10 Best On Stage Microphones & Their Reviews For 2021
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An onstage microphone is a fundamental instrument in the music and media industries.
The type of microphone and techniques a speaker or a singer uses significantly affect the quality of a recording session or a live performance.
Speakers want their message delivered to their listeners, while musicians and singers want their performances to sound perfect, similarly, microphones are essential for films.
Without good microphones that eliminate noise and increase the speakers’ voice volume, we wouldn’t be able to hear the conversation between protagonists.
Therefore, every buyer interested in a microphone knows that it must fulfill three basic requirements.
Firstly, it has to provide an electrical signal well above the microphone’s self-noise; secondly, it should provide undistorted output over a wide dynamic range.
And, lastly, when used with associated equipment, it has to respond equally well to all frequencies produced by the sound source.
Table of Contents
IN A HURRY? HERE’S OUR FAVORITE PICKS…
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Shure SM58-LC Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone | $99.00 $85.00 | View on Amazon | |
 | Sennheiser E835 Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphone | $119.00 $99.95 | View on Amazon | |
 | Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone with Pneumatic Shock Mount, A25D Mic Clip,... | $99.00 | View on Amazon |
Last update on 2021-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10 Best On Stage Microphones Reviewed
Let’s see which microphones on our list are the best microphones on stage.
1. Shure SM58
- Frequency response tailored for vocals, with brightened midrange and bass rolloff to control proximity effect
- Effective built-in spherical wind and pop filter. Frequency response: 50 to 15,000 Hz
- Pneumatic shock-mount system cuts down handling noise.
- Uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source and minimizes background noise
Last update on 2021-06-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Shure SM58 microphone has made its reputation among musicians for its durability and sound.
It feels like an extension of the performer, allowing him or her to connect better with the audience.
Its good quality suggests that this is a high-performing microphone.
It has a lightweight body with a comfortable grip and tailored frequency response.
This microphone is designed for live performances, sound reinforcement, and studio recording; hence, it’s ideal for a professional vocal artist in any live performance.
It has a frequency response of 50 hertz to 15kilohertz, a cardioid polar pattern, and an impedance of 300 ohms.
In extreme conditions, the SM58 microphone targets the primary sound source while minimizing background noise.
Durable construction, a proven shock-mount system, and a steel mesh grille ensure that even with rough handling, the SM58 will perform consistently, outdoors or indoors.
It has a built-in wind and pop filter hence saving you the trouble of buying different products.
When ordering this microphone, you can choose whether you would prefer to have it with an on/off switch or without it.
Likewise, you can decide whether you’d like the cable to be included in your order.
Finally, you can opt for the XLR to USB adapter, if you need it.
The package contains a user manual, a microphone clip, and a storage case.
Pros & Benefits:
- On and off switch for ultimate control
- Built-in wind and pop filter
- Availability of a storage case
- The option of a bundle
- Has an excellent sound quality
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2. Sennheiser E835
- Gentle presence boost to even tonal response ensures clarity and projection
- Minimal Proximity effect provides consistently clear bass end performance when singing closer to or further from...
- Cardioid pick-up pattern provides good signal isolation and feedback rejection, enabling higher sound levels to be...
- Metal construction and internal shock-mount system minimizes handling noise
- Frequency response 40-16,000 Hz, Impedence 350 Ohms
Last update on 2021-06-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Like Shure, Sennheiser has proven to be among the best in producing dynamic microphones in the music industry.
The company has concentrated on expanding higher frequencies to create space for demanding dynamics.
Hence, making your voice fill the room regardless of proximity to the microphone is what makes this device among the best studio microphones.
It successfully eliminates unwanted noises.
As for specifications, the Sennheiser E835 has a cardioid polar pattern and a frequency response of 40 hertz up to 16 kilohertz.
You can be 100% sure that if you choose to go with this dynamic microphone by Sennheiser, you will be supplied with one of the best quality mics for years to come.
Being on the market for a long time, this is a tried and tested product that has undoubtedly stood the test of time.
Sennheiser E835 is a dynamic microphone with a solid build and a cardioid polar pattern that is shock-mounted to reduce handling noise.
The microphone gives excellent feedback rejection and has a high handling pressure capability.
It has a uniform on and off switch response and packs a powerful sound boost when you plug it in.
The microphone has incorporated a humbucking coil to reduce electromagnetic and radio frequency interference.
A microphone stand, a microphone carrying pouch, and a manual will be included in your order along with your microphone.
Pros & Benefits:
- Gives a smooth and clean output
- Powerful sound boost
- No delay or distortion
- Has a broader frequency response
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
3. Shure SM57-LC
- Contoured frequency response is clean, instrumental reproduction and rich vocal pickup
- Professional-quality reproduction for drum, precussion, and instrument amplifier miking
- Uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main source while reducing background noise
- Extremely durable under heaviest use
- Frequency response 40 to 15,000 Hz
Last update on 2021-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Shure brand ensures a long-lasting product that can withstand years of road or studio use.
Hence, SM57-LC is a renowned mic used by legendary performers everywhere in the world.
The Shure SM57-LC is among the famous, enduring, and iconic microphones that can be used for anything, either on stage or in the studio.
For $100, you’re getting a die-cast steel mic with an integrated pneumatic shock mount for countering vibration-induced movement and is built to last a lifetime and can accompany you on a career’s worth of tours.
As far as specs, this microphone has a cardioid polar pattern, making it reject noise from other instruments in the room very well, a frequency of 40 hertz to 15 kilohertz, and a sensitivity of-56, and an impedance of 150 ohms.
It has a warm, clean sound along with carefully contoured presence rise, making it ideal for a wide range of instrument miking applications, particularly guitar amplifiers and drums.
The Shure SM57 can be used with just about every instrument, not only on guitars and drums.
This microphone has a proximity effect, too.
Pros & Benefits:
- Extremely durable
- Can handle high sound pressure levels without distortion
- Delivers a flawless sound
- Eliminates background noise
- It’s portable and lightweight
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4. AKG D5
- Rugged construction
- Handheld dynamic vocal microphone designed for lead and backing vocals
- Patented AKG laminated varimotion diaphragm
- Super-cardioid polar pattern for high gain before Feedback
Last update on 2021-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is another device that deserves its place on our list of best on-stage microphones.
It’s sturdy and reliable, with a little tapered bottom for the XLR.
The box has the microphone, a microphone mount, a 5/8 to 3/8-inch microphone stand adapter, a zipped carrying case, a warranty card, documentation, and a sticker.
It has an all-metal construction with a nice weight, and it has no features but only a three-pin XLR port on the bottom.
As far as specifications, the AKGD5 has a super-cardioid polar pattern, a frequency response of 70 hertz to 17 kilohertz, a sensitivity of -52 decibels, and an impedance of 600 ohms.
The cardioid polar pattern helps in off-axis rejection and background noise rejection.
Although the AKG D5 is designed for stage applications, it can be used with many other percussion snares, drum mic top, and bottom, guitar mic; it’s the right utility mic.
The microphone’s headshell is made of a stainless-steel headshell; hence, it can be dropped so often, and you’d not worry since it’s not going to dent.
The capsule is double shock-mounted with one rubber suspension for the capsule and another rubber suspension to isolate it from handling noise.
Aside from the price, grab the AKG D5 microphone if you think it sounds better.
Pros & Benefits:
- It’s long-lasting
- Durable
- Has a great sounding
- Immediate and clear feedback
- Has above par gain before feedback
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5. Shure PGA58-XLR
- Tailored microphone cartridge design for natural clarity in the frequency range of vocal performance
- Cardioid polar pattern picks up audio from the source while rejecting unwanted noise
- Updated industrial design with black metallic finish and grille for unobtrusive visual presence
- Three available options: (1) with 15-foot XLR-XLR cable, (2) with 15-foot XLR-QTR cable, and (3) without cable
- On/Off switch for discrete control of microphone operation
Last update on 2021-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The build quality of this microphone has an all-metal construction and can handle extensive use very well.
As far as specifications, the Shure PG58 has a frequency response of 50 hertz to 16 kilohertz, a sensitivity of -55 decibels, and an impedance of 150 ohms.
It has a cardioid polar pattern, which helps reduce noise during a performance.
Likewise, it can handle extreme volume levels without distortion.
The cardioid polar pattern is designed only to pick up sound that is coming from the front of the mic and lets through only the minimal sound from the sides.
Consequently, this microphone effectively eliminates all background noise.
Likewise, it features an on and off switch for onstage control.
It has been specifically tailored to have an extended and smooth frequency to provide you with only the best sound reproductions you can get.
It usually comes with a microphone clip, a soft pouch, and documentation explaining everything you need to know about the microphone.
The Shure PG58-XLR Dynamic Mic with XLR Cable also includes a 15′ XLR cable, clip, educational guide, and storage bag.
Pros & Benefits:
- Durable
- Can be relied upon time and time again
- Solid construction
- Versatile
- Great quality
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6. Behringer Ultravoice Xm8500
- Cardioid characteristic with excellent feedback suppression
- Shock mount system reduces handling noise
- Two-stage pop filter minimizes breath and pop noises
- 50 Hz to 15 kHz frequency response
- Sturdy, reliable metal construction and electromagnetic shielding. Sensitivity: -70dB
Last update on 2021-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For a low-cost dynamic microphone, Behringer ultra-voice Xm8500 is the best.
With your purchase, you will get an actual plastic impact-resistant case, microphone, microphone clip, and 5/8 to 3/8 microphone stand adapter to help you capture your sound.
Documentation is also included and will give you a detailed description of the snippet information you may want to review.
It has some of the best sound ranges and can capture the essence of your instrument and vocals with little to no effort; you won’t have to worry about any delay or interference from other unwanted sounds, either.
It’s a vocal and instrument microphone with an on/off switch for excellent onstage and studio performance control.
The Behringer ultra-voice Xm8500 has an ultra-wide frequency response of 50 Hz to 15 kHz for brilliant and transparent sound.
It has an integrated spherical wind and pop noise filter to minimize breath and pop noises; You can blow and cough on this mic all you want, but it will only pick up the sweet vibrations and an on/off switch to mute during breaks
During sales, you can get this mic for as low as 10$ (the original price is 30$).
Hence, this device is affordable for anyone who wants to spend less on a microphone and needs a reliable long-term mic companion at the same time.
However, this product is not accompanied by an XLR cable but has a professional, cushioned, and durable case to keep it looking brand new.
Pros & Benefits:
- Affordable
- Simple
- Durable due to its full metal construction
- Functional
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7. Pyle-Pro Professional
- UNIDIRECTIONAL - Cardioid pickup pattern captures source signal such as guitar amplifier or vocalist, while...
- DYNAMIC - For optimal clarity and punch, robust & resistant to moisture, achieving high gain before feedback, makes...
- ULTRA-WIDE FREQUENCY RESPONSE - for brilliant and transparent sound with integrated pop filter and windscreen to...
- CABLE INCLUDED - Professional grade 15 ft XLR-to-1/4 cable supplied This Pyle PDMIC58 is perfect for your bedroom,...
- HIGH QUALITY - Rugged, all-metal construction for maximum reliability featuring a zinc die-cast case and steel mesh...
Last update on 2021-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pyle-pro professional microphone is a simple microphone that even a 6-year old can use.
Yet, its quality is good enough to be used by every adult to record vocals, music, or make announcements.
The microphone sells at a low price.
Nonetheless, it has a rigid metal construction, which makes it durable.
The Pyle Pro is made of a steel-mesh grille, built-in acoustic pop filter, an on/off switch for stage control, and also comes with a 15′ XLR to 1/4″ cable.
Suitable for vocals and speech, it’s mostly used in live stage performances, in a studio.
It has a cardioid polar pattern that captures source signals such as vocalist or guitar amplifier while shunning off-axis sound.
Therefore, it minimizes background noise and feedback and has an integrated pop filter and windscreen to minimize breath and pop noises.
Consequently, it reproduces great quality audio without interference from instruments on stage.
With the microphone comes a standard mono cable, and it requires a mono adapter to be plugged into a stereo port.
Pros & Benefits:
- Comes with a cable
- Integrated windscreen and pop filter
- Sturdy design
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8. Audio-Technica ATR2100
- BUNDLE INCLUDES: Audio-Technica ATR2100X-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone, Knox Gear Shock Mount, Pop Filter...
- TWO OUTPUTS: This rugged handheld microphone offers two outputs, USB output for digital recording, and an XLR...
- SMOOTH FREQUENCY: Smooth, extended frequency response ideally suited for podcasting, home studio recording, field...
- CARDIOID POLAR PATTERN: Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of unwanted sounds from the sides and rear, improving...
Last update on 2021-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Audio-Technica ATR2100 is a dynamic microphone with a USB digital output that connects to your computer for digital recording and XLR analog output, which connects with your sound system’s conventional microphone input for use in live performance.
It has a cardioid polar pattern and a smooth frequency response of 50-15000 hertz, ideal for podcasting, home-studio recording, among others, and a high-quality analog-to-digital converter with a 16-bit sampling depth.
It has on/off switch functions for both USB and analog operation and has durable metal construction for long-lasting performance.
This microphone has a built-in headphone jack that allows you to check your microphone output directly.
You can adjust headphone volume with easy-to-use controls on the bottom of the microphone.
The Audio Technica microphone is among the best since it can filter out dozens of unwanted sounds without interrupting your output.
Also, it comes with a stand that will have no problem holding up the weight of the microphone itself.
This microphone is compatible with both windows and mac devices.
Pros & Benefits:
- Cardioid pattern to reject unwanted sounds
- Comes with a stand to hold up the microphone
- Gives a clean and smooth output
- Rejects all background noises
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9. Shure SM7B
- ONE MICROPHONE FOR EVERYTHING - Studio Recording, Home Recording, Podcasting & Streaming. The SM7B Is Trusted By...
- STUDIO VOCAL RECORDING - The SM7B’s Dynamic Cartridge With Smooth, Flat, Wide-range Frequency Response Produces...
- PODCAST & BROADCAST - Found In The Top Podcasting Studios Around The World, The SM7B Air Suspension Shock Isolation...
- STREAMING CONTENT - Professional Live Streaming Starts With A Microphone Capable Of Capturing Exceptionally Clean...
- PROFESSIONAL XLR CONNECTION - The XLR Connection Along With An Audio Interface Allows You More Control Over The...
Last update on 2021-06-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Shure SM7B is mostly recommended for high-end recording, and it’s worth every dollar.
Firstly, it does not require phantom power.
Also, it’s known for having a flat frequency that provides you with exceptionally crisp and clean output, that will give you no delay during your practice and recording sessions.
It will reproduce your vocals and instruments just as they are, and you won’t have to worry about the mic skewing the original sound regardless of whether you’re singing or rocking it out on your guitar.
The sound will be captured flawlessly to help you represent the best music.
It’s a dynamic microphone that records in a cardioid pattern, and it’s naturally sturdy and cuts out all the background noise.
It has a smooth, flat, and wide-range frequency response that enhances the human voice’s midrange and high frequencies; thus it’s appropriate for speech and music in all professional audio applications.
It has an internal air suspension shock isolation that aids in eliminating mechanical noise transmission and a yoke mount that facilitates mounting and provides precise control of the microphone position.
The Shure SM7B microphone has a frequency response of 50 hertz to 20 kilohertz, an impedance of 150 ohms, a sensitivity of -58 decibels, and its construction material is aluminum and steel.
Pros & Benefits:
- Sturdy
- The incredible sound is produced
- Beautiful
- Good construction material
- Wide-range frequency
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10. MXL BCD-1
- DELIVERS WARM, RICH TONES - The MXL BCD-1 is a dynamic broadcast microphone that produces a bright sound ideal for...
- REJECTS AMBIENT NOISE FROM THE SIDES - The cardioid microphone is an end-address mic that captures your voice as...
- ENSURES MINIMAL VIBRATION NOISE - BCD-1 has tuned grill and built-in shock mount that eliminates internal...
- COMES WITH AN INTEGRATED SWIVEL MOUNT - The pre-attached mounting system allows you to position the microphone in...
- INCLUDES - MXL BCD-1 Dynamic Microphone with Integrated Mic Suspension Mount. MXL WS-002 Mic Windscreen. Blucoil...
Last update on 2021-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Although expensive, the MXL BCD-1 microphone delivers high-quality sound and can be used anywhere and with any application.
It’s a microphone with warm, rich tones designed to make vocals stand out in any performance or recording.
Also, it has a built-in swivel mount that allows perfect positioning of the microphone when combined with the optional MXL BCD-Stand.
The specifications have a cardioid polar pattern, and it has a frequency response of 40 Hertz to 16 kiloHertz and impedance of 350 ohms.
It has an internal shock-mount that prevents unwanted noise and a pop-filter that helps in low noises and reduces plosives.
It also has a tuned grill that eliminates all the internal reflections and an excellent side rejection that works perfectly in a noisy room.
This microphone is optimized for speech applications.
It has a high output and low noise, for which it’s mostly used in broadcasts and podcasts.
The MXL microphone is also perfect for any meeting room or web chat service that places voice calls over the internet.
Pros & Benefits:
- Delivers a bright sound
- Has an excellent side rejection
- Excellent for recording vocals for music
- Has a classic styling
- Comes with a foam windshield
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General Rules When Using a Microphone
When you’re still in the research phase, before purchasing a microphone for your acoustic guitar recordings or drums, you’ll want to assess all the features based on your budget.
While every musician would love to purchase the most expensive microphone, it’s not always the best equipment.
Still, they’ll want a durable, reliable microphone to capture the high frequencies that the guitar will put out into the room.
Regardless of your needs, you should always follow general guidelines when using a microphone.
- Aim the microphone towards where the sound is coming from and away from unwanted and disrupting sources
- Work close to the microphone to enable an extra bass response
- Use the fewest number of microphones possible
- Avoid covering any part of the microphone’s grille with your hands as this will badly affect the performance of the microphone
- Always use a pop-filter when recording vocals; this will stop the singer’s split from landing on the diaphragm since the charged diaphragm attracts saliva particles right onto the microphone
- Use a suitable stand and make sure it is stable since even the best stands will topple over if a microphone’s weight is not in the wrong position
- Avoid turning on the power supply for a vacuum tube condenser microphone before connecting the microphone, which will damage the power supply
Cleaning Your Microphone
You find that on stage microphones collect substances such as spit, sweat, lipstick, and dirt, among others.
The following are some cleaning tips for these microphones.
- Unscrew the grille from your microphone, rinse it off with water, use a mild detergent to eliminate odors, and clean it using a toothbrush with soft bristles
- Allow the grille to dry before you put it back on the microphone, then air-dry it using a hairdryer since it is best
- If your microphone lacks a removable grille, hold the microphone upside down and gently scrub it with a damp toothbrush; this prevents moisture from leaking into its cartridge
- If someone with lipstick was using your microphone and left it there, you can use makeup wipes to wipe outside the grille
Final Thoughts
There are different kinds of microphones worldwide and on other online shops with various specifications; look for something that’ll make you sound better.
You don’t need a microphone only for speaking; you ought to buy a microphone that serves the purpose you intend it to perform; whether you’re live streaming on YouTube or Facebook or to record a podcast, you ought to have a reliable dynamic microphone.
Whether you are live streaming on your YouTube channel, recording a podcast, or even live performing at a concert, we have created a list of the ten best microphones on stage.
These microphones are neither overpriced nor underpriced and are genuinely the best ones in the market, mainly since the quality voice output could easily price all of them much higher.
However, they remain at their excellent prices and don’t cease to impress with their sound and durability.
Always keep your microphone in a plastic bag when not in use; whether you keep it in its case or leave it on a stand, a plastic bag will stop airborne dust and the foam from windscreens and storage cases from settling on the capsule
You should always check your microphone and ensure that it is in good condition; keep it clean to avoid malfunctioning when performing.
