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Last updated: 28 Apr 2021

Cheap Condenser Microphones for Recording

Best Overall
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FIFINE Studio Condenser Microphone
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Runner-Up
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Audio-Technica Cardioid Condenser Microphone
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Honorable Mention
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Marantz Pro Condenser Microphone
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Also Consider
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Samson USB Condenser Microphone
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By Camilla Haywood
Published 12:58 pm

A condenser microphone is a type of microphone that uses a tube-shaped capsule to amplify sound. These microphones are designed to be used for voice-over, recording, and other types of audio work. They’re often used in recording studios, where they’re used to amplify the sound of instruments and vocals. Finding the best cheap condenser microphones for recording in 2021 can be a challenging task. We’ve made a list of the best for you to choose from.

Amazon's Best Condenser Microphones Right Now

1

FIFINE Studio Condenser Microphone

– Best Overall
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Key Features

This digital microphone is designed to be able to handle a range of different mic types. It is easy to set up and takes up very little space. If you’re looking for a high-quality microphone that can be used in your home or studio, this is the perfect option. It comes with everything you need to set up and use it right out of the box. The cardioid condenser capsule offers crystal-clear audio for recording.

2

Audio-Technica Cardioid Condenser Microphone

– Runner-Up
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Key Features

The Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone is a studio-quality condenser microphone that boasts pristine performance and great build quality. This studio condenser microphone features a low-mass diaphragm that provides extended frequency response and superior transient response. The cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source.

3

Marantz Pro Condenser Microphone

– Honorable Mention
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Key Features

This studio condenser microphone is a great option for a wide variety of recording tasks. It comes with an all-in-one stand for more stability and a shock mount for added sound isolation. This condenser microphone has a wide ranging frequency response (20 to 20,000 Hz) that captures the full audible spectrum. The high sensitivity and low signal to noise ratio records every subtle nuance of your source audio. It includes windscreen, shock mount, desktop tripod stand and xlr cable. Its directional cardioid mic capsule is perfect for podcast recording, gaming, studio recording and streaming.

4

Samson USB Condenser Microphone

– Also Consider
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Key Features

This product is a great pick for those looking for a simple and easy to use condenser mic. This condenser mic’s compact design is great. No drivers are required. Its plug-and-play Mac and PC compatible.

5

Rode SmartLav+ Condenser Microphone

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Key Features

Whether you’re seeking professional quality or just want something that can be used with your smartphone, this versatile lav mic can be used on your phone as well as your computer. This microphone has a high-quality omnidirectional condenser capsule and discrete 4.5 millimeter miniature microphone. Kevlar reinforced cable ensures that you never stretch or snap your microphone under normal usage conditions.

6

Blue Yeti Nano Condenser Microphone

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Key Features

The Blue Yeti Nano is a reasonably-priced condenser microphone that delivers a clear, detailed vocal performance. This muc has no-latency headphone output, standard threading radius III shock mount and/or compass boom arm, and is plug ‘n play Mac and PC compatible. If you’re looking for a high-quality audio system that doesn’t compromise on sound quality, then this is the one for you.

7

Elgato Wave Condenser Microphone

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Key Features

This microphone is designed for professional recording and mixing. It’s comfortable to hold, and the rubberized build means it will hold up even when dropping and bumping into things. This mic is easy to set up and use, thanks to its USB-C cable. You can also connect it to your computer via the built-in stand or boom arm adapter. The Wave Link app allows you to control wave 1 and 8 other audio sources with just a few clicks.

8

TONOR Condenser USB Microphone

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Key Features

This microphone is a solid choice for gamers who want a convenient way to have louder and clearer recordings. The microphone has a sturdy stand for easy transport. This microphone has a cardioid pickup pattern and an excellent off-axis suppression function, allowing it to capture more natural sound and suppress unwanted background noise. The shock mount can effectively reduce the noise caused by the mouse, keyboard, radiator or touch of the microphone.

9

Razer Seiren X USB Streaming Microphone

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Key Features

The RZ-Siren X is the definition of professional, delivering a crystal clear sound that has been engineered to be the envy of all who hear it. This supercardiod pickup microphone has a built-in shock mount and zero latency monitoring.

10

Shure MV5 Digital Condenser Microphone

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Key Features

If you’re looking for a reliable microphone for acoustic music, this choice is ideal. It features a solid build with an aluminum housing and a rubberized surround. It is durable and performs well. This mic has built-in headphone output for real-time monitoring, and the microphone capsule provides best-in-class audio. Includes anodized aluminum desktop stand and integrated thread mount compatible with any standard 1/4 camera tripod thread.

Condenser Microphones Buying Guide

If you're a musician, you know that the right microphone can make a world of difference when it comes to capturing that perfect sound. Whether it’s for a gig, a recording, or just performing live, the kind of microphone you use can have a huge effect on how the performance turns out. Thankfully, there are many condenser mics on the market, and finding the best one for your needs can be an overwhelming task. We‘ve done the hard work of sifting through hundreds of condenser mics and created this buying guide, complete with some of our favorites, to help you find the condensor microphone that will help your sound get to the next level.

Tips

Condenser microphones tend to be sensitive and clean, so it’s easy to get a good recording with one. If you‘re going to buy a condenser mic, make sure it has a headphone jack. Many condensers don't have headphone jacks, which means you have to plug in your headphones before you play your recording. Some condenser microphones feature built-in noise reduction. This reduces the noise from normal conversation. The more powerful the built in noise-reduction is, the more quiet your recordings will be. Most condenser microphones have variable sensitivity. That means they can handle a lower volume level than another microphone, or they may be able to handle very loud sounds.

Considerations

A condenser mic is a must-have for any recording. For example, if you are an artist who records guitar, you need a condenser microphone to capture your nuances so you can hear your playing accurately and clearly. Consider what spaces you'll be recording in, since some condenser mics are better than others at picking up nuances in sound. When you’re purchasing a microphone for live performances, it's important to know the characteristics of different condensers, as different people use them differently. Choosing the right type can help you get the best sound for your music. Most condensing mics are designed for use in small recording studios where one microphone can be used for multiple instruments. If you will be performing in a larger venue that will require a second microphone, a large condenser microphone is often the better option.

Price Range

Inexpensive

In this price range, you’ll find mics that cost about $70-$90.

Mid-range

These condenser microphones cost between $100 and $130. Some of these condensor mics are good enough for professional use, but most are designed for beginners or non-professionals. The higher the quality of the condense, the more money you can expect to pay.

Expensive (or best)

The best condensation microphones will cost you $150 to $250 or more. These will be the most durable and will have the best sound quality.

How Do We Chose Our Selection Of The Best Condenser Mics?

Price

Regardless of what product category you're in, condenser microphones come in a range of price points. With this in mind, we made sure to select a variety of models that aren't going to put a strain on your bank account, and that have all the features you need in order to enjoy using them.

Brand

You'll find a wide range and variety within the condenser mic category, which is why we've made a point of including a number of brands you may not have heard of before. This is because it's often the little guys that bring new life to the product market, so it was important to include some of their more notable products.

Reviews

Reviews can be your best friend when it comes to finding out the truth about a product, but without the right kind of data, you can't truly form an opinion. To get the best insight into a particular product or device, it helps to read reviews from existing users.

What Are Some Features To Look For In Condensor Microphones?

Size

The size of a microphone isn't really going be that big of an issue for most users, as most condensor microphones are small and portable. However, there are still some condensing microphones that are designed to be bigger to accommodate larger microphones, either at the expense of sound quality or portability.

Sound Quality

A condenser mic will often feature a wonderful, crisp sound, which is super important. Read up about the different expereinces people have with each mic to ensure you get the sound quality you want and need.

Connectivity

Most condensers will come with a USB input, meaning you don't need to purchase a separate device to connect it to a computer. These are great for use with audio recording apps and also for connecting to speakers in your home.

About

A condenser mic is a device that condenses sound from a microphone input into a signal that is significantly higher in quality than what you would get from an open-ended microphone. These mics are great at picking up detailed and accurate sounds, and they're lightweight. These are perfect for a wide variety of recording uses, and will surely make a great addition to your music gear arsenal.

Condenser Microphone FAQ

Q: What is a condenser mic?

A: A condensor microphone is an audio recording device that utilizes a tube as its microphone. The tube is filled with a dielectric material, which is in turn filled by another tube. This allows the condensers to capture sound extremely well.

Q: How does it work?

A: Sine waves, square waves and sine-squared waves are common in the sound captured by the microphone’s condensation layer. They are generated by oscillating a digital motor inside the microphone, as well as the voltage generated as a result of the vibrations.

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By Camilla Haywood
Within the city limits of NOLA, you may find Camilla hammering away on her 88, playing anything from old jazz to modern country music. Camilla's goal is to one day open a piano studio in New Orleans where she can teach the black and whites and other common jazz instruments to enthusiastic students. Ms. Haywood hopes to bring instruments to old and new musicians alike, reviewing pianos, orchestral instruments, and other products that make her tap her fingers to the beats.
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