If you are wondering what the best studio microphone to buy is, you are in the right place. The market of recording and home studio mics has limitless options, but thankfully you can still get one of the best studio microphones at under $300.

If the time has come for your first studio microphone, you will probably look at a massive market with limitless options and some costly models. Some high-end microphones cost thousands of dollars. 

If you are not working in a professional recording studio dedicated to vocal and instrument recordings, then there is no need for such a significant investment. Today we will see decent mid-range mics that will completely cover your needs in the studio for every available budget.

Each microphone performs at its best depending on the sound source.

• male/female vocals
• loud instruments (drums etc.)
• acoustic instruments (guitars, violins, etc.)
• with heavy bass (kick drum, bass guitar, etc.)

If you are looking for dedicated vocal mics, check out our top choices for the best microphones for recording vocals.

In our list of the best studio mics, you will find condenser types with large diaphragms and with a cardioid polar pattern or multi-pattern. If you are looking for a quality microphone for under 200 or 300 bucks, then our picks below will totally satisfy you.

Top 7 Best Studio Microphones under $300 Reviews

1. RODE NT1-A

Rode NT1-A is my first quick response for the best studio microphone. Perfect for anybody who is starting music production and needs an affordable microphone to record. There are many characteristics for consideration, but this mic is a perfect balance and great addition to any recording studio.

This condenser type of microphone has excellent clarity in the mids and highs and is impressive and neutral-sounding. It also offers a wide dynamic range and a large diaphragm. With a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz, you can record various instruments and vocals.

NT1-A has a self-noise of only 5dB, making it one of the quietest studio microphones on our list of the best studio microphones. Its characteristics might not overcome others, but it is a studio standard, sufficient, and available at a perfect price.

Conclusion: If it didn’t convince you yet check the nearly perfect reviews on the Amazon store. Rode NT1-A comes in a package with a deluxe Rode SM6 shock mount, a fabric pop filter, a dust cover bag, and a 6m XLR cable to give everything you want to start recording. All that for a very affordable price and quality that will tide you over for years. This is one of the best condenser mics under $300.

Musicians who use it: Above&Beyond, B.B.King, Rob Chapman, Madeon, Nicky Romero

Microphone type:	Condenser
Polar pattern:	Cardioid
Diaphragm:	Large
Value for money:	9/10

 

 2. AUDIO TECHNICA AT2035

One of my favorite brands, Audio Technica, produces besides headphones and turntables, high-end microphones as well. One of their most popular studio-quality mics is the AT2020 USB. But it is slightly behind on sound and performance compared to our pick AT2035.

The AT2035 by Audio Technica is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone that offers smooth and natural sound. As well, the cardioid polar pattern reduces the ambient sounds from the sides and rear while improving the isolation of the desired sound source. You can record great vocals and at some level acoustic guitars or other stringed instruments. In total it produces a very natural and detailed sound.

It’s a bit louder than RODE NT1-A, but the 12dB self-noise level won’t be heard in your recordings. The AT2035 features a 10dB pad and an 80Hz high-pass filter that you can switch on whenever you desire.

Conclusion: With a beautiful appearance that refers to a studio recording microphone, it has collected some excellent reviews. Users praise its sound, durability, and sweet price tag. AT2035 comes with a shock mount, pop filter, and a 10ft. XLR cable to connect and record from day one.

Musicians who use it: Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Boyinaband

Microphone type:	Condenser
Polar pattern:	Cardioid
Diaphragm:	Large
Value for money:	9/10

3. ASTON ORIGIN (new entry)

Designed and Built in the UK, Aston Origin is a high-performance cardioid condenser microphone. With a unique and appealing design, it will draw the attention of many musicians and producers. 

The Origin is designed to deliver a smooth, warm, and crisp sound for original and transparent recordings. This versatile microphone is helpful for recording vocals and instruments such as acoustic guitars. 

The cardioid pattern is very effective at canceling out background noise, and Aston Origin does it perfectly. The beautiful design looks not only great but also offers outstanding protection for your microphone’s capsule. There is also a mesh-knit pop filter built into the waveform head for even better performance in voice recording. Plus, with a frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz and a maximum SPL at 127dB, you won’t have to worry about loud vocalists.

Conclusion: Without a doubt, Aston Origin is an affordable studio microphone that will match every need of every producer. The amount of positive feedback these mic is receiving should tell you how amazing they sound. It is right on our budget, is Amazon’s Choice, and has nearly perfect user reviews. 

Musicians who use it: Stevie Wonder

Microphone type:	Condenser
Polar pattern:	Cardioid
Diaphragm:	Large
Value for money:	9/10

4. LEWITT LCT 440 PURE (new entry)

The Lewitt LCT 440 PURE is, as usual, a large-diaphragm condenser microphone. It uses the same high-end components and capsule technology as Lewitt’s prestige models, but LCT 440 PURE is available for less than $300.

Designed and engineered in Vienna, Austria, this studio microphone offers excellent sound quality with a rich bass response and boosts the treble without causing any harshness to the tone. The LCT 440 PURE’s cardioid polar pattern guarantees active rear rejection, making it ideal for home recording studios. It has a super low self-noise of 7db and is incredibly sensitive.

It’s a bit hard to find anything wrong with the LCT-440-PURE. You can use it to record vocals, acoustic instruments, guitar amplifiers, drums, percussion, and everything else you have in your home studio.

Conclusion: LCT 440 is sturdy, stylish, and in a compact housing for easy and safe transportation. Many user reviews talk about a high-quality studio mic that sound can easily be compared to more expensive models. Also, the package comes with a shock mount and magnetic pop filter to start recording immediately.

Microphone type:	Condenser
Polar pattern:	Cardioid
Diaphragm:	Large
Value for money:	9/10

5. SE ELECTRONICS SE2200A II 

After the big success of 2200a by SE Electronics, it was next to launch the new SE 2200A II with switchable polar patterns and a beautiful black appearance. You will have to put your hand deep in your pocket, but this is a studio-quality microphone that allows you to record a wide range of sound sources.

SE Electronics SE2200A II is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone with multi-pattern capability. It uses a 1″ capsule employed with two center-terminated diaphragms that allow you to switch between cardioid, omnidirectional, or figure-8 polar patterns. The 20Hz-20kHz frequency response of this condenser microphone will get the job done correctly. No doubt it is one of the best vocal microphones out there.

The original SE 2200A had been used by Amy Winehouse to record the “Back To Black album”, and that alone is a quality guarantee. It has an apparent natural sound with a bit of warmth in the low ends while it keeps the brightness of the highs.

Conclusion: If you can get over the fact that SE Electronics is not a famous brand, SE 2200A II is an excellent option for any studio with switchable multi-patterns to record anything you want. For a limited period, the package comes with a new universal black shock mount.

Musicians who use it: Amy Winehouse

Microphone type:	Condenser
Polar pattern:	Cardioid, omnidirectional, Figure 8
Diaphragm:	Large
Value for money:	9/10

 

6. MXL 770

The most budget-friendly studio microphone on our list has the highest user ratings and hundred of superb reviews. MXL 770 has been out for many years now, and it’s safe to say that established by musicians and recording studios around the world.

This condenser microphone with a large diaphragm and cardioid pattern can record vocals and instruments as well. The overall sound is “raw” but is nicely balanced with solid bass and upfront high-end. It will also perform very well with guitar and string instruments.

The smaller sibling of the well-known MXL 990 has a switchable bass cut and -10dB pad and legendary MXL sonic characteristics. The MXL 770 uses a high-quality FET preamp with balanced output for a wide dynamic range.

Conclusion: MXL 770 is the best cardioid condenser microphone in the market for its price tag. It comes along with a shock mount and a carrying case. You might not have “wow” recordings, but in the end, you will save money for other gear in your studio and still have a quality mic to record vocals and instruments. It is definitely one of the best affordable studio microphones on the market.

Microphone type:	Condenser
Polar pattern:	Cardioid
Diaphragm:	Large
Value for money:	10/10

 

7. AKG PRO AUDIO C214

The smallest and most affordable model of the AKG series C (212/314/414) is a superb option for beginners and experts. If you desire premium quality with beautifully detailed recordings of lead vocals and solo instruments, this is for you.

Like the rest of the studio condenser microphones we have seen so far, AKG C214 has a large diaphragm and cardioid polar pattern. It uses the same capsule as the three times more expensive multi-pattern AKG C414. But the existence of only one polar pattern in C214 justifies the more affordable price tag.

It surely delivers highly detailed vocal recordings with very low self-noise. With SPL at 156dB, you won’t have to worry about loud vocalists. The AKG C214 also features a switchable 20dB attenuator and a bass-cut filter for close-up recording.

Conclusion: The top-rated professional AKG C214 can perform equally well with vocals and instruments. With excellent built quality, it guarantees a wonderful investment. If you decide to go for the full package that includes an XLR cable, pop filter, and elastic spider suspension, you will have to get over budget. It is one of the best studio microphones for those who want to build a career in recording.

Microphone type:	Condenser
Polar pattern:	Cardioid
Diaphragm:	Large
Value for money:	9/10

These were our top picks for the best microphone for home recording studios under 300 dollars!

Whether you are looking for a mic in your new music studio, or singing, or recording, the above models will get the job done perfectly. The brands are well-known, widely used products, and highly rated by professional and amateur musicians.

Buyers Guide:

What is a studio microphone?

First things first, a mic by itself will not give you any sound. It relies on a preamp, a sound source, and of course, a speaker source. That references the character of the microphone itself.
Once you have that accounted for, how the mic is set up and positioned in front of the vocalist, amp, or drum set you are recording will also have a significant impact on the final sound.
You will quickly notice that there are a few things to consider before you purchase your studio microphone. Two of your biggest concerns will be the microphone type and the polar pattern.

What to consider before buying your home recording studio microphone?

Regarding the features of a good-quality studio microphone, the selection criteria are pretty clear.

• Microphone Type 

  Condenser microphones are commonly used in recording studios. Why is that? Only because with a large diaphragm, you will have a transparent and rich-in-detail sound. Also, it focuses more on the sound from the front of the microphone and ignores background noises. Our list is filled with condenser type of recording mics.
  Dynamic microphones transform acoustic sound waves into mechanical vibrations and final into electrical waves. We will not explore any dynamic microphones in our list. 

• Polar patterns

  Features may not define the performance and sound of your studio microphone, but they certainly impact its versatility. One fundamental element to check on a mic is its polar pattern. Most affordable condenser microphones use the standard cardioid pattern. However, we have one entry on our list with a multi-pattern. 
  The Polar pattern defines in which direction the microphone is most sensitive. 

  – Cardioid: With a cardioid pattern, the sound that is coming from the front is recorded louder than from the side. Furthermore, it will pick up fewer ambient sounds from the room into your recordings. Cardioid microphones with large diaphragms are ideal for vocal recordings. And they can be used on recording guitar, bass, drums, or even small orchestra ensembles.
  – Omnidirectional: It will record sources from all directions. 
  – Figure 8: It is for opposing sound sources, such as two singers facing the mic from the opposite side.
  – Multi-pattern: Some microphones are multi-pattern. This means that their polar patterns can be changed (e.g., from cardioid to omnidirectional and more). This capability gives your studio microphone the versatility and flexibility you need in your home recordings.

• Frequency Response

  To get the job done, you need a studio mic, with the quality of hardware that will offer excellent performance and sound on your recordings. A studio-quality microphone must record a wide range of frequencies to achieve a clear and full sound. Condenser microphones have a higher frequency response than dynamic types.

• Diaphragm

  All microphones work just like your eardrums. Some diaphragms are thin plates or skins that vibrate due to the pressure of sound waves contacting them. Then, the mechanism attached to the diaphragm translates these vibrations into an electrical signal. That signal is sent down to the mic cable and then to a speaker or computer so that you can hear and record. Size matters and in that case we choose microphones with a large diaphragm. Microphones with small diaphragms are best known for being more precise and accurate, but you will have limited options for vocal and instrument recordings. 

• Build Quality 

  For starters, a $300 microphone is a reasonable budget to search for a reliable choice. Those mics and models we picked below are made to endure everyday use. Build quality is more than the chassis and other apparent components. Also, there are a few simple things to do to make sure your condenser mic will last longer. 

• Connectivity

  XLR, USB, and the standard 3.5mm are your choices, but without a doubt, with an XLR, you will get a better sound quality. Our list is dominated by XLR condenser studio-quality microphones.

How to connect a studio microphone to a computer?

Remember that before buying your studio microphone, you must invest in a decent audio interface. Only if you pick a studio microphone with a USB connection, will you avoid this purchase. As a USB mic is plugged directly into your desktop computer or laptop.

In any case, an audio interface is or will be a necessity in your home recording studio, and that is for sure. Find how many instruments you will need to record at once, and buy an interface with Inputs/Outputs according to your needs. You can find more details about the best audio interfaces under $200, and the best Thunderbolt audio interface. 

What else you will need to use your studio microphone?

There are a couple of things you will need in addition to starting recording. Firstly, the shock mount is essential to absorb vibrations, and a fabric pop filter between the sound source and the mic. Lastly, an XLR cable to connect to your audio interface. Happily, many studio microphones come in packages including those items.

All microphones above, as well, all mics in the world, will work with any DAW. So whether you are using FL Studio, Ableton Live, or Logic Pro, there are no limitations or requirements.

Do not forget that the ambiance and room conditions (sound isolation/soundproofing) have a crucial impact on recording quality. You can see here how to soundproof your room at a reasonable price.

How to protect your studio microphone to last forever?

Take care of your studio tools, and you are halfway there. If you neglect your studio equipment and in our case your condenser microphone, it will give up on you as well.  

• Humidity: You can store your microphone in a closet, or mic cabinet or leave it on the mic stand. But one thing you want to ensure is that the room’s humidity is such that you are not accumulating moisture on the diaphragm.
• Moisture: At some point, you will have a singer or vocalist in your studio that spits a little here or there as they sing. Get a pop filter, and you are done worrying.
• Sound Pressure: Each microphone has its own maximum safe SPL rating. If you put your mouth right to the grill like you see people do with dynamic mics, there is a real possibility that you can harm your microphone permanently. A pop filter can be used here as well, as it keeps a safe distance from the source and therefore the volume. 

Building a proper recording studio requires a lot of planning, searching, and a big wallet. If you are also dreaming of your own recording studio, check how to build a home recording studio at under $600.

Final thoughts…

When you know what you are looking for, you can own one of the best studio microphones with under 300 dollars. Choosing the right condenser studio mic is an easy job with our suggestions above. All options will fit perfectly in any home recording studio, and no matter which one you go with, you won’t be disappointed. In case your pocket can afford more, check the best recording mics under $1000, including a studio microphone used by legend Michael Jackson.

Do not hesitate to post your comments and questions. My team and I would be happy to help!