The right microphone can make a huge difference in capturing your vocals with clarity, presence, and vibe to cut through your mix. While personal preference plays a role, certain mics work particularly well for EDM vocals' exaggerated dynamics and bright, breathy tones. Here are the top microphone options for your EDM vocal recording needs.
Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone
When it comes to EDM vocals, the Manley Reference Cardioid is a mic that engineers and vocalists who need to record larger-than-life vocals in the genre recommend time and time again. This large-diaphragm condenser is renowned for its clarity and airy top end, which lets breathy vocals pop into the mix. It also captures silky and clear mids. The microphone features the same high-quality components as another popular Manley microphone, the Gold Reference.
Pros
- Brilliant top-end clarity
- Accentuates EDM vocals well
- Fast transient response
- Extremely low noise floor
- Pristine signal
Cons
- Expensive
- Lacks Warmth
Neumann U87
As one of the most legendary vocal mics around, it's no surprise that Neumann's U87 would also be an excellent option for EDM. This iconic large-diaphragm condenser captures the subtleties and overtones with its incredibly flat frequency response and low self-noise.
The U87 uses a FET (Field Effect Transistor) circuit to produce a low-impedance signal, which gives the microphone unique acoustic properties. This mic can handle high sound pressure levels (SPLs) without distorting. It’s important when recording dynamic and powerful vocal performances common in EDM styles.
Pros
- Unmatched clarity and detail
- Multiple polar patterns for flexibility
- Authoritative low-end response
- Crisp highs
Cons
- Expensive
- High clarity can accentuate flaws
Brauner Valvet X
The Brauner Valvet X captures the sound that will blow your mind. The luscious, full-bodied sound at the low end and the superbly clear and detailed top end are perfect for EDM. The sound is captured naturally without any peakiness.
This dual-pattern valve condenser delivers a lush yet detailed sound that can give electronic vocals a classy sheen. Each microphone goes through hours of testing for a result that will leave you speechless.
Pros
- Rich, full-bodied, low and mid-range
- Brilliant highs
- Very low self-noise
Cons
- Steep cost
Neat Worker Bee
The Neat Worker Bee delivers EDM-friendly sound at a great price point. It is a cardioid medium diaphragm condenser microphone with an internal capsule shock mount. The microphone captures a detailed and silky sound. It provides an open, balanced sonic signature without harshness.
Pros
- Warm, natural tone with excellent top-end detail
- Tight Pickup Pattern
- Low noise
- Affordable
- Easy set-up
Cons
- No pop filter
- Requires audio mixer to work
Take the time to experiment and listen critically to how the mics capture the nuances and power of your EDM vocal style. It will help you zero in on the right microphone to make your voice stand out. Once you have the sound you want, polish it with our vocal presets and sample packs. They are built with stock plugins, so they work right out of the box with your favorite DAWs.