Microphones are an essential piece of audio gear for anyone looking to capture all their audio goals. Whether you’re a musician, actor, or video producer, having a microphone in your arsenal is essential for capturing the sound you need for your projects.
While there are many great options available on the market, we’ve chosen five of the best affordable microphones to help get started.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Microphone
Microphone selection is important when it comes to audio production. There are a number of factors you need to take into account when making the decision, including budget, needs, and technical capabilities. Here are four of the most important:
- Budget: How much money do you want to spend on a microphone?
- Needs: What kind of audio production do you plan to use the microphone for? Is it for voice-overs or music production?
- Technical abilities: Will the microphone be able to take advantage of digital technology? Does it have an XLR input or a TRS output? Are there any special features needed like noise cancellation or wind protection?
- Voice quality: How good should your voice sound when using a microphone? Is it necessary for all types of audio production? Can you find another option with similar quality for less money?
Top 6 Cheap Microphones to Buy
1. Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Microphone
Whether you need a professional microphone that also works great for recording audio or a budget-friendly alternative, the Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Microphone is one of the best choices out there on the market.
This affordable option will allow you to capture audio and video of all types, from your smartphone to your studio, without breaking the bank. The AT2020 USB Microphone has an open-back design that lets you capture sound directly into your audio interface.
2. Audio-Technica ATR-103
Audio-Technica ATR-103 is one great option. It has all the necessary features you need to get started with audio recording. Furthermore, this USB mic is compatible with all digital audio devices, including computer-based recording devices.
The Audio-Technica ATR-103 has a low price of $50. The Audio-Technica ATR-103 is available for $50 on Amazon. It also offers perfect value for its money. It weighs only 0.5 lbs, and has an open back design that lets you capture sound directly into your audio interface.
3. Audio Technica ATR-91A
The Audio Technica ATR-91A is an over the ear microphone that’s both small and affordable. The ATR-91 is used by many musicians and has a nice sound to it. The ATR-91A features both a cardioid and a hypercardioid pattern, and comes with a XLR connector.
The ATR-91A has a nice sound to it that’s not too bright or harsh. It’s small enough to use with most of your devices and offers good sound quality. The ATR-91A is available for $70 on Amazon.
4. Kong Digital Microphone
The Kong Digital Microphone is a highly affordable option for people looking to record all of their audio. The Kong Microphone is a basic microphone with a very high sound quality, and at this price point, it’s hard to beat.
The microphone comes with an XLR connection cable and an AC power adapter. On the low end of the price scale, the Kong Digital Microphone comes with an XLR connector cable and a power adapter.
5. M-Audio MixPre3
The M-Audio MixPre3 is the perfect choice for anyone who’s looking for a versatile, affordable microphone that offers great sound quality and versatility. This microphone offers outstanding audio quality at an affordable price.
When it comes to audio quality, the M-Audio MixPre3 is hard to beat. With its cardioid design, this microphone will pick up sound well in front of you, but will also be able to capture sounds from behind you.
6. Shure SM57
Shure SM57s are one of the most popular microphone options on the market today. They are affordable, durable, and have a wide range of sounds that make them perfect for many applications.
Whether you are a musician or a video production professional, Shure SM57s will be a valuable addition to your toolkit. Many people have had success with these microphones, especially when they are used in the field at a distance from the camera.
Why are Budget Microphones so Important?
Microphones are one of the most important pieces of audio equipment an audio engineer can have. They can help you capture sound from your music or speech, as well as save you time and money on recording sessions. Here are four reasons why budget microphones are so important:
1. They’re Affordable
Microphones come in all shapes and sizes, but the average price for a good one is around $30. This means that you can buy a quality mic without breaking the bank, even if you’re a beginner audio engineer.
2. They Work Well
Not all microphones work equally well, and some may be better than others when it comes to capturing sound accurately and faithfully. However, most budget microphones will do the job well enough to be worth your while.
3. Budget Friendly
Buying a budget microphone can also save you money in the long term. Cheap microphones often do not last as long as other brands and models, so it’s worth your while to purchase some of these on a more regular basis.
4. They are Easy to Use and Store
Cheap microphones come with a lot of bells and whistles, but they tend to be very easy to use and store in the studio or anywhere else you wish to take them. They are also quite affordable, so if you’re on a budget, you can afford to upgrade to some of the better microphones.
Conclusion
The best way to buy a microphone is to figure out what you need and want in a microphone, then compare prices. If you already know what you want, then you can usually get a microphone for half the price of another microphone that does exactly the same thing. If you’re not sure, make your purchase from a reputable company and do a little research on them.