We live in a world where condenser mics, once considered the Holy Grail that only pro studios could afford, are available at prices that are home studio-friendly. How cool is that?
Condenser mics are one of the main components of any decent recording rig. They provide a rich, detailed sound on vocals, acoustic instruments, and other vitally important sound sources.
They require 48 volts of electrical power, called phantom power, to operate. This typically is supplied by your mixer or audio interface. Condensers come in both small and large-diaphragm varieties that each have their specific uses.
Today, we’re looking at the best condenser microphones under $200, which is an affordable price point most home and project studios can manage.
Ready to see our top picks?
Let’s go!
AKG Pro Audio P220
The AKG P220 is a popular choice in this price range and we like it a lot. It delivers rich, detailed sounds and works well in both professional and project studios. It sports a cardioid pickup pattern, a switchable 20dB attenuation pad, and a bass roll-off switch to keep your tracks from rumbling.
It’s an accurate and dependable piece of kit that will do a fine job on any singer or player you work with. Even better, it comes with an aluminum carrying case and a proper shock mount.
AKG is one of history’s great microphone companies so it’s hard to go wrong by picking one of these.
PROS:
- High-quality AKG construction. This one will last you.
- Bass roll-off switch is ultra handy!
- A spider-style shock mount is included.
CONS:
- Plain, unassuming styling.
- Upper mids and highs are a bit exaggerated.
Audio-Technica AT2020
Audio-Technica has been in the microphone game for a long time and certainly knows a thing or two about recording outstanding sounds. The AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone is one of the company’s most-used products and gives its users pro-level sounds at a price that can’t be beaten.
Its low-mass diaphragm gives the AT2020 a wide frequency response and also lets it handle transients like a boss. It’s also capable of handling the high Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) of amps and drums, which makes it a versatile and essential part of any studio’s mic locker. Many condenser mics are too delicate for such heavy work but the AT2020 is built for the grind.
No cable or shock mount is included, just a clip and a pouch, but who can argue at this price?
PROS:
- Works equally well on vocals and instruments.
- Extra-wide frequency response.
- Solid construction.
CONS:
- No USB connection, XLR only.
- Can be shaky on a desktop stand.
MXL 990 XLR
The MXL 990 is just one more example of the kinds of value-heavy products the MXL company has brought to the audio world.
The 990 is an amazing microphone at its price point and is an ideal choice for new recording enthusiasts or anyone on a tight budget. It’s a perfect “first condenser mic” that will perform well in any application. It has a smooth top end to it as well as a tight bottom and punches way above its weight.
Use it for tracking, live streaming, podcasting, and anything else you can dream up. It even comes complete with a case, mic clip, and shock mount. Buy one and prepare to be amazed.
PROS:
- Incredibly versatile.
- Epic bang for the buck!
- Includes a shock mount.
CONS:
- Can be a bit noisy.
- Low resale value. Buy it to use it!
Blue Blackout Spark SL XLR
Blue Microphones have built quite a name for themselves in the 21st Century and carry a reputation for incredible sound and build quality.
The Blue Blackout Spark SL is an outstanding all-around mic that will earn its keep on any vocal session or acoustic guitar overdub day.
The Spark is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser with a tightly focused and expansive sound. It has a 100Hz low cut filter to keep your bottom end sounding the way it should and a 20dB pad for when your vocalist is coming in hot. Its JFET electronics help the Spark rock a complex, detailed sound that will be an instant upgrade to any home recording studio. It kills for broadcast-quality streaming, too.
Any Blue mic is worth considering but the Spark just might blow your mind! It’s one of the absolute best in its class.
PROS:
- Rich, detailed tone.
- Shock mount and case are included.
- Slick blackout styling.
CONS:
- No cable is included.
Samson C01
The Samson C01 is an affordable choice for anyone seeking a cool, multipurpose mic that can do it all.
The C01 will deliver excellent results when used on male or female vocals, guitars, drums, and acoustic instruments. It operates in a cardioid pattern, which makes it great at rejecting unwanted off-axis sounds.
It boasts a gold-plated XLR connector for precision cabling, an LED to let you know when it is receiving phantom power, and a road-ready design with a tough mesh grille. It comes with a case and a mic stand adaptor but no shock mount. The Samson C01 could well be a perfect solution to your quest for the right large-diaphragm mic. Give it a listen.
PROS:
- Super affordable!
- Gold-plated XLR connector for clean, crisp sound.
- Phantom power indicator LED.
CONS:
- Plain appearance.
- No shock mount included.
Is a condenser mic better for vocals?
In a word, yes. Condenser mics provide a sound quality to most singers that dynamic mics can’t match. We’ve become used to hearing them on the lion’s share of the vocal music we encounter every day and they produce the sound we hear inside our creative minds.
There are some dynamic or unpowered microphones that turn up on important sessions like the Shure SM7B but condenser mics are normally the preferred device used to record anything with the tone, color, and nuance.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has given all of you home and project studio operators out there education on some of the best low-cost mics available today. Take your time checking out each one, listen to demos, and read all you can to figure out which condenser is right for the music you make.
See you again soon with yet another dose of rock and roll knowledge. Peace.
I knew before even reading this there would be a Blue mic on the list! I have been using the brand for a long time from recording to streaming. Lately, though, I have run into nothing but issues. I am not sure if the brand quality has been downgraded or what. I decided to buy the Samson C01 for this reason and I am really impressed and shocked by the quality. I knew Samson was a good brand but I never used one of their mics before.