Quality in mics is very essential. The quality of sound captured and released depends a lot on the mics we use. The performance of the mic depends on the buildup and the materials of the mic. Mics usually cancel the background noises and gives clarity to the recorded sound.
However, good quality mics comes in big bucks usually. To solve the problem, and find a quality mic that fits your budget let’s dive in.
Below, we have listed 5 Best budget mics under $1000 that you can get. Let’s look in for details and reviews:
Product Name |
Features |
Price Range |
Check on Amazon |
Shure Cardioid Dynamic Microphone |
|
$$ |
|
Sennheiser super cardioid dynamic microphone
|
|
$-$$ |
|
Neumann Condenser Microphone |
|
$-$$ |
|
AKG Pro Audio Instrument Condenser Microphone |
|
$$$ |
|
Rode NTK Premium Tube Cardioid Condenser Microphone
|
|
$$ |
1. Shure SM57-LC Cardioid Dynamic Microphone – Best Budget Mics

The Shure SM57-LC is one of the popular choices in the market. This is a wired, XLR microphone. It responses to the frequency range of 40-15000Hz. It weighs about 10 ounces. This device uses cardioid pickup pattern, which captures much saturated sound by minimizing background noise.
This mic is also good for recording instrumental sounds, it has clean and voice pickup. It comes with a stand adapter and a carrying case that is zipped. The users of this mic are mostly satisfied with its heavy and durable use.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Clear and rich sound pickups
- Stand adapter
- Budget efficient
Cons:
- Durability could be better
2. Sennheiser MD 441-U super-cardioid dynamic pattern microphone – Best Budget Mics

Sennheiser MD 441-U is popular for its retro look. This mic uses super cardioid pick up pattern for capturing clear and rich sound by reducing background noises to the minimal extend. It can capture frequency of 30 Hz – 20 Hz.
The spring capsule mounting feature of this mic provides low sensitivity to handle noise. It also has a hum compensating coil.
It weighs 2.05 pounds. It is a wired mic. The feedback rejection of this mic is quite significant. It also includes a mic clamp. It is an amazing for pop genre as there is a build in pop filter.
Pros:
- Five positive bass roll off switch
- Best for pop music
- Excellent sound quality
- Hum compensating coil
Cons:
- May not be well suited for metal
3. Neumann TLM 103 Condensor Microphone – Best Budget Mics

This mic has one large diaphragm cardioid and pressure gradient transducer. It is a useful device for home recording as well as professional use. It uses unidirectional polar pattern. The cardioid picks up the clearest sound, reducing all background noise. It responses to frequency upto 20Hz – 20 KHz.
It is capable of capturing a sound that is way too low in frequency, which leaves room for specialization. This piece comes with complimentary mic clip, windscreen and hard shell case. This model is available in two colors: nickel and matte black.
Pros:
- Clarity of sound
- Professional touch
- Complimentary hard shell case
- Colors available
- Handy for both personal and professional use
Cons:
- A bit pricey
4. AKG Pro Audio C414 XLS Instrument Condenser Microphone – Best Budget Mics

The C414 XLS is one of the best performing and versatile mics in the market. It comes with nine selectable polar patterns, which means you can balance your perfect setting for every application.
It also has three different switchable bass cut filter, which deducts all wild, super resonance noise and their effects. This piece has the most amazing feature, a LED indicator to show the over flow of audio. The complimentary tools with this mic are: stand mount, windscreen and a carrying case as well.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality
- Versatile polar patterns
- Multiple bass cut filters
- Indicator for detecting over flow
Cons:
- Features may seem difficult to beginners
5. Rode NTK Premium Tube Cardioid Condenser Microphone – Best Budget Mics

This microphone has a tube condensed mic that produces high quality sound. The cardioid pickup pattern improves the clarity of the sound, making it very smooth and rich. It is good at picking up low frequencies as well, hence very the sound quality is very sharp and resonant.
This mic shows best performance in voice recording, acoustic instrument, guitar amps and pianos as well. It weighs about 14.2 pounds. The set provides power supply, a 30 foot long cable, stand adapter and a carrying case.
Pros:
- Wide dynamic range
- Multiple colors to choose from
- Good at picking low frequency
Cons:
- Durability could be better
Buyer’s Guide to Best Budget Mics under $1000
Things we need to consider to make an efficient purchase are:
-
Budget
Our price is the first thing we need to fix. How much we are willing to pay will determine what the best things we can afford within that budget.
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Purpose
The purpose of buying the mic will also tell us which qualities we will look for in a mic. If it is for home recordings or personal use the quality does not need to very good, which means we can save a lot of money.
But for professional or moderate professional use we would need mics that produce much clearer sounds. If we are going to record instrumental sounds using the mic then it must have high frequency and a good coil.
Final Thoughts
No worries with your tight budget anymore. Don’t buy your piece in a heist. The above listed budget mics are great in sound quality and efficient. Each has different features and pros for different purposes. So, once you have decided your purpose for getting the mic or sorted the genre of your music, we hope it’s pick from our short list budget mics.
You may also like to read: Best Home Studio Mic.