Five of the Best Microphones Under $300!
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 13. 07. 2024
- Thanks to DistroKid for sponsoring this video! Get a discount here: distrokid.com/vip/audiohaze
Check out the mics down below!
Neat King Bee II - amzn.to/3JOYATU
Lewitt 440 Pure - amzn.to/3imNwRh
Shure SM57 - amzn.to/2P1pUXC
Shure MV7 - amzn.to/3BfewuF
Behringer XM8500 - amzn.to/3utvKmp
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Today we check out some of the top five best microphones in the "budget" range of microphones. I've had the priviledge to test out a whole loud of microphones a this point, these 5 stuck out as some of the best offerings under $300 :)
What do you think? Anything I missed?
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TOP THREE BUDGET CONDENSERS:
đ„Lewitt 440 Pure - amzn.to/3imNwRh
đ„Neat King Bee II - amzn.to/3JOYATU
đ„Rode NT1 -
TOP THREE BUDGET DYNAMICS:
đ„Shure SM57 - amzn.to/2P1pUXC
đ„Behringer XM8500 - amzn.to/3utvKmp
đ„Shure MV7 - amzn.to/3BfewuF
TOP THREE CONDENSERS
đ„Austrian Audio OC818 - imp.i114863.net/qnGXBO
đ„AKG C414 XLS - amzn.to/3lMAgXq
đ„Soyuz Bomblet - amzn.to/3BDy2Sx
Honorable Mention: Roswell Pro Audio Mini k67x - amzn.to/3BeT9Mt
TOP THREE DYNAMICS:
đ„ElectroVoice RE20 - amzn.to/2UFdyaM
đ„Shure SM57 - amzn.to/2P1pUXC
đ„Sennheiser MD 441 - amzn.to/3S6st6b
MY CAMERA SETUP:
Lumix S5 (w/Kit Lens) - amzn.to/3xKHLVQ
85mm F1.8 for B Roll - amzn.to/3y8GcBF
My (weirdly expensive) ring light - amzn.to/3LIK164
MY STUDIO GEAR:
Audient iD4 - amzn.to/3Svvxst
Audient Evo 4 - amzn.to/3UxLZtL
Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen- amzn.to/2P4SXtl
KRK Rokit 5s G4 - amzn.to/3dIKubA
Elgato Low Profile Boom Arm - amzn.to/3DNyZKS
MY HEADPHONES -
Audio Technica M30x - amzn.to/3feOfE6
Status Audio CB-1s - amzn.to/3IfcOeX
Hifiman Sundara - amzn.to/3JvDkm1 - Hudba
Hey guys, there are some affiliate links in the description if you end up going for one of these mics :)
I've been binging your vids since last night. Super helping as I prepare to procure equipment for the podcast I am planning to start.
Also, I appreciate your takes on creating art.
đ€đŸ
Great video! Iâm really starting to check more into that Lewitt 440. Itâs really peaking my interest.
It's amazing!
Listening again to the final comparison, one of the important things that comes out is the importance of the room. The dynamics sound definitely "crisper", "drier" than the condensers, and for the beginner home studio, audio enthusiast, who is not recording many channels, in a less than ideal acoustic environment, that could really have an impact on how effective the track is, in the mix.
An excellent video, for those who have the patience to "hear" the results.
Thanks so much! This list is so useful because... well, gotta start somewhere and it can get discouraging to be working with a small budget when you know what you are missing. Every time I hear the the 440 pure on anyone's review, all I hear is sibilance. For me, it jumps out immediately. I picked it out of the voice over lineup EVERY time and it was my least favorite every time as well. As for the MV7, I am going to have to look up a side-by-side comparison because I did not like that one so much in this video either, but I know that I am usually very happy with the SM7B.
As you can see from my channel, I have songs I recorded with mxl 990 but my voice is in a dark tone, pretty bass. I want to switch to Lewitt 440, but will its brightness turn out the darkness in my voice? And what kind of change would it be, I wonder if it's worth it? What is your suggestion, the reason why I chose lewitt catches my eye in more modernist works. (By the way, my sound card is Audient id14.)
wttthell i was going to do the same thing i'm very curious about the next answer for this
The brightness won't necessarily turn down any darkness in your vocal, but the presence boost will certain prioritize high-end information. In other words, your low end will still be there, but will not be a pronounced. If you're looking to brighten up your tone, I think switching to a 440 is a great idea, and the exact upgrade I would make as well :)
@@AudioHaze So going from MXL 990 to 440 is a logical upgrade? I would like to hear your important information and experiences on this subject, since I can't predict much, because I have never seen mxl 990 vs 440 anywhere, I know they are not equivalent, but I would still like to see it.
@@ESSHfact This is very much an apples and oranges comparison. The 440 is much more 'clean' sounding. The mic review does a great job by putting it side-by-side with the King Bee II. While the 990 does not exactly sound like a King Bee II, the comparison will get a closer representation of what audio frequencies will be enhanced. For sure, the 440 is going to emphasize a gradual climb of mids to upper frequencies. I have not listened to my 990 in a while, but that is because it is not my preferred mic. The thing that stands out for me on the 440 is the incredibly clarity it captures. This allows it to play a very specific role in cutting through the mix when needed. If want a fuller, more Howard Stern broadcast sound, the King Bee II is your man. I would suggest if you are looking to split the difference, perhaps the sE X1 S is worth listening to. A fine mic in its own right under $200 USD. OR the RODE NT-1.
Oh yeah, also give some thought to the TechZone Audio mics. Incredible sound for the price. Their X2 leans toward the 440, while the X2 Vintage leans more toward the King Bee without going quite as dark. All of their mics sound excellent.
THANK YOU FOR THIS LIST! definitely sending this to a few of my homies rn
you've talked about the NT-1 before and how good it is; what stopped you from putting that one in here?
Check out the end of the vid! I covered that topic
Hello, I love your content and wish you good luck! I would like to ask how shure mv7 in terms of vocals and recording instruments?
hey, i like your content and your video color tone. Please let me know how you set up your room and lighting đ€đ€ thanks. keep it up!
Thanks man! Itâs honestly just three lamps and one ring light set to the warmest color option :) I use a LUMIX S5 in the natural color profile with the 60mm lens that comes with it! Hope that helps
Hey there, just recently found your channel and I'm a beginner to all of this. I'd be thrilled to know your opinion on the Fduce SL40, especially at that less than 100$ price point
Please do a test of the Audio Technica MB3k. One of my audio engineer friend was raving about it as being his favorite budget mic. Bought 2 of them and I love them soo much!! They are like half the price of the SM58 and I like them a lot more (except the handling noise maybe).
Very helpful video, thanks! But can you tell me which is better to choose an audio interface with two channels (for electric / acoustic guitar and microphone) within 200 - 300 dollars? With a microphone, thanks to you, I have already decided :)
AudioHaze, what do you think is better, the king bee II or the Aston origin?
You should check out the TechZone Stellar X2. A very nice condenser mic which comes in at around $200. Solid performer.
The LCT 440 sounds great as always, as does the XM8500 for the price. Have you tried the Beyerdynamic M90 Pro X? I just bought it on sale after hearing it's very similar to the NT1 with a little more top end smoothness & presence.
I haven't gotten the chance yet unfortunately! Hopefully in the future :)
Another great video man, thank you (:
Thanks for watching!
I am gonna buy one right now which one should I get between sm57 and mv7 or should I get sm58 in very untreated room ? ( for singing purpose only ) which one is the easiest post processing ? (my vocal does not have that much low end) Thank you :)
I love what you do buddy!
Thanks man!
I want to get a microphone for my home studio. But I have doubts between the two models.
Rode NT1 Kit & Lewitt 440 pure
Which one do you think is more worth buying?
Good comparison as always! I might ask Santa to bring me the Neat King Bee II, I like the darker tone it gives. I'm curious about your camera set up Ricky.
Thanks! And its a Lumix S5, with the 60mm kit lens and an 85mm F1.8 for B roll :)
@@AudioHaze Nice! đ
The King Bee II is a really nice mic. A couple things worth noting. Try it on whatever application you wish to apply it on with and without the pop filter. It does change the quality of the recording. Also, the King Bee II - while really cool looking IMO - is incredibly heavy. You are going to mount this on a mic stand that can handle some weight.
@@billlord4203 I use the Rode NT1 and the EV RE20, both hefty mics. đ
@@TC_Conner Yup, hefty indeed! The King Bee II though takes the cake. Well, actually, I don't own a RE20 (surprisingly - it is on my 'to buy' list), but I do recall it is a beefy fellow đ
For how cheap the xm8500 is, what's your opinion on just slapping that mic on instruments, let's say, a full drum kit? Definitely cheaper than getting a set of SM57's
Hey, have you seen the Fifine Amplitank K688? I really like your reviews and immediately thought of you when it came out đ
I haven't had the chance to try it out no! Fifine isn't really a brand on my radar, but I think I should probably look more into these "amazon" companies a little more I suppose
Real question about all these bright mics is how the attenuated areas of the raw signal once boosted sound. Not sure about lewitt 440 for that matter. Had same grievences with tlm 103. Sure highs are coarse but mids arent much even when levelled. Try nt1 5th gen mby or nt2
I feel solid that three of these mics are present in my bedroom studtio! Thanks for making a video that sooths me regarding some of my life choices....although there are some other choices I could use some support with too
lolll I'm sure part of my role here is buyer reassurance :)
love the vid I need to learn to edit like that lol! also have the same mic arm and I love it!
Thanks man!! I'm trying my best, still a video novice honestly :)
@@AudioHaze and what do you think i am lol im a video baby!!
@@jamsvo6454 lollll
Love the vids, never stop the blind mic tests. Also, I'm not sure how we're pretending that the M7V actually sounds good at all.... it by far had the most audible self noise, and it has the most unattractive mid boost. That last bit was opinion, I guess, but the self noise was real.
Loving this list so far. The Aston origin has been a workhorse with my streaming under $300.00. A tweak on the eq makes this mic really sparkle on the high end.
Nice! I'm not in love with the Aston, but still a solid mic for sure :)
OH i see you got your hands on a Soyuz :O cant wait to see a review of it he he
Oh its gonna be a fun one for sure :)
I have 440 pure so far it's great better than the AT2020usbplus the last mic I used which was great but the 440 is better mainly cause it has a bright tone without being sibilant and harsh and the rejection of noises is great plus I have a booth now so it's straight fire đ„đ„
Thats awesome dude enjoy!
I want to get a microphone for my home studio. But I have doubts between the two models.
Rode NT1 Kit & Lewitt 440 pure
Which one do you think is more worth buying?
Iâm impressed by that King Bee.
2
That bomblet sounds insane
What was that original microphone which was used at the start of this video?
Great choices. With the tests being spoken word , I felt right at home. And that triggered me to come up with choices on my own. So cheap itâs stupid? Ridiculously good at room rejection? One microphone, that is both of these things, is the Behringer BA85A. Itâs super cardioid pickup pattern made it so good at room rejection, that it basically flattened my back then daily driver on stream, the RĂDE Procaster (and in extent, the Shure SM7B) which made me use it, despite being very bass heavy up close, until I settled on a admittedly very specialized choice, the Shure Beta 58A, which isnât as stupid cheap, but therefore the best microphone for streaming that I know, when it comes down to sounding not too far off the much loved SM7B tone, but clearer and that combined with the best room rejection possible in less than ideal recording situations, that I know. Period. You have a very reverby room? Go for it. You have a somewhat noisy PC close to you? No problem. Use this microphone close to you and you basically remove most of the room and anything in it.
I own 2 Lewitts 440 pure and they do everything
In the blind tests I picked the 440 every time as my favourite.
Is it better to dial down a brighter microphone than dial up a darker microphone?
Honestly, Iâve never really liked the SM57
But I see your point with it
aw no way! Whats your thinking behind that?
this video is perfect for mine and probably many othersâ situations
Glad to hear :)
The Aston Origin has gone on sale for $99 on Sweetwater considering it was $299 is unheard of.
I have 440 PURE and XM8500 and itâs really great options for this price!
Well, the 440 Pure and King Bee II aren't available in my country, I'm not huge into the SM7B and I generally don't like giving money to Behringer, so I guess this is one more point for the SM57. But I think I'm still going to look for a second condenser for just a different tonality. I know this is a tough question coming out of the blue, but do you suggest any other budget mic for the collection alongside my current AKG P220 and the upcoming SM57?
Hmmmm, I would suggest something with a softer tone to compliment the AKG. A Rode NT1 should definitely be in the running :) perhaps a ribbon!
Maybe look into an AT2035? đŹ
Can you get sE Electronics in your country? Hard to go wrong with sE.
@@AudioHaze interesting, the NT1 never crossed my mind so far... It's quite expensive around here (bout triple the price of the P220), but I think I just might start saving up for it
@@JOELLZE I have a bit of a bass-y voice (see any of my videos here on YT for reference, they're in Portuguese tho) and I tend to compensate with a more mid-heavy tone. I've heard the AT2035 is very dark though so I'm not sure
OMG, you killed me at 3:37 Its like you were right there with me xD I laughed out loud at 12 am.....
I've been binge watching your videos all of last night and this morning and came to the conclusion I was getting an SM57 with some accesories, even though I have a $300 budget. And then this video comes out...
Haven't watched it yet, was about to click buy so let's see if this video changes that.
I think youâll be happy with your decision :)
Do it! It has never disappointed me to this day. The durability, the crisp, flat frequency response, the list goes on. It has been my work horse for many years and even though I can upgrade right now, I don't want to.
The SM57 is an industry standard - good to have a few lying around. For giggles, I suggest you listen to head-to-head comparison with sE V7 and the V7x. Each has their own sonic signature. All are in the same price range.
Is shure mv7 ok for recording singin?
Is it because your voice is bass, but I was picking every single time the Lewitt 440, but in the first blind testđ€·đœââ
The Lewitt 440 Pure just sounds amazing for it's price.
Definitely! Even regardless of its price :)
I have a pair of 440 mics, and they are incredibly clean sounding. Definitely recommend them to be a part of anyone's mic locker.
@@billlord4203 fr? I Might but them there good
Just picked up the LCT 441 (multi-pattern version of the Pure) for 280 on AmazonâŠ.crazy good for the price
Great choice!
I'm considering the Shure MV7
Nice!
yo good video but your thumbnail game is REALLY on point
Thanks dude! I'm trying my best!!
i actually prefer xm8500 in the blind test, loved it the most
Same here
I would put the Lewitt 440 up against alot of $500 mics. You just keep getting better all the time. Great stuff.I would like to see a comparison of the SM57, Audix i5 and the Lewitt MTP 440 DM.
Thanks Rod! Will definitely keep it in mind :)
NT1 gen 4, imperative audio LUCENT condenser microphones are best budget microphones.
I thought about my own top 5 before staring this video and the only thing I differed on was the sE v7 instead of the MV 7
I think you had a bad experience with the v7 though?
Nice! Yeah personally the proximity effect on that one was too much for meb
I LOVE the sE V7 and the Shure SM57 as the best handhelds. The sE dynacaster is great too for voice over (on my voice). This video makes me curious about the Neat King Bee II.
@@NicoDeclerckBelgium I have all of these, Nico. Each has its own flavor. +1 on the Dynacaster - nice mic. Give the King Bee II a try - the review does justice to what you can expect out of it - and maybe even consider the Worker Bee. I don't have the Worker Bee II, but the original Worker Bee is impressive. Again, different flavors đ
Compared to you, all the countless other audio advisers I heard seem like they simply don't really know what they are talking about. Thanks for this video. You don't accidentally have an advise for recording my classical guitar? I was so going for the nt1, but now you got me doubting again.
Thanks dude! That means a lot :) well, if you have a classical, I personally love a more mellow tone for those. Have you ever checked out the Lauten Audio LA-220? I don't have a review for that one yet but its sweet. You could also try the AT4040, or the mini k67x if you can stretch the budget
I never heard of those. But I will google around for them now! Thanks for the tips.
@@AudioHaze for the record: so no 440 pure for the nylons? Too bright? This will be my last question about this :P
@@AudioHaze I wish I could try them all!
I went for a pair of the Lewitt lct 140 air. On their way, so I'm extremely excited âșïž
SE V7!
Is that the Bomblet on your arm at the beginning of the video?
You guessed it!
results are just buy the $25 berhringer 8500 and eq it!!! most people will never know the difference
great content, critical on budget but seeking quality...wow and that new hair colour too
Thanks! No new hair color though? Iâm wearing a beanie though :)
@@AudioHaze got this mad idea.....get a massive statue into the apartment....like a giant hulk or jimi hendrix..later
I was curious to know what you think of the se electronics v7? Just for simple vocal covers etc-
Iâve tried the v7x and wasnât a HUGE fan to be frank. The proximity effect seemed pretty intense on that one
I really like the V7. To me, it is very clean, natural and open-sounding. The supercardioid pattern offers great rejection.
@@AudioHaze You might try the V7 - the X is designed to be an instrument mic and the two definitely sound different.
How can I EQ my xm8500 and use it in a live setting? like in discord or zoom.
You would just process it in some sort of DAW, then route that audio out of said saw into Discord or whatever program you happen to be using to chat with :)
The SM57 should really have the A2WS windscreen on it for vocal use so I'd always recommend that extra for $20.
would that be better than the grille on the sm58?
@#01 it looks ugly af tho
what do you think about the beta 58a? specifically when compared to the sm57 and sm58
I use the 58a as a kick drum mic haha
I unfortunately just don't have enough experience with it to make a solid opinion! I've heard great things though
sick vid, Ngl I love budget oriented mics than expesnsivee ones lol, puts the pressure away from recording. also LOVE THE DISCORD VCS WE HAD WITH THE SERVER EVERYONE JOIN IT
True, budget mics these days are just crazy powerful :) and weâll do another this weekend!!
Darn you and your excellent video skills! Great mics review too. I'm on the edge of getting another mic but I'm still thinking about the Roswell mini k67. Or maybe a MIM Strat. Love the design of the new King Bees, looks like something from the Flash Gordon movie or a Gothem City radio studio, retro-futuristic. I have the Behringer and it's muddy low but treatable and totally worth having.
Thanks man! So many nice comments about the video quality lately it means a lot :) If you can grab the k67, do it. Its a beautiful mic
Soyuz... They are majestyc!
The MV7 literally has a signature tone that stood out in this video. It's the only mic that I've guessed it right, across all the blind mic tests. I'm intending to livestream with an improved audio quality but I have a fan right in front of me since I'm from Singapore and it tends to be very humid and hot here. Not sure which mic could put up with a nearby fan noise at full speed đ
Any of the dynamics on this list would at least help :) I still have to turn off my AC when I record regardless of if its a dynamic or condenser though
You might look into purchasing a mic isolation shield and face the back of the shield towards the fan so the wind gets blocked from the mic. Also, use a highly directional mic that rejects sound from behind and as much of the sides as possible. Then use a foam windscreen over the mic and you might try playing with the eq to see if you can figure out which frequencies can be reduced that are wind-related. All of these steps should help. The further away you are from the fan, the better. You can also try bouncing the fan off the walls or the ceiling so the noise is not as direct.
RIP NT1 đ€Łđ€Ł
I oen lewitt lct 440 a few month ago cause of you brotha
And know stilllllllll
How about sennheiser mk4
I'm just getting started with recording and I can definitely see (hear) why you say an SM57 is all you really need to make great sounding recordings. Good room rejection makes things a whole lot easier. I see condensers as an effect; you're trying to capture the room as well. Do they have more sparkle? I suppose, but it probably depends on the room a fair bit as you catch the higher frequencies reverberating. Incidentally it's my impression the MV7 doesn't reject the room as well as the other two dynamics.
Where is my legendary baby SM58 ? đ„ Any reason not to include ?
Personally I just use the 57 :) similar to identical result with an A2WS filter
good quality video!
thanksss :)))
The SM57 đ
Yessir :)
With your voice almost anything sounds great.
Ah thank you so much!!
oh thats why distrokid doesnt allow youtube video sinc on distrokid:))
Came for audio commentary, left a Casanova.
Was in market for a darker ish mic. The neat king is looking pretty Neat đ€Žđ»
Yeah give it a shot!
Partial to the 440 pure on your voice.
Good to know!
I'm at 0:03, but I have a feeling the SM57 will be making a grand return.
Edit:
13:10
Hey, I love you, man. Hahaha!
hahaha you called it!
@@AudioHaze All jokes aside, your content is something I always look forward to.
Though, I'm curious if you'd give the Podmic and Procaster a more in-depth look. Or the SE Dynacaster that almost no one's talking about. Hahaha!
What's the microphone at the beginning?
That would be the Soyuz Bomblet :)
@@AudioHaze Hopefully you'll have a review of it coming soon.
PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Give us that MV7 review
Please what is the ref of the first expansive microphone ? not a Blue Microphone ?
Its a Soyuz Bomblet :)
@@AudioHaze Thank you ! I love your vids every times interesting thank for this !
The neat king bee II isn't available in my country :(
Dang I'm sorry dude :(
Clearly from this video, one needs to aim for at least two microphones, one dynamic and one condenser, so one has choice and flexibility and options.
hi can you do a review of Shure MV7
Of course! Got out coming just around the corner :)
@@AudioHaze ty
Thoughts on the re320?
Not enough first hand experience with it, I haven't heard the best things though
I have one. It gets a lot of love out there. IMO, it is good, but not great. There are better alternatives, depending on what you are looking to do with it. For the same money, I prefer the recordings you get with the new sE Dynacaster.
The MV7 sounds worse than the XM8500 in this comparison imo. The SM57 sounds pretty good too, but not a single dynamic mic on this list comes close to the Lewitt.
Great comparison!. Where is the AT4040?
Because I wanna be speciall I've tried to find a replacement for the sm57 for snare... but I haven't managed to... I've found more expensive options that sounds as good. but in my opinion not really better.
The MV7 seven really stood out in all the tests sounding like shit. not a fan.
You could try a 57 PAIRED with a SDC! We used to just tape the SDC onto the 57 :) mitigates some phase issues and gives a bright snappy tone that you can mix in to taste
@@AudioHaze Yea I've seen a lot of people do that before. Should try it out myself! :)
Give a listen to the sE V7X. It is in the same price ball park and offers a nice alternative.
As someone who knows little to nothing about microphones, these videos are so helpful thank you.
Glad I could help my friend!
Danke!
You're too generous Rainer!
@@AudioHaze YouÂŽre welcome!
top 100 mics
Was looking for a dark warm mic as I'm planning to do a long form narration. Love the sound of the SM7b but its out of my budget. I found a channel that compared the King Bee 2 to the SM7B and boy do they sound pretty close. Long story short and I ended up with the King Bee. Love the build quality and the audio is definitely better than other mics in the same price range.
I kinda wish you included Rode NT-1 in the blind test, just so that we could hear the difference in room rejection.
Anyways, great video as always!
Ah dang thatâs a good idea, sorry about that!
SM57 team here :D
That Soyuz though đ
I know right :))) its beautiful in more ways than one
Somewhere at Shure HQ, a smattering of executives are heatedly debating whether the company as a whole likes you. The 57 faction is Stanning HARD. But the 7B regime is giving âem the business. This veritable jury of mic peddlers is forging a corporate stance yet Rickey may be 57 himself (lol) before a verdict is in. Riveting controversy. Hopefully Shure survives, as a house divided cannot stand.
LOL you LOL wrote LOL "lol" LOL in LOL brackets LOL. LOL
lovely flex at the beginning, definitely not under 300 :P
đ„â€đ
The behringer xm8500 is my favorite out of the lot even though it's not perfect but it sounds amazing on pretty much every voice plus you can buy 4 of them without breaking the bank
Its definitely the budget master :)
No one talks about the sl84c which I feel does a better job if you talking about working with every voice
I think you mean âexpositionâ, not âexhibitionâ.
That is correct my bad :)