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So, you want to become a beatboxer, but you are a bit confused as to which mic would best showcase your beatboxing skills. Well, there are myriads of microphones that you can use for beatboxing. But if you have the most recommended mics at hand, you can truly showcase your beatboxing skills and let the different beatboxing sounds come out with clarity. Moreover, you will surely enjoy your beatboxing practice sessions if you use the best mics for beatboxing.
Beatboxing, as an art form, is the imitation of the sounds of expensive drum machines. It is a new art form though many would argue that it could be traced even back to the pre-civilization era. Of course, the contemporary beatboxers necessitate the best microphones to let their beatboxing skills come out naturally.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Major Factors To Consider When Choosing Beatboxing Mics
There are several factors to consider when choosing a microphone for beatboxing, and it will be best to be cognizant of these factors before you shell out your money on a microphone:
Dynamic Vs Condenser Microphone
When it comes to microphone options for beatboxing, you’ll have to look for beatbox sounds list to check the performance. You also got the two best microphone options: the condenser and dynamic microphones. Each of these great microphones come with their advantages and disadvantages.
The dynamic mics, for example, are cheaper, hardier, and more durable. Sonically, dynamic mics can capture the powerful aspects of every performance. Dynamics are mostly used for live performances because of their durability likewise. They are also mainly used for miking amps, speakers, and vocals.
On the other hand, condenser mics are more expensive and delicate. You will see the condenser mics used in recording acoustic instruments. Moreover, you will see them used in the studio as vocal mics. The upside of the condenser microphone is that it is very sensitive.
Thus, when you use it, you need to use a pop filter when recording vocals. Without the pop filter, the mic may record many plosives that can create distortion. Moreover, beatboxing, as an art form, includes intentionally making plosive sounds on the mic. For this reason, many beatboxers prefer dynamic mics when performing onstage.
Proximity Effect
Sound is not something that you can readily see. Moreover, its effects are varied. In a way, it is a complicated phenomenon to harness and master. The sounds you often hear comes with high, mid, and low frequencies. The speed of these different frequencies varies. Low-frequency sounds, for example, lose power quickly when traveling.
High frequencies, on the other hand, traverse more distance. However, low frequencies travel further through a liquid and solid medium. So, when you play your Home theater speakers, for example, you will hear the bass sounds vibrating through the walls. Because low frequencies lose power faster, you will experience the proximity effect when you are near the mic as if they are boosted.
This proximity effect is effectively harnessed by beatboxers when they perform. Hence, whenever you watch onstage how a beatboxer performs, you will notice that he holds the mic so close to his mouth to amplify the low plosives.
Beatboxers also move away, or near the mic, depending on the sounds they want to create. Because of this proximity effect, beatboxers often do not want to use a condenser mic without a filter. Moreover, they need to move further away from the mic to ensure a more explicit rendition of their beatboxing skills. Nevertheless, this makes their rendition less powerful but very detailed.
Frequency Response
Microphones come with different frequency responses. Hence, when choosing a mic for beatboxing, it will help to consider its frequency response. The ideal frequency response you need for a beatboxing mic is 20 Hz to 15 kHz.
The condenser microphone, for example, produces the details of the sounds more accurately. However, dynamic mics generate a frequency response range that is perfect for beatboxing. So, if you intend to become an expert beatboxer, it will help if you choose the dynamic microphones.
Most Recommended Microphones for Beatboxing
Aside from being cognizant of the important factors to consider when buying a microphone for beatboxing, it will be useful to know the following most recommended microphones for beatboxing:
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1) Avantone CV-12
Another excellent choice of microphone for beatboxing is the Avantone CV-12. It comes with an audio frequency response of 20Hz to 20KHz, and a Max SPL of 136 dB Connectivity. This mic comes with a sleek design and glossy color scheme, making this mic a beauty to behold. It is also made of high-quality cast aluminum. Moreover, its hardware is impressive.
It features a traditional tube condenser design with a precision micron-sized diaphragm, known for its exceptional sensitivity levels. Aside from its excellent design, it also comes with excellent technical specs, with its wide range of dynamic frequency response and warm tone. These characteristics make this mic at par with the finest vintage microphones of the past.
Pros:
- If you stack up the Avantone CV-12 against the Rode NTK, sEZ5600a II, Lauten LA-320, you will notice that it has full-bodied sound than the rest of them and not quite as bright and crispy. Such a type of mic is perfect for beatboxing, wherein the beatboxer can utilize its full-bodied sound to maximize the use of the proximity effect.
- Compared to the abovementioned mics, this one is a bit less expensive, though it doesn’t sacrifice sound quality.
- It is sturdy, well-made, and heavy.
Cons
- The Avantone CV-12 tends to be a little hissy with the esses. You can solve this issue using a De-esser.
- Its pad and roll-off look a bit cheap; nevertheless, this mic is incredibly sounding.
2) Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
The Shure SM7B comes with a broad and flat frequency response that lets you produce exceptional audio signals for your speech and music. It offers mid-range emphasis and bass roll-off controls along with the response setting’s graphic display. It also exhibits enhanced rejection of electromagnetic hum.
Moreover, it provides optimized shielding against broadband emitted by computer monitors. Besides, it comes with an internal air suspension shock isolation that virtually does away with mechanical noise transmission. Plus, its built-in pop filter that does away with explosive breathy sounds.
Shure SM7B comes with an A7WS windscreen for proximate talk applications. This mic is a popular TV and radio mic that offers excellent shielding against EMF hum. Moreover, it comes with a mounting bracket. Its impedance is 150 ohms, which is beneficial to those who engage in beatboxing.
Pros:
- Perfect for beatboxing because, as a beatboxer, you will be intentionally making plosive sounds, which this mic can surely deliver. The condenser mic, however, will be too sensitive to plosives.
- Another sterling quality of this mic is its remarkable durability. Shure does make microphones that are meant to last.
- You will find this microphone awesome when paired with a preamp. Moreover, it is pretty excellent when beatboxing and rapping.
Cons:
- The natural sound of this mic is a bit dull and unassuming. So, you might as well purchase additional equipment along with a DBX processor to make it sound awesome.
3) Audix Dynamic Microphone
The Audix Dynamic Microphone is another dynamic microphone that is perfect for capturing harmonica, other instruments, and vocals that come with high SPL. You can also use it for capturing woodwinds and brass. It comes with a tight cardioid polar pattern that rejects off-axis signals, minimizing feedback and noise.
The Audix Dynamic Microphone features a frequency range of 50Hz to 15kHz, which is excellent for a more detailed pickup of sounds while lessening the low-frequency noise. It also comes with a round handling design, allowing for easy handling of the microphone while applying the cupping technique with your other hand. It is lightweight at 4.6 ounces and has dimensions of 12 x 9 x 6 inches.
Pros:
- The Audix comes with very low feedback, so if you are a beatboxer and you cup your hands over this mic, you won’t be inducing feedback, which makes this mic perfect for beatboxers.
- It exhibits very low distortion, which makes this perfect for playing instruments like a saxophone.
- It is quite a clean-sounding and natural-sounding microphone that is perfect for creating natural sounds.
- This mic is perfect for talking very near it. Hence, it is ideal for beatboxers who speak close to the microphone.
Cons:
- It is not good for lectures, for you need to speak near it to get your voice captured clearly.
- Another minor issue with the Audix Dynamic Mic is that you should responsibly use the compressors, gates, and EQ to make the Audix work well with studios and expansive venues.
- When capturing kick drums, you need to add EQs to make it sound great.
4) Shure SM58-LC Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone
The Shure SM58-LC comes with a frequency response range that is perfect for recording vocals. Its frequency response ranges between 50 Hz to 15kHz. It features a brightened midrange along with a bass roll-off for mitigating the proximity effect. Moreover, it comes with a very useful wind and pop filter.
It also features a cardioid pickup pattern that enables you to isolate the primary sound source while minimizing the background noise. This mic’s external appearance seems to be very basic; nevertheless, the circuitry and the mic’s internals are quite impressive.
Moreover, it comes with a low self-noise level, freeing you from worrying about static and distracting other signals. Its frequency response range, of course, is a bit lower than the standard frequency response. However, it is wide enough for beatboxing recording.
The Shure SM58-LC produces well-rounded and very warm tones. It is designed for singers; thus, you cannot expect its lows and highs to be very sharp. Yet, it is still a perfect mic if you want a noise-canceling mic that can reduce background noise.
Pros:
- One great advantage of this mic is its remarkable durability, being of an all-metal body. It also comes with a break-resistant adapter that keeps its strength even in the face of your most demanding performances.
- It also provides a very consistent sound quality that ignores background noise, which makes it great for beatboxing, given its frequency response tailored for vocals.
- Compared to Shure 57, which is perfect for instruments, the Shure SM58-LC is ideal for vocals being a cardioid dynamic microphone.
- If you’re looking for a mic that doesn’t have feedback issues with high SPL, this mic is definitely the right one.
- The price-to-performance ratio of this mic is perfect.
Cons:
- It requires the use of an external pop filter when doing audio recordings.
- This mic is meant for use as a handheld mic. So, you will need to find a stand that fits it well. Nevertheless, it is perfect for beatboxing which usually doesn’t require a mic stand.
- The high-end is not as clean and pristine compared to some of the most expensive dynamic mics. Moreover, you need to turn up the gain to get the best of this mic.
5) AKG D5 Vocal Dynamic Microphone
The AKG D5 super-cardioid mic is one of the most recommended mics for beatboxers, musical, and singers. You will often find this microphone used in most beatboxing competition. There are some succinct reasons why this mic is the industry standard for beatboxers.
The AKG D5 is very affordable, yet it offers plenty of punch. It also features a solid frequency range of 70Hz to 20kHz. This range gives this mic a very bright sound that you would surely love. It features an accentuated highs and clear bass tones. However, you will notice that it loses some details in its mid frequencies.
As a super-cardioid, the AKG D5 is not prone to get outside frequencies. With the use of this mic, the beatboxer can experiment with a wide range of sounds. It also comes with a maximum gain amount because of the proximity effect. Thus, you will seldom hear any feedback when using this mic. Moreover, it comes with a cylindrical grill that offers more flexibility, allowing you to grip it in various ways for more beatboxing control.
Pros:
- You’ll get great value for the amount you will pay for this microphone, with its balanced frequency response and pretty good sound quality, which is perfect for harsher music forms like beatboxing and rock. In fact, this one is a direct competitor to the Shure SM58.
- Compared to SM-58, the D-5 picks up a little hotter the higher frequencies, and it is pretty sensitive to the sound source. It does well with off-axis rejection and background noise rejection.
- The D5 is a bit longer than the SM58, which makes it easier to use.
- It is durable, just like the Shure SM58.
- Though this mic sounds good, it is quite sensitive to feedback.
Cons:
- This mic is specifically tuned for the human voice, so it will not sound well in capturing guitars and other instruments.
Conclusion
Have you ever experienced beatboxing using a mic that is not appropriate for beatboxing? Such an experience is quite annoying because you couldn’t seem to make the sounds you would like to produce. You can avoid such a predicament if you have the best microphone for beatboxing purposes.
Given the myriad of mics in the market today, choosing the right mic becomes a bit confusing. However, if you know the essential factors to consider and the most recommended mics for beatboxing, you will surely not be far from zeroing in on the best microphone for beatboxing.
