Best Studio Condenser Microphones For Vocals Under £150 2018
22nd Feb 2018
Here at Music Matter We Take A Look Into The Best Studio Condenser Microphones For Recording Vocals Under £150 For 2018 Featuring Rode, MXL, sE Electronics & More
So you're looking into getting yourself a Studio Microphone for your studio or home recording, well here at Music Matter we countdown the best Studio Microphones for recording vocals, giving you tips, tricks on what you need to know in terms of frequency response, diaphragm size and microphone type.
Why Do You Need A Studio Microphone For Recording Vocals?
To record vocals in a recording studio environment and create a good sound quality you would ideally need a large diaphragm condenser microphone because they have a wider frequency response and much higher sensitivity meaning you can record your vocals at a comfortable level from a reasonable distance.
When selecting a microphone for your studio you will usually come across two types of Microphone: Condenser and Dynamic. Condenser Microphones are the more common of the two you'll see in recording studios due to the fact that they have a wider frequency response and greater accuracy of vocal reproduction. Condensers also have two types of microphone: small and large diaphragm, small diaphragm are ideal for recording high frequency sounds such as violins and acoustic guitars, large diaphragm are perfect for a 'deeper' sound so is ideal for vocals and acoustic bass.
You would generally need a USB Audio interface with an XLR connector lead and DAW software to record vocals with a studio condenser microphone.
Key Points To Consider Before Buying A Studio Microphone:
Transducer Type
Diaphragm Size
Polar Patterns
Frequency Response
Sensitivity
Max SPL
Rode NT1-A Vocal Recording Pack
Boasting incredibly low self-noise, the Rode NT1A large-diaphragm condenser microphone is an ideal match for vocal recording, and the Complete Vocal Solution bundle comes with accessories specifically matched for vocal recording. The NT1-A is so quiet in fact, that it boasts being “the world's quietest studio microphone,” with only 5dBA of self-noise. As well as vocals, the NT1-A is a popular microphone choice for recording acoustic and electric guitars, pianos and even as a drum overhead.
Rode NT1-A Key Features
- Large 1'' capsule with gold-plated diaphragm
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Ultra low noise, self noise of only 5dB (A-Weighted)
- Wide frequency response
- True condenser microphone (externally biased)
- Internal capsule shock mounting
- Includes RØDE SM6 shock mount, pop filter and dust cover
- 10 year extended warranty when you register your microphone with Rode
Music Matter Recommends:
Considered 'The World's Most Popular Microphone' - The Rode NT1A features an extremely low self noise of just 5dB which means it's also one of the quietest microphone in the world, ideal for recording soft vocals while keeping that great quality sound.
Order The Rode NT1-A Today:
Samson MTR101 Studio Condenser Microphone
The MTR101 is a large, 1" diaphragm studio condenser microphone. It features a cardioid pickup pattern that provides increased isolation of a sound source and is designed to handle high SPLs of up to 137dB. The MTR101 offers a smooth, extended frequency response, as well as low self-noise and a wide dynamic range perfect for recording. In addition, its internally shock-mounted capsule also reduces handling noise and external vibrations. This rugged die cast microphone comes with a mic clip designed to fit all standard microphone stands.
Samson MTR101 Key Features
- Large, 1" diaphragm studio condenser microphone
- Cardioid pickup pattern for increased isolation
- Smooth, extended frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz
- Low self-noise, wide dynamic range perfect for recording
- Handles high SPLs of up to 137dB
- Internally shock-mounted capsule reduces handling noise and external vibrations
- Rugged die cast construction
- Includes mic clip
Music Matter Recommends:
The cheapest way into professional studio condenser vocal recording microphones, still features the same basic features as other microphones which makes this particular microphone a viable option for a budget studio environment.
Order The Samson MTR101 Today:
MXL 990 Studio Condenser Microphone
The MXL 990 is one of the industry's most ground-breaking microphones. The first high quality condenser microphone to come into reach of working musicians, the MXL 990 has a FET preamp and a large diaphragm for truly professional sound quality in both digital and analog recordings. This revolutionary condenser microphone continues to astound artists with its silky, high end and tight, solid low and midrange reproduction.
MXL 990 Key Features
- FET preamp with balanced output
- Provides silky sweet high end and retains tight, solid low and midrange reproduction
- Vintage body style with champagne finish
- Includes custom shockmount, mic stand adapter & carrying case
Music Matter Recommends:
The MXL 990 Large Cardioid Condenser Microphone's main draw point is it's FET Preamp - resulting in some serious professional sound quality for both analog and digital scenarios.
Order The MXL 990 Today:
sE Electronics X1 A Acoustically Designed Condenser Microphone
The X1 A is the new entry point to sE’s acclaimed X1 Series. It is designed to be the best-in-class offering on the market and bringing the heritage of the X1 Series to an expanded user base worldwide. The X1 A utilises a newly-developed acoustic design with a carefully selected condenser capsule, low noise electronics, an integrated windscreen, and a gold-plated XLR connector. It also includes a switchable attenuation pad & low-cut filter and a robust all-metal chassis. The X1 A will be available in stores from EARLY October 2016 .It ships with a newly designed mic clip and mic stand thread adapter, and is fully compatible with sE’s Isolation Pack shock-mount.
sE Electronics X1 A Key Features
- Capsule Type: 2/3'' Permanently-Biased Condenser
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Range: 20Hz - 20kHz
- Impedance: <50Ω
- Sensitivity: 20mV/Pa (-34dB)
- Maximum SPL: 130dB / 150dB (0dB / 20dB Pad, 0.5% THD @ 1kHz)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 78dB (A)
- Equivalent Noise Level: 16dB (A)
- Dynamic Range: 114dB / 134dB (0dB / 20dB Pad)
- Low Cut Filter: 100Hz, 6dB/Oct, Switchable
Music Matter Recommends:
Based on their extremely popular predecessor - the X1 - this is versatile & affordable acoustcially designed condenser microphone will be perfect for home studio recording.
Order The sE Electronics X1 A Today:
Audio Technica AT2020 Studio Condenser Microphone
The Audio-Technica's stringent quality and consistency standards set the AT2020 apart from other mics in its class. Its low-mass, 16mm diaphragm is custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. With rugged construction for durable performance, the microphone offers a wide dynamic range and handles high SPLs with ease. The Audio-Technica AT2020: the new standard for affordable side-address studio condensers.
Audio Technica AT2020 Key Features:
- The price/performance standard in side-address studio condenser microphone technology
- Ideal for project/home-studio applications
- High SPL handling and wide dynamic range provide unmatched versatility
- Custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient response
- Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source
- Pivoting, threaded stand mount attaches securely for easy and precise placement of the microphone
- Stand mount for 5/8 inch-27 threaded stands; 5/8 inch-27 to 3/8 inch-16 threaded adapter and soft protective pouch included with this microphone
Music Matter Recommends:
Audio Technica are renowned for good quality, rugged professional microphones & the AT2020 is the most affordable first step, in a very competitive market this has proved to hold its own.
Order Audio Technica AT2020 Today:
Tascam TM-80 Studio Condenser Microphone
TASCAM’s TM-80 is a condenser microphone designed and priced for home recording. The condenser mic features an 18mm aluminum diaphragm with a cardioid pickup pattern that sounds great on anything from vocals to acoustic instruments. Internal circuitry is optimized to reduce noise and distortion while retaining rich, full sound quality. Included with the TM-80 are a tabletop stand, six-foot XLR cable, and a elastic shockmount to reduce rumble and noise during recording. Priced less than many dynamic microphones, the TM-80 is a must-have for any size studio.
Tascam TM-80 Key Features:
- Microphone capsule assembly features an 18mm pure aluminum diaphragm
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
- Sensitivity : -38dB +/-2dB (0dB=1V/Pa at 1kHz)
- Phantom power requirement: 9 - 48V DC
- Output impedance : 200ohm +/-30% (at 1kHz)
- Load impedance : >1k ohm
Music Matter Recommends:
From it's build design to it's price, the Tascam TM80 Cardioid Condenser Microphone is specifically designed for home recording use.
Order Tascam TM-80 Today:
Professional Studio Microphone Comparison Chart
NT1-A | MTR-101 | 990 | X1 A | AT2020 | TM-80 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Condenser | Condenser | Condenser | Condenser | Condenser | Condenser |
Size | Large | Large | Large | Large | Large | Large |
Pattern | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid |
Frequency Range | 20Hz - 20kHz | 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 20Hz - 20kHz | 20Hz - 20kHz |
Max SPL | 137 dB | 137 dB | 130 dB | 130 dB | 144 dB | 136 dB |
Sensitivity | 25 mV/Pa | -33 dB | NA | 20 mV/Pa | 14 mV/Pa | -38 dB |
Equiv. Noise Level | 5 dB-A | 16 dB-A | NA | 5 dB-A | NA | NA |
S/N Ratio | NA | 78 dB | NA | 78 dB | 74 dB | 77 dB |
Phantom Power | +24 / + 48V | +48V | +48V | +48V | +48V | +48V |
Output Impedance | 100 Ohms | 50 Ohms | NA | 50 Ohms | 100 Ohms | 200 Ohms |
Output | XLR | XLR | XLR | XLR | XLR | XLR |