• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

Best Microphones Critic

  • Home
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Product Reviews

Best Cheap Microphones

Last Updated April 13, 2021

Microphones are essential for digital communication, and in this day and age where all of us have to work from home, the desire and the need to have a good microphone is crucial for your success. But when we think of microphones, we feel about hefty price tags and stop even before we start searching. But there are quite a few budget options out there that will provide quality without breaking the bank. If you are looking for the best budget options regarding microphones, look at our ‘Best Cheap Microphones.’ We assure you; you’ll find your desired microphone without any doubt.

Buying Guide

You need to look for a few features when picking a microphone, and as you are trying to get one on the cheaper side, you need to be 100% assured of what you’re getting for your money. Let’s take a look, shall we?

Type of Microphone

When you’re picking up a microphone, you must choose between two types:

  • Condenser Microphones
  • Dynamic Microphones

If you’re looking for a microphone that needs to pick up high-frequency sound waves, then a condenser is your way to go. For studio vocals or instrument recordings (piano or guitar), condenser microphones are the best options. But the downside is you need a power source or a soundcard to use condenser mics

On the other hand, dynamic microphones are better for using loud noises like drums and strong vocals. It also doesn’t need the power to work; you plugin, and it will start to work. So, for budget options going for dynamic microphones are better.  

Sensitivity

When picking up a microphone, you need to look out for the mic’s sensitivity or the ability to pick up low-volume sounds. -65db to 5db is the perfect range for standard recording sessions,

Polar Pattern

The polar pattern decides in which direction the mic will receive the voice. Regarding your usage, you may select a polar pattern. ‘Cardioid’ is better for single vocal inputs while ‘Omnidirectional’ is best if you want to take in the surroundings’ sound. 

Impedance  

The amount of audio signal your mic receives is regarded as impedance, and the lower it is, the better for less noise. Low impedance means the mic has good qualities, while high means otherwise. 

Filter

You must also look out for whether your mic has personal noise filters or provides noise cancelling. Although this matter can be solved with good sensitivity and impedance, the filter will give your voice a crisp and smooth feel.

Best Cheap Microphones

Now that you know what features to look for, please look at our top 5 budget microphones that offer the best of both worlds.

 

Product Name

Features 

Price

Buy Now

Audio-Technica AT2020
  • Condenser Microphone
  • 20 dB noise level
  • Cardioid Polar Pattern
$$ Click here 
Blue Snowball ICE
  • Condenser Microphone
  • Cardioid Polar Pattern
  • USB Powered Cable
$$ Click here
Shure SM57
  • Crystal clear sound quality
  • Attractive design
  • Durable and long-lasting
$$ Click here 
MXL 990
  • Perfect for recording
  • Clear sound
  • Excellent build quality
$$ Click here
AKG P120
  • Strong build quality
  • Accurate sound
  • Good for recording
$$ Click here 

1. Audio-Technica AT2020

Best Cheap Microphones

Check on Amazon

When it comes to Audio-Technica, you don’t need to know much about their incredible reputation among professionals and podcasters. And AT2020 doesn’t disappoint with their cardioid polar settings and versatile yet low mass diaphragm for sensitivity. This is one of the best budget choices for home studios out there.    

Pros 

  • Condenser Microphone
  • 20 dB noise level
  • Cardioid Polar Pattern 
  • Low Mass Diaphragm 
  • Threaded Stand Mount for Versatility 

Cons 

  • For some, the sound is too bright
  • Price is a bit higher than others

2. Blue Snowball Ice

Best Cheap Microphones

Check on Amazon 

Blue Snowball Ice is one of the best bangs for budget options out there when you go for cheap mics. This condenser mic is easy to use and doesn’t need an external power source as it runs with a USB cable. So if you are on a real tight budget but want the best of the best, then snowball ice is the option for you!

Pros 

  • Condenser Microphone
  • Cardioid Polar Pattern
  • USB Powered Cable 

Cons 

  • Durability Issues

3. Shure SM57

Check on Amazon 

SM57 can be seen everywhere, from small clubs to professionals, and your performance is always perfect. If you want a device that will record steadily and smoothly, then SM57 is for you. 

Pros 

  • Dynamic Microphone 
  • Polar Pattern Cardioid
  • Has Frequency of 40Hz-15000Hz  

Cons 

  • Can’t intake from more than one sound source 

4. MXL 990

Check on Amazon

XML 990 is one of the best home studio official-grade microphones out there. With its built-in filter, it’s suitable for noise-canceling when recording.

Pros 

  • Condenser Microphone
  • Noise Level 80dB
  • Frequency Around 30hz-200khz
  • 200 Ohm Impedance

Cons 

  • Bit harsh noise output 

5. AKG P120

Check on Amazon

AKG P120 upholds its reputation of being one of the consistent microphones, and this product doesn’t disappoint and lives up to its predecessors. With crystal clear sound delivery, it is a good choice for budget users.

Pros 

  • Condenser Microphone
  • Noise Level is 19dB
  • Impedance around 200Ohm
  • Cardioid Polar Pattern

Cons 

  • Noise Reduction Issue

It’s easy to get confused in the sea of microphones out there, and sometimes the price point may stop you from getting the right one. But if you know what you’re looking for, you can find the perfect microphone in your tight budget. 

And if you’ve come up to this far of our ‘Best Cheap Microphone,’ then you already have the best option in your hand, then what’s stopping you from getting the microphone for your next project? Best of luck!

You can also read our guide for Best Condenser Mics for Vocals.

Filed Under: Electronic Devices, microphone, Musical Instrument, Product Reviews Tagged With: Cheap, Microphones

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 

HOME          Contact          Affiliate Disclosure          Terms of Service          Privacy Policy

 

bestmicrophonescritic.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Endless.com, MYHABIT.com, SmallParts.com, or AmazonWireless.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.


Copyright © 2022 bestmicrophonescritic.com, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.