Condenser microphones are the most preferred type of microphones because they offer better sound quality and provide better feedback. Not all microphones are created equal. Some have great sound quality, and some have features that make them worth the extra money.
These mics are designed to minimize sound distortion, minimize background noise, and provide a clear recording experience. Popular brands like AKG, Shure and Rode offer some of the top rated models at affordable prices.
On this list, you’ll find some of the best condenser microphones under $500 that are perfect for recording in studios, live performances, podcasting, voice overs and more.
Best Condenser Mics Under $500 Reviews
1. AKG Pro Audio C214 – Best Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Under 500
AKG C214 is a high-end product of the famous AKG company. The character and sonic performance of the AKG C214 are both impeccable. Especially the sound filter of C214 is extremely clean and detailed.
The AKG C214 is one of the most popular condenser mics under $500. This mic has a large diaphragm and a cardioid polar pattern which is perfect for your studio, instrument, stage, voiceover, vocals, audiobooks, etc., and professional projects. The AKG C214 is always a product that evokes many artistic inspirations.
The microphone’s metal shell is delicately designed to create a very prominent highlight. Its aluminum housing is also capable of supporting the microphone to work accurately and always ensure stable operation with long-term durability. The microphone’s sturdy, durable design makes it easier to move and use, as well as to install it on more solid microphone stands.
The stereo pair built into the AKG C 214 delivers AKG’s classic large-diaphragm sound – and it’s also capable of delivering an impressive 143dB dynamic range for natural, uncompressed transitions.
2. Shure KSM32/CG
Shure has a history of producing quality microphones that are both affordable and easy to use, making it one of the best condenser mics under 500 available today for both professionals and beginners.
The Shure KSM32/CG is a solution for musicians and other field recording professionals who need a microphone with cardioid polar pattern to minimize background noise from wind, traffic, or other sources. The low frequency filter virtually eliminates background noise so your audio recordings are clear and crisp.
It features a 48 Vdc +/- 4 Vdc phantom power supply and can be used with or without the included shock mount ring. The high-compliance Mylar diaphragm helps the microphone be more sensitive than traditional dynamic microphones. This means that you’ll get a richer and fuller sound when using this mic.
The mic has 15dB switches to adjust the sensitivity of the microphone for voice and instruments. It is intended for use with high-intensity, high-volume sources such as loud vocals and drums.
3. Shure SM81-LC
The Shure SM81-LC microphone is the most popular cardioid condenser wired microphone on the market. It has an elegant, compact design with excellent sound processing capabilities. The Shure SM81-LC microphone is a great choice for your studio.
The design of this mic allows it to be used on instruments like the guitar, piano, as well as cymbals. The swivel adapter makes it easy to position the mic in different angles while still providing an excellent noise isolation effect. This mic has a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz with an impedance of 150 ohms. It also features a switch lock on the attenuator.
It has a cardioid polar pattern that provides higher contrast in the lower frequencies so it can reject unwanted sounds like wind noise. There is also an included carrying case which makes it easier to transport your gear wherever you go!
Using the XLR connector with 3-pin contacts effectively reduces signal noise during long-distance signal transmission.
4. Shure MV88
Shure MV88 is considered the best recording microphone for iOS phones with professional sound quality up to 24bit/48kHz. It’s relatively compact and convenient to connect to your phone. Shure ensures professionalism by equipping a smartphone application that can be used to adjust the Equalizer, adjust the receiver direction, adjust the receiver width, record and edit the sound.
The design of the MV88 is a flexible 90-degree swivel structure, suitable for many recording situations. The actual test of connecting MV88 with iPhone while recording and recording the speaker in front gave quite impressive results. The 90-degree swivel allows the microphone to be adjusted towards the sound source, improving the quality and intensity of recordings.
With a compact structure, Motiv MV88 supports high-quality recording anytime, anywhere and quickly. The recording support application for Motiv MV88 is called ShurePlus Motiv, released for free and available on the App Store for download.
5. Rode NT1-A Anniversary – Best Vocal Condenser Mic Under 500
Rode is a professional microphone brand that produces some of the best-quality microphones on the market. Rode NT1-A is a condenser microphone under $500 that’s perfect for recording home studio needs, or anywhere else that you might be looking to get professional sound quality.
The Rode NT1-A is a studio-standard condenser microphone thanks to its warm, clear sound, wide dynamic range, and high SPL levels typically found on the most expensive microphones.
With a low self-noise level of just 5dB, the NT1-A is one of the lowest-noise studio microphones around. It’s ideal for recording vocals and instruments such as guitar and percussion.
To get the best sound out of a home recording system, you need a mic that is sturdy and connected securely to the audio interface. It also needs 48V phantom power from the audio interface.
6. Bluebird XLR
Bluebird XLR is the good choice for anyone who offers the best condenser mic under $500. It has low self-noise, so it can be used in noisy environments without any feedback. The flexibility of the Bluebird XLR mic also makes it suitable for live streaming as well as podcast recording. It has a wide frequency response range and a large diaphragm which allows for high-quality recording with rich lows and crisp highs.
The mic has a high-pass filter, which helps eliminate room noise and unwanted low frequencies. It also has a Precise Cardioid pattern that helps focus on the source of sound and a gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragm for even greater clarity and sensitivity to sound.
The XLR Connection on the Bluebird Mic is used to connect with XLR-equipped devices like computer audio interfaces or mixers.
7. sE Electronics – 2200
The sE Electronics 2200 is a large diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone with a frequency range of 20Hz-20kHz. It requires 48V phantom power to operate. This microphone is great for recording vocals, and it will quickly become your favorite tool in the studio when you start using it!
The capsule is hand-crafted and features a significantly low noise and high sensitivity. The gold-plated XLR connector ensures consistent performance so the signal is not interrupted.
8. LEWITT LCT 440 PURE
The LEWITT LCT 440 PURE is one of the best large-diaphragm condenser microphones under $500 in the market. It’s suitable for vocals, guitar amps, acoustic instruments and more.
It is an ideal microphone for capturing the nuances of vocal performances or high-end live performance. Its features make it not only perfect for professional musicians but also musicians who want to record their own compositions.
LCT 440 PURE has a unidirectional polar pattern. It is designed to capture high-quality audio in all environments with low self-noise and depth and clarity.
9. Audio-Technica AT4021
The Audio-Technica AT4021 microphone has a cardioid polar pattern, which means the sound source will pick up best from the front of the microphone and drop off rapidly towards the back of it. It has a rugged construction and a wide dynamic range.
The Audio-Technica AT4021 is an excellent choice for vocalists who have a hard time achieving an accurate volume level in their recordings. This is because it has a low self noise, which makes it easy to hear your voice over your instrument. It has a low-mass diaphragm, which improves the transient response of the mic.
How to Choose the Best Condenser Mic Under $500?
A condenser mic is an important tool for any artist, recording engineer, or producer. They can be found in a wide range of prices, but it’s important that you find one that’s well-suited for your needs.
There are 4 things that you should consider when looking for a new condenser microphone sensitivity, frequency response, the polar patterns, size of the diaphragm. Some mics may also offer additional features like USB connectivity and software compatibility.
Sensitivity
The microphone sensitivity represents the strength, or loudness, of the audio signal your microphone can pick up. The more sensitive your microphones are, the more they can pick up sounds from further away. When the sensitivity is high, it will help you reduce the signal-to-noise ratio of the audio.
It is specified that microphone sensitivity is measured in dB units, with two standards as follows: standard 1:0 dB 1mW/pascal and standard 2:0 dB 1mW/microbar. Standard 1 will always be 20 dB greater than standard 2, if two microphones have the same standard, the microphone with greater sensitivity will be more sensitive.
Frequency Response
Microphone frequency response represents the highest and lowest range of sounds that your microphone can pick up and output. If your microphone has a wider frequency range, the ability to show better tones shown in the bass will be deep and warm, and the treble will be clear and high. Based on the frequency range that humans can hear, the microphone’s frequency range is determined from 20Hz-20kHz.
The Polar Patterns
The polar patterns of the condenser microphones can be classified into two types: cardioid and omnidirectional. The cardioid pattern has as its main axis the direction of the sound source, which is picked up by two opposite pairs of diaphragms, one pair on either side. The omnidirectional pattern has as its main axis a line from the center to the outside rim, where all four diaphragms are sensitive to sound waves.
The difference between these types of polar patterns is that cardioids only pick up sounds coming from directly in front or behind them while omni-patterns can pick up sounds coming from any direction.
Size of the Diaphragm
Some condenser mics have a large diaphragm, which allows them to record both high and low frequencies with one single mic. They are good for recording drums, bass guitar, and acoustic instruments such as piano or vocals.
On the other hand, some condenser mics have a smaller diaphragm that is better for picking up higher-pitched sounds like vocals and cymbals. You should choose the mic that will work best for your project.
Input Impedance
A condenser microphone is the common choice for audio recording. They are designed to capture higher-quality, cleaner signals than dynamic microphones at a lower cost. The input impedance is the measure of how much electrical current can be passed through it by a circuit or device.
The best condenser mic will have high input impedance and low output impedance, which means that they won’t produce noise when they’re not in use and won’t result in interference to other electronics nearby.
A condenser microphone’s output is measured in volts while its input impedance is measured in ohms. A high input impedance will ensure that a large amount of current can pass through the microphone without producing noise or interference with other electronics nearby.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best condenser mics under $500, then you need to know what the right features are for your needs. When it comes to sound quality, the microphone should be able to capture all of the nuances of the instrument being recorded with minimal distortion. It should also have low noise levels so that your sound quality remains high regardless of how loud you play or sing on it. Finally, the microphone should not be too sensitive.
