When it comes to rapping your going to have to buy beats, marketing, and a ton of other things that we have covered on this blog. One thing that has been neglected though is equipment. Choosing the right equipment is crucial to how you will sound and whether or not people see you as “industry-ready”.
Fortunately, in this day and age, we have a wide selection of cheap and great quality microphones to choose from. Back in my day we would’ve had to pay upwards of $1,000 for mics this clear and crisp!
Factors For Choosing A Microphone For You
Now before we get into this list I must warn you, when it comes to YOU choosing a microphone for YOU there are a few different factors to consider.
One is the chain that mic is going through. What does that mean exactly?
Well, basically your mic is going through a cable, through an interface and into your computer, if your doing a basic home studio recording setup.
This means that the quality of your recording is going to be determined not only by the mic you get, but also the quality of cable, the interface that cable is plugged into, and the computer itself.
I suggest you get a Monster Cable that you take good care of. That means it’s properly tied up and put away after each session and that it’s not being stepped on, thus not shorting the cable out.
For interface, you can never go wrong with a MBox 3 Mini That’s what I currently use in my home setup, since you won’t be needed that many inputs this will be a perfect fit but there is also other options out there for great audio interfaces.
Choosing The Right Mic For Your Vocal Inflection
Another important factor to address is when your looking to buy microphones you must know who’s recording on the microphone, what kind of music, and what type of voice they have. Each microphone handles different frequencies differently.
To not bore you with any more details, if you want some more information on choosing the right mic for your voice Sound On Sound did a fantastic article on the same topic breaking it down further.
Best Microphones of 2015
Note: This list in not in any particular order of best to worst. Simply our opinion on 5 of the best mics on the market right now
5. Blue Microphones Spark
Blue Microphones have been around since 1995 and are some of the best affordable microphones for vocals on the marketplace today. Most of my artist’s own one or used to and still to this day say great things about this brand.
Spark comes at a low price of only $199 from Sweetwater and comes with it’s own case, pop filter, and of course shockmount. This is a very versatile microphone you can also use to record instruments (something not recommended for most condenser mics). For the price you cannot beat it.
Purchase Blue Microphones Spark Here
4. Rode NT1-A
The Rode NT1-A is currently the microphone I’m using my home setup, and my clients and I have been pleasantly surprised with the results. Most of the vocal takes done on this microphone need little mixing for it to sound right. Mind you I am only using the basic cable it came with it!
Rode has been in the microphone business for a long time now so if you want people who have really created something special at an affordable price, I definitely recommend this microphone to you.
3. Audio-Technica AT4040
This was one of the other options I was looking into when shopping for a new microphone. Audio-Techinca is a very good brand from Japan who I just recently learned supply the microphones for the Grammy Awards.
This one is also a very versatile microphone which is good for not only vocal recordings but also instruments. The only downside seems to be that there is no pop filter included. But that is a very small compliant.
Purchase Audio-Technica AT4040 Here
2. Blue Microphones Bluebird
Blue Microphones makes it’s second appearance on this list specifically for the microphone. I’ve had some artist’s swear to me by it’s superior quality. I have never used one myself though.
Based on the music I’ve heard from it this is definitely one you should consider on your list of choices. Not only does it have a beautiful design, it comes in a nice wooden case, shock mount, and pop filter
Purchase Blue Microphones Bluebird Here
1. sE Electronics X1 Studio Bundle
Finally, we have the sE Electronics X1 Studio Bundle. You can get this microphone separately but for the value you get out of this package you would be insane not to spend the little extra bread on this. The biggest standout in this package is the X1 filter which is great for any studio setup, and something I’ve been BSing about purchasing.
Back in the day, I used to have to use an egg crate pillow to create this same effect, manually. That means, hitting record early, getting the egg crate pillow, rinse and repeat. Exhausting right?
So, if you don’t have enough money or space to build an actual recording booth in your home I strongly suggest you get this bundle. Not only are you getting an excellent microphone but with all the trimmings you need for a great recording experience.
Purchase sE Electronics X1 Studio Bundle Here
