Best Vocal Microphones Under $200
The right microphone choice can be an essential part of any home studio. When recording vocals for a song or album, the microphone you choose can make or break the recording! So how do you know which microphone is right for you and for the right price? Checkout our picks below for the best vocal microphones under $200.
Rode NT1-A ($229 w/shock-mount and pop-filter bundle)
The Rode NT1-A is one of the greatest budget microphones in history. Known for being a workhorse of a microphone that shoots well above its price range, a lot can be said for this microphone and how useful it can really be. A great budget vocal condenser, the Rode NT1-A has a very unique frequency response that sounds fantastic when recording instruments with a rich mid-range such as an acoustic guitar or electric guitar amplifier.
The Rode NT-1 has a very sturdy construction and while we don’t recommend dropping it, it can take a few hits and still function. It has a classic nickel finish and is known for having one of the quietest noise floors of any microphone- meaning that it will help record even the quietest whisper at studio quality.
Listed slightly above $200, the Rode NT1-A comes with a professional shock-mount and pop filter. If you were to purchase the microphone alone, or even buy this bundle used, it wouldn’t be hard to find it for less than $200.
The Blue Spark SL is one of the better budget microphones on the market. With a similar internal construction as the famed “Blue Bottle” studio microphone series, this microphone will provide a professional recording for any genre.
The Blue Spark SL has a low-cut/ high-pass switch which helps with taking out super low frequencies that might muddy up a recording. It has a -20db pad switch which will allow you to record louder instruments such as drums and rock guitar amplifiers without clipping.
The Blue Spark SL comes with a screw holding shock mount and a luxurious wooden case for a high-end feel and easy storage. At $199, this microphone is a great choice for any home studio.
The AKG P420 is one of the more unique microphones on this list. AKG is known for making very high quality, bright, clear, and clean large diaphragm condenser microphones and the P420 is no different.
The AKG P420 is a very useful and durable microphone for this price range. Along with its sturdy construction, it features variable polar patterns including Cardioid, Figure 8, and Omni. These will help with a variety of recording techniques. Like the Blue Spark SL, the P420 also has a low cut switch and a -20db pad.
This microphone is an absolute workhorse for any recording studio and is a no-brainer for vocals. The recording can be very crisp and clear in the right settings. It comes with a shock mount and hard case. At $199, it’s a great choice for any home studio.
Avantone Pro CK-6 Classic ($169)
The Avantone Pro CK-6 Classic is a studio standout by any standard due to its superb internal craftsmanship. While known for a variety of applications, it really shines when used as a vocal mic especially for female vocals.
The Avantone Pro CK-6 Classic features a -10 db switch along with a low-cut switch that can help produce a cleaner and clearer recording. While it may be a great vocal mic, it is also ideal to use on various acoustic instruments.
The Pro CK-6 Classic comes with a shock mount, carry pouch, and features a bright cabernet red body giving it a classic look. At $169, this is a great microphone for any artist or producer on a budget.
While not quite as famous as its brother (the AT2020 model), the Audio Technica AT2035 is a fantastic mic for any studio application. Fame isn’t everything and for these aforementioned microphones, this is especially true.
While the AT2020 might be well known for being one of the better large diaphragm condenser microphones for $99, there are some limitations. Enter the AT2035, while still maintaining the clarity and sound quality of the AT2020, it addresses and fixes almost every problem credited to the AT2020.
The Audio-Technica AT2035 features a low cut switch along with a -10db pad giving more dynamic range to capture louder instruments. Known to be an incredibly versatile mic, the Audio-Technica AT2035 can handle anything from bass drums to acoustic guitar. It is an excellent choice for anyone looking to record vocals on a budget.
The AT2035 boasts an incredibly smooth sound complete with its own shock mount and microphone pouch. This mic is incredibly sturdy and at $149, the cheapest microphone on this list.
As you can see there are a lot of great options for vocal microphones under the $200 mark. You can’t go wrong with any of these choices, so make sure to pick the one that will suit your voice the best!
