Quick Guide to the Best Vocal Mic Under $200
This Post Originally Appeared Here
What’s the one thing that can ruin your pitch-perfect voice? A not-so-perfect microphone.
Did you know that in the fifth century BC in Greece, actors in theatres would put on masks that were designed in a certain way to amplify their sound so they were well-heard?
A mic can make or break your performance or even career! Even if you simply want it for podcasts or narration, you’re going to need the perfect tool.
Don’t let your budget deter you from choosing an amazing mic. You can get one of the best vocal mics under $200. So nothing’s going to hold you back.
Table of Contents
Our Top Vocal Mic Picks
We’ve prepared a mic bouquet and all there’s left for you to do is to pick your favorite one!
Shure’s SM58S
- Frequency response tailored for vocals, with brightened midrange and bass rolloff to control proximity effect
- Uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source and minimizes background noise
- Pneumatic shock-mount system cuts down handling noise
- Effective built-in spherical wind and pop filter
- On/off switch for onstage control
Shure developed this mic in 1966; this legacy mic is still one of the top-rated mics under $200. Its clarity makes your vocals sound awesome.
It’s mainly designed for stage performances or speeches. Its cardioid pattern specifically leaves behind background noises, making your voice its sole focus. With a pneumatic shock mount built-in, you don’t need to worry about weird noises from handling your mic. No one would hear them. Another plus? There’s a spherical filter inside it that blocks out wind noises and even your breath.
Pros:
- Highly durable
- Frequency response is vocals-specific
- Ideal for studio recording too
- Comes with break-resistant stand adapter
- Stand adapter rotates 180 degrees
Cons:
- Not ideal for other instruments
- Unidirectional
Audio-Technica’s AT2020
- The price/performance standard in side address studio condenser microphone technology
- Ideal for project/home studio applications; The noise level is 20 dB SPL
- High SPL handling and wide dynamic range provide unmatched versatility
- Custom engineered low mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient response
- Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source.OUTPUT CONNECTOR:Integral 3 pin XLRM type
AT2020 Cardioid Condenser mic is one of the best options for studio recording. Whether you want it for singing, voice-over, podcasts, or even home-studio, this one won’t let you down.
Featuring an A/D converter with excellent quality, this mic does your perfect pitch justice. It has mix control ensures you don’t face any problems when it comes to pre-recorded audio.
Pros:
- Bass response
- USB outlet
- Volume control
- Extended frequency response
- Comes with rotating mount
Cons:
- Might pick up background noise
- Lack of durability
Audio-Technica’s AT2035
- BUNDLE INCLUDES: Audio-Technica AT2035 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Studio Condenser Microphone with Knox Gear Pop Filter, Knox Gear Microphone Suspension Boom Scissor Arm with 3/8"-16 Threading (Black) and Kirlin 25FT XLR Male - XLR Female Microphone Cable
- LARGE DIAPHRAGM CARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE: Designed for critical home/project/professional studio applications and live performance, this side-address cardioid studio condenser delivers exceptional detail and low noise.
- FEATURES: Equipped with a switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and 10 dB pad, the AT2035 handles high sound pressure levels with ease.
- POLAR PATTERN: Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source
- MIC COMES WITH: Includes custom shock mount that provides superior isolation and protective pouch
Another Audio-Technica pioneer when it comes to affordable microphones. AT2035 is great for in-studio recordings, both vocal and instrumental. It’s a remarkably detail-oriented microphone with high sensitivity.
With its cardioid polar pattern, you don’t have to be standing at a specific angle to use this mic. While it mostly focuses on the front, the sides and its rear can also hear you. You wanna bang the drums? No need to worry about high pressure sounds anymore, it can take it.
Pros:
- Large-diaphragm
- High SPL
- Custom shock mount
- Highly durable
- Low noise
Cons:
- Low-quality accessories
- One polar pattern
Blue’s Yeti
- Four-capsule array – capture legendary Blue broadcast sound with greater focus and clarity than ever for professional-level gaming, Twitch streaming, podcasting and YouTube Productions.
- High-res LED metering – visualize your voice level with the Yeti X Microphone 11-segment LED meter. At a glance you can check if your voice level is too high or too low and adjust accordingly.
- Multi-function smart knob – easily adjust mic gain, mute and headphone volume, as well as the blend of microphone signal and computer sound in your headphones.
- Blue VO!CE broadcast vocal effects – download Logitech G HUB or Blue Sherpa (for PC and Mac) and gain instant access to a suite of Blue VO!CE broadcast effects for achieving Professional on-stream sound quality.
- Customizable LED lighting – personalize the color of Yeti X’s LED lights to match your on-stream aesthetic.
Looks aren’t deceiving when it comes to Blue’s Yeti. It is a unique, retro-looking impressive mic with a wide color selection. If you’re into aesthetics, this is a top pick for you.
Perhaps the most flexible of the options, Yeti offers four modes you can choose from Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Stereo, and Bidirectional. Perfect for podcasts or duets, the more the merrier!
Pros:
- Mute button
- USB outlet
- Headphones jack
- Adjustable angle
- Foldable
- No latency
- Volume button
Cons:
- Breaks down
- Low sensitivity
- Limited frequency
Rode’s NT-USB
- ENSURE YOU BUY GENUINE RØDE PRODUCTS! Products from sellers which say ‘fulfilled by Amazon’ under the price are NOT authorized resellers, and may not be selling genuine product.
- Buy only from Amazon.com (labelled ‘shipped and sold by Amazon.com’)
- High quality studio microphone with the convenience of USB connectivity
- Pop shield, Tripod desk stand, ring mount, storage pouch and 6m (20’) USB cable included
- 3.5mm stereo headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring
Although it’s a condenser, this high-quality mic doesn’t pick-up on background noise.
It comes with a pop-filter that ensures undisturbed clarity of your vocals. It also arrives with a stand mount, tripod stand, and a pouch for storage.
The USB outlet is perfect if you frequently use your mic with your computer. Rode’s NT-USB is compatible with Windows, Mac, IPads, and even applications on them.
Pros:
- Large-diaphragm
- Headphone jack
- Mix control
Cons:
- One polar pattern
How to Pick The Best Vocal Mic?
You need to decide what you’re going to use it for the most. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Here are things you ought to keep in mind before deciding.
On Stage
If you’re a vocalist and perform live, or generally record in a noisy place, then Shure’s SM58S might be the option that best suits you.
In Studio Vocalist
Inside a studio, there are other factors that affect your decision.
Vocalist
If you’re the only one who’s going to use the microphone and for vocals only, AT2020’s extended frequency response is going to be handy.
Voice-over
If you’re not going to be doing much singing, you might consider Rode’s NT-USB. You might find its pop filter pretty convenient.
Vocalist and Instrumentalist
If your talent exceeds singing, AT2035 has multi-tasking abilities that can match yours.
Multiple Vocals
If you’re likely to have more than one vocalist, whether for singing or simply podcasts, Blue’s Yeti is your mic. The flexibility it offers can accommodate several people at once, without affecting your performances.
Best Mic Brands
Shure
This Technical GRAMMY-receiving company was first known as Shure Radio Company in 1925. Selling radios in Chicago, this one-man company eventually made its first microphone in 1932.
Rock-and-Roll musicians introduced Shure’s microphones to stage, establishing them as the standard mics for vocals.
Audio-Technica
Another GRAMMY-winning company, Audio-Technica was established in 1962. Several global countries coalesced to create the perfect audio technology.
Fun fact, Audio-Technica entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!
Blue
Best known for its high-performance studio mics, Blue has been upholding its legacy of 20 years. It is also known as being the world’s leading USB mics manufacturer.
Not only focused on mics, but Blue also has its own high-quality headphones.
Rode
Rode Microphones is an Australian company. It started out as Freedman Electronics in 1967 and pioneered audio technology. Freedman Electronics became Rode in 1990, and microphones became its focus.
Vocal Mic FAQ
What is the Best Mic for Rappers?
Rode’s NT-USB’s pop-filter is highly recommended as they eliminate your fear of plosives ruining your flow.
Are Condenser Mics Good For Vocals?
Condenser mics pick up on tiny details; meaning they include a lot of background noise. They are better suited for vocalists who play instruments while singing.
Are Dynamic Mics Better or Condenser Mics?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Dynamic mics are generally ideal for loud sounds because of their thin diaphragm.
Condenser mics, on the other hand, are highly sensitive and pick-up on the littlest of sounds. They’re ideal for vocals and other instruments, such as acoustic guitars.
What is the Best Mic For a Youtuber?
Many Youtubers use Rode’s NT-USB, Blue’s Yeti and Audio Technica’s AT2035.
Is Shure’s SM58S a Good Mic?
This mic is known as “the world’s most popular mic.” It is over fifty years old and is still a favorite among singers.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a singer, band-member, singer/instrument player, narrator or podcaster, we’ve got you covered. All you need to do is determine what you’ll be using your mic for and the decision is practically made.
Who knew you can choose the best vocal mic under $200, right?
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