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The hip hop music is touching new heights of popularity every day and it is not just restricted to the west. The people in the middle east, central and south Asia are just as fond of this genre.
Every university, college, and workplace is organizing the competitions and every person simply wants to ace that competition. However, in order to do that, you would need the best microphone for rapping. Fortunately, you have to come to just the right place.
We have compiled a list of some of the best microphones for rapping that are available in the market. This list caters to a wide audience so regardless of your taste you would definitely get something out of it. The list contains both high-end microphones and budget-friendly ones, so everybody could benefit from them.
So, without any further ado, let’s dive right into the best microphone for rapping. However, before going into detailed reviews of the best microphone for rapping, let’s take a bird’ eye view of the major features these best microphones for rapping have to offer.
Our Best Picks for Best Microphone for Rapping
| Microphone | Frequency Range Hz | Polar Pattern | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Technica | 20-20,000 | Cardioid | Check Price |
| Neumann TLM 102 | 20-20,000 | Cardioid | Check Price |
| Rode NT1-A | 20-20,000 | Cardioid | Check Price |
| HyperX Quantcast | 20-20,000 | Multiple | Check Price |
| Shure SM58-LC | 50-15,000 | Cardioid | Check Price |
| Audio Technica AT2020 | 50-15,000 | Unidirectional | Check Price |
| Blue Yeti | 20-20,000 | Multipattern | Check Price |
| AKG Pro C414 | 20-20,000 | Multipattern | Check Price |
| AKG Pro C214 | 20-20,000 | Unidirectional | Check Price |
| Shure SM7B | 50-20,000 | Unidirectional | Check Price |
1. Audio Technica AT4040 – A Highly Efficient and Great-Looking Microphone
To kick start our list of the best microphone for rapping let’s take a look at Audio Technica AT4040. Now if you are familiar with audio hardware you would know how good of a company Audio Technica is.
In case you don’t, let me tell you that it is a very fine company that has delivered some of the efficient sound accessories in the market. This product we have at hand is not any different.
First thing first, it is a Cardioid condenser mic which means you can either put it on a stand or hold it in your hand only. If this does not suit your style, you need to browse for other options. However, in case it does, let me tell you that it is one of the best mics for rap you can get your hands on.
Design-wise, it is one of the classiest microphones you would come across in the market. The metallic construction with complete black paint really gets the best out of this microphone.
Plus, it has been precision machined, has nickel-plated brass, and enhanced element stability that in addition to making it an elegant microphone provides stability and sensitivity.
It is a unidirectional microphone which means that it can pick a voice from only one direction. This is great for the rapper as the noise from the audience would not make it to the microphone. And this is why the voice of the rapper would be crisp and clear.
Moreover, the noise reduction is enhanced by the fact that it is a condenser microphone. These microphones are great at dampening the noises and delivering crisp clear and dry audio.
Moving on, one of the major issues rappers have to encounter is the static that originates from frequency distortion. This is because within a particular environment number of radio devices are available. This makes it harder for the frequency to stay clear from the interference. However, this is not something that you would encounter while using this best microphone for rapping.
It is because of the fact that this microphone has transformer-less circuitry that eliminates all the distortion and also provides high-speed transients. What it means is not only you would have a static-free stage time but also a very clear and lag-free transmission.
All in all, it is one of the best mics for rap you can get your hands on. Although it is a bit expensive, the performance it delivers totally makes it worth it. Thus, if you have a bunch of money lying around, this would make a great investment.
2. Neumann TLM 102 – Exceptionally Efficient and Robust Microphone
Neumann is one of the top manufacturers of studio equipment and a brand that is known worldwide. The company is known for delivering high-end, robust, and extremely efficient microphones in the market. The product we have at hand is the quintessential microphone for the rapping.
It is a cardioid unidirectional microphone which means it would only pick the sound from one direction. These microphones are ideal when it comes to recording the vocals or live rapping. The noise from the surrounding especially the cheering sound of the crowd does not make it to the microphone and thus you get a clear and dry vocal.
As mentioned earlier, the company is known for delivering robust design, this microphone is not an exception. It is a solid piece of electronics that has a robust structure and can withstand wear and tear. Moreover, the metallic design also imparts stability into as well.
The only issue one might encounter while carrying it is the weight which is a bit high. However, considering the time a rapper spends on stage, it should not pose too much of a challenge.
Furthermore, it is a wired microphone which means you can only put it on a stand or hold it in your hands while singing. However, the impedance on this microphone is very low which allows you to use long wires. This essentially gives the rapper the liberty to move around the stage with ease without distorting the audio. But while the rapper is moving one must keep the mic in the right direction so it could catch the sound.
The equivalent noise level is also pretty low which means you would not have to listen to the noise. Moreover, maximum SPL is quite high and you would have to beat a world record of the loudest sound in order to break this microphone. This is what makes it the best microphone for rapping.
Moreover, the microphone has an XLR 3F connector which makes it compatible with pretty much all the sound systems that are available. Thus, you have one less thing to worry about while purchasing this particular microphone.
Moving on, the dynamic range of the microphone is very wide which allows it to capture all sorts of voice frequencies. So regardless of the pitch of your voice, this microphone would capture the audio and deliver it to the audience with a great degree of clearance.
All in all, it is a fine package for rappers as it has a very robust structure and offers exceptional performance. This price tag might be an issue for some but for the quality this great it is perfectly reasonable.
3. Rode NT1-A – Balanced Between Cost and Efficiency
The next product on our list of the best microphone for rapping is the Rode NT1-A. It is Amazon’s choice on Amazon.com which goes on to show the quality this particular product has to offer. One of the major reasons behind its popularity is the fact that it provides an excellent balance between cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
Design-wise, it is a cardioid microphone with a larger diaphragm to capture the audio coming from the rapper. Plus, the unidirectional polar pattern ensures that it only catches the vocals and not the sound from the surrounding. Thus, you would be able to get crisp clear, and noise-free audio output.
The problem that this microphone presents is the fact it has a significantly high impedance. What it means is if you use the long wires with it, you would begin to notice a reduction in the sound quality. Thus, you are essentially limited to a confined area with not much liberty to move around the stage. However, if you like to rap while standing at one place only, this deal is no less than a jackpot.
Moving on, the remaining features of this microphone are exceptionally great for the price bracket it comes within. The microphone has a very wide frequency range which means you would be able to capture all types of audio, low or high.
Furthermore, it has a high maximum SPL which means no matter how loud you sing, it would not present any challenges. The sensitivity and the equivalent noise levels are also great. This is what makes it the best microphone for rapping.
Moreover, the microphone has a three-pin XLR output which makes it compatible with all the major sound systems that are available on the market. However, despite that, you should make sure that you have the right sound system.
The microphone also comes with a windscreen and all the other accessories for recording in a studio setting. And all these accessories are just as efficient as the microphone itself. Using all of these together would really make a difference in the sound quality and the efficiency of the microphone.
Furthermore, the microphone comes with one year of warranty as well and you can extend it for ten years. Thus, you do not have to spend additional money when it breaks down, which it would not easily, as the warranty will cover it.
All in all, it is the best microphone for rapping that provides the right balance between cost and the efficiency of the product. You would get crisp clear audio from it without worrying about the distortion or the noise. The only thing that you cannot do is to move freely on stage while using this microphone. However, this drawback becomes overshadowed when you look at the remaining features this best microphone for rapping has to offer.
4. HyperX Quad Cast – Versatile, Cost-effective, and Extremely Efficient
In a world that is constantly involving smartness in every technology, it is only a matter of time for a company to develop a smart microphone. Now the fact that I’m calling it smart is not because of some AI that has been installed into it. It is because of the versatility that the company has instilled into this particular microphone. You would begin to realize it as I proceed further.
First thing first, the design of the microphone is really exotic yet elegant. It is because of the red light that glows when you turn on this microphone and the classy matte black housing that encases it. To cut it short, it is the most good-looking microphone you would find in the market.
Furthermore, the design is not just good-looking, it is very practical as well. The company has built something called an Anti-Vibration shock mount. This design comes in handy while you are recording the vocals and accidentally hit on the microphone. The Anti-Vibration shock would dampen the vibration and would not let the hit affect the sound that you are recording.
Moving on, it is one of the only microphones that come with multiple polar patterns. You have four options to switch between depending on the purpose you are using it for. You can pick from omnidirectional, cardioid, bidirectional, and stereo depending on the job you want to get done.
This is one of the most useful features one could get on the microphone. Usually, one has to use one microphone for recording vocals and another for the recording of the instruments. However, with this microphone, you get all of it in one place and this is what makes it the best microphone for rapping.
Moreover, the impedance of this microphone is also quite low which allows you to use longer cables if that is what you want. The dynamic range of frequency is the same as what you get in high-end models. And the sensitivity is also exceptional. All of which makes it the best microphone for rapping.
The connector that is available in this mic is USB type A which can be a delight for some and troublesome for others. Those who simply like to record the vocals in the studio would find it absolutely delightful.
However, those who like to rap in live audiences would have some trouble with it. Most of the sound systems are compatible with an XLR connector which makes it harder to plug it directly into the receiver. However, some dongles are available that can convert it into XLR but that would compromise the quality of sound.
All in all, it is the best microphone for rapping and also a budget mic for rap as it comes at a price that is affordable. It is packed with a lot of nifty features that would come in handy in a number of situations. Thus, if you are looking for something versatile with a low-price tag, this budget mic for rap is your best bet.
5. Shure SM58 – An Affordable Orthodox Microphone
While we are discussing the budget-friendly options it would be impertinent to not mention Shure’s SM58. It is one of the few very efficient microphones that you can get for under 100$. And it is the reason this device is Amazon’s choice on Amazon.com.
Moving on, the microphone features a typical traditional design that has almost gone extinct. However, with SM58 it seems to have resurrected and gotten a new life. The microphone is very popular and probably the most affordable one for live rapping.
The quality of construction is also quite nice in this best microphone for rapping. At the top of the mic, there is a steel-mesh grill and the remaining body has a metallic coating. This makes it resistant to the wear and tear and abuse live performances have to offer.
It has a unidirectional polar pattern which means it would only pick up the sound from one direction. However, as it has the same look from all 360 degrees it can take some time to figure out which side is picking up the sound. Once you have found it you can be rest assured about the quality of audio it is going to produce.
Another interesting thing about this microphone is the pneumatic shock mount system that cuts down the noise of handling. Usually, the hand-held microphone struggles with it and ends up producing a noisy sound.
Furthermore, because of this shock mount, the sounds when you accidentally hit the microphone with your body also get reduced. Thus, you can keep rapping without worrying about where and when you might hit your other hand on the microphone.
Plus, the company has also used a pop-filter into the micro that reduces the sound of the wind and breath while you are rapping. What it means is that the audience would only hear your vocals not the sounds of your breath. This is what makes it the best microphone for rapping.
Moving on, the dynamic range of the frequency ranges from 50-15,000 Hz which is pretty great for the rapper. It is very wide and with the high sensitivity of the microphone it would pick up all the vocals even if they are not that loud.
Overall, it is a cheap mic for rap yet efficient microphone that you can find on the market. Plus, it has a traditional design that almost died and you have a chance to revive it.
Moreover, although this cheap mic for rap looks simpler, it has a lot of nifty and useful features packed inside that come in handy. All of this makes it the best microphone for rapping and presents a great case for you to purchase this product.
6. Audio-Technica AT2020US – Recording The Vocals Cannot Get More Simpler
This is the second entry of Audio Technica on our list of the best microphone for rapping. However, this time, it is with a slightly different unit that has a target audience of the people who like to digitally record their music.
Looks-wise, it is a really simple design and has no bells and whistles attached to it. The color is matte black which is simple but elegant nonetheless. However, when you take a closer look you would find out that it has more than usual ports and buttons on it. These buttons and ports come in really handy and I would explain how.
The construction of the microphone is also pretty sturdy and can withstand the minor wear and tear and abuse you would have to offer.
Moving on, as mentioned earlier, it is intended for people who like to record in the studio with their laptops. Thus, the company has put their needs in perspective and has designed a really fine unit. The connector on this unit is USA type A which gets attached with pretty much all the laptops and desktops. Plus, it is compatible with both Windows and macOS which is one less thing for you to worry about.
The polar pattern on this mic is unidirectional that isolates your sound and dampens the noise of the surroundings. The response to frequencies also remains almost constant and only has minimal fluctuations. What it means is, the response to the vocals would remain consistent with your tone with little to no fluctuation.
The only problem is, it has a bit of high impedance which is why you would not be able to use a longer wire. However, this should not be treated as a deal-breaker since in the studio setting mic has to be adjusted at one place and does not require much moving around. Thus, despite the impedance, you would make it work with ease.
Moving on, remember the ports and buttons I talked about earlier? Yes, those are really useful. That port is there for the attachment of the microphone. Using this port, you would be able to listen to the response of the microphone to your vocals in real-time.
Thus, it would be much easier to make amendments in your vocal tone and pitch according to the response of the microphone. This essentially cuts down the number of takes one uses to record a particular set of vocals.
All in all, it is the best microphone for rapping if you plan to record the vocals in the studio. This microphone would give your real-time feedback and that would improve your skills.
Plus, it is compatible with both Windows and macOS which makes the connectivity much easier. To top it all, it comes at a price that is really affordable which is what makes a great case in the favor of this microphone.
7. Blue Yeti USB Mic – Best Budget Microphone For Rapping
Live streaming has really become a “thing” and the global pandemic of Covid-19 has made it even more popular. The artists can interact with the audiences in real time without needing to be in the same physical space. Blue Yeti USB mic is for those artists who use live streaming for performance for their audiences.
The design of this mic is fairly simple and resembles a person lifting weights. It is a pretty unique and fun approach that I have personally found very appealing. Plus, the material used in it is pretty solid and sturdy which is why it will be able to withstand minor wear and tear.
Moving on, the microphone has multiple polar patterns to choose from. These include stereo, unidirectional, omnidirectional, and bidirectional. This versatility allows getting multiple jobs done with a single microphone without switching between different microphones.
The audio quality of the mic is pretty decent as there is virtually no noise in the final output. In case there is, you can always use some applications to reduce the noise even further. However, the sensitivity of the mic is a little low which is why you might need to speak or rap a little louder. You would only experience it if you have used other microphones in the past. If you are new to this field, you would not have encountered this experience.
Furthermore, the connector type is USA which makes it easy to connect with your PC and laptops. And it is compatible with both macOS and Windows, so that should not be a problem. The headphone jack is also available with audio control which allows you to listen to the response of the mic in real-time.
The best thing about this microphone is the price tag that it comes with. It is very affordable which makes it the best budget microphone for rapping. Plus, you also get two years of warranty from the manufacturer which is great for the unit that comes at such an affordable price.
8. AKG Pro Audio C414 – The Best of the Premiums
AKG is a known brand to pretty much everybody but because of headphones, not the microphone. However, this company produces just as good a microphone as well and the product we have at hand is the best they have ever produced.
The price of this microphone is almost grand but the features it provides make it totally worth it. However, this product is not for everyone, it is only for the professionals who want more control over their microphones.
It features a double-tone design with a golden sheet on one side and black on the other. The remaining body of the microphone has been made up of metal. This not only gives it a premium touch but also makes it very sturdy and durable. This device can withstand accidental drops, wear and tear, and all the abuse you can throw at it.
Besides the fundamental features, it features nine selectable polar patterns. What the rapper would find most appealing is the hyper-cardioid because it really restricts the areas a microphone can pick sound from. This setting would be ideal for the recording of vocals as it would virtually diminish all the other sounds in the area. In addition to this, eight other patterns are available that one can use as per the need.
Another interesting feature of this unit is the overload warning which is basically a LED that provides an indication for even the shortest overload peaks. You can use this feature to keep track of the levels and record distortion-free audio. Plus, there is a bass-cut filter as well that basically works to reduce stage vibration, noise and eliminate the sound of wind in the area.
One of the mind-boggling features of this unit is the sensitivity which is about 20mV/Pa. This means the microphone would even pick up the whispers if you want it to. Thus, even if you have a soft tone, the microphone would be able to pick it up with ease.
The impedance though is quite high which is a bit disappointing for the mic that comes with an expensive price tag. However, since it is not intended for the people who keep around the stage, I think it should not be much of an issue.
All in all, it is one of the good mics for rapping and one of the best microphones for recording rap. The multiple polar patterns really make it easy to isolate the vocals when needed and blend in the instruments when you want. This is what makes it the best mic for rap vocals.
However, only purchase this best mic for rap vocals if you are professional as for the ordinary person it is only a waste of resources.
9. AKG Pro Audio C214 – Premium Unit at Affordable Price
For those of you who could not afford the previously mentioned microphone in our list of the best microphones for recording rap, we have just the right replacement. It is from the same brand with the same design but with feature reduction that makes it affordable. This is what makes it one of the best rapping microphones.
The design of the microphone is just as robust and sleek as the one mentioned above. It is one of the sturdiest designs you would come across in the market. The scratch-resistant body can withstand all the abuse you might subject it to. This is what makes it one of the best rapping microphones.
Unlike the previous model, it features a single polar pattern that is unidirectional. This enables it to isolate the vocals and minimize the audio from the surroundings. This is what makes it one of the best mics for rap.
Moreover, the bass-cut filter is also available in this microphone. This feature reduces the sound of the breath and the wind to deliver the sound of vocals only. Plus, the mechanism to reduce mechanical noise is also in place in case you want to use it live on stage. This crisp clear audio can be further edited to make it more appealing to the audiences via several software.
Besides these, all of the other features like sensitivity, equivalent noise, and maximum pressure are all up to the mark. This is what makes them one of the best mics for rap. Thus, if you are looking for an affordable microphone that records the vocals greatly this is one of the best microphones for rappers you can get your hands on.
10. Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic-Makes Your Live Performance Clearer
The last but not the least microphone to make it to our list of the best microphone for rapping is the Shure SM7B. It is a little different unit than the remaining microphones that have been enlisted so far.
SM7B is a dynamic microphone and these microphones are preferred over condenser microphones when it comes to living performances. They are able to handle loud sounds more efficiently than condensers and thus make the vocals clearer in live settings.
The design of the unit is very simple and has a plain black coating all over it. This design is simple but elegant nonetheless. Plus, the construction quality is very sturdy which is why it is a durable microphone as well.
The best thing about this particular microphone is the flat and wide-range frequency response. It shows minimal fluctuations at different frequencies and produces a clean and natural vocal for the audience.
Moreover, it is equipped with a very effective pop filter that provides protection against unwanted breath sounds. This system is so efficient that you would not need any external protection.
Plus, it has an internal air suspension which is basically a shock suspension. The combination of these noise reduction mechanisms works brilliantly. This is what makes it the best rap microphone.
All in all, it is the best rap microphone for the live performances you get your hands on. The sound reduction is efficient and the vocal quality is great. And this is what a rapper expects from the microphone while one is on the stage.
Buyer Guide For Choosing The Best Microphone For Rapping
When you browse for the microphone you would come across a lot of different specifications. For an ordinary person, it is difficult to understand these terminologies but they are important in selecting a microphone. Thus, in this section, we would outline some of the important features/specifications you need to look for while getting the best microphone for rapping.
1. Type of Microphone
You would come across two types of microphones while looking for something to Rap with. The microphone would either be dynamic or the condenser. Each of them has its own benefits and drawbacks. However, all you need to know is that condensers are better for recording the audio in the studio and dynamic microphones are good for performing for live audiences.
2. Polar Pattern
The polar pattern defines which part of the mic would pick up the audio and which part would not. For vocal recording, cardioid or unidirectional microphones are preferred since they record from one direction only and eliminate the noise from the surroundings. Thus, you need to make sure that the microphone you are getting has a similar pattern.
3. Sensitivity
Sensitivity is basically the ability of the microphone to pick a sound. The higher the sensitivity the better it will be able to perform. However, when expressed in the units it becomes totally opposite. If I put it in simple terms, the higher the numerical number, the lower the sensitivity and the lower ability of the microphone to pick sound. Thus, while purchasing the microphone make sure it has high sensitivity which would figure out by looking at the numerical value.
4. Impedance
Impedance is the resistance that the microphone offers to the wire it is connected with. The microphone with higher impedance would have the issue with a long wire. Thus, they will restrict your movement on stage. Therefore, if you are looking for something to move on the stage with, look for a microphone that has a lower impedance.
Conclusion – The Best Microphone For Rapping
There folks! You have everything we had on the best microphone for rapping. We hope this article has helped you in finding the right microphone for you or has at least narrowed down your options. In case there is anything you want to add or ask about the best microphone for rapping let us know in the given section. We would love to respond.