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  1. Tech
  2. Recording
  3. Microphones

25 of the best affordable microphones

News
By Simon Arblaster ( Future Music ) published 15 April 2016

Sub-£200 mics of all shapes and sizes

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

On the money

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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