Top 5 Affordable Microphones
When it comes to recording, having the right gear is quintessential. It can mean the difference between a stellar recording and a less-than-desirable outcome. While the benefits of high-end equipment are often touted as the key to getting a good recording, advances in recording technology over the last ten years mean that it is entirely possible to get a great, professional- sounding recording without breaking the bank.
Budget-friendly gear has recently achieved a similar sound and quality as the pricey gear professional recording studios use to capture sound. Here I’ve compiled a list of the top 5 options for cost-conscious recording gear that give you the best bang for your buck!
Number One:
AKG P420 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
First on our list of budget-friendly favorites is the AKG P420 Large-diaphragm Condenser mic. Starting at the $150 USD mark, the AKG P420 comes equipped with a large, robust diaphragm designed to capture the most subtle of details.
This microphone also allows you to select different pick-up patterns, such as cardioid, figure-8, or omni-directional. This 23 will enable you to customize the mic for your specific use. Whether you’re laying down vocals or trying to capture an intimate live performance, your AKG P420 can do it all! The P420 also comes equipped with a bass roll-off feature, allowing you to attenuate the low-end for less than desirable recording environments.
In addition to the condenser mic, you also get an aluminum carrying case as well as a spider-style shock mount. It is arguably the best quality product and the best value you can get under $200 USD.
Number Two:
Next on the list is the Rode NT1 Condenser Microphone. A staple in the recording industry, the Rode NT1 has been a go-to microphone for audio engineers for 20+ years! This low-noise, cardioid condenser microphone sports a hand-made, suspension-mounted capsule and a large, highly responsive diaphragm.
This allows the user to capture sound in incredible high- definition! A combination of high-grade signal path circuitry and a light-weight aluminum body means the Rode NT1 also boasts the title of the quietest condenser microphone of any microphone on the market with a mere 4.5Db of self-noise!
This microphone comes in at $270 USD, making it one of the more inexpensive microphones on the market. The Rode NMT1 is an excellent fit for recording a variety of material, from vocals to guitar to overheads, and is versatile enough to do it all at a high degree of quality!
Number Three:
Coming in at number three is the Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphone. This is a great all-around, multi-use microphone. A heavy-weight in the industry, the Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphone is responsible for the sound of many Snare Drum and Guitar Cabinet’s that have been prominently used over the last 20+ years.
Robust and durable, this mic is a wonderful option for capturing a wide array of source material. The Shure SM57’s signature frequency response and presence boost breathe life and clarity into vocals, snares, and pretty much anything else you choose to record with it. Its thick and durable body means it can go from studio to stage and withstand any wear and tear.
Coming in at $99 USD, it is the least expensive and most versatile microphone featured in our list.
Number Four:
Aston Microphones Origin Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
The number four spot on our list goes to the Aston Microphones Origin Large-diaphragm Condenser. By combining top-quality sound capturing technology and beautiful design, Aston has created one of the prettiest and highest performing microphones on the market.
This large- diaphragm condenser microphone comes equipped with a 1″ gold-evaporated capsule, as well as high-quality transformer-less circuitry that delivers a smooth and present sound on anything from vocals to acoustic guitar.
The chassis and capsule are made from hand-selected materials, but what really elevates the design of this microphone is the unique, wave form mesh head with a built-in pop filter. That means no more fiddling with the filter to avoid capturing plosives on a recording!
Priced at $300 USD, it is one of the more expensive microphones to make our list. However, if you can afford to shell out the extra bit of cash, I guarantee you will find that the superior build and sound quality of the Aston Origin will make every penny worth it.
Number Five:
Blue Microphones Baby Bottle SL Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Snagging the top spot on our countdown is the Baby Bottle SL Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone from Blue Microphones. A staple amongst recording engineers, Blue Microphones have been putting out quality hardware for years, and it shows with the Baby Bottle SL. With a design that is reminiscent of the Golden Age of Hollywood, the Baby Bottle SL brings a smooth warmth and presence to anything you place in front of it.
It comes equipped with a large- diaphragm for capturing subtle details, as well as a high-pass filter to keep the muddiness of the low end at bay. Built inside are some top-of-the-line electronic components, and to top it all off, the Blue Microphones Baby Bottle SL boasts some of the lowest self-noise on the market! Coming in at $400 USD, this mic is the priciest on the list.
But when it comes to bang for your buck, the Blue Microphones Baby Bottle SL will check every box when it comes to picking out a versatile, all-purpose workhorse microphone.
Top 5 Affordable Microphone Conclusion:
Capturing high-quality, professional-sounding audio is no longer synonymous with a hefty price tag! These microphones, while inexpensive, can perform every task you place in front of them and more.
Whether it be capturing an emotional vocal performance or laying down some quick guitar tracks, these microphones will not only capture crystal clear audio but add a level of quality that used to be unheard of for less than a couple grand! While these are by no means the epitome when it comes to excellent recording gear, they are a wonderful starting point for someone trying to establish a method of recording audio without breaking the bank!
Thanks for checking out our list of the Top 5 Affordable Microphones.
