If you are a Singer and want to start your career after a lot of discussion with your family and yourself, The first thing that you’ll need to get your singing career on a track is to pick up the Best Condenser Microphones under $100 For musicians on a budget or Budget Studio Equipments could be challenging in the beginning. Well, here’s the list of Top 6 Best budget Condenser Microphones Under $100 in 2022.
If you are here searching for the budget microphones, then trust me, you already are a step ahead of many people out there who are still thinking about ent into the music Industruppingand up their game.
Let me ask you, What is the first thing people listen to in a song? The answer is Vocals. Every person notices the quality of vocals in the first place. So you have to be very careful about choosing the right Best budget condenser mic for vocals under $100.
Don’t worry, You don’t need to go all around the web or ask person to person about the Best affordable Condenser Microphones For Vocals in 2022 and also at a cheap price. Because that could be frustrating. Everyone has a different taste and perspective. We brought you all the things needed for your Home Studio Essentials that’ll help you to set upr own home studio.
Contents
Below are the Best Cheap Condenser Mics you can buy for under $100:
Our Quick Top Picks
If you are in a Hurry, Here I’m mentioning our Top 3 best budget condenser microphones vocal Under $100. These are our top pics. You can directly go for them as they are the best in the range and provide the best value for money.
1. Audio Technica AT2020 – (Our Best Choice)
2. AKG P120 – (Our Second Best Choice)
3. MXL 990 – (3rd Best Choice)
But before entering into the list directly, there are certain things that you need to consider or you should know about. There are various things that you should know of like, What are Condenser Mics, What are Dynamic Mics, How to use them, etc. These questions will be answered in the last. But before that, you should know the difference between Condenser Microphones and Dynamic Microphones.
Let’s Start the Journey of getting deeper in finding the Best Budget Condenser Microphones for Vocals.
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Introduction
If you want to start your career, it is a must that you should know about the types of microphones. Every environment requires a different type of microphone and every microphone requires a different environment.
Let’s take a look at the different types of microphones that you must know and when are they used.
Types Of Microphones
1. Carbon Microphones
You must have seen this type of microphone in the old movies. Carbon microphone is the oldest and most simple microphone that was used for recording in the olden days.
It has a thin coating of either metal or plastic diaphragm on one side. When hit by the soundwaves, the carbon dust gets compressed and changes its resistance. Later due to the flow of the current, the frequency of the sound gets changed.
And this is how the recording in the olden ways was done. But today, Carbon microphones are only used as some kind of props and not for vocal recordings.
2. Ribbon Microphone
Ribbon Mics are bidirectional meaning the sound can be captured from both sides. In the ribbon microphones, a thin ribbon is made of aluminum, duralluinium, or nanofilm. When the soundwaves enter, the ribbon vibrates within its magnetic field. The vibration generates the tiny voltage as per the velocity.
The ribbon microphone has a really thin and delicate element because of which, the voice captured is very fast. These microphones are very sensitive and fragile to use. Therefore, it’s always needed to handle with care.
3. Cardioid Microphones
If you want to record a mic from only a single direction, Or need a microphone that doesn’t record with the other side as well, you can go for Cardioid Microphones. They are unidirectional. That means these mics record from only a single side.
The polar Pattern of Cardioid Microphone is considered as the following type.
- Unidirectional
- Kidney
- Heart
The best benefit of using this type of microphone is its unidirectional feature. You won’t be recording any extra choir from the other side.
4. Dynamic Microphones
We come to the second most famous variant of the microphones. Dynamic Microphones are very famous among the music community people.
Dynamic microphones convert the sound into an electrical signal through the process called electromagnetism. The process takes place in two types of mics, they are ribbon microphones that we saw earlier and the other one is moving coil i.e our very own, Condenser Microphone.
We are going to learn more in detail below. So let’s just move to our next type of microphone in the list.
5. Condenser Microphones
Condenser Microphones are also called ‘Capacitor Microphones’ by the British because of the structure of the microphone. You may have learned this in your classroom about the capacitor. “The capacitor is two metal plates placed nearby, the closer the metals, the higher the capacitance.
Using this technology, the condenser microphones were made. While dynamic microphones are mostly used for live performances because of their tough body, condenser microphones are used in studios.
They are too sensitive in nature when it comes to capturing sound.
Dynamic vs Condenser Mics
When it comes to choosing a microphone for your home studio, it’s always better to know what do you need. You can not use the condenser mics for the live shows, and similarly, using the dynamic microphone can be sometimes done, but that requires some factors to keep in mind.
Dynamic Microphone
As I already told you, the dynamic mics do work in the mechanism called electromagnetism. This makes the microphone capture the voice closest to it and excludes the rest.
Because of the low range of catching the vocal frequency, dynamic mics are mostly used by singers for live shows. They catch the voice of the person who is closest to it and it helps to give the clean vocals that are needed rather than capturing other unwanted noise.
What are dynamic microphones used for?
If you are a singer and you do a lot of choir in your neighborhood, you can use these dynamic microphones. Imagine during the live shows, there is a large crowd cheering for you while you are singing. And your microphone catches the crowd cheer too, it won’t sound soothing, isn’t it? Dynamic microphone do this work for you and only records the voice of a person closest to it.
Also, for musicians who play guitar or drums, this mic helps them a lot as sometimes they may hit the microphone with their hands or stick unwillingly. The mics being tough in nature, can absorb all kinds of toughness.
So the Dynamic Microphones are used for live shows and for the musicians who play drums or guitar.
Can you use a dynamic mic to record vocals?
Mostly. Condenser Microphones are used for recording vocals. But under some circumstances, dynamic mics are also used for recording vocals. Let me tell you how and when can you use dynamic microphones to record vocals.
Suppose you have a home studio, and the room in which you’ve set up the studio doesn’t have proper sound-proofing, or padding to absorb the sound, then you are definitely going to face the problem of echo in your vocals. While using a condenser mic for recording in such rooms, your echo will get recorded too and it will create a problem in mixing.
But the dynamic mics are made in such a way that they record the vocals which are nearest to it. So the echoes do not get recorded.
This doesn’t mean that you can record a good voice in a full echoed room with a dynamic microphone. Sound padding is necessary to absorb the echoes and get a clean voice to record.
Why do you need dynamic michrophone?
We need a dynamic microphone because it gives us a clear voice while playing any instrument or singing live. Also because of the toughness of the mic, it can be used at any type of place without any bothering about defecting the microphone.
As I already mentioned above the use of dynamic microphones let me tell you again. Dynamic microphones are used in the Iive performances and while playing the instruments like Guitar, drums, etc.
How close should you be to a dynamic microphone?
The voice capturing capacity of the dynamic microphones is quite less than that of the condenser microphones. So you need to be closer to the microphone to record good quality vocals.
The best position between your mouth and your mic (Dynamic microphone) should be around 6-12 inches. This will give the mic to catch your sound more effectively without receiving any extra unnecessary vocals.
Condenser Microphone
Condenser Microphones are the most sensitive microphones in comparison to any of the others. Even a little amount of shake in the surrounding can result to waste in your recording.
While recording the vocal or any instruments, the mic (Condenser Microphone) is placed on the stand and the shock absorber mount. The stand keeps away the microphone from touching and the shock mount prevents any kind of movement of the mic.
One needs to be very careful with the condenser microphones while recording.
What are condenser microphones best for?
The condenser microphones are best for the only recording of vocals and instruments. These mics are used only in the studios under some modifications.
A condenser microphone is very sensitive and has the ability to record every sound present in the room. Proper soundproofing is done to use the condenser mics. If you want to use this microphone as your home studio setup, keep in your mind that you have a room that does not have an echo or any other surround sound.
Are condenser mics louder than dynamic?
Because a condenser microphone catches more sound frequency than that of a dynamic microphone, doesn’t mean it’s louder.
The only reason condenser microphones are considered louder ones is because of their sensitivity. They are much sensitive than dynamic ones. Whereas, the type of mic should be chosen according to the requirements.
So NO, Condenser Mics are not Louder than the dynamic Microphones. And to conclude, No mics are either louder or softer, it all depends upon the sensitivity of the mics.
How close should you be to a Condenser microphone?
The condenser microphones having high sensitivity record every detail of the vocals. Even the sound from very far can be recorded by it.
While singers or instrument players are recording through a condenser mic, they need to keep in mind to keep a proper distance between themselves and the microphone as even a small shake can spoil the recordings.
Again you can keep a safe distance of 6-12 inches between your mouth and microphone. But always remember to use the pop filters while recording through the condenser microphone. This will help to prevent the ‘ph’ sound that comes from your mouth.
Advantages of Dynamic Microphone
1. Cheap
When it comes to the price tag between the condenser mics and dynamic mics, dynamic always wins. They come in a range of prices starting with very cheap prices.
If you looking for recording microphones for a home studio, and instead require one just to use for choir or small gatherings, the dynamic microphones are the best options on a budget for you.
2. Tough
One other important reason for using dynamic microphones over the condenser mics is the build quality. Dynamic microphones are very tough in nature and can handle a lot of pressure.
Even if it falls to the ground, you don’t need to worry about it, your microphone will be safe yet. So if you are a traveler, roam to various places, this will be best for you guys.
3. Easy to Use
While using dynamic microphones, you don’t have to be a technical person. The components are basic and easy to use.
Without putting too much effort into understanding the settings of the microphone, you can proceed directly to your performance by just switching the microphone on with a single button.
Advantages of Condenser Microphones
1. Great Range Capture
If you are using the dynamic microphone for recording vocals, you may not get the best quality in comparison to the sound quality you will get from the condenser microphone.
The condenser microphone has a great range to capture the sound that is why you get enhanced quality of vocals recorded through it. To use the condenser mics, you just need to choose a place with minimal sounds and echoes.
2. Frequency
To get a clear voice, a microphone should be able to give the flat frequency response, but it becomes quite difficult for other types of mics to give the flat frequency.
But condenser microphones provide the perfect flatter frequency response which gives a nice-sounding vocal.
3. Great for record Ambience and Effects
Due to its better frequency response and great dynamic range, the condenser microphone suits best for the recording of ambiance sound and sound effects.
You get a clear and soothing sound in comparison to the result of a dynamic microphone.
Top 6 best budget condenser microphones for vocal Recording
Enough of giving the knowledge about the microphone. Let’s dive into the list of 6 Best CONDENSER MICROPHONES for Voice Recording on a Budget.
Microphones | Diaphragm Size | Frequency Response | SPL | Polar Pattern | Buy on Amazon |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audio Technica ATR2500X – USB | 17mm | 30 Hz to 15 kHz | 144dB | Cardioid | CHECK PRICE |
MXL 990 | 17mm | 30 Hz to 20 kHz | 133dB | Cardioid | CHECK PRICE |
AKG p120 | 18mm | 20 Hz to 20 kHz | 130dB | Cardioid | CHECK PRICE |
Audio Technica at2020 | 16mm | 20 Hz to 20 kHz | 144dB | Cardioid | CHECK PRICE |
Neat Microphone Worker Bee | 16mm | 20 Hz to 20 kHz | 145dB | Cardioid | CHECK PRICE |
Samson C-01 | 19mm | 50 Hz to 20 kHz | 140dB | Cardioid | CHECK PRICE |
The most suitable for recording vocals in a studio environment is the microphone with a large diaphragm. The large-diaphragm results in the vocal sound being large and great.
Also Read: Best 88 Key MIDI Keyboard
Top 6 Best budget Condenser Microphones for Vocals Under $100
Let’s take a closer look at the features and specifications of the mics mentioned above in detail. It’s quite difficult to find the best microphones for vocal recording in the budget range of $100.
We did our best to bring you the quality recording microphone on a budget. Here they are…
Specifications
Microphone Type: Condenser | |
Polar Pattern: Cardioid | |
Diaphragm Size: 63″ (16mm) | |
Frequency Response: 20Hz-10kHz | |
A/D Resolution: 16-bit/48kHz | |
Max SPL: 144db SPL (1kHz at 1% THD) | |
Output Impedance: 47 ohms | |
Signal to Noise Ratio: 74dB, 1kHz at 1Pa | |
Self Noise: 20dB | |
Colour: Black | |
Connector: USB Type B (mic output), 1/8″ TRS (headphones) | |
Requirements: Mac: OS X 10.8.5 or Later | |
Requirements:PC: Windows 7 SP1 or Later | |
Power Source: Bus-powered | |
Dimensions: 6.38″ x 2.05″ | |
Weight: 85 lbs | |
Included Accessories: Tripod Desk Stand, USB Cable, Mic Stand Adapter, Soft Pouch | |
Manufacturer Part Number: AT2020USB+ |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Build quality is fairly well
- Long USB cable Type-C
- Low Price
Cons
- Not good as XLR
Discription
atr or Audio Technica ATR 2500x-USB is the first on the list of Best budget Condenser Microphones for Vocals Under $100. First of all, let’s talk about the build quality of this bad boy.
The build quality is actually fairly well, It’s got a nice weight
to it and there’s basically zero plastic on the body itself except for the buttons on the front to change the volume. Unfortunately, though, that can’t really be said about the accessories.
Inside the box, you get a decently long USB type-C to type-A cable, and I actually have no complaints about the cable. it’s a great length, reaches all the way that it needs to for any home studio setup. Well, there is a downstand while music the cable to connect your microphone directly to your computer, or else, it’s just fine.
You also get the microphone stand, desk mount, well not really desk mount
perse’s more just like a little tripod for it.
my personal opinion on this is that if you have the budget, you can go for a different mic stand as the quality isn’t as good as mentioned. You’ve got the direct monitor port on it for your headphones and basically, some shock mounts can cover it up and it can get pretty annoying but anyway let’s talk about the target person for this microphone who’s actually going to buy this bad boy.
Well, the price is actually fairly decent. It comes in at just about
30 bucks cheaper than the others. The shock mount of this microphone works just decent. I won’t say that it’s best but also not worst. So yes for the starters, you can go with this microphone blindfolded.
Specifications
Microphone Type: Condenser | |
Polar Pattern: Cardioid | |
Diaphragm Size: 0.66″ (16.39mm) | |
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz | |
A/D Resolution: 16-bit/48kHz | |
Max SPL: 130db SPL | |
Output Impedance: 200 ohms | |
Signal to Noise Ratio: 75dB | |
Self Noise: 19dB | |
Colour: Black | |
Connector: XLR | |
Requirements: Mac: OS X 10.8.5 or Later | |
Requirements:PC: Windows 7 SP1 or Later | |
Power Source: Bus-powered | |
Dimensions: 6.49″ x 2.12″ | |
Weight: 85 lbs | |
Included Accessories: Mic Stand Adapter | |
Manufacturer Part Number: 3101H00400 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Cheap and Affordable
- great sound reading
- build quality is good
Cons
- Does not provide Pop filter
- Lacks shock mount
- The self-noise level is quite loud
Discription
If you’re looking for an entry-level xlr microphone for singing vocals or
voiceover, this thing is going to do it all. It’s only $99 and you’re hearing the p120 right now.
The akg p120 is built in a way that should last long enough until you become capable to buy a high price condenser microphone with your own earned money. I hope you are getting what I’m trying to say.
The cardoid polar pattern is used in P120. So, it can be used for multi-mic as the voice coming from other sides will not be caught with microphone being unidirectional.
The great plus point while buying this mic is the lightweight. Being in your hand, you won’t feel any extra weight of metal. This allows for better accuracy of the input.
Since being cheap and affordable in price, akg p120 is best for the home studio. You can use it if you make a song in your bedroom and want to start from the beginning in your learning phase.
If we talk about the downside of the microphone, it doesn’t come with the shock mount. And shock mount is the necessary equipment that you’ll need to protect any vibration during recording sessions.
Specifications
Microphone Type: Pressure Gradient Condenser | |
Polar Pattern: Cardioid | |
Diaphragm Size: 0.78″ (16mm) | |
Frequency Response: 30Hz-20kHz | |
A/D Resolution: 16-bit/48kHz | |
Max SPL: 130db SPL (1kHz at 0.5% THD) | |
Output Impedance: 200 ohms | |
Signal to Noise Ratio: 80dB | |
Self Noise: 20dB | |
Color: Champagne | |
Connector: XLR | |
Requirements: Mac: OS X 10.8.5 or Later | |
Requirements:PC: Windows 7 SP1 or Later | |
Power Source: 48V Phantom Power | |
Dimensions: 5.11″ x 2.36″ | |
Weight: 1.2 lbs | |
Included Accessories: Hardshell Case, Mic Stand Adapter, Shock Mount | |
Manufacturer Part Number: MXL990 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Cheap and Affordable
- quality xlr cables
- build quality is good
Cons
- Does not provide Pop filter
- Lacks shock mount
- The self-noise level is quite loud
Discription
The mxl990, you will get the 2 under 150 bucks. Isn’t that cheap? Initially, I used these microphones, bought 2 on an amazon deal, and ever since then I
haven’t grabbed my expensive mics.
Every time I used these microphones, I got another reason to like them even more and wanted to use them. Well, it’s suitable for both, podcasting or singing. Without breaking your bank, you can just buy these budget studio microphones. This is one of the best budget condenser microphones that can come in your budget.
Along with the mic, you will get the XLR cable that you can connect with your audio interface, and from the audio interface, your sound will enter the computer.
For any condenser microphones which isn’t a USB version, you’ll be needed an audio interface. The quality of the mic is very good though you’ll need your room acoustically treated in order to get the perfect voice.
Specifications
Microphone Type: Condenser | |
Polar Pattern: Cardioid | |
Diaphragm Size: 63″ (16mm) | |
Frequency Response: 20Hz-10kHz | |
A/D Resolution: 16-bit/48kHz | |
Max SPL: 144db SPL (1kHz at 1% THD) | |
Output Impedance: 47 ohms | |
Signal to Noise Ratio: 74dB, 1kHz at 1Pa | |
Self Noise: 20dB | |
Colour: Black | |
Connector: XLR | |
Requirements: Mac: OS X 10.8.5 or Later | |
Requirements:PC: Windows 7 SP1 or Later | |
Power Source: Bus-powered | |
Dimensions: 6.38″ x 2.05″ | |
Weight: 85 lbs | |
Included Accessories: Tripod Desk Stand, USB Cable, Mic Stand Adapter, Soft Pouch | |
Manufacturer Part Number: AT2020 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Amazing Quality
- Easy to use
- Great build quality
- Good polar pattern
Cons
- To some, the sound was quieter
- Some faced white noise on the recording
- The pack doesn’t include XLR cables
Description
Audio Technica’s new at2020 is undoubtedly the best studio microphone you’ll find in the store. I personally used it in my past and trust me the quality is superb for an entry-level condenser microphone.
The polar pattern of the microphone is a fixed cardioid and you won’t find any switches for pads or filters. Though that won’t be any problem for you. Easier the settings at the beginners level, the better the options.
At2020 is slightly small in size if compared to Audio Technica’s other varients, but it does not compromise the quality of the sound. If you think that a small size will decrease the recording quality, you are wrong. The sound that this mic recorded is warm and tough solid.
With the bandwidth 20Hz to 20kHz, the at2020 offers plenty of bass extension. You get the deeper recordings.
İn terms of build quality, the microphone is made up of solid metals with the outer part covering the inner capsule. The microphone has a second layer outside that helps in a way to cover the popping sound, but in order to reduce it completely, you can always opt for pop filters. That will help to neglect the ‘ph’ sound
At2020 being the vocal microphone gives a mid-range warmth that most singers love. Getting a clean deep voice is what you should look for while searching for microphones. Though there are quite limitations when recording the instruments from a distance.
But if your instruments have a sound that is high, then yes you can maintain a proper distance. İf you are starting your career now, go for it.
Specifications
Microphone Type: Condenser | |
Polar Pattern: Cardioid | |
Diaphragm Size: 24mm | |
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz | |
A/D Resolution: 16-bit/48kHz | |
Max SPL: 145db SPL | |
Output Impedance: 50 ohms | |
Signal to Noise Ratio: 79dB, 1kHz at 1Pa | |
Self Noise: 9.5 dB | |
Colour: Black/Yellow | |
Connector: XLRM | |
Requirements: Mac: OS X 10.8.5 or Later | |
Requirements:PC: Windows 7 SP1 or Later | |
Power Source: Bus-powered | |
Dimensions: 6.38″ x 2.05″ | |
Weight: 0.98 lbs | |
Included Accessories: Pop Filter, Shock Mount | |
Manufacturer Part Number: MIC- WBCSSC |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Audio Quality is Top-Notch
- Distinctive Design
- Easy to Set-Up
- Free Spinny Toy
Cons
- Very heavy
- Different design(may not be liked by everyone)
- Have two screws in the bottom.
Description
Skipper wise and Martins Saulspurens founded a company named Neat Microphone. This is a new company under the umbrella of Gibson Brands.
There are two variants of the neat bee. The king variant and the worker variant. The king variant is an expensive one and the worker is quite cheap under $100.
The microphone has a large diaphragm of 35mm. The cardioid pick-up is from the side of the mic. The noise-to-signal ratio is 16Hz to 20kHz which worker bee is promising.
The build quality of the microphone is a tough metal. And the design is of a honeycomb. Well, design-wise, it may not be suitable for everyone, but if you are looking for something of a different design in the market, this will work. Actually, the design is quite good and attractive.
The pop filter of the microphone is what I like the most. İt pops on the part of the mic where there is a capsule. İf you look underside, you’ll find two screws directly into threaded holes on the microphone and also you’ll find a recess to the base of the shock mount to guide you.
Although it’s of a distinctive design, a catchy one. Once you made up your mind to buy this microphone, you’ll fall in love with the design and its quality.
Specifications
Microphone Type: Condenser | |
Polar Pattern: Hyper-Cardioid | |
Diaphragm Size: 0.75″ (19mm) | |
Frequency Response: 20Hz-18kHz | |
A/D Resolution: 16-bit/48kHz | |
Max SPL: 136db SPL | |
Output Impedance: 200 ohms | |
Signal to Noise Ratio: 74dB, 1kHz at 1Pa | |
Self Noise: 20dB | |
Colour: Silver | |
Connector: XLR | |
Requirements: Mac: OS X 10.8.5 or Later | |
Requirements:PC: Windows 7 SP1 or Later | |
Power Source: Bus-powered | |
Dimensions: 6.38″ x 2.05″ | |
Weight: 2 lbs | |
Included Accessories: Stand Mount, Carry Case | |
Manufacturer Part Number: SAC01 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good quality Mic
- Rugged Mic Design
- Includes a stand mount
Cons
- Little noisier than others in the range
Description
Samson C-01 is the cheapest microphone on the list of best budget condenser microphones for vocal and it stands out with its affordability. If you want to purchase this large-diaphragm condenser microphone, you just have to spend $70 and yes you receive a handsome budget condenser microphone in your hands.
This microphone has all the important features that you will see on any high-priced microphone. Those features allow you to record smooth and clean vocals or if you play any instruments, you can record them too.
At the same price, if you look for any other microphone, you won’t get the same quality that can par the quality of Samson C-01. If you even find any other product with the same quality, even then, the quality will be a little diminished.
When you receive your microphone delivery, you also get a shock mount with it. On that shock mount, you can also connect your pop filter. There is a misconception that only expensive mics can give the quality sound, but that’s wrong. If you have a quality voice, there’s no stop.
Verdict
According to me, If you are looking for the best budget condenser microphones for a vocal that is good in all aspects, You should go with Audio Technica at2020. This one is the best microphone in the budget and also let me tell you a thing.
Being a singer myself, when I started my career as a music producer, the first Studio vocal recording microphone that I chose was at2020. And trust me, you will get a quality response.
Things to Consider
If you are looking or planning to buy something new for the first time, make sure that you must always know the things to consider about the product.
There are many things that you need before looking into the microphones for recording Vocals. We have covered everything important below. So read that carefully and be thorough before buying the best budget condenser microphones for vocals.
Build Quality
Build quality is what you should look for in the first place when you buy any new products. The material of the product says a lot, whether it’s made of cheap plastic or from a rich fiber.
In microphones, you will get a variety of build qualities. You can also get the best-finished microphone at a cheap price, whereas there are also some which will be high in terms of price, but very low in build quality.
Frequency Response
Most audio products you purchase have a frequency response listed as one of the standard specifications. Frequency responses are available for speakers, headphones, microphones, amplifiers, receivers, CD or DVD players, and any number of other audio devices or components.
Some manufacturers tout having a wide frequency range, but such numbers tell only part of the story and aren’t necessarily an indicator of overall sound quality. A set of headphones may list a frequency response specification of say 34 Hertz to 20 Kilohertz plus or minus 3 decibels, but what exactly does that mean? It indicates that sound between 34 Hertz and 20 Kilohertz is accurate within plus or minus 3 decibels.
I’ll provide you with a detailed explanation of what frequency response is. Just a word of warning; this is a bit of an advanced topic so if you do have questions, leave a comment below and I’ll answer them for you.
What is Frequency in Microphone?
So, what is frequency response and why does it matter? Frequency response, which is often displayed on a graph or chart as a curve, describes how a device responds to sound across a range of frequencies, Frequencies are measured in Hertz along the x-axis of a graph with sound pressure level measured in Decibels alone on the y-axis of the graph.
A frequency response curve is a graphical representation of how a microphone will respond in the audio spectrum and so how it will affect the signal’s overall sound timbre. Most products list specifications that cover a minimum of 20 Hertz on the low end to 20Kilohertz on the high end which is the generally accepted hearing range for humans. Frequencies above and below these numbers are often referred to as wideband frequency responses and can also be important. The measurement of decibels indicates the maximum variation of volume level and how well a device remains uniform, from the lowest to the highest tone.
Polar Pattern
Now let’s talk about the Polar pattern and how well a microphone will pick up sound coming at it from different directions – from the front, from the side, or from the back. Remember some microphones are 360 degrees so where it’s not just the front, there is also the back, its top and the bottom, and just everything.
so essentially, microphones come in two basic polar pattern flavors we have – omnidirectional and unidirectional. Small patterns can pretty much be grouped into those.
Omnidirectional
Omnidirectional is as it sounds. Omni means all-around so that’s a microphone that will respond to sound equally all around the microphone. So if you have an omnidirectional microphone, You could rotate it in any direction and your voice will not change. That’s an omnidirectional microphone.
Unidirectional
These patterns are bi-directional also known as figure-of-eight. You see there are a lot of studio mics and most ribbon microphones are unidirectional Microphones. These microphones pick up equally well from the front and from the back, but the null point on figure-of-eight microphones is ninety degrees off-axis.
There’s also a subcardioid pattern that has a wider acceptance angle than a cardioid and that can be useful when you’re picking up more than one vocalist maybe in a choir, a group vocal situation. The acceptance angle of a sub-cardioid mic is 170 degrees. Well hopefully, I was able to give you a little bit of information on pickup patterns and why different patterns are there, and hopefully, you’ll be able to make your next mic choice.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is the level of sound pressure that comes from the speakers. The louder the sound coming after recording from the mic, the higher the sensitivity.
As we all know, condenser microphones are the ones with high sensitivity. If you put two mics on a signal to different mics and then go back and listen to which one’s louder, well the louder one’s more sensitive it’s really simple.
USB
The full form of USB is – “Universal Serial Bus”. With the USB-type microphone, you can connect your microphone directly with your computer. You don’t need any extra audio interface for the purpose of recording your vocals.
This option is great if you want the microphones for your home studio setup. Well, one of the microphones on our list of best budget condenser microphones for vocals is a USB microphone. i.e Audio Technica ATR 2500.
XLR
If you are not looking for the USB version, you may go for the XLR version. So basically what XLR means is that you connect your microphone with your computer or laptop through an audio interface and the microphone is connected with the audio interface using the XLR cables.
This option is quite more expensive than the USB one because the audio quality that you’ll get afterward, in the XLR ones, will be far better than the one with the USB version.
Below I have answered a few frequently asked questions. Please read them If you have any doubt.
FAQ
Condenser microphones are very sensitive in nature. You need certain things before using them. A proper distance must be maintained between you and your microphone while recording a song.
Basically, condenser microphones are used in a professional studio or you can also use them in your home studio setup. These mics are used for recording vocals for a song using a computer and a DAW.
As I mention in the blog(best budget condenser microphones for vocal) that condenser microphones are very powerful in catching the vocals around. When you perform live, there is a huge noise of the crowd cheering for you. Now if you’ll use a condenser microphone in a live show, crowds cheering voices will be caught too.
Together, the sound that will come out through the speaker, will not be melodious, but a harsh noise.
So No. Condenser Mic can not be used live.
While recording a song or instrument, a proper distance is needed to be maintained between you and the mic. The closer you will be to the microphone, the denser your voice will be captured.
So, if you have a deep voice, you should be near the mic and if you have a high-pitched voice, maintain a good distance from it.
The ideal distance between you and the microphone should be around 6-12 inches.
Many people have the misconception that if they will use any expensive microphone, they will sound good automatically. But here isn’t the end. It’s true somewhere that the quality microphone does matter, but the same does your vocal ability.
If you can’t sing properly and expect an expensive mic to enhance your voice, it can’t. Well, autotune can, but that is a different matter.
So No, a microphone can not make you sound better, but it will help you enhance the quality of your voice.
The response of a condenser mic is much better than that of other microphones. If you have a studio or produce music at your home, a condenser microphone will be a better option for you to record vocals.
Yes, a Condenser mic is better for vocals.
The Shure Beta 58A Dynamic Microphone, SE Electronics SE2200 VE, RODE NT1-A Condenser microphone are some of the budget industry’s preferred microphones.
But they are quite high on the budget of $100.
Always remember, if you have nice vocals, you won’t need a big-budget microphone at the beginning of your career. Just buy any under your budget and start producing.
I would recommend, if you are a singer yourself, you can use the condenser microphone. But if you do a podcast or make videos for youtube, or any other social media platforms, you can choose between the condenser mic and Dynamic mic. Also, you can read the complete blog where it’s been explained which one to choose between the condenser and the Dynamic Microphone.
So the answer is, If you are a singer, podcaster, streamer, you can use the microphone.
According to me, If you are looking for a microphone that is good in all aspects, You should go with Audio Technica at2020. This one is the best microphone in the budget and also let me tell you a thing.
Being a singer myself, when I started my career as a music producer, the first Studio vocal recording microphone that I chose was at2020. And trust me, you will get a quality response.
Dynamic Microphones are used for live shows and the musicians use it who play drums or guitar. Whereas, the Condenser Microphones are used for recording vocals in a studio environment where there is complete silence.
If you are a singer with a music producer, you could use a condenser mic, but if you play the instruments like drums, and want to record it, you can go with the dynamic microphone.
Those were the best budget condenser microphones for you, I would suggest you go through the list of best studio monitors that you should have in your home studio.
Also Read: Best Studio Monitors for your home studio