Best Microphones for Recording Vocals at Home

[@sweetwater]

Thanks for watching! Which mic would you use on your next vocal track? If you enjoyed this comparison, hit those like and subscribe buttons!

[@jloiben12]

Depending on the voice I use either a Royer R-10, WA-47jr, or an akg p170

[@JeremyHalterman]

I love my SM7B! Those switches make it such a chameleon, and it can be used in a bunch of less-than-ideal acoustic environments because of its background rejection. Desert-island mic for sure.

[@AnAmericanGuitarist]

I do like the SM7B and KSM32 in the mix and that's where it really matters. I own a SM7B (purchased from Sweetwater) and several mics not shown here. I was really impressed with the character of the WA47 in this video though. That found a nice place in the mix as well.

[@davidmarley8387]

I would recommend the spirit mic I got from guitar center no problems yet got a avantone bla mic from Sweetwater water and asked about it and the sales person said people like it and would recommend it 🥵

[@davidmarley8387]

I forgot to mention my avantone mic is getting shipped to repair right now and I had to pay almost a bill to ship that they don’t cover

[@TonecrafteLuthiery]

Shure SM7B: $399 Electro-Voice: $449 AEA KU5A: $1,199 DPA D:Facto 4018V: $1,049 Audio-Technica AT4040: $299 Shure KSM32: $549 Neumann TLM 103: $999 to $1,499. Not sure why the range is so wide. AKG C414 XLII: $1,099 Earthworks SV33: $2,399 Lauten Audio Atlantis FC-387: $1,599 Warm Audio WA-47: $899 (but there's also a "Jr" model that's around $400) Mojave Audio MA-200: $1,199 Telefunken TF29: $1,295 Manley Reference (LOL): $2,999 Slate Digital VMS ML-1: $799-$900 You're welcome boys (and girls).

[@AjoNYC]

thank you 😊

[@ashleylacombe8935]

life saver

[@karthikgaddam190]

Thank you much , it helps us beginners a lot , way to go George 🙏🙏

[@RiderHellen]

Omg thank you

[@mrmatthew2443]

Don’t know why they didn’t include prices.. so good work and thank you

[@Podcastage]

Hey sweetwater. If y'all want the "chapter marker" thing in your videos timeline, try adding 0:00 to your timestamps as well. That tells youtube that you want the chapter markers. Great video.

[@jonmichaelbooshkoosh]

Oh, hey, what's up Bandrew 😁

[@sweetwater]

Thanks for the tip!

[@TrevorStyles]

Bandrew the microphone hungry 💯

[@mochico88]

Podcastage! Love your videos!

[@kapilmadan87]

Please get the pizza pronto !

[@thehappiest2332]

My brain: Will you sleep? Me: Yes, I will... Why? My brain: STUCK INSIDE...

[@davidbestmusic7941]

Its so catchy

[@JanelleSpeaks]

lmao right

[@MarcoPolux]

for ageeeeeeessssssss....

[@redlettervagrant1159]

😂

[@wilbertofigueroa5227]

HJjahahahahahahahhh

[@grahamhobson2397]

I'm always amazed at how natural and smooth the Shure KSM32 sounds - great bang for buck

[@JamesRussoMillas]

I have an AT4040 and love it on guitars and vocals, it's really flat and accurate. However for me, the standouts in this video were the TF 29 and SV33. When mixed in the track they were a cut above the rest.

[@sirnigelcogs]

I'm glad there are also samples of speaking into each microphone. Many microphone reviews only sing into the mic when mics are used for spoken word just as much, so samples of spoken word are just as important.

[@pkmat7462]

Average prices for these microphones would have been great addition to help make a decision

[@asianguy6174]

Average prices for these mic’s vary by quite a bit, so it wouldn’t mean anything.

[@josephwills4821]

Also why can't they come to my house and set them up for me?

[@graxjpg]

@@asianguy6174 I think that means it matters a lot to someone building a home studio..

[@eemilrouhiainen2165]

@@josephwills4821 why u being so toxic :D

[@llloverboy848]

just look it up

[@koreanfriedchildren]

2:22 Nick travels into 4th dimension and unlocks the secrets of the universe when he plays the keys

[@wsdm3737]

양념닭후라이드 what’s actually happening

[@gospoJov]

😂

[@GuruxMusic4eva]

😂😂😂😂

[@megyalilaballad]

I think that’s 14:07 you’re talking about. The truth of ‘oscillation’ ;) was too powerful.

[@DocRen]

OMG AHAHAHAHA that reference XDF

[@jettsom]

Telefunken TF 29 really suprised me. I also like the Neumann TLM 103. It sounds really natural and effortless. The C414 is also a workhorse in a studio.

[@jimduffy9773]

Nick your a champ to be able to sing that demo so well an consistently!

[@L.Scott_Music]

The Manley mic sounded best IMO. Best balance of low, mids, and air. Of course all of them will turn out great sound with just a touch of processing. Wish I could afford the Manley.

[@kuhlkatt6474]

That Manley is insane the best by far to my ear

[@k2thepeak]

To my ears, the Telefunken was in the same zip code.

[@stephenlennartz3466]

I've had an EV RE20 in my mic kit for 30+ years. Phenomenal! Great for vocals. Also ... I've used it as a kick drum mic on many occasions with excellent results. I started doing that when I saw a picture of Alan White (maybe Bill Brufford?) using one in his kick drum. It had to be great ... right? It is!

[@richardlee4730]

To me, the Mojave and the Manley seemed exceptional on first listen, least harsh, smother highs and mids. Also like the AEA ribbons.

[@MikeMonroeMusic]

Best budget mic I've ever used is the TZAudio Stellar X2. Highly recommend it. Best 200 I've ever spent on equipment.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

The Warm Audio WA-47 was my favorite on your voice for this "song". Sounded full and present and still clear. I have the SM7b and love it on my vocals. I also have two AT4040s. They are decent mics, but not my favorite on my vocals. :-) Great comparison video!

[@budgetguitarist]

4040 and the 414, for me. I have a SM7B, a AKG 212, and a Rhode NT1-A. Actually I still really like the NT1-A. It was a game changer when it came out, and it's still a good mic.

[@j.v.1493]

budgetguitarist.com the NT1A is way to harsh for me. Like the NT1 more.

[@sambrantdrums9622]

The problem I have is that they all sound really good. And I actually don't know what I prefer!!

[@NRG2]

SamBrant Drums that’s the problem I have with every piece of gear... guitars, basses, amps, cabs, mics, synths, modules.... I’ll take them all please!!

[@Adam_Painter_Musician]

One of the best mic demos I've seen. Thanks for your meticulous work!

[@Johntylermusic]

Such an incredible video. This has ALL the mics I've been looking at purchasing and I love that you have them in a mix as well. I've been tearing my hair out trying to find something comparing a ton of these in the same setting. THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO!

[@WarrenBey]

1. Warm Audio 2. Telefunken (#1 for asthetics also. Best looking mic IMO) 3. Lauten Audio Atlantis 4. Mojave Audio (but it was close)

[@MMSMUZIK]

that WA47 is off the chain! I had that mic before, and i hate that i sold it, and now i have to re-buy it!

[@RadioBluesPR]

MYSTA MYSTA SMOOTH this was my favorite too in this video

[@berkeleybernie]

Yep. Sits in the mix really well. Balanced through the midrange, naturally low on sibilance and plosives. One could always add a slight bit of upper air and more bottom, if needed. Listen to the body (chest voice) on the "ate" in "time to create." Much fuller than the others. Doesn't thin out. I'm wondering also if he was a bit closer to the mic on this take compared to the other mics. He might be a few inches further back on the others, increasing their high-mid/treble emphasis.

[@Splaze]

Great tutorial! After listening closely and carefully, I wrote down the top picks for me at least. DPA d:facto 4018V, AT4040, NEWUMAMN TLM 130, Earthworks sv33 and mojavr audio ma-200. Honestly any of these picks will do you justice.

[@1010taco]

That song and voice are absolute bangers. Almost forgot i needed a microphone.

[@dillonvado]

Very helpful and I must say props to Nick for trucking through all the takes of the same thing and hitting take after take with the same approach, volume and intonation so we could get the best side by side impression. That's hard work and true professionalism, must say... bravo sir and thank you!

[@RadioBluesPR]

1-Warm Audio 2-414 3-Earthworks 4-Lauten 5-KsM32 That is my list. The one I hated the most, the Neumann 🤷🏽‍♂️. I found it thin and shrill!

[@prd004]

Jonatan Martínez Music Impressed by all those as well

[@bobdeeguitar]

I just bought a 414. Great mic and clearly very versatile. But that Warm Audio 47 was surprisingly good. A clear cut above and a lot cheaper than the Manely Reference.Not sure how many people listened to this comparison on computer speakers as opposed to good speakers or good headphones.

[@Sarah-vi4cx]

why was he having a stroke in the fist band scene at the piano

[@temporarybilly1851]

I have been using Shure mics since I started playing . Can't go wrong with a Shure !!

[@heyimml]

I'm going to have your song stuck in my head all day.

[@themilksnatcher]

Souns like a Robbie Williams song

[@heyimml]

@@themilksnatcher now I gotta go look them up!

[@TheKwaze]

Very informative review thanks, although when you were introducing the Shure mic I lolled at the way it popped as you said "No need for another pop filter"

[@jorgiewtf]

The AT4040 and the TLM 103 were my favorites. I went ahead and ordered the 103 from @sweetwater !

[@soundknight]

The Warm Audio blew me away, then the Telefunken and the surprisingly the Audio-technica

[@sleeepingpills]

I own the WA47 (and an Apollo) and it is an absolute star. Absolutely love this mic and can’t sing its praises highly enough!

[@fergascamx]

Couldnt find a better video to choose my mic. Thanks mate!

[@scotthazelton78]

Thank-you very much for breaking this down as you did. What an excellent resource. I bought the WA47.

[@Tazmanian_Ninja]

That AEA mic sure is a thing of beauty. Both visually and audibly. It delivers something intimate the other mics don’t.

[@frankwestphal8532]

Super helpful video! I really liked that AEA ku5a and the DPA d'facto 4018. Sweetwater rules!

[@modelcitizen1977]

You've accidentally created the biggest ear worm of the summer.

[@mckenziebmcbride]

Two days later...... "Singing songs abooooout isolation 🕺".... Damn you theme song guy

[@mafoo360720]

Just for reference: Shure SM7B: 2:00 Electro-Voice: 3:32 AEA KU5A: 5:09 DPA D:Facto 4018V: 6:32 Audio-Technica AT4040: 7:51 Shure KSM32: 9:17 Neumann TLM 103: 10:26 AKG C414 XLII: 12:04 Earthworks SV33: 13:32 Lauten Audio Atlantis FC-387: 15:32 Warm Audio WA-47: 16:51 Mojave Audio MA-200: 18:19 Telefunken TF29: 19:43 Manley Reference: 20:48

[@kapilmadan87]

Wow .. thanks for this video .. Manley Reference and Warm audio wa 47 I liked the most !

[@MMSMUZIK]

I want that Manley Reference

[@kapilmadan87]

@@MMSMUZIK Infact me too 😁

[@MMSMUZIK]

@@kapilmadan87 😁😁 yesssirrr

[@JeffCorcelius]

I definitely liked the 1st two (Sure & EV) which I have the most experience with. But I was Impressed with the tubed mics with power supplies. I think you could hear a true difference in clarity. I was thinking about purchasing the Sure SM7B simply for its versatility and my previous experience with it in radio. I have a Sennheiser MK4 it’s pretty good for vocals but not quite the right sound I need for VO. I definitely wanna be able to record great vocals while playing guitar too.

[@44nnddyy]

Just what i needed and searching for right now✌️

[@Materialgirllive]

Favorites on your voice: Shure KSM32, Lauten Audio Atlantis FC-387, Warm Audio WA-47, Earthworks SV33 Least Favorites: Neumann TLM 103, AKG C414 XLII, Shure SM7B.

[@ShaneMcCrae]

I really appreciate the format you chose. Others should emulate this presentation. Btw, great voice, I like then natural sounding uncontrived quality of your singing. Thanks for this video. I will save it for future reference.

[@boldandthebeautifulgimbal2881]

Once your voice warms up it sounds good. Reminds me of how vital it is to get our voices warmed up. Not that mine sounds good haha

[@MrQuality89]

Love nick! He actually responds fast and helps me with a lot when I need help! Great guy, love Sweetwater

[@phatboyzband831]

Okay for my trained ears 1.Earthworks 33 2.akg 414 3.shure ksm32 4.mojo 5.Rest tube microphones all great great tell me I'm wrong.

[@jasonbodden8816]

You have a great, clear, beautiful voice, man! This was a pleasure to listen to and watch!

[@alecvenida9444]

If this video is not archived into the international COVID museum then humanity has failed and learned nothing. When I'm an old man and they ask me what it was like to live through COVID, I'm showing them this. This video is a triumph and an achievement.

[@818MEX]

Great review man. Appreciate it. Really impressed with the electro voice

[@RobertMcCalle]

When I browse for Neumann my eyeball drops onto the floor, roll across the room and down the stairs, house mate just got back home open the front door, eyes keep rolling down the streets till it reaches golf course then 💥 bam.. tiger wood just got the one hit wonder.

[@RoxyJMusic]

You should add the Aston Sprit to the list. It’s an amazing mic!😊

[@BrandonElliotSmith]

Used to own a TLM103... It always got harsh/brittle in the high frequencies... Grew to hate it... Listening to these demos, I now regret not getting the AT4040 instead... My GOD that thing sounds awesome. Clear/open/BIG, & has CRAZY high SPL handling according to the spec sheet... Wish I knew what preamp these were all running through. Spill the beans, guys lol @Sweetwater ... I actually came here to hear the DPA... Thinking about grabbing one of their capsules for my Sennheiser... THAT one sounds dope too

[@lance134679]

My vote for top five in order of preference on Nick's voice: Earthworks SV33, Manley Reference, DPA d:facto, Lauten Atlantis, Shure SM7B. I thought those were the smoothest and nicest without any processing. I think the Earthworks would end up being the most versatile, as well. Don't count out ribbon mics like the AEA, though - they can sound great if you sing a bit further back and EQ them in the mix.

[@mickelachlan]

Manley and EV RE20 both great. Great test, thank you very much!

[@kaivrock]

The WARM mic sounds incredible.

[@lyneicehaynes4922]

I really enjoyed singing from Ez Voice because I love singing with headset with microphone and write the lyrics from my tablet.

[@ChazJazzNY]

Thanks for the wonderful comparisons, I was a little surprised you didn't compare the Alston Spirit mic.

[@rfzw]

For your voice, the Neumann actually sounds the worst, while the tube mics (Warm Audio, Mojave and Manley) sound the best. The Telefunken was a little harsh for a tube mic. The Shure and Earthworks were also very smooth sounding.

[@TinyduPreez]

Super awesome eye opener. Thanks for the comparisons. It will really help me make that crucial choice in buying my next vocal mic.

[@thorstenkoch194]

Great effort, great consistent singing, great song. Thanks!

[@neutralearth1061]

Nice to see so many options! Thanks! We've used the Shure SM58, AKG C3000B, Neumann TLM 102, Shure SM7B and Sennheiser e935 in our vocal recording process for our 1st two albums and the 3rd one we're currently recording. Even with just one singer, we find that microphones are like guitars, you can never have too many, as each one may fit a different song perfectly, depending on the style of song, type of singing and timbre we're looking for. Options are great!

[@bluematrix5001]

the AKG C1000 and C3000 are really bad mics...

[@neutralearth1061]

@@bluematrix5001 They might be. But the AKG C3000B is fantastic!

[@bluematrix5001]

@@neutralearth1061 man, check other mics and you will realize that those mics are really so bad...rather have a sm58 30 times!

[@nx01craig]

@@bluematrix5001 Sorry it didn't work for you. We love it, and the SM58!

[@volkiruski1221]

Very nice review/test. Thank you...but, I do not hear differences, not that much...not enough. But if I must choose I think the Audio Technica sounds most clear...right?

[@davidplatt5957]

I like the warm audio, majave and lauten.. In that order.. 🙂

[@1stCorinthians2_14]

David Platt - Agreed, but I like/love just about all of them. Especially the 103.

[@raingodmusic]

yeah i agree

[@JSG-mw4qr]

I agree man, that warm audio is the one

[@bobdeeguitar]

That Warm Audio WA-47 is really nice. I'm surprised. Honestly, beats my 87. I think 87s are way overrated.

[@TTB_808]

U87?

[@bobdeeguitar]

@@TTB_808 Yes. I've since gotten a TLM 49. Although you cannot change the patterns on it, to me it's better than the U87.

[@TTB_808]

@@bobdeeguitar I’m going to look into that WA and TLM 49

[@michaelwirth6843]

You know the U87 probably are the most recorded vocal mike in the world and there´s a reason why. If it doesn´t sound good then maybe it needs to be cleaned, the preamp is a bad match, the acoustics are bad, or it doesn´t suit your voice.

[@bobdeeguitar]

I've since been using a TLM-49 and am finding it for what I need to be as good or better than my 87. I also experienced a vintage Sennheiser 409 recently in a recording of my guitar for my latest record. Along with a 37 and 67 the sound in combination was nothing less than phenomenally sublime. I still think modern 87s are way overrated.

[@23x31]

I use a three AT-2020 condensers and cheap CAD dynamic mics into a Presonus StudioLive 16 on drums in my home studio. Sounds good enough for me. In fact, sounds great.

[@smeriimusicandmore3471]

Great video, great mics! Personally I love share sm7b, telefunken and Mojave

[@bishwarai8130]

Too many to process but, thanks for information and introducing all of them

[@LexOfNP]

Appreciate you singing in all these mics that many times 🙌🏽💪🏽

[@i143icecreams]

Me trying to sleep. My brain: 2:01-2:40

[@jammusique]

Very well done and very informative! Thanks!!

[@adasaura8648]

Another thing I learned while doing my mic research is that aside from the quality of the mic each voice works differently with various mics. You gotta know your voice and test out a few mics to see the type you like better. But honestly I'm doing way too much because I'm really just trying to find a mic that's adequate enough to record audio books 😪

[@hshx1n]

Yeti mic is great price if that’s what you want

[@2011Rollsroyce]

For me personally the best Microphone for recording vocals at home is the Townsend Labs Sphere L22.

[@sand_demon2334]

Damn... you probably put a lot of effort into this vid. Gud job dude 👏

[@trepcsuit]

Stuck inside, singing songs about oscillation, time to create... dangit, now that songs stuck in my head! :D Great demo!

[@DonaldMerrit]

Isolation?...

[@robgracia509]

thanks for sharing nick its awesome you play all the instruments thought you just played drums awesome thanks for the comparison

[@jonny1251]

Nice to know that The Strokes are doing intro music for Sweetwater now.

[@fibboobbif]

I use Shure Beta 58, Shure HSM 9 HS, Electrovoice PL-20, and Neumann U-87 or AKG 414 depending on the Singer and if it is a band Recording.

[@TheGuitologist]

That Warm Audio sounds phenomenal.

[@theexile1155]

You were predestined to be different(Romans 8:29), he who has an ear to hear, let him hear(Mark 4:9). HALLELUYAH!(PRAISE YE YAH!)

[@jonhattanrai]

Damn! that AT4040 sounds awesome.

[@Slipsch]

I like how the Neumann and the Telefunken cut through the mix.

[@allenshively6374]

Thank you for covering so many mics. I've been researching for a while now, trying to find the right Mic for my budget and needs. Really like Warm Audio but a little expensive for me. (Their add videos are great. I've actually started following several of the artists from their videos now) I would be interested in your opinion on the Studio Projects B-1 and B-3 mics. One of the artist groups I follow on U-tube used a B-1 for a long time. Sounded great and they said they loved it and it's affordable . They have since moved up to a Neumann U-87. Success in time affords better (and more expensive) equipment. I'm also considering the Warm Audio WA-47jr . Over twice the cost but It gets pretty good reviews and I like that Warm is U.S. mfg. I can maby move my budget up that far if it's really a better buy. How would these mics. compare . I will be going direct to a MOTU M-4, which I'm waiting for Sweetwater to get in for me, and recording keyboard and vocals to DAWs on the Ipad.

[@jdrush92yo]

have you looked into the Neat King Bee? Considering your concerns about budget, you may want to. You'll be thoroughly surprised of how good this $130 mic sounds. Originally sold for $350 and you can still find reviews where people had thought that was an exceptional price point. If you can get past the look, I'd consider it.

[@jchang2210]

Thank you Jon Lovitz

[@anything700]

Only copped on at 12 min that this song is about lockdown😱😝. I’ve been putting off baking for ages. Next is the mic sessions. Stuck inside. Unfortunately I can’t tell the difference between these 🎙🔉📣🎶

[@PoulLarsenmusic]

Finally a mic review guy who have acoustic treatment on the wall

[@lostlang]

telefunken, earthworks, Neumann all sound amazing

So good comparison, just vocals and with others instruments, useful, thank you!!

[@graytheidiot7620]

On the first mic he says no need for a pop filter after having a pretty loud p get picked up by the mic

[@prd004]

PS: Thanks Nick, now I'm gonna be singing that song for a day and a half lol!

[@PhilHyland]

Great demo - super informative! Thank you! Phil

[@damion2226]

Nice video. Telefunken and Manley were the top two for me.

[@dag221]

Sun and the moon, wind and the rain. The tapestry on the wall reminded me of Tears For Fears. My first thought when I saw this video was " Cool, the drummer from Giraffe's performance at ProgFest '94 is doing a mic comparison. I'm down'

[@robr471]

Easily, one of the best videos (and songs) on youtube. Great and helpful, I'm about to order some stuff.

[@poindextertunes]

WA-8000 should be on here. If you know what you’re doing, you can get really close to the Sony c800g sound. Like 95% close

[@superblondeDotOrg]

Wow that Warm Audio WA-47.... blew away the competition..

[@tattooartbytony631]

Awesome video very informative this helps out a lot

[@ibrahim47x]

Telefunken TF 29 made me feel things no other mic in this video made me feel 😳😳😳😳😳

[@JMAudioEditions]

sounds like a personal issue you may need to see a doctor

[@kadosuniverse]

@@JMAudioEditions lolllll

[@mohamedabbas4546]

Thank you for the awesome videos, but I have a question here if I am buying one, which one would be more suitable for a classical singer? As a lyrical soprano or mezzo-soprano, I am about to buy a couple of microphones as gifts for my wife. She will use them for live performances of her students "she's an opera vocal instructor and choirmaster." any recommendations for a 200-300 USD mic that mainly will be used for live female opera singers?

[@Daviddosi]

Niece test! For me the 47 sounded best for your voice and the song. Would have been fun if you used the wa-251 also

[@flor.7797]

I need one. This is an amazing review!

[@viralvideos9227]

8:06 ur voice is awesome