The Best Live Mics For Performing From Home During The Coronavirus
Whether you’re just jamming out with your buddies or getting ready to go a world tour one thing is certain. Things have gotten a lot more complicated during the Coronavirus pandemic. For performers this is especially true when most of our performances are now live over Zoom or in intimate sessions in our homes in front of virtual crowds. The pressure to sound great is higher than ever.
For this list we are going to focus on the best microphones for performing live. While there are a number of different styles of mic, from studio mics tuned for vocals that adjust and can add things like auto tune or software to add reverb and synth, to usb mics for podcasts and other snap recording, live performing is an entirely different animal.
This list will comprise the best affordable dynamic microphones for performing live from your home or with limited setup to ensure a quality a performance without the need for a sound tech to make you sound good.
1. Shure SM58
The Shure SM58 is over 50 years old and is still an industry standard and for good reason. Durable, great sounding and an all around performer. This one will likely outlast it’s owners.
Price Range
$89 – $134
Pros:
-Durable
-Dynamic Range With Great Sound
-Excellent For Live Vocals
Cons:
-Lacks Some of the Features of Modern Condenser Mics
-Distinctive Drop That Sounds Like Classic Rock May Not Favor All Styles
2. Sennheiser e945
This particular microphone is a trooper. With sturdy construction and an excellent dynamic range, this one is perfect for live performances where anything can happen.
Price Range
$139 – $219
Pros:
– Extremely Sturdy With Little Worry of Feedback if Dropped
-Solid Dynamic Range
-Excellent Pickup
Cons:
-Must Be Held Properly For Sound Pickup
-More Expensive Than Similar Counterparts
3. Pyle Pro Pdmic-78
This slim model microphone is what many would consider a karaoke mic. This is for the budget conscious who want something to play around with but don’t want to invest in a full on mic. Perfect for sing alongs and parties.
Price Range
$9.72 – $24.95
Pros:
-Good Sound Range
-Uni-directional Pickup to Reduce Feedback
-Low Price
Cons:
-Could Be More Durable
-Uni-Directional Pickup Means Sound Must Be Straight On
4. AKG D5
The AKG D5 is solid performing budget mic. It offers excellent feedback and noise canceling without the price tag of higher end microphones. In terms of quality this one is considered an upgrade over similar models in the same price range.
Price Range
$47.99 – $99
Pros:
-Clean Sound
-Feedback and Noise Resistant
-Low Frequency Range For Bass and Baritone Singers
Cons:
-Polar Pattern May Make Mic Cupping Produce Feedback
-Not Ideal For Singers With Poor Mic Technique
5. Shure Beta 58A
If you’re looking for something superior to our previous listings then you’ve found it. Just as sturdy as the SM58 it features an enhanced mid range and improved pickup for a whole new range of timbres and styles. This is one might be more than your average karaoke singer needs but is a definite must for any budding or experienced performer.
Price Range
$94.99 – $159
Pros:
-Superior Durability
-Impressive Range For Variety of Singers
-Clearer Sound With Reduced Handling Noise
-Supercardioid Pattern Allows For Playing of Instrument While Singing
Cons:
-Extra High Singers May Find The Mic Under Performs At High Range
6. Behringer Ultravoice Xm8500
This one is the ultimate budget mic. Still a performer, you can buy 5 of these for the price of some other brand mics in the same class. Great for live vocals or as a backup, secondary mic for drums or guitar this one will deliver without breaking the bank
Price Range
$23 – $29.99
Pros:
-Low Price Makes Replacement Easy
-Solid Performer for Live Vocals or Backup Sound Capture
Cons:
-Lacks Durability
-No Special Features or On/Off Switch
7. MXL BCD-1
Here we have the perfect mic for tight spaces. Designed as a dynamic broadcast mic it is perfectly suited to pic up voices that are close together in a tight area. Perfect for that home studio or at home karaoke party.
Price Range
$47 – $149.95
Pros:
-Excellent Pickup in Close Proximity
-Cancels Out Outside Noise
Cons:
-Limited Range
-Less Portable Than Standard “Stick” Mics
In Conclusion
There you have it. Our list of best live performance microphones. Whether you’re an average singer just getting together for some karaoke or a seasoned performer you’ll find something that works for you. We based our picks off of those microphones that fell into the category of dynamic range and affordable price. We also tried to take into account that not everyone is a sound engineer or has experience tuning amps just right for a killer speak setup.
In these trying times it is important to have reliable products that we can use to share music with others without a lot of hassle.
