As a music producer, sound quality is the holy grail you always strive for.
Capturing the quality and tone of a voice so that it can be produced and molded into the final recorded project is crucial to creating worthwhile musical recordings.
That’s why microphones can run so expensive, and also why finding quality products under $500 can be a challenge.
Everything begins with the microphone you record a voice on, and in this article, we will cover some of the best affordable microphones on the market that won’t break the bank while providing great clarity.
Let’s get started!
AKG C214
The AKG C214 secures its spot with a standout feature: its switchable 20dB attenuation pad.
This technology allows the microphone to handle high sound pressure levels with ease, making it a versatile choice for vocalists who wish to explore the use of more dynamic vocal range and intensity.
Beyond its affordability, the C214’s ability to adapt to varied recording scenarios (being flexible enough for a range of different studio arrangements and technology) makes it a valuable addition to any producer’s toolkit.
Rode NT1-A
Renowned for its transparency, the Rode NT1-A earns a place on the list with an impressive low self-noise level of only 5dBA.
This remarkable feature ensures that the microphone captures vocals with exceptional clarity and minimal interference.
It is the preferred choice for artists aiming for crystal clarity and the complete capture of vocal range without interference.
Clean vocal recordings give you a great canvas to work on when it comes to the production tweaks and extra effects you’ll want to add.
Audio Technica AT4033a
The AT4033a is another microphone with remarkable clarity in its price range.
It sports a cardioid polar pattern, which means that the sound directly in front of the microphone is captured completely with the side of the microphone picking up less sound.
This means that audio reflections and echo or noise beyond the vocalist are not also collected by the microphone.
This makes for a remarkably clear, focused microphone that cuts out the noise or interference of a noisy room.
Warm Audio WA-47jr
The WA-47jr is a microphone designed for warmth. With soulful tones and truly warm recording, the WA-47jr is a microphone for those who want their recordings to sing with tone and depth.
The WA-47jr gets its unique and appealing tone from the way it emulates the tube sound of the 20th century, meaning it renders a truly classic sound.
It is not necessarily the best option for a producer looking to create crystal clear neutral recordings, but is perfect for those who want the particularly warm flavor that the WA-47jr brings to the table.
Shure SM7B
Shure is an industry-standard name used in professional studios all over the world.
While Shure’s professional-grade microphones can run easily into the thousands or tens of thousands, the SM7B brings that remarkable reliability and quality to the budget-friendly market.
The Shure SM7B is a versatile, smooth, and durable microphone that is at home in any and every genre or creative process.
With a smooth, flat, and wide-ranging frequency response, the Shure SM7B caters to a variety of vocal styles – making it a perfect choice for the all-rounder producer.
Neumann TLM 102
The German-built Neumann TLM 102 is another incredibly high-quality product with an affordable price tag.
The TLM 102 is a compact microphone with a focus on quality and fidelity. With low self-noise, wide frequency response, and truly compact size, the Neumann TLM 102 is a microphone that is as versatile as it is durable.
Aston Spirit
Aston Engineering microphones are known for their combination of innovative engineering and handsome aesthetics.
The Spirit is a microphone that won’t break the bank but will look remarkable and perform exceptionally as a high-fidelity workhorse microphone.
The Aston Spirit allows you to select the polar pattern you want in order to record different vocal styles.
Whether you want a clear and direct recording of a vocalist and a vocalist alone or a more broad polar pattern to capture more room tone and a bit of noise, the Aston Spirit allows you to alter your microphone to suit your project.
Buying Guide: Selecting the Right Microphone for Your Vocal Needs
When it comes to finding the right microphone for your studio setup, there are a few things to take into consideration.
The first, and probably most important, consideration is what in particular you are planning on recording.
If you’re recording voices for a podcast, you will need a different microphone than if you’re recording classical singers – and again, you will want a different setup if you are recording singers with a live band or singers on their own.
The other factor to consider is the overall studio setup you’re working with.
If you have a preferred brand of equipment that you use, you may want to stick with that brand for your microphone as you may learn that some pieces mesh well with some setups and worse with others.
Also, while all of these microphones are under $500, there is still some decent wiggle room in their prices.
You may want to stick with a cheaper option or spend your entire budget on a single microphone that meets all of your current needs.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, any one of these microphones would be an excellent addition to your studio.
With that in mind, finding the best microphone for you will be about finding the microphone that matches the style and requirements of the music you are recording and one that works well with the equipment you already have.
In any case, this selection of microphones is well worth exploring to find the microphone that will work best for your next project!
Philip had the founding vision for Audio Assemble, previously known as Pro Tools Tutorial. In 2008 Philip began recording and producing songs and had a hard time finding free and accurate information on Pro Tools software. From there the website was born. Philip currently works as a Software Engineer for Amazon and handles the editorial strategy as well as much of the technical aspects of Audio Assemble’s website.