9 Great Beginner Microphones for Recording Vocals From the t.bone

The t.bone microphones are widely praised for having great sound quality and durability.

By Chris RoditisMusicngear Lead Editor

Article photo - 9 Great Beginner Microphones for Recording Vocals From the t.bone


the t.bone is a reputable German music gear manufacturer. The company is well-known for crafting high-quality budget microphones. In fact, their low prices often confuse musicians. No wonder why the t.bone products have so many reviews, written by pleasantly surprised customers.

In this guide, we’ll be making a lot of references to the standard Shure SM58 LC mic. You surely know what the SM58 sounds like and what to expect from it. This way, hopefully, you’ll get a better idea of the microphones we’ll be talking about.

The t.bone microphones are widely praised for having great sound quality and durability. When we mention durability, let’s not forget that no matter how durable a mic is, it’s still a musical instrument; hence it should be treated with respect.

A microphone is considered durable if remains functional after falling to the stage floor by accident. Having that clear, let’s get down to the details


1. the t.bone MB85 Beta see price

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The MB85 Beta sounds similar to a standard SM58. In fact, the MB85 Beta is often referred to as the “budget Shure SM58”. The main difference is that the MB85 Beta has less handling noise compensation and of course, it’s not designed to be abused. On the other hand, it has a slightly louder, clearer and warmer sound than a standard SM58, which makes it a great budget mic for recording vocals.


2. the t.bone MB 60 Set see price

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The set contains three microphones, a carry case, and stand clips. Each mic has an on/off switch and performs perfectly on a stand. All of those facts make this set great for choral and background vocals. MB 60 mics have pop filters, yet it’s still recommended to sign a few centimeters away from the windscreen.


3. the t.bone MB 85 see price

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If you’re looking for a budget mic for backing vocals, then the MB 85 fits the bill. It features a better mid-end than the standard SM58, although its low end is quieter and its highs are a little harsh. The MB85 doesn’t sound too bad and it can be used by the lead vocalist, but only if some EQ is applied. 


4. the t.bone MB55 see price

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The MB 55 is yet another budget microphone fit to be used by the backing vocalist. The mic comes with a cable and a case, which makes it perfect for anyone who’s willing to perform backing vocals in a band.


5. the t.bone MB 45 II see price

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Despite the possible low expectations, the MB 45 II has more than a decent sound quality for its price range. It might sound a bit “grainy”, compared to higher-priced mics. On the other hand, the MB 45 II is sturdy and durable, making it a great companion and backup mic for live performances.


6. the t.bone GM 55 see price

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If you’d love to look stylish on a budget, then the GM 55 is definitely the best option. The main downside of this mic is that it’s not designed for handheld. It has virtually no handling noise compensation. Now, its pros are far beyond expectations. First of all, the GM 55 has almost no feedback, which is quite amazing for a mic of its price range. The mic also features good frequency response and it performs especially well in jazz, blues, or rockabilly.


7. the t.bone MB 78 Beta see price

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This is an improved version of the MB85 Beta. It features low feedback levels and smoother, “sweeter” highs. Add some EQ, and you’ll be surprised by how well the MB 78 Beta performs. It also has a better handling noise reduction system, which makes it fit for handheld.


8. the t.bone MB 95 see price

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The MB 95 is an improved version of the MB85. Besides having a better sound, it also features greater aesthetics. It’s comfortable to hold and it won’t easily slip thanks to its grip surface. It comes with a cable and a clamp, which allows you to use it right from the box.


9. the t.bone MB 88U Dual see price

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If you want to record the audio directly to your PC, then the MB 88U might be the best budget choice. It features an internal sound digitalizer and a USB output. All you need to do is plug it directly into your PC and start recording! No additional driver installation is required.


Bottom Line

We’re used to the thought that vocal recording gear is expensive and that low-end microphones sound awful and have zero durability. That’s a myth, of course. High-end mics are obviously great, but if you can’t afford to pay a lot, you can still find some decent gear on a budget.

All of the microphones we’ve listed here are durable, reliable and sound great, especially if some EQ is applied.

About Chris Roditis

Chris Roditis has been an active musician since 1995 in various bands and projects across a variety of genres ranging from acoustic, electronic to nu metal, british rock and trip hop. He has extensive experience as a mixing engineer and producer and has built recording studios for most of the projects he has been involved with. His passion for music steered his entrepreneurial skills into founding MusicNGear in 2012.

Contact Chris Roditis at chrisroditis@kinkl.com

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