A lot of people search for the exact microphones their favorite musicians, podcasters, and streamers use, whether that’s Drake, BTS, or Joe Rogan. This guide rounds up publicly known gear choices for a wide range of well-known names, based on interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and reporting from the artists and their teams.
This is a long list, so use the section headers below to jump straight to the person you’re curious about.
Which Microphone Does Drake Use?
Drake hasn’t stuck with one microphone over his career. He’s used several different setups depending on the era and the type of recording.
His most consistent pick has reportedly been a Blue Spark, which he’s used since around 2011 when the mic was released. He’s also used large-diaphragm condenser mics from other brands for vocals. For acoustic instruments like piano or guitar, he’s reported to favor Sennheiser’s 409 series, which captures both soft and loud sources well. For live performances, he’s been seen using Audio-Technica microphones on stage.
Reported timeline:
- 2011: Blue Spark
- 2011: Additional large-diaphragm condenser microphones for vocals
- 2014: Sennheiser 409 series
- 2015-2016: Audio-Technica for live performance
Which Microphone Does Joe Rogan Use?
Joe Rogan is best known for his long-running podcast, and his microphone history goes back to his stand-up comedy days.
For years, he reportedly used the Electro-Voice RE20, a popular dynamic mic for broadcast and podcasting. More recently, he’s been associated with the Neumann TLM 103, a condenser mic from Sennheiser’s portfolio that’s known for solid sound reproduction at a more accessible price than some of Neumann’s other models, without distorting at louder or softer levels.
Reported timeline:
- 1978-2000: Electro-Voice RE20
- 2000-present: Neumann TLM 103
If you want a closer look at how a similar dynamic broadcast mic performs, our review of the Shure SM7B covers a comparable option in detail.
Which Microphones Does Barack Obama Use?
Barack Obama is known for his speeches throughout his presidency. Reporting suggests he’s primarily used the Electro-Voice RE20, along with AKG’s C12A Tube Condenser microphone on certain occasions. More recently, he’s been associated with Audio-Technica microphones for live appearances and Sennheiser’s 409 series e609S for other settings.
Reported timeline:
- 1955-1977: AKG C12A Tube Condenser Microphone
- 1977: Electro-Voice RE20
- 2015: Roland R88 digital recorder
Which Microphone Does Bob Dylan Use?
Bob Dylan is one of the most influential singer-songwriters in American music history, and his microphone choices have shifted across decades. He’s reportedly used the Electro-Voice RE20 and the AKG C12A Tube Condenser microphone for live performances and concerts, along with Sennheiser’s 409 series e609S for album recording.
Reported timeline:
- 1955-1977: AKG C12A Tube Condenser Microphone
- 1977: Electro-Voice RE20
- 2002-2006: Sony ECM220T electret ribbon microphones, multiple units mounted on an overhead boom arm
- 2015: Roland R88 digital recorder
- 2016: Roland R80 digital recorder with a K&M 212 mic stand
Which Microphone Does Taylor Swift Use?
Taylor Swift is both a singer and songwriter, and her live and studio setups have reportedly included Sennheiser’s e609 series microphones.
Off stage, she’s been associated with the Shure SE215-CL earphones, which feature a detachable cable and inline controls in a tangle-free design, useful for performers who want to avoid cord tangling around hair or accessories during a show.
Which Microphone Does BTS Use?
The Korean music industry includes a wide range of microphone brands, and BTS reportedly switches between different mics depending on the track and the sound they’re going for.
Their song “Dimple” was reportedly recorded with a Neumann C-12, chosen for its retro character that suited the track. More recent songs, including “I Need U” and “Save Me,” have reportedly used a Sennheiser e609, as referenced in member RM’s commentary on their recording process.
Member V originally sang vocals while playing live guitar during concerts, before later shifting more toward producing beats after being introduced to DJing by fellow member Min Yoongi.
Which Microphone Does NPR (National Public Radio) Use?
NPR is associated with the EV RE20-LC Cardioid Dynamic Microphone, a widely used broadcast mic.
It has a frequency range of 50Hz to 15kHz, offering strong clarity and sensitivity across the vocal range with low distortion and strong feedback rejection. It includes an internal shock-mount system and connects via a locking quarter-inch XLR connector at its base, so no adapter is needed. It weighs about 0.85 pounds (395 grams) and can switch between omnidirectional and cardioid patterns depending on the recording need.
Which Microphone Does Broadway Use?
Broadway productions typically rely on a mix of Shure, AKG, Sennheiser, and Audio-Technica microphones, chosen based on the specific needs of a given venue and production budget. Broadway remains one of the most prominent stage production hubs in the world, with major venues in both New York City and London.
Which Microphone Does Markiplier Use?
Markiplier is associated with the MXL R144, a ribbon microphone that suits his vocal style and recording approach well. It’s a more affordable option compared to higher-end alternatives like the Neumann U87, while still delivering a distinctive sound that’s become closely tied to his content.
If you’re curious how ribbon mics like this one work, our guide on what a ribbon microphone is breaks down the technology in detail.
Which Microphone Does Travis Scott Use?
Travis Scott is associated with the Shure Beta 87A, an industry-standard mic among rappers and vocalists more broadly.
It has a frequency response from 20Hz to 18kHz and has reportedly been used by artists including Eminem, Jay-Z, and Tyler the Creator, alongside Travis himself.
He’s also reportedly owned a Neumann U87 since 2017, purchased as a backup after a previous mic was stolen at one of his concerts. He was seen using it on set in 2018 while filming for the Astroworld: Wish You Were Here concert film.
Which Microphone Does Eminem Use?
Eminem is associated with the Sony C800G, which he’s reportedly used since 2000.
The mic is well suited for vocals, drums, and guitar amps, producing clean audio with low background noise. He was reportedly seen using it during a 2017 backstage visit from Beyoncé, as well as in a February 2018 interview segment.
Eminem is also known for switching between different pieces of equipment rather than sticking to a single setup.
Which Microphone Does Beyonce Use?
Beyonce is associated with a Shure microphone that’s reportedly been her go-to for live performances over the years, including her headlining set at Glastonbury Festival in 2014. It’s also reportedly been used for vocal recording on her 2008 album, I Am… Sasha Fierce.
She’s also had access to other microphones, including Neumann U87s, but the Shure model remains closely associated with her live sound.
Which Microphone Does Katy Perry Use?
While recording “Hot N Cold” in 2008, Katy Perry reportedly used a DPA 4088 microphone. This mic works across a frequency range of 30Hz to 150kHz and offers strong phase information, along with low self-noise that makes it effective for picking up subtle background detail.
Which Microphone Does Ssundee Use?
Ssundee is associated with the Audio-Technica AT2035 microphone, which has a wide frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz. It includes an XLR connector and a shock mount, helping reduce noise and feedback during recording. For more on this mic, our guide on Rode NT1-A vs Audio-Technica AT2035 covers it in a head-to-head comparison.
Which Microphone Does Billie Eilish Use?
Billie Eilish is associated with the Neumann TLM 103, a studio microphone with a cardioid pattern that’s forgiving of imperfections in a recording space, while offering low distortion and strong sound quality.
It captures audio across roughly 180 degrees on one side and up to 60 degrees on the other side of a central line, picking up sound from below, above, and behind the mic as well. These characteristics make it a strong choice for miking drums, though it performs equally well for acoustic guitar or electric bass.
A Quick Note on Choosing Your Own Microphone
Most of the gear covered here reflects what these artists use in professional studio or touring setups, often with budgets and access most people don’t have. If you’re building your own setup, our guides to best microphone for rappers and best microphones for vocals cover more accessible options that still deliver strong results.
Conclusion
This list covers a wide range of well-known names and the microphones publicly associated with their work, from podcasting and broadcast to studio recording and live performance. Gear choices like these can change over time as artists experiment with new equipment, so this list may be updated as new information becomes available.
If you’re researching microphones for your own setup rather than just curiosity about your favorite artist, our guides on best microphones for interviews and what is a dynamic microphone are good starting points.
