Popular Ranking of Microphones for A Cappella - Recommended for Live Performances! Dynamic Microphone Edition -

2021-12-03

Theme：PA

A cappella music has become increasingly popular in the last few years. I think many people who started a cappella music were self-taught or they joined a club in college or with the local community. However, they don’t know what equipment they need... I’m going to show all of you a collection of recommended high quality microphones in a price range that even students can afford! Please look for your favorite one♪

★Learn here the basic knowledge about microphones and how to choose!
“Difference between dynamic microphone and condenser microphone”

No. 5 beyerdynamic / TG-V70D

The TG-V70D dynamic microphone allows for firmly collecting low to high frequencies due to its wide frequency response. It boasts an overwhelming wide range for a dynamic microphone. The TG-V70D achieves expressiveness and a well-balanced sound like a condenser microphone. This hypercardioid mic is strong against feedback and is ideal for live performances, and it can collect a wide range of sounds from the top down to the base.

Nominal Impedance : 280Ω
Sensitivity : 3.2 mV/Pa = -50 dBV +/-2.5 dB
Frequency Response : 25Hz - 18kHz
Polar Pattern : Hypercardioid
Output Connector : XLR, 3-pin, male
Dimensions : Head diameter...54mm, shaft diameter...23/35mm, length...185mm
Weight : Approx. 345g
Included Accessories : Microphone clamp, bag

No. 4 AKG / D7

The D7 is a dynamic microphone that achieves a clear sound range and powerful bass. It features a thick sound that lets you firmly feel the core of the pitch. Equipped with an internal shock mounting and a high-pass filter to help eliminate handling noise. This microphone is recommended for making the lead vocals stand out!

Nominal Impedance : 600Ω
Sensitivity : 2.6 mV/Pa
Frequency Response : 70Hz - 20kHz
Polar Pattern : Supercardioid
Output Connector : XLR, 3-pin, male
Dimensions : φ51×185.2mm
Weight : Approx. 340g
Included Accessories : Bag, stand adaptor

No. 3 SENNHEISER / E935

The E935 dynamic microphone uses full metal casing to keep the microphone from being affected by handling noise. It features an overwhelming natural sound and a crystal clear high range. The E935 is a cardioid microphone but if you prefer a supercardioid microphone, I recommend the E945 model. This microphone is highly trusted by top-notch singers and is recommended for those aiming for pro quality performances!

Nominal Impedance : 350Ω
Sensitivity : 2.8 mV/Pa = -51 dB (0 dB = 1 V/Pa)= -71 dB (0 dB = 1 V/ubar)
Frequency Response : 40Hz-18kHz
Polar Pattern : Cardioid
Output Connector : XLR, 3-pin, male
Dimensions : φ47mm×151mm
Weight : Approx. 355g
Included Accessories : Bag, Microphone clamp (MZQ 800)

No. 2 SHURE / BETA58A

This supercardioid microphone is the BETA58A with high sound pressure and reduced feedback. It has a good reputation for achieving a clear sound in the higher frequencies, and it’s often used as a vocal microphone in TV shows. The BETA58A is perfect for those looking for a microphone to use in live performances!

Nominal Impedance : 150Ω
Sensitivity : -51.5dBV/Pa
Frequency Response : 50Hz-16kHz
Polar Pattern : Supercardioid
Output Connector : XLR, 3-pin, male
Dimensions : φ53mm×164mm
Weight : Approx. 278g
Included Accessories : Bag, microphone clip (A25D)

No. 1 SHURE / SM58

The SM58 is a very popular standard microphone that is also used at BASS ON TOP, the practice room which you may have visited once if you are an a capella singer! This long-selling model is recommended not only for a cappella but also for various types of vocals. This mic is widely used in music clubs and live events, so if you’re interested in a mic that you can practice on during rehearsals and take with you to live concerts, then I highly recommend this versatile SM58 model!

- Extra Edition -

CLASSIC PRO / CM5 Dynamic Microphone

Excellent price! The best-selling microphone from Sound House!

Can you believe that you can buy a dynamic microphone for just 1,000 yen!? The CM5 is recommended for vocals, but also when you need a lot of microphones for your a cappella band or as a spare mic for yourself♪ You can also keep another model separate for performance and this CM5 comes in handy for MCing♪

Nominal Impedance : 600Ω±30% @1kHz
Sensitivity : -73dB±3dB
Frequency Response : 80Hz-15kHz
Polar Pattern : Cardioid
Output Connector : XLR, 3-pin, male
Dimensions : Length… Approx. 160mm
Weight : Approx. 255g
Included Accessories : Microphone holder (for 3/8”-5/8”), hard case

CLASSIC PRO / MIX050

Color cables that are useful when connecting a lot of microphones!

A cappella bands are usually composed of 4 to 7 people. When a large number of people have to sing with wired microphones, there is almost always a wiring issue. To avoid these issues, I recommend these colorful MIX050 microphone cables! The MIX050 helps both performers and PA engineers distinguish which performer is using which mic on stage. All of the colors are quite vivid on stage. It’s killing two birds with one stone! You can choose the length from 1m, 1.5m, 3m, 5m, 7m and 10m!

A cappella music can be performed anytime, anywhere as long as there are vocals! And, when you perform, you may want to have the equipment you carefully choose based on your preference. This time, I have introduced dynamic microphones recommended for live performances.

If you want to also learn about the recommended microphones for home recordings, come check out this article featuring condenser microphones!