Best Microphone For Hip Hop in 2020

Are you looking for the best microphone for hip hop?

Then I got you covered.

Here is something you need to know.

Hip hop is entirely different from other genres of music.

This is because a truly great hip hop song has certain characteristics and attributes that need to be present.

For example

Things such as the presence of the bass.

And the drums

And finally the VOCALS.

When recording the vocals for a hip hop song, you need a microphone that brings out the clarity and the uniqueness of your voice.

You also needs a mic that does not clip and scratch your voice, turning it into something ugly.

There a lot of things you need to consider before buying a microphone for hip hop (which we will talk about later) but you need to know that you definitely need something that complements your voice.

With the huge amount of microphones out there, you can get confused and lost out trying to make the right choice.

In this guide we will be showing you the top 5 microphones to choose if you are looking for quality and the right fit for your vocals.

Related: Here is a massive guide showing you everything you need to know about Microphones

Our Top 5 Best microphone for hip hop 

• Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio Microphone
• Rode NT1KIT Condenser Microphone Cardioid – Premium Choice
• MXL 440 Multipurpose Large-Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone
• Neumann TLM 102 MT Condenser Microphone
• Shure SM58S Vocal Microphone – Editor’s choice

What to look for when choosing the right microphone

Before you make your choice of mic for your vocals, there are a couple of things you need to consider.

1. The size of your budget. The size of your budget will play a huge role in the type of microphone you get.

Make no mistake about it.

This does not mean you need to spend the big bucks just to get a mic but be prepared that if you really want quality and something that will last for a very long time, then you should be prepared to shell out some cash.

2. Is it a dynamic or a condenser mic? Now this is another thing you need to take note of.

The simple truth is that dynamic mics are so old skool.

You need to make sure that you get a condenser mic.

Why?

This is simply because a condenser mic gives you vocals so much clarity and warmth than a dynamic mic.

Also a condenser mic comes with a phantom power which can really boost your vocals when needed.

3. This is not really a consideration as such but you also want to make sure that you get other accessories that will complement your microphone.

So things such as a mic stand, a pop filter, etc are all in place.

The Best Microphone For Hip Hop

We have choose the top 5 microphones and reviewed them for you below. These are chosen based on the quality of the mics, their ability to deliver crisp and clear vocals and the price range.

1. Audio-Technica AT2020 Studio Microphone

The Audio Technica is truly a very good microphone for hip hop vocals.

At this price, it is a steal and is ideal for home studio applications.

It is a condenser mic that comes with high SPL handling and wide dynamic range that provides unmatched versatility.

What this simply means is that it can used in a wide variety of applications.

So it can accommodate your hip hop vocals and can also be used for say recording equipments.

With its custom engineered low mass diaphragm, you can be sure that your vocals are going to come out crisp and very clear.

One very good thing about this microphone is that it can easily reduce all forms of background noise.

This is a very useful feature for any microphone to have.

Imagine recording in your home studio that is not properly soundproofed?

With this microphone, you can be sure that some of those external background noises will be effectively cut out giving your vocals that clean and crisp effect that you desire.

At this price, this is a perfect choice for your home recordings and your home studio.

2. Rode NT1KIT Condenser Microphone Cardioid

The Rode NT1 Mic is the staple microphone across all major studios

This is one microphone that can be found in most studios

For recording hip hop vocals it is very good because of its 1 inch diaphragm condenser. This makes it ideal for recording vocals giving them that crisp quality.

Have you ever struggled to deal with the noise from a vibrating microphone?

Believe me it ain’t pretty.

With the unique double Lyre suspension system, it effectively cancels all vibration noises making you to have a quiet recording.

If you have been recording for a while then you definitely know that you need a pop filter to deal with plosive issues.

Right?

This mic comes with a removable all metal pop filter that helps you deal with all plosive actions.

This is one mic that was built to handle different kind of jobs thrown at it.

With it’s midrange response, coupled with it’s silky smooth high frequencies you can be sure that you are going to get clear vocals every time.

3. MXL 440 Multipurpose Large-Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone

This is probably the cheapest microphone on this list but make no mistake about it, it delivers exceptional quality when used.

If you are the kind of person that prefers to use on mic for all your recordings, then this is an excellent choice for you.

It is a multi purpose condenser mic that can serve you well when recording both vocals and instruments.

It is ideal for recording hip hop because of the FET preamp which comes with an electronically balanced output.

This helps to ensure that your vocals are clear and reduces all unwanted background noises.

This is a great mic for recording hip hop, R&B and country songs.

This is due to the fact that it has a very large diaphragm and can easily accommodate vocals and instruments.

If you are tight on cash and you need a quality microphone then this is one of the best choices for you.

4. Neumann TLM 102 MT Condenser Microphone

This is one pricey microphone

But hey, if you are looking for quality then you should be ready to dole out the cash.

Think of it like this… the Neumann TLM microphone is the bugatti of microphones.

With it’s large diaphragm and  cardioid directional characteristics, you can be sure of having quality vocals every time.

It’s built to attract attention and catch the eye with its pleasing and compact design.

If you have struggled with sound clipping whenever you record at a very close distance to the mic, then you will be pleased with this.

It’s diaphragm capsule can handle vocals of up to 144 dB. This means that you do not need to worry about your vocals clipping.

Want to scream and really let out a loud sound? Go for it…this mic can handle it

This is one microphone that really shines when it comes to speech or vocals.

It was built to deliver exceptional quality always. When used to record vocals in a mix, you can be sure that your vocals are going to come out very clean and clear.

This is because it has a slight boost above 6Khz giving you that clean and rich sound especially when used in a mix.

If you are also worried about background noises then you need to worry no more.

It’s elastic suspension system effectively reduces and cuts out all background noises leaving you with clean vocals to work with.

At this price, this is one microphone that is built to last and ideal for recording your hip hop tracks at home.

5. Shure SM58S Vocal Microphone

The Shure SM58 is a dynamic microphone that offers its weight and can take on most condenser microphones.

This is one mic that is made for vocals. It is made to deliver carefully tailored frequency of up to 4000 Hz for smooth and warm vocals.

With it’s highly effective and built in spherical filter you can be sure that you do not have to worry about wind and breath pop issues.

Worried about background noises? This microphone with it’s cardioid pickup pattern ensures that only your vocals get picked up by the mic and effectively cuts out all unwanted noises.

Also its custom shock mount systems ensures that all vibration sounds and issues are dealt with and reduced to a minimum.

Like most studios, you require a products that will last long and is very durable. With it’s rugged construction, this is one product that is very durable and delivers every time.

Have you ever wondered how most studios are able to get rich and warm vocals even when the source of the sound is not so close?

This is because of something called the proximity effect and this microphone does that very well.

When the source of the sound is say ¼ inch from the mic, it boosts the bass frequencies (from about 6 to 10dB). This created a warm and richer sound.

The SM 58 is a quality microphone made by the trusted brand Shure. It is ideal for home use as well as in professional studios.

Conclusion

Hip hop is way different from other genres of music.

The major focus is one the vocals. As such you need a quality microphone that will deliver crisp and clear vocals.

When choosing a microphone you want to make sure that you take this points into consideration and go for something that will deliver quality vocals.

It is usually advisable to go with choices that have been made by confirmed users and buyers.

This way you can be sure that whatever you choose is the right one.