best condenser microphones under $300

 

Best Condenser Microphones under $300

 

Looking for one of the best condenser mics under $300 for Vocals? We’ve handpicked 6 of the best for you. Read on…

One of the centerpieces of any studio gear setup is a microphone. A condenser microphone is incredibly useful when it comes to the accurate following of sound waves at all frequencies. It also has a greater transient response which gives your voice a natural feel.

Condenser microphones are generally expensive than dynamic mics, but this does not mean you’ll have to spend a fortune to acquire a reliable one.

In the $200 to $300 price range, you’ll find large diaphragm mics that open your musical world to great studio vocals recording or even outdoor live performances.

Let’s take a look at the TOP BEST that stacked up against the competition.

Our Top Picks

Best Condenser Microphones Under $300

1. Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser

Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser

Check Price at Amazon

Every new musician needs a high-quality condenser microphone without going over the budget. The Audio Technica AT2035 is a large diaphragm mic that suits both indoor and outdoor applications.

You can record great music from the comfort of your home studio and also take it to live performances. It has a switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter plus a -10db pad.

This unit boasts a sturdy construction unlike what you’d see on other mics in this price range. It delivers low noise thanks to the cardioid polar pattern.

Apart from the noise isolation you also get a device that has a wide dynamic range and high SPL handling.

Not to mention, it comes with the shock mount and a protective pouch which maintains its high-quality for a long time.

Pros

  • Robust construction
  • Impressive performance
  • Large diaphragm gives clear, natural sound

Cons

  • It does not come with all the needed accessories you’ll have to buy them separately.

2. Rode NT1A Vocal Condenser Microphone

Rode NT1A Vocal Condenser Microphone

Check Price at Amazon

The Rode NT1A is a studio-grade large diaphragm mic. It has probably the smallest noise levels that assure you of capturing the cleanest audios.

It works well with vocals and acoustic instruments since it is highly sensitive. It can pick up the simple recording nuances that make a recording sound natural like your finger striking the guitar string.

You’ll notice the presence bump at high frequencies which makes your music sound exceptional when played on monitors. Although this mic comes at an entry-level price, it is nicely engineered such that it chunky and needs a heavy-duty stand.

Rode NT1A also comes with a decent shockmount which is pretty simple to install. 

Pros

  • 137dbB SPL supports recording of very noisy instruments
  • High-quality nickel-plated body
  • Achieves low noise capability

Cons

  • It is heavy thus needs a robust stand

3. Audio-Technica AT4040 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Audio-Technica AT4040 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Check Price at Amazon

Audio Technica is known for producing masterpieces in music production. The AT4040 model is a large diaphragm unit with uncolored sound and a cardioid pick-up pattern.

You can record in virtually any indoor environment including professional studios and home studios. This mic is mostly sought for the crystal clear noise response as well as the solid build.

This mic is excellent on vocals especially with the help of the low cut filter. It removes any muddiness which makes your music pop in mixes.

For loud instruments, you have the support of the -10db pad which gives pronounced tracking.

We love that this mic brings out natural sounds as it is highly sensitive.

Pros

  • Copes well high SPL
  • All-around reliability in a variety of applications
  • Outstanding sound quality

Cons

  • It does not score well on high-frequency recordings

4. Studio Projects B1 Vocal Cardioid Condenser Mic

Studio Projects B1 Vocal Cardioid Condenser Mic

Check Price at Amazon

This large diaphragm mic is equally great for close-miking amplifiers as it is for recording, broadcasting, and production.

This mic is adequately quiet such that it works great in home studios for vocal and instrument recordings.

The Studio Projects B1 has two attenuation options, and also selectable high pass filters. It boasts increased low-end and mid-end response as well as high signal to noise ratio.

You’ll enjoy working with a mic that is highly sensitive which results in improved audio quality. This mic also mixes a beautiful design and reliable performance for all your music recording needs.

If you’re looking for a good condenser mic at around $200, this will be smart option.

Remember, this is a this is an XLR mic that requires phantom power, meaning you will need an audio interface.

Pros

  • Increased capsule voltage
  • 3-way switches for easy operation
  • Pressure-gradient transducer

Cons

  • It’s pretty heavy

5. SE Electronics Large Diaphragm Condensor Mic for Vocals

SE Electronics Large Diaphragm Condensor Mic for Vocals

Check Price at Amazon

When you want to create award-winning music, you’ll want a mic that does not have you making compromises.

The SE Electronics sE200a proves to be just that mic as it comes with the elements for all-around sound recording. It boasts high SPL and hand-crafted diaphragms.

Not to mention, it has three distinct polar patterns. This means that no matter the environment you are in, you can make great, catchy music.

This is a flexible condenser mic as it integrates a pop filter and a quick-release shock mount.

The shockmount attaches in one simple motion to the mic giving you a stable mic. We also like that the pop filter is vertically adjustable which offers you amazing flexibility.  

Pros

  • Minimal noise levels
  • Many onboard options for flexible performance
  • The multi-pattern option allows for use with both vocals and instruments.

Cons

  • It cannot connect to a laptop

6. Behringer B-2 Pro Condenser Mic

Behringer B-2 Pro Condenser Mic

Check Price at Amazon

If you are more into acoustic instruments a condenser mic that is both professional to support live performances and studio recordings is your best bet.

BEHRINGER B-2 Pro ensures you can have high-end sound quality at a very subtle price. It features a low-filter, selectable patterns, and inbuilt shielding.

You can choose from the cardioid pattern, omnidirectional, or the figure-8pickup pattern. 

When dealing with high-volume signal sources, the cardioid pattern works to eliminate any background noise. Hence you’ll always love the sound of a smooth recording.

This device is robust. It features a nickel-plated brass body.

This means it is resilient to vibrations and falls so you’ll be having it for a really long time. 

Pros

  • Up to 77dB signal-to-noise ratio on the cardioid pattern
  • It includes a heavy-duty suspension mount
  • Dual-diaphragm design

Cons

  • It’s not great for open area recordings like voice work

Best Condenser Mics under $300 – Buyers Guide

We all know that different types of microphones abound in the market. The one you end up buying will most likely be dependent on your specific application. However, finding the best match for your current needs isn’t an easy task for everyone. Here is the reason why we’ve taken some time to put up this microphone buying guide.

To narrow down the best options and possibly make the purchase decision easier, a good number of potential buyers start with a clear idea of the type they want. That’s why we often see terms like ‘best condenser microphones.’ But it doesn’t end there.

In addition to being specific about the type of microphone you want some other classifications are relevant in the buying process. Understanding these things properly is very important for you to make an informed, stress-free purchase decision.

This is exactly what this section of the post is all about. In the end, you’ll be better positioned to pick the best option without any need for a return, replacement or refund.

Now you can spare some minutes as we go through the post.

Microphone Application 

First and foremost, you have to ask yourself and answer the question – what exactly do I want to do with a condenser microphone? figure this out first before moving to any other stage.

For a big percentage of potential buyers, this question might be easy to answer. However, the variation in use cases is just as diverse as the buyer segments. In other words, what suits the needs of one buyer may not be suitable for the others. Practically, a higher degree of precision in this regard will enable you to identify the most suitable option while thinking through the best condenser microphone comparison.

While a simple cheap condenser mic can work for multiple use cases, it doesn’t apply well for every context imaginable. For example, the mic needs of live stage performers are very likely to be different from users looking for the best gaming microphone.

Depending on the type you buy, most condensers are commonly used for things like:

  • Orchestra instruments and recording
  • Acoustic piano
  • Acoustic guitar
  • Drum kit
  • Vocals

Types of Condenser Microphone 

If you are one of the most experienced users, you may want to skip this section and read. However, there are some people actively search for answers to the question around the types of condenser mics in the market. Interestingly, this relates to the factor of being clear enough about its application.

Going forward, this will help you to keep in mind, the exact type that will be the best option for you. Now let’s look into the two main types of a condenser microphone.

Large Diaphragm Condenser: To a very large extent, a microphone’s level of sensitivity is dependent on the size of diaphragm. While you are reading through the best condenser mic reviews and making your comparison, keep in mind that diaphragm is one of those important features that differentiate one mic from the other.

Adding to a condenser’s high level of sensitivity is the capacity for picking through multiple polar patterns. In terms of specific variations, large-diaphragm microphones often have a diaphragm of 1+.

According to many studio recording experts, large-diaphragm condensers usually have a better impact on a mic’s sound pressure level threshold, frequency response and dynamic range.

Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone: In simple terms, this is a direct opposite of the one mentioned above. First, it usually has a lower number of polar pick patterns, one pattern in most cases. This and other factors make small-diaphragm condensers cheaper than its counterpart.

If you want to mic snare drums and loud guitar cabinets, this is the type of condenser mic to go for. This type has also been proven to work well for high-frequency range and flat frequency response as well. follow some of the links above and you’ll find great and affordable options in this category.

Microphone Polar Pattern 

In some circles, this is either referred to as a polar pattern or pickup patter. Here is another important factor that you need to consider before committing to buy any condenser mic on Amazon or anywhere else you choose. Precisely, microphone polar patterns refer to the direction or directions from which a mic picks up sound. The main key patterns you’ll find featured on these mics include the following –

Cardioid Pattern: In its active mode, a mic using this pattern picks up most of the sound originating from the front. Using a heart-shaped pattern, it picks more of the sounds in the front and center while picking less and lesser sounds from the sides of it.

In case you need close sound picking, microphones with such polar patterns work well. even while it is picking from the close sound source, it minimizes the effect of a room space on the sound output.

Supercardioid Pattern: This is known to have a narrowed but streamlined patter of picking sound from its main sources. Both from recent user experiences and other condenser microphone reviews, this is the best option for noisy performance or recording environment. Most of the mics with this pattern come with a high capacity for noise and source isolation.

Specifically, people that are into live stage performance concerts, outdoor film making and TV production found this pattern to be the best suitable option for their needs.

Bidirectional Pickup Pattern: The best bidirectional condenser microphones often have two opposite sides for picking up sound from the diaphragm. While working this way, it rejects most other sounds, including noise from the other sides of it.

Want to buy the best microphone for recording instruments? Check for the specific models that have this pickup pattern.

Omnidirectional Pickup Pattern: This one picks up sound from all sides to deliver the output required in different contexts. Based on my findings, people that need stereo recording finds this type of pickup pattern to be the best option. While picking sound from all sides, including room ambiance, everything works in sync to deliver the best sound quality. Within the condenser microphone reviews on this page, you’ll also find a lot of affordable options.

Frequency Response

This feature of a microphone is technically measured in Hertz which has to with sound waves transfer. In simple terms, the range of frequency rate can either be high or low. Overall, the frequency response range is usually between 200 Hz and 6KHz. Practically, this is another interesting factor that differentiates one mic from the other. The main thing here is that you have to be clear regarding your need for a high or low-frequency response.

Don’t forget the fact that you can always ask further questions on the product sales page. Do that if the need arises and you’ll have other experienced users, as well as the sellers, help out with more clarifying insights.

Phantom Power

In some specific contexts, using batteries to power your microphone could be enough. However, it doesn’t provide reliability and consistency sometimes. Through an XLR cable, you could be getting enough power supply to make maximum use of your condenser mic. An inexpensive 48-volt external phantom power supply might just be what you need.

Condenser Microphone Price

Maybe it is not you. But a lot of people consider affordability before many other factors. Both online and offline, these people start their search with questions like – what is the price of a condenser mic? Besides, when they define their search with terms like – best condenser microphone under $300, you know that affordability is a top consideration. Regardless of what matters most in your case, you can find a lot of affordable models selling between $50 – $290. One thing you have to keep in mind is that cheapness is never a sign of low quality and vice versa.