Best Mic for Rap Vocals in 2023

If you're looking to buy a microphone, you'll quickly realize that there are many options available on the market. Each one suits different needs, requirements, and types of music. For rapping, you'll need to be very particular about the microphone you buy. If you're a singer, you may want to head over to our review of the best ribbon microphones for vocals

There are also some general-purpose microphones available, designed to suit all types of music and support every genre. However, you should never ask an amateur to do a professional's job. It's best to choose a microphone that suits your style of music, as this will give you the optimal performance.

If you're a rapper, you'll find a number of options at your disposal. To make selecting a rap microphone easier for you, we've created a list of the best rap mics on the market.

At a glance: Our top 3 picks

Our team's top 3 recommendations
Best Overall

Rode NT1A Anniversary Vocal Condenser Microphone for Rap Vocals

  • It's a cardioid condenser microphone with 1-inch capsule and a gold plated diaphragm.
  • This microphone comes with a self-noise of only 5 dB (A), making it one of the quietest microphones available.
  • Has a 20-feet microphone cable.

Click here for price

Premium Quality

 MXL GENESIS Flagship Tube Condenser Rap Microphone with High-Isolation

  • It's a cardioid condenser microphone with 1-inch capsule and a gold plated diaphragm.
  • This microphone comes with a self-noise of only 5 dB (A), making it one of the quietest microphones available.
  • Has a 20-feet microphone cable.

Click here for price

Great value

TONOR 3.5mm Professional Condenser Recording Rap Vocal Microphone

  • It's a cardioid condenser microphone with 1-inch capsule and a gold plated diaphragm.
  • This microphone comes with a self-noise of only 5 dB (A), making it one of the quietest microphones available.
  • Has a 20-feet microphone cable.

Click here for price


Best Mic for Rap Vocals for 2023

1. Rode NT1A Anniversary Vocal Condenser Microphone for Rap Vocals

Rode-Anniversary-Condenser-Microphone-Package

Rode has been making some of the best mics around for just over ten years now. It's the preferred brand for many artists the world over. The Rode NT1A Anniversary Vocal Condenser Microphone for Rap Vocals is one of the best microphones for recording rap vocals. It's also very good for recording guitars and percussion.

Pros:
+ It's a cardioid condenser microphone with 1-inch capsule and a gold plated diaphragm.
+ This microphone comes with a self-noise of only 5 dB (A), making it one of the quietest microphones available.
+ Has a 20-feet microphone cable.

Why We Liked It - The Rode NT1A Anniversary Vocal Condenser Microphone for Rap Vocals is an excellent choice for both beginners or seasoned pros. It's an ideal mic for recording rap vocals.

Stay Still - While you might be hyped up, try to stay fairly still while performing your verses. Subtle movements, like swaying side to side or stomping one's feet can easily be picked up by the microphone. Also, make sure that you check the gain of your microphone before recording to ensure that you're not clipping while tracking.

Kate Brunotts

Kate Brunotts FOR MUSIC CRITIC

2. MXL GENESIS Flagship Tube Condenser Rap Microphone with High-Isolation

MXL-Condenser-Microphone-High-Isolation-Shockmount

MXL is another well-known brand when it comes to audio products for professionals and audiophiles. Whether you are an artist or an engineer, a professional producer or simply enjoy dabbling in music, the MXL has a complete range of world-class. The MXL GENESIS Flagship Tube Condenser Rap Microphone with High-Isolation is one of the very best vocal mics that you will ever find.

Pros:
+ Has a Mullard 12AT7 tube, which is considered to be one of the best available in the world.
+ Has a six micron gold sputtered diaphragm for depth in your recordings.
+ Has a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHzfor clear sound.

Why We Liked It - With its state of the art components and outstanding craftsmanship, the MXL GENESIS Flagship Tube Condenser Rap Microphone with High-Isolation is one of the best microphones out there for recording rap vocals.

3. TONOR 3.5mm Professional Condenser Recording Rap Vocal Microphone

TONOR 3.5mm Professional Condenser Recording Rap Vocal Microphone

The TONOR 3.5mm Professional Condenser Recording Rap Vocal Microphone is a top class mic for recording vocals which also works well for recording instruments. It's a quality condenser mic which means you get fantastic sound quality and frequency response. The best part is that this mic is fairly inexpensive given its quality.

Pros:
+ Good quality condenser mic.
+ Has a physical volume control so you can easily adjust the volume whenever you want to.
+ It also comes with an adjustable tripod with an anti-slip base for excellent stability.

Why We Liked It - The TONOR 3.5mm Professional Condenser Recording Rap Vocal Microphone has great quality for its price point, making it a good option for rappers looking for their first mic.

Emulate the Masters - If you're just starting out with rapping, one of the best ways to build up your skills is to rap along to your favorite songs. Make a playlist of songs you'd like to learn and continue practicing until you've mastered the cadence and rhythm of your favorite artists.

Kate Brunotts

Kate Brunotts FOR MUSIC CRITIC

4. Excelvan BM-800 Condenser Microphone Sound Recording Dynamic + Mic Shock Mount

Excelvan-BM-800-Condenser-Microphone-Recording

The Excelvan BM-800 Condenser Microphone Sound Recording Dynamic + Mic Shock Mount is one of the best microphones available out there to satisfy your rap vocal needs to the fullest. The sound clarity is amazing and will give you a lot of detail in your recordings which is essential for rap.

>Read Also:Top Microphone Stands for Your Money in 2023

Pros:
+ This is a condenser mic which means you get the best sound quality.
+ This mic comes with a shock mount to minimize handling noise.
+ It offers clear and crisp vocals thanks to the tailored frequency response it has.

Why We Liked It - The Excelvan BM-800 Condenser Microphone Sound Recording Dynamic + Mic Shock Mount is a great option for rappers of all levels. With its great sound quality, frequency response, and shock mount, it's a real steal.

5. TONOR XLR to 3.5mm Podcasting Studio Recording Condenser Microphone for Computer with Adjustable Microphone Suspension Boom

Podcasting-Recording-Microphone-Adjustable-Suspension-Boom

The TONOR XLR to 3.5mm Podcasting Studio Recording Condenser Microphone for Computer with Adjustable Microphone Suspension Boom is your all-in-one solution. It's an excellent mic for any studio application and will give you the high-quality recordings you're after.

Pros:
+ Has a cardioid pick up pattern to reduce most background noise.
+ Comes with a protective pop filter.
+ Has a shock mount to minimize handling noise.

Why We Liked It - The TONOR XLR to 3.5mm Podcasting Studio Recording Condenser Microphone for Computer with Adjustable Microphone Suspension Boom will give you crystal clear, detailed recordings time after time, making it a popular choice for many rappers.

6. CAD U37 USB Studio Rap Condenser Recording Microphone

CAD-U37-Condenser-Recording-Microphone

CAD-Audio has been in the business for over 85 years and makes some of the best audio solutions around.The CAD U37 USB Studio Condenser Recording Microphone is an all-around fantastic mic. From the frequency response to the over sound quality, the transient response or the ability to minimize background noise, you won't find any faults with this microphone.

Pros:
+ Large condenser microphone element to give you warm, rich recordings.
+ Uses a cardioid pick-up pattern to eliminate background noise.
+ Comes with a bass-reduction switch.

Why We Liked It - All in all, the CAD U37 USB Studio Condenser Recording Microphone is a complete microphone for recording just about anything, but it's especially good for vocals.

7. CO-Z Pro BM800-White Condenser Microphone Package Studio Sound Recording Mic with Arm Stand & Wind Screen Pop Filter Mask Shield Sets

CO-Z-BM800-White-Condenser-Microphone-Recording

The ability of the CO-Z Pro BM800-White Condenser Microphone Package Studio Sound Recording Mic with Arm Stand & Wind Screen Pop Filter Mask Shield Sets to reproduce the same exact sound as of the source is outstanding, making it a phenomenal mic for recording vocals.

Pros:
+ Condenser mic which comes with audio processing circuitry to provide accurate sound reproduction.
+ Has a cardioid pickup pattern to eliminate background noise.
+ Comes equipped with a smooth frequency response so that you hear every detail.

Why We Liked It - The CO-Z Pro BM800-White Condenser Microphone Package Studio Sound Recording Mic with Arm Stand & Wind Screen Pop Filter Mask Shield Sets is one of the best mics you can get for recording any sort of vocals, but it's a real winner for recording rap.

8. MXL 770 Cardioid Rap Condenser Microphone

MXL-770-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone

You can't go wrong with the MXL 770 Cardioid Rap Condenser Microphone. MXL is one of the best in the business and you can expect the same high-quality it delivers on all of its products with this mic.

Read Also: Top 10 Best Headphones for Studio Recording

Pros:
+ This condenser microphone comes with a multi-purpose diaphragm to make the sound both dynamic and versatile.
+ Frequency range of 30Hz-20kHz for excellent, detailed recordings.
+ It comes with a cardioid polar pattern so that the background noise is greatly reduced.

Why We Liked It - The MXL 770 Cardioid Rap Condenser Microphone is one of the best mics for rap vocals and is available at an amazingly low price. Who could say no to that?

9. CAD GXL2200SP Studio Condenser Rap Mic Recording Pack

CAD-GXL2200SP-Studio-Condenser-Recording

The CAD GXL2200SP Studio Condenser Rap Mic Recording Pack has everything you need to record any type of vocals, so you know it'll be fantastic when it comes to recording rap. As a condenser mic, it'll give you rich recordings and superb detail.

Pros:
+ Comes equipped with shock mount to minimize handling noise.
+ Has a cardioid pickup pattern to reduce background noise to the maximum level and give you clear recordings.

Why We Liked It - When it comes to recording rap vocals, the CAD GXL2200SP Studio Condenser Rap Mic Recording Pack is one of the best solutions that you will find.

Mic for Rap Vocals Buyers' Guide

There are several key factors to consider when you're shopping for a microphone for rap vocals. We've broken them down for you below.

Budget

First thing is first – decide on a budget. Rap microphones come in a huge range of prices, so it's best to decide how much you can or are willing to spend on a mic before you hit the stores. Some mics come with shock mounts or a stand, but these will tend to cost more. That said, you won't have to buy these additional accessories after the fact. Ultimately, you'll need to decide what works best for you.

Type of Microphones

There are two types of microphones out there, dynamic and condenser. Some dynamic mics do work for rap recordings, - click here for the full MC guide, but condenser mics are the best for vocal recordings.

The Accessories

This is totally up to you to decide what added accessories you require with your microphone, but keep in mind the fact the more accessories you go for, the higher the price you'll have to pay. Mics that come with accessories will cost more.

Top Pick

Rode NT1A Anniversary RapThe Rode NT1A Anniversary Vocal Condenser Microphone Package is one of the best microphones by one of the very best in the business. It has everything to give you the clearest, most detailed rap recordings. It comes with a cardioid polar pattern which focuses solely on the main sound source and eliminates all the background noise. This means excellent sound quality. What's more, these microphones are really low noise microphones with a self-noise of only 5 dB (A).

Premium Choice

MXL Condenser

The MXL GENESIS Flagship Tube Condenser Microphone with High-Isolation Shockmount, Pop Filter, Mogami XLR Cable, and Power Supply is one of the best mics available out there, especially for rap vocals. This microphone gives clear, quality recordings but also comes with useful accessories like a shock mount, pop filter, and XLR cable, eliminating the need for you to go out and pick them up after you buy your microphone. As a condenser mic, it offers ultra-clean, detailed recordings that just can't be beaten.

Great Value

TONOR 3.5mm Professional

When you talk about the price to performance ratio, it is virtually impossible to find a better rap mic than the TONOR 3.5mm Professional Condenser Recording Podcast Microphone with Stand for Computer. Its available at an amazingly low price. This is a condenser mic which automatically makes it the best for vocals. Add the accessories that it comes with and you get a fantastic value for money rap mic.along just makes it one of the best that you will ever find.

 

FAQs

What is a Rap Microphone?

A rap microphone is a vocal microphone that eliminates handling noise. Since there is a lot of movement involved in rap vocals, you need something to minimize the noise created by all this movement.

How do I Select the Best Rap Microphone?

Just keep in mind the three key considerations that were mentioned earlier to select the best rap microphone for yourself,

  • Budget
  • Type of microphone
  • The accessories

What Sort of Budget do I Need for a Rap Microphone?

Rap vocal mics are available at different price ranges. You need to decide what you want out of your microphone. In general, you can find a pretty good microphone for rap vocals under $300.

What Are the Best Microphones for Rap?

Look for a microphone that has the ability to minimize handling and background noise. You want absolute clarity to get the best quality, detailed recordings possible.

Practice Makes Perfect - While learning a verse, start out slow and build up speed over time. It's more important to master the specific rhythm and nuances first at a slower speed, rather than getting out words as fast as you can. Rapping at full speed will become easier with practice.

Kate Brunotts

Kate Brunotts FOR MUSIC CRITIC

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