Whether you’re a musician, voice over artist, or podcaster, you need a great microphone to capture your best work. But if you’re on a tight budget, it can be tough to find a quality mic that doesn’t break the bank. In this article, we’ll take a look at five of the best studio microphones on a budget!
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1.Rode NT1
If you’re thinking this is one of the cheap microphones then clear that thought! The Rode NT-USB is a great all-around microphone for those on a budget. It has a large, one-inch capsule with gold-plated diaphragm that captures clear, accurate sound.
The cardioid polar pattern helps to reduce background noise, while the self noise of only five decibels (A) ensures that your recordings will be free of unwanted hiss.
The wide dynamic range and ultra-low noise surface mount circuitry makes it one of the best NT-USB mics for both vocal and instrumental recordings. Plus, the internal capsule shock mounting protects against handling noise.
This condenser mic comes with a 20-foot XLR cable and a ten year extended warranty when you register your purchase.
Overall, the Rode NT-USB is a great all-purpose studio microphone that won’t break the bank. If you’re looking for a quality mic on a budget, this is a great option!
Pros:
- No distortion
- No hissing sound
- Comes with a dust cover and mount stand
- Frequency range – 20Hz – 20 KHz
Cons:
- High response sometimes when frequency is high
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2.Neumann Vocal Condenser Microphone (TLM 102 MT)
Often referred to as the best microphone to record rap vocals
The Neumann TLM 102 MT is a dynamic mic that’s perfect for vocals, acoustic instruments, acoustic guitar recording and more.
Being one of the best cheap microphones – it features a large diaphragm condenser capsule for clear, detailed sound reproduction, and a rugged metal body that can handle years of use.
When it comes to condenser mics, this large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone offers a compact, smaller-scale Neumann design – leaving behind most of the rival dynamic mics.
It has a very high maximum sound pressure level and features a transformer-less circuit – making it less noisy.
You can get this microphone in two colors – nickel and matte black.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality
- Very versatile
- Affordable
- Works nicely with electric guitar amps
Cons:
- Does not come with a shock mount (must be purchased separately)
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3.Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a great option for those on a budget. It’s a versatile mic that can be used for a variety of applications, and it offers excellent sound quality.
The mic has a high SPL handling, which means it can handle loud sounds without distortion.
It also has a wide dynamic range, so you can capture both soft and loud sounds with ease.
The mic has a low mass diaphragm, which makes it more sensitive to sound. And finally, the mic comes with a threaded stand mount, so you can easily attach it to a tripod or boom arm.
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a great choice for those looking for a quality studio microphone on a budget.
It offers excellent sound quality, versatility, and durability, and it’s sure to help you capture your best work.
Pros:
- Comes with soft pouch and threaded adapter
- Crisp clean audio
- Metallic body
- Lightweight – sits firmly on all mic stands
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a stand
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4.AKG Pro Audio C214 Professional Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
The AKG Pro Audio C214 is the best cheap microphone that has a large diaphragm condenser which offers an excellent audio interface at an affordable price.
With its superior dynamic range that goes up to 156 dB SPL, this mic is ideal for capturing loud sounds without distortion.
It also has a low-noise design that makes it perfect for recording in noisy environments.
Thanks to the rugged double mesh grill , the C214 is also resistant to RF interference. This makes it perfect for use in studios with a lot of electronic equipment.
Additionally, the C214 comes with a switchable 20 dB attenuation pad and low cut switch, making it easy to adjust the sound to your specific needs.
Plus, the included spider-type shock mount and metal carrying case help to protect the microphone during transport.
Overall, the AKG Pro Audio C214 is a great option for anyone looking for a top-notch studio mic on a budget.
Pros:
- Dynamic frequency – 20 to 20000 Hz
- 3-pin XLR connector
- Aluminum body
- No tweaking sounds
Cons
- Build quality has room for improvement
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5. Blue Yeti USB Mic for Recording and Streaming on PC and Mac
Blue microphones need no introduction as they’re highly popular. The Blue Yeti USB Mic is one of the best mics for recording and streaming on PC and Mac. It’s easy to use and sounds great.
The mic has four different pickup patterns, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs:
- The first is the cardioid pickup pattern, which is great for recording yourself or another person.
- The second pattern is omni, which is great for recording a group of people.
- The third pattern is bidirectional, which is great for recording two people at the same time.
- The fourth and final pattern is stereo, which is great for recording music.
The highlight of the mic is the advanced modulation and enhanced effects. These make your voice sound clear and powerful, and are great for adding a bit of personality to your stream or recording.
The audio quality is also excellent. The mic records in HD, so you’ll be able to hear every detail clearly.
Another great feature is the onboard audio controls. You can adjust the headphone volume, pattern selection, and mic gain with ease.
This makes it easy to get the perfect sound for your recording or stream.
This USB condenser microphone is easy to set up and use. It’s plug and play, so you don’t need any drivers or software. Just plug it into your PC or Mac and you’re ready to record.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Excellent audio quality – works flawlessly with acoustic guitars
- Onboard audio controls
- One of the best Plug and play condenser microphones
Cons:
- None!
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Conclusion
These are the top 5 studio microphones on a budget. They all offer excellent sound quality, versatility, and durability. Choose the one that best suits your needs and budget, and you’re sure to be happy with your purchase.
