8 XLR Microphones Under $500, Ranked

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Greetings mate and Welcome aboard!

Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions, so…

Today I thought I’d run down a list of XLR microphones and share my experiences in determining which ones, in my opinion of course, are the best.

Keep in mind that just because a microphone is ranked lower on the list, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad. It just means that I would consider it behind the others.

Originally, I thought about ranking them in terms of value (Overall accessories, etc.) first and sound second, but after hearing how much better one of these mics sounded vs. the rest, I decided to rank them in terms of sound first.

That said, I will provide samples of each mic for your listening discernment so you can formulate your own opinion!

Be sure to check out the official reviews for each as I go into a lot more depth. This is meant as a guide to familiarize yourself with how they sound in relation to each other.

Also, bookmark and share as this will act as a central hub for all mics I demo in the future, as well as any changes I make regarding my overall impressions and opinions, re-recordings, and so on.

Finally, all of these mics are XLR and require either phantom power from an audio interface, mixer, preamp, etc., OR simply need a lot of gain (as in the case of the SM57).

Here you can find my USB Rankings List if you’re interested in that as well.

With that, let’s dive in!

#8

Maono AU-PM500

Price: Check Amazon! | eBay! | Official Review: Here!

Unfortunately, the PM500 falters in comparison to the rest of the mics, as it sounds too throaty, dark, veiled, etc.

When compared to the heavy hitters, it’s not as clear and articulate, but also lacks body and sounds a bit unnatural.

I appreciate what Maono was going for (radio broadcast warmth), and the mic certainly doesn’t sound terrible, but it needs work.

That said, the overall value here is quite incredible and virtually unmatched, as they include a Scissor Arm, Pop Filter, Shock Mount, and even an XLR cable!

Sound Test(s):

• Record Date: 01/2024
• Interface: Universal Audio Volt 2
• DAW/Sequencer: FL Studio
• Gain: 75%
• Pop Filter Used: Included In Box
• Post dB Boost: Yes
• Mic Stand Used: Included In Box
• Shockmount: Yes, Included In Box

Maono AU-PM500:

At A Glance

• Microphone-core: Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Sensitivity: -35.3 dBu at 1kHz (1pa=94dB SPL)
• Output Impedance: 98.7 Ohm
• Rate Load Impedance: not less than 1k ohm
• Maximum SPL: 120dB SPL (1K, THD 0.5%)
• S/N Ratio: 70 dB-A
• Noise Level: 20u Vrms
• Dynamic Range: 120dB
• Power Requirements: +48V DC Phantom Power

#7

Audio Technica AT2020

Price: Check Amazon! | Sweetwater! | B&H! | eBay! | AliExpress!

Official Review: Here!

An ever-popular XLR microphone, the Cardioid Condenser AT2020 has long since been a staple in the budget sphere, but how does it perform?

I purchased one of these bad boys around 2017 from my local Guitar Center.

They were having a sale at the time, and I was able to snag it for around $80. Normally, this puppy runs around $100, so I couldn’t pass up saving a Jackson.

Build-wise, the quality here is excellent, and the mic feels incredibly sturdy and robust.

Additionally, the sound quality is crisp, clear, and very articulate, with a mostly neutral profile but with a bit of a dip in the 70-90Hz region.

So, if you’re looking for a bit of extra girth/gruff in your vocals, you’ll either need to EQ this area or opt for something else.

The highs are somewhat boosted, which gives the AT2020 some nice sparkle and air, and overall, this is a good mic.

That said, I ended up selling it because I felt as though there were better options out there.

Sound Test(s):

• Record Date: 08/2016
• Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
• DAW/Sequencer: Audacity
• Gain: 95%
• Pop Filter: Samson PS01
• Post dB Boost: No
• Mic Stand: OnStage DS7200B
• Shockmount: No

Audio Technica AT2020:

Test 2:

Test 3:

Test 4:

At A Glance

• Intended Use(s): Vocals, Speech/Voice-Over, Instruments
• Microphone Type: Condenser. Condenser mic vs. Dynamic mic
• Orientation: Side Address
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid.
• Diaphragm Size: 0.63″ (16mm)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Max SPL: 144 dB.
• Output Impedance: 100 Ohms
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 20dB
• Color: Black
• Connector: XLR. What is XLR?
• Weight: 0.76 lbs.
• Included Accessories: Stand Mount, Microphone Pouch
• Manufacturer Part Number: AT2020

#6

Fifine K669C

Price: Check Amazon! | eBay! | Fifine! | Official Review: Here!

Note: You can choose the Condenser or Dynamic version from the drop-down menu on Fifine’s website.

The K669 at an astonishing $37 (subject to change) is an excellent-sounding mic with a robust stature.

While being a bit too hot in the upper registers, I still like the air and sparkle here, and the entirety of the frequency range is handled pretty well, all things considered.

One issue is that it picks up a bit more background noise than I prefer, but it’s hard to argue with the price.

That said, I appreciate what Fifine was going for here (ultra-clear/neutral),

but it’s sometimes a bit too sibilant, lacks body, and you’ll be able to hear the difference when compared to the top dogs in this list.

Sound Test(s):

• Record Date: 10/2023
• Interface: Universal Audio Volt 2
• DAW/Sequencer: FL Studio
• Pop Filter: No
• Gain: Around 75%
• Post dB Boost: Yes
• Mic Stand: InnoGear Scissor Arm
• Shockmount: No

At A Glance

• Model Number: K669C
• Connection: XLR
• Element: Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Diaphragm Size: 16mm
• Sensitivity: -43dB±3dB
• SPL: 130dB
• Frequency Range: 30Hz – 20kHz
• Power Requirements: Phantom Power 48V±4V

#5

Samson C01

Price: Check Amazon! | Sweetwater! | eBay! | B&H! | Official Review: Here!

The C01 was the very first microphone I ever bought all the way back in 2007 at the local Sam Ashe here in Ruff Raleigh, N.C.

It will always hold a special place in my heart, and the sound? I’m still quite fond of it!

Not only does it sound excellent, but it’s built like a damn dumbbell and incredibly robust – especially for the price. If you’re on an extreme budget, this and the K669 are the mics to look at first.

And hey, if you ever need to do a set of 50,000 curls or something, this homie’s got you covered.

If you can believe it, this thing was going for around $45 in 2023 due to overstock on Amazon, and that makes me sad.

I’ve always felt like the C01 never quite got the recognition it deserved, and folks still message me to this day, commenting on how great it sounds and how much they love it.

I would have to agree. I ended up selling my original (long story), but plan to get another one at some point.

It’s a Hypercardioid mic, so it’s even more directional than your typical cardioid condenser and tends to block out background noise perhaps better than any mic I’ve used.

• Recommended Reading: Cardioid vs. Supercardioid vs. Hypercardioid Microphones

Sound Test(s):

• Record Date: 08/2015
• Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (1st generation)
• DAW/Sequencer: Audacity
• Pop Filter: Samson PS01
• Gain: 75%
• Post dB Boost: Yes
• Mic Stand: Not Used
• Shockmount: No

Samson C01:

At A Glance

• Polar Pattern: Hypercardioid
• Frequency Range: 40Hz – 18kHz
• Maximum SPL: 136dB
• Power Sources: Phantom Power
• Sound Field: Mono
• Operating Principle: Pressure Gradient
• Element Type: Condenser
• Sensitivity: -33dB
• Operating Voltage: 36 to 52V
• Package Weight: 2.6 lb
• Box Dimensions (LxWxH): 12 x 9.2 x 2.9″

#4

MXL V67G

Price: Check Amazon! | eBay! | Sweetwater! | B&H! | Official Review: Here!

Coming in at #4 is the vintage-inspired MXL V67G, a mic that looks and sounds the part.

If the PM500 was going for that radio quality but came up a bit short, the V67G nails it.

This mic, to me, is a perfect cross between neutral and warm; i.e., it kind of sounds like the K669 and PM500 had a baby.

Neutral-ish, but not overly bright like the K669, and has a touch of warmth but doesn’t sound overly dark/recessed like the PM500.

That said, I don’t think it’s as good as the next mic, but let’s be honest: these differences are pretty subtle.

Sound Test(s):

• Record Date: 12/2023
• Interface: Universal Audio Volt 2
• DAW/Sequencer: FL Studio
• Pop Filter: No
• Gain: 75%
• Post dB Boost: Yes.
• Mic Stand: InnoGear Scissor Arm
• Shockmount: No

MXL V67G:

At A Glance:

• Form Factor: Large Diaphragm/Stand/Boom Mount
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Range: 30Hz – 20kHz
• Maximum SPL: 130dB SPL (.5% THD)
• Output Connector: 1x XLR 3-Pin Male (On Mic)
• Power Sources: Phantom Power
• Color: Green/Gold

#3

MXL 770

Price: Check Amazon! | Sweetwater! | B&H! | eBay! | Official Review: Here!

The MXL 770 is not only versatile, but it sounds very clear and natural. Combine that with an excellent overall accessories package, and you’ve got yourself quite an amazing value.

In the box, you’re getting a hard body case, shock mount, and the mic itself has 2 switches: One is an HPF (High Pass Filter), and the other is its normal setting (Flat).

This means it’s essentially 2 mics in one. For those desiring a more radio-type sound, use the flat setting.

If you’d like some bass roll-off, use the HPF feature, which results in a bit of an airier presentation.

Sound Test(s):

• Record Date: 12/2023
• Interface: Universal Audio Volt 2
• DAW/Sequencer: FL Studio
• Pop Filter: No
• Gain: 75%
• Post dB Boost: Yes.
• Mic Stand: InnoGear Scissor Arm
• Shockmount: Yes

MXL 770 (Flat Setting):

MXL 770 (Hi Pass Filter):

• Microphone Type: Condenser. Condenser mic vs. Dynamic mic.
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid. What is a cardioid capsule?
• Diaphragm Size: 22mm/.87 in.
• Frequency Response: 30Hz-20kHz
• Max SPL: 137dB. What is SPL?
• Output Impedance: 150 Ohms
• Color: Black/Gold
• Connector: XLR. What is XLR?
• Weight: 1 lb.
• Included Accessories: Shock-mount, Case.

 

#2

MXL 990

Price: Check Amazon! | Check Sweetwater! | Check B&H! | Check eBay! | Official Review: Here!

If I had to decide on one mic to record voiceover work, I’d have a pretty tough time choosing between the 990, 770, and SM57.

The 990 takes the 770’s sound and brightens it up a smidge, but it still has some of that radio sound we all know and love.

I think the 990 edges the 770 because it sounds just a hair more natural and smooth. It could have simply been the difference in takes, but in going back and forth, the 770 feels slightly boxier and/or hollower.

Again, these discrepancies can be a bit trivial – especially if you’re not obsessively going back and forth as I am.

In other words, I wouldn’t stress too much about which of these you go with.

The 770 is a great value because of its accessories package, but if you need to record an acoustic guitar, I’d go with the 990/991 bundle in a heartbeat.

The 991 provides flawless takes with my 20+-year-old Gibson Epiphone, and it’s super fun and easy to get a good recording right off the jump.

Here are a couple of chords I recorded for a future beat:

Sound Tests

• Record Date: 12/2023
• Interface: Universal Audio Volt 2
• DAW/Sequencer: FL Studio
• Pop Filter: No
• Gain: 75%
• Post dB Boost: Yes.
• Mic Stand: InnoGear Scissor Arm
• Shockmount: No

MXL 990:

At A Glance

• Analog or digital: Analog.
• Frequency response: 30Hz to 20kHz.
• Max SPL: 130 dB. What is SPL?
• Connectivity: XLR. What is XLR?
• Capsule: Condenser.
• Polar pattern: Cardioid.
• Type: Mounted.
• Applications: Studio.
• Diaphragm size: Large diaphragm.
• Switches: None.
• Phantom power required: Yes (48V).
• Width: 2.4″
• Height: 5.11″
• Weight: 1.2 lb.
• Case: Carrying case.
• Clip: Yes.
• Shockmount: Yes.

#1

Shure SM57

Price: Check Amazon! | Check Sweetwater! | Check B&H! | Check eBay! | Official Review: Here!

Originally, a funny thing happened as I was redoing some of these takes and matching levels inside FL Studio.

Sound-wise, the SM57 emerged victorious, but after going back and forth for WAY too long, I still thought the 990 sounded a bit smoother and more natural while retaining some nice air and sparkle.

At the time, I was running the SM57 directly into my Universal Audio Volt 2 at around 95% gain, and a 10+dB boost in post. The result was a slightly raw, almost warbly character that I couldn’t quite put my finger on.

Fast forward to today, and that issue has been completely resolved.

After purchasing a Fethead, the SM57 has become my go-to microphone for rap vocals and now sits comfortably at #1 on this list.

With the extra clean gain provided by the Fethead, I’m no longer pushing the Volt 2 to its limits or compensating heavily after the fact. The result is a cleaner, more natural presentation while retaining everything that made me fall in love with the microphone in the first place.

That said, it’s incredibly articulate and about as true to the human voice as I’ve personally experienced. It picks up all the subtle nuances in my voice to the point of astonishment. 

I talk about resolution in headphones a lot; that is, how good are they at presenting everything there is to hear?

Well, the SM57 is most certainly the best on this list in terms of overall resolution when it comes to vocals, and it’s easy to see why it’s been around for many decades.

Of course, everyone and their Grandma knows you can hammer nails with it, plus it’s been used for every presidential address since Lyndon B. Johnson. So there’s that.

Sound Tests

• Record Date: 01/2024
• Interface: Universal Audio Volt 2
• DAW/Sequencer: FL Studio
• Pop Filter/Windscreen: Yes, Windscreen
• Gain: 95%
• Post dB Boost: Yes.
• Mic Stand: InnoGear Scissor Arm
• Shockmount: No

Shure SM57:

At A Glance:

• Type: Dynamic.
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid.
• Frequency Response: 40Hz-15kHz.
• Output Impedance: 150 Ohms.
• Color: Black.
• Connector: XLR. What is XLR?
• Weight: 0.63 lbs.
• Accessories: Carry Case, Mic Clip.
• Manufacturer Part Number: SM57-LC.

Notes:

It’s important to keep in mind that the SM57 is a dynamic mic, and while not requiring 48V phantom power, it generally benefits from around 50 (minimum) to 65dB of gain.

My Volt 2 provides 55dB, and while it technically works, I eventually purchased a Fethead to provide additional clean gain and eliminate the need for excessive boosting in post.

The difference was significant enough that the SM57 is now my primary microphone for rap vocals, and I absolutely love it.

If you’re serious about buying this puppy (and you should be) I’d plan on investing in 2 things:

1. A Cloudlifter or Fethead
2. This Shure A81WS Windscreen

Or, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th gen) now has 69dB of gain. Should you get the 2i2, you likely won’t need a Cloudlifter or Fethead.

If you’re interested in why I recommend these things and want to find out how to make an SM57 sound identical to a $400 SM7B, click the link below!

Final Verdict

The MXL 990 remains one of the biggest surprises I’ve encountered in audio.

For the money, it delivers an excellent combination of warmth, clarity, and smoothness that flatters most voices without requiring much effort. There’s a nice sense of air up top, but unlike some budget condensers, it rarely sounds overly harsh or fatiguing.

What I still appreciate most about the 990 is how easy it is to work with. Plug it in, set your levels, and you’re generally off to the races. Vocals come through with a polished, broadcast-like quality that sounds engaging and professional right out of the gate.

That said, after spending more time with the SM57 paired with a FetHead, I no longer consider the 990 my personal favorite for rap vocals. The SM57 simply captures more nuance, texture, and realism in my voice while sounding more authentic overall. Even so, the MXL 990 remains an outstanding value and one of the easiest microphones on this list to recommend.

As for the bundle, opting for the MXL 990/991 package at around $130 instead of purchasing the 990 by itself offers tremendous value. The included 991 serves as a dedicated instrument microphone, making the package a more versatile recording solution for only a small increase in cost.

Microphone Tests For Comparison

#8: PM500

#7: AT2020

#6: K669C

#5: Samson C01

#4: V67G

#3: 770

770: (Hi Pass Filter)

#2: SM57

#1: 990

Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this XLR Rankings List and came away with some valuable insight.

Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please contact me!!

If you love what I do here and want to support the blog and channel in a more personal way, check me out on Patreon and discover all the value I have to offer you.

Which of these mics sounds best to YOU? I would love to hear from you. Until next time…

All the best and God bless,

 

 

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

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