Best 11 Microphones For Recording Rap Vocals (Under $200)

What are the best microphones for recording rap vocals under $200? Nobody wants to waste their countless hours of hard work just to have it sound like shit on a bad mic. At the same time, not to many people can afford a top-quality microphone in the $1000 and up range.

Many questions arise while getting started as a rapper or producer can be difficult. First of all, how can I find the best mic for a low price? Which mic can I afford that can handle the aggressive vocal tones in Hip Hop or Rap? Which studio microphone is going to last me until I grow my studio till I finally have the income to purchase higher quality gear?

We tested and did extensive research on the greater majority of studio microphones under $200. We narrowed it down to the top 11 microphones that will give you the most exceptional vocal outcome for Rap and Hip Hop for the price.

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.
• Microphones that need Phantom Power require an additional interface.
• There are 2 types of studio microphones; Dynamic and Condenser. The majority of microphones on this list are condenser mics that are typically better for recording vocals in a studio.

Here Are The Best 11 Microphones For Recording Rap Vocals

• AKG P220
• MXL V67G
• AKG P420
• Shure SM57
• Rode NT-USB
• Audio-Technica AT2020
• Blue Yeti USB Microphone
• Blue Spark Blackout SL
• Shure PGA27-LC
• Audio-Technica ATR2500
• CAD Audio GXL2200

1. AKG P220

The AKG P220 is an incredible condenser microphone that delivers a very accurate representation of your voice. With a direct but warm tone, the microphone has many incredible reviews from hip-hop and rap artists that use the P220. Many say they couldn’t believe this mic is under $200 considering many factors.

With a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz, it captures all the broad frequencies of any vocal type. As a side note on the mics sound quality, many claim the AKG P220 works very well with baritone (low) voices. The robust build quality of the AKG P220 will surprise you for its low price. Many claim the microphone has incredible longevity.

The large diaphragm for the AKG P220 microphone, or any mic with a large diaphragm, is able to capture more of the acoustic energy than a smaller diaphragm mic. One of the more significant technical advantages of a large diaphragm is that it’s very low in self-noise. 

Settings

1. 300HZ Bass roll-off – Ideal for cutting out muddy lows on the audio depending on your room or vocal tone.
2. -20dB – Helps cut out a noisy background, only picks up what is directly in front of the mic.

Included Accessories

• Metal travel case
• Shockmount

Tech Specs

2. MXL V67G

The MXL V67G is a sizeable 32mm pressure gradient condenser mic for a meager price. Rightfully so, it’s one of the most popular microphones at its abnormally low price of $58 due to its solid-state preamp balanced transformer output. The mic produces a warm but smooth sound that undeniably exceeds its low price. The V67G has very little handling noise with a max SPL of 130dB. While rapping or singing through this mic, you will hear no audio coloration.

Although the MXL V67G build quality looks more like ABS plastic from pictures, it is surprisingly made of solid metal. Metal microphones tend to last longer compared to those made of plastic, keeping your investment worthwhile. It uses an XLR output that requires phantom power.

Tech Specs

3. AKG P420

The metal build AKG P420 is a very interesting condenser microphone that gives you three polar pattern options. (1) “Cardioid polar pattern” only captures audio from the front of the mic. (2) “Omni polar pattern” captures sound in every direction from the mic. (3) “Bi-directional polar pattern” captures audio from only the front and back of the mic.

You may be thinking why these settings can relate to hip hop or rap vocals. However, the creative producers and artists of today have been using the Bi-directional polar pattern to capture to freestyle rappers “in the moment” as they perform on opposite sides of the mic.

The AKG P420 microphone has much more to offer than its unique settings, however. The mic captures more air in the vocals giving the P420 permission to bring out more presence in any voice type. Rappers who do more “spoken word” will benefit from a mic like this considering the breathiness nuances it’s able to capture. The midsection is very flat, giving more room for the producer to manipulate it in post.

Features

• 3 polar pattern options; Cardioid, Omni, or Bi-directional
• High pass filter setting
• -20dB option

Tech Specs

4. Shure SM57

The Shure SM57 is the industry standard for dynamic microphones in the $100 range for a good reason. Although it’s incredible with background noise rejection, this mic shows its true vocal potential with an added windscreen. It has a boost in the midrange for a punchier vocal tone if that’s what you prefer. It’s a versatile mic that can handle the loudest of audio in case you consider recording drums or heavy distortion instruments.

Abnormally durable for the price, the SM57 was run over by a tour bus as a test of its strength, and it still worked perfectly. It is primarily made of metal except for the plastic capsule. As a side note, the SM57 has been used for speeches by presidents for a few decades due to its longevity, durability, easy portability, and clear audio.

This dynamic microphone is a safe bet to get high-quality vocal recordings for the price.

Tech Specs

5. Rode NT-USB

Luckily, the Rode NT-USB Condenser Microphone comes with all of the accessories you need to begin recording right away. It’s a very sensitive mic that picks up many things that you wouldn’t typically hear. Many rap artists/producers like the mic’s sensitivity while some do not. In my personal opinion, this mic is better for softer voices or spoken word rather than louder vocals. The vast majority of rap or hip hop artists I’ve encountered in the studio tend to record their vocals on the softer side, making this mic the right choice.

It offers 16Bit 48 Kilohertz for great vocal clarity while eliminating background noise exceptionally. There are two knobs on the back of the Rode NT-USB; The top one adjusts the sound you hear between what’s coming out of the computer compared to the mic. The bottom knob adjusts your headphone volume.

Included Accessories

• Pop Shield
• Tripod
• Protective Zip Case
• Stand Mount
• 6m USB Cable

Tech Specs

6. Audio-Technica AT2020

Although the Audio-Technica AT2020 is mainly raved about for doing voice-overs, recording acoustic guitar, and singing, many home studio producers love it for recording their rap artists as well. While the Shure SM57 is the “industry standard for dynamic microphones in the $100 range,” they say this mic is the “industry standard for condenser microphones in the $100 range.” The mic feels like it’s built to last with its solid all-metal body.

The AT2020 provides a full frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz picking up every audible frequency you will need. With high SPL handling and a wide dynamic range, It’s an overall great sounding microphone. The diagram is custom low-mass engineered with an incredible transient response.

In my opinion, the AT2020 is too good for its price range. It has an XLR output that requires 48 volts of phantom power. Keep in mind, this mic will only work with an audio interface and does not come with a pop filter.

Included Accessories

• Stand Mount
• Mic Pouch

Tech Specs

7. Blue Yeti USB Microphone

The Blue Yeti USB Microphone has been repeatedly reviewed as, and known to be, the best USB microphone on the market. Standing at roughly a foot tall, the mic is made of solid metal for boosted durability with the exception of its flimsy buttons. The Blue Yeti is much larger and heavier than most microphones. Considering it is USB, it does not require phantom power that allows you to begin recording right away once received.

The Blue Yeti has a sampling rate of 16 bit at 48 kHz. Especially for its low cost, it produces great sound quality. It was the very first microphone to earn the THX certification for providing the full frequency range of 20Hz-20kHz and its clear sound.

Features

• Comes in many colors. Some colors are cheaper than others on Amazon
• Foldable (making it easier for travel)
• Designed to remain on a desk.
• 4 picking patterns including stereo mode

Requirements To Use This Mic

• Mac – Intel Core Duo or higher, 8GB RAM or more, OS X 10.6.4 or later
• PC – Intel Core Duo or higher, 8GB RAM or more, Windows 7 SP1 or later

Tech Specs

8. Blue Spark Blackout SL

The Blue Spark Blackout SL is a very unique microphone that adds some pleasant color and harmonics to your voice. Rappers and producers who want a bright vocal sound with an added bit of sparkle in the higher frequency will benefit tremendously with this mic. The switchable high-pass filter feature decreases some of the muddier and unpleasant frequencies in the lower register for an overall cleaner sound. Due to its internal preamp, the mic produces extremely low distortion.

The Blue Spark Blackout SL mic is not a USB; you will need an interface to use it. This is another extremely durable mic that’s made of solid metal. However, there have been a few reviews that claim some of the -20dB and highpass buttons were breakable.

Overall, the Blue Spark Blackout SL has a great presence, clear sound, and a nice high-end boost that enhances the vocals so it sticks out of the mix.

Features

• Adjustable head
• 100Hz low cut filter increases clarity, reducing rumble from your room or desk
• Transparent and accurate sound with its hand-tuned diaphragm
• High-pass filter for reduced mud and rumble

Included Accessories

• Shock-mount
• Wooden Box

Tech Specs

9. Shure PGA27-LC

The Shure PGA27-LC Large-Diaphragm is a versatile mic that is great for capturing soft or loud vocals with its high SPL mixed with the full 20Hz-20kHz frequency response. This mic has more of a boost in the high-end, and with its Large-Diaphragm, it has low self-noise. The reviews for this microphone are fantastic across the board. To top it off, its made of solid metal for increased longevity.

Features

• -15dB
• High-Pass filter

Included Accessories

• Shockmount
• Travel Case

Tech Specs

10. Audio-Technica ATR2500

The Audio-Technica ATR2500 is one of the cheaper but more popular microphones on this list. In short, the microphone actually sounds extremely good and clear for its price. However, it does come with its downsides.

Unfortunately, the mic mount that comes with the purchase has zero shock absorption. Unless you purchase an additional shock-mount, you must be very careful not to let anything rumble the mic while recording. The microphone is made of solid metal. However, the volume buttons on the front are made of plastic as it feels a bit on the flimsier side. Also, the frequency response is not as full as the majority of microphones on this list at 30Hz-15,000 Hz.

I recommend this mic if you’re on a very tight budget since it does produce quality sound, no need for purchasing an interface since it’s USB, and it’s very cheap at only $69.

Included Accessories

• Microphone Mount
• USB cable
• Mic stand

Tech Specs

11. CAD Audio GXL2200

The CAD Audio GXL2200 is a condenser microphone with a large diaphragm. The sound quality for this mic is very articulate with its rather sharp treble boost. Considering its upper boost, be careful not to increase the highs too much more in post for it may get a little overbearing. The frequency range is decent from 30Hz – 20KHz; however, this amount is all you need for recording vocals.

Unfortunately, the CAD Audio GXL2200 used to be much cheaper at $59. After an overwhelming amount of great reviews, the microphone is now more expensive at $149. The mic is built very well with an all-metal grille and body that has a good amount of weight to it.

Included Accessories

• Shock-mount
• Travel pouch

Tech Specs

Quick Recap

Here Are The Best 11 Microphones For Recording Rap Vocals

• AKG P220
• MXL V67G
• AKG P420
• Shure SM57
• Rode NT-USB
• Audio-Technica AT2020
• Blue Yeti USB Microphone
• Blue Spark Blackout SL
• Shure PGA27-LC
• Audio-Technica ATR2500
• CAD Audio GXL2200

Finding the right budget-friendly microphone for rap vocals is a difficult choice. Especially in the earlier days while starting out before the money starts coming in. According to our research and personal experience, any one of these microphones will be an incredible tool to take your home studio from the level you are currently at, to the next level. If you’re in need of an interface with a low-budget, I highly recommend taking a look at Best Audio Interface Under $50 On The Planet!

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