Home Microphone Guides The best condenser microphone under $500 | CONSIDERATIONS!

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Hi friend and Welcome!

When it comes to the best condenser microphone under $500, the solution isn’t exactly cut and dry, but I do have some wonderful recommendations for you! Before we get started, grab a snack, sit back and relax because…

You’ve come to the right place!!

What I will bring you in this article

  1. Introduction
  2. Considerations
  3. Recommendations
  4. Final Word

Now without further ado, let’s get rolling!!

Introduction

In the early stages of building your home studio and finding the right mic, all of the information out there can be really overwhelming. There are hundreds, even thousands of different microphones available, and deciding which one suits your needs best can be quite a challenge. For starters, everyone’s ear and perception is a little different. What sounds good to me may not to you. To start out however, a good condenser mic is highly recommended. Condenser mic vs. Dynamic mic.

What you really have to do, is decide exactly what you need the mic for and also take some things into consideration.

Considerations

The problem with recommending a single mic is that it may or may not work for you specifically. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  1. Your budget. Under $500 can entail, well, anything under $500! There are a plethora of mics in this range. Today we’ll try and focus on a select few.
  2. Your room. What’s your studio space like? Are you in a small to medium-sized bedroom with no Acoustic Sound Treatment? Do you have some bass traps and foam panels set up? Or are you in a professional setting? All of this matters greatly, as condensers in general pick up a lot of unwanted noise.
  3. Phantom power. Condenser microphones require 48v phantom power, usually provided by a separate audio interface or mixer. Your audio interface. Want to know more about how your computer processes the sound from your mic through the interface? Check out: bit depth vs sample rate!
  4. Your voice. Are you a rapper, singer, a musician with a bunch of instruments lying around, or a combination of some or all? Are you a male or female? Is your voice naturally low or high? These are all things to consider when choosing a mic that’s appropriate for you.
  5. Sound. Are you looking for a flat/neutral response, or a warm, accentuated one?

I read a great article from Joe Gilder from Home studio corner, and it involves the threshold of a good mic as opposed to an upper echelon type of mic that will potentially last. He says that the breaking point is around $250. Anything less than that and you may be replacing the mic in about a year or so. Yes, you will still get a good mic, but it just may not last as you envision it to.

The $300 range and up is where mics start to really shine as far as quality and sound.

Top Recommendations

That said, here are some good recommendations and different types of instances you may be faced within the studio. All of these have been well researched by me, and come up time and again in my searches as the best in their respective price ranges.

  1. AKG C214. A fantastic solution for your rap/hip-hop vocal needs, but also remains an extremely versatile piece. Does well with Rap, Vocals, Instrumentation, Acoustic guitar, Electric guitar, Drum overheads, Saxophones, etc. Adds warmth to your recordings. Not flat/neutral. Check out my AKG C214 condenser microphone review!
  2. Audio Technica AT4040. Very similar to the C214, but some say it may be even more versatile. Interested in a mic comparison/shootout? Check out AKG C214 vs. AT4040!!
  3. Rode NT1. A lot of people like the NT1-A, but the NT1 is the way to go. The NT1-A is a good mic, but a bit too bright/sibilant. What does sibilant mean? The NT1 is crisper, more natural-sounding, solid and reliable, and will last a long time. It also does well in a variety of instances and comes with the patented Rode 10 year guarantee. Also great for rappers, and you won’t have to EQ much either.
  4. Blue Microphones Bluebird. Unlike the others, the Bluebird sports a flatter frequency response, but still has great clarity and versatility as well. Interested in learning more? Check out my shootout of the Bluebird vs. Blue Spark!

Again, please keep this in mind: Your studio space has a lot to do with whether you invest in a condenser mic now or later. Regardless, you will want both a dynamic and a condenser in-studio eventually. Also, make sure to get some XLR cables. The difference between a USB microphone and an XLR microphone. The big thing to remember:

  • Dynamic: blocks out unwanted background noise much better.
  • Condenser: picks up EVERYTHING. So if you’re going to go with a condenser now, you will want to treat your room at least somewhat.

What is XLR?

So, if that’s piqued your interest in dynamics, check out my article on the best dynamic microphone for vocals!

Final Word

As mentioned in the open, it’s hard to recommend one single mic for all of your needs, but in the case of this situation (best under $500), I would probably go with either the AKG C214 or the AT4040. As for which out of the two of those? If you’re looking to record rap vocals, go with the 214.

SEE THE AKG C214 FOR YOURSELF!!

OR

If you need something that’s extremely versatile and will work in just about any instance, the 4040 is what you’re after.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE AUDIO TECHNICA AT4040’s REVIEWS!!

Don’t want to spend over $300 but still want a great option under $500? The AT2035 is the “bang for your buck”mic that I would go with if I was a little strapped for cash. It’s drooled over pretty much everywhere I’ve looked. Learn more in my:

AUDIO TECHNICA AT2035 LARGE DIAPHRAGM CARDIOID CONDENSER REVIEW!!


Well that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve come away with some valuable information today in this best condenser microphone for under $500 article.

Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know below or Contact me!

Which of these bad boys are you most likely to go with? I would love to hear from you..

Until then..

All the best and God bless,

 

 

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

Be sure to check out my Reviews and Resources page for more helpful and informative articles!

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12 comments

Mike May 23, 2016 - 5:48 am

Thanks for going in depth into the world of microphones. I am building a home studio and this article definitely helped me out.

Reply
Stu May 24, 2016 - 1:18 am

Hey Mike!

Thanks for stopping by brother. Glad I could help out. If you ever need anything don’t hesitate to Contact me! Also, how did you stumble upon this page?

Blessings,
-Stu

Reply
Derek Marshall May 23, 2016 - 1:11 pm

Hey there Awesome site,

I am glad I stumbled upon your site, as I really need to get a much better microphone for recording my POD cast’s (no music, just voice,)

What sort of mic is best for that purpose?
Not sure if condenser is what I am looking for but I do need better sound quality.

My room, is not set for acoustics just a normal room.
Thanks in advance.

Reply
Stu May 23, 2016 - 11:59 pm

Derek,

For just starting out I would go with the Blue Yeti. It’s been my top recommendation for voice over for awhile now!

Thanks for stopping by as well..

Blessings,

-Stu

Reply
Kim Lori January 10, 2018 - 7:13 pm

Hello Homestudiobasics,
I’m kim lori, and come from Miami. I’m also a beginner youtuber, so I need the best condenser microphone. Many many thanks for your awesome posts here. So much great information! Can you suggest to me which one is the best for my youtube videos ?

Thanks

Reply
Stuart Charles Black January 10, 2018 - 8:40 pm

No problem Kim glad to help out! What’s your budget?

Reply
Maria February 27, 2018 - 5:51 am

Hello homestudiobasics,
Thanks for this detailed post. It will be helpful for many new vloggers. I am using the AKG C214 for my blogging use. It solves almost all my requirements.

Reply
Stuart Charles Black February 27, 2018 - 2:46 pm

Thank you Maria! I think the C214 is a fantastic solution as well 🙂 Are you using any bass traps or acoustic panels?

Reply
Raju August 10, 2018 - 7:52 am

What do you think about Rode NT2a for male soft vocals only and sometimes acoustic guitar?
1. Rode NT2a
2. AKG C214
3. Audio Technica AT4040

Please do revert back. Thank you

Reply
Stuart Charles Black August 11, 2018 - 1:41 am

I like the C214 best out of these.

Reply
Sharif Siddique January 19, 2019 - 6:40 am

HI homestudiobasics,
This article is very much helpful. But still I have question on it should I ask here ?

Reply
Stuart Charles Black January 19, 2019 - 5:00 pm

Yes Sharif go ahead and ask! I’d be more than willing to help out 🙂

Reply

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