Cheap Microphones That Engineers Use Instead of Expensive Classics
Super affordable mics that simply get the job done.
Cheap Microphones That Engineers Use Instead of Expensive Classics · Source: Avantone Pro
Have you ever seen one of your favourite engineers or producers using cheap microphones, even when they have access to an extensive mic locker?
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This is a clear reminder that recording isn’t just about using the most expensive gear you can find, but rather matching the tools to the task. While we may spend time daydreaming of using untouchable vintage microphones like the AKG C12 or the Neumann U 47, the truth is that gear like this won’t write the music for you.
We can sit back in admiration when listening to an old Frank Sinatra recording, captured with a high-end mic, but there are also times when taking a more utilitarian approach gets you the result that simply serves the song better. We’re checking out some ultra-affordable mics that can punch way above their weight if you give them a chance.
Cheap Microphones: Audio-Technica AT2020
When you only have around a hundred bucks to spend on a mic, the AT2020 is the way to go. For soft vocals or speech and sources that don’t excite the room too much, the cardioid AT2020 delivers outstanding detail, which is why it’s so popular for home recording. It’s also a great first mic for beginners with excellent build quality that plugs directly into your audio interface.
Because it’s technically a medium-diaphragm condenser (with a 16 mm capsule), the AT2020 offers faster transient response and less pronounced proximity effect than the average 1-inch large-diaphragm condenser. When combined with the slight presence rise between 5 and 15 kHz, the AT2020 is perfect for vocals and acoustic guitars, but also high-SPL sources like amp cabinets and brass instruments.
The AT2020 has been used by home recording gurus like Mac DeMarco and Finneas O’Connell, notably to record the vocals on the Billy Eilish single Ocean Eyes. One thing to note is that the AT2020 can require a bit of EQ when used on more full-bodied voices or instruments that are already quite bright in character.
Cheap Microphones: RODE PodMic
If you’re looking for an SM7B or RE20 broadcast-style dynamic mic but don’t quite have the budget, the RODE PodMic is a worthy sub-$100 option that can deliver results in the same ballpark as these more expensive mics, provided the source is well recorded and produced. With its neodymium dynamic capsule, the PodMic has a pronounced boost roughly from 5 – 10 kHz.
Meanwhile, it also has a characteristically punchy, precise low-end response, but the midrange is pushed forward and can be slightly aggressive on some sources. Compared to the SM7B or the RE20, the proximity effect is way more pronounced, and it is also quite sensitive to plosives, which is why users record slightly off-axis or use a foam windshield like the RODE WS2.
The PodMic is also less gain-hungry than the SM7B or the RE20, so you could probably get away with plugging it directly into the average audio interface. Like other broadcast dynamics, the PodMic is voiced for vocals and speech, but you can also get excellent results on kick drums and guitar amps, provided you pay attention to the proximity.
Cheap Microphones: Shure SM57
The SM57 is both a cheap alternative and a classic in its own right. Capable of performing almost any recording task you can think of in studio, the 57 is a direct evolution of the first-ever end-address microphone released by Shure, Model 545 Unidyne III. The development of these mics dates back to the 1950s, and we’ve heard it on some legendary recordings.
Albums like Boston’s eponymous debut (1976), Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours (1977), Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991) by Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories (2013) all used 57s for recording a range of elements including vocals, guitars, drum kits, and other instruments.
The 57 earned its reputation as the ultimate desert-island mic through its ability to be placed in close proximity to high-SPL sources like loud snare drums, while being able to pivot seamlessly and capture the nuances of a delicate acoustic guitar performance. Most studios have several of these reliable mics, because you never know what situation they will get you out of next.
Cheap Microphones: Behringer C2
With the Behringer C2, you get a matched small-diaphragm condenser pair for only 50 bucks. While you probably won’t get the same level of recording quality as the famous Neumann or Schoeps condensers, most of us aren’t working in the type of acoustic environments that can really justify using ultra-sensitive high-end condensers.
In addition, most of us aren’t conducting a full orchestra on a soundstage at Abbey Road, so if you’re simply trying to get a better stereo image on an acoustic guitar or drum kit, these C2s are fit for the task. With its transformerless FET output circuit, the C2 can sound slightly aggressive when capturing heavily transient-laden material.
Meanwhile, with the pronounced 4 dB boost between 1 – 8 kHz and the potentially problematic off-axis rejection, you could end up facing some idiosyncrasies in the post-production phase. As with any mic, there is a skill to getting good recordings, so pay close attention to your gain structure, especially on quieter sound sources.
Cheap Microphones: Avantone Pro CV-12
High-end tube condensers can easily become the most expensive items in your studio, and that’s without taking into account the expense of the acoustic treatment in your vocal booth or live room. With the CV-12, Avantone Pro aims to make the sound of the fabled German condensers accessible to musicians.
With a K67-style capsule and Russian 6072A vacuum tube, the CV-12 uses the same setup you’d expect from a professional tube mic, with an external power supply and continuously variable polar patterns (cardioid, omni, figure-8). Because of its cleanly detailed high-frequency range and rich lower mids, the CV-12 is ideal for pop vocals and has even been used in studio by Taylor Swift.
Meanwhile, the affordable price tag has encouraged many engineers to modify the CV-12 by upgrading the capsule and tube to get a sound that’s closer to the original AKG C12 it’s inspired by. Through the partnership with Black Lion Audio, Avantone Pro also offers a modified version with an upgraded capsule and circuitry, although this does increase the price tag a little.
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