I Tested 25 BUDGET Microphones - Which Should You Buy?!

[@MunitorLP]

Hey! First of all a great comparison! What would really help though is if you would include some timestemps for each price bracket and maybe in the end compare each "winner" back to back. This would make it even easier for us to compare 😊

[@genwav]

Have had the akg c214 for years and has never failed me

[@kargar4203]

it sounded the best out of every microphone

[@JBreezzBeatz]

Same

[@nomanbeats]

I think that the Sony c-80 suits your voice best. Sounds like there is more soul in your voice, and it has some kind of smoothness in the upper-midrange that I didn't hear from any other mic from this video. Great video btw!

[@JasonTaylor-po5xc]

When I heard the C80 - I thought for sure he would pick it - of course, I don't think the two recordings were normalized to one another - so it just might be the C80 sounded louder and I thought that was better.

[@apro109]

Hands down, yes,

[@TheRealGOTdurrrred]

Nah 214 for sure. C80 sounds good though

[@graxxor]

I thought the c-80 was just too bright for my liking, TBH... I was listening to it on a pair of overpriced headphones and it's edge nearly made my teeth fall out. It's a very Japanese sound. They love sharp edged vocals over hear and it sounds like every second pop song's mic.

[@garyclement2888]

This was a very good comparison. And thank you for the wooden boxes for budget microphones also. Great video

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Thequranverse205]

@@EdwardSmithMusicwhat do you recommend buying. I’m trying to start a channel where I post Quran videos and I don’t know what mic I should buy pls respond and help me out.

[@ThisNoobDeveloper]

@@Thequranverse205 a at2020

[@NickWeissMusic]

I disagree with every pick lol. And every $300 mic sounded absolutely excellent, and very different. The Warm mic was indeed warm! Who knew? You’re a good singer, only a couple mics sounded “bad” to me at all. And the P420 is one of the worst mics I ever bought lol, but sounded good on you, maybe I had a bad copy. Oddly enough, I use it every day… I replaced the capsule with a microphone-parts u87 clone and the difference is beyond night and day. It’s crazy how subjective and fickle this all is, but it’s fun to watch, well done!

[@gaborb6577]

totally agree with the ticks on the cover picture based on your voice and reviews🎉

[@halgrimaldo4147]

Excellent. Always tough to measure these through KZbin's filtering. Monitoring on a TV bar, the C-80 cuts through the mix best, nice transients, but it reveals its hyped, almost sibilant character when I switched to quality cans. This is where the C214's lineage becomes evident. Full and smooth. Right choice. The under $400 category presents a difficult proposition. The SM7b is so very versatile, and a "go-to" standard for loud/dynamic vocalists, podcasting/vlogging, and so many other studio duties. The Avantone? Yes, it has the famous Taylor Swift use, similar Dolly Parton's now famous utilization of a WA-47. Tough choice. I heard noise/room with the CV-12. I thought the AT sounded great. If extra features are required, I see why it might not make your cut. Under $300 is almost impossible. The NT1, LC-440, and WA-47JR were the standouts. Too bad about Warm's QC issues. They sound great, otherwise. I found difficulty choosing between the Rode or Lewitt for sound. Both were excellent. The 440 by a hair. Under $200, forget it. Rode and be happy (or a WA-47JR when it's on sale). Thanks Edward - - nice work as always.

[@emptyloopz_]

WTF The Sony C 80 sounds so crisp without being harsh. Best Mic out of them 🔥🔥

[@JacobYuanHang]

I felt like the c80 sounded not very good personally.

[@Baratheon.]

@@JacobYuanHang lacked strength/depth on the dry recording, yeah

[@graxxor]

not a fan. I'm listening to it on a pair of mid range (sub 500) Beyerdynamics headphones and I swear that the C80 made my eyeballs jiggle.

[@JasonTaylor-po5xc]

Honestly, most of these could be EQ'd to sound about the same - so law of diminishing returns really kicks in at the $300 mark. I bet you could even take your best picks of any of them and EQ them to sound very similar to a TLM 103 or even U87. You have to have the right application and voice for a SM7B. Dynamics really shine in less than ideal recording spaces. But, if you have access to a well treated and soundproof environment, then a good condenser will really shine.

[@UkuleleBobbyKemp]

Fab content Edward!! - so great to see someone who can sing (well) as well as know how to get a mic up and running... You're in a very small/niche minority my friend! Tnxalot 🙏🏻 Bobby ...Time Stamps (for my ref.): Warm Jnr: 5:13 and 6:02 RODE NT1 SS: 8:59 and 10:04 AKG P420: 9:10 and 10:15

[@elmusosneh1142]

with my little experience, I've come to understand that there are only two important things . 1. Room treatment 2. Recording chain

[@prodcarterwoods]

basically

[@Vitino-s6i]

Also understanding what kind of sound you're looking to produce. I believe most mics are good, especially with post. Just have fun and I believe some places rent mics that are expensive. Happy creations 🎉😊

[@northwoodzhiphop]

Haha. Great video. I've been recording music for 18 years. The best music I ever recorded to this date is 3 mics that I stand by. 1. (I currently use this) AKG c214. 2. Audio Technica AT4040 3. (Highly underrated and not really known) KAM instruments c3. I have used and tested just as many mics as this man in video, maybe even more. Although I have never tested the Sony mic that costs 10k. I have to say the 500.00 to 1k price range has some great mics.

[@plautus-jc8be]

the rode nt1 is highly overrated. I own it for a decade. And never liked the muddy and nasal sound.

[@northwoodzhiphop]

@@plautus-jc8be agreed. Never owned one. Tested many Rode models. Rode is not bad. But yes, overrated imo. Many many other options for same price point.

[@plautus-jc8be]

@@northwoodzhiphop I think the ATs are decent. A bit airy though, maube also lack some warmth.

[@felixbigly]

I really enjoyed this shootout. Also low key jelly of your singing ability. To me, the best sounding is the Icon Pro. When dialed in there’s this “feathery” sound to it. Hard to describe but like an undertone of extra texture. Great mic. Awesome video.

[@ZaOnMi]

what is the recording soft ware u used to make these videos please and thank you😁

[@itsAviann]

Hey in my country rode nt1 ss is expensive than akg p420 should a buy rode nt 1 ss by paying more or should i buy akg p420 for less please suggest something

[@vannmensa]

Great review Quality microphones with great sounding qualities dope content as usual

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Much appreciated!

[@Georgewalking]

Very thankful for your videos!! So knowledgeable and you explain it very well. Thank you! Very talented!

[@mikeyfresco9196]

This man got vocals 😭I forgot I was manifesting a mic 😅💯

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

@@mikeyfresco9196 Thank you 🙏🏻

[@ayzakkpanganiban]

lewitt 440 5:29 | 6:18 at2035 8:50 | 9:53

[@olafschermann1592]

Great to compare for each price category

[@boikhristmas]

😊 I'd go for the AKG C214 It produces powerful waves

[@alfonsbarcelon]

Okay i would say that AT2035 is the best when it comes to off axis coloration noise rejection. RODE nt1 wins because it is a kit under 149. I just switched to RODE nt1 SS cuz i thought it sounds better than at2035, but i think at2035 wins for me. Or its just me? because im just new to the mic?

[@SonomaxStudio-Ecuador]

El at2035 es el mejor, no te equivocas, eso sí el wa 47 jr y el lewitt, son grandes elecciones también por 300 dólares

[@bruizer3183]

AT4040 gets my vote for the $300. And it goes on sale from time to time for $200. That's what I paid for mine from a major distributor. Hard to beat all-rounder.

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Yeah, the AT4040 is awesome 🙌🏻

[@plautus-jc8be]

@@EdwardSmithMusic STOP SAYING AWESOME1 say which one u would pick!

[@anthemmakersmusic]

the best was that Sony, oh and that Spark sounded great on you as well!

[@PeonySolutions]

Great voice! I could listen and listen and listen!

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Thank you so much!! 🙏🏻

[@DECIFERTHIS09]

C214 is best mic around and they are like $180 used, you could sell your crappy mxl or AT and be half way there. Then work on getting a a decent preamp, there's a big difference from using your interface on your 5v usb vs plugging something in and powering your mic. The lewitt sounds good, but the naturalness of the 214 allows you to eq what you want and do whatever you want to the vocal without un wanted air, I can hear it in the lewitts you boost the high end or something and it will destroy the sound. The ATs in general have this distorted burnt effect like you know when an AT was used it sounds like vocals through a light crunch pedal, same with mxls thin airy sparkly sound. That avantone was nice though very clear and warm.

[@j-perezmusic]

C214 is pretty good but tlm 102 blows it out the water

[@DavidMorley]

Personally I loved the Sony C80 and I was surprised that to me, all the Audio Technica sounded best in their categories.

[@shellfish6078]

You are such a G, thank you so much for making this video! :) Best of wishes w/ your 300k subscriber goal!

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Thank you so much!!

[@lumpytwothree]

Great video. Very helpful. Thank you. Interesting song choice for the 1st one.....

[@faheemmushtaq3805]

Beautifully comparison ❤❤❤

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@bagelstrips]

The avantone tube mic is incredible, best mic in the video

[@Chyle69]

Great singer! You sound great on all the microphones.

[@-adelalqatmeh3141]

03:30 I wanted to see shure ksm32 between them

[@bastirhymes9293]

nice video, thx for that. And you have a nice voice😍

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Thank you! 😃

[@Theerealmr9]

Your voice is actually amazing

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Thank you!!

[@Theerealmr9]

@@EdwardSmithMusic Your Welcome

[@baya_1228]

For the crisp and clarity ill choose c80. for much clean and classic vibe C214. i can here in c214 that its so quiet, the background noise is not that loud. Compare to C80

[@fibranijevidra]

If I have voice like yours, I would use most expensive microphone I could find. ;) Thanks for the review.

[@omotesKun]

I really like your vocal man.

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Thank you!!!

[@laurie-annelangis9266]

Thanks for the inputs! Any videos about microphones for instruments?

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Thanks for watching! I unfortunately do not have any videos on mics for recording instruments… maybe one day I’ll make some videos on this topic

[@Tanstaaflable]

I've spent a year trying to make myself buy the CV12. I want to love it. I want that big, red thing in my studio, but every time I hear it, I just can't do it. Great video though!

[@JohnSmith-pb4ri]

Thanks. Was deciding between the Warm Audio 47jr, Lewitt 440 Pure and AT4040. I ordered the AT4040 and it should be here today. I liked the sound of it in this video and it should go nice with my AT4047 for an acoustic guitar/vocal setup.

[@SonomaxStudio-Ecuador]

Lewitt 440 pure

[@JohnSmith-pb4ri]

@@SonomaxStudio-Ecuador I already got the AT4040. But I'm not getting rid of it. It's better than I expected.

[@wendy.azpeitia6478]

What is you recommendations for recording violin?

[@ruanraphaels]

Great voice man!

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Thank you!!

[@KhemikhalsShowbizTv]

Please BM800 condenser microphone can be use in music recording studio?​@@EdwardSmithMusic

[@ulfbejerstrand1909]

Great made video!

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Thank you!

[@Farrinah]

I have an inexpensive AT 2020 and it's perfectly adequate for streaming and gaming. However, I also have a very good Steinberg UR 242.

[@bb_lord]

Which microphone is the best for music production?

[@alfonsbarcelon]

I have at2035 and planning to get the nt1 signature series. Do you think its worth the upgrade?

[@dominionasuquo]

Not worth the upgrade

[@alfonsbarcelon]

@@dominionasuquo yes you're right. I ordered 2 and both defective. I wont definitely buy any RØDE products.

[@xeldinn86]

I have a AT2035 and Rode NT1-A (non signature) both work well

[@alfonsbarcelon]

@ nvm rode mics are really prone on humid area causing thr mic to go trash. i got 2 of those mic and both got the same issue. Idk if its because the humidity or the mic itself. Years with audio technica, i dont have any issue like this

[@angelinamerola3339]

I'm trying to find a microphone that's budget friendly, but also can record really loud vocals without distorting. I have a very powerful voice and i've tried two microphones so far and they both have issues recording loud vocals without making it sound grainy and distorted. I have no issues recording a soft and light vocal like yours, but when I sing high notes and I want to I belt them a little louder that's when I have a problem

[@DejourMuzic]

Just gave you a subscribe bro, keep going 🙌🏾

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Thanks man!! 🙏🏻

[@kayjay4952]

Did you feel like u had to make. A much higher effort singing into the wa47jr compared to the lct440? I have both

[@whoispelmesh]

Hey man, how are u? I was deciding between these two mics and can’t choose, I want 440 because it has that brightness but at the same time i can get similar result with wa47jr and eq. Since you have both, can you please give me an advice, I want to have soft Joji type vocals or sometimes even Billie Eilish type of soft vocals. What’s the difference between them, which one u think is better and you would recommend?

[@SonomaxStudio-Ecuador]

​@@whoispelmeshcompra el que te guste más, o el que te salga más económico

[@hollywav2286]

I heard more low in in the CR 80 in the mix but the sound quality of it is insane. The akg has more of a open sound maybe a little bit more higher, but I feel like the CR80 just sounded more natural than then the akg

[@DeshanFernando-ss2dz]

😋Finally some different songs , However Great Stuff Man . Appreciate

[@Man-of-Steel674]

I wonder why audio channels don't get as many views compared to the subscriber number. And lot of creators aren't even that good when it comes to audio. Anyway I commented to say that I appreciate your work regurdless of everything. ❤❤

[@-games10]

I agree ***thanks for the good video !!!

[@anthemmakersmusic]

Akg P220 was the best of the next set of mics for your voice on that song.

[@partycle352]

Agreed. Was super impressed with the tone of that mic

[@miss_pixXxi]

What a voice :) Love the songs.

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

@@miss_pixXxi Thank you 🙏🏻

[@5FrostyMen]

so close to 300K!

[@binarymilton]

Did some close listening and in my opinion the nicest sounding mics were the Sony C80, the Shure PGA27, the AKG P220 and the AKG P420. These all sounded brighter and crispier than the others. All the other microphones sounded identical to me. I'm curious: does the C80 have any proximity effect? I'd be interested to know if you can get a bit more warmth out of it by singing a little bit closer... Many thanks for the video. I'm going to have to check out the PGA27, sounds like an interesting mic.

[@DJ07274]

What mic do you use for singing and just talking or do you use the same one

[@cassiomorais6573]

Have you tested AKG Lyra? Its a USB mic and seems awesome. I'd like to know your opinion

[@xasco0]

This man is a beast 🔥 thanks bro, new subscriber, waiting for this, such an incredible video for all your community ❤ I knew the nt1 SS was crazy for that price.

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Appreciate it!

[@earjwee]

Audio Technica 4033a all day long. It's the mic I go to most for vocals and I have a wide variety of different mics.

[@homestudioacademy]

Great review! 👍 awesome content, i truly inspire to get to your level someday 😊

[@dannefagan4658]

I’ve been looking at the WA-14 as well. Should I go with the WA-14 or avantone cv-12? Both are same exact prices I just can’t find anything that compares the two

[@aaliennn]

bro, thanks for the interesting video, I would like to know what interfaces the microphones were connected to?

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Since this video was focused on budget microphones, I wanted to use a budget audio interface as well. For the sound test comparisons, I used the Audient iD4 - amzn.to/49iFsdq (This is my favorite budget audio interface).

[@aaliennn]

@@EdwardSmithMusic 👌👌thanks

[@PrantoKoX]

Regardless of accessories or features value for money and of the fact that some of the cheapest ones are not real condenser mics but electret condensers, from a purely sonic point of view that zingy 10kHz top end frequency spike that most of those cheaper mics have and that is also very typical of Røde is going to be very hard to tame or eliminate further down the line, and can cause sibilance hell. The exaggerated 13kHz and above "air boost" typical of the Lewitts, albeit more pleasing to the ear, can also be a baked-in issue. In short, IMHO the best of your bunch there is the AT4033 - incidentally, it's an older mic, it was born in the early 90s, well before the widespread flood of cheap chinese mic capsules and manufacturers for dozens of only cosmetically different brands, and it was the first serious large diaphragm studio condenser mic to break the sub-1000 $/€/£ barrier. And it still is exactly that: a serious mic, and a well built, good sounding reliable studio tool capable of totally professional results. 👍🏻💯

[@wizgoblar]

Great video, thank you. I do have a follow up question if you don't mind. I'm trying to decide on a microphone that I'd be able to use for recording voice and acoustic guitar. Any recommendation? Thanks!

[@itsmeMK17]

this is so great review🫶 Thank you💜 from PH🇵🇭

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@federico3638]

does someone tried the AKG C3000 ? bc i found it on sale at 198

[@marcooliveira2247]

For radiostation, what is the best? Rode?

[@Finn.Parzival.from-the-future]

I really like your videos! Clean quality, directly and fun to wach

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Thank you!! I appreciate that!

[@Finn.Parzival.from-the-future]

Bro, i`d just tell the true :D@@EdwardSmithMusic

[@jesuscolon1373]

I bought a new Akg P420 at 150$ was it a good purchase?

[@MrPukerman]

now you tell us)

[@snorklewacker]

Great comparison, and very thorough! Would love it if you posted the dry tracks online so we can hear them without KZbin messing with the audio. Also, at this point I wouldn’t buy a Blue mic. It’s sad, because they made some solid mics, but I’m not surprised to hear that the Spark isn’t up to snuff: ever since the Logitech acquisition they’ve been steadily declining.

[@BeyondAFeeling]

That little deeper voice register suits you way better than that high one fr

[@JarrenWrightOffical]

budget setup video for this year?

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Coming soon! 🫡

[@DavidDavrosWhite]

Surprised that Lauten Audio mics didn’t get a look in here.

[@AqeelWilliams-o6e]

Bro you from South Africa??

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

@@AqeelWilliams-o6e Yep 🫡

[@avinashyadav7588]

I can't buy rode nt1 ss in India can you please suggest which one will sound better akg p420 or audio technica at2035

[@Datsmeeeeeee]

P420 for me, or you might buy at2050

[@eattofuholmes]

dude, you need to actually try an mxl v67g - it's a frightening value and stands above everything in the price range. Its a k67 but actually has the deemphasis circuit in the upper mids.

[@hoossembechiri6136]

So witch one we shoold to buy betwin all winers mic ...plklz ????

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Depends on your budget.

[@shan5445]

AT2035 sounded the best in that lower Range. Your singing has improved. AKGC214 sounded good but the Sony sounded better. I agree with the Avantone selection sounds really good. SM7b Sounded harsh. I do like the AT series your can mix vocals with them really really well.

[@timoggofficial]

CAN YOU MAKE A COMPARISON OF SONY C80 & THE C800?

[@Mr.Extraño]

As Thanos said: "I'm going to enjoy this like never before"

[@thepeopleskobe9794]

Even more than the video, I'm really digging your songs!

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Thanks man!!

[@MaxMuccini]

Super review beetween lct 440 and at 4040 it' a.impossible to choose 😢

[@dylanj8676]

I'd pick the CAD M179 over those as it's $180-$200 USD, and it uses a similar capsule to the Lewitt (both K67s with about a 5dB boost in cardioid).

[@hugeal8716]

@Ed, curious what mic you’re using on the desk during the speaking voiceover portion of the video and your thoughts on THAT ONE.

[@lee.isaac.richard]

Huge Al, that’ll be the Earthworks Icon Pro (note, not Icon USB). Around $500 new. It’s definitely been making waves in the condenser world

[@kumareshhalder4214]

I go with lct 240 I use it since 2021

[@rome8180]

If you're recording in a poorly treated environment, there is no better mic than the SM7B. It's also great if you have a sibilant voice. I had a Rode NT1-A, and it was terrible on my voice due to the way it brought out my sibilance.

[@prphet0625]

What about the Sennheiser mk4

[@anneshnaidoo2218]

YES, I was wondering too, why no Sennheiser , either MK-4, MK-6, MK-8

[@joshuaconstantino]

hallo Sir Edward i am one of your solid subscriber here in the Philippines and i always amazed to your video's and actually i have plan to start my vlog content like you making version of the songs, you really inspired me Hehe🥰actually just trying to ask if you have a cheap interface and microphone i will buy or installment to you hehe I'm really shy but if there is I'm really happy with that 🤦‍♂

[@wellens_artist]

I owned the c214 for years... And I detested it. I finally sold it last year. It's got this humongous 10 db bump in the top end at 12-13Khz and 7.5 db around 8-10Khz. It's just so big that you can't take it out. Even after a LPF that character is still there. It's impossible to really take it out without negatively affecting what's below. It so so harsh in the top end, yet it will feel dark because of this dip in the 1 and 2.5Khz area... For me it was just unusable...Check Audio Test Kitchen and you'll see what I refer too.

[@cycotec1]

The fact I seen no Aston microphones made me sad and bit upset lol they are fire

[@ColgzElisha]

your videos gives me motivation to set up my own home studio, Would u mind giving me one of those MCPs 😅

[@izuldexter4966]

Which one i should buy?

[@thomascurtis1159]

Anyone used the under $200 mics on guitars? Wondering if the Rode NT1SS would still be top for an acoustic guitar.

[@user-op2ik9dh3j]

The Behringer B-1 is a very good microphone, technically it is a K67 capsule, and with the help of adaptive equalization and exciter you can achieve a tonal sound similar to the Neumann U87Ai

[@erikwibowo]

Akg p420

[@bokehblend]

But what does the SM7B make in this video, it doesn't make any sense to compare a single dynamic microphone to 24 condenser microphones

[@budgetguitarist]

Yup - I would come to similar conclusions. My one exception would be the tube mic - I would rather have something that consistently has the same sound. Tubes change over time.

[@jimbotski]

Try removing the foam off the SM7B and using a pop filter like the pros do.