Recommended Gear

The most trusted live vocal mic ever made. I've used this mic at hundreds of gigs and it has never let me down. Every working vocalist should own one — it's the baseline everything else is measured against.

A meaningful step up from the SM58 for singers who want more presence and clarity. The supercardioid pattern gives you better feedback rejection on loud stages. Worth the extra investment if your setup is dialed in.

The go-to condenser for singers who want more detail and openness. Shines on controlled stages and IEM setups where stage volume is managed. Not for loud chaotic stages — but exceptional when conditions are right.

Sennheiser's answer to the SM58 — and a worthy one. Slightly brighter top end, very natural sound for live vocals, and built to last. A great option for singers who want an alternative to the Shure sound at a similar price point.

This is the mixer our band runs at every gig. 16 Midas preamp channels, tablet control via X-AIR, 6 aux buses for IEM mixes, and built-in multitrack recording. The best all-around digital mixer for small bands at any price.

The XR16 is the XR18's smaller sibling — 8 mic inputs instead of 16, and no built-in USB recording. If your band is smaller and you don't need multitrack recording, it's the same core mixer at a lower price point.

When you're ready to step up to the full X32 platform — 16 mic inputs, 32×32 USB recording, the full X32 effects engine, and compatibility with the entire Behringer stage box ecosystem. Built for bands that are serious about their live sound.

The best analog mixer option for bands who want simplicity over digital complexity. No app required, no Wi-Fi setup — just plug in and mix. Mackie's build quality is excellent and the onboard effects are genuinely useful. A great fit for smaller venues and rehearsal setups.

A solid wireless IEM system at a price that won't break the band budget. Reliable 2.4GHz transmission, low latency, and straightforward setup. A great step up from wired monitoring for musicians who want freedom of movement on stage.

The professional standard for wireless IEM monitoring. Rock-solid RF performance, exceptional audio quality, and built for the demands of regular touring. If you're serious about your monitor mix and need zero-compromise reliability, this is the system.

The DI box I recommend to anyone who asks. Active, phantom-powered, sounds excellent with acoustic guitar pickups, and built to last. Radial makes the best DI boxes in the business and the Pro48 is their sweet spot for live performance.

If you need a DI box that works without spending much, the DI400P gets the job done. Passive design means no power required, it's built solidly for the price, and handles most live situations reliably. A sensible choice for bands on a tight budget.

Every XLR cable in our gigging kit is a Pig Hog. Thick, flexible construction, solid connectors that don't loosen over time, and priced right for buying in quantity. The best value cable brand for working musicians who need reliability without spending pro money.

When you want the best cable money can buy, Mogami Gold is the answer. Used in top recording studios and touring rigs worldwide — exceptional shielding, consistent performance, and built to last decades. Worth it if you're serious about signal quality.

Solid, stable, and built for regular use. The hideaway boom design is practical for stage setups where space is tight. We've run these stands at gigs for years and they hold position without drift — which is more than you can say for cheaper alternatives.

If you're running a digital mixer controlled by tablet, this is the mount you want. Mounts directly to any mic stand, holds tablets and phones securely, and stays put on stage. We run several of these at every show — they've never failed us.

The mic clip that actually holds. Cheap clips loosen over time and let your mic shift mid-performance. The Shure A25D has a solid grip that stays secure through a full gig. Small upgrade, real difference — especially if you're still using the plastic clips that came with your stand.

A quick-release mic stand attachment that makes swapping microphones between stands fast and tool-free. Ideal for setups where you need to move mics quickly between songs or positions. Once you've used one you won't go back to standard thread mounts.

The vocal processor I recommend most often for live singers. Mounts directly to your mic stand, provides EQ, compression, de-essing, reverb, and subtle effects without overwhelming complexity. If you want to sound more polished live without a steep learning curve, start here.

Built for the stage — rugged, foot-controlled, and straightforward to operate mid-set. The Boss VE-20 delivers reliable reverb, delay, and harmony effects without fuss. Ideal for singers who want hands-free control and don't want to fiddle with settings between songs.