When professionals say auto-tune microphone, they are actually referring to the factors that make the mic auto-tune-friendly. Why so? Auto-tune is not a microphone specification or feature but a plug-in used by modern music producers to make singers sound tight. But that’s not the only use of this tool. Creative minds utilize this plug-in in different ways, giving a whole new experience to traditional vocal effects.
This article will help you uncover the 5 best auto-tune microphones, which have most of the traits that make the plug-in work tremendously well when the vocals are recorded using them. Moreover, a little guide is included to help you know the factors you should look for in a mic.
Comparison Table – 5 Best Auto-Tune Microphones
| Brand | Price | Noise Canceling | Low Self-Noise Feature | Sound Pressure Level | Polar Pattern | Frequency Response |
| Hollyland Lark M2 | $178.00 | Yes | N/A | N/A | Omnidirectional | 20Hz – 20,000Hz |
| Blue Yeti | $99.39 | No | No | 120dB | Omnidirectional, Cardioid, Figure 8, and Stereo | 20Hz – 20,000Hz |
| Rode NT 1 | $219.00 | No | Yes | 132dB | Cardioid | 20Hz – 20,000Hz |
| Lauten Audio Atlantis FC-387 | $1,758 | No | Yes | 130dB | Cardioid, Omnidirectional, and Figure 8 | 20Hz – 20,000Hz |
| Neumann U87 Ai | $3,295.00 | No | Yes | 127dB | Omnidirectional, Figure 8, and Cardioid | 20Hz – 20,000Hz |
5 Best Auto-Tune Microphones
Get ready to learn about the 5 high-quality wired and wireless microphones that contribute to auto-tune.
1. Hollyland Lark M2
The Hollyland Lark M2 proves its mettle to be a splendid wireless microphone, perfect for users looking for complete auto-tune capabilities. It has a wide wireless range of around 300 meters, allowing you to move freely without affecting the audio quality. It has an omnidirectional polar pattern that can capture various shades and frequencies of vocals.
You can use Lark M2 with a range of devices with lightning, USB-C, or 3.5mm connections. However, the most important feature that indirectly supports auto-tune during audio editing is the Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology in this microphone. It keeps your sound free from disturbing noises. As a result, the auto-tune effect sits perfectly on the captured audio.
Key Specifications of Hollyland Lark M2
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- 20Hz to 20,000Hz frequency response
- Battery life of up to 10 hours (extendable to 40 hours when used with the charging case)
- Lightweight transmitter and receiver (9g/14.8g)
Pros of Hollyland Lark M2
- It is a plug-and-play microphone
- This wireless microphone kit captures sound at 24-bit/48kHz, ideal for the auto-tune effect
- All the features are user-friendly with a minimal learning curve
Cons of Hollyland Lark M2
- Although ENC performs great at reducing environmental noises, it is still a different feature than Active Noise Cancellation
Price
- $178.00 (Combo version as seen on Amazon)
2-Person Wireless Mini Button Microphone.
2. Logitech Blue Yeti
If you have been searching for microphones online, you might have come across the Blue Yeti. This is one of the widely used mics by YouTubers and content creators due to its excellent sound and outstanding features. This microphone also stands out as an ideal auto-tune mic because of its adaptive nature.
The Blue Yeti offers four distinctive polar patterns to ensure there’s minimal noise in your recorded audio. Since the audio comes out pretty clean, the auto-tune works extremely well. Again, thanks to the omni, cardioid, stereo, and figure 8 patterns that made this possible. However, Blue Yeti does not limit your creativity to a certain genre. You can use it to produce sound effects (by downloading the Blue VO!CE software on your PC), do voiceovers, streaming, podcasts, and even ASMR.
Key Specifications of Logitech Blue Yeti
- 120db SPL
- 16-bit/48kHz
- Multiple pick up patterns
- 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz frequency response
- USB connectivity
Pros of Logitech Blue Yeti
- It is still one of the affordable USB microphones
- The design is old but very practical and solid
- It naturally filters out noise and plosive words
Cons of Logitech Blue Yeti
- Some users don’t find the audio quality near studio-grade mics
Price
- 99.39 (As seen on Amazon)
3. Rode NT1
The Rode NT1 is a popular studio-grade microphone with 4.5dbB(A) low self-noise. This is one of the greatest signs that this microphone can produce an auto-tune effect on your vocals in a quiet, fascinating way. Moreover, these traits also improve your overall audio quality.
Apart from the minimal self-noise, the NT1 has a focused cardioid pattern. Furthermore, according to the manufacturers of this mic, the Rode NT1 delivers coveted sounds similar to classic studio-quality microphones, making it ideal for hip-hop and pop genres.
The Rode NT1 is also a superior microphone for capturing high-pitched vocals because it enriches the midrange and smoothens high audio frequencies. Moreover, to ensure your vocals remain clean from handling noises so the applied auto-tune effect fits your voice perfectly, the NT1 has an internal shock absorption mechanism to eliminate external vibrations and noises from interfering with the captured audio.
Key Specifications of Rode NT1
- Cardioid polar pattern
- 100 Ohms impedance
- 132dB Max SPL
- XLR connectivity
- 20Hz to 20,000Hz frequency response
- -29.0dB re 1 Volt/Pa +/- 2dB @ 1kHz microphone sensitivity
Pros of Rode NT1
- It possesses excessively low self-noise
- This microphone can capture sound in high quality
- Durable body – solid materials like ceramic coating and nickel plating are used for its construction
Cons of Rode NT1
- For the best auto-tune results from NT1, you are required to use proper recording techniques, such as correct mic placement and room acoustics, which involves the investment of time and money.
Price
- $219.00 (As seen on Amazon)
4. Lauten Audio Atlantis FC-387
When great minds collaborate, they craft things out of this world. The same goes for the Lauten Audio Atlantis FC-387, which came into existence through the contribution of producer and engineer Fab Dupont. This large diaphragm microphone has a multipattern condenser that provides the sonic diversity of three unique microphones.
This microphone also has three polar patterns, including figure-8, omnidirectional, and cardioid. Plus, it has a gain switch that helps you achieve a perfect gain level in your recordings. You can choose +10 dB, 0dB, and -10dB levels to increase and decrease quieter and louder sound sources.
Key Specifications of Audio Atlantis FC-387
- 130dB Max SPL
- 200 Ohms impedance
- 3-pin XLR connectivity
- Phantom power source
- Solid-state (FET) circuitry
- -10dB to +10dB gain adjustment
- -36dBV/Pa @ 1kHz mic sensitivity
- 20Hz to 20,000 Hz frequency response
- Figure 8, omnidirectional, and cardioid polar patterns
Pros of Audio Atlantis FC-387
- It excellently rejects sidelobes
- It provides an admirable meaty audio tone
- This microphone takes compression and EQ well
Cons of Audio Atlantis FC-387
- The microphone weighs heavy
- The price is too much for the features it offers
Price
- $1,758 (As seen on Amazon)
5. Neumann U87 Ai
The Neumann U87 Ai has been in the market for more than six decades, and it is still the top choice of DJs who constantly use auto-tune to sound distinctive from the rest of the artists. It provides a balanced frequency range to ensure every note is reproduced with clarity. It consists of a dual-diaphragm capsule that is elastically suspended, ensuring mindblowing performance and capturing audio in its purest version.
The U87 Ai has three polar patterns—omnidirectional, figure-8, and cardioid—making it optimal for various recording and auto-tune requirements. The mic also has a switchable 10dB pad, a low-cut filter, and low self-noise for interference-free recordings.
The Neumann U87 Ai has an XLR output, making it compatible with audio interfaces and various other audio equipment. Also, it requires a 48V phantom power unit for efficient and reliable audio, making it a powerful solution for pro-level auto-tuning applications.
Key Specifications of Neumann U87 Ai
- Mono sound field
- Up to 127 dB Max SPL
- 3-pin XLR connectivity
- Phantom power source
- 20Hz to 20,000 Hz frequency response
- Three polar patterns – Cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8
Pros of Neumann U87 Ai
- It is a world-class microphone
- The sound quality is matchless
- Durable body and internal components
Cons of Neumann U87 Ai
- Extremely pricey – not suitable for beginners
Price
- $3,295.00 (As seen on Amazon)
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Auto-Tune Microphone
This section discusses various factors to analyze before purchasing an auto-tune microphone.
a. Noise Cancellation
Noise-canceling is an essential feature that compels your selected microphone to provide optimal auto-tune results. Noise cancellation also improves the mic’s sensitivity by reducing unwanted noises so you can record a clean voice. It works by determining and neutralizing environmental sounds, allowing the microphone to focus strictly on your voice. This elevated sensitivity enhances the perfection of the auto-tune effect on your vocals. With minimal interference, the mic records singers with high precision, resulting in natural and smoother auto-tuned vocals.
b. Low Self-Noise
Self-noise is a term used to refer to background sounds generated by the mic itself. Choosing a microphone with low self-noise allows auto-tune plug-ins to perform with more power. These mics can capture your voice without adding unwanted hum or hiss, making the auto-tune process smooth and effective. Moreover, self low-noise microphones help the auto-tune plug-in differentiate between voice and additional noise, resulting in precise and clean tuning.
c. Sound Pressure Level
The sound pressure level (SPL) measures how loud a sound a microphone can capture without distorting it. Picking up a mic with a fit SPL ensures your vocals are correctly recorded, making them cordial with auto-tuning. Ideally, you should look for a microphone with an SPL ranging from 110dB to 135dB. This range signifies that your voice will be captured clearly, allowing the auto-tune plug-in to adjust tone and pitch effectively.
Contrarily, if the microphone cannot handle high sound pressure levels, you may not find issues when signing in a low pitch. However, the mic will distort your vocals as soon as you sing in a high pitch. This means your voice will not be ready for the auto-tune tool. Therefore, whenever you choose a microphone for auto-tuning, ensure it is fully capable of handling high SPLs.
d. Polar Pattern
The polar pattern describes the areas where the microphone can pick up sounds. Remember, if you keep a mic in the middle and assess, there are front, back, and two sides (left and right) spaces or directions. So, an omnidirectional microphone captures sound from all four directions. The cardioid microphone focuses on the audio signals coming from the front (ideal for vocals in noisy environments).
Figure 8 receives sounds from the back and front. Stereo senses the area and captures audio from various directions for immersive recordings. From the auto-tune point of view, you should select a microphone that fits your recording environment to have clean vocals for auto-tuning.
e. Frequency Response
If you want to know the frequency range of your mic to ensure it can accurately reproduce sounds, look for the frequency response your desired device offers. While there are several ranges, 20Hz to 20,000Hz is ideal for clean and clear vocal recordings since it covers the total audible scale humans can easily hear.
This frequency response ensures that all details and nuances in the voice are recorded naturally and entirely for meticulous auto-tuning adjustments. With a broad frequency response, the mic can correctly identify and process both high and low-frequency vocal tones, producing a polished and organic auto-tuned effect.
Conclusion
Microphones are not auto-tuners, but they allow for auto-tune adjustments. The cleaner the mic captures voices, the better the auto-tune effect processes over it. However, there are several factors, like noise-canceling, SPL, and more, you should know before making up your mind about a specific microphone brand.
From a price perspective, the Blue Yeti is the most affordable wired microphone on this list for recording good auto-tune-ready vocals. Above that, you have the Rode NT1 as an option. It’s a bit more expensive than Yeti but has some impressive features within the mid-priced range.
If you can spend $2000 to $5000 on a microphone, you can look for the Lauten Audio Atlantis FC-387 and Neumann U87 A. But since they are luxuriously priced, only highly professional people choose these microphones. However, many vocalists and producers use the Hollyland Lark 2 because of its top-notch audio recording quality and immaculate reproduction of sound, which makes all the recorded vocals from this microphone ready to shine more after the auto-tuning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) about Best Auto-Tune Microphone
Q1. What is a microphone with auto-tune?
Auto-tune is not a microphone feature but a VST plug-in for correcting the pitch of the captured or recorded vocals. It was introduced by Antares Audio Technologies in the late 1990s.
Q2. Do singers use Auto-Tune mics?
Almost every singer and music producer in the industry uses auto-tune in one way or another.
Q3. Can an auto-tune microphone fix bad singing?
Not really. The auto-tune’s work is to correct pitch. If the singer cannot sing notes correctly, has no specific scale, or can’t sing in a loop (according to metronome beats), the auto-tune can’t fix these issues.
