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Looking to elevate your vocal recordings without breaking the bank? You’re in the right place! Finding the perfect vocal mic can transform your sound and take your music to new heights. Here are the 13 best vocal mics under £500, ranked just for you!
The 13 best vocal microphones
1. Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7B is often called the gold standard for vocal mics, and for good reason! Its smooth, flat frequency response captures vocals with stunning clarity, making it a favourite among artists and podcasters alike.
This mic handles high sound pressure levels like a champ, which means it works well for loud vocals, guitar amps and drums. The best part? It’s built to last!
Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone The Shure SM7B is a versatile dynamic microphone known for its warm sound and wide frequency range, making it ideal for vocals and various instruments. Its robust build includes a built-in pop filter, shock mount, and controls for bass roll-off and presence boost, ensuring excellent performance in untreated rooms.
- Rejects room reflections naturally in untreated spaces
- Handles high SPLs without distortion (180dB)
- Smooth, warm tone that flatters most voices without EQ
- Cardioid pattern eliminates bleed effectively
- Sturdy build quality
- Requires high-gain preamp or cloudlifter
- Less detailed than condensers in treated rooms
- Heavier than typical studio mics
- No switchable polar patterns
2. Audio-Technica AT2020
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a budget-friendly condenser mic that doesn’t skimp on quality. This mic delivers crisp, clear sound and a wide frequency range, perfect for capturing the nuances of your vocals. Its durable build ensures it can withstand the rigours of studio life.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, making it suitable for both vocals and instruments. If you’re just starting out, the AT2020 is an excellent choice for your home studio.
Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Known for its affordability and high-quality audio, the AT2020 captures vocals and instruments with clarity and detail, making it an excellent choice for musicians recording at home.
- Clear, crisp sound quality delivers detailed vocal recordings
- Sturdy metal build withstands regular studio use
- Excellent value for money in budget category
- Versatile for vocals, acoustic guitar, and room miking
- Low self-noise ensures clean recordings
- Requires audio interface with phantom power
- No pop shield included (essential for vocal recordings)
- Bright tone may need EQ adjustments for some voices
- No shock mount included with basic stand mount
- Sensitive to room noise in untreated spaces
3. Rode NT1
Wait, there’s more! The Rode NT1 is known for its low self-noise and exceptional clarity. This condenser mic provides a warm sound that can really bring your vocals to life.
It comes with a shock mount and pop filter, making it a great value for the price. The NT1 is perfect for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, and even podcasts, making it a must-have in any recording setup.
RØDE NT1 Condenser Microphone The RØDE NT1 Signature Series Microphone is a versatile condenser mic featuring a low noise floor (4dBA) and a smooth frequency response, ideal for capturing vocals and acoustic instruments. Its robust build includes a shock mount and pop filter, making it suitable for home studio use, including recording vocals, guitars, and more.
- Extremely low self-noise (one of the quietest mics available)
- Clear and detailed sound, ideal for vocals and acoustic instruments
- Durable metal construction
- Comes with a shock mount and pop filter in most bundles
- Can sound harsh on certain voices due to bright high-end
- Requires a quality preamp to get the best sound
- Sensitive to room noise due to high sensitivity
- Phantom power required
4. Sennheiser e835
Looking for a dynamic mic that can handle live performances as well as studio sessions? The Sennheiser e835 is a fantastic choice! Its cardioid pickup pattern effectively reduces background noise, ensuring your vocals shine through.
This mic is durable and reliable, making it perfect for gigs and recording. Its ability to handle high sound pressure levels means you can belt out those high notes without fear of distortion.
Sennheiser E835 Vocal Mic Performance Kit - Clear, crisp sound
- Sturdy metal build
- Handles feedback well
- Great value for money
- Comes with stand and cable
- Not as versatile as some mics
- Stand quality is basic
- Cable could be longer
5. AKG C214
Here’s the kicker! The AKG C214 is a professional-grade condenser mic that offers superb sound quality without the hefty price tag. Its dual-capsule design allows for incredible detail and clarity in your recordings.
This mic is great for vocals and instruments alike, making it a versatile addition to your studio. With its durable construction and excellent performance, the C214 is a fantastic investment for any serious musician.
AKG Pro Audio C214 Large Diaphragm, Single Capsule Condenser Microphone The AKG C214 is a versatile large-diaphragm condenser microphone designed for home recording. It excels in capturing vocals and acoustic instruments with warmth and clarity. The bundle includes a boom stand, pop filter, and XLR cable, making it ideal for various recording setups.
- The C214's large diaphragm captures vocals with warmth and clarity.
- The bundle includes everything you need to start recording straight away.
- The mic feels solid and well-made, built to last.
- The boom stand allows for easy adjustment to find the perfect angle.
- The included pop filter helps tame those pesky 'p' and 'b' sounds.
- It can be a little fiddly fitting the mic to the stand.
- It might take some time to find the best settings for your voice.
- Picks up background noise easily, which can be tricky in untreated rooms.
6. MXL 990
The MXL 990 is a classic choice for many home studios. This condenser mic delivers a warm, vintage sound that adds character to your vocals. With its affordable price point, the MXL 990 is perfect for beginners looking to upgrade their sound.
Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to position, making it a breeze to use. If you’re aiming for a classic sound without spending a fortune, this mic is a great option.
MXL 990 Blizzard The MXL 990 Blizzard is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone designed for capturing vocals and acoustic instruments. Its cardioid pickup pattern isolates sound sources, making it suitable for home recording in various environments.
- Crisp and clear sound quality with warm character
- Eye-catching vintage design with quality feel
- Versatile for vocals and acoustic instruments
- Solid metal build quality
- Outstanding value for money
- Requires audio interface with phantom power
- May pick up background noise (20dB-A self-noise)
- Limited to cardioid pattern only
- No switchable features (pad or filter)
- Lower SPL handling (130dB) than competitors
7. Blue Spark SL
The Blue Spark SL is a stylish and powerful condenser mic that’s perfect for capturing vocals. Its modern design doesn’t just look good; it also delivers a clear and articulate sound that brings your voice to life.
The Spark SL features a high-pass filter and a -20dB pad, giving you the ability to record loud signal sources. Whether you’re tracking vocals or instruments, this mic is sure to impress!
Blue Blackout Spark SL XLR Condenser Microphone The Blue Blackout Spark SL is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone featuring Class-A JFET electronics, a cardioid polar pattern, and an XLR connection. Ideal for home recording, it captures vocals and instruments with clarity, utilises a 100Hz high-pass filter to reduce low-end rumble, and includes a -20dB pad for loud sources.
- The audio is crisp and clear, capturing the nuances of vocals and instruments.
- It feels sturdy and well-made, with a metal shockmount included.
- The high-pass filter and -20dB pad are beneficial for various recording scenarios.
- It looks sleek and professional - ideal if you like to double up recordings with video.
- It picks up a lot of background noise, necessitating a quiet space for optimal results.
- An audio interface and possibly some acoustic treatment for your room are necessary.
- Some users have reported missing switches or distortion problems.
- Being an XLR mic, it’s not as straightforward to set up as a USB option.
- It's not the cheapest option available for home recording beginners.
8. Heil PR-40
You won’t want to miss the Heil PR-40! This dynamic microphone is known for its incredible sound quality and versatility. With its wide frequency response and low self-noise, the PR-40 is a top choice for vocals, especially in live settings.
Its sturdy design ensures durability, and the tailored frequency response helps to emphasise the warmth of your voice. If you’re looking for a mic that can handle both studio and stage, the PR-40 is a solid pick.
Heil PR-40 The Heil PR-40 is a dynamic microphone designed for studio use, featuring a frequency range of 28 Hz to 18 kHz. Its large diaphragm captures vocals and instruments with clarity, while the internal pop filter reduces plosives.
- Stellar sound quality
- Robust build
- Great for vocals and instruments
- Low noise floor
- No need for a pop filter
- Quite large and heavy
- Pricey for home studio use
- Requires a good preamp
- Not ideal for live performances
9. Warm Audio WA-47Jr
The Warm Audio WA-47 junior version is a homage to classic microphones, offering vintage sound quality at an affordable price. This large-diaphragm condenser mic is perfect for capturing the full range of your vocals. Its warm tone and rich midrange make it ideal for both singing and spoken word.
Plus, its switchable polar patterns give you flexibility in your recordings. If you want a classic vibe without breaking the bank, the WA-47hr is your answer!
Warm Audio WA-47Jr Microphone The Warm Audio WA-47Jr is a versatile large-diaphragm condenser microphone featuring three polar patterns: cardioid, figure-8, and omnidirectional. It excels in capturing warm, detailed sound for vocals and acoustic instruments, making it ideal for home studio recordings. Its robust build quality ensures durability for frequent use.
- Rich, full-bodied sound.
- Three polar patterns for flexibility.
- Solid build quality.
- Great value for money.
- Handles high SPLs well.
- Can be slightly noisy.
- Needs a good preamp to shine.
- Not as detailed as some pricier mics.
- Limited accessories included.
10. Telefunken M80
Looking to add some excitement to your vocal recordings? The Telefunken M80 is a dynamic microphone that delivers an impressive frequency response and a natural sound.
Its cardioid polar pattern helps isolate your vocals from background noise, making it a great choice for both live performances and studio recordings. The M80’s rugged build ensures it can handle the rigours of touring, while its clarity and presence make it a favourite among many professionals.
Telefunken M80 Chrome - Crisp, detailed sound
- Handles high volumes well
- Built to last
- Crystal-clear sound quality
- Robust build that can handle rough treatment
- Versatile for both vocals and instruments
- Sleek chrome finish looks great on stage
- Excellent feedback rejection
- Slightly heavier than average
- Pricier than some other dynamic mics
- Might be too bright for some voices
- No on/off switch
- Requires proper mic technique or pop shield to avoid plosives
11. Beyerdynamic M88 TG
The Beyerdynamic M88 TG is a dynamic mic that excels in both studio and live settings. With its tight cardioid pattern, it effectively rejects ambient noise, ensuring your vocals remain the star of the show.
The M88 TG has a rich low end and clear highs, making it versatile enough for various vocal styles. Its durable construction means you can rely on it for years to come!
Beyerdynamic M88 TG Dynamic Microphone The Beyerdynamic M88 TG is a dynamic microphone with a hypercardioid pattern, ideal for vocals, bass drums, and studio recording. It features an extended frequency range for enhanced clarity and rich bass response, making it suitable for various instruments.
- Rich, full-bodied sound
- Exceptional clarity for a dynamic mic
- Handles high sound pressure levels like a champ
- Versatile - great for vocals and instruments
- Built tough for studio and stage use
- Pricey compared to some other dynamic mics
- Can be sensitive to plosives
- Might be overkill for basic home recording setups
12. Samson C01
If you’re on a tight budget, the Samson C01 is an excellent choice for beginners. This large-diaphragm condenser mic provides a solid sound at an unbeatable price.
It’s perfect for capturing vocals and instruments, making it a great all-around option for home studios. The C01’s rugged design and easy-to-use features make it a reliable choice for anyone just starting their recording journey.
Samson C01 Condenser Microphone The Samson C01 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone ideal for home studio use, capturing vocals and acoustic instruments with clarity. Its cardioid pickup pattern reduces background noise, while the sturdy metal build ensures durability.
- Great sound quality for the price
- Sturdy build with a heavy-duty mesh grill
- Excellent for recording vocals and acoustic guitars
- Handles loud sources without distortion
- Gold-plated XLR connector for reliable connections
- LED indicator for phantom power
- Requires phantom power, so you'll need an audio interface
- Not as versatile as some pricier mics
- Can be sensitive to plosives, so a pop filter is a must
- Might pick up unwanted room noise in untreated spaces
13. SE Electronics X1 A
Rounding out our list is the SE Electronics X1 A. This condenser mic offers outstanding performance at a budget-friendly price.
With its detailed sound and excellent transient response, the X1 A is perfect for capturing the nuances of your voice. It’s versatile enough for vocals, acoustic instruments, and even drums.
sE Electronics X1 A Microphone - Solid build quality with an all-metal housing
- Excellent noise rejection, which is crucial for home recordings
- Built-in windscreen saves space and money
- Versatile with its -20 dB pad and 100Hz low-cut switch
- Gold-plated XLR connector ensures a reliable signal
- Bundled pop filter is a nice bonus
- Might be overkill for absolute beginners
- Requires phantom power, which not all interfaces provide
- Can be sensitive to plosives even with the built-in windscreen
- Not the most flattering for all voice types
- Pop filter gooseneck could be sturdier
Capture your best sound
Now that you know the 13 best vocal mics under £500, you have a fantastic selection to choose from! Each of these mics offers unique features and sound quality that can elevate your recordings.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, investing in the right microphone can make all the difference in capturing your best sound. So go ahead, pick one (or more) and let your voice shine!
