10 best microphones for rappers and MCs

 

Are you aiming for a career as a rap newcomer? Or do you just want to record a few lines in your spare time? In both cases, it’s important that the lyrics you rap are captured in professional quality and technically converted cleanly. In order to sound like Jay-Z, 50 Cent and Co. at the end of your session, you need a suitable microphone so that your recordings are successful, at least from an equipment point of view. Of course, you are still responsible for the lyrics, flow and punches. In the course of the following article, we have made it our task to support you in your home sessions by compiling a list of the 10 best microphones for rap vocals. Have fun with our guide!

1: Audio-Technica AT2020

 

 

Audio Technica cardioid condenser microphone

Price range: $99

High sound pressure tolerance and wide dynamic range offer great versatility

A specially designed lightweight 16 mm diaphragm provides extended frequency response and excellent transient response

Cardioid characteristic reduces side and rear sound interference

improving isolation of the desired sound source

 

BUY AT AMAZON

 

The AT2020 from Audio-Technica ranks first in our selection. Our number 1 pick is technically impressive and convinces with an overall high-quality build. Thanks to its wide dynamic range, the device is able to implement a high frequency range and thus record the entire volume of your voice in rich tones. Equipped with a 10 dB pad as well as a switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter, the Audio-Technica AT2020 offers the optimal conditions for your next rap session. The product has proven itself both in the home hobby basement and in professional studios, which is why it enjoys an excellent reputation within the scene. The frequency response of the AT2035 covers a spectrum from 20 to 16,000 Hz. This makes the microphone effortlessly capable of capturing the entire range of your voice in impressively clear quality.

 

Especially in view of the fact that the AT2020 has a comparatively low purchase price, the all-rounder from Audio-Technica is the ideal ambitious entry-level microphone, without setting the bar too low in any way. However, a small point of criticism can be noted in the mids. There are minor drawbacks here, but they are conceivably small and do not carry any weight overall.

 

 

 

2: Røde NT-1A

 

 

Rode NT-1A large-diaphragm condenser microphone with gold-coated and elastically mounted 2.5 cm (1 inch) cardioid capsule

Price range: $228

Product description: Rode NT1-A

Type: Instrument / Live Performance

Frequency range: 20 – 20.000 Hz

 

BUY AT AMAZON

 

The second place in our list goes to the microphone with the product name NT-1A, which belongs to the range of the time-tested technology manufacturer Røde. There is of course a good reason why the Australian brand has gained a firm place in the hearts of buyers over the course of time. Røde has always scored with products in reliable quality, which are also offered at a fair price. But how does the matter turn out in the case of the NT-1A? The large-diaphragm microphone covers a frequency range that settles in a spectrum of 20 to 20,000 Hz, just like the AT2035. The wired product also knows how to shine with a pleasantly low self-noise, which amounts to a value of just 5 dBA in detail. Thus, the Røde NT-1A is one of the quietest microphones that you can currently buy on the market. But also in terms of sound, the product really does not show any weaknesses. In addition to recording rap vocals, our runner-up is also excellently suited for recording instrumental pieces.

 

Thanks to its low weight of about 326 grams, the NT-1A can be easily attached to standard tripods or taken along on trips. In addition to the actual microphone, you will also receive a practical microphone spider with integrated pop protection when purchasing the product. These additional components will help you to effectively block annoying background noise that could spoil the quality of your recordings. Furthermore, the manufacturer sends you a 6-m XLR cable along with a dust bag.

 

Note for rap beginners: The microphone cannot be connected directly to the PC, but must be connected to an audio interface.

 

 

 

3: The price-performance winner: Trust Emita

 

 

Trust Gaming GXT 252 Emita Studio USB Microphone for PC, PS4 and PS5

Price range: $116

[ SATURATED SOUND ] Get highly accurate – professional recordings with this PC gaming microphone. The cardioid pickup pattern captures your voice and music in rich and clear quality while blocking out background noise. Compatible with PC – PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

[ FOR ALL RECORDINGS ] Whether you’re recording podcasts – vlogs – voice-overs – music or streaming to YouTube – Twitch or Facebook: This PC and gaming microphone is perfect for all recordings. Simply plug the USB connector into your PC or laptop.

[ PROFESSIONAL SOUND ] The Emita is equipped with a large dual-screen pop filter that minimizes plosives like [p] and [b] for professional recordings. The included foam cap removes wind noise: perfect for outdoor use.

 

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In our opinion, the USB microphone from the company Trust Emita is currently the best rap microphone in the category “price-performance ratio”. With the help of the included USB cable, the microphone can be connected to a device of your choice in no time.

 

Technically, the device knows how to please with the coherent conversion of a large sound spectrum. The recordings prove to be pleasantly clear and come with a rich, warm note. Thanks to the full sound pressure level of 135 dB, you can not only use the Trust Emita during your rap sessions, but also for recording other music pieces with instrument participation at the same time. However, the Trust Emita also managed to satisfy buyers in the field of podcasts and streaming. The fact that the manufacturer has integrated a sturdy aluminum case into the scope of delivery caught our eye very positively, especially against the background of the quite small price. In addition, there is a pop shield and a stabilizing metal base free of charge. However, the minimally perceptible inherent noise should not go unmentioned as a negative point of criticism.

 

 

 

4: Blue Yeti X

 

 

Blue Microphones Yeti Professional USB Microphone for Recording, Streaming, Podcasting, Broadcasting, Gaming, Voiceover and More – Plug ‘n Play

Price range: $99

Yeti professional USB microphone features PreSonus and iZotope custom recording software for advanced studio mastering and pro-level audio content

With automatic setup and sound processing for rich voices as well as music – custom Yeti Studio templates make recording single voices or multiple people especially easy

PreSonus Studio One Artist Blue microphone edition recording software provides professional tools and intuitive workflows to get started recording and streaming quickly

 

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Just like the Trust Emita, the Blue Yeti X is a USB-connected microphone. At first glance, the device is appealing due to its visual appearance. The Blue Yeti X has a classically elegant design and thus automatically exudes an aesthetic vibe that will accompany you during the recording of your rap vocals.

 

But what does the product, which costs around $100, have to offer technically? The four condenser capsules that are installed in the microphone as standard help your recordings achieve crystal-clear sound quality. Another successful trick on the part of the manufacturer is the microphone’s integrated LED indicator. With the help of the LEDs, the recorded level of your voice is visualized. A quick glance at the Blue Yeti X is enough to see whether you are flowing too loudly or too softly. By the way, the corresponding LED lights are available in different colors, which means that the optical design of the microphone can be customized. The handling of the device is also very user-friendly. A multifunctional button on the device allows you to adjust the volume, microphone gain, etc. in just a few steps. However, the accompanying software “Blue Voice” recommended by the manufacturer still has a lot of room for improvement and proves to be noticeably immature in some aspects.

 

 

 

5: Trust Gaming GXT 258 Fyru

Trust GXT 258 Fyru USB Streaming Microphone for PC, Laptop (with 4 recording characteristics: Cardioid, Bidirectional, Stereo and Omnidirectional, Zero Latency, LED).

Price range: $138

[ STUDIO QUALITY RECORDINGS ] The Trust GXT 258 Fyru 4-in-1 streaming microphone delivers crystal-clear – sonic recordings of near-professional studio quality. Compatible with PC – PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

[ RECORDING MODES ] Get optimized recordings in any situation with this condenser microphone. Choose from cardioid (streaming on YouTube or Twitch – one-person podcast or voice-over) – bidirectional (duet or interview) – stereo (recording stereo music settings) or omnidirectional (group podcast).

[ EASY TO SET UP ] Amazingly simple to use – the Trust GXT 258 Fyru 4-in-1 streaming microphone is equipped with a plug-and-play USB port to instantly connect it to your PC or laptop.

 

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Even though the Trust Gaming GXT 258 Fyru has “gaming” written all over it, the device’s range of functions covers much more than just recording Let’s Plays or streams. Of course, the Trust Gaming GXT 258 Fyru also works splendidly in the field of rap vocals, and you can also record podcasts in a coherent quality with the help of the microphone if you want to.

 

The microphone is connected to the device of your choice via a digital USB port. Afterwards, you can immediately start your rap session without any further ado and annoying driver installation. Thanks to four different recording characteristics, the Trust Gaming GXT 258 Fyru knows how to master the most diverse acoustic requirements without any problems. The integrated headphone jack gives you the chance to listen to your rapped vocals in real time and immediately correct any mistakes.

 

The audio reproduction of the Trust Gaming GXT 258 Fyru turns out to be razor-sharp and also comes into its own during the recording of instrumentals. The buttons on the device allow you to adjust the microphone’s settings at any time, or to mute the device if desired. In terms of workmanship, the Trust Gaming GXT 258 Fyru makes a thoroughly robust impression. Both the construction of the microphone and the workmanship of the included stand as well as the pop shield suggest a satisfactory longevity of the device. The recorded background noise is almost completely suppressed, but can be easily noticed when listening very closely.

 

 

 

6: auna MIC-900S

 

 

auna MIC-900S – USB condenser microphone, cardioid polar pattern, metal body, 30Hz – 18kHz, plug & play, microphone spider with 3/8″ to 5/8″ thread adapter, USB cable, protective pouch, silver

Price range: $106

HOME STUDIO: The condenser microphone lets every hobby musician work comfortably at home like a professional. In addition to the USB microphone in a sturdy metal housing – the scope of delivery also includes the practical microphone spider.

PLUG & PLAY: The auna MIC-900S condenser microphone is designed for digital applications with a frequency range of 30 Hz to 18 kHz. It is connected to a PC or laptop via the included USB cable and is ready for immediate use thanks to Plug & Play.

BEST SOUND QUALITY: With a sample rate of 16 bit/48 kHz and a balanced cardioid pickup pattern – the condenser microphone specializes in vocals and speech. This makes it perfect for song production – podcasts or moderation.

 

BUY AT AMAZON

 

The auna MIC-900S should appeal especially to those clientele who want to save their wallet when buying a suitable microphone. With a purchase price of around $100, the auna MIC-900S is priced well below the products already presented – but does a low price necessarily mean cheap quality? On this point, we can give the all-clear. It may be true that the auna MIC-900S cannot compete in the top league of microphones in terms of its technical quality. Nevertheless, the product is wonderfully suitable for all those who are just starting to record their rap vocals and simply want to get to grips with the subject without investing huge sums in the equipment.

 

The condenser microphone works via a USB connection, and the required cable is of course included in the scope of delivery. The robust metal housing of the auna MIC-900S makes a high-quality impression, and the included microphone spider also proves to be robustly manufactured. Via “Plug and Play” function, the microphone can be used directly after connecting it to your PC or laptop. The frequency range of 30 to 18,000 Hz is a bit lower than comparable models, but the sound spectrum turns out to be completely sufficient in practice. The aforementioned spider reduces the interference of annoying background noise, and the accessory can be easily mounted on a stand of your choice, even by users without any manual skills.

 

 

 

7: TONOR Q9

 

 

TONOR Q9 USB Microphone Cardioid Condenser Microphone Kit

Price range: $59.99

Plug and Play: With the USB A to B cable – the microphone can be easily connected to Windows and macOS computers. No additional driver software or sound card is required. Note: The microphone is compatible with PS4 – but not compatible with Xbox.

Good Quality: Equipped with 16mm diaphragm – wide frequency response (20 Hz to 20 kHz) and professional sound chipset.

User-friendly design: in working condition – briefly press the volume button to adjust the volume of the microphone – press for 3 seconds to turn off the microphone.

 

BUY AT AMAZON

 

Speaking of inexpensive microphones: The TONOR Q9 undercuts the price of the auna MIC-900S. Like the other models in our list, the TONOR Q9 connects to your Windows PC or macOS via the included USB cable. In addition, the microphone is also compatible with Sony’s PS4, though the device does not work with the rival console from Microsoft. Equipped with a 16mm diaphragm, the microphone comes with a wide frequency range, which moves in a spectrum from 10 Hz to 20 kHz. Thus, the TONOR Q9 also offers the best conditions for high-quality rap recordings.

 

The cardioid condenser capsules of the TONOR Q9 pursue the task of attenuating annoying ambient noise and placing the rapped lines fully in the focus of the recording. The volume of the sound recording can be readjusted at any time at the touch of a button, and the microphone can also be switched on and off using the keypad. However, the secret star of the scope of delivery is without a doubt the opulent microphone arm, which is mounted on your desk with a clamp and proves to be pleasantly mobile in its handling. Thus, the TONOR Q9 gives you a high degree of freedom of movement during your recording, which the competition cannot always offer.

 

 

 

8: AKG P120

 

 

AKG P120 Studio Condenser Recording Microphone

Price range: $104.98

Incredibly versatile cardioid microphone for vocals – strings – drums and more

Switchable bass attenuation filter eliminates rumble or unwanted bass frequencies and 75 dB signal-to-noise ratio

Rugged all-metal housing stands up to daily use in the studio or on the road

 

BUY AT AMAZON

 

For this purchase price around $100, you get a product that is especially functional and versatile. Accordingly, the AKG P120 can not only be used for recording your rap voice, but also captures the sound of various instruments in reliable quality. The manufacturer equipped its product with a special bass attenuation filter that allows you to eliminate unwanted frequencies in the bass range.

 

The material workmanship of the AKG P120 scores with a high stability factor. The microphone’s housing is completely made of metal, which means that the product should effortlessly withstand all conceivable everyday demands. Thanks to its cardioid characteristic, the AKG P120 knows how to minimize unwelcome acoustic interference. Once again, the frequency spectrum ranges from 20 to 20,000 Hz, which means that the acoustic signals captured by the microphone turn out to be both warm and clear. The impressive technical features combined with a small cost factor, quickly made the AKG P120 an absolute favorite among a broad user base within the low price segment.

 

 

 

9: Marantz Professional MPM-2000U

 

 

Marantz Professional MPM-2000U – USB condenser microphone for computer recording, podcasting & gaming

Price range: $147.50

Versatile Mac / PC Microphone – High quality USB microphone for streaming – podcast recording (Garageband | Logic | Adobe Audition | Audacity) – gaming – Twitch – Skype – YouTube videos and conferencing.

Plug-and-play connectivity – USB-powered condenser microphone for recording – no drivers or 48v phantom power required; optimized for Discord – Cortana – voice chat and voice recognition

Perfect for the studio – Integrated audio interface – studio-grade specifications – high-quality 48kHz/16-bit A/D conversion – cardioid polar pattern reduces ambient noise

 

BUY AT AMAZON

 

The ninth place in our list of the best microphones for rap vocals we have kept free for the MPM-2000U from the company Marantz Professional. The product will usually cost you around $150. The USB condenser microphone shines with the crystal clear quality of its audio recordings. The cardioid polar pattern and aluminum-coated condenser capsule, combined with the satisfying frequency range of up to 18,000 Hz, provide a rich sound that should more than satisfy any amateur rappers in your ranks. Thanks to its high sensitivity, the Marantz Professional MPM-2000U captures every last nuance of sound, allowing you to incorporate the full range of your vocal facet into your recordings.

 

The “Plug and Play” function of the microphone makes any prior installation of drivers or other software a thing of the past. The device is simply connected to your laptop or PC via the included USB cable and the hip-hop party can begin. We find the fact that you also get a practical carrying bag for the device with the purchase of the microphone very praiseworthy. However, you will have to get a corresponding microphone stand yourself.

 

 

 

0: FIFINE USB Microphone

 

 

FIFINE USB Microphone, PC Condenser Microphones with Stand, Studio Quality Recording Microphone USB for Podcast, Studio, Streaming, Broadcast, YouTube, Video, Games – Black K669B

Price range: $29.99

Plug-and-play USB recording microphone with 1.8m USB cable for PC and laptop – which connects directly to the USB port for recording music – singing on the computer or podcasting – for example. Easy to use and install – on a Mac or even PC. (Not compatible with Xbox and cell phones).

The sturdy metal microphone with stable stand is practical for audio recordings and live streams on YouTube – for example.

The recording microphone with additional volume control has a louder output and is sensitive. Your voice will be heard very well when playing – “skyping” or even voice recording.

 

BUY AT AMAZON

 

So now we come to the final product of our selection. For the tenth and last place on our list, we didn’t miss the chance to think about all those of you who are really tight for money. The FIFINE USB microphone is an absolute bargain at a price of around $30 and allows you to enjoy coherent recordings even on a small budget. The compact condenser microphone comes with a handy three-legged stand, which provides you with the necessary stability during your recordings. Like many other models already presented, the FIFINE USB microphone also has a practical “Plug and Play” function, which allows you an uncomplicated entry into the world of recordings.

 

Although the FIFINE USB microphone is in the lowest price range, the material workmanship of the device is anything but cheap. In fact, both the mic and the stand make an extremely robust impression, which is why you don’t run the risk of wasting the invested $30 on a short-lived product.

 

The slight inherent noise of the microphone is not a big deal considering the price, and the captured quality of your voice proves to be clear and detailed. Of course, you should not expect to be able to record studio-quality productions with the FIFINE USB microphone. However, for simple hobby rappers or those who want to become one, the inexpensive device is a coherent alternative.

 

We hope that we were able to help you with our guide. Now it’s up to you to try out the microphones we’ve

presented and immerse yourself in the fantastic world of rap.