9 Best Condenser Microphones – Helping You Choose The Right Microphone For Your Budget

After weighing up the pros and cons between dynamic and condenser microphones, you finally decided on purchasing a condenser microphone. (If you are a bit in the dark, you can read all about dynamic and condenser microphones in this article.) Choosing the best condenser microphone from hundreds of available options can be a daunting task though.

As an amateur or professional, starting you own home recording studio can also be a very expensive exercise, depending on your budget. For this very reason this articles is broken up into 3 sections, each to suit your wallet. We look at microphones under $50, $100 and $200 respectively. In each of these section we look at the 3 best condenser microphones we could found for you.

Condenser Microphones under $50

Don't make the mistake many home users make when assembling your "professional" home recording system. Most people don't bother to even look at microphones below $50. Surely its impossible to find anything remotely decent at such a low price? Admittedly they are far and few between, but you do find a quite few if you really look. Especially if you are on a tight budget, they can be lifesaver.

Marantz MPM-1000

Arguably the best microphone in this price range, that really punch way above its weight class. This light and fairly compact microphone may lack some of the sturdiness and weight of higher priced units, but has a good quality feel to it.

It also comes standard with a shock mount, small tripod stand and an XLR cable, so you are all set to to go. It even includes a windscreen to protect the microphone and cut down on unwanted hissing sounds.

This is a large diaphragm microphone that produces great sound for vocal & instrument recording. It's cardioid pattern allows the microphone to focus on the intended source for the best quality while eliminating unwanted background noise at the same time.

Due to its compact size, it does not provide the full, rich sound that many of its much more expensive counterparts offer. This might be exactly what you need though. It provides a slightly toned down, but high quality and realistic representation of the vocal or instrumental sound it records.

Some rumors have been doing the rounds that the Marantz starts having some durability issues after an extended period of use. I have not found one single specific case to substantiate these claims though, so I will really take this criticism with a grain of salt.     

All in all a great microphone that does everything well and very little wrong. Although considered a beginner microphone, don't be surprised if you will be happily using this little gem for years to come.

The Good

• Exceptional value for money
• Great all-round sound quality and performance
• Comes standard with all required accessories

The Bad

• Not much (possibly some small durability issues, but unfounded claims so far)

Get more information and pricing on the Marantz MPM-1000 here.

Neewer NW-700

This is truly a budget microphone in every sense of the word. It is probably the cheapest worthwhile condenser microphone on the market. Despite the price, it's still a full cardioid  condenser microphone. This microphones also come with new on-board electronic circuitry, unusual for a budget microphone.

 It really turns out to be a real good all-round performer, capturing all the details from your vocals and instruments. The perceived build quality seems to be pretty good as well, although its obviously impossible to tell how durable it will be in the long term.

Most versions of this microphone also comes bundled with accessories like a shock mount, windshield and microphone adapter cable for use with a computer.

The Good

• Best value for money
• Good all-round performance

The Bad

• Really hard to fault. (Maybe not providing the full rich detailed sound of more expensive microphones, but that's not what its meant for!)

 Get more information and pricing on the Neewer NW-700 here.

Nady CM-88

This unidirectional microphone is ideal for beginners on a budget. It has a slim aluminium design and is extremely compact, making it ideal to be used for travelling. It uses a electret condenser instead of a better quality real large diaphragm condenser, but for the price performs exceptionally well. It's tight cardioid pattern means it's ideal for recording instruments, especially drum sets.  

It is not the ideal microphone for recording vocals though. Due to its design and lacking a large diaphragm limits its frequency range and especially lacks picking up some low frequencies. Despite that, it can still be used for general vocal work where it performs admirably well for its size and price. Just don't expect professional studio quality.

The Good

• Very affordable
• Slim compact design
• Good performance for the price

The Bad

• No suitable for professional vocal work.
• Limited frequency range, especially low-end frequencies

Get more information and pricing on the Nady CM-88 here.

Condenser Microphones under $100

Within this price range you start finding microphones that can really be considered a solid starter microphone for any home studio. You also get a much bigger variety of microphones to choose from. Depending on your long-term goals, you are able to find a microphone at this level that will keep you happy for years. 

Audio‑Technica AT2020

As a well respected name in the recording industry, the Audio‑Technica AT2020 does not disappoint. It is solidly build with an all-metal body and carry a substantial weight, adding to the solid feel.

Even though it is seen by many as an entry level microphone by Audio-Technica, it really delivers a solid performance all-round. It contains a back-electret capsule which is smaller than typical large diaphragm microphones.

The sound it produces though, is on par and even surpasses the quality of many large diaphragm condenser microphones. The quality of sound it is not just of a high quality, but the microphone is able to produce a rich and well balanced sound over a wide range of sources, from vocals to a variety of instruments.

This really is a no-frills microphones that doesn't have many of the extra features its bigger brothers have, but with a solid build and great sound sound quality over a broad spectrum of sources, I would honestly rate this the best microphone under $100.

The Good

• Great sound over a broad spectrum
• Solid build quality and durability  
• Backed up by a reputable name for extra security

The Bad

• Producing not quite as strong a output signal strength as some its bigger siblings.

Get more information and pricing on the Audio‑Technica AT2020 here.

Behringer B-1

Behringer has a reputation of producing high quality components at very affordable prices. The B-1 is no exception. This large diaphragm condenser microphone is one of the most popular microphones in this price range.

It comes in an all metal body with a substantial weight to it. It also comes with its own shock mount, windscreen and carry case. 

Extra functions include a high-pass filter, flat mode and -10dB pad for reducing the input of large sound sources. 

So far it basically matches the Audio-Technica AT 2020, adding a few extra features. When it comes to sound quality, it performs very well too to for voice and instrumental recording.

One small criticism that can be leveled against this microphone, is that it places a lot of emphasis on high frequencies, which leaves the mid and low frequencies a bit flat. This is a small criticism though, but the reason I would rate the Audio-Technica a bit higher.

The Good

• Good overall sound quality
• Solid build quality and durability  
• Good value for money

The Bad

• Too much emphasis on high frequencies, causing lower frequencies to sound a little flat (I may be a bit too critical over a generally great sounding microphone.) 

Get more information and pricing on the Behringer B-1 here.

MXL 990

Another large diaphragm condenser microphone from MXL. This is another good all-rounder. With an all-metal construction, this microphone feels solid. It has a very short body however, making it feel a bit stubby.

Standard accessories includes a shock mount and carry case. (In some offers.)

Sound quality is good throughout all ranges and definitely a step up from microphones below $50. There is nothing in the sound quality that I would consider as a standout though.

In summary, a good sounding general purpose microphone, providing good value for the price.

The Good

• Good sound quality in general
• Solid build quality

The Bad

• No standout features
• Short body can make handling a bit awkward

Get more information and pricing on the MXL 990 here.

Condenser Microphones under $200

We are now moving into more serious territory. You are able to get a very good microphone at this level, which an untrained ear (and some professionals) will be unable to distinguish from expensive models more than double the price. Many home professionals will find a microphone at this price point that will provide all the quality and versatility that they will ever need.

Shure SM86

The name "Shure" is synonymous with high quality microphones and needs no introduction. The SM86 is another great product from the well-known company.

Solid and sturdily build, this microphone looks very much like a dynamic microphone and the original legendary Shure stage mic, although it is a true condenser microphone.

It is very durable and unique in the way it handles wind and other external noises, by incorporating a windshield within the microphone. The reason for the design and unique features, is that this microphone is meant to be used on stage, and not limited to studio use like most other condenser microphones.

Needless to say the sound quality is great throughout all frequencies, and records vocal and instrumental sound equally well. This is probably one the best and most versatile microphones under $100.

The Good

• Solid build quality and durability
• Great all-around sound
• Very versatile
• Backed up by a reputable name for extra security

The Bad

• Not anything worth mentioning.

Get more information and pricing on the Shure SM86 here.

Audio-Technica AT2035

Bigger brother to the AT2020, this large diaphragm condenser microphone from the established company, takes sound quality a step up.

Also very solid and durable, made from an all-metal casing, this microphone provide some features not available on the AT2020. It's got a low cut switch for removing very low frequencies, as well as a -10dB pad for reducing the input of large sound sources. 

Sound quality is exceptionally good all around, and compared to the AT2020, produces a slightly warmer sound, as well as a stronger output signal.

This is my first choice for the best condenser microphone under $200.

(Since the main focus is on studio use, The Shure SM86 was not considered, where for live and outdoor use, the Shure will be the best choice for versatility and all-round quality.)

The Good

• Solid and durable build quality
• Great all-round sound
• Strong output signal

The Bad

• Not much (Maybe not as versatile compared to the Shure SM86 for live performances.)

Get more information and pricing on the Audio-Technica AT2035 here.

AKG P420

The AKG P420 is a large multi-polar pattern diaphragm condenser microphone. This enables the microphone to record in 3 different directions: Cardioid, omnidirectional  and figure-8. This sets the AKG apart from other condenser microphones in this post and provides more versatility in the studio.

Solidly build and durable, this microphone is a real workhorse that can be used extensively over long periods of time.

The sound quality is also hard to fault, providing good recording quality over a broad range of frequencies, and performs equally well on vocals and instruments.

The AKG P420 can probably considered the most versatile condenser microphones under $200.

The Good

• Solid build quality and durability
• Very versatile
• Good overall sound quality

The Bad

• May be prone to picking up some background noise in certain modes.

Get more information and pricing on the AKG P420 here.

Conclusion

As you can see, there really is microphone out there for you, not matter what your budget. Depending on your need, you may start with a microphone with a small budget and take the next step as soon as your requirements outgrow your microphone. You may be so happy and satisfied with the microphone you chose, that you will be using it for years to come without ever running into any reason to replace it.

Extensive research and testing was done to help choose the best microphone for each budget. This does by no means imply that the microphones listed here are the best or most suited for you. They are all good solid choices though, and I am pretty confident that you will be more than satisfied with whichever one you choose to use.

Feel free to leave me any comments or suggestions you may have. Remember to join my  Mailing List  to be informed whenever a new article is released, and share new developments and helpful hints & tips.

Catch you in the next article and happy recording!

Wessel

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