You may find it easy to mike someone who sings like a diva or a balladeer. Yet, when it comes to miking screaming vocals, you cannot just use any mic at hand. You need to find the mic that will allow you to capture the aggressiveness and rawness of screaming vocals. Moreover, you should choose a mic that can withstand and handle the sonic abuses that screaming vocals bring in. You should also be cognizant of the important factors to consider when choosing a mic for screaming vocals.
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The 5 Most Recommended Mics for Screaming Vocals
Knowing the factors to consider when buying a mic for screaming vocals will draw you closer to choosing the most suitable microphones to miking and record your screaming and metal vocals more effectively and precisely:
Last update on 2021-01-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1) Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone
The Manley Ref-C is also a tube condenser mic that is perfect for metal vocals. It comes with a fixed cardioid pattern. This pickup pattern leads to a better and warmer proximity effect for vocals. Its 6-micron capsule provides a bright presence that you would surely love.
It comes with a 10dB pad on the microphone, but it is capable of 150dB SPL. This mic has been one of the top choices by producers and engineers when recording loud vocals.
Furthermore, the Manley Ref-C unit comes with a rugged outboard power supply that offers high quality. Moreover, its vacuum tube is hand-picked for its low noise as well as excellent reliability. It also offers great highs, warm and clear mids, as well as powerful bass.
2) Electro Voice RE-20 Cardioid Microphone
Another good choice, if you are looking for a mic for screaming vocals, is the Electro Voice RE-20. It is a highly professional cardioid mic that is full of dynamism. It has a heavy-duty built-in pop filter that lessens proximity effects. Moreover, its internal shock mount lessens the noise created by vibrations.
The Electro Voice RE-20 also comes with pop filters that cover its acoustic opening. It has a frequency response ranging from 45Hz to 18kHz. Plus, its case material is made of steel, and its connector type is 3-pin XLR. It also comes with a maximum diameter of 54 mm. When used in recording metal vocals, you can greatly capture the variety of emotions of the vocals.
This mic is also used often for kick drums as well as on guitar amps. Hence, it can handle different levels of voice. It also comes with a high-pass switch. Moreover, it can be positioned to the sound sources without any loss in clarity. This makes this mic perfect for tight vocals. The RE-20 is also like the Shure SM7B and almost of the same price as the Shure SM7B.
3) Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
The Shure SM7B is best for recording screaming vocals. Moreover, many producers and studio owners consider this mic the ideal for metal vocals. It comes with a wide frequency response. It also features a cardioid pattern. Plus, it comes with dual-band and switchable passive EQ, as well as a built-in filter. It also offers a flat and wide-range frequency response that brings in awesomely natural reproduction of speech.
The Shure SM7B also comes with fantastic sound pressure levels (SPLs). You will unlikely overload this mic unless you can produce a sound louder than the 180 dB SPL. The Shure SM7B is one of the most recommended by metal bands. Moreover, it is optimized for precluding broadband interference caused by monitors of computers. It also enhanced the rejection of the so-called electromagnetic hum.
Furthermore, it does come with an air suspension shock isolation that virtually eliminates the noise created by mechanical transmission. It also comes with an effective pop filter that eliminates the need for add-on protection against pops and plosives. Besides, it comes with an A7W’s detachable windscreen that is meant for reducing plosive sounds. Its low sensitivity implies that it is designed not to pick up the background noise. It is, however, designed for handling aggressive vocals.
4) Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Mic
The Sennheiser MD 421 is perfect for recording conditions as well as for broadcasting applications. It comes with a large diaphragm and great dynamism that can handle high SPLs, making it perfect for recording loud sounds like that of the screaming vocals. It features a full-bodied cardioid pattern along with five-position bass control. This makes it perfect for recording instruments as well as vocals.
The Sennheiser MD 421 is also great for recording some metal guitars. It is a favorite for kick drums and toms. It also features an effective feedback rejection and clear sound reproduction. Moreover, it has easy handling due to its pronounced directivity. This rugged professional microphone is also resistant to humidity and dust, and thus, it is expected to last longer.
5) Shure SM58 Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone
If you are looking for a microphone for live performance, your best option will be the Shure SM58. This popular mic comes with sturdy construction and is perfect for live performance. Its frequency response is perfect for screaming vocals.
It comes with a bright midrange along with bass roll-off. It also has a uniform cardioid polar pattern that helps in isolating the background noise and main sound source.
The Shure SM58-CN also features a pneumatic shock-mount system that limits handling noise. Moreover, it comes with a built-in pop filter. Its ruggedness and great sounds make this mic perfect for screaming vocals.
Guides on Using The Microphone Correctly When Recording Metal or Screaming Vocals
Once you have chosen your mic, it would be best to know some valuable tips on how to maximize the use of your mic when recording. Here are some simple tips on how to optimize the use of your mic:
- If you are recording in the studio, just stand a few meters from the mic. This will help isolate your vocals. This will also make your voice less muddy and make your vocals smooth and clear.
- Your recording studio room should be well-treated. You should ensure that the acoustics of the room is right and that you have a vocal booth. If your recording studio room is not well-treated, you can use a portable sound booth to make your room sound professional.
- You should use a mic stand to lessen vibrational noises. Moreover, the mic stand will keep your mic stable.
- You can use a pop filter to minimize popping plosives. Excessive plosive sounds may be difficult to deal with afterward during the mixing process.
Factors to Consider When Shopping Around for a Mic for Screaming Vocals
Given the myriads of mics in the market today, you will get confused as to which mic is the most appropriate for screaming vocals. Yet, if you know the following important factors to consider when choosing a mic for screaming vocals, you can easily zero in on the right mic:
Proximity Effect and Directionality of the Mic
Mics come with different polar patterns or pickup patterns. Some pickup patterns, of course, are perfect for screaming vocals because they can capture the nuances and aggressiveness of screaming vocals. If you would, for example, select a directional microphone that comes with proximity effect, you will add weight to your vocal performances.
If you work, for example, with cardioid mic, you will discover that the closer you get to the mic, the more you increase the bass of your voice. This effect is referred to as “the proximity effect.” If you are conscious of this proximity effect and apply it well, you can then control the sound of your vocals. You should also use a pop filter to lessen the popping sounds.
Frequency Response
When selecting a mic for screaming vocals, you should consider its frequency response. You should find a mic that is tailored for screaming vocals. Distorted vocals, of course, bring in a wide range of harmonics. So, you need to consider this factor when choosing a mic for screaming vocals. You can use a mic with a frequency response ranging from 3kHz to 6kHz to bring all the harmonics out. You can also reduce the harshness of the scream if you use high-frequency roll-off.
Low Sensitivity
Screaming vocals are very distinct and pronounced and come with minimal dynamic range. Hence, you can choose a mic with low sensitivity for screaming vocals. Low-sensitivity microphones can perform well in capturing the heavy vocal performance while diminishing the subtleties of sounds produced by the vocals.
Consider How to Avoid Clipping
Screaming vocals are usually characterized by a lot of clipping. So, if you want to record screaming vocals, you should try to avoid these clippings. Clipping is a wave distortion form that occurs when the amp is overdriven or when the amp is taxed to deliver something beyond its capacity.
This means that mics can be overworked. If you bombard it with very loud sounds, a mic will produce clipping. So, in your microphone choice, you should choose a mic that can handle the overloaded vocals and still capable of processing it to deliver crisp and clear sounds.
Consider its Noise Rejection Capability
You want your recording to be as free of noise as possible unless you want to include the ambient noise. Noise rejection, of course, is a property that your mic should have. Mics that can reject unwanted sounds are better for use in recording screaming vocals.
Consider Its Versatility
Mics are not inexpensive. The best mics, for example, can fetch at more than a thousand dollars. So, if you are going to choose a mic and are on a budget, you might want a mic that you can use for screaming vocals and other types of music genres. This will save you money while addressing your recording needs for different types of musical genres.
Live Performance Vs. Studio Recording
Doing a recording and live performance are two different things. If you would record, for example, screaming vocals, you can always opt for a lighter and less durable mic. However, if you are using the mic for live performance, you should choose a mic that can take enough beatings. Moreover, you do not want to spend much money on a mic that will be used for live performance. On the contrary, if you intend to use the mic for recording in the studio., you can always opt for a high-end mic that is expensive.
Conclusion:
Recording screaming vocals requires the use of different types of mics. It requires the use of mics that are designed for screaming vocals. The screaming vocals, of course, is characterized by aggressiveness and rawness. Thus, the mic that you should use for this type of vocals should be capable of withstanding sonic abuses. Moreover, the mics for live performance and recording of screaming vocals should be different. You can use a fragile and sensitive mic for recording. Yet, for live performance, the mic that you should use should be capable of handling enough beatings.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone | $2,999.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |  | Electro Voice RE20 | $618.04 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |  | Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone | $399.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |  | Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Mic | $379.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |  | Shure SM58-CN Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone with 25′ XLR Cable | $109.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2021-01-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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