Best Budget Microphones For Home Studio
A microphone is an essential part of any music studio. Even if you do not record vocals or any instruments, mics can be used t quickly record melody ideas directly to the DAW. Also, you may need to record demo vocals too. So, we cannot ignore that microphone is essential for any home studio!
In this blog, we're going to check out some great microphones for your home studio. We have categorized them according to their price. So without wasting any time, let's get straight into the topic.
Note: Some of the microphones listed here may need an external preamp to function.
Microphones Under $100
These are some entry-level microphones. These are great if you're just starting out and are on a tight budget.
1. Shure SM58-LC - $99
Shure SM58-LC is the younger brother of SM58. It a great dynamic microphone for under $100. You can use it for both live performances and studio recordings due to its small and portable size. It's best for a handheld performance.
2. Shure SM57 - $99
Shure SM57 is a dynamic microphone. Its shape might seem unusual as it's not meant for handheld performance. But, it's great for both vocal and instrument recording. It's a great choice as it captures less of the room noise and focuses on what's in the front.
3. Samson C01U Pro - $79
C01U Pro is a USB version of Samson's C01. It's a great entry-level condenser microphone for both vocalists and instrumentalists. As it is powered by USB instead of a regular XLR cable, you will not need an audio interface. Also, it comes with zero-latency monitoring built-in.
4. Rode NT-USB Mini - $99
With the trust of Rode, NT-USB Mini is a great choice for a home studio setup. As it's a USB condenser microphone, it does not need an audio interface to work. Also, its shape and size is quite portable as compared to other microphones in this list.
5. MXL 770 - $79
MXL 770 is a great affordable condenser microphone. It looks like a pro and works like a pro! Its main advantage of this microphone is its price! It's hard to find a great condenser microphone at this price range. If you're on a tight budget, this microphone is definitely a great choice for you!
Microphones From $100 to $300
Now, it's time to check out some mid-range microphones. These microphones are great for any home studio setup. These microphones are priced perfectly.
1. MXL 990 - $119
MXL 990 is another great microphone for MXL. It's a high-quality condenser microphone at a very affordable price. Its price to performance ratio is awesome. This is probably one of the best microphones in this price range.
2. AKG P220 - $119
AKG P220 is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone from AKG. It's a great vocal microphone for this price. This is a great choice for vocalists with an excellent price to performance ratio.
3. Blue Yeti USB - $115
When it comes to USB microphones, Blue Yeti USB is probably one of the best choices. It's hard to find great USB condenser microphones. Blue Yeti USB is one of the best USB microphones in this price range. However, if you already have an audio interface, I won't recommend going with this one as you can find better XLR microphones at this price range.
4. Audio-Technica AT2020 - $140
AT2020 is the go-to choice for almost every music producer at this price range. It's a great choice for both vocal and instrument recordings. AT2020 is one of the best-selling microphones at this price range. If you're looking for a great microphone for both vocal and instrument recording under $150, AT2020 is probably a great choice for you!
5. Rode NT1A - $299
At the $300 price range, NT1-A is a great high-quality condenser microphone for both home-studios and professional recording studios. It is a heavy-duty microphone from Rode. Its flat response rate is great for both vocal and instrument recording.
6. sE Electronics sE2200a - $299
sE2200a from sE electronics is a great competitor of NT1-A. It is also a condenser microphone with an awesome price-to-performance ratio. Great for both vocal and instrument recording.