8 Professional Studio Recording Microphones For Vocals

Without spending 5K and up, what are the best professional studio recording microphones?

Many of you may be in the grey area. You have a nice chunk of money to put down for a professional condenser microphone, but you don’t have $5,000 and up. You’re not the only one. Most studios go through the stage of this grey area, as well.

The question becomes, “what is the very best microphone I can get with the decent chunk of money I’ve got right now.” Have no fear because there is good news!

It is highly possible to find a studio recording microphone that delivers professional sound quality without spending 5K. We are fortunate that audio technology has accelerated rapidly within the past decade.

With the help of some of our producer friends, sound engineers, reviews, and consistent comparisons; We were able to formulate a list of the 8 best studio recording microphones to capture professional-sounding vocals without spending a fortune.

Before We Get Started, A Few Things To Keep In Mind

• USB Mics are cheaper and simpler to use because you don’t need to purchase an additional interface. However, there are no USB microphones on this list.
• Microphones that need Phantom Power require an additional interface. (Every microphone on this list)
• Depending on whichever preamp you use also plays a factor in the sound of your vocal tracks.
• There are 2 types of studio microphones; Dynamic and Condenser. Every microphone on this list is a condenser mic, which is typically better for recording vocals in a studio.

In Short, Here Are The Best Studio Recording Microphones To Record Vocals For The Money

• Neumann TLM 102
• AKG Pro Audio C414 XLII
• Neumann TLM 103
• Lewitt LCT-840
• Warm Audio WA-47
• Neumann TLM 49
• Mojave
• Neumann U87 Ai

1. Neumann TLM 102

The Neumann TLM 102 is a cardioid condenser microphone that is smaller than most Neumann’s with a diameter at 52mm and a length of 116mm. However, don’t let its small size fool you. This microphone produces an immense sound that can be compared to microphones twice to three times the price.

You probably wouldn’t think the TLM 102 at its compact size has a large diaphragm, but it does! The benefits of a mic with a large-diaphragm are always a plus for vocal recordings. It can capture more of the acoustic energy than a smaller diaphragm mic. Another great advantage for the TLM 102’s large-diaphragm is its very low self-noise of only 12dB.  

The TLM 102 is an incredibly versatile microphone that can be used for recording just about any instrument. However, it truly excels with vocals. Its ability to handle extreme SPLs mixed with the low-noise circuitry makes the TLM 102 capable of capturing the voice naturally with incredible clarity. Not to forget, the wide dynamic range of 132dB is quite exceptional, as well.

The cardioid polar pattern for the TLM 102 is very tight. The off-axis rejection is incredible, which gives the mic more attention to what’s right in front of it while reducing unwanted background noise. Once held in your hand, you will be able to tell right away how fantastic the all-metal build quality and durability of the mic is. It was clearly well designed and built to last. Not to mention, the TLM 102 itself is absolutely beautiful. Possibly one of the better-looking microphones I have seen, thus, adding production value to your studio.

The Video Below shows The TLM 102 Up Against The Much More Expensive Microphones By Neumann. The Comparison Starts At 1:08

In my honest opinion, the Neumann TLM 102 is way too good for its price range. $699 may not be cheap. However, the incredibly clear and natural sound this microphone produces can stand toe to toe with some of the most expensive Neumann microphones on the market. The TLM 102 may be small, but the sound quality it produces is tremendous with incredible clarity.

A female vocalist tested the TLM 102 up against 11 of the much more expensive Neumann microphones. I was incredibly shocked that the TLM 102 placed in the top 4 while being substantially cheaper than the rest. Overall, Neumann TLM 102 is the very best bang for the buck condenser microphone for professional/high-grade studios while performing incredible with a woman’s’ voice. 

Included Accessories

• Stand Mount

Features and Details

• Low self-noise at 12dB
• Large Diaphragm
• Dynamic Range: 132dB
• Incredible versatility

Tech Specs

2. AKG Pro Audio C414 XLII

Coming in a gorgeous carry case, the AKG Pro Audio C414 XLII is a top contender pro studio mic. In the scenario where you prefer traveling with a mini pouch, it comes with that as well. Along with the purchase, you also get a robust shock mount and a windscreen.

It’s an amazingly versatile workhorse microphone that makes an incredible investment for your studio. This professional condenser microphone used to be $125 more expensive earlier this year. However, we are unsure of how long the reduced price will last. It is a very solid built and densely weighted microphone that was designed for maximum longevity. You won’t find a single flimsy part.

Like the rest on this list, the C414 XLII is a condenser microphone. Incredibly versatile, this mic is great for vocals and most instruments, as well. Regardless of your application, the nine adjustable polar patterns allow you to capture any type of audio source.

It provides a full frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz, capturing all the audible spectrum. The mic offers a high SPL handling of 140dB is boosted up to 158dB with the pad. This enables you to achieve the full sound of the loudest instruments on the planet. Another highly impressive attribute to this mic is the incredibly low self-noise of 6dB. It is one of the least noisy microphones on the market.

It comes with three separate bass cut filters depending on your situation. The bass filters help reduce a boomy bass, proximity effect, etc. If you decide to use the AKG Pro Audio C414 XLII for a live performance, the bass filter helps reduce unwanted noise from the stage.

Speaking of live performance, the “lock mode” halts all controls from switching. This feature is perfect to use during a live performance. Considering it’s a condenser, the best polar pattern to use for live performance is the hypercardioid.

Overall, the AKG Pro Audio C414 XLII is a fantastic studio microphone for vocals, and it easily makes the top 8 on the market. It has flawless versatility, excellent sound quality, impressive technical aspects across the board, and it’s built like a tank. We highly recommend it.

Included Accessories

• Robust & stylish carry case
• Pop filter
• Mini travel pouch
• Shockmount

Features and Details

• 9 switchable polar patterns
• Large-diaphragm
• Pads: -6dB, -12dB, and -18dB
• 3 low-cut filters: 40Hz, 80Hz, and 160Hz 

Tech Specs

3. Neumann TLM 103

The Neumann TLM 103 is another outstanding large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone. On top of being an overall exceptional professional microphone, the TLM 103 is incredible at picking up a female’s voice. Something that makes this microphone unique is its extremely low self-noise at 7dB mixed with 131db dynamic range.

This combination was only possible due to its transformerless circuitry customized by Neumann. Any microphone with extremely low self-noise such as the TLM 103 has massive benefits. Lower self-noise adds a sonic depth to the overall audio source. It also helps capture and articulate more nuance within the audio.

The off-axis rejection of this microphone is excellent, making sure only the voice is being picked up. The TLM 103’s smoothed-out proximity effect can be used as a plus for this microphone in some cases.

This microphone is incredibly clear, accurate, and smooth while pleasantly accentuating the upper frequencies. It is perfect for any singer or engineer who prefers the high-end to shine before any post-processing naturally. However, the Neumann TLM 103 is very good at handling processing of any sort.

Included Accessories

• Wooden box
• Shockmount

Features

• Large-diaphragm
• Extremely low self-noise with only 7dB
• Pressure gradient transducer
• Transformerless circuitry
• Dynamic range: 131dB

Tech Specs

4. Lewitt LCT-840

One of the most underrated microphones in the game is the vintage-style Lewitt LCT-840. However, for those who do know about this microphone, nothing but incredible ratings across the board. It has a large-diaphragm tube condenser that captures extraordinary sound quality.

It produces one of the most naturally powerful tube sounds I have ever. The natural transient response, warm tube sound, and articulate airy tone, all give this mic unique benefits. The three adjustable pads help with capturing louder audio sources in case you record an instrument.

Like all microphones on this list, the Lewitt LCT-840 has a fantastic build quality and design. It’s entirely made of solid metal with an oversized tube-inspection window on the front. This mic sounds great for singers, acoustic, overhead drums, piano, guitar cab, bass cab, brass, and woodwind instruments. However, it was explicitly optimized for vocals. This mic is yet another one of the quietest condensers on the market with a self-noise of only 9dB.

A massive benefit with the Lewitt LCT-840 is the five adjustable polar patterns: Cardioid, broad cardioid, figure-8, supercardioid, and Omni-directional. Most people use the cardioid polar pattern for vocals in the studio. However, using supercardioid is best to use on stage during a live performance. An omni-directional or broad cardioid polar pattern is best to capture the room depending on where you set the microphone up.

Overall, the Lewitt LCT-840 is an exceptional microphone for a professional studio. It produces one of our favorite tube sounds compared to the majority of microphones on the market. This mic is fantastic for singers and is versatile enough for instruments as well. You will not need to work too hard to make it sound good. The Lewitt LCT-840 does not require phantom power.

Included Accessories

• Storage case
• Windscreen
• Shockmount

Features and Details

• Oversized tube-inspection window
• Extra-large hexagonal
• Dynamic range: 130dB
• Ultra-thin 1″ externally biased, gold-layered low-mass diaphragms; dual-triode tube
• Self-noise: 9dB
• Tube capsule
• 3 adjustable pad: 0dB/ 10dB/ 20 dB

Tech Specs

5. Warm Audio WA-47

The Warm Audio WA-47 is another fantastic-sounding tube condenser microphone. It has a dual large diaphragm that’s great for capturing more acoustic energy in the audio. Sounding great for singers of any voice type, this mic provides an excellent value. You will notice how hot the mic is upon hooking it up.

Most engineers keep their interface at a lower volume using the WA-47. It does a decent job trying to replicate the sound of a true vintage mic. Coming with the purchase is a stylish wooden case, a Warm Audio external power supply, and a shockmount.

The JJ Slovak vacuum tube and Wima & Solen French polystyrene capacitors add tremendous benefits to the microphone’s incredible vintage tube sound. Here is another relatively low self-noise microphone of 11dB, which helps capture the true essence of your voice. With the full frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz, it picks up all the audible frequencies the human ear can hear.

It has a high max SPL to take on very loud vocals or instruments of 140dB. While the tech specs are impressive, some of the more prominent attributes that influence its sound are the TAB-Funkenwerk USA output transformer and the capsule. Warm Audio pride themselves on the detailed design of their k47 capsule.

The overall sound quality produces a warm, clear, and full tube sound that will surely impress you. In our opinion, this mic is great for country music, southern rock, and standard rock.

Overall, the Warm Audio WA-47 is an incredible studio condenser mic for vocals. The price recently was reduced by $100. We are unsure whether the price cut is seasonal or permanent. Nonetheless, be sure to check out the reviews.

Included Accessories

• Wooden travel case
• Shockmount
• Warm Audio external power supply

Features and Details

• Solen French polystyrene capacitors
• JJ Slovak vacuum tube
• 9 different polar patterns

Tech Specs

6. Neumann TLM 49

According to 19 multi-platinum, electronic music producer who is also the chief producer of my band’s record label FORD, the top microphone to record vocals for men and women alike at the best bang for the buck is the Neumann TLM 49. FORD has been a happy user with that mic for many years now and is not planning on switching it any time soon. 

By the looks of it, the Neumann TLM 49 looks a lot like a vintage mic when, in fact, it’s not. The design is based on the M49 and M50 microphones of the 1950s, but within the mic has the K47 element. The cardioid directional condenser microphone was also fused with some of the newer technologies by Neumann.

One of the more modern technologies the mic was combined with is called “Transformerless Output,” giving the mic optimal vocal reproduction and clarity. Along with the professional look, the Neumann TLM 49’s durability and robust build quality ensure that you will get the most out of your investment for years to come.

Specifically optimized for vocal performance, one of the primary elements that make this microphone stand above the crowd is the linear frequency response with a presence boost of 3dB above 2kHz. This minor boost captures more air in the vocals giving the Neumann TLM 49 permission to bring out more presence in any voice type.

The Neumann TLM 49 is a solid-state microphone specially designed to give out the incredible sound most expect from power tubes at a more affordable price. The sound quality is very detailed, making even the softest voices sound bigger.

It uses Neumann’s state-of-the-art transformerless circuit technology that empowers the microphone to use high gain levels while maintaining low self-noise. When looking at the frequency response curve, it becomes clear that the microphone was optimized for vocal use. It shows the presence peak at 5kHz gradually sloping downward till it reaches 20Hz while everything below 1kHz registers below 0dB.

Most users of the Neumann TLM 49 claim it gives off a full, round, and precise vocal sound that holds out the breathiness low end. This is because its large-diaphragm mic mixed with the internal design emphasizes even harmonics resulting in a high-quality studio microphone that’s not only great for singers of either gender but voice-overs and talks as well.

Here is a song my band recorded using the Neumann TLM 49 for vocals.

If you’re interested in reading more about the Neumann TLM 49, view Top Studio Microphone To Record Both Male And Female Vocals: 2020

Included Accessories

• EA 3 shock mount

Features and Details

• Cardioid condenser mic
• Weight:1.82 lbs.
• Includes EA 3 shock mount
• Length: 165 mm
• Max SPL: 129dB
• Rated impedance: 50 ohms
• Rubber shock mount for capsule
• Acoustically very open wire mesh headgrille
• Dynamic range 102dB (A-weighted)
• Common mode rejection
• Capsule diameter 34 mm
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 71dB, 82dB (A weighted)
• Requires +48V phantom power
• K 47 capsule is a proven performer
• Polar pattern has a tendency toward supercardioid for excellent rejection
• Acoustical operating principle: Pressure gradient transducer
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Self Noise: 23dB, 12dB (A weighted)
• XLR connector

Tech Specs

7. Mojave MA-200

Owned by the creator of ribbon microphones, the Mojave MA-200 is an incredible choice. This large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone sounds phenomenal for vocals and instruments. It produces articulate clarity capturing all the nuance of your voice. One of the top contributors to its unique sound is the 3-micron gold-sputtered capsule. The Jenson audio transformers play a significant factor, as well. 

The sound is smooth with a high-end airy boost that gives the vocals just what they need. We also like how the airy boost mixed with the tube sounds adds more authority a depth to the voice. Many people love this mic for professional voice-overs, drums, acoustic instruments, and piano, as well.

Something very unique about these microphones is how hands-on the primary creator is. Before leaving the lab, David Royer personally tests each microphone making sure it’s up to par with his standards. Overall, the Mojave MA-200 is one of the very best microphones for recording male vocals for the price. While it sounds great for female vocals and instruments as well, it reigns supreme for male singers and voice-overs.

Included Accessories

• Carry case
• Shockmount
• Cables
• Power supply

Features and Details

• Large-diaphragm
• Self-noise: 14dB
• Jensen audio transformers
• 3-micron gold-sputtered capsule
• Tube condenser mic

Tech Specs

8. Neumann U87 Ai

Once again, to bring up the chief producer of my band’s record label. FORD the 19 multi-platinum electronic music producer did say the previous Neumann TLM 49 was the best mic for both voices of either gender. However, when FORD was asked which mic is the absolute best for specifically a female voice, the answer without hesitation was the Neumann U87 Ai. Keep in mind that there are numerous other reasons why this microphone is fantastic for a female’s voice than just FORD’s word alone.

The Neumann U87 Ai is the more modern version of a classic mic. U87’s are, and have been since the ’70s, the favorite go-to microphone for top-of-the-line recording studios. Used for overheads, string instruments, piano, guitar cabinets, and of course, vocals as well, the U87 is one of the most versatile microphones on the market. It is the large-diaphragm condenser industry-standard microphone.

To best describe the Neumann U87 Ai sound quality without using the word professional is best described as “authoritative clarity.” It captures the most identical sound to the singer’s voice of every microphone I have ever heard in my career. It’s almost as if they are literally singing directly in front of you.

Overall, the Neumann U87 Ai is the top-of-the-line industry-standard versatile condenser microphone that works flawlessly for female vocals. 

Features

• Large-diaphragm
• 3 switchable polar patterns: Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8
• Switchable 10dB pre-attenuation
• Updated with modern circuitry
• Pressure-gradient transducer with double-membrane capsule

Tech Specs

Quick Recap

Here Are The Best Professional Studio Recording Microphones

• Neumann TLM 102
• AKG Pro Audio C414 XLII
• Neumann TLM 103
• Lewitt LCT-840
• Warm Audio WA-47
• Neumann TLM 49
• Mojave
• Neumann U87 Ai

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