Best Rap Microphones: 10 Top Models for Rap Vocals

Are you looking for the best rap microphones to amplify your flow in music? A rap mic can make or break your sound quality. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one for your needs?

Look no more! I have curated a list of the 10 best picks. Let's dive into the details!

Quick Answer

Rap is a genre that requires a lot of creativity and skill. Likewise, it also needs a high-quality microphone because it can make a huge difference in how your rap vocals sound and blend with the beat.

For a good mic, you must consider the following things:

• Frequency response;
• Polar patterns;
• Sensitivity;
• Durability;
• Wireless connectivity.

Finding one with the optimum requirements can be an anxious and tiring task, but don't worry. I have done the research for you. Continue reading to explore the pros, cons, and features of the 10 best products. Also, learn about the factors involved in a great microphone. Let's begin!

10 Best Microphones For Rap: Comparison Chart

Listed below table as all the important details you should know:

Product	Type		Frequency	Details
Rode NT-USB	Condenser		20 Hz to 20 kHz	$169.00 Check Price Review
Shure SM7B	Dynamic		50 Hz to 20 kHz	$399.00 Check Price Review
Audio-Technica AT2035	Condenser		20 Hz to 20 kHz	$149.00 Check Price Review
Audio Technica AT2020	Condenser		20 Hz to 20 kHz	$99.00 Check Price Review
AKG Pro Audio C214	Condenser		20 Hz to 20 kHz	$399.00 Check Price Review
Rode NT1-A	Condenser		20 Hz to 20 kHz	$310.00 Check Price Review
Shure SM58	Dynamic		50 Hz to 15 kHz	$99.00 Check Price Review
AKG Pro Audio C414 XLII	Condenser		20 Hz to 20 kHz	$1,090.00 Check Price Review
Samson C01	Condenser		20 Hz to 18 kHz	Price not available Check Price Review
Sennheiser e965	Condenser		40 Hz to 20 kHz	$199.95 Check Price Review

1. The Best Overall Rap Microphone: Rode NT-USB

Let's have a look at the advantages and disadvantages of the Rode mic:

Pros 

• Has a high-quality A/D converter that delivers a clear and detailed sound.
• Uses a USB port for direct plug-and-play.
• Comes with a stand to adjust the mic.
• Analog to digital converter for accurate sound production.

Cons

• The mic stand can be short for some people.

The Rode NT is a microphone that offers a convenient and easy way to record rap and music on your computer or mobile device. The presence of a USB connection allows you to plug it directly into your device without any hassle.

Additionally, it also has low plosive sounds, and there is no unwanted noise thanks to its pop filter.

Features 

Let's check out the features of this product:

• Has an 0.5-inch capsule that delivers a smooth and warm sound.
• The sound is excellent, with reduced ambient noise and feedback.
• Headphone jack and a mix control knob that lets you monitor and adjust the sound in real-time.
• 24-bit/48kHz conversion to capture minor details.
• Pop shield to enhance the stability during recording rap music.

Specs

2. The Best For Durability and Construction: Shure SM7B

The following are the pros and cons of this mic:

Pros 

• Excellent sound production with smooth frequency output.
• Robust construction with metal casing.
• Ability to adjust the tone for different sources.
• Compatible with most audio interfaces and mixers with XLR inputs.

Cons

• A bigger and more bulky size.

The SM7B is a game-changer for rap artists and musicians alike. With its design, it can capture the nuances of vocal performances, especially for the genres like hip-hop, jazz, rock, metal, and rap.

Additionally, its sleek design and robust construction ensure durability. The presence of a cardioid pattern minimizes the background noise and focuses on the sound source. 

Features 

Let's explore the features of this product:

• An impressive dynamic range to capture every detail of your rap performance.
• The presence of bass roll-Off and boost controls reduces the frequency of rumbles.
• An internal air suspension system decreases the background noise and unwanted interference.

Specs

3. The Best Quality Condenser Mic: Audio-Technica AT2035

Interested in reading the pros and cons of this device? Read below:

Pros 

• A large diaphragm that captures the full range of vocal frequencies.
• A switchable high-pass filter and pad to reduce low-end rumble and handle high sound pressure levels.
• Sounds natural and adds warmness to your voice.

Cons

• Requires phantom power, which may necessitate an additional audio mixer.

The AT2035 is a powerhouse microphone that caters to the needs of rap artists and musicians. Designed with a large diaphragm, it can capture the deepest lows and highest highs of your sound.

It also has a high SPL handling that can cope with recording loud sounds without distortion. Moreover, it is easy to use and set up, as it comes with a shock mount that reduces vibrations and a pouch that protects it from dust and moisture.

Features 

Here are the features of this unit:

• Condenser microphone with a large diaphragm that delivers a crisp and accurate sound.
• Gold-plated XLR connector that ensures a reliable and secure connection.
• The built-in switchable low-cut filter lowers the impact of low-frequency reverberate.

Specs

4. The Best Microphone for Beginners: Audio Technica AT2020

Before moving forward, have a look at the pros and cons of this product:

Pros 

• Delivers a wide frequency response and high transient response.
• Handles high sound pressure levels without clipping or overloading.
• Affordable price for a condenser mic of this quality.

Cons

• Lacks built-in features such as a pop filter or headphone monitoring.

The AT2020 is a condenser microphone that features a low-mass diaphragm which enhances its performance. Just like Technica AT2035, it also presents a unidirectional pattern to pick up the sound from the front and reject the sound from the sides and back.

One of its standout features is its wide dynamic range that has accurate sound reproduction of rap vocals with precision.

Features 

These are the salient features of the product:

• High SPL handling of 144 dB that can cope with loud vocals without distortion.
• Condenser microphone with a low-mass diaphragm that delivers a smooth sound.
• The standard XLR cable for ease of use.

Specs

5. The Best Sound Quality Mic with One-Inch Capsule: AKG Pro Audio C214

The following list enlists the advantages and drawbacks of the AKG Pro:

Pros 

• Provides rich and detailed audio output.
• Handles high sound pressure levels up to 156 dB without distortion.
• Provides a smooth and natural frequency response with a slight boost in the high end.
• The build quality is nice and strong.

Cons

• Some customers reported that to handle background noise, you have to set the amp high.

The C214 is a condenser microphone that features a one-inch capsule. With its outstanding detailed range, this dynamic mic captures the raw energy and clarity of rap vocals, ensuring your recordings stand out.

Not to forget its remarkable features, the switchable 20dB attenuation pad allows you to record high-SPL sources without distortion.

Features

The following are the features of this unit:

• Cardioid polar pattern to reduce ambient noise and feedback.
• Wide frequency response to capture the full range of vocal frequencies.
• Integrated suspension to lower the mechanical noise.
• Double mesh grill for outstanding RF immunity.

Specs

6. The Best and Quiet Microphone: Rode NT1-A

Let's have a look at the pros and cons of this unit:

Pros 

• A very low self-noise of only 5 dB.
• Adds a warmness to the sound and removes harshness.
• Comes with a shock mount, pop filter, XLR cable, and dust cover.

Cons

• Can be heavy and bulky.

A midrange mic with a warm and clear voice, Rode NT1-A is a condenser mic with an ultra-low noise design. Compared to its sibling Rode NT-USB Mini, it offers an extended dynamic range and a higher SPL handling. Additionally, the mic is highly sensitive and returns good compression. 

Features 

The following are the features of this product:

• Condenser microphone that has one of the quietest, clear, and most detailed sounds.
• A large diaphragm to capture the most out of your rap vocals.
• Strong and sturdy build quality.

Specs

7. The Best Mic With Built-in Spherical Filter: Shure SM58

These are the pros and cons of the SM58:

Pros 

• Reduces wind and breath noise and plosives.
• Provides a consistent sound in different environments.
• Easy to clean and maintain.
• Best for lead vocals.

Cons

• May not fit some stands or clips without an adapter.

The SM58 is an iconic dynamic microphone that has earned its reputation as a go-to choice for rap artists and musicians. SM in the name stands for Studio Microphone.

However, it performs well on the stage as well. Compared to its other version SM7B, it is a more budget-friendly option with a compact size. 

Features 

Let's explore the features of this unit:

• Comes with a unidirectional element that delivers a clear and powerful sound.
• Pneumatic shock mount system that reduces handling noise and vibrations.
• Steel mesh grille that resists wear and tear.

Specs

8. The Best Condenser Mic for Recording Rap Vocals: AKG Pro Audio C414 XLII

Below is a list of the pros and cons of the microphone:

Pros 

• A premium product with flexible performance for different applications and environments.
• Allows you to adjust the directionality and sensitivity of the microphone to suit your needs.
• Enables you to record multiple sources simultaneously or create stereo effects.
• Premium build quality ensures reliability and durability.

Cons

• A higher price point compared to entry-level studio microphones.
• A bigger and bulky size

C414 is the mic that comes with nine selectable polar patterns to give you a versatile and flexible performance for rap and music recording. Additionally, this microphone has a large diaphragm that captures the almost full range of vocal frequencies with clarity and accuracy.

If I have to compare it with its younger version, C214, C414 XLII has more polar patterns, a higher SPL handling, and a wider frequency response.

Features 

Take a look at the salient features of the product:

• Nine selectable polar patterns (cardioid, wide cardioid, hyper-cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-of-eight, and four intermediate patterns) give you different options for recording.
• Switchable attenuation pad (-6 dB, -12 dB, or -18 dB) and low-cut filter (flat, 40 Hz, 80 Hz, or 160 Hz) that allow you to adjust the sound for different sources and situations.
• A peak hold LED indicates if the microphone is overloaded.
• Lock mode that prevents accidental changes of settings.

Specs

9. The Best Budget Microphone: Samson C01

Take a look at the pros and cons of theC01:

Pros 

• Provides a natural and balanced frequency response with a slight boost in the audio.
• Can take care of high sound pressure levels without any disturbance.
• An affordable price for a condenser microphone of this quality.

Cons

• Owing to its low price point, it doesn't come with additional accessories. 

Another condenser microphone that offers a quick and reliable solution to rap vocal artists without spending too much money. It is a studio microphone that has a large 19 mm diaphragm.

For the price it is offering, the mic is quite sturdy and offers a wide range of responses. Even played with different instruments, the vocals sound quite clear. 

Features 

The following list describes the hallmark features of the unit:

• High SPL handling of 136 dB that can cope with loud vocals without distortion.
• Solid die-cast metal construction that resists wear and tear.
• Uses a hyper-cardioid polar pattern, including omni and bi-directional sound recording. 

Specs

10. The Best Microphone with Switchable Polar Pattern: Sennheiser e965 

The following is the list of pros and cons of this mic:

Pros 

• Allows you to switch between cardioid and super-cardioid patterns to suit your needs.
• Enables you to control the directionality to reduce feedback and noise.
• Provides a consistent sound value for any kind of audio tone.

Cons

• Not great at minimizing the background noises.

The e965 is a condenser mic that features a switchable polar design. In terms of clarity, it is an upgradation from its previous model, e935. Although this may not be the most sensitive mic, it offers you enough clarity to focus on voices like female rap vocals.

Not to mention how beautifully this mic captures the nuances in the voice in closer proximity. It could be a great option for live performances. 

Features 

The following are the features of the microphone:

• Condenser microphone with a large diaphragm that delivers a clear and detailed sound.
• Switchable polar patterns (cardioid or super-cardioid) give you different options for recording rap vocals.
• Switchable attenuation pad (0 dB or -10 dB) and low-cut filter (flat or 100 Hz) that allow you to adjust the sound for different sources and situations.

Specs

A 5 Factor-Based Buyer's Guide For Best Rap Microphones

When it comes to choosing the best mic for rap vocals, various factors come into play. Out of numerous options in the market, you should choose the one that suits your needs.

Here are 5 factors that you should keep in mind while buying a rap vocal mic here:

1. Type of Microphones

There are two main types of microphones that are commonly used for rap vocals: dynamic and condenser.

• Dynamic mics: Dynamic ones are more resistant to feedback and suitable for loud and energetic performances. 
• Condenser microphones: These are more sensitive, detailed, and suitable for studio recordings. Depending on your preference and situation, you may want to choose one type over the other.

2. Patterns of Polar

The polar pattern of a microphone refers to the directionality and sensitivity of the microphone. The most common polar patterns for rap vocals are cardioid, super cardioid, and omnidirectional. 

• A Cardioid Microphone: It is a vocal mic that picks up the sound of rap from the front and rejects the sound from the sides and back. Most rappers go for this option.
• Super-Cardioid Microphones: These are more directional and reject more ambient noise, but they also pick up some sound from the rear. 
• Omnidirectional Microphones: The omni mics take sound equally from all directions, which can be useful for recording multiple sources or creating stereo effects. 

For two or more rappers on the vocal mic on the same track, omnidirectional and super-cardioid mics should be great choices.

3. Durability and Build Quality

Sometimes, rap performances can be exciting that demands a strong microphone. Therefore, a mic with sturdy construction and reliable build quality is essential. 

Opt for microphones made from durable materials that can withstand the demands of live performances and studio recording sessions.

4. Pricing

Consider your budget and find a microphone that offers the best value for your investment. Some microphones can be a great option despite having lower pricing. Therefore, look for those alternatives that strike a balance between performance and price.

5. Sound Quality

For rappers, sound quality is paramount. Consider things like frequency, clarity, detailing, and background noise reduction in the microphone to get the most out of your rap vocals. Additionally, you may also want a microphone that has a warm and natural sound performance that complements your rap style and genre.

FAQ

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Conclusion

Summing up, choosing the best microphone depends on various elements like polar pattern and impedance. Go for a mic that not only fulfills your basic needs but also prevents you from spending a hefty amount. You should choose an option that covers the maximum frequencies with minimum distortion and background noises. 

If you ask about my personal favorite, I would name Rode NT-USB because of its excellent sound quality, ability to capture minor details, and integrated USB port.