There are many different kinds of microphones, some geared more for certain uses than others.
This is a special type of microphone that is designed to best capture the high-frequency range in Rap’s vocals.
Other types of microphones can be used. Condenser mics may also work, and they are commonly used in studios that have high-tech equipment.
Condenser microphones are popular in studios because they can pick up the maximum amount of sound, especially the high frequencies.
It is important to have a microphone that can pick up the high frequencies in rap vocals.
This is particularly important because these frequencies are what makes rap vocals sound so raw and unique.
Best mics for rappers, in general, should have a wide frequency response with a very warm sound in the mids and highs.
This means that it will not distort the high notes of rap vocals, giving a very clean sound.
This is an important aspect of this microphone because there are other microphones that are used in studios for recording rap vocals, however, those microphones have more bass in the sound so they do distort the high notes.
In order for this article to be as useful as possible, we will be using an example of using a Rode NT1-A Condenser Microphone as we go through this explanation.
This microphone is a popular choice of microphone for rap vocals because it has a unique frequency response.
(Source: shure.com)
The Rode NT1-A has been used by many famous artists, including Jay-Z. Jay-Z’s song “99 Problems” was a big hit that made him famous, and the Rode NT1-A is the microphone that he used to record his voice on this track, as well as many other songs.
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Table of Contents
5 Things to Note when Choosing a Mic for Rappers
1. Compatibility
First, you need to consider the kind of microphone that is compatible with your Rap Vocals style.
If you want a high distortion and intense Rap Vocal sound, then you’ll want to invest in a condenser microphone.
If you are looking for a more mellow and soft Rap Vocals sound, then go for a dynamic microphone.
2. Size
There is a wide range of microphones, in terms of size. When choosing a microphone for your Rap Vocals, ensure you choose one that is comfortable for you to use and does not limit the movement of your mouth.
3. Shape
You can also choose from different shapes, such as dynamic or condenser, depending on your style of Rap vocals. Dynamic microphones have a dynamic element to its design and hence it picks up the sound waves better. Condenser microphones are generally larger and less expensive than dynamics ones.
4. Frequency Range
The frequency range of a microphone is important in terms of how you sing your Rap Vocals. The frequency range of Rap Vocals generally lies between 50-20000Hz, so you want to make sure that the microphone can pick up that particular range. If not, you will get a fuzzy sound and it may result in distortion.
5. Impedance
The higher the impedance, the greater amount of input voltage is needed to get a reasonable output signal. At a low impedance, a lesser voltage is needed to get a good level of output. When choosing your microphone for Rap Vocals, make sure the impedance is set according to the level of output you want to achieve.
(Source: neumann.com)
5 Best Microphones for Rap Vocals
1. Shure SM7B Vocal Microphone
The Shure SM7B is a dynamic microphone that was first introduced in 1978 and it has gained popularity as one of the best microphones for rap vocals. The SM7B is known for its ability to handle extreme sound levels repeatedly while providing clear and crisp sound quality. The price might be a bit expensive, but most singers would agree that this microphone is worth the investment.
This microphone model from Shure is a good choice for singers who want to have a high-quality recording with their computer’s audio interface. It has been used on many recordings and is a favorite among many vocalists.
2. Rode NT1-A-MP
The Rode NT1-A-MP Stereo Studio is known for its ability to handle high sound levels without creating distortion. This microphone can be used to record live vocals for recording albums and it comes with a build in pop filter that helps eliminate unwanted background noise. The headphones that come with this microphone are great and are built for studio use.
This microphone model has been used widely and I found many singers who used this mic extensively on various recordings.
3. Neumann TLM 102 MT
Grainy and resonant sound quality is what makes this Neumann microphone unique. Although it is known for its grainy sound, the microphone can still result in some very good recordings that provide clear sound and crisp sounds. Since it can handle high and low frequencies, this mic is great for producing a wide variety of sounds.
This microphone model is used extensively with both vocals and instruments such as acoustic guitar and drums.
4. Aston Microphones
The Aston Microphones Origin is a large-diaphragm microphone that is known for its crisp sound and clear vocals. This microphone is suitable for recording quality audio for instruments such as guitar, drums, cymbals or anything else that has a versatile sound. Using this microphone can help to produce high-quality audio without any background noise. The price of this microphone ranges about $300 – $400, but its great sound quality more than makes up for the price.
5. AKG Pro Audio C214
AKG has created this microphone model with high and low frequencies in mind. The sound is very clean and crisp, especially when it comes to vocals. This microphone might be more expensive compared to the mic above, but its great sound quality far exceeds its price.
It is known for its great performance on vocal recordings and it can also easily handle the needs of an instrument recording such as guitar or drums.
Conclusion
The Shure SM7B is the best overall microphone for recording rap vocals. It will give you a smooth, full-bodied sound, with plenty of high-end detail. The Shure SM7B is good at rejecting off-axis noise, and it has very low handling noise making it very easy to record. The shock mount helps isolate the mic from vibrations and also helps reject more off-axis noise.
When recording rap vocals you can’t go wrong with the Shure SM7B.