Top Inexpensive Microphones for Vocal Recording

The Best Inexpensive Microphone for Vocals: Testing and Insights on the Top Picks

Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

  • Budget-Friendly Options: Discover quality microphones without breaking the bank.
  • Variety of Use Cases: Suitable for podcasters, musicians, and voiceover artists.
  • In-Depth Testing: Evaluations based on real-world environments and setups.
  • Pros and Cons: Comprehensive breakdown for informed decisions.
  • Links to Further Exploration: Access top picks and pricing details.

Table of Contents

Experiment Setup and Methodology

To truly understand how these microphones perform, I set up in two locations: my home studio, which has been treated with acoustic panels, and a more challenging environment, a small living room with untreated acoustics. My goal? To evaluate not only sound quality but also versatility, ease of use, and practicality for different recording situations. Each microphone was tested for vocal clarity, presence, and whether it requires any additional gear like pop filters or audio interfaces.

Testing Phase: First Impressions and Sound Tests

MXL 990

The MXL 990 is a large-diaphragm condenser mic and one of the most popular choices in the budget category. Right away, I appreciated its build quality—solid and professional-looking. However, I quickly realized it mandates phantom power, a factor to keep in mind if you’re not using an audio interface.

When I plugged it in, the frequency response blew me away—30 Hz to 20 kHz is impressive for the price (around $80-$120). The sound was warm and had a vintage character that lent itself beautifully to vocal recordings. It picked up nuances in my voice that I didn’t expect from a sub-$100 mic. There was some room noise due to the untreated environment, but that’s to be expected. In an ideal situation, it thrived and offered a natural sound, carving out the mids and highs elegantly.

Audio-Technica AT2020

Next on my list was the renowned Audio-Technica AT2020. This model’s crisp and clear sound has made it a favorite among new and seasoned recordists alike. Its robust build felt durable in my hands, reassuring for someone who might treat their gear a bit roughly (you know who you are!).

Plugging it into my setup, the AT2020 impressed me with its overall balance. It performed consistently well, exhibiting excellent clarity and presence for vocals. Compared to the MXL 990, I noted it had a slightly more neutral sound profile—good, but perhaps lacking the character some might seek for a more expressive vocal style. Priced similarly at around $90-$130, it’s an all-around great mic that could suit any home studio.

Shure SM58

Leveraging decades of industry reputation, the Shure SM58 is the workhorse in the dynamic microphone category. It’s often touted as the go-to option for live vocals, but I was curious to see how it fared in a recording setting. The SM58 is known for its durability and ability to minimize background noise, and it didn’t disappoint.

While testing this mic, I was instantly reminded of its bold presence and how it handled vocals in the untreated space. It has a distinct “punch” that conveys a sense of intimacy to the voice, though some detail can be lost compared to the condensers in a studio environment. For about $100, it’s an excellent choice if you need something rugged that can go from the stage to the studio without a hitch.

AKG Ara

As for the AKG Ara, I delved into the USB condenser side of the microphone spectrum. Immediately, I appreciated the plug-and-play convenience this model offers—ideal for beginners who don’t want to deal with complicated setups. The sound? Clear and well-defined, surprisingly close to that of the XLR models.

This mic shines if you are looking to record directly into your computer for podcasting or music demos without additional gear. However, it does have a lower max SPL and slightly less detail than its XLR counterparts, so if you’re seeking studio-level quality, you might feel limited. At around $100, the Ara is perfect for budget-conscious users seeking quality without the frills.

Specifications Snapshot

Microphone Type Pros Cons Typical Price (USD)
MXL 990 Condenser (XLR) Warm, natural sound, versatile Needs phantom power $80–120
AT2020 Condenser (XLR) Clear and balanced Needs phantom power $90–130
Shure SM58 Dynamic (XLR) Durable, excellent for live vocals Less detail than condensers ~$100
AKG Ara Condenser (USB) Plug-and-play, clean sound Lower max SPL, limited detail ~$100

The Nuts and Bolts: Pros and Cons Breakdown

MXL 990

  • Pros: Great tonal quality, versatile for instruments and vocals, value for money.
  • Cons: Requires phantom power, slightly sensitive to plosives.

Audio-Technica AT2020

  • Pros: Reliable quality, balanced sound that suits many vocal types.
  • Cons: Phantom power required, slightly less warmth than competitors.

Shure SM58

  • Pros: Legendary durability, handles loud volumes well, excellent for untreated environments.
  • Cons: Clarity may lack compared to condensers, less rich vocal tonality.

AKG Ara

  • Pros: Straightforward USB connection, very clean sound.
  • Cons: Not as detailed as XLR options, might require additional accessories for maximum quality.

Who Should Buy These Microphones?

  • MXL 990 & Audio-Technica AT2020: If you’re an emerging artist or podcaster with a dedicated space, these microphones are incredible options that will serve you well for years. They provide the warmth and character that I think many would appreciate in studio vocal recordings.
  • Shure SM58: For live performers or those recording in untreated rooms, the SM58 is unmatched for resilience and performance. It’s the mic you grab when in doubt, and it will satisfy with its strong sound profile.
  • AKG Ara: The simplest way to start recording your voice without external equipment. If you want minimal hassle and good sound for YouTube, Twitch, or podcasting, this is the way to go.

Final Thoughts: Practical Takeaways

Investing in a good microphone can dramatically enhance your audio production capabilities without needing to spend a small fortune. After putting these models through their paces, I can confidently say they all have unique strengths and play different roles depending on your specific use case and environment.

For the best overall performance and flexibility, the MXL 990 and Audio-Technica AT2020 are hard to beat in the condenser category. If you focus more on live environments or untreated settings, the Shure SM58 is a reliable companion. And for ease and direct output, nothing quite matches the practicality of the AKG Ara.

Curious about which microphone is right for you? Your choice depends heavily on your recording environment and specific needs. Follow the links to explore these options further—investing in any of these models will surely take your vocal recordings up a notch, and for many, it could be a game changer.

Check the latest prices here and stay updated with our gear recommendations on Geeksper! Happy recording!

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