Thinking about recording your own vocals at home? Shure microphones have you covered.

Shure Microphones can be used for many different applications; this blog will cover the best microphones for home recording, no matter if you are singing, podcasting or streaming.

Why Choose Shure for Home Recording

For almost 100 years, Shure has been the leading brand when it comes to microphone and audio technology. Used by legends such as Elvis, Freddie Mercury;  modern artists and creators such as Frank Turner, Logic and Joe Rogan all use Shure microphones to put out the highest quality content.

Shure isn’t only for the professionals; they also make high-quality, budget-friendly products that can be used by beginners and more experienced professionals. If you need to record vocals, guitar, drums, violin or piano, no matter what it is, there will be a Shure microphone that you will gift you with amazing results.

Types of Microphones

Before we delve into detail, it’s best to understand the different types of microphones that we will be covering.

Dynamic:

• Often used for live vocals, but can come in a range of shapes and sizes.
• They do not require any external power and are usually very durable due to being used at gigs/on tour.
• Low sensitivity means there is less chase of feedback as you can push the gain to high levels., this can add colour and personality to vocal takes.

Condenser:

• Creates very clear, crisp and high detailed recordings.
• They need “phantom” power to be used, which means you will need an interface/mixing desk that can power them.

USB:

• Can be either condenser or dynamic.
• Can record directly into your computer or other devices, negating the need for an interface for faster setup.

Microphones

SM7B (Dynamic)

It started life as a broadcast microphone. Made for radio and movie sound stages, the SM7B became an instant classic when it was used on Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller‘ album in 1982. It can now be seen used by a large number of musicians, YouTubers, podcasters, and streamers such as Bring Me the Horizon, The Sidemen, Joe Rogan and Tfue.

For Musicians:

• Flat frequency response for clean and natural vocals
• Can be used for any vocal type and will always provide amazing results.
• Controls to amend the mics frequency response such as bass cut & presence boost settings to shape your sound.
• Rugged construction to withstand any drops or knocks.
• Versatile for recording instruments such as guitar cabs and drums.

For Podcasting and Steaming:

• Even in untreated rooms, such as bedrooms/offices, vocals sound clear and crisp.
• Minimises any unwanted sounds and reflections from your environment due to being a directional dynamic microphone.
• Shock isolated body means no rumble or noise when the mic is placed on a tabletop stand.

Shop now | SM7B

SM58 (Dynamic)

Originally designed for television, Shure removed the switch so that presenters couldn’t accidentally turn off the microphone. The slate grey finish was designed to stop reflections from the studio lights, and the recognisable design makes it arguably one of the most iconic microphones in history.

For Musicians:

• Can be handheld to easily record ideas, the shock mount minimizes handling noise.
• Frequency response for the SM58 is specifically shaped for vocals, giving a warm, clear, and rounded sound.
• Extremely durable, rugged and reliable. Shure put all their microphones through an extensive “stress” test to ensure that the microphones are “tour ready” and can withstand pretty much anything.

For Podcasting and Streaming:

• The SM58 can be used for podcasting and it will give you very good results. However, this is a much better microphone for live vocal performance or when louder sound sources are being put into it.
• Small form factor so can easily be stored or taken on the road with you if needed

Shop now | SM58 

MV7+/MV7X (Dynamic/USB)

Based on legendary SM7B, the mic is designed with vocals in mind for musicians, streamers and podcasting.

For Musicians:

• The MV7+ emphasises the natural midrange of a voice, perfect for getting a warm, well-rounded vocal take.
• To make sure you are getting perfect sound every time, the MV7+ has built-in headphone monitoring. You can adjust your headphone mix between the microphone sound and the playback with the LED touch panel (This will go perfectly with the new SRH440A headphones from Shure).
• Musicians might prefer the MV7X as it is XLR only, it is cheaper and easy to set up if you already have an audio interface.

For Podcasting and Steaming:

• USB connection means there is no need for an interface, and you can record anywhere as long as you have a phone or computer with you.
• If you have a podcast with multiple guests, the MV7X may be a better choice as it is more affordable meaning purchasing more than one won’t break the bank.
• Both the MV7+ and MV7X are designed to focus specifically on the voice and prevent unwanted background noise from bleeding through to your recording.
• The MV7+ has both USB and XLR outputs which can be used at the same time. Perfect if you are streaming online with the USB and recording the audio with the XLR.
• Use the Motiv App with the MV7+ to make set-up much easier. The app gives you access to advanced DSP features such as the Digital Popper Stopper plosive removal effect, a real-time Denoiser, and three types of reverb.

Shop now | MV7+
Shop now | MV7X

MV88+ (Condenser/USB)

A compact, pocket-size microphone that is versatile for many applications, perfect for everyday creators.

For Musicians:

• Perfect for a beginner. Works easily with any phone or computer.
• “Plug and play” style microphone for when you need to quickly record an idea into your phone.
• The Motiv app has several different presets which can be used with this microphone to get the best quality sound.
  “Loud mode” – Live bands, Drums, Guitar amps
  “Acoustic mode” – Acoustic guitar, Violin, Piano
  “Singing mode” – Sung Vocals
  “Speech mode” – Spoken word

For Podcasting and Streaming:

• The MV88 + comes with a video kit that includes a tripod stand and phone mount – great to record high-quality audio for videos.
• Gives any smartphone a boost in audio quality, meaning live streams from your phone will sound much clearer.
• Not just for Smartphones, this microphone works with any computer via USB.
• The MV88+ has 2 Microphones with adjustable polar patterns when using the Motiv app. This makes capturing audio for interviews very easy. For Example when using Mono-Bidirectional polar pattern in the MOTIV app. Point one side of the microphone barrel toward the subject and the other toward the interviewer.
  (Learn more about Polar Patterns here)

Shop now | MV88+ 

KSM32 (Condenser)

The KSM Series from Shure is designed to give incredible sound, with smooth and detailed characteristics from whatever you are recording.

For Musicians:

• Really shines when being used for vocals due to its flat and extended frequency response, causing the mid and higher frequencies to sound “smooth” and clear
• Its versatility means it is perfect for home, studio or live.
• Can be used for almost any instrument.

For Podcasting and Streaming:

• The extended frequency range helps provide the most natural-sounding reproduction of your voice.
• Integrated pop filter within the grille reduces plosives and breath noise.
• Has a Switchable low-frequency filter that can reduce background noise.
• As well as the Legendary SM7B, the KSM32 is perfect for podcasting. It will give your vocals a warm but natural “broadcast” sound. It has been used on popular podcasts like “American Life” and “Serial”.

Shop now | KSM32

Our Choice for Musicians

SM7B

The SM7B is one of the most legendary Shure microphones: it’s a staple for any professional or home studio. It can make almost any vocal take sound near perfect, from heavy rock, clean pop or aggressive rap vocals – the SM7B will work for any style.

It is a rugged, reliable, well-built machine. Shure is known for their build quality and the SM7B is a perfect example of this. For the incredibly high quality that this microphone offers, its price is very reasonable as it’s unlikely you’ll ever need to replace it.

This will be perfect for recording vocals at home, if you do not have an acoustically treated space this microphone will still make the vocals sound great. The SM7B is incredibly versatile and will continue to be a tool to create amazing tracks.

Our Choice for Podcasting/Streaming

MV7+

Although the SM7B has been a staple in broadcasting, podcasting and streaming – the MV7+ is its little brother, designed with podcasting vocals in mind.

This microphone is perfect for anyone, from beginners to more experienced creators. The MV7+ will give you incredibly high audio quality by using either its USB or XLR output. The addition of the USB on the MV7+ means that you can start recording as soon as you take it out of the box, you just need to plug it into a laptop or phone.

The MV7+ has impressive Voice Isolation Technology that prevents any unwanted background noise. It can be used at a distance, which is perfect for streaming as you will not have the microphone blocking your face on camera. Plus, if you connect the mic to the Shure Motiv app, you’ll have an abundance of DSP features to tailor your sound with. For example, there’s the Digital Popper Stopper plosive removal effect for keeping your vocal crystal clear.

Check out the full range of Shure products here.