In every field of business, there are always going to be names that stand out and audio is no exception. Shure is one of the most established names in the world when it comes to microphones especially in the realm of live music. They have released many different variations for mics but here you will find the best Shure microphone options for vocals with their current catalog.
Best Shure Microphone for Vocals Overview
- KSM 44A: Best For General Use
- KSM 42: Best For Versatility at a Discount
- SM7B: Best For Live Recordings
- Beta 58: Best For Loud Environments
- KSM 8: Best For Live Dynamic Mic
- KSM 9: Best For Live Condenser Mic
Best Shure Microphone for Vocals
This is a mixture of options for both recording and live environments. None of these are in any particular order and all bring their own benefits to the table.
KSM 44A
Best for: General Use
Price: $999
The KSM 44A is the pinnacle of Shure condensers. It provides a flat and accurate recording of its sources and even has additional patterns as well as a frequency response switch located on the back. This allows you to choose from flat, Low-Frequency Cutoff, and Low-Frequency Roll-Off.
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Pickup Pattern | CardioidOmnidirectionalBi-directional |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
KSM 42
Best for: Versatility at a Discount
Price: $849
From all sources I can find from Shure itself, the KSM 42 is like the discount version of the KSM 44a. The biggest differences are in the polar pattern and frequency response options. The KSM 44a has multiple options for both while the 42 is only on cardioid for the pickup pattern and a flat frequency response overall.
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Pickup Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz – 20kHz |
SM7B
Best for: Live Recordings
Price: $399
The SM7B has been recognized lately as a great mic for streamers and podcasters. This is just scratching the surface of what it can do. The SM7B is amazing for vocals on recordings and I have seen it used a few times live. But keep in mind that they are very directional. In some recordings I’ve done with a vocalist standing in front of the drums, there was so much drum bleed in the SM7B it was hard to work with.
Check out what that final video looked like here!
| Microphone Type | Dynamic |
| Pickup Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz – 20 kHz |
Beta 58
Best for: Loud Environments
Price: $169
The Beta 58 is the upgrade to the classic SM58. Due to its neodymium magnet, it is able to provide higher output levels and avoid much background noise. This is perfect for live recording environments. Having used this many times it is one of my go-to wired mic options for live environments because of its versatility.
| Microphone Type | Dynamic |
| Pickup Pattern | Super-cardioid Pattern |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz – 16 kHz |
KSM 8
Best for: Live Dynamic Mic
Price: $399
The KSM 8 is one of the best mics for live environments. With its patent-pending diaphragm stabilization system it protects and stabilizes your mic diaphragm to avoid plosives and handling noise. This mic is so great that you can purchase the capsule itself as an add-on for quite a few Shure wireless mic options.
| Microphone Type | Dynamic |
| Pickup Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 40 Hz – 16 kHz |
KSM 9
Best for: Live Condenser Mic
Price: $699
I’m not sure if this would be the upgrade to the KSM8 but it is in the KSM series as well. This is a condenser handheld mic that gives amazing detail to whatever it’s thrown onto. Something that makes this mic unique is that it has a switchable polar pattern. You can choose between supercardioid and cardioid.
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Pickup Pattern | Supercardioid, Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz – 20 kHz |
What to Consider With a Shure Vocal Mic
Shure is one of the most reputable microphone companies when it comes to both live and recording environments. Their mics are known for durability as well as versatility. I personally have used the same mic on 3 different sources throughout the same gig and been complemented on the sound through the entire night. Because of its well-earned name and the quality of its products, some Shure mics will cost quite a bit, but it is worth it for the quality.
FAQ’s
Is a dynamic or condenser mic better for vocals?
It is all in the application. Both types of microphones are well-suited for vocals. Condenser microphones are better in most recording environments because of how detailed they are but dynamic microphones are usually better suited for live applications.
Is SM58 good for recording vocals?
While it is not ideal for recording professionally, the SM58 has been proven to provide great-sounding recordings for vocals.
Is the Shure SM57 good for vocals?
While it will work in a pinch, the SM57 isn’t always the best choice for live or recorded vocalists.
Shure is for Sure
In almost any live production you work with, you are going to see the Shure name somewhere. It’s become an industry standard so it is good to become familiar with them for your own benefit. But there is always going to be more to learn and more microphones to add to the list. In a year from now, Shure may have released a brand new mic that trumps everyone on this list. But for right now, these awesome mics are holding their own as the best Shure vocal mics.
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