Best Budget Microphones for Singing: Top Picks (2024)
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If you’re a beginner singer looking to take your performances to the next level, investing in a microphone that delivers quality sound is essential. Whether you’re preparing for live gigs or just starting to perform at open mics, having a reliable microphone can make all the difference. In this blog post, we’ll explore three best budget microphones for singing, focusing on affordable options that provide excellent sound quality, durability, and ease of use.
What to Look for in The best Budget Microphones
Before diving into the three top picks, it’s important to understand what makes a microphone suitable for singing—especially if you’re just starting out:
- Sound Quality: Look for a microphone that captures clear, rich vocals without distortion.
- Durability: Live performances can be rough on equipment, so a sturdy microphone is essential.
- Feedback :A good live performance microphone should minimise background noise and feedback.
- Price: As a beginner, you want a microphone that balances quality and affordability.
Now, let’s explore three microphones that offer exceptional quality without breaking the bank.
Shure SM58
- Type: Dynamic Microphone
- Why it’s great: The Shure SM58 is an industry standard for live vocals. It’s durable, it can handle rough conditions, and delivers a clear, well-balanced sound that cuts through the mix. The cardioid polar pattern minimises background noise and feedback, focusing on your voice. Shure SM58 has been the microphone of choice for many famous artists, including Paul McCartney, Patti Smith, Alice Cooper, Rod Stewart, John Lennon, and many more.
- Best for: Both amateur and professional live performances in any genre.
Audio-Technica PRO 41
- Type: Dynamic Microphone
- Why it’s great: This microphone offers great value for its price. It’s designed to handle high sound pressure levels and provides a clear and natural vocal sound, making it great for beginners performing live. It’s lightweight and durable, ideal for gigs.
- Best for: Affordable entry into live performance gear.
SE Electronics V7
- Type: Dynamic Microphone
- Why it’s great: The SE Electronics V7 is a top contender for vocalists seeking a balance of affordability and high performance. This microphone features a supercardioid polar pattern, providing even better feedback rejection than a standard cardioid mic. It captures vocals with crisp clarity and punch, making it ideal for live performances where feedback or stage noise might be an issue.
- Best for: Singers in feedback-prone environments or loud venues.
Invest in Quality – Cheap Microphones Aren’t Worth It
When choosing a microphone for singing, especially for live performances, it’s important to prioritise quality over cost. While cheap microphones may seem like a budget-friendly option at first, they often end up being a false economy. Low-cost models tend to compromise on sound clarity, feedback rejection, and durability, leading to frustrating issues like distortion, unwanted noise, or even the need for frequent replacements.
Investing in a well-made microphone, even if it means spending a bit more upfront, is a smart long-term decision. A quality microphone will provide clearer, more natural sound and better performance in various environments.
Microphone and PA System: A Vital Connection
It’s also essential to remember that a microphone alone isn’t enough—you’ll need to connect it to a PA system or amplifier for it to work in a live performance setting. Microphones rely on external amplification to project sound across a venue. Without a good PA system or mixer to amplify the signal, even the best microphone won’t deliver the sound quality you need for a live show. Make sure your setup includes a suitable PA system, and invest in good-quality cables to ensure a strong, clear connection.
Some Portable PA systems come with microphones
For beginners or performers on the go, a portable PA system can be a convenient all-in-one solution. Many portable PA systems, such as the FENTON FT12LED 12-Inch Bluetooth Active Speaker, available on Amazon, come with a built-in wireless microphone, making them ideal for small gigs, outdoor events, or practice sessions.
Systems like the FENTON FT12LED are designed for portability, featuring Bluetooth connectivity, built-in effects, and rechargeable batteries for ease of use.
While these systems are handy and budget-friendly, it’s important to consider the quality of the included microphones. The microphones that come with portable PA systems often don’t match the performance level of standalone microphones designed specifically for professional vocals. If you’re serious about your sound, you may want to upgrade to a higher-quality microphone to ensure better vocal clarity, durability, and performance during live shows. However, for casual use or smaller settings, these portable systems with included mics can be a practical, hassle-free option.
