Microphones are very important when setting up a recording studio. If you are interested in purchasing a microphone specifically for recording, we recommend choosing a condenser microphone. There are really many condenser microphones on the market, costs start from 50 dollars up to thousands of dollars.
In this article, we have chosen the best & professional Condenser Mic Under $ 200 based on various factors: the budget, how large the diaphragm you want, and the type of use you intend to do.
With so many different vocal tones and singing styles, it is not easy to find the right microphone as there is no universal microphone that goes well with every voice. While the primary consideration is voice recording, the mics we show below also work well with instruments.
Best Condenser Mic Under $ 200
Table of Contents
What is a condenser microphone?
A condenser microphone is a right microphone for obtaining high-fidelity recordings. With a condenser microphone, you can record vocals, strings, brass, percussion, and more. Most condenser microphones have large diaphragms that collect what is fed to them by isolating the sounds coming from the surroundings. Technically, the diaphragm condenser vibrates in relation to the sound pressure it is given.
Many ask us: what is the difference between a dynamic microphone and a condenser microphone? To put it simply, dynamic microphones are the most used for live performances while condenser microphones are recommended for recording in the recording studio.
Compared to dynamic microphones, condenser microphones require more power, so to work they need the phantom power supply that is often integrated into mixers or sound cards.
Alternatively, there are USB condenser microphones that are powered by desktop or laptop computers, tablets, and in some cases via smartphones.
Best Condenser Mic Under $ 200 | Comparison Table 2021
| Image | Title | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone with Shockmount, Pop Filter, 2-10ft. XLR Cables, and 6Pk Cable Ties | Audio-Technica | Check Price | |
| HyperX QuadCast - USB Condenser Gaming Microphone and HyperX Cloud Flight - Wireless Gaming Headset | HyperX | Check Price | |
| Blue Yeti USB Microphone for Recording, Streaming, Gaming, Podcasting on PC and Mac, Condenser Mic for Laptop or Computer with Blue VO!CE Effects, Adjustable Stand, Plug and Play – Blackout | Blue Microphones | Check Price | |
| USB Microphone, TONOR Computer Condenser PC Gaming Mic with Tripod Stand & Pop Filter for Streaming, Podcasting, Vocal Recording, Compatible with Laptop Desktop Windows Computer, TC-777 | TONOR | Check Price | |
| Blue Yeti X USB Microphone for PC & Mac, Gaming, Podcast, Streaming and Recording Microphone, Condenser Mic with High-Res Metering LED Lighting & Blue VO!CE Effects | Blue Microphones | Check Price | |
| Mercase USB Condenser Microphone Compatible with PC/MAC/Ps4/iPhone/iPad/Android,Computer Mic with Noise Cancelling & Reverb, Studio Microphone for Voice and Music Recording,Podcasting,Streaming,Gaming | Mercase | Check Price | |
| USB Microphone, TONOR Condenser Computer PC Mic with Tripod Stand, Pop Filter, Shock Mount for Gaming, Streaming, Podcasting, YouTube, Voice Over, Skype, Twitch, Compatible with Laptop Desktop, TC30 | TONOR | Check Price | |
| Razer Seiren Mini USB Streaming Microphone: Precise Supercardioid Pickup Pattern - Professional Recording Quality - Ultra-Compact Build - Heavy-Duty Tilting Stand - Shock Resistant - Classic Black | Razer | Check Price | |
| Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Bundle with PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Audio Interface for Windows and Mac, Blucoil Boom Arm Plus Pop Filter, and 10-FT Balanced XLR Cable | Audio-Technica | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Condenser Mic Under $ 200 | 2021 Reviews
1. Audio-Technica AT2035
- PERFORMANCE: The microphone is equipped with a switchable 80Hz highpass filter and 10dB pad, the AT2035 cam handle high sound pressure levels with ease.
- VERSATILITY: The AT2035 features a large diaphragm for smooth, natural sound, and low noise. The high SPL handling, wide dynamic range, and custom shock mount provide superior isolation.
- DURABILITY: Along with its rugged construction and high-performance specifications, the AT2035 offers a high level of consistency from model to model. It comes equipped with a protective pouch and a custom shock mount.
- SPECIAL EXTENDED WARRANTY: For a period of one (1) year from the expiry date of the original Manufacturers Two (2) year warranty (Parts Warranty), Consumer Priority Service will supply replacement parts in exchange for parts determined to be defective. LABOR: For a period of one (1) year from the expiry date of the original Manufacturers's two (2) year warranty (Labor Warranty), Consumer Priority Service will, at its option, repair or replace this Product, should it be deemed defective.
- THIS BUNDLE INCLUDES Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone, 6in. Pop Filter, Two 10ft. XLR Cables, 6-Pack Reusable Cable Ties, and 2 Year Manufacturer Warranty plus 1 Year Extended Warranty for a total of 3 years coverage
2. HyperX QuadCast – USB Condenser Microphone
- Anti-vibration shock mount
- Tap-to-mute sensor with LED indicator
- Four selectable polar patterns
- Mount adapter included
- Wireless, Long battery life: Features gaming grade wireless with long lasting battery life. With a battery life of upto 30 hours longer lasting gaming sessions with fewer interruptions from having to stop and charge are possible. USB charging cable included.
- Audio: provides rich sound quality with crystal clear low, mid, and high tones. The enhanced bass-reproduction provides a gaming experience Unique to the cloud flight headset. It features 50-millimeter drivers as well as a closed cup design to provide the best sound quality available.
- Comfort: designed for ultimate comfort, Breathability and longer lasting gaming sessions. Red colored HyperX signature memory foam is made from, skin-friendly, soft, breathable, pliable leatherette, designed for longer wearing. HyperX cloud flight has a lightweight build perfect for long gaming sessions, weighing in only at 300 grams (315 grams with Microphone attached). rotating ear cups are designed for longer lasting gaming sessions, and comfort when worn around the neck permitting breaks in between Long sessions.
- Multi-platform compatibility: PC, PS4, and PS4 Pro ready. This allows for one headset to be used for both PC and console gaming. Conveniently connect with a single USB Adapter. 3.5-Millimeter headphone cable included, USB wireless adapter compatible with PC, PS4, and PS4 Pro. Headphone cable compatible with devices with 3.5 millimeter connectors. USB Adapter included.
3. Blue Yeti USB Microphone
- Custom three-capsule array: This professional USB mic produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube videos, Twitch game streaming, podcasting, Zoom meetings, music recording and more
- Blue VO!CE software: Elevate your streamings and recordings with clear broadcast vocal sound and entertain your audience with enhanced effects, advanced modulation and HD audio samples
- Four pickup patterns: Flexible cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns allow you to record in ways that would normally require multiple mics, for vocals, instruments and podcasts
- Onboard audio controls: Headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and mic gain put you in charge of every level of the audio recording and streaming process
- Positionable design: Pivot the mic in relation to the sound source to optimize your sound quality thanks to the adjustable desktop stand and track your voice in real time with no-latency monitoring
- Plug n Play: Set up the computer microphone in seconds with the included desktop stand or connect directly to a mic stand or boom arm and instantly start recording and streaming on Mac or PC
4. TONOR USB Microphon
- Plug and Play: With a USB 2.0 data port, the TC-777 is plug and play, no any additional driver is required. Ideal for conference, distance learning, streaming, chatting, podcasting, recording, Zoom, Skype, YouTube video, etc.
- Cardioid Pickup Pattern: This mic has a cardioid pickup pattern that captures the clear, smooth and crisp sound in front of the microphone and suppresses unwanted background noise.
- Easy to Install: Without any assembly, only need to unfold the three-legged stand directly and adjust the position of the pop filter, then it can be plug and play.
- Versatility: The shock mount can be unscrewed and attached to a boom stand with 5/8 threaded insert directly. Note: If the threaded insert your stand comes with is 3/8, then the 3/8 female to 5/8 male threaded screw adapter is needed (not included).
- What You Get: 1 x Microphone with Power Cord(1.5m), 1 x Foldable Mic Tripod, 1 x Mini Shock Mount, 1 x Pop Filter and 1 x Manual. (Note: It is not compatible with Xbox.)
5. Blue Yeti X USB Microphone
- Four-Capsule Array – Capture legendary Blue broadcast sound with greater focus and clarity than ever for professional streaming, podcasting and YouTube
- High-Res LED Metering – Visualize your voice level at a glance and adjust up or down for powerful, broadcast quality sound
- Multi-Function Smart Knob – Fine-tune your on-stream sound with easy-access controls for mic gain, mute, headphone volume and blend
- Blue VO!CE Software - Craft the perfect broadcast vocal sound with enhanced effects, advanced modulation and HD audio samples
- Customizable LED Lighting – Personalize the color of Yeti X’s LED lights to match your on-stream aesthetic
- Logitech G HUB Integration – Manage mic gain, headphone volume, monitoring preferences and pickup pattern selection right from your desktop
6. Mercase USB Condenser Microphone
- 🎤【Wide Compatibility】Mercase usb condenser microphone is compatible with Windows, MAC OS and PS4,and the microphone include an Android adapter and an adapter for iPhone,so it also compatible with iPhone/iPad and Android Phone(Type-C Port).We strongly recommend using it on a pc or mac for a better experience(NOTE:Incompatible with Xbox) .
- 🎤【Ease of Use】No need of any driver software or equipment, just plug it into the USB jack of computer or smartphone,Then plug the 3.5mm headset into the microphone headphone jack. A zero-latency headphone jack on the microphone helps you hear clearly without any distracting delay, and the quick mute functionality is very handy for users, with built-in LED light Indicate the working status.
- 🎤【Cardioid Pickup &Noise Cancelling】Cardioid microphones can only pick up the sound directly and precisely, and shield the sound from noises. In addition, our product have a noise reduction mode, pressing and holding the MUTE button for 3 seconds will makes your recording clearer and more transparent(Note: The product turns on the noise reduction mode by default)
- 🎤【Excellent Sound Quality】Using professional high speed DSP processing, and with adjustable reverberation function. Whether you’re on a conference call or on a podcast, a MIC connected with USB will help you sound your best. (It is recommended that the ECHO key be adjusted to 40%-50%);the condenser microphone is suited for: podcasting, voice acting, recording Lets Plays, recording voice-overs over a mix/podcast.
- 🎤【What You Get】Microphone *1,Usb cable(59Inch)*1, Sponge Cover *1,Metal base*1,Type-C adapter *1,adapter for iphone*1,user manul*1; Our usb microphone come with a lifetime warranty.If you have any questions about the microphone, please feel free to contact us, we want to do better!
7. TONOR Condenser Mic
- Plug and Play: With a USB 2.0 data port, no additional driver is required. TC30 is compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux. Ideal for gaming, podcasting, zoom meeting, streaming, Skype chatting, online conference.
- Cardioid Pickup Pattern: The mic has a cardioid pickup pattern and an excellent off-axis suppression function, allowing it to capture more natural sound and suppress unwanted background noise.
- Easy to Install: Without any assembly, only need to attach the pop filter to the mic tripod, then it can be plug and play.
- Exceptional Anti-vibration: The upgraded concealed shock mount can effectively reduce the noise caused by the mouse, keyboard, radiator or touch of the microphone.
- What You Get: 1 x condenser microphone, 1 x shock mount, 1 x foldable mic tripod, 1 x pop filter, 1 x USB Type-C to USB-A 2.0 Cable, 1 x manual. Note: It is compatible with Macs, PCs, PS4 and iPad (an adapter is required), not compatible with Phones and Xbox.
8. Razer Seiren Mini USB Streaming Microphone
- Ultra-Precise Supercardioid Pickup Pattern: The Razer Seiren Mini is tuned with a tighter pickup angle, so it can focus on your voice while ensuring that background noises like typing and mouse clicks don’t get picked up.
- Professional Recording Quality: With its 14mm condenser capsule and flat frequency response, the mic broadcasts your voice with stellar clarity that’s filled with crisp highs and deep lows.
- Ultra-Compact Build: Made for minimalist or smaller setups, it barely takes up any desk space and is discreet on-camera, putting more focus on you. Easy to bring along if you need to take your streaming elsewhere.
- Heavy-Duty Tilting Stand: Sitting on a sturdy support, the mic can be angled to find the perfect sweet spot for your voice. It can also be detached and mounted on a boom arm or mic stand that uses a standard 5,8-inch thread.
- Connectivity technology: USB
9. Audio-Technica Cardioid Condenser Microphone
- DELIVERS SMOOTH, DETAILED AUDIO - The versatile Audio-Technica AT2035 Microphone has a large diaphragm that produces pleasant, natural sound and 12dB low noise.
- OFFERS IMPROVED NOISE ISOLATION - The cardioid polar pattern of the microphone reduces the sound pickup from the rear and sides. You can freely record crystal-clear vocals or instruments.
- HANDLES HIGH SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS WITH EASE - The selectable 10dB attenuation pad enables the mic to handle high SPL signals up to 158dB without overloading.
- OFFERS A VERSATILE RECORDING SOLUTION - The AudioBox USB 96 has XLR-1/4 combo inputs that let you connect a guitar and AT2035 simultaneously. Both inputs provide +48V phantom power, so you can also use any condenser mic.
- INCLUDES - Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Perfect for Studio, Podcasting & Streaming, XLR Output, Includes Custom Shock Mount and 5/8-27 to 3/8-16 Threaded Adapter. PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 2x2 USB Audio Interface with +48V Phantom Power for Windows and Mac; Downloadable Studio One Artist Software. Blucoil All-in-One Microphone Boom Arm Plus Pop Filter. Blucoil 10-Foot Balanced XLR Cable - Premium Series 3-Pin Cable for Mics, Speakers, and Pro Devices (Male-to-Female).
Things to consider when buying a microphone for recording vocals?
Type of diaphragm: condenser vs dynamic
Condenser microphones are best suited for recording vocals in recording studios, dynamic microphones are used in live concerts due to their more robust construction and lower price. Rarely for reasons of taste some artists have preferred to record the voice in the studio with a dynamic microphone. Dynamic microphones cannot offer the same detailed and airy sound as a professional condenser microphone. As against condenser microphones, in addition to being more expensive, they have limited sound pressure management and are more likely to capture more noise. Condenser microphones usually require phantom power or their own power supply to function,
Polar model
Polar patterns allow you to capture sound in different ways by allowing you to choose the position and direction of the sound with respect to the position of the microphone. For example, the cardioid mode captures the sound coming from the front side of the microphone, rejecting the sound coming from the back, this pattern is the most used to record the voice. The Figure 8 and Omnidirectional modes allow you to capture sound in a more extensive way, for ambient microphone recording or to record vocal choruses.
Frequency response
The frequency response indicates which frequencies a microphone is capable of capturing, and also indicates if there are any frequencies that the microphone is more sensitive to. Usually, a neutral and flat inf frequency response is preferred, however, there are those who prefer a subtle coloration in certain frequencies, for example, an accentuated frequency response in the high part from 5 kHz to 12 kHz will make the microphone more airy and detailed, a microphone with an accentuated frequency response from 100 to 300 Hz it will offer a more full-bodied sound. The advice is to take a microphone with a linear frequency response and then shape the sound later with an equalizer.
Pop filter
The anti-pop filters prevent the singer’s breath or accentuated pronunciations such as the “P” from being captured by the microphone. Many microphones come with built-in pop filters. More expensive condenser microphones incorporate pop filters into the casing.
Max SPL (Sound Pressure Level) and Attenuation Pad
This indicates the maximum volume, measured in decibels (dB). A microphone with a high sound pressure (high SPL efficiency) is able to accept high volume sounds without distortion. Usually, to record a voice it is not necessary to buy a microphone with high sound pressure, but in case you were to record drums or a guitar through an amplifier, we recommend a high SPL. One of the best microphones with a high SPL is the Shure sm57. Most microphones have switchable attenuation pads that allow you to handle louder sound sources without distorting the sound.
Power Source – Phantom Power
Most audio interfaces, mic preamps, and studio mixers are equipped with phantom power, if not you can purchase the phantom separately, remember it must be capable of 48 volts. Some tube condenser microphones need a dedicated power supply.
Mic versatility
While we recommend microphones for recording vocals in this guide, many of the microphones listed are also great for recording musical instruments. Dynamic mics with their high SPL capture the sound of noisy instruments like drums and speakers, while condenser mics can pick up an acoustic guitar and other acoustic instruments.
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