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The Neumann U87, the Telefunken U47, the AKG C12, the Sony C800G … these are widely regarded to be the holy grails of the vocal recording world. They’re the very best microphones for recording vocals. And not a single one of those mics will be featured on this list of ours.
That Neumann will run you over $3,000. The Telefunken—Frank Sinatra’s weapon of choice—is nearly $10,000 at most retailers, and used ones on Reverb go for pretty close to that (or way, way more if they’re vintage).
Those four mics are lovely and all, and they obviously run circles around anything we’re mentioning here. But we’re not here to talk about the best microphones for recording vocals of all time. We’re going to talk about the best microphones for recording vocals that home recording aficionados can actually afford. We’ll explore ten excellent vocal microphones that get the job done, and get it done well, for less than $500.
The ten best microphones for recording vocals costing less than $500
A quick note, before we get started—we’re not going to rank the entries on this list of ours. We sort of did that recently with our list of the best mics for live vocals. But this time out, we’re going to focus on listing what we think are the ten best microphones for recording vocals that cost less than $500, and we’ll do it in no particular order.
Well, it’ll be a little particular, because we’ll kick it off with my personal favorite mic. Hey, I’m doing the writing here, let me have my moment!
Audio-Technica AT4040
I’m going to say something that might be controversial here. And it’s a hill I’m totally willing to die on, too. For my money, the Audio-Technica AT4040 is the best budget-friendly home recording microphone on the market. It’s a beautiful-sounding workhorse mic that does wonders on anything you throw it at. And like the venerable Shure SM57, the AT4040 is a mic I think every studio should have at least one of.
The AT4040 is smooth, warm, natural, transparent, and virtually noiseless. Its 10 dB pad and high-pass filter make it versatile in pretty much any practical recording scenario. And it’s not just great on vocals, either. Acoustic guitars, guitar or bass cabs, snare drums, overheads, horns, pianos … you name it, the AT4040 can do it astonishingly well.
Do I wholeheartedly believe the AT4040 is the best microphone for recording vocals on this list? Well, that’s debatable. It’s certainly a subjective question—what sounds best to my ears may or may not sound best to yours. But I’m happy to call this the best microphone under $500 because it can do everything. And on vocals, the AT4040 is astonishingly good.
This is a $300 microphone that easily ranks amongst the best microphones for recording vocals in the under-$500 range. I’ll even go so far as to say it sounds better than a number of mics costing two or three times as much.
- Manufacturer Page: Audio-Technica AT4040
- Typical Price: $299.99
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Shure SM7B
When most of us think of the perfect vocal recording microphone, we usually think of phantom-powered large diaphragm condensers, like the aforementioned AT4040 (and almost every other mic on this list). But the Shure SM7B isn’t an LDC. It’s a dynamic mic, just like its SM57 and SM58 cousins. And to not include the SM7B on any list of the best microphones for recording vocals would be outright criminal.
The SM7B is famed for its warm, smooth tone and utter brilliance at handling vocals. It’s one of the most popular mics in broadcasting thanks to its overwhelming ability to capture the human voice. And thanks to its off-axis rejection, the SM7B is arguably the best mic on this list for recording in untreated rooms, too. Hence its massive popularity in podcasting.
A quick note: while the SM7B is technically a dynamic mic, it does have a pretty low output. You may want to couple it with a preamp or channel strip (without clicking that 48V button), or consider pairing it with a gain booster like a Cloudlifter.
- Manufacturer Page: Shure SM7B
- Typical Price: $439.00
- Frequency Response: 50 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
RØDE NT1: Two of the best microphones for recording vocals?
The RODE NT1 is a vocal recording microphone so good we’re including it twice … sort of. There are two versions of this popular microphone, and each comes with slightly different features. Though at their core, both mics offer a warm, detailed sound with the lowest self-noise level (4dBA) on our list. They’re simply phenomenal at handling vocals, and easily rank amongst the best microphones for recording vocals in this under $500 realm.
The RODE NT1 comes in two flavors—the RODE NT1 Signature model, and the pricier and fancier Rode NT1 5th Generation model. They’re mostly the same microphone, but while the NT1 Signature comes in a wide variety of colors, the NT1 5th Generation is more capable of direct-to-computer recording without needing an audio interface. It features both XLR and USB-C connections, as well as built-in 32-bit float recording, onboard DSP with APHEX processing, and compatibility with RODE’s software suite.
If you’re only recording vocals, the 5th Generation mic can save you a bit of money on a fancy audio interface. But if you’re building out a proper home recording studio and tracking a lot of instruments, you’re better off with the Signature model. The NT1 Signature comes in seven colors, and includes a shockmount and pop filter. It’s a good deal either way.
- Manufacturer Page: RØDE NT1 Signature / RØDE NT1 5th Generation
- Typical Price: $159.00 (Signature) / 249 (5th Generation)
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Warm Audio WA-47jr: A copy of one of the best microphones for recording vocals
At the start of this article, we mentioned the legendary Telefunken U47—a microphone very few people reading this will ever be able to afford. Wouldn’t it be great if you could get that U47 quality for just $299 instead? It would be! And that’s not possible!
The Warm Audio WA-47jr may not be quite as phenomenal as that Ferrari-grade mic, but it gets as unbelievably close as a $299 mic dares to get. It utilizes a k47-style capsule to deliver beautiful vintage tone and tube-like warmth you shouldn’t otherwise expect from solid state mics. The bottom is hefty but tight, and the highs are smooth and articulate.
The WA-47jr is pretty decent on drums, acoustic guitars, and amps/ cabs as well. It might be the best mic on our list for acoustic guitars, too, though I personally think the AT4040 edges it out slightly on percussion and guitar cabs (and again, this is entirely my own ears making this statement).
- Manufacturer Page: Warm Audio WA-47jr
- Typical Price: $299.00
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Figure 8, and Omnidirectional
Roswell Pro Audio Mini K47
Roswell Pro Audio is a newer company, founded about ten years ago by Matthew McGlynn, who also created Recording Hacks. After spending several years writing about microphones, McGlynn started his own brand. And the results have thus far been extremely positive.
Like the Warm Audio WA-47jr, the Roswell Pro Audio Mini K47 is modeled after the classic U47. And this is a mic that doesn’t disappoint: warm, vintage tone, present and rich mids, and a crystal-clear high end. Roswell mics are very highly regarded by professional audio engineers, and the Mini K47 is no exception.
The Mini K47 is a bit pricier than the WA-47jr, but it definitely sounds better on vocals. I’ve never heard the Mini K47 on drums, though, so I can’t speak to how well it stacks up against Warm Audio’s mic on that front. I doubt Roswell Pro Audio would consider sending me one to test out for free, but if I get around to buying one, I’ll surely update this entry (and write a review, of course).
- Manufacturer Page: Roswell Pro Audio Mini K47
- Typical Price: $389.00
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
AKG C214
The AKG C414 is inarguably one of the all-time great microphones. It easily ranks amongst the best microphones for recording vocals—listen to Numb by Portishead for a sample of how beautiful that mic is—and it’s incredibly versatile all around the studio. But that’s a $1,149 mic. So how does the more budget-friendly AKG C214 stand up?
Pretty darn well. The C214 is essentially stripped down, simpler, more affordable version of its best-in-show sibling. They both share the same capsule, but the C214 is lacking some of those famed C414 features. There’s a 160 Hz high-pass filter, but no 40 Hz or 80 Hz filters. The self noise level is 13 dBA for the C214, versus 6 dBA for the C414. And while the pricey C414 features nine polar patterns, the C214 sticks to cardioid only.
All of that having been said, the AKG C214 is excellent on vocals, acoustic guitars, pianos, and horns. It may not hold up to the AT4040 or WA-47jr on percussion, but it’s still an excellent microphone that you likely wouldn’t regret adding to your mic locker.
- Manufacturer Page: AKG C214
- Typical Price: $399.00
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
On a tighter budget? The Audio-Technica AT2020 belongs on this list of the best microphones for recording vocals
Next up on our list of the best microphones for recording vocals is the cheapest option on our list. And it’s the entry-level sibling of our top choice, the AT4040—the almost-as-impressive Audio-Technica AT2020 costs $99, and holds its own on this list of under-$500 heavy-hitters.
We want to be clear here: the AT2020 is not going to sound as good on vocals as the pricier mics listed here. I also don’t think it’ll hold up as well on instruments as other mics at $99, either. I’d rather use a Sennheiser e609 on guitar cabs, an AKG P120 on acoustic guitars, or an AKG P170 on overheads (I’m using a P170 on my hats, actually).
But like the AT4040, the AT2020 is an affordable mic that punches above its weight and can do a lot of valuable work around the studio. If you’re pinching pennies and looking at the best microphones for recording vocals under $100, the AT2020 isn’t really matched.
- Manufacturer Page: Audio-Technica AT2020
- Typical Price: $99.00
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Aston Origin
Aston Microphones are the new kids on the microphone block, at least so far as this list is concerned. They were founded in Hitchin, Hertfordshire UK in 2015, and released their first microphone, the Aston Origin, the following year. And in that time, they’ve built a solid reputation not only as the only mainstream microphone makers in the UK, but as one of the most innovative newer mic companies around.
The Aston Origin features a 1″ gold evaporated capsule and high-end transformerless circuitry, giving it fantastic smooth, warm character. It features a built-in pop filter and has excellent shock resistance, and like the SM7B, the Aston Origin has off-axis rejection that helps reduce unwanted noise in untreated spaces. It’s a bit cumbersome, but it has a direct-to-stand cap design that helps limit handling noise.
- Manufacturer Page: Aston Origin
- Typical Price: $240.00
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
sE Electronics sE2200
If you’ve been browsing microphones, you’ve surely come across listings for products by sE Electronics. They’re not nearly as prevalent in recording environments in the United States as most of the other entries here. And without wandering into sprawling political debates on a website focused on music, it’s safe to say there’s quite a bit of animosity toward Chinese imports these days, as well as a popular stereotype that Chinese products are cheap and crummy. To be clear, that’s not at all what we’re talking about here.
In truth, sE Electronics makes some phenomenal gear, including the sE Electronics sE2200—a mic that definitely earns its spot on our list of the ten best microphones for recording vocals. The sE2200 has smooth frequency response, solid transient handling, switchable low-cut filters at 80 and 160 Hz, and a self-noise floor of just 8 dB. That’s lower than most of the mics on this list, for those keeping score.
The sE2200 has one of the most robust-sounding midranges of any mic on this list. The sound is smooth and clean, though it can sound a little airy in some spaces. It’s certainly a worthy contender on our list of the best microphones for recording vocals.
- Manufacturer Page: sE Electronics sE2200
- Typical Price: $309.00
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Lewitt LCT 440 PURE
Last but certainly not least, we find ourselves discussing the last of our ten best microphones for recording vocals—the Lewitt LCT 440 PURE, an Austrian LDC with a sleek, ultra modern aesthetic and exceptional self-noise of just 7 dBA.
Lewitt has been steadily building a cult following in the pro audio world since they were founded in 2010 by Roman Perschon. Their mics look cool and sound even better, and some of the Lewitt faithful will surely contest that this mic should indeed be ranked #1 on the list. Though to be fair, I didn’t really want to rank these mics. And this mic does make one heck of a closer here.
As I mentioned a bit ago, the LCT 440 PURE has one of the lowest self-noise levels of any mic on the list. The sound is crisp, clear, and modern, with excellent transient response—breath, diction, and subtle tone shifts are captured beautifully. It also comes with a shockmount and pop filter.
The cons? Unlike some of the other mics on our list, the LCT 440 PURE lacks a pad or a high-pass filter. It’s also a rather unforgiving microphone—it won’t be flattering for rougher singers, and it doesn’t play nicely with poor mic placements. It’s also a bit bright, making it less ideal for extremely sibilant or harsh vocals. And from what little I’ve heard of the 440 PURE on instruments, the performance is a bit so-so. But on vocals, It’s a behemoth.
- Manufacturer Page: Lewitt LCT 440 PURE
- Typical Price: $249.00
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Which of the best microphones for recording vocals strikes your fancy?
And there you have it—Parlor City Sound’s top ten best microphones for recording vocals in the $500-or-less price range. Which one of them are you taking home?
Before we close this out, we should mention that most of these microphones require 48 volts of phantom power to operate. And even the one mic that doesn’t need phantom power—the dynamic Shure SM7B—is going to need a gain boost to function properly. We’ll be writing a top ten list for microphone preamps too, in the future. But in the meantime, be sure to take a look at some more of our other guides on home recording!
