Hi friend and Welcome!!
Looking for the best recording microphone for rap? Well look no further! Before we get into things, grab a snack, sit back and relax because..
You’ve come to the right place!!
What I will bring you in this article
- Introduction
- Considerations
- Top Recommendations
- Final Word
Now without further ado, let’s get rolling!
Introduction
I’ve done quite a bit of research on good rap mics, and I’m here today to tell you that I’ve got some sick solutions to all of your hip hop needs. In fact, my research has spanned almost a year because I’m continuously data mining for other articles, and I come across many different sources saying the same thing. Add to that the fact that I’ve always had a passion for hip-hop, and you get a recipe for some great advice. I’m not a rapper per se, but I am a producer, and have dabbled in writing lyrics and recording on a few occasions. I currently have a Samson C01, and it has served me well since 2007. Imagine that, a “cheap” mic that feels like a barbell and performs like a porn star (Well it is rock hard). Eh that was a bad analogy. Lol. I really haven’t had a need to upgrade because I’m not into recording raps like that, but I may in the future.
Unfortunately, I cannot just recommend one single mic and call it a day. There are too many variables and things to consider before purchase.
Considerations
- Your budget. Are you looking for an entry-level best option or overall best option? The best is also very subjective. While there is a certain consensus about specific microphones, everyone’s best will be a little different. Today we’ll try to consolidate it down to some sure-fire options for you!
- Your room. What’s your studio space like? Are you in a small to medium-sized bedroom with no Acoustic Sound Treatment? Do you have some bass traps and foam panels set up? Or are you in a professional setting? All of this matters greatly, as condensers in general pick up a lot of unwanted noise.
- Condenser mic vs. Dynamic mic. Which do you prefer? Condenser microphones require 48v phantom power, usually provided by your audio interface or mixer. What does an audio interface do? Want to know more about how your computer processes the sound from your mic through the interface? Check out: bit depth vs sample rate!
- Your voice. Are you male or female? Is your voice naturally low or high? Do you need to be able to really belt it? What’s your delivery like? These are all things to consider when choosing a mic that’s appropriate for you.
- Sound. Are you looking for a flat/neutral response, or a warm, accentuated one?
That said, here are my top recommendations for some different types of instances and situations you may face. This article is not meant to confuse you! I would rather point out a few tried and true options and not render you frustrated and annoyed.
Top recommendations
Best budget rap microphone
- MXL 770. This baby has a natural low-end sound and it’s rugged as all heck. Check out my MXL 770 cardioid condenser microphone review!
Best condenser microphones for rap
- AKG C214. This puppy has come up time and again, and it just may be the best overall. It also happens to be extremely versatile. Adds warmth to your voice. Not neutral. Check out my AKG C214 condenser microphone review!
- Audio Technica AT4040. This and the C214 are very similar, and it’s a really close call. I would say the 4040 is a bit more versatile as an all-around piece and is neutral rather than warm. Check out my AKG C214 vs. AT4040 comparison!
- AKG C414. This beast has been around for quite a long time in many different iterations. Luckily for you, I did some articles on that as well! AKG C214 vs. C414. I read somewhere a while back that Ice Cube used a 414 back in the day. If it’s good enough for him it’s good enough for me! Lol. Also: AKG C414 XLS vs. XLII. Regardless, the original 414 was a staple in the rap industry way back when. Gotta mention it!
Best dynamic microphones for rap
- Shure SM58. Not much more can be said about this monster that hasn’t already been said. Great for live vocals, but also works extremely well in the studio! Related: Shure SM57 vs. SM58.
- Shure SM7B. Wow, what can I say about this guy? Perhaps the best dynamic microphone for vocals. Does nicely with rap as well. Michael Jackson used it on Thriller, along with a bunch of other big names in the industry. You can really scream into this one if you want. It takes all the abuse and then some!
Best bigger budget microphones for rap
- Neumann TLM 102/103. A friend of mine bought a TLM 102 when he got serious about recording. Because he was charging people by the hour to use his studio, he needed a mic that could not be scoffed at.
- Blue Kiwi. Has a pronounced mid-range and low end, but isn’t in your face. This mic is very similar to the C414.
Again, these are some of the microphones that I have come across most frequently in my research. There are a lot of best-of lists that look very similar. Just keep in mind again, that opinions do vary, but I have the utmost confidence that this article will get you started in the right direction.
Final Word
That said, if I had to recommend one overall, I would probably start you out with the AKG C214. I’ve heard too many good things about it to let it go. It’s in that magic price range that isn’t too cheap, but also not ridiculously expensive to the point of having to mortgage off your car. Lol.
CHECK OUT THE AKG C214 FOR YOURSELF!!
OR
CLICK HERE TO READ MY AKG C214 CONDENSER MICROPHONE REVIEW!!
Well that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve come away with some valuable information in this best recording microphone for rap article!
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!
Which of these mics tickles your pickle? I would love to know 🙂 Until next time..
All the best and God bless,
-Stu
Be sure to check out my Reviews and Resources page for more helpful and informative articles!
14 comments
This site is dope with a lot great, informative content. I’ve gone through quite a few mics in the past for several reasons. I mix, and master all my own rap, and RnB vocals using Reason. I love that program by the way. How do you feel about it? I really liked the Blue Spark I had. The sound quality was incredible, and it had a really nice look to it. Unfortunately, I broke it, and got an AT-2020. I used that for about two years, and still use it today. I video reviews for gaming with it as well, and I can’t complain. I see you have the 4040 listed.
Hey man!
Yeah I love Reason; it was the first program I ever used and I still use it to this day. 🙂 I also love FL studio as well and use that more frequently now. I’ve heard good things about the Blue Spark, but one of the main complaints was that it wasn’t all that durable, which makes sense if yours ended up breaking 🙁
I’m really encouraged that you’ve had success with the AT2020 considering I recommend that mic a lot. I’ve researched the heck out of it and it seems to be quite a workhorse. It’s one of the best entry level mics that you can buy..
Thanks for stopping by brother!
-Stu
Thanks to you, I now have an Audio Technica AT4040 and I’m really satisfied. I’m using FL studio 12. Check out some of my sample packs here! https://www.lucidsamples.com
I hope it will be useful.
Thank you! I will have to check those out. 🙂 Glad you’re enjoying the mic.
Hello Homestudiobasics,
I’m Corden James, and come from Miami. Thanks for your awesome article. This article is very helpful. But still I have a question, should I ask here ?
Thanks
Hello what is your question Corden?
Hello Stuart Charles Black.
I am confused which one is the best for me..?
Did you read the article?
Hi Stuart Charles Black,
Thanks for this awesome article mate. I have been waiting for an article like this for awhile.
Thanks
Thank you so much!
Hey homestudiobasics,
A very informative article mate you should write on a daily basis. Thanks!
No problem Sharif! I try to write as much as possible (daily) but it’s not easy. Thanks for stopping by!
Great blog, Will! A lot of new and old comers of YouTube would surely benefit from your blog. Very enlightening, I always wanted to gain more knowledge on the YouTube Industry and this really helped me understand it more. Thanks, Will and have a good day!
Thanks Sharif! I hope you have a good day too!