Unlike in the 80’s and 90’s, you now can get good quality recording equipment like the microphone, guitars, bass material and among others, easy. Be it for your basic home use or work studio, or even for your band, you are guaranteed to get the best equipment at an affordable price.
In this article, we are going to discuss the best condenser mics under 200 in the market. We will describe their features, look at their pros and cons, and enlighten you on what to look out for when doing a condenser microphone shopping. We hope that this article will get rid of any dilemmas that you may have so that you can make the right purchasing decision.
Which is the best condenser mic less than $200?
How to choose a condenser microphone?
Consider your budget- It is always advisable to always spend within your budget. Do not break the bank to get the perfect mic and at the same time do not compromise quality for the price. Always try to compare different prices from different websites while being on the lookout for discounts. Try as much as you can to take advantage of sales deals and always go for the free shipping option to save on delivery costs.
Finally, always get a product that has a manufacturers’ warranty. This will protect you and save you repair costs in case anything happens to the mic. Also, a warranty is a good indication that the product is reliable since the manufacturer is confident about the product as well.
What are you using it for?- It is essential to consider the crucial features of the mics so that you can purchase something that will be beneficial to you. For instance, some mics are good for live social media and podcasts to sound recording at home, and there are others that are good for radio, studio, and other commercial sound recordings.
This will enable you to get the best out of the mic based on your intentions and uses. Also, you should consider the materials used to make the microphone. Getting one that is made from high-quality materials will make it more durable therefore serving you for a more extended period.
The Mic Impedance- Impedance is an amount of opposition a device has to an AC in electric terms. When choosing a mic, it is crucial to consider the electrical impedance since it the quality of sound recorded depends on it. The lower the electrical resistance, the better sound of quality produced by the mic. The impedance will always be written on the package. There are three classifications; Low Impedance (less than 600Ω), Medium Impedance (600Ω – 10,000Ω), and High Impedance (greater than 10,000Ω). Mics with high impedance are often cheap. They are not reliable and durable and also, they do not produce quality sound recordings.
The directionality of the mic- Directionality is the mic’s sensitivity to sound from various directions. Some devices pick sounds equally from multiple directions while others pick up sound from one direction. Omnidirectional mics capture sound from numerous and all directions. Cardioid mics capture sounds from one direction, mostly from the front. When choosing a mic, go for the cardioid type, this is because they ignore other sounds to produce the best and quality recordings especially if you want to record a podcast, social media videos and or a song. The omnidirectional mics are ideal for a concert or in a crowded place with numerous people.
The Frequency Response of the Mic- This refers to the way a microphone responds to multiple frequencies. Some mics have a high-frequency response while others have a low-frequency response. Knowing how it responds to different should positively influence your purchasing decision. Always go for a mic that will satisfy and complements your needs. Get a mic with a flat frequency model as this will make it equally responsive to all the frequencies.
User’s past reviews- And finally, always conduct a little research about the particular mic you have in mind before purchasing. You can read about experiences from past users of the product from multiple review sites and e-commerce sites as well. You will get to have an insight of the product and gather more detailed information that the manufacturer and markets may have omitted. Also, consider the customer ratings. Always go for a product with an excellent customer rating.
7 Best condenser mics under 200 reviewed
1.Fifine K669 Condenser Mic
If you are looking to upgrade your sound equipment to something that will perfectly complement your Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube videos, then look no further. This device should be on your wish list.
It is compatible with numerous operating systems: This mic is well-suited for the following operating systems: Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP Home Edition or XP Professional and Mac OS and Linux OX.
It has a dynamic design: It is made from durable metallic materials and has an adjustable tripod desk stand, making it perfect for tabletop use.
It has a cardioid polar pattern: This improves sound clarity by blocking background noises while recording. It allows you to control the echo intensity.
Advantage
- It has an excellent and dynamic design
- It has an excellent recording quality
- It comes with a handy stand
- It is affordable
- It can be attached to a mic arm mount
Disadvantage
- The USB cable is not long enough
- It is less sensitive. You need to be pretty close to be loud
- It is difficult to find the replacement cable for its 4-Pin XLR
Summary: This mic will provide you with the best solution to having a quality sound recording when it comes to projects like game commentary, podcasts, studio recordings, and Skype calls without having to break the bank necessarily.
2.Audio-Technica AT2020USB PLUS
Are you looking for a microphone that will enable you to directly connect to your computer through the USB while giving you that legit studio sound from the comfort of your house? Well, this device should be yours for the taking.
It is well equipped with a USB output: This enables you to connect the mic to your favorite sound recording software through your computer through the USB port.
It has an award-winning AT2020: This mic is perfect for a songwriter, singers, podcasters, and among others, thanks to its studio-quality articulation of the award-winning AT2020.
It has an inbuilt headphone jack: Unlike most of the other mics, you can directly and easily monitor your sound quality and volume by using a headphone. Its cardioid pattern enables it to resist different background sounds, therefore, offering clear and articulate sound.
Advantage
- It produces a high-quality sound recording
- It is an all in one podcasting and home studio recording solution
- It has an inbuilt headphone jack for monitoring
- It is lightweight
- It is affordable
Disadvantage
- It only works through the USB
- It has a short USB cord
Summary: If you are looking for an effective mic that produces studio quality sound that could be ideally used anywhere, from doing a podcast or a YouTube video at home to producing songs in a commercial studio? Then this would be an excellent choice for you.
3.MXL 990/991 Microphone
Are you looking for something sensitive and practical that will enable you to record your sounds? Then the MXL 990/MXL 991 Recording Mic will be a suitable option for you. It can be used to record sounds from an acoustic guitar, drum bass, and vocal projects.
It has the cardioid polar pattern: This enables it to produce clear and articulate sound by resisting sound from the background and only focuses on sound from one source. You can also control the echo intensity as well to enhance the recording quality.
It has a dynamic design: This mic is made from the sustainable metallic material that makes it durable, reliable and lightweight when compared to other mics. It has stand, making it ideal to balance on a tabletop for recording.
It comes in a 2 in 1 package: This set is ideal for guitars, drum overheads, and recording. The 990 offers a sweet high end and tight bass, ideal for vocal recording, while the 991 is made for musical instruments such as the guitar, acoustic guitar, and the drum.
Advantage
- It easy to use
- It is lightweight
- It is effective
- It is durable
- It is versatile
Disadvantage
- Feels relatively cheap
- Lacks a little in the low end
Summary: With the MXL 990/MXL 991 Recording Mic, you will be able to produce high-quality sound recordings, not only from vocals, but musical instruments, and other things like the wind. If you are looking for a phenomenal mic, then this is what you need. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and grab yourself one of them.
4.Audio-Technica AT2020
Are you looking for something remarkably cheap for both home and commercial use? Then this mic should be yours for the taking. It is practical, sharp, and produces a clear sound recording that will be ideal for your project. It will be great for your Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube videos and at the same time for your podcasts and music production.
It has a cardioid polar pattern: This improves sound clarity by blocking background noises while recording and only allowing sound from one source. It will allow you to control the echo intensity to enhance good quality of the sound recording.
It has an award-winning AT2020: This mic is perfect for a songwriter, singers, podcasters, and among others, thanks to its studio-quality articulation and master craft engineering.
It has a high-frequency response: This mic comes with a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz that makes it possible to reproduce frequency sounds from multiple sources flexibly.
Advantage
- It is easy to use
- It is durable
- It is audio studio quality
- It has dual connectivity, USB, and XLR
- It is affordable
Disadvantage
- The stand is not attractive
- It has no headphone jack
Summary: This is one of the best digital mics available in the market today. It has a reputation of being effective and producing high studio quality sound. Therefore, you are guaranteed to receive the best quality services from this bad boy.
5.CAD Audio GXL2200BP
If you are looking for something effective that will perfectly complement your vocals and your instruments, look no further. The CAD Audio GXL2200BP Condenser Microphone is here to the rescue.
It has the cardioid polar pattern: This enables it to produce clear sound by resisting sound from the background. You can also control the echo intensity as well.
It has high sensitivity and low distortion: This enables the mic to be the perfect option for broadcasting, music and instrument recording.
It has a dynamic design: It is made from a high-quality metallic material that makes it durable therefore the mic will serve you for a long time. It needs 48V of electricity to function and weighs 1.9Ib.
Advantage
- It is easy to set up
- It is easy to use
- It is lightweight
- It is affordable
- It is durable
Disadvantage
- It must have a power outlet
- It has a bad packaging
Summary: If you are looking for a mic that will give you studio quality service without breaking your bank, then the CAD Audio GXL2200BP Condenser Microphone will be a good option for you.
6.TONOR TN562BL Microphone
If you want a mic that will produce studio quality sound recordings whether for your home or commercial project and can easily be connected to the computer, then the Tonor Pro Condenser Microphone XLR should be yours for the taking.
It produces good sound: This is hugely contributed by the 48V phantom power supply capability and cardioid polar mic pattern that enables it to reject background noises, therefore, making your recording clear. You can also control the echo intensity which enhances quality sound recordings.
It has a dynamic design: It comes with a protective pop filter that protects the mic from saliva and popping, therefore, enabling you to produce the best recording without any external interferences.
It is durable: The mic is made from high-quality materials that enable it to serve you well for quite a long time if it is well taken care of. This also makes it lightweight, unlike other mics.
Advantage
- It is easy to use
- It is easy to install
- It is effective
- It is affordable
- It is lightweight
Disadvantage
- It is not that sturdy
- It needs an amplifier for it to be loud enough
Summary: If you would love to upload YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook videos frequently, then this mic will perfectly enhance your voice recording by giving you that clarity that your audience needs. Podcasters and songwriters could also use it. Get yours today.
7.Blue Yeti USB Microphone
If you are looking for a microphone that would ideally work with your favorite sound software through the computer to produce incredible sound recordings, then this USB microphone will be an incredible option for you.
It has multiple color variations: This microphone has up to 11 colors that you can choose from. These colors are platinum, silver, Aztec copper, blackout, lunar grey, midnight blue, satin red, slate, space grey, teal, and whiteout.
It has four pattern modes for recording: Different styles can be used in different settings to produce rich and realistic sounds. They the stereo mode, Cardioid mode, omnidirectional mode, and bidirectional mode. The stereo mode captures sound from all directions, the cardioid mode is ideal for podcasts and gaming streams, the omnidirectional mode enables the microphone to pick sounds equally from all directions, and the bidirectional mode picks sounds from the front and back.
It is compatible with most computers’ operating systems: It requires a minimum of 64 MB and is compatible with Windows 10, 8 (including 8.1), 7, Vista, XP (Home and Professional), and Mac OS X.
Advantage
- It is easy to set up
- It is compatible and lightweight
- It is easy to use
- It has a unique design
- It is affordable
Disadvantage
- It has a non-standard size, hard to find a fitting shock mount
- It has fragile controls/buttons
Summary: If you are looking for something super useful that will produce a high-quality sound recording, then this should be yours for the taking. You will get to use it for different purposes and settings.
The Final Words (Summary)
Getting a microphone will enable you to solve your sound recording problems, but getting the perfect mic at the right price will make your life easier. You will always look forward to your next recordings, be it a podcast, game commentary, or a vocal project. It is crucial to consider your needs before making a purchasing decision. Other factors that you should also consider are the proximity effect, and whether it has a USB cable or not.
This will be essential especially if you would want to be connecting the mic to the computer. Now that you are well enlightened about different types of best condenser microphones under $200, we hope that you will get the best and that it will help you archive your dream, be it starting a YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram videos. So don’t just stay there, walk your talk and get your perfect match.
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