Expensive microphones are overrated. Cheap microphones can go a long way to getting the sound you want, and all without shelling out a fortune.
Now you may not want to buy a $1000 condenser microphone to start out, because you can get a great recording microphone for under $100.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t upgrade when the time is right and you’ve outgrown your microphone, but don’t think that you can’t get a good sound with a low budget microphone.
Try out some of these options when you’re looking to start recording. Here are five condenser microphones that I’ve found that are under $100.
AKG Perception 120
I’ve used the Perception 220 microphone a lot and if this mic is anything like it’s older brother then I can definitely recommend it to anyone wanting a cheap, but dependable condenser microphone. It has a bass roll-off which is good to have in your home studio.
M-Audio Nova
M-Audio is the go-to brand for home recordists and budget studio engineers needing cheap microphones.
Audio Technica AT2020
This microphone blows everything else in this price range out of the water. It’s amazing how cheap it is but still sounds this good. Listen to the smooth and professional acoustic guitar sound this mic is capable of achieving.
I think the audio sample speaks for itself. It was only one AT2020 recorded at the 12th fret of an acoustic guitar. Simple, easy and sounds amazing. The only drawback I see is that it doesn’t have a pad switch nor a bass roll-off which could pose a problem in a home studio session.
MXL 990
This recording microphone is a frequently mentioned microphone on the Gearslutz forums, as “great cheap microphones.” They’re supposed to sound great out of the box, but also lend themselves well to modding, if you have a DIY tendency.
To budget, or not to budget?
Noted, these are cheap microphones They might not hold their own against the $2000 recording microphones. But they certainly have their uses and for some applications and instruments might even win a microphone shoot-out with the big guns.
These are all viable and affordable options for the budget studio engineer starting out. You can also find other alternatives on Ebay where there is a constant stream of microphones going around for much less than the listed price. Who knows, maybe you can snag a $300 microphone for a fraction of the cost.
What are your favorite cheap microphones? Let me know in the comments.
Loading ...
9 Comments on "4 Cheap-Ass Microphones for the Frugal Engineer"
I just bought an AKG D5 that I am excited to try. It retails less for than $100.
Nice, I really like them. I’ll throw a dynamic mic post up in a few weeks probably. I always include and recommend it to everybody.
Useful blog post as so many want a great mic for very little I am sure it will be of benefit. if you can stretch your budget the AT4033 is a killer mic for £350.00
DING!! The 4033 is the way to go for a budget LDC. I sing the mic’s praises so loudly and often Audio-Technica oughta be paying me. I need to shut up about it.
What are your thoughts on the Blue Yeti?
Hey Fanneh. I’m not sure since I’ve never tried one. It’s the USB microphone though no? Or do they have a normal connection one? USB mics are good if you are podcasting and such but I would leave a USB mic out of the equation if you are thinking about serious audio production. There’ s a bunch of online reviews if you search for it on Google though, they must know more than I do.
I’ve actually never tried it, but Blue microphones are a great brand.
The MXL V67G…going for under $100 now. Good stuff.
Cascade Fatheads. High-quality, inexpensive ribbon mics that can handle high SPLs. I’ve heard listening tests where they are virtually indistinguishable from $1600 Royer R-121s.
I use them as drum overheads and close mics for guitar amps all the time.