6 Great Mics For Rap Vocals In The Studio Tuesday October 12 2021, 9:54 AM
Yona Marie
Singer, Songwriter, Producer.
6 Great Mics For Rap Vocals In The Studio

Best Mics For Rap Vocals


Certain studio mics in the music industry just work extremely well with rap vocals. These high-quality mics include condenser and dynamic microphones.

Condenser microphones are best used to capture vocals and high frequencies, which works well for rappers who put a lot of energy and personality into their delivery.

Dynamic microphones give rappers a more excellent range of frequency responses, producing exceptionally rich speech and music reproduction.

Related Post: Best Vocal Mics Under 100 Bucks

Quality Mics For Rap Vocals Under $1000


You can often get microphones that rival what the celebrities are using for under $1000 if you're a rapper with a lot of experience and a large budget.

In addition to picking a great mic, you will also want to make sure your room is acoustically treated and soundproofed in order to get the best quality recordings possible.

Many professional mics will not mix well with an untreated room and have you feeling like you were cheated with a subpar microphone because of the noise it can pick up. For more details on how to soundproof your room, check out these vocal booths



Neumann TLM 102






Neumann TLM 102 Black Cardioid Condenser Microphone Studio Set w/ Shock Mount MT



  • Large-diaphragm microphone with cardioid directional characteristic
  • Pressure-gradient transducer
  • Compact, smaller-scale body
  • Very high maximum sound pressure level 
  • Slight presence boost above 6 kHz





Neumann is one of the most-loved studio recording mic brands, and they just so happen to have a really good-sounding condenser mic available for under $1000.

If you want to have the brand that all your favorite celebrity rappers use, here's a great place to start. It's a tiny little mic compared to most, but don't let the size fool you! It packs a powerful punch. 



Shure SM7B






Shure SM7B Dynamic Vocal Microphone



  • ONE MICROPHONE FOR EVERYTHING - Studio Recording, Home Recording, Podcasting & Streaming. The SM7B Is Trusted By The Worlds Leading Vocalists, Podcasters & Streamers.
  • STUDIO VOCAL RECORDING - The SM7B Dynamic Cartridge With Smooth, Flat, Wide-range Frequency Response Produces Exceptionally Clean & Natural Reproduction Of Both Music & Speech.
  • PODCAST & BROADCAST - Found In The Top Podcasting Studios Around The World, The SM7B Air Suspension Shock Isolation & Pop Filter Eliminate Both Mechanical Noise And Breathiness. So Words Get Through And The Rest Stays Out Of The Mix.
  • STREAMING CONTENT - Professional Live Streaming Starts With A Microphone Capable Of Capturing Exceptionally Clean And Natural Reproduction Of Both Music And Speech. The SM7B Has Been A Pioneer In Such Abilities For Decades.
  • PROFESSIONAL XLR CONNECTION - The XLR Connection Along With An Audio Interface Allows You More Control Over The Sound — Thus A Better Overall Sound Quality.
  • CLASSIC CARDIOID PATTERN WITH UNIFORM CAPTURE - The SM7B Cardioid Pattern Is Designed To Reject Off-axis Audio, So You Can Sing Or Speak At A Comfortable Angle And It Captures The Sound, Just As You Want It, With Minimum Coloration.
  • SHIELD YOUR SOUND - We Added Advanced Electromagnetic Shielding To Defeat Hum From Computer Monitors And Other Studio Equipment.





The Shure SM7B is a dynamic microphone with a rich tone that would fit great with rappers who have a lot of energy and volume in their flow. It requires an interface but does not need phantom power and will simply ignore the setting if you have it on.

This mic works best with a powerful amp, especially if you're singing or rapping at lower volumes most of the time. 





AKG Pro Audio C414






AKG Pro Audio C414 XLII Vocal Condenser Microphone, Multipattern, Black



  • Sonic character of the famous AKG C12 delivers astounding sound quality for lead vocals and solo instruments
  • Nine selectable polar patterns for the perfect setting for every application
  • Three attenuation levels -6/-12/-18dB for close-up recording or high-output sources of up to 158dB SPL
  • Three switchable different bass-cut filters to reduce wind noise, stage vibration or proximity effect
  • Overload warning with audio peak hold LED to detect shortest audio peaks





Here's a mic that will give you an incredibly professional sound that will rival studios owned by major record labels.

This condenser mic's crispy, clean and unforgiving sound quality must be used in a treated room, or you're doing it all wrong. It's a bit over $1000, but it must be included in this list for the professionals who want greatness.



Best Affordable Mics For Rap Vocals Under $100


If you're looking for a good sound and you're a beginner, or you don't have a huge budget, there are several affordable options that you can use at your current stage in your rap career.

Many condenser mics are under $100 bucks, and some of them can be hooked up to your computer via USB for a very easy setup that is perfect for beginners just getting started and in their practice stage. 



AT2020






Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone, Ideal for Project/Home Studio Applications,Black



  • The price/performance standard in side address studio condenser microphone technology
  • Ideal for project/home studio applications; The noise level is 20 dB SPL
  • High SPL handling and wide dynamic range provide unmatched versatility
  • Custom engineered low mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient response
  • Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source. Output connector: integral 3 pin XLRM type





The Audio Technica 2020 is the best mic you could ever wish for at an affordable price. Right under $100, this is a great mic for beginners and pro rappers alike. The AT2020 is a condenser mic that will require an audio interface and phantom power. 



FIFINE Studio






FIFINE Studio Condenser USB Microphone Computer PC Microphone Kit with Adjustable Boom Arm Stand Shock Mount for Instruments Voice Overs Recording Podcasting YouTube Vocal Gaming Streaming-T669



  • 【USB Output】Enables simple setup. USB studio recording microphone kit provides a direct convenient plug-and-play connection to pc and laptop without any additional hardware for recording vocals, podcasts and Skype. Studio microphone for recording vocals is never been easier to get high-quality sound for your voice and computer-based audio recordings. 
  • 【Excellent Sound Quality】With rugged construction for durable performance, the vocal recording microphone, USB condenser mic for PC,offers a wide frequency response and handles high SPLs with ease. Ideal for project/home-studio applications. The cardioid condenser capsule offers crystal-clear audio for communicating, creating and recording. Comes ready to go with a desktop mic boom arm stand and 8.2ft USB cable, you're guaranteed to get great-sounding results.
  • 【Durable Arm Set】The podcast microphone bundle with versatile and sturdy broadcast suspension boom scissor arm gives you great tools for capturing your voice in a podcast or voiceover. The double pop filter attached on the music recording microphone provides two layers of dissipation, removes the rush of air caused by vocal plosives, minimizing the popping sounds that can compromise your recording is great for studio as well as home use.
  • 【Easy to Attach】The streaming microphone for PC includes adjustable boom studio scissor arm stand that features a heavy-duty combo mount consisting of a sturdy C-clamp and a detachable desktop mount. With 13 fixed horizontal arm and offers a 30" inch reach, the low-profile, table-hugging design of audio recording microphone allows on-air talent to perform without facial obstruction to record in podcasting or make dubbing sounds for videos, use voice chat in Discord or online conference on Zoom or Skype.
  • 【The Accessory Package Includes】The studio microphone music recording comes with practical accessories for you to use in most of recording. The scissor arm stand is made out of all steel construction, sturdy and durable, a studio-grade shock mount, a double pop filter, premium 8.2 USB cable, a podcast PC gaming microphone, a user manual and friendly Technical Support.





This is a good starter mic for beginner rappers who are in the practice stages.

It has a really easy setup with a USB cord that can go straight into your PC or Mac. It's preferred for rappers, singers, and game streamers who regularly publish content to sites like Youtube and Soundcloud. 



Blue Yeti USB






Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti USB Microphone for Gaming, Streaming, Podcasting, Twitch, YouTube, Discord, Recording for PC and Mac, 4 Polar Patterns, Studio Quality Sound, Plug & Play-Blackout



  • Custom three-capsule array: This professional USB mic produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube videos, Twitch game streaming, podcasting, Zoom meetings, music recording and more
  • Blue VOICE software: Elevate your streamings and recordings with clear broadcast vocal sound and entertain your audience with enhanced effects, advanced modulation and HD audio samples
  • Four pickup patterns: Flexible cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns allow you to record in ways that would normally require multiple mics, for vocals, instruments and podcasts
  • Onboard audio controls: Headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and mic gain put you in charge of every level of the audio recording and streaming process
  • Positionable design: Pivot the mic in relation to the sound source to optimize your sound quality thanks to the adjustable desktop stand and track your voice in real time with no-latency monitoring
  • Plug n Play: Set up the computer microphone in seconds with the included desktop stand or connect directly to a mic stand or boom arm and instantly start recording and streaming on Mac or PC





The Blue Yeti is a favorite among affordable mics for rappers, singers, podcasters, and streamers. Like the FIFINE Studio mic, the Blue Yeti is very easy to set up with the USB feature. This mic works well for beginners that don't have a treated room. 

Related Post: How To Rap Better - 9 Tips From A Music Artist

Tips For Buying A Mic For Rapping


mic-buying.jpg

Vocal Style And Delivery


Different microphones have varying characteristics that can complement different vocal styles. If you have a powerful and energetic flow, a dynamic microphone like the Shure SM7B might be a good choice.

If you focus on delivering intricate lyrics with clarity, a condenser microphone like the Neumann TLM 102 could be more suitable. Understand your own style and choose a microphone that enhances it.

Test Before Investing


If you have the opportunity, try out different microphones before making a purchase. Many music stores or recording studios have demo units available for testing.

Take advantage of this to see how different mics capture your voice and whether they align with your desired sound.

Acoustics Of Your Recording Environment


While investing in a high-quality microphone is important, it's equally crucial to have a well-treated and soundproofed room. The best microphone can be limited by a poor recording environment.

Acoustic treatment, such as using foam panels or diffusers, can help reduce unwanted reflections and improve the overall sound quality of your recordings.

640px-Lecrae_in_a_recording_studio.jpeg

Budget Wisely


If you're a beginner or have a limited budget, it's essential to find a microphone that offers good value for money. The AT2020 and FIFINE Studio are affordable options mentioned in the post that provide decent sound quality for their price range.

Remember that your skills and techniques play a significant role in the final sound, so focus on honing your craft while working with what you can afford.

Versatility And Future Needs


While finding a microphone that suits your current rap vocals is important, it can also be beneficial to think about your future needs. If you plan on expanding your artistic range or exploring different recording techniques, consider a microphone that offers versatility.

The AKG Pro Audio C414, although pricier, is a microphone that provides professional sound quality and can accommodate various recording situations.

Related Post: The Difference Between Hip Hop And Rap - 3 Key Distinctions

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Yona Marie

As a session singer, writer, and producer that has worked with over 300 clients to provide high-quality jingles, singles, and features, Yona spends her time creating and marketing new music and helpful resources for creators. Check out Yona’s latest releases on her Spotify, her Youtube and share if you like it!

If you are in need of singer, songwriter or song producer services, see what Yona Marie can offer you on her services page.



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