about 20 dB.
It’s not the quietest rap condenser microphone out there. Still, its capabilities exceed its price.
3. Audio Technica AT2020 USB+
This one comes equipped with a USB output for digital recording and a tripod for tabletop use. It has an A/D converter with 16 bit, 44.1/48 kHz sampling rate, which makes for high-quality audio. It also has a high-output internal headphone amplifier for delivery of precise details.
It’s great for all-around use, making it perfect for those who need a mic for other than rapping. It’s also a great tool for voice overs, recording outside, and podcasting.
4. Shure SM57-LC
This model is also a contender for the best cheap microphone as it’s quite affordable. It’s an old model, but it can still hold its ground against the newer models today. It’s popular for its wide-range performance and its classic design, which has that vintage feel.
It’s a dynamic cardioid mic, enabling it to remove background noise from all sides of the mic. It can take screams and loud sounds into it, though, plus rappers get a bass boost on automatic.
5. Rode NT1-A
This package contains a studio-grade pop shield, a shock mount, and a 20’ microphone cable, making it ready for home recordings of your rap vocals. That’s not the best thing about this, though – it only has a self-noise of 5 dB, one of the lowest in the industry. For that reason, it also works great for guitar and percussion recordings.
Apart from that, it produces high-quality vocals all-around, and it has a presence peak near 120 kHz.
6. AKG Pro Audio C214
If you’re looking for more decent microphones than the lower-end ones on this list, this model may be right for you. This is a bit different than other condenser mics. It accentuates your vocals with a touch of warmth as opposed to the usual flat response.
It’s quite sturdy, and it comes with a double-mesh grille to protect itself from physical shocks. It gives you a decent amount of options for accessories, but the C214 can stand on its own pretty well.
7. Blue Yeti USB
This Blue Yeti mic will capture your attention with its sleek build, but that’s not all it can offer. It uses a tri-capsule technology that can produce high-quality recordings of about anything. You can use it to record rap vocals, podcasts, and even musical instruments.
It has a direct connection to the computer and a zero-latency output to headphones. Its design is not only for aesthetic purposes, but it also makes it easy to control the volume, mute, select patterns, and so on. You can select up to 4 patterns: cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo.
The best thing about this is that it’s pretty cheap for a microphone with a durable build and great audio output.
8. CAD GXL2200SP
This is another recording pack that comes complete with a shock mount, a pop filter, and a microphone clip. It’s in the affordable price range, and it stands as one of the best mic setups for beginners.
It’s easy to set up, and its build quality is what you would expect of a condenser mic. Meaning, it’s not something to write home about, but it’s decent enough for use at home. The audio quality is great, though, especially if you consider the price.
9. Audio-Technica AT4040
This is a bit more expensive than its sibling we listed above, but the difference in price tags is worth it. Its performance is comparable to the Neumann microphone for a fraction of the price, offering a solid build a wide frequency range, and versatility.
It works great for rap vocals, but it’s also great for recording a wide range of instruments, like guitars and drums. It has great sensitivity, allowing it to eliminate most of the background noises. This makes it ideal for beginning artists rising on platforms like YouTube.
A plus is that it comes with a velvet cover to protect the mic when not in use.
Finding the Best Microphones for You
Most of the items in this best microphones list are pretty affordable, which can work great for you at the beginning of your career. What matter more are your talent, skills, and the beats to accompany your lyrics. Check out our website today for more than 200 beats and instrumentals and contact us for any inquiry.
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