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25 of the best affordable microphones

By Simon Arblaster
( Future Music )
published 15 April 2016

Sub-£200 mics of all shapes and sizes

On the money
Budget mics

On the money

£200 might sound like a lot of money, but when we're talking microphones, it really isn't. A high-end studio is more than likely to spend over a grand on just one new microphone.

Not everyone has the budget to fork out that sort of cash, of course, or even several hundreds of pounds on a boutique ribbon mic for that matter.

Fortunately, that doesn't mean that you're limited to low-quality recording options. Whether you're in the market for an affordable vocal, instrument, or all-round microphone, you can now get excellent performance on a budget.

Here's the definitive list of what's available to buy today for less than £200. The mics are ordered from lowest- to highest-priced, so you can focus on the models that fit your budget.

Page 1 of 26
Page 1 of 26
Samson Concert 88 Handheld
£72/€159

Samson Concert 88 Handheld

Type: Dynamic

Pattern: Cardioid

An inexpensive way to get the wireless vocal microphone job done but with some tonal limitations.

3 out of 5

Read the Samson Concert 88 Handheld review

BUY: Samson Concert 88 Handheld currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 2 of 26
Page 2 of 26
sE Electronics Magneto
£79/$119

sE Electronics Magneto

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

For vocals, the Magneto supplies plenty of detail with quite a neutral character. There's an airy top end present but not over-emphasised, while lower end warmth is not quite as prominent as in some more expensive models. If you're on a tight budget, it offers good value for money.

3.5 out of 5

Read the sE Electronics Magneto review

BUY: sE Electronics Magneto currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 3 of 26
Page 3 of 26
AKG D40
£79/€106/$129

AKG D40

Type: Dynamic

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

The D40 will deliver come what may, no matter how noisy, crowded and sweaty the stage is.

4 out of 5

Read the AKG D40 review

BUY: AKG D40 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Full Compass

Page 4 of 26
Page 4 of 26
sE Electronics X1D
£79/€119

sE Electronics X1D

Type: Dynamic

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

An excellent and solidly built microphone that meets its remit well and happily goes beyond it.

4.5 out of 5

Read the sE Electronics X1D review

BUY: sE Electronics X1D currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 5 of 26
Page 5 of 26
Shure MOTIV MV5
£89/$99

Shure MOTIV MV5

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

The lightweight design and desktop stand make this perfect for podcasting, voiceovers and even a bit of instrument tracking.

4.5 out of 5

Read the Shure MOTIV MV5 review

BUY: Shure MOTIV MV5 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 6 of 26
Page 6 of 26
JZ Microphones GTR1
£89/$99

JZ Microphones GTR1

Type: Dynamic

Polar pattern: Cardioid

An affordable dynamic mic that can take care of all the tasks you'd use a 57 for, and then some. We like it.

4.5 out of 5

Read the JZ Microphones GTR1 review

Page 7 of 26
Page 7 of 26
Shure PG Alta 98D and 181
From £89/€117

Shure PG Alta 98D and 181

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

Simply put, these are affordable yet high-quality microphones which are equally at home on the stage as in the studio.

5 out of 5

Read the Shure PG Alta 98D and 181 review

BUY: Shure PG Alta 98D and 181 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 8 of 26
Page 8 of 26
AKG D 5
£90/$139

AKG D 5

Type: Dynamic

Polar pattern: Supercardioid

A direct competitor to Shure’s famous SM58, this full and detailed dynamic microphone is a good choice if you want something that’s equally at home on the stage as it is in the studio. Its supercardioid pickup pattern helps tame feedback, too.

4.5 out of 5

Read the AKG D 5 review

BUY: AKG D 5 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 9 of 26
Page 9 of 26
Røde M3
£90/$149

Røde M3

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

This inexpensive small-diaphragm condenser is an all-rounder, being equally good for recording vocals and instruments. It can also run off phantom power or a 9V battery, making it highly portable and a strong choice as a versatile first mic.

4 out of 5

Read the Røde M3 review

BUY: Røde M3 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 10 of 26
Page 10 of 26
Shure SM58
£105/$124

Shure SM58

Type: Dynamic

Polar pattern: Cardioid

This affordable mic is a regular fixture on the live music scene, especially for vocals. This is due to its near-indestructible construction, internal pop filter and resistance to feedback. It’s also a good beginners’ mic for home recordists, especially male rock singers, though it lacks a little in the top end, rolling off at 15kHz.

BUY: Shure SM58 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 11 of 26
Page 11 of 26
Blue Microphones Nessie
€120

Blue Microphones Nessie

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

Keep one next to your computer and never be stuck when an idea strikes.

3.5 out of 5

Read the Blue Microphones Nessie review

BUY: Blue Microphones Nessie currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 12 of 26
Page 12 of 26
Audio Technica AT2020 USB
£122/$129

Audio Technica AT2020 USB

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

This USB mic offers a similar spec to the standard AT2020 but with the added benefit of a direct-to-computer connection. It offers tonal consistency across a wide dynamic range and has a subtle sweet spot, enhancing the upper mid-range and lower treble signals. As 'no fuss' as it gets, the AT2020 USB should appeal to podcasters and home musicians alike.

4 out of 5

Read the Audio Technica AT2020 USB review

BUY: Audio Technica AT2020 USB currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 13 of 26
Page 13 of 26
Rode NT-USB
£129/$175

Rode NT-USB

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

The NT-USB is a very solidly built and classy-looking mic that offers more than your average ‘podcasting’ microphone. Bundled with a pop-shield and the obligatory tripod mount, this computer-friendly NT performs admirably with spoken voices and sung vocals.

4.5 out of 5

Read the Rode NT-USB review

BUY: Rode NT-USB currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 14 of 26
Page 14 of 26
AKG D112 MkII
£129/€189/$249

AKG D112 MkII

Type: Dynamic

Polar pattern: Cardioid

The MkII builds on the classic status of the original, with the integrated mic stand mount ensuring that the new D112 is definitely an improvement.

4 out of 5

Read the AKG D112 MKII review

BUY: AKG D112 MKII currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 15 of 26
Page 15 of 26
JZ Mics HH1
£139/€176/$179

JZ Mics HH1

Type: Dynamic

Polar pattern: Cardioid

The HH1 is brighter and lighter than many standard dynamic vocal mics, with obvious similarities to the Shure SM58. It has a stronger output of about +3dB in comparison to an SM58, which makes for an appreciably low noise result even with a quiet vocal/source.

4.5 out of 5

Read the JZ HH1 review

BUY: JZ HH1 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music

Page 16 of 26
Page 16 of 26
Neat Worker Bee
£149

Neat Worker Bee

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

Overall, this mic is aptly named - as a utility mic to have around in the studio it will be busy.

3.5 out of 5

Read the Neat Worker Bee review

BUY: Neat Worker Bee currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 17 of 26
Page 17 of 26
Neat Bumblebee
£149

Neat Bumblebee

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

The Bumblebee not only looks ultra-cool, it's also an excellent plug-in-and-play recording solution.

4 out of 5

Read the Neat Bumblebee review

BUY: Neat Bumblebee currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 18 of 26
Page 18 of 26
Shure MOTIV MV51
£159/$199

Shure MOTIV MV51

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

The MV51 is a large capsule (25mm) cardioid condenser mic with audio interfacing, housed in a hefty metal grille-fronted case. It's another excellent performer from the Shure stable.

4 out of 5

Read the Shure MOTIV MV51 review

BUY: Shure MOTIV MV51 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 19 of 26
Page 19 of 26
IK Multimedia iRig Mic Studio
£160

IK Multimedia iRig Mic Studio

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

The iRig Studio Mic sounds really good and 'just works' with any and all music-making platforms.

4.5 out of 5

Read the IK Multimedia iRig Mic Studio review

BUY: IK Multimedia iRig Mic Studio currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 20 of 26
Page 20 of 26
Blue Microphones Spark Digital
£169.99/$199.99

Blue Microphones Spark Digital

Type: Condenser

Pattern: Cardioid

The Spark Digital certainly looks great, but it also has the sonic integrity to make it a serious home or mobile recording choice. There's no XLR output - Blue has plenty of other mics that do - but for Apple iOS devices especially, this mic comes highly recommended.

4.5 out of 5

Read the Blue Microphones Spark Digital review

BUY: Blue Microphones Spark Digital currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 21 of 26
Page 21 of 26
AKG C1000 S
£179/€219/$279

AKG C1000 S

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

A sound choice if you want a dependable and affordable all-round small-diaphragm condenser.

4 out of 5

Read the AKG C1000 S review

BUY: AKG C1000 S currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 22 of 26
Page 22 of 26
sE Electronics X1T
£189/$499

sE Electronics X1T

Type: Valve condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

The X1T features the same handcrafted, gold-sputtered capsule as the original X1, but pairs it with analogue valve circuitry, courtesy of a switchable voltage power supply. The sound is airy and the bright character excels when recording acoustic guitars.

4 out of 5

Read the sE Electronics X1T review

BUY: sE Electronics X1T currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 23 of 26
Page 23 of 26
sE Electronics X1 USB
£199

sE Electronics X1 USB

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

The X1 USB is aimed at voiceover, video presentation and singer/solo instrumentalist recording, and fits the bill on all counrs. It's a solid and self-contained solution for the lone recordist, and has a nice tone.

4 out of 5

Read the sE Electronics X1 USB review

BUY: sE Electronics X1 USB currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Gear4Music

Page 24 of 26
Page 24 of 26
AKG C5
£199/$198

AKG C5

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

Quality build and performance from the microphone giant, this is a mic that will flatter a wide range of voices.

4.5 out of 5

Read the AKG C5 Mic review

BUY: AKG C5 Mic currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 25 of 26
Page 25 of 26
Aston Mics Origin
£199

Aston Mics Origin

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

This UK-made mic delivers a natural and detailed sound across a wide variety of sources, and comes at a very fair price.

4.5 out of 5

Read the Aston Mics Origin review

BUY: Aston Mics Origin currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music

Page 26 of 26
Page 26 of 26
Simon Arblaster
Simon Arblaster
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Video Producer & Reviews Editor

I take care of the reviews on MusicRadar and Future Music magazine, though can sometimes be spotted in front of a camera talking little sense in the presence of real musicians. For the past 30 years, I have been unable to decide on which instrument to master, so haven't bothered. Currently, a lover of all things high-gain in the guitar stakes and never one to resist churning out sub-standard funky breaks, the likes of which you'll never hear.

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