LOS ANGELES, CA- Microphones are an essential piece of equipment for all performing musicians. A good microphone will amplify and enhance your voice and instrument, so whether you’re performing live, recording a song, or singing for a virtual audience, you need to invest in a good quality microphone. This is especially important if you are a rising indie musician, as the right microphone will elevate your performances and recordings. A good microphone also reduces the risk of any hiccups. You wouldn’t want your mic to malfunction, which is what we at BlurredCulture.com reported happened to singer Ty Dolla $ign at the 2018 Smoker’s Club Fest. Despite the setback he was the ultimate performer and managed to keep the crowd and set going through his energy.
If you’re among those looking to establish yourself in the industry and need a good mic for the job, read on to learn about some of the best ones currently on the market:
As someone who independently produces music, you need an affordable yet high-quality mic. This is where the Shure SM58 comes in. A Shout4Music.com guide on the best microphones for vocals notes that this mic has a neutral frequency response, making it perfect for vocal performances. It also has a warm, natural mid-range that will flatter most voice types. This allows it to produce a mellow tune that results in a rich live performance. It is also an affordable option at less than USD$ 100 SRP. This makes it a great choice for indie musicians just starting out. And it isn’t just those at the beginning of their career who use this mic, John Mayer and Billie Eilish are known to perform with this mic. If you’re an indie artist with a similar sound or aspire to be like them, the Shure SM58 is your perfect match.
Samson Technologies has been famous for its wireless microphones since the 1980s. It’s even considered by DigitalJournal.com as one of the major key players in the ongoing growth of the music microphone market, showcasing its reliability in the music industry. The Samson C01, in particular, is suitable for an indie artist due to its versatility – it can be used for vocals, guitars, stringed instruments, and even drums. This is because it has a 19mm dual-layer diaphragm, allowing it to handle different bass levels and power. Unlike the other mics on this list, this model is better used by indie musicians who are recording music rather than playing live.
Lewitt is known for its collection of professional condenser mics. One of its best is the Lewitt 640, which produces a crisp and well-balanced sound. It also has a polarizer plugin, so after you record a track, you can add special effects or create a pattern. This makes it perfect for indie artists with more experimental song-making processes.
In 2021, electronic dance music artist Tasha Baxter told MagneticMag.com that this mic is the one she uses for her recording and streaming sessions. She mentioned that it allowed her to capture textured, breathy vocals, creating a vibe with maximum presence.
Neumann is another manufacturer of professional microphones—specifically, recording mics. Still, one of its most popular products is the Neumann KMS 104, a handheld mic that brings studio-quality sound to the stage. It has a condenser capsule that makes its sound clear and superior, so you can rest assured that how you sound when recording is the same as performing live when you use this mic.
The KMS 104 is so reliable that one of the biggest stars today, Adele, uses this mic. If you have a powerful voice like her or simply wish to showcase your amazing vocals, this microphone may help you make that dream come true.
Getting a quality microphone is a must for helping listeners hear your voice loud and clear—whether you’re recording a song or performing in front of a crowd. Choose from one of these mics today to boost your budding journey as an indie artist.
