The best types of microphones for different styles

To the untrained ear, all modern microphones do pretty much the same thing. They pick up analogue audio information, and relay it through an interface turning it into digital information. However if you’re reading this, it’s likely you’re looking for ways to elevate your vocal recordings, and have turned your attention to your mic. 

When looking for a new microphone, there’s a lot to take into account, including your genre, your performance style, and the environment you record in. Let’s put things under a ‘mic’-roscope (sorry), and find the best mic for you. 

What makes mics different from each other?

In the early days of studio recording, there wasn’t much separation between different microphones, but 100 years of development has changed that. The majority of vocal microphones can be put into one of three different categories. We won’t get into the physics; typically they have the same construction, but the way they convert audio into electrical signals varies. Using the right microphone is important because it’s the first link in the recording chain in terms of hardware. What microphone you use will impact how your vocal effects, mixing choices and arrangement have to be carried out. 

Dynamic microphones

What are they?: Dynamic microphones are typically used in loud environments. They’re super durable, versatile, and aren’t very sensitive, so there is less chance of them overloading. When most people picture a microphone, they think of a dynamic microphone - most notably the Shure SM58, known for its durability. 

I have personally used an SM58 as a hammer to loosen up a stiff mic stand, and I still use that same microphone today in my recordings. A dynamic microphone (Shure SM7B) was also used to record most of the vocals on the best selling album of all time: Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller.’

Famous examples: Shure SM7B, Shure SM58

Condenser microphones

What are they?: If you have an audio interface in your studio, you’ll see a little button that either says ‘Phantom Power’ or ‘48V.’ This is designed for instruments and microphones that require external power to make them work, such as condenser microphones. The power comes through the XLR cable (microphone cable) directly into the mic. Condenser microphones offer excellent sensitivity and a very full sound, and they’re great for capturing the nuance of voices. 

To make things more confusing, there are two types of condenser microphones too. Small diaphragm and large diaphragm. Large diaphragm condensers are great for studio recordings, whilst small diaphragms are good for accuracy and live recordings.

Famous examples: Neumann U87, Audio Technica AT2020

Ribbon microphones

What are they?: Ribbon microphones aren’t as common as dynamic or condenser microphones, but they have been experiencing a surge in popularity in recent years. Ribbon microphones offer the most natural reproduction of sound, as its frequency range mimics human hearing. 

They are typically pretty delicate, and for that reason they’re normally used in studio environments. Some ribbon microphones require phantom power, but others don’t. It’s really important to check if the ribbon microphone you’re using requires phantom power, because the passive ones (the ones that don’t use phantom power) can be damaged by it. 

Famous examples: Royer Labs R-121, Coles 4038

Other Types

• Lavalier mics: You probably know these as the ‘influencer microphones.’ They are small handheld mics that are typically wireless and can be clipped onto different parts of a person’s clothes. They are great for interviews, presentations, and for social media. 

• Shotgun mics: Shotgun microphones are long, skinny, incredibly directional microphones, which means they are able to isolate sound really well whilst blocking out other noises. If you’ve watched any Tiny Desk Concerts, you’ll see shotgun microphones in action there. 

• USB mics: The perfect microphone for podcasts where just one individual is speaking. The Blue Yeti microphones are the most widely used USB microphones. They plug directly into your laptop or computer, and don’t require any external power to run. 

What microphones are best for different styles?

Just like microphones, no two voices are exactly the same. You’ll need to consider which microphone to choose based on your genre, influences, gear, and vocal capabilities. Here I’ll go through a few different styles and what works best.  

Delicate, Airy Vocals

Notable singers: Billie Elish, Ellie Goulding, Elliott Smith

Genres: Pop, Lo-Fi Indie, Chamber Music

Styles: Chilled, Laid-Back, Soft

If your vocal delivery is fairly quiet and gentle, you have to pick a microphone that perfectly brings out those quiet nuances. Using a microphone which isn’t very sensitive will result in your vocals being quite flat, and the uniqueness of your voice not being captured. For most people with this style of voice, I would recommend a condenser microphone. Their sensitivity is perfect for this type of delivery, and they create a really personal, authentic sound when used by a quiet singer. Be careful on what type of condenser you buy though. If your condenser is too cheap, you’re going to end up with some really harsh resonances and sounds which will be very hard to get rid of with EQ. 

• Budget: Audio Technica AT2020

• Mid-range: Rode NT1

• Expensive: Neumann U87

Belting, Loud Vocals

Notable singers: Chris Cornell, Adele, Freddie Mercury

Genres: Metal, Opera, Pop-Punk, Rock

Styles: Aggressive, Powerful, Energetic

If you’re going to be belting out big vocals, or working with singers who do regularly, you need a microphone that will be able to handle a lot of acoustic energy and information. Many condenser microphones will be unsuitable for this type of singing, because they won’t be able to cope with the loudness of the signal reaching them. These types of vocalists are incredible live, so getting the most out of their performances in the studio is really important. You’re trying to capture something which already sounds great at its very best, which can be a challenge in itself. For metal and heavier genres with any screaming or high energy performances, dynamic microphones are the standard. Condensers can be used for vocalists who belt their performances, but you need to make sure they can handle a high SPL (sound pressure level). 

• Budget: Shure SM58

• Mid-range: Shure SM7B

• Expensive: Electro Voice RE20

Neutral, Spoken & Rap Vocals

Notable singers: Kae Tempest, Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter

Genres: Rap, Spoken Word, Pop, most genres

As a rule, the majority of singers deliver their performances neutrally. The power is still there in the delivery, but there isn’t as much change in the overall energy of the performance. These singers have more common vocal ranges of 2-4 octaves, or they are rappers or spoken word artists. For these types of performers, you’ll want to hone your microphone around their timbre and how they sing. Singers who perform closer to the microphone will need something that can bring out the high end of the performance or reduce the impact of some of the lower frequencies. Rappers and Spoken word artists will need something which is quite natural and honest, potentially a ribbon microphone if possible. 

• Budget: Audio Technica AT2020/Shure SM58

• Mid-range: Shure SM7B/Aston Microphones Spirit/Royer Labs R-10

• Expensive: AKG C414/Royer Labs R-121

Other Considerations

• Background Noise: If you’re recording in a place with lots of background noise, you’re going to need a microphone that is able to focus on your instrument or your voice. Shotgun microphones should not be overlooked here- I used a Rode NTG3 shotgun microphone for my vocals on one of my EPs, and it did a great job of removing the hum of a lot of equipment in my recording space. 

• Do you need to spend big?: If you’re doing a podcast, or if you don’t have an audio interface yet and do everything in the box (on your DAW) then you don’t necessarily need an expensive microphone for your vocals. USB microphones can be surprisingly versatile in this instance. Platforms like Soundtrap allow you to record directly using a USB microphone, and as a DAW it’s designed for producers working with a slimmed down studio. 

• Focus on your room first: This is really important. Having the best microphone in the world and using it in a room which isn’t acoustically treated could actually yield worse results, because it will pick up on all of the bad acoustic reflections. If you don’t have a vocal booth or a way of insulating sound for your vocals, consider using a dynamic microphone which can handle a wider variety of environments. 

Conclusion

Ultimately the best microphone for you is the one that fits your budget, style, and studio setup. It’s not as simple as just buying the most expensive microphone on the market. Different microphones have qualities that are better for different use cases, and taking into account all of the factors mentioned above will give you the best chance of getting top tier vocals.

About the author

Max McLellan is a composer, songwriter, and audio engineer with credits ranging across film, TV and radio. He provides composition, mixing, and mastering services through his company MKM Audio.