Not all microphones are created equal. Each mic model or series has a corresponding function, which means that some mics are more ideal for certain genres or styles. The post-hardcore band Same Gods for instance requires a mic that can endure the searing, epic style of their vocalist. Meanwhile, neo-soul singer Andre Capozzoli is more suited to a mic that can pick up the subtle nuances of her voice. The decision of which mic to use can make or break a good song. If you’re having a hard time picking which mic is best suited to your personal style, here are some of the most iconic songs and the mics used to set them in stone.
Run the World (Girls) (Beyoncé) – AKG C24
This particular vintage condenser microphone is ideal for singers who move their heads around a lot during recording. The AKG C24’s two capsules certainly came in handy for capturing pop-soul diva Beyoncé’s vocals for the hit song Run the World (Girls). Known for dancing and singing not just onstage but in studio performances as well, Beyoncé and the vintage AKG C24 are a match made in heaven. While the mic has been criticized for having a limited capacity to capture the widest of vocal ranges, it was well suited to the job of recording this legendary feminist icon.
Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana) – Neumann U67
Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain is without a doubt one of the most recognizable voices in the history of alternative rock. Producer Butch Vig who helped record Nirvana’s iconic Nevermind album had said before that Cobain’s decision to use the Neumann U67 was no coincidence. Cobain deliberately chose the vintage ‘60s mic to record what would be the definitive grunge album of the era. Sure enough, Neumann’s classic U67 rose to the challenge of perfectly capturing the sheer grit of Cobain’s genre-defining vocal work.
Thriller (Michael Jackson) – Shure SM7B
When it comes to releasing iconic hits, very few can stand alongside Michael Jackson, the original King of Pop. The Shure SM7B’s dynamic range was famously crucial to capturing and recording Michael Jackson’s voice in 1982’s Thriller. From Jackson’s otherworldly howl in the first parts of the song to the unique nuances of his intensely dynamic vocal range, the SM7B captured it all. As a result, this surprisingly affordable Shure microphone has become widely used in studios aiming to capture the same level of crispness and quality.
Waiting For The End (Linkin Park) – Telefunken U47 Microphone
While many fans of Linkin Park have mixed reactions about the band’s musical direction in their last couple albums, everyone agrees that Chester Bennington’s vocal work in the album A Thousands Suns is nothing short of exceptional. Out of the many hits on this album, Waiting For The Ends stands out the most. Apart from having some of the darkest lyrics in Bennington’s career, the song also displays just how far the singer had come in terms of channeling his intense passion towards a dynamic performative voice – lightning that the Telefunken U47 managed to capture in a bottle. Considering how Bennington is known for almost destroying studio microphones, the Telefunken U47 did a fine job of standing up to the iconic vocalist’s storm.
Headlines (Drake) – Sony C800G
Rapper and RNB singer Drake is known for having a bunch of hits under his belt, the most notable of which is Hotline Bling, one of the most covered songs in RNB. But for those who have followed the multi-talented musician since his early days, the song Headlines from the album Take Care is a more complete showcase of Drake’s rap skills and his ability to create solid hooks. Noah ’40’ Shebib who produced the album reveals that he used the Sony C800G for recording Drake’s signature scratchy vocals throughout the entire album. And it was without doubt the perfect way to capture both the man’s hook game as well as his throaty and melodic rapping style.
Written by: Annie Baker
