5 Under $500: Vocal Microphones for Working Musicians

Let’s face it—microphones are expensive. We all want a stocked mic locker with the greatest vintage microphones the world has to offer, but unfortunately, that’s a privilege few can afford. But fear not! There are plenty of amazing and affordable microphones in production that rival or even exceed the sound of the classic studio legends. So whether you’re micing up a guitar, your voice, or a whole drum kit, check out five of my favorite mics that we have in stock at B&H.

Large Diaphragm Condenser: Rode NT1 5th Gen ($214-$228)

As a mic I own and have recommended to friends and colleagues repeatedly, the Rode NT1 5th Gen is one of the most impressive and affordable large diaphragm condenser mics out there—and it even goes above and beyond with both XLR and USB-C compatibility.

The Rode NT1 5th Gen shines on vocals, comes with its own cabling and shock mount, and is capable of 32-bit float output recordings when in USB-C mode using its built-in A/D converter, preventing any distortion or clipping after the fact.

The NT1 5th Gen is a fantastic entry-level microphone that’s perfect for beginners or home studio vocalists and is powerful enough to grow with you and be an important part of your mic locker, even into the professional level.

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Small Diaphragm Condenser: Lauten Audio Black LA-120 ($499 for a pair)

For those looking to get into larger format and/or acoustic recordings—especially drum overheads, acoustic guitars, pianos, strings, and choirs—the Lauten Audio Black LA-120 is a top budget performer that punches well above its weight. While these aren’t the first mics you’d add to your kit, if you want to upgrade your sound on a budget, these are becoming a common go-to in the home/small studio recording scene.

The LA-120s are transformerless, using JFET amplifiers instead. They have excellent versatility with detachable cardioid and omnidirectional capsules (similar to the way that many of the DPA small diaphragm condensers are constructed) and high and low-pass filters at two frequency settings each (15kHz/10kHz and 50Hz/120Hz respectively). Whether you need a flat response or need to tame a bright room, smooth out hard cymbal frequencies, or remove mud and rumble, the LA-120s have you covered. 

It is important to note that despite being sold in a pair, these microphones are not factory matched—make sure you test both mics and level them out properly before recording in a stereo pair. 

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Tube Condenser: Avantone Pro CV-12 ($399)

If you’re looking for that classic second-order harmonic smooth and silky tube mic sound—and don’t want to pay the equivalent of a month’s rent for an NYC apartment for it—the Avantone Pro CV-12 is an amazing and affordable choice. We go into more detail in our Tube Mic Buying Guide, but I’d be remiss not to include this microphone on yet another guide—its just such an accessible tube condenser.

The Avantone Pro CV-12 comes with everything a tube mic needs—robust carrying/storage case, proper 7-pin XLR, power supply unit, and a shock mount, while also offering excellent versatility with a nine-stage variable polar pattern selection and -10dB pad attenuation switch.

Used for vocals on Taylor Swift’s 1989, the CV-12 is perfect for bringing vocals (especially female/high register), acoustic guitars, pianos, strings, and amp cabinets to the next level.

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Ribbon: sE Electronics Voodoo VR2 ($479.79)

Finding a proper ribbon mic for under $500 is a difficult thing to do (less expensive models just don’t have the proper price-to-performance ratio, not to mention their naturally delicate and brittle durability), but the sE Electronics Voodoo VR2 might be the best ribbon you can find at this price point.

sE Electronics has made a name for itself by producing high-quality yet affordable microphones out of their factory in China. Their products often hand-made or at very least hand-tuned to precise specifications—you’re not sacrificing too much quality by choosing this mic.

The Voodoo VR2 is a bit unique for a ribbon mic, using active electronics and needing 48V phantom to operate—something that will destroy many other ribbon mics. As such, this ribbon mic blends the mid-range characteristics of classic ribbons while extending high-frequency response more associated with condenser mics, all while handing higher SPLs than other ribbons in its class. If you’re looking for the “classic” ribbon sound, this one might not be for you, but if you want a unique and capable ribbon mic, shoot this one out and see what you think. There aren’t many ribbons that go this hard at this price.

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Dynamic: Shure SM7B ($439)

Ah yes, the classic and undeniable Shure SM7B. The SM7B has seen less and less use for studio vocal applications as time goes on, now most associated with podcasting, voiceover work, and other spoken word content. If you’re podcasting or streaming, it’s pretty much a no-brainer.

However, the SM7B can be a workhorse in a music studio application, featuring bass roll-off and midrange controls making it perfect for hot and aggressive sound sources like saxophone, trumpet, trombone, snares, some kicks, spot recording drums, and loud vocals. The SM7B is notoriously gain hungry, so some may opt for purchasing a line booster like the Cloudlifter CL-1—but in my humble opinion, use mics where they belong. If your source is too soft, choose a different microphone.

Shure has thought of this however: the Shure SM7dB variant (although it is $50 over our $500 limit) has a built-in preamp for louder output level, eliminating the need for a Cloudlifter or other inline preamp while maintaining the smooth and flat frequency response the SM7B is known for. The SM7dB’s preamp is powered by +48V phantom power and can be set to +18dB, +28dB, or bypassed entirely.

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BONUS! Handheld Dynamic: Shure KSM8 Dualdyne Dynamic Microphone ($439)

With the Shure KSM8, let go of any preconceived notions of the nature of a dynamic mic. Yes, many dynamic mics usually come in at slightly lower price than their condenser or ribbon cousins. However, the KSM8 is not a typical dynamic microphone.

Immediately, the KSM8 gives you a frequency response closer to that of a condenser mic, meaning it captures higher frequencies smoothly and accurately, making it adept at capturing vocals. From a construction standpoint, Shure employs a dual-diaphragm design, which provides you with some benefits.

First, it highly reduces what is known as the proximity effect, or in laymen’s terms, the bass boost you generate the closer you sing or speak into a mic. By reducing proximity effect, the KSM8 gives you a fairly wide sweet spot, which can help if you do not have a lot of experience with proper mic technique. The design of the mic also results in a highly directional pickup pattern, meaning it captures what it’s pointed at while rejecting sound from other directions, especially great if you’re recording in an untreated room.

This is a mic that works great both in the recording booth and live on stage, a huge upgrade from the typical SM58s the house backline will usually have at most venues. Use it at home, in the studio, or on the stage—all are equally viable with the KSM8.

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Conclusion (and Bonus Round!)

These are just five of the amazing mics we have at B&H under $500, but there are many more. I want to share so many more with you, reader, so allow me to share a little bonus round of mics we have on offer under 500$:

• Audio-Technica AT2020 and AT2035: fantastic little condenser mics that sound clean and intimate—Billie Eilish has proven their value

• Rode M5 pair: Perhaps the best matched pair of small diaphragm condenser mics at the price

• Electro-Voice RE20: A broadcasting legend dynamic mic that specifically shines when used on vocals or kick drums

• Shure SM57: Somehow both a common encounter and the final boss of instrument microphones

• Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun: one of the most affordable shotgun mics if you’re looking to get into filmmaking or video broadcasting

Again, these are only a few of my favorites. If you want to dive into the rabbit hole of our microphone catalog, check out our extensive collection of microphones from tube condenser to dynamic, shotgun to lavalier, boundary to gooseneck, handheld, clip-on, USB, camera mounted, and even reference, paging, and security! If you have any questions, reach out to us on the web, on the phone, or walk in to our 420 Midtown superstore to talk directly to one of our pro audio experts!