If you’re struggling to get your vocals to shine in your home recordings, you might be wondering: Do I need a more expensive microphone? Will upgrading my mic actually make a difference? Or is it just a myth that spending more money equals better sound?
In this post, we’re going to break it all down by testing four different microphones—ranging from an iPhone mic to a high-end U47 recreation—to see if price really matters when it comes to recording vocals.
The Microphones in the Test
To get a fair comparison, I recorded the same vocal track using four different microphones:
1. iPhone Microphone
This is the built-in mic on an iPhone, representing the lowest-cost option.
2. Shure MV88
A condenser microphone that plugs directly into your phone, offering an affordable upgrade.
3. Microphone Parts T47
A DIY large-diaphragm condenser microphone with a 47-style capsule, costing around $400.
4. UAD Sphere LX
A modeling microphone that recreates the sound of classic microphones, including a vintage U47, which can cost up to $40,000!
Each microphone was tested in the context of a full mix—not just solo vocals—so you can hear how they actually perform in a real-world scenario.
How the Test Worked
To keep things as fair as possible:
- All recordings were run through the same plugin chain and effects.
- I level-matched the recordings as best as possible.
- Each mic was tested in a song mix, not just as a solo vocal, so you can hear how they blend into the track.
Now, let’s get into the fun part—the blind listening test!
The Listening Test
I recorded a section of my song The River using each microphone. Below, you can listen to the different takes and try to guess which mic is which. As you listen, think about:
- How does each mic affect the clarity of the vocal?
- Does it sit well in the mix?
- Is the tone brighter or darker?
After listening, write down which one you liked the most before checking the reveal!
The Big Reveal: Which Mic is Which?
Now for the moment of truth! Here’s what each mic turned out to be:
- Mic 1 – The iPhone microphone
- Mic 2 – The UAD Sphere LX (modeled as a U47)
- Mic 3 – The iPhone mic with the Shure MV88 condenser
- Mic 4 – The Microphone Parts T47
Surprised? Let’s break down what we learned.
Key Takeaways
- Expensive doesn’t always mean better – The iPhone mic and Shure MV88 actually held up well! Depending on your needs, you might not need a high-end mic.
- Different mics have different tones – Some mics sound brighter, some darker. A microphone acts like an EQ, shaping your sound before you even mix it.
- The right mic depends on your voice and the song – A bright, crisp mic might be great for a pop vocal, while a fuller, warmer mic might suit a laid-back track better.
- Modeling mics like the UAD Sphere LX offer flexibility – If you’re considering upgrading, a modeling mic could give you multiple mic sounds in one unit.
Should You Upgrade Your Microphone?
It depends! If you’re happy with your current mic and getting good results, you might not need to upgrade. But if you find your recordings lack clarity, depth, or the tone you’re looking for, a better mic could make a difference.
For those looking to invest, I highly recommend checking out the UAD Sphere LX. It gives you the flexibility to model multiple microphones, making it a smart choice for home producers.
Support Song Production Pros
If you found this helpful and want to support the channel, here are three ways you can do that:
- Join my vocal production workshop over at Song Production Pros. Learn how to go from scratch vocals to professional-quality recordings without expensive gear.
- Purchase through this Sweetwater link. Anything you purchase in the next 14 days helps support this content at no extra cost to you.
Final Thoughts
Which microphone surprised you the most? Were you expecting the expensive mic to sound much better? Or did one of the budget mics impress you? Let me know in the embedded YouTube comments!
And if you have any requests for future content, drop them in the YouTube video comment as well—I’d love to help you improve your home recordings.
Happy recording!
