Best Cheap Recording Microphones: Budget Studio Mics

If you’re on the hunt to find the best cheap recording microphones for your studio - look no further.

In this guide we’ll be sharing our top picks for cheap studio microphones and looking at the best ways to get a better sound on a budget.

A cheap microphone for recording can set you on the path to producing your own music and sharing your best riffs, beats, or vocals with the world. Each of the cheap recording mics on this list has been selected due to the high-quality components, pro-level sound, versatility, and affordable price.

Let’s take a look at the list..

Our top picks for the best cheap recording microphones are:

• Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphone
• Rode NT1A Condenser Microphone Package
• Audio Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
• Rode M5 Condenser Microphone Matched Pair
• Lewitt LCT 440 Pure Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

We’ve picked a selection of classic budget studio mics and new cheap microphone options that will allow you to get the best out of a low-cost set-up.

We’ll take a closer look at each option below and discuss the best uses for each type of microphone, including the recommended use for each mic.

First up, we’ve got an undisputed icon of the industry..

The Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphone needs no introduction.

A staple in every studio across the world, this microphone has reached legendary status due to its versatility and consistency in capturing magical sound.

It’s a go-to option for engineers and home recorders on guitar cabs, snare drums, brass instruments, and more. It can be used for acoustic recordings as well as extra-loud sound sources, with a highly-directional cardioid polar pattern that minimises background noise.

It’s extremely durable, portable, and deserves the right to be in every mic collection, no matter if you’re a pro or just getting started.

Whereas the SM57 above is a dynamic microphone, the next selection on our list is a condenser mic.

The Rode NT1A Condenser Microphone Package is a great budget condenser mic option that also comes with some extra bits to help you get started with recording for the first time.

Condenser mics are especially suited to vocal recordings and acoustic instruments, so this is our favourite cheap mic for singer-songwriters. In the package you also get:

• Shock Mount
• Pop Filter
• Dust Cover
• Premium Microphone Cable

This means you can get studio-quality sound from a trusted brand, with guaranteed results for vocals, acoustic guitars, and percussion instruments.

Another option is to get the USB version from the Rode NT series, which will allow you to plug straight into your computer or laptop without the need for an audio interface.

You can check out the Rode NT-USB Condenser Microphone here.

The Audio Technica AT range of microphones are an awesome option when searching for the best value recording mics.

We’ve opted for the AT2020 Cardioid Condenser - a versatile mic that will allow you to get crystal clear vocals, detailed acoustic takes, and more.

It’s especially good at handling loud sounds without distorting them, and it’s a solid option for portable producers who record in various locations.

We also love the USB version, and - if your budget allows it - the AT2035 mic.

Read more about the other Audio Technica microphones we recommend below:

One way to make your recordings stand out from the rest is to use a matched stereo pair.

The M5 Condenser Microphone Matched Pair from Rode is a superb solution for cheap stereo microphone set-ups, allowing you to accurately record acoustic guitars, strings, and even choirs.

Acoustically matched for precise audio capture, these ultra-low noise microphones give you complete clarity with a robust all-metal construction that means they’ll handle almost anything you might throw at them.

The mics in each set have been carefully selected to ensure a variation of less than 1dV sensitivity between each, with a foiled certificate to verify the authenticity of the pairing.

If you’re looking for a cheap stereo mic set, this is your go-to option!

The last mic on our list is a little more expensive, but we think it’s a great investment thanks to its versatility. Buying one mic that can do a lot of things can often be a better option than purchasing different mics for each type of recording you want to make.

From Lewitt Audio, we have the LCT 440 Pure Large Diaphragm Condenser Mic. This premium crafted 1" single-pattern condenser has a three micron, gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragm and comes complete with a shockmount, windshield, pop filter, and pouch.

The combination of modern technology and classic design allows for a coherent, immersive sound no matter if you’re choosing to record drums, guitars, or vocals.

If you’re willing to splash out a little extra, this microphone is a solid foundation to begin your recording career with!

Whether you’re looking for your first recording microphone or just hoping to add a budget option to your collection, you should always consider what you need to get from your microphone in order to make the best decision.

The Experts at PMT have chosen these budget mics due to their quality, versatility, and durability first and foremost.

If you know that you’re just aiming to capture a professional electric guitar sound, then it’s hard to go wrong with the Shure SM57. We’ve written at length about why you need to add one to your collection - check out the article here!

Acoustic players and singer-songwriters will usually benefit from a budget condenser mic option for their pick. Stereo pairs can be used to add flair to your recordings, or you can opt for a more modern, all-rounder mic like the Lewitt LCT 440.

Whichever cheap microphone you choose, at PMT we stock the best range of recording equipment for beginners and professionals alike - find your perfect mic from our full range below:

Want to find out about the latest studio gear at PMT? Looking for pre-owned hi-tech and recording equipment? Call us on 0151 448 2089 or check out your local store to speak to one of our Experts about your needs.