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10 Best Recording Microphones 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Shure SM7dB Dynamic Vocal Microphone w/Built-in Preamp for Streaming, Podcast, & Recording, Wide-Range Frequency, Warm & Smooth Sound, Rugged Construction, Detachable Windscreen - Black
The Shure SM7dB Dynamic Vocal Microphone is designed for streaming, podcasting, and recording. With its built-in preamp providing up to 28dB of clean gain, it ensures your voice sounds clear and natural. This microphone retains the beloved warm tone of its predecessor, the SM7B, making it ideal for broadcasters and vocalists. Its unidirectional polar pattern is excellent at rejecting background noise, which is great for recording in less-than-ideal environments.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,390
Type
Frequency Response
Most important from
12373 reviews
#2
Shure SM7B Microphone - Vocal Dynamic Studio Mic for Broadcast, Podcast, Recording, Gaming & Streaming, XLR, Rugged Construction, Detachable Windscreen, Smooth Sound, Warm Vocals, Wide-Range Frequency
The Shure SM7B microphone is a versatile dynamic mic that excels in various recording scenarios, making it a popular choice for musicians, podcasters, and streamers alike. One of its standout features is the smooth and flat frequency response, which allows it to capture vocals and instruments with clarity and warmth. The cardioid polar pattern is beneficial for reducing background noise, ensuring that your voice is front and center without much interference from surrounding sounds. This is particularly useful in busy environments or home studios.
Rating
9.1
Type
Self-Noise
Most important from
12373 reviews
#3
Shure MV7+ Podcast Dynamic Microphone. OBS Certified, Enhanced Audio, LED Touch Panel, USB-C & XLR Outputs, Auto Level Mode, Digital Pop Filter, Reverb Effects, Podcasting, Streaming, Recording -Black
The Shure MV7+ is designed for those involved in podcasting, streaming, or recording, providing a versatile solution with both USB-C and XLR outputs. One of its standout features is its OBS certification, ensuring that it delivers high-quality audio and integrates seamlessly with the Open Broadcaster Software, making it a solid choice for content creators. The unidirectional polar pattern focuses on sound directly in front of the microphone, reducing background noise, which is especially beneficial for recordings in less-than-ideal environments.
Rating
8.8
Polar Pattern
Most important from
3583 reviews
Top 10 Best Recording Microphones 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Shure SM7dB Dynamic Vocal Microphone w/Built-in Preamp for Streaming, Podcast, & Recording, Wide-Range Frequency, Warm & Smooth Sound, Rugged Construction, Detachable Windscreen - Black
Shure SM7dB Dynamic Vocal Microphone w/Built-in Preamp for Streaming, Podcast, & Recording, Wide-Range Frequency, Warm & Smooth Sound, Rugged Construction, Detachable Windscreen - Black
Type: Dynamic Vocal Mic
Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
Frequency Response: 50 to 20,000Hz
Self-Noise: 28 dB
Chosen by 1390 this week
Shure SM7B Microphone - Vocal Dynamic Studio Mic for Broadcast, Podcast, Recording, Gaming & Streaming, XLR, Rugged Construction, Detachable Windscreen, Smooth Sound, Warm Vocals, Wide-Range Frequency
Shure SM7B Microphone - Vocal Dynamic Studio Mic for Broadcast, Podcast, Recording, Gaming & Streaming, XLR, Rugged Construction, Detachable Windscreen, Smooth Sound, Warm Vocals, Wide-Range Frequency
Type: Dynamic
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Sensitivity: 1.12 Millivolts
Impedance: 150 Ohm
Self-Noise: 60 dB
Shure MV7+ Podcast Dynamic Microphone. OBS Certified, Enhanced Audio, LED Touch Panel, USB-C & XLR Outputs, Auto Level Mode, Digital Pop Filter, Reverb Effects, Podcasting, Streaming, Recording -Black
Shure MV7+ Podcast Dynamic Microphone. OBS Certified, Enhanced Audio, LED Touch Panel, USB-C & XLR Outputs, Auto Level Mode, Digital Pop Filter, Reverb Effects, Podcasting, Streaming, Recording -Black
Type: Handheld
Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
Sensitivity: 40 dB
Self-Noise: 40 dB
Shure MV7X Microphone - XLR Only Pro Quality Dynamic Mic for Podcasting & Vocal Recording, Voice-Isolating Technology, All Metal Construction, Mic Stand Compatible, Optimized Frequency - Black
Shure MV7X Microphone - XLR Only Pro Quality Dynamic Mic for Podcasting & Vocal Recording, Voice-Isolating Technology, All Metal Construction, Mic Stand Compatible, Optimized Frequency - Black
Type: Dynamic
Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
Sensitivity: 38 dB
Related Products
Logitech Creators Blue Yeti USB Microphone for Gaming, Streaming, Podcast, YouTube, Discord, PC, Studio Sound, Plug & Play-Midnight Blue
Logitech Creators Blue Yeti USB Microphone for Gaming, Streaming, Podcast, YouTube, Discord, PC, Studio Sound, Plug & Play-Midnight Blue
Type: USB Microphone
Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omni, Bi, Stereo
Sensitivity: 45 dB
FIFINE USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone for Podcast Recording, PC Computer Gaming Streaming Mic with RGB Light, Mute Button, Headphones Jack, Desktop Stand, Vocal Mic for Singing YouTube-AmpliGame AM8
FIFINE USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone for Podcast Recording, PC Computer Gaming Streaming Mic with RGB Light, Mute Button, Headphones Jack, Desktop Stand, Vocal Mic for Singing YouTube-AmpliGame AM8
Type: Dynamic Microphone
Polar Pattern: Unidirectional cardioid
Frequency Response: 50Hz-16KHz
Neumann U87Ai Set Z Multi-Pattern Large Condenser Microphone
Neumann U87Ai Set Z Multi-Pattern Large Condenser Microphone
Type: Large Diaphragm Condenser
Polar Pattern: Multipattern
Frequency Response: 20 KHz
Sensitivity: 127 dB
Self-Noise: 38 dB
PQRQP 3 in 1 Professional Wireless Lavalier Microphone for iPhone, Android, Camera, Wireless Mini Microphones, Crystal Clear Sound Quality for Recording, Live Streaming, YouTube, TikTok, Elegant Black
PQRQP 3 in 1 Professional Wireless Lavalier Microphone for iPhone, Android, Camera, Wireless Mini Microphones, Crystal Clear Sound Quality for Recording, Live Streaming, YouTube, TikTok, Elegant Black
Type: Lavalier
Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
Sensitivity: 100 dB
#10
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Buying Guide for the Best Recording Microphones
Choosing the right recording microphone can significantly impact the quality of your recordings, whether you're a musician, podcaster, or content creator. The key to finding the best microphone for your needs is understanding the different specifications and how they align with your specific use case. Here are some essential specs to consider when selecting a recording microphone.TypeMicrophones come in various types, including dynamic, condenser, and ribbon. Dynamic microphones are durable and handle high sound pressure levels, making them ideal for live performances and loud sound sources like drums. Condenser microphones are more sensitive and provide a broader frequency response, which is great for studio recordings of vocals and acoustic instruments. Ribbon microphones offer a warm, vintage sound and are often used for specific studio applications. Choose the type based on your recording environment and the sound source.
Polar PatternThe polar pattern of a microphone describes how it picks up sound from different directions. Common patterns include cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional. Cardioid microphones capture sound primarily from the front, reducing background noise, making them suitable for vocals and solo instruments. Omnidirectional microphones pick up sound equally from all directions, which is useful for capturing room ambiance or group recordings. Bidirectional microphones capture sound from the front and back, ideal for interviews or duet recordings. Select a polar pattern that matches your recording setup and desired sound isolation.
Frequency ResponseFrequency response refers to the range of frequencies a microphone can capture. A flat frequency response means the microphone captures all frequencies equally, which is ideal for accurate sound reproduction. Some microphones have tailored frequency responses that enhance certain frequencies, such as boosting the mid-range for vocals. Consider the type of sound you want to capture and whether you need a microphone that accurately reproduces the source or one that adds character to the recording.
SensitivitySensitivity measures how effectively a microphone converts sound into an electrical signal. High-sensitivity microphones capture quieter sounds and are suitable for studio environments where subtle details are important. Low-sensitivity microphones are better for loud sound sources and live performances. Think about the volume of the sound source and the recording environment when choosing the sensitivity level.
ImpedanceImpedance is the resistance a microphone offers to the flow of electrical current. Low-impedance microphones (less than 600 ohms) are generally preferred for professional audio applications because they maintain signal quality over long cable runs. High-impedance microphones (greater than 1,000 ohms) are more suited for consumer-grade equipment and shorter cable runs. Match the microphone's impedance with your recording equipment to ensure optimal performance.
Self-NoiseSelf-noise is the inherent noise a microphone produces when no sound is being captured. Lower self-noise levels are crucial for recording quiet sources or in studio environments where clarity is paramount. If you're recording in a controlled environment and need pristine audio quality, opt for a microphone with low self-noise. For louder environments or less critical applications, higher self-noise levels may be acceptable.