Top 3 Best Studio Microphones for Beginners Under $100

Hey guys, ODi productions here with a recommendation video on the 3 best studio microphones for beginners under $100 for 2014. If you’re just getting started with recording and you’re on a budget, then these microphones are going to be the best bang for your buck to get started.

It’s important to note that all 3 of these microphones require an audio interface to power up and connect to your computer.

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3. Audio-Technica AT2020 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - $99.00

At number 3, we have the Audio-Technica AT2020 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone at $99.00 flat. Audio-Technica is a very large brand of pro audio equipment such as microphones and headphones (which I’ve owned a pair of Audio-Technica ATH-M50’s myself, and I’ve got to say are one of the best-sounding headphones money can buy).

Now the plus sides of the AT2020:

+ This mic records vocals pretty well, whether rapping or singing.

+ Versatility: Great for recording instruments like acoustic guitars.

+ Great build quality, feels very solid and durable.

+ This microphone has always been a popular choice for beginners.

And the downsides to this microphone:

- Has a “bright” and “clean” frequency-response/sound, which may not sound best on your particular voice.

- Sometimes can sound “thin”, but this can be fixed with mixing and mastering.

- Doesn’t come with Shockmount.

As an alternative, Audio-Technica also offers a USB version of this microphone called the AT2020USB that has an in-built audio interface for just $129.99. For those who don’t have an audio interface, I strongly recommend the AT2020USB which takes care of both microphone and the audio interface.

2. MXL V63M Condenser Studio Microphone - $69.99 (or $99.99 with Shockmount)

At number 2, we have the MXL V63M Condenser Studio Microphone at $69.99 or $99.99 with Shockmount. MXL is one of the most dominant brands in the microphone market for musicians on a budget. They currently have 4 different condenser microphones in the under $100 range, including the most popular MXL 990 (which I’ll have a review on in another article).

Now the plus sides of the V63M:

+ Starting at $69.99, this is the cheapest microphone out of the Top 3.

+ Sounds great on vocals. Better than the popular MXL 990.

+ Comes with Shockmount if you’re willing to pay $99.99

+ Build quality feels solid.

And the downsides to this microphone:

- Very sensitive and picks up a lot of noise, but the Shockmount helps (along with some proper EQ during mixing).

1. MXL V67G Large Capsule Condenser Microphone – $94.96

At number 1, the best studio microphone for under 100 dollars is the MXL V67G Large Capsule Condenser Microphone. I know what you’re thinking, the top 2 microphones are both from MXL, I must be working for them! Well, as I said earlier, MXL dominates the budget microphone market with 4 different microphones in the sub-100 dollar range, 5 if you include this one.

But this microphone is a special case. This microphone used to sell for almost $200, and then MXL discontinued it, but you can still buy it brand new for just $94.96 (link here).

Now the plus sides of this microphone:

+ Used to be $200, so a tremendous value at under $100 now.

+ Sounds great on vocals because it was designed mainly for vocal use.

+ Unique look with gold grill and green body.

Now the downsides of this microphone:

- Discontinued, so eventually will become unavailable.

- Doesn’t come with a Shockmount.

- Also picks up a lot of external noise, but EQ during mixing helps.

And that wraps up the top 3 studio microphones for beginners. One last piece of advice is that since every voice is different, then there is no single best microphone. A cheaper mic could sound better on your voice than a more expensive one, and vice versa. My suggestion would be just to try out these microphones for yourself if you can.

Order these microphones here for the cheapest price available:

1. MXL V67G Large Capsule Condenser Microphone: http://amzn.to/YdTM2f

2. MXL V63M Condenser Studio Microphone (with Shockmount): http://amzn.to/YdU8pQ

(Without Shockmount): http://www.musiciansfriend.com/condenser-microphones/mxl-v63m-condenser-studio-microphone?content=review#productDetail

3. Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone: http://amzn.to/1vjTrXZ

USB Version: http://amzn.to/1rn2Qwo

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