8 Best Microphones for Rap Vocals of 2024

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Take your rap performances to the next level with a microphone designed for rap vocals. The style is very energetic, powerful, and fast-paced. You want a high-quality microphone that can capture your personality, rhythm, and overall flow.

Microphones best suited for rapping would be a dynamic mic that can handle powerful live performances, like the Shure SM58, or a quality condenser microphone, like the AKG C414, for the recording studio.

These microphones for rap vocals deliver clear audio and amplify your voice in the recording studio or for live performance. Check out eight of our favorite microphones below for your next performance.

Best Microphones for Rap Vocals

SPECS

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 50Hz-15kHz
• Type: Dynamic

Shure is renowned as one of the best microphone manufacturers of all time. They have multiple legendary mic models in their catalog and none is more well-known than the SM58. It's an iconic mic, and perfect for rap vocals.

It has features perfect for rap vocals, like a presence peak that adds clarity by removing some of the low end. The internal shockmount cuts down on handling noise, which is why it's one of the most popular live vocal mics. The cardioid pattern provides great off-axis rejection.

So whether you're performing in a small venue or for thousands of people, this mic will reject unwanted noise from monitors and more. The mic emphasizes vocals and enhances rap vocals so every word is heard with accuracy.

Rappers love the price and can't believe a mic of this quality is still under $100. It's also praised for its build quality and durability; just know this mic can handle a fall or two and be perfectly okay. A Sweetwater user wrote in a review, "There's a reason the SM58 is the standard."

SPECS

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Type: Condenser

The AT2020 is a good large-diaphragm condenser at a rock-bottom price point, so consider making it your budget-friendly mic in your locker. Audio Technica's designs are well respected, and if you have a little more budget the AT line has multiple models to choose from.

It has good combination of features that make it great for the studio like a cardioid polar pattern, the low-mass diaphragm offers a full 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range and a maximum SPL handling of up to 144dB!

The self noise rating is low too, which gives vocal tracks a clean sound. The sonic detail is smooth and natural and the cardioid polar pattern is great for rejecting background noise.

Overall, the AT2020 is a great beginner mic. It's relatively basic though and doesn't offer elements like a high-pass filter or pad, but it does come in a USB version.

And while rap is mostly an electronic genre, if you want to record acoustic instruments it does just as well with them as it does with vocals. It gets great reviews no matter where you look, and one user wrote "I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a quality condenser microphone at a great price point."

SPECS

• Polar Pattern: Multipattern
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
• Type: Condenser

Lewitt's MTP W950 is a unique handheld condenser that makes it one of the premier choices if you want to give live vocals the clarity that dynamic microphones just can't keep up with.

Condenser mics aren't usually a viable option for live vocals due to their sensitivity and fragility. The W950 throws all of that out the window. Its most unique feature is the W9 that can be used in wired or wireless modes.

Another unique feature when it comes to handheld mics are the option to select between cardioid and supercardioid polar patterns. Bleed is always a concern in a live setting and both of these offer great off-axis rejection.

To add to its utility and versatility it has 12dB attenuation and high-pass filter at 120Hz switches. Both are located under the grille so you don't have to worry about accidentally bumping them when using it. Dual-layer protection guards against noise from wind and plosives, the latter a common issue with the sensitivity of condenser mics.

The cost varies depending on the distributor and it's definitely not cheap, but when you consider the great sound and all of the features - especially the fact that it can be used in wired or wireless modes this is one of the best value microphones on our list.

SPECS

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Type: Condenser

Now, this is an iconic mic. It's been used in the recording studio to capture vocals for rap music for decades, one of the reasons it's an industry favorite.

It starts with the precision-crafted capsule that's fabricated in Neumann's world-class manufacturing facility. The large diaphragm FET design offers three different polar patterns in cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8.

Adding to its usefulness on any source - not just vocals - is a 10dB attenuation pad and high-pass filter. With the pad engaged, it can take SPL of up to 127dB to make it great on loud sources like drums and bass guitar, two of the most crucial elements of rap productions.

The U 87 has been around for decades and while the design never needed to be changed, the U 87 Ai does offer modern upgrades around its circuitry. This includes the electronic components and capsule bias voltage. This gives it more headroom, 10dB of higher sensitivity, and a better signal-to-noise ratio of 3dB.

Users can attest to the fact that it's a legendary microphone for a reason, one review states "Been a professional producer and engineer for over 25 years. I record a lot of vocals and have used a lot of different microphones. The U87 has a reputation for a reason. It sounds great on everyone because it is flat and its presence is unmistakable. It's legendary. You cannot go wrong."

SPECS

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Type: Condenser

Rode makes some amazing mics; they're super popular amongst filmmakers and podcasters especially, but musical artists are big fans of their NT-1 5th Generation mic. It delivers clear, detailed vocals and has a nice, smooth, warm tone that you and your producer are going to love. Not to mention the onboard digital signal processing (DSP)!

The mic is praised for its low self-noise, so you don't capture unwanted noise or hiss while recording. It does have an extended dynamic range of 20Hz to 20kHz, so you can be creative with soft and loud vocals without introducing microphone distortion or clipping.

But the most appealing feature is the mentioned onboard DSP. The converter is high resolution with a sample rate of up to 192kHz and 32-bit digital floating point bit depth. Included processing from Rode and Aphex comes with compression, gates, filtering, and Aphex's popular Exciter and Big Bottom effects.

Overall, this is also a great bundle package for rappers. It comes with an SM6 shock mount, pop filter, 20-inch XLR mic cable, USB-C cable, and dust cover. The 5th Generation of the NT1 isn't just great for recording rap vocals. With it you can create content, stream, or use it in professional occupation scenarios like audio and video meetings.

Customer reviews are very positive, with one user stating "This mic is amazing. Sounds Great. Sounds Quality/Expensive but it's not. Very reasonably Priced and overall works Great for me."

SPECS

• Polar Pattern: Omni, Wide Cardioid, Cardioid, Hypercardioid, Figure-8
• Frequency Response: Condenser
• Type: 20Hz-20kHz

The professional grade AKG C414 XLII mic is loved by rap artists for its versatility, clarity, detail, and sound quality. The mic has a wide frequency response for reproducing the nuances and dynamics of vocals, and it provides authentic reproduction of the sound source it's picking up.

It's the perfect Swiss army knife microphone for your locker with a range of great features. For starters, the nine polar patterns means no matter what source you're using it on, or what environment you're recording in you can easily make it work.

There are three high-pass filters and three pad levels, and the 152dB of dynamic range is insane. A peak hold LED detects overloads to make sure no clipping happens to ruin the perfect take. It's a great mic for all kinds of vocals and it can take the aggressive style of rap music while providing the best sonic clarity regardless of how good the preamp you're using is.

If you want a high-end mic that is as versatile as it gets and will always have a place in your microphone locker this is it. It is well over $1,000 so it will be understandably out of the price range of many but the cost is justified considering how versatile, well-made, and great-sounding it is.

To demonstrate how true it is that once you have it you'll never want to let it go, one user says "This is a mic that I have used for more than 3 decades! I love everything about this mic. The upper sheen and the focused mid is so awesome! Best mic for the money!"

SPECS

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
• Type: Condenser

Tube microphones have a warm, colored, and vintage sound that are perfect for rap vocals. There aren't that many on the market, and the Pure Tube is designed for vocal use.

The Pure Tube has a revolutionary new circuit that doesn't include semiconductors or capacitors within the signal path. That combined with the smooth and warm sound of the 12AU7 tube provides color and character to the signal that makes it a perfect choice for rap music.

With a 20Hz-20kHz frequency response, it brings warmth, weight, and clarity to vocal tracks no matter what type of vocal or style you're working with.

If you're looking for that warm, thick, vintage microphone sound but with modern technology, then the Pure Tube microphone is the perfect microphone for you.

SPECS

• Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
• Frequency Response: 40Hz-18kHz
• Type: Dynamic

Sennheiser mics are some of our favorites here at American Songwriter. They're affordable and work well across all genres. If you're looking for a dynamic handheld microphone the e945 has design elements that make it one of the best choices - especially for the stage.

One of the things that makes it ideal for live performance is the supercardioid pickup pattern, which is tighter than a cardioid pattern. It's an effective mic for rappers with aggressive and energetic vocals because it can handle high sound pressure levels without distortion.

Overall, it's a great handheld rap microphone for live performances. It delivers clear audio and rejects unwanted noise. It's regarded as one of the best stage mics for a reason. At $200 the price isn't bad either!

And for performers who put in long performances, one user says "Has great quality and value. It is a beast. Must have for musicians that gig long hours."

Best Microphone for Rap Vocals Buyer's Guide

Microphone Type

Dynamic microphones are best for live performances, while condenser microphones offer the clarity, articulation, and detail you want in studio recordings.

Sound Quality

Consider frequency response, clarity, and detail. A microphone with a balanced frequency response that enhances the vocal presence in the midrange and delivers a natural sound can greatly enhance your recordings.

Polar Pattern

Cardioid is a common choice for vocals as it focuses on capturing sound from the front (you or whoever is performing), minimizing unwanted noise from the back and sides. However, other polar patterns like omnidirectional or figure-8 may suit specific recording situations or stylistic choices.

Omnidirectional or figure-8 would be a great pick for 2 or more rappers on the same mic.

To record your rap on the street, consider using a boom mic.

Durability

Look for microphones with sturdy construction that can handle the demands of live performances, travel, or frequent studio use. When it comes to durability dynamics can withstand a lot of use.

There are handheld condenser mics, but traditional models are more fragile and need to be handled with more care.

Budget

Remember that higher-priced microphones often offer better sound quality and durability, but there are also terrific budget-friendly options that are praised by industry professionals. Set a budget, and see which mic will meet your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of microphone is best for rap vocals?

Rap and hip-hop have very different vocal styles. For the more aggressive subgenres like gangster rap and trap dynamic microphones are a great choice because they aren't as sensitive and can withstand high sound pressure levels.

For recording in the studio and performing live models like the Electro-Voice RE20, Shure SM7B, even the SM58 provide the durability and broad frequency response to handle different types of voice types and flow styles.

Large diaphragm condenser microphones are a great choice for studio work, but due to their relative fragility aren't necessarily the best choice for live performance. For the more melodic styles of rap like conscious hip hop and emo rap they provide clarity and articulation, since those styles often have a less aggressive delivery.

Can I use a studio microphone for live performances?

"Studio microphone" is a misnomer. In theory any mic can be used in studio and live scenarios. Consider design elements like off-axis rejection, handling noise, and diaphragm sensitivity. Overall dynamic mics are better for live performances than condeners.

Large-diaphragm versus small-diaphragm: Which is best?

Large-diaphragm microphones are known for their warm and full-bodied sound. You may prefer a large design in the studio for an organic or vintage sound.

Small-diaphragm microphones offer a more detailed, accurate sound with better transient detail. For the most part, small diaphragm mics are better for instruments and not vocals.

Conclusion

Finding a rap microphone for live performances can be tough; you want a mic that fits the performer's vocal style.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly rap microphone for gigs, we recommend going with the Shure SM58. It has great midrange, is a top choice worldwide for live vocals, and is incredibly durable.

Recording rap music from home is possible with a solid microphone. If you want a good condenser under $100, the AT2020 is a great pick. It'll do a great job capturing rap vocals, and there is also a USB version that's great for content creation.

If you can stretch your budget for an industry-favorite studio mic, the Neumann U87 or AKG C414 mics are our top picks.

Photo Courtesy Sweetwater