The Best Microphones Under 50$

Microphones are used in a variety of places and by a whole range of artists and sound engineers. A person who is new to the world of microphones will found a whole range of items, each one best suited for a particular purpose. So it is important that you get to know the basics of this simple but very effective device before you purchase a particular model. With so many varieties of options out there it is important that you get to know the basic type of microphones which are available and the exact purpose for your use. A bad choice will definitely ruin a performance or a show, hence you need to be able to make the right choice.

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So in this review cum buying guide, we will outline some of the basic points that you need to know before you choose a microphone. After that, you will find our reviews of some of the best options you can purchase within the price limit. We hope that this will surely help you to balance your budget with your exact requirements.

A guide to buying the best microphones under 50$

These are some important points that you need to keep in mind while buying a microphone.

The purpose

It is very important that you ascertain the purpose of your microphone. You can use it on a stage or with an instrument or for home-studio recording. Depending on the purpose of use, you can match the characteristics of a microphone with your purpose. So if you just need a microphone for your home studio, you need not go for the best specifications and choose a less sensitive model. There are also models that can be used for dual purposes, like in a studio and on the stage as well.

The type

The microphones can come in four different varieties and these are the dynamic, condenser, ribbon and the USB type. Dynamic models are generally used for drums and electric guitars. They are less sensitive but can withstand rough use and are less expensive. The condenser type comes in both solid-state and tube variations and they produce the best range of sound. Though it was popular decades back, ribbon models are making a comeback because of their good performance. The USB variety comes with an onboard preamp and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter that makes mobile recording very easy. You need to select a model as per your requirements.

Frequency response

This is the range of frequencies that a microphones can pick up and can vary as per the range of an instrument. Some stringed instruments may need a microphone with a very wide frequency response, necessitating a more expensive model. For a bass drum, you may need to go as low as 30 Hz. For vocals, the choice need not be so expensive and a mic with a range of 80 Hz to 15 kHz would make a good choice.

Sensitivity and proximity

The sensitivity indicates how quiet a sound the mic can detect and lower the value, more sensitive the model is. The opposite of sensitivity is SPL which stands for “sound pressure level” and is expressed in decibels. This is the maximum volume the unit can handle. The proximity effect causes bass frequencies to become more noticeable as the source moves closer to the mic. This can be used by the players and sound engineers to generate the right effect from an instrument.

Marantz Professional Cardioid Condenser Microphone

This is a high-quality condenser microphone that is ideal for generating studio-quality sound and comes with some excellent features that make it a top choice.

Overview

If you are looking for a top-quality microphone this model will surely serve your purpose. The unit combines high-grade components to deliver a product that has been kept under a budget offering excellent value. This is a very good choice for serious music lovers.

Feature and Benefits:

High-quality sound

The unit comes with pure aluminum-plated, 18mm-diameter-diaphragm condenser capsule that provides studio-quality sound in a very effective design.

Superior features

The microphone is designed with cardioid patterns and it picks up what is being generated in front without catching echoes, background noise or any other sounds from nearby sources.

Good frequency range

The unit has a wide frequency response between 20 to 20,000 Hz which makes it ideal for video commentary or for isolating an instrument from many.

Good features

This unit has a good maximum SPL value of 136dB and a signal-to-noise ratio of 77dB. It also comes with a windscreen, shock mount, tripod stand, and XLR cable.

Key Specifications:

• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Weight: 10.5 oz
• Frequency response: 20–20,000Hz
• Open circuit sensitivity: -38 dB ±2dB

Pros and Cons:

The unit delivers crisp and clear sound along with excellent sensitivity. In addition, you get a tripod stand and a shock mount that makes it a complete package at a decent price.

Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone

With a crystal clear audio and plug and play usability, this microphone is a very good choice for those who are looking for good quality at a reasonable price.

Overview

With a crisp and focused audio performance, this microphone is a well-made piece of equipment designed for entry-level users. The simple but catchy design is sure to capture the eye and the unit is extremely compatible with a range of systems that make it simple to use.

Feature and Benefits:

Well-designed

The unit is well-built with a light but a sturdy frame that is also compact enough to place beside your desktop unit. It also has three sturdy legs to balance on any flat surface.

Great sound

The microphone uses a single custom condenser capsule that captures precise and detailed sound. It is perfect for recording vocals, creating the podcast and adding narration in any Youtube video.

Cardioid mode

The unit comes with a cardioid mode that allows you to project your sound source directly in front of the mic resulting in rich and robust sound quality.

Portability

This small size and universal threaded mount make the unit extremely portable. It is a great option to carry in a laptop bag or backpack for on-site recording options.

Key Specifications:

• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Weight: 1.8 pounds.
• Frequency response: 40–18,000Hz
• Colours: White and black

Pros and Cons:

This is a perfect microphone at a very affordable price for YouTubers and video creators who have started new with their craft.

Shure SM48-LC Vocal Dynamic Microphone

With a solid performance and a great frequency response, this is a rugged and affordable microphone that is a good choice for getting sharp sound.

Overview

This is a versatile unit that is ideal for lead vocals, backup vocals, and spoken word applications. The mid-range and bass are extremely good that makes it a great choice for a variety of applications. Considering the affordable price, this is a unit that offers real value.

Feature and Benefits:

Unidirectional pickup

The unit offers a cardioid pickup pattern rejects off-axis sound and provides superior gain before feedback. There is an aspheric pop filter that reduces unwanted noise.

Great sound

The microphone has a good gain and the construction also reduces feedback after mechanical impact. The shock-mounted cartridge reduces handling noise in the unit.

Versatile

The unit offers a very good range of sound that makes it versatile for a variety of applications. It can be used in halls, churches, clubs, and outdoor festivals and also for studio recordings.

Accessories

The unit comes with a stand adapter and carrying cum storage bag that offers extremely good handling and is an ideal choice for those who are looking for portability.

Key Specifications:

• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Weight: 1.8 pounds.
• Frequency response: 55–14,000Hz
• Impedance: 150 Ohm.

Pros and Cons:

This is a versatile device that is ideally suited for a mid-range buyer and it comes with some very good features that make it a real pleasure to use.

Samson Go Mic Portable USB Condenser Microphone

With excellent portability and the capability to capture a stunning range of audio, this innovative and compact design is a very good choice for fast-paced recordings.

Overview

The compact design and multi-purpose functionality make this unit a very good choice to capture the right range of audio.  The plug and play design ensure that it is one of the best choices for podcasts, streaming and Skype and VoIP calls.

Feature and Benefits:

Innovative design

The innovative design allows you to clip the unit to a laptop or set it on a desk.  The unit boasts of high-quality components and a range of top-class engineering features.

Dual pickup patterns

The microphone has two pickup patterns, cardioid and omnidirectional. You can switch between the modes and it is perfect for capturing a single person or a group of people.

Plug and play

The unit is completely compatible with a Mac or Windows without the need of any drivers. You can just connect it through the included USB cable and start working.

Compact design

The unique foldable design of this unit makes it one of the best options to carry around anywhere you want, whether in your laptop bag or in your pocket.

Key Specifications:

• Polar pattern: Cardioid, omnidirectional.
• Weight: 8 ounces.
• Frequency response: Cardioid: 80Hz–18kHz; Omni: 20Hz–20kHz
• Output: USB

Pros and Cons:

If you are looking for a good quality mic for unprofessional use, then this unit has all the right features that make it a very good choice from all aspects.

Samson Meteorite USB Condenser Microphone

If you are looking to capture high-quality recordings on your computer, then this unit is a very good choice for easy and effective sound capturing.

Overview

This is a very well designed unit that is portable and easy to use without the need of any driver. The USB connectivity along with the steady and smooth frequency response makes this a very good choice as a reliable and extremely efficient unit.

Feature and Benefits:

Portable design

The efficient USB capability along with the ultra-portable design makes the unit a perfect mic accessory for any desktop or mobile recording situation.

Superior features

The unit utilizes a studio-quality 14mm capsule, cardioid pickup pattern and dedicated audio conversion path. The recorded sounds are as good as a live performance.

Versatile design

The unit comes with a mount attached to a magnetic base that lets you tilt and swivel it to match with your exact needs. It can be even taken off the base and spoken directly into.

Great frequency response

The larger condenser diaphragm provides a smooth and flat frequency response to capture the natural warmth and dynamics of a voice or even an instrument.

Key Specifications:

• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Weight: 4.8 ounces.
• Frequency response: Cardioid: 44.1Hz–48 kHz.
• Output: USB

Pros and Cons:

The unit makes a really good impression with its small size and simplicity and excellent portability makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of use.

Behringer Ultravoice Xm8500 Dynamic Vocal Microphone

This professional-grade microphone ensures extreme reliability along with top-class sensitivity and accuracy that makes it a great choice for all musicians.

Overview

Ideal for any performing or recording scenario, this is a mic that captures a wide range of sound with the excellent frequency range that it has. The shock mount system and the effectively integrated filters make it a great choice for at a very affordable price.

Feature and Benefits:

Excellent pickup

The unit utilizes a cardioid pickup pattern for excellent sound source separation and feedback rejection. The spherical wind and pop noise filter reduces background noise effectively.

Durable built

The mic offers some very good features like an integrated shock mount system and a build that is robust and resistant to moisture. The impact-resistant carrying case adds to the safety factor.

Good frequency range

The smooth mid-frequency range accounts for excellent voice projection along with a brilliant and transparent sound. The sound quality presents an enhanced voice projection.

Additional features

The unit provides an extremely high signal output with the help of an integrated spherical wind and pop noise filter. The electromagnetic shielding also enhances the overall performance.

Key Specifications:

• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Weight: 11.4 ounces.
• Frequency response: Cardioid: 50 Hz–15k Hz.
• Sensitivity: 70 dB.

Pros and Cons:

With its affordable price range, this mic offers some very effective features along with good sound quality and is a real value for money.

Shure PGA48-LC Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone

With a classic design and components that are specifically created to ensure a clear and precise voice delivery, this unit is a very good choice for vocal artists.

Overview

This is a professional quality vocal microphone that ensures superior performance even under tough conditions. This unit is a very good choice, specifically for spoken words and karaoke performances. The great balance of price and performance makes this a top-quality unit.

Feature and Benefits:

Industrial design

The unit comes with an updated design with a black metallic finish and a grilled pattern created with classic silver ball grille that gives it a stylish appearance.

Superior clarity

The specially designed microphone cartridge has been tested for superior clarity in the standard frequency range of speech, making it a perfect choice for vocal artists.

Noise Filtration

The cardioid polar pattern picks up audio from the source while rejecting unwanted noise. This makes it a great choice for a variety of events including public speech delivery.

Easy use

The unit is ready to get plugged into any sound system or recording device with standard XLR microphone inputs. The on/off switch allows you to control the operation with ease.

Key Specifications:

• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Weight: 1.3 pounds.
• Frequency response: Cardioid: 70 Hz–15k Hz.
• Sensitivity: -53.5 dBV/Pa

Pros and Cons:

The top class quality provided by Shure ensures exceptional performance for the microphone and makes it a very good choice for any vocal performance.

Behringer Ultravoice XM1800S Dynamic Cardioid Vocal and Instrument Microphones

This is a set of three dynamic microphones that are ideal for vocal and instrumental performances and is a good choice for those who are seeking a versatile performer.

Overview

Whether it is a studio performance or a live one, these microphones are great all-rounders that will deliver a good performance. The overall sound quality and frequency response are very good and thus it is a very good choice for a performing band at a very affordable price.

Feature and Benefits:

Dynamic design

The microphones are robust in terms of build quality, resistant to moisture and can achieve high gain before feedback. They are a good choice for anyone looking for a durable unit.

Good pickup

The cardioid pickup pattern is designed to capture the source signal, such as a guitar amplifier or the vocalist while shunning off-axis noise to deliver superior clarity.

Noise Filtration

The unit comes with integrated spherical wind and pop noise filter that makes the sound stand out even in noisy environments and delivers a top-class output.

Additional features

The unit comes with a stand adapter and impact-resistant carrying case for ease of use. The high signal output ensures that the sound quality is top-notch from all aspects.

Key Specifications:

• Polar pattern: Super-cardioid.
• Weight: 1.76 pounds.
• Frequency response: Cardioid: 80 Hz–15k Hz.
• Colour: Black

Pros and Cons:

This is a superior grade microphones that offers exceptional value in terms of the performance along with excellent durability that makes them ideal for travel.

Shure SM48-LC Vocal Dynamic Microphone

This is a unidirectional mic that is of professional grade and offers top class functionality along with good sound delivery across the entire frequency range.

Overview

The unit offers high gain and effective filtering of noises and maintains its true cardioid pattern throughout the frequency range. The shock-proof build quality leads to exceptional handling and a rugged design that ensures long term reliability.

Feature and Benefits:

Ideal for vocals

The microphones come with a tailored frequency response that is ideal for lead vocals, backup vocals, and spoken word applications like in a public function or a church.

Rugged design

The unit has been constructed with a rugged design and the shock-mounted cartridge ensures reduced handling noise. There is also a high-quality steel mesh grille.

Noise Filtration

The built-in “pop” filter reduces explosive breath sounds and wind noise making the sound free from off-axis disturbances and provides a very good performance.

Additional features

The unit comes with a supplied stand adapter and carrying a cum storage bag. The cardioid pickup also provides a superior gain before feedback.

Key Specifications:

• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Weight: 1.25 pounds.
• Frequency response: Cardioid: 55 Hz–14k Hz.
• Colour: Black

Pros and Cons:

This is a very good mic at the given price and stands out for its excellent build quality and the very good sound across the entire frequency range.

Fifine K669 Microphones for recording on Laptop

If you are looking for a quality microphones to fit with your computer, then this unit is a very good choice for recording vocals as well as instruments.

Overview

The microphone offers a plug and plays service and it offers extremely good compatibility. The USB powered design adds to the convenience and the sturdy construction ensures extremely reliable performance for long periods of time.

Feature and Benefits:

Sharp audio

The microphones come with a cardioid pickup technology that is great at picking up the vocals and leaving out the background noise, delivering crystal-clear sound.

Durable build

The unit comes with sturdy construction that has been crafted out of high-quality metal. The overall design is attractive enough to make sure that this is a superior grade device.

Easy setup

The USB connectivity makes it work without the need for any external power source and its compatibility with Windows and Mac makes it a good choice to use wherever you need.

Additional features

The unit comes volume control knob for easy control. There is also an adjustable tripod desk stand and 6 feet long USB cable that makes it very easy to use as you need.

Key Specifications:

• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Weight: 1.20 pounds.
• Frequency response: Cardioid: 20 Hz–20k Hz.
• Maximum SPL: 30 dB.

Pros and Cons:

This is a good quality microphones that is ideal for podcasters and offers an easy to use and durable model that comes at an extremely good price.

Conclusion

So these are our choices for the best microphones under 50$ and they are definitely very good options to obtain a high-quality sound output. These models are ideal for first-time users and especially for those who are looking for good value. The models offer very good build quality and keep the overall performance on the higher side by capturing the best and widest sound range. There are also dynamic models that offer a superior grade of construction and rugged durability. Whether you need a unit for vocals or for instruments, you will find the right choice from this list. The Marantz professional MPM-1000 can be considered as the top choice from this list.

The model from Marantz is a top-class performer and comes at a price that keeps your pocket happy. Each of the components has been chosen to fit and perform at the highest level of performance. The precision cardio polar pattern ensures pristine sound capture and it also comes with quality accessories like a windscreen, a purpose-designed shock-mount, and an XLR cable. This unit is a great choice for all aspects at a very good price.