“Can a decent vocal performance be captured using a budget microphone?”
It’s a question that has plagued men and women since the dawn of the recording age. Sweetwater is here to tell you that the answer is a resounding YES. The following stage and recording microphones, in the right hands and for the right applications, will yield vocal results that’ll leave even the toughest customer satisfied, regardless of their modest prices.
Live and Recording Mic Distinctions
Our budget microphone recommendations are broken down by live and recording applications, since each category comes with its own unique set of challenges. Handheld vocal mics, for instance, tend to have tighter pickup patterns to fight feedback, more limited frequency response by design, and rolled-off bass to reduce handling noise. Recording mics, on the other hand, are tuned to faithfully reproduce a performance as heard in the room, with extended frequency response, more generous pickup patterns, and a sweetened EQ curve overall.
One Person’s “Budget” Mic…
Everyone has a different interpretation of the word “budget.” To make this list, mics had to be a standout bargain in their respective classes. In general, we tried to restrict price points to $250 and under. But as it happens, rules will be broken, and when we really felt a mic was a standout value, we stretched the rules.
Stage Mics
Audix OM-5
Beloved by artists spanning Willie Nelson to Ani DiFranco, the hypercardioid OM-5 exhibits excellent gain before feedback and a smooth, natural vocal response, especially in the midrange, where other mics may sound muddy or hyped.
What’s cool: Ultra-light VLM (very low mass) diaphragm captures fine detail in the user’s voice
Blue Microphones enCORE 300
If you want the air and articulation of a condenser mic in a budget-friendly handheld, the enCORE 300 is the answer. Its hand-tuned cardioid capsule yields an open sound with enough sparkle to stand out in mix. Despite its stellar sonics, this mic’s heavy-gauge barrel construction is built to take a tumble onstage (or off the stage). Requires phantom power.
What’s cool: Floating capsule mount all but eliminates handling noise
sE Electronics V7
We can’t say enough good things about the stunningly priced V7. This robust supercardioid projects vocals like a cannon, free from excess spill from surrounding stage sources and unearthing gobs of new gain from your wedge monitors. An integrated shockmount and your choice of red or black windscreens (both included) suppress handling noise and prevent plosives.
What’s cool: Beveled grille edge keeps the V7 from rolling around
Sennheiser e835
This Sennheiser standard is a cure for the common ball-end dynamic. Its natural contour is flattering on both male and female vocals, and its uniform cardioid pickup pattern is intuitive to use on a stand or in the hand. An impressive 150dB+ SPL handling makes the e835 perfect for the loudest singers on the planet.
What’s cool: Reduced proximity effect (bass boost) maintains a full-bodied signal at all distances
Shure SM48
With the Shure SM58’s reputation preceding it, you know the SM48 must have some impressive specs to have made this list. The ’48 delivers 90% of the ’58’s performance and 100% of its iconic looks at just 60% of the cost. If you’re looking for a classic-looking, great-performing vocal mic at a shockingly affordable price, this is the mic for you.
What’s cool: Legendary Shure performance at a game-changing value
Studio Mics
Aston Microphones Origin
The refreshingly open and relatively uncolored Origin has won over singers and voiceover artists with its clean, natural vocal pickup. Think of this mic as a blank canvas for your character preamps and outboard gear. Its shock- and dent-resistant grille deflects impacts away from the capsule for lasting performance.
What’s cool: Internal mesh guard keeps spit and plosives from entering the microphone
Audio-Technica AT4040
The biggest challenge in choosing an AT-series condenser mic is deciding which one to pick. From the entry-level AT2020 to the multi-pattern AT2050, every mic in the AT lineup has something to offer the pro and project studio. The AT4040 was our eventual winner, thanks to its quick, detailed transformer-free vocal response, superb high-end detail, and impressive 155dB SPL handling (pad engaged). But seriously — every mic in this series is worth checking out.
What’s cool: Included shockmount and switchable 80Hz highpass filter help to tame unwelcome low-frequency intrusions
Blue Microphones Bluebird SL
If you’re looking for a smooth, present top end, especially for wispy voices, the Bluebird SL delivers in ways that many at this price point can’t. The SL version of this modern Blue classic features refined sonics, courtesy of a hand-tuned capsule with gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragm, and lower-noise Class A electronics for even greater intimacy on softer singers.
What’s cool: Highpass filter and pad switches equip this mic for a wide range of vocal applications
RODE NT1-A
With just 5dBA of self-noise, the NT1-A is easily one of the quietest condenser mics in its class. This makes it a standout contender for everything from sultry jazz vocals to compelling dialogue. One of the first truly affordable studio condenser mics, the NT1-A has a long history with home recordists, boasting a sweet 20Hz–20kHz frequency response for big vocal authority.
What’s cool: Includes shockmount, pop filter, and a 20′ mic cable
Shure SM27
If you want extended frequency response for your next performance, whether in the studio or onstage, then you’ll want to check out the SM27. This dual-use LDC takes sonic and stylistic cues from Shure’s hugely popular KSM27, with superior off-axis rejection to fight bleed and feedback onstage, and three layers of internal mesh to fight plosives and breath noise. Its large, low-mass Mylar diaphragm exhibits a pleasant airiness with a strong midrange presence and robust low end.
What’s cool: Three-way bass roll-off reduces mud and handling noise in a stage or studio environment
Many of these studio mics were included in our huge Vocal Mic Shootout. If you’d like to hear what they sound like, check out the sound clips on this page: https://www.sweetwater.com/feature/vocal-mic-shootout/
In Conclusion
Sometimes it seems that there are as many vocal microphones today as grains of sand on all the world’s beaches, each with different strengths to offer different vocalists. If you’re looking for a vocal mic that is perfectly suited to your voice, no matter what your budget is, give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.