If you are a singer, producer, or live performer, a vintage microphone adds something to the performance. An old school microphone not only has a certain look, but it also has a certain sound quality that is missing from modern mics. The good news is that you can now have the best of both worlds. You can now get a microphone that has a retro look and sound, but with modern electronics and capability. Let’s take a closer look at a few of our favorite old school microphones.
Choosing a Retro Microphone
Even if you are a modern artist, a retro microphone creates a certain atmosphere that seems to draw people in and gives the performance a feel of authenticity. You can take several different approaches when choosing an old fashioned microphone. You can choose an antique one, or you can choose one that has an old school microphone look, but that has modern electronics and sound processing. There are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches.
Compatibility
Unless you have a studio of vintage equipment, you need to make certain that the microphone has the right jacks and connectors for your processing and editing equipment. If you are doing a live performance, you need to make certain that the retro microphone works with the speakers and the rest of your sound equipment. In many cases, adaptors are available that can allow you to connect old school 0.25-inch microphone jacks into USB, micro-USB, or even HDMI ports. Before you purchase your old school microphone, make certain that you have a way to connect it to your existing system.
Venue
A vintage microphone is an excellent addition to a performance venue or Karaoke night. It sets the atmosphere and gives the performance a retro feel. Some retro microphones are better than others in this type of atmosphere. Many of the older ones do not have the sound filtering capabilities or the pickup that modern ones do.
With antique microphones, the vocalist must be close the microphone to be heard. In addition, they might pick up other sounds that you do not want. This is one of the reasons why choosing a modern microphone with a modern look and that mimics the old microphone sound is a good choice. Many of them can compensate for a wider ranger of vocals and instruments and still maintain clarity.
Voicing Considerations
Some classic microphone brands are made for vocals, while others are better for picking up bass tones. The spoken word requires different sound processing than singing voices. For singing, you need to look for one with clear sound, and that can pick up a wide range of frequencies. The perfect microphone for performance will not be the same one that is best for recording.
Portability
One consideration for stage performance is portability. Many performers who are used to cordless mics may feel restricted by an old fashioned microphone. The performer will have to get used to managing the cord and stand if they want to move from the stage. This adds another dimension to the performance, and it can take some adjustment for those who are used to modern, hands-free equipment. In addition, classic microphone stands can be bulkier and heavier than modern ones.
Best Vintage Microphones
Today we are going to review the best vintage mircophones out there.
- Heil The Fin Dynamic Microphone for Live Sound Applications and Video Podcasting, XLR Microphone with Vintage Appeal, Wide Frequency Response, and Superior Rear Noise Rejection - Chrome/Blue
- CAD Audio CADLive A77 Large Diaphragm Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone
- Shure 55SH Series II Iconic Unidyne Dynamic Vocal Microphone (the Elvis Microphone)
- MXL CR77 Dynamic Stage Vocal Microphone
- MXL BCD-1 Dynamic Podcast Microphone
- MXL V67G Large Capsule Condenser Microphone
- Blue Spark SL Large-Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone
- Samson Meteor Mic USB Studio Microphone (Titanium Black)
- Blue Yeti X
- Rode Procaster Broadcast Dynamic Vocal Microphone
Top 10 Old School Microphones
Now that you know a few of the things that you need to consider when choosing a vintage microphone let’s explore some of our favorites.
1. Heil The Fin Dynamic Microphone for Live Sound Applications and Video Podcasting, XLR Microphone with Vintage Appeal, Wide Frequency Response, and Superior Rear Noise Rejection - Chrome/Blue
- Frequency response: 60HZ – 18kHz
- Classic look
- Output level: 52.9dB
The FIN by Heil sound has a classic look and a classic sound that is perfect for live performances or radio broadcasts. It has an excellent volume and is clear enough to be heard in the back of the room. This old school microphone has a low level of distortion, but it is sensitive to bumping the mic stand. The color can be controlled by the mixer. It is an excellent choice for live performances, particularly in smaller venues.
2. CAD Audio CADLive A77 Large Diaphragm Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone
- True Flex Diaphragm
- Retro look
- Frequency response: 30Hz to 15kHz
The CAD Audio CADLive A77 Large Diaphragm Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone has a retro look, but the improved sound quality of a modern mic. This looks like something that you would see on American Bandstand or other classic performances. It has a classic look, but it has improved sound quality over its vintage predecessors.
The sound is clear and picks up lower frequencies better than many mics that are designed for live performance. It has a clear sound and is highly responsive. This responsiveness is excellent for indoor performances, but it also might be a bit too responsive for outdoor venues. This mic picks up nuances that other mics might miss.
3. Shure 55SH Series II Iconic Unidyne Dynamic Vocal Microphone (the Elvis Microphone)
- Design made famous by Elvis
- Made for speech, vocals, and instrumental performance
- Shock-mounted cartridge
Shure is a microphone name that is associated with the roots of rock and roll. The Shure 55SH Series II Iconic Unidyne Dynamic Vocal Microphone is designed after the microphone most frequently associated with Elvis, but it has modern electronics and performance quality. This pick was the most balanced microphone that we found.
This mic is perfect for speech, vocals, and instrumentals. It picks up an acoustic guitar with clarity and minimal noise. You can tilt it through a wide range of angles to get the perfect distance. It is shock-mounted for reduced stand noise, and it is quiet. It is an excellent choice for outdoor or indoor venues.
4. MXL CR77 Dynamic Stage Vocal Microphone
- Integrated windscreen
- Integrated shock mount
- Rugged design
The MXL CR77 Dynamic Stage Vocal Microphone is our top pick for outdoor performance. This system has character and adds a retro vibe to the performance. It is elegant and sleek. One of the reasons why this is a top pick is that the mic has a windscreen. This cuts down on wind noise or breath from the vocalist. It also has a shock mount, which helps to dampen the sound if you accidentally bump the stand. It has a clear sound and a low level of distortion.
5. MXL BCD-1 Dynamic Podcast Microphone
- Designed for podcasts and broadcasts
- Internal shock mount and pop filter
- Excellent sound isolation
The MXL BCD-1 Dynamic Podcast Microphone was made for podcasts and live broadcasts. It has excellent sound isolation and cuts down on sounds such as rustling paper or shifting in the seat. It has an internal shock mount and pop filter. This microphone reduces the amount of post-recording processing and editing that is needed. This means that it saves time and effort from the recording to final production, too. This was one of our favorites for a stationary, desk-mounted mic.
6. MXL V67G Large Capsule Condenser Microphone
- Gold highlights
- Large condenser capsule
- Solid state preamp
The MXL V67G Large Capsule Condenser Microphone is a capsule microphone that has an air of elegance. The gold detailing gives it a distinctive look. This mic would be our pick for both recording and live performance. A condenser mic is often recommended for recording. However, the large capsule, thick diaphragm, and solid-state preamp also make it suitable for most outdoor and stage applications. This mic has a clear sound and does not pick up background noise. It has an excellent shock mount that keeps it stable and produces little background noise. This is a good all-around mic for a variety of situations.
7. Blue Spark SL Large-Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone
- Rich harmonic content
- High pass filter
- 20dB pad for versatility
The Blue Spark SL Large-Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone is an excellent choice for a home studio. It can interface with many home audio systems and has a clear sound. It is the perfect size for a desk mount for home performance and podcasts. It is an excellent mic for speech and vocals. The mic has a large diaphragm and capsule, which makes it extremely sensitive and able to pick up the slightest sound.
8. Samson Meteor Mic USB Studio Microphone (Titanium Black)
- Small and portable
- Excellent for video and podcast
- USB connection
The Samson Meteor Mic USB Studio Microphone is our favorite pick for videos and podcasts. It is small, portable, and has a stable base. It has a large 25mm diaphragm condenser that produces a rich, textured sound. It has a wide frequency response range from 20Hz to 20kHZ, which makes it perfect for vocals and many different instruments. It produces 16-bit, 44.1/48 kHz CD-quality resolution. This was our pick for smaller mics, due to its pickup and clear sound.
9. Blue Yeti X
- Four capsule array for clear sound
- Excellent for production and streaming
- Led meter for voice level
The Blue Yeti X is our clear favorite for gaming, streaming, and professional sound production. It has a high-resolution LED meter that allows you to visualize your vocal levels. It had the clearest sound, and you can download a wide range of vocal effects. It allows you to adjust the gain, mute, and headphone volume with a smart knob.
10. Rode Procaster Broadcast Dynamic Vocal Microphone
- Made specifically for vocals
- Rugged internal shock mounting
- Low noise and has pop filter
As the name says, the Rode Procaster Broadcast Dynamic Vocal Microphone is made for vocals. It has an internal shock mount and pop filter for perfect vocal reproduction. This also means less time editing. It is an excellent mic for live streaming and has a clear, crisp sound. It is specifically made for voice but is also works well for acoustic instruments, too. This was our favorite choice for live vocals.
Final Word
Now, you have our top 10 retro microphone choices. Whether you are looking for something to add a vintage look to your stage performance or adding a unique sound to your recordings, you can find one to suit your needs. Be sure to think about what you want from your microphone before making a purchase, and make sure that it is compatible with your other equipment. The old school microphone choices on this list represent some of the top microphones for those who want a vintage look and feel.
