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8 Best Cheap Microphones for Rapping in 2023

Juan Stansbury May 23, 2023

Microphones come in all shapes and sizes, and their prices can range over a huge domain. If you want a top of the range microphone, with all the bells and whistles, then you could expect to pay thousands.

But sometimes all these fancy features and additional options are not needed and are simply lost on the day to day user. This is often the case when purchasing a rapping microphone.

Unlike singing, rapping does not demand a wide vocal range, which means that microphones only need to be optimized over a relatively shallow frequency range. Some of the advanced circuitry and high precision is therefore unnecessary.

Plus, rapping should be a genre of music with a low barrier to entry. You don’t really need any special tuition, equipment or accessories, so buying a microphone simply to advance your skill should not be prohibitively expensive.

With this in mind we have assembled a comprehensive list of the best cheap microphones for rapping. The microphones on this list come with different features and specs (and different associated costs) but they all suffice as a functional tool to help get your rapping career up and running.

Consider the pros and cons of each model carefully, before you go and make a purchase.

Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone

This is a high-quality device that is sure to help you improve your rapping technique. It features quality design and engineering that mimics the technology used in far more expensive models.

For example, this mic features a specially engineered low mass diaphragm for improve accuracy and sound response. These hardware features, combined with advanced internal circuitry, help to ensure an even frequency response across the entire audible spectrum.

It has a frequency response that goes from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, which is more than adequate for most rapping purpose.

A low signal to noise ratio means that this mic captures all your vocals accurately, without distorting the signal or adding in annoying phantom noises. This mic strongly deserves its place among the gold standards of rapping mics.

It is also versatile, durable and comes with a series of accessories including a standing mount so that you can pivot the microphone however you like.

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Video: “Audio-Technica AT2020 XLR Microphone Review/Test”

MXL Mics 770 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Condenser mics are a tried and trusted technology, and this is a perfect example of the craft. It is suitable for recording rap battles, freestyle, or just streaming.

It is a versatile tool that has all the functionality you would expect from a moderately priced cardioid mic.

The inbuilt transformerless preamp ensures that this device is low noise and offers ultra-low distortion, while some other software wizardry ensures that you have a balanced frequency response across all bass and high-end frequencies.

This doesn’t have quite the range of the previous product, but unless you are wanting to record ultra-low woofer frequencies this probably doesn’t matter. It does have notable warmth at the high end, and it comes in a premium case for storage.

The sensitivity and specs of this model are very impressive, which makes it one of the best cheap microphones for rapping out there on the market.

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Video: “Review: MXL 770 Condenser Microphone”

Shure SM58-LC Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone,Black

This mic has a much more basic, traditional design than many of the other models featured on this list, but don’t let that fool you. This mic is really a strong stallion when it comes to rapping.

It does have a narrow frequency response range, but it makes up for that with an in-built spherical wind and pop filter. This is a real blessing for vocalists, as it will cut out the unwanted sound of wind rustling in the background, or the annoying, distinctive ‘pop’ that occurs when you speak too close to the mic.

Unlike some of the other mics, this is specially designed for vocal performances. It has a brightened mid-range response and high-frequency roll, because it targets the frequencies that are most significant for vocalists.

The pneumatic shockmount attachment not only holds the mic securely in place, but it also cuts down dramatically on mechanical noise and vibrations that could be transferred to the mic. Clever engineering like this is what makes this such a valuable product.

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Video: “Shure SM58 Dynamic Mic Review / Test”

Samson C01 Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone

There is some debate about whether large diaphragm mics or small diaphragm mics are better for vocalist. It really depends on how you intend to use your mics.

For quiet, intimate performances you might be better opting for the precision and quick response of a low mass diaphragm, but to really capture the power of a ballad you should choose a large diaphragm mic.

This is a quality offering from one of the most trusted names in the industry. As a well as a precision engineered, 19 mm sputter diaphragm, this mic has a lot of other features to offer.

For instance, it has a wide dynamic response, comes with a swivel stand, and it brilliant at rejecting unwanted off-axis sound.

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Video: “Samson C01 Condenser Microphone Review / Test”

Behringer C-1 Professional Large-Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone

The sleek silver appearance of this mic contrasts nicely with the boring, matt-black aesthetic that many of its competitors rock. But appearance isn’t the only place that this model has an edge. It is also ultra-low noise, even when compared to some of the industry leaders.

The lack of a transformer pre-amp and other devices means that this mic contributes far less noise than other mics, and makes sure that your vocal are recorded accurately without distortion. Clean sound replication is one of the hallmarks of a good mic.

This mic also runs on phantom power, delivers neutral sound and has a relatively linear frequency response.

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Video: “Behringer C-1 Condenser Mic Review / Test”

AKG P220 Vocal Condenser Microphone

One of the best features of this affordable mic is its rough and rugged design. Although it is suitable for use in comfortable home recording setups, one of the major advantages is that it is also strong and durable enough to survive a demanding life on the road.

This is thanks to the all-metal aluminum body and the rugged aluminum carry case that gives you added protection.

It also features a cardioid pickup pattern and a switchable bass cut filter that allows you to block or remove unwanted bass frequencies at the source, for quick fixes and easy adjustment.

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Video: “AKG P220 Rap Vocals Mic Review”

Shure PGA58-QTR Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone

This is yet another quality product from Shure, a company with a long history of superior sound engineering and design. This mic is crafted with the vocalist totally in mind.

It gives natural clarity and warmth over the entire spectrum of vocalization. It will blend in with any studio setup, and it comes with three options for extension cables.

More importantly, it offers you the chance to showcase your rapping skills in the best possible light. It comes with a handy zipper pouch for storage, a premium metallic finish, and outstanding frequency response and precision.

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Video: “Shure PGA58 Dynamic Microphone Review / Test”

MXL V67G Large Capsule Condenser Microphone

If you want to invest in a mic that is going to cause a bit of a stir, then this might be the mic for you. The clash of green and gold and the metallic sheen help this offering from MXL to really stand out. The features only add to the sense of luxury and quality.

For example, it has an ultra-responsive 6 um sputtered diaphragm that will track all your lyrics without error. The internal electronics and circuitry are also specially contributed to reject any distortion and contribute little to no self-noise.

This is a modern solid-state device that manages to reproduce the effect of warm old school mics, without breaking the bank. The design and quality engineering help to make it one of the best cheap microphones for rapping.

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Video: “MXL V67G Large Capsule Condenser Mic Review / Test”

How To Choose The Best Budget Mic For Rapping

There are lots of features and specs that you need to look out for when buying a new mic. But if you aim to exclusively use this mic for rap recordings or live performances, then you can narrow your search a bit.

First of all, look for mics that are specifically intended for vocals. Mics that are meant for vocals or instruments have slightly different features and focuses.

Vocal Mics

For example, vocal mics might have a narrower frequency range, but they may have enhanced pickup (or ‘brightening’) in specific parts of the audible spectrum that are most used in vocal performances.

Their sensitivity, dynamic response and distortion rejection may also be specially tailored for vocals. Some mics are advertised as ‘versatile’ because they can be used for both recording vocals and instruments. Judge these mics on their merits.

Cardioid Mics

Cardioid pickup patterns are best for rapping. The pickup pattern refers to the physical location from where the mic accepts sound.

A cardioid mic will pick up sound only from the direction of the speaker and will reject unwanted sound coming from elsewhere. This means your audience won’t be distracted by the sound of the wind or other clamors.

Make sure that your mic is compatible with whatever stand you intend to use. You should also make sure that it does not create much distortion when hooked up to the rest of your setup.

The lowest noise creating mics feature transformerless pre-amps, but you might have to pay a bit extra for this feature. Other specs to look for are the overall frequency response range, the dynamic range, the sensitivity and the durability of the material.

Conclusion

Rapping is a truly universal artform because you can practice with absolutely no equipment needed. But if you do want to make the jump to the next level, then you will want to buy your own mic. This can be combined with other equipment either for live performances or for recording your own music.

Many of the features that you look for in a god mic are the same regardless of whether you want it for vocals or instrumental recording, but some features are specific to the genre.

With that in mind we have created a definitive list of the best cheap microphones for rapping, which you should consult before spending your hard-earned money.