Condenser microphones are known for carrying a lot of values, and those values don’t come for cheap. So, to find the best condenser mic under 300, one that is good enough to record your guitar and voice bringing the best tone will require diligent research.
Your chances of picking mics that are of low quality are actually high. The good news, though, is that we have done your homework, and we are glad to tell you that you have wide options, but their features can be confusing.
There are a lot of factors that you must consider when making your selection. These are some of the points we will be discussing in this review. We will then deliver five of the best condenser mics under 300 from which you can pick from.
Criteria For Selecting The Best Condenser Mic Under 300
To find the best condenser mic under 300, there are a whole lot of things that must be put into consideration. Here are some of them;
Design: when selecting a condenser mic, you need to worry about the design of the mic. The best ones will come with a vintage look that will compliment the price you are paying for them. Even for this budget, they should possess qualities similar to that of other high-end microphones. They can come with features like heavy-duty metal chassis, rock-solid grille, and other materials that are built to last. Never go for plastic material, those are for babies.
Performance: another thing to focus on is the performance of the microphone you are buying. The truth is, there are several mics with this price range that deliver quality sound compared to more expensive ones. So, go for a microphone that produces warm and transparent sound both for instrument recording and for vocals.
Additional features: while there are few important things to focus on, there are some that are really essential as an addition that makes your condenser mic work better. One of such is attenuation pads and frequency filters. They can completely influence how your recording will come out.
Pickup pattern: the pickup pattern of the condenser mic you are selecting is another important criteria to ponder on. This pattern refers to the way your microphone picks sounds that are delivered. There are basically four patterns, which include omnidirectional, unidirectional, cardioid, and supercardioid. Of these four, you should opt for those that carry cardioid patterns, as they are more sensitive.
Read: Best Wireless Microphone for Live Vocals
Best Condenser Mic Under 300
1. MXL Mics 770 Cardioid Condenser Microphone – Editor’s Pick
This is one of the best condenser mics under 300. It comes as cheap as $65. This is a multi-purpose condenser microphone that makes recording easier. The mic is well suited and perfect for vocals, pianos, and other stringed and percussion instruments. Its speaker also comes with a balanced bass response coupled with high-end clarity.
The patented design and the cardioid pattern of this microphone help it pick the right sound at all times. Unwanted rumble is reduced due to the Low-frequency roll-off, and it also comes with Low noise FET preamp with balanced, transformerless output.
2. Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone
This high-quality XLR condenser mic is another affordable one that is offered for a mere $99. The speaker is suitable for use on any project either at home or in the studio. This speaker has a noise level of 20 dB. The high SPL handling of this mic, and the wide dynamic range it features result in making the mic more versatile.
Featuring a cardioid polar pattern makes pickup of sound more efficient, and reduces picking of unwanted sounds. The mic also features a custom engineered low mass diaphragm, which improves the frequency response and transient response of the mic.
3. Newer NW-700 Professional Studio Broadcasting Recording Condenser Microphone
You don’t need to break your wallet to buy this mic, for just $49.99, this can become yours. This package comes with a condenser mic; an adjustable suspension scissors arm stand, table mounting clamp, metal shock mount, etc. The audio circuit of this mic is completely new and unique.
As such, you can capture rich and full-bodied sound. This microphone also made use of a windscreen pop filter mask, which helps get rid of unwanted sounds. Thanks to the metal shock mount the mic features, you can adjust it to any angle. The Locking Now feature also helps in reducing and handling noise.
Read Also: Best Mics for Female Vocals
4. ZINGYOU Condenser Microphone Bundle, BM-800 Mic Set for Studio Recording & Broadcasting
Live recording just becomes easier and more interesting with this microphone. Perfect for recording either from vocal, or when used with musical instruments. It can be used in any location for recording. The thin capsule or material diaphragm of this mic helps it become more sensitive.
This leads to a perfect representation of what you are playing. Low noise is achieved thanks to the high signal-to-noise ratio of this microphone. Additionally, the unique 3-layer protection system of this microphone results in getting rid of all unwanted sound and pop.
5. Rode NT-USB Versatile Studio-Quality USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone
This is another high-quality microphone whose price range falls below $300.You can connect this microphone to your devices easily as it supports USB connectivity. The microphone also comes with a pop shield, tripod desk stand, ring mount, storage pouch, and USB cable.
For effective monitoring of your recording, and for zero latency, this microphone comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack. As a cardioid pattern condenser mic, this microphone can pick the right sound, even faint ones without issues.
Read: Best Cheap Microphone for Rapping
Conclusion
As you may have seen, getting the best condenser mic under 300 is very possible. While you need to be very attentive when making your selection, doing it the best way will land you a high-quality condenser mic. We have provided the essential criteria to consider, and we have also provided you with five of the best condenser mics under 300.
They are not just affordable; they are excellent at delivering quality sound that will make your recording perfect. Most of them also feature a cardioid design, which is often preferred by experts.
- [Convenient Setup] Plug and play recording USB microphone for PC, with 5.9-Foot USB cable included for computer PC laptop, is connected directly to...
- [Durable Metal Design] Solid sturdy metal construction design, the computer microphone for Zoom meetings with stable tripod stand is convenient when...
- [Mic Volume Knob] Gaming condenser USB mic compatible for PS4 with additional volume knob itself has a louder or quieter adjustment and is more...
- [Widely Use] USB-powered design, the condenser microphone for recording no need the 48v Phantom power supply, works well with Cortana, Discord, voice...
- [Clear Output Voice] Cardioid condenser microphone for PC captures your voice properly, producing clear smooth and crisp sound. Great computer...
- Lightning-equipped iOS Microphone with Variable Stereo and Mono Recording Options (Including Mid-Side and Figure-8)
- Accessory Pack
- Onboard DSP
- Wide Compatibility - This USB microphone works seamlessly with Windows, macOS, PS4/PS5, and includes adapters for phones, USB-C Android phones ,...
- Plug & Play - Connect and record instantly via USB or adapter—no software or drivers required. Great for singing, TikTok Live, Zoom meetings,...
- Clear Studio-Quality Sound – Equipped with a professional-grade condenser capsule and cardioid pickup pattern, this microphone captures your voice...
- One-Touch Mute with Indicator Light - Quickly mute or unmute with a single button. LED indicator ensures you’re always aware of your status during...
- Built-in Noise Cancellation – Press & Hold to Activate Advanced noise reduction chipset filters out ambient distractions. Just press and hold the...
- Extremely Low-noise Large-diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone with SM6 Combination Shock Mount Pop Screen
- Studio-grade Recording Without the Price-Tag – Desktop or Stand-mounted Condenser microphone with superior audio performance for crystal clear...
- Keeping Your Recording on Point - Directional cardioid mic capsule reduces ambient noise; designed for podcast recording, gaming, broadcast studios,...
- Sound you can Trust - Wide ranging frequency response (20–20,000Hz) captures the full audible spectrum and delivers clear audio for recording...
- Hear Every Detail - High sensitivity and low signal-to-noise ratio records every subtle nuance of your source audio and helps reduces any unwanted...
- Everything you Need for Perfect Recording Every time - Includes windscreen, shock mount, desktop tripod stand and XLR cable; Compact and lightweight...
- Cardioid Condenser Capsule: capture speech with clarity and detail.
- Wave Link App: control Wave:1 and up to eight other audio sources, plus create two independent mixes.
- 24-bit/48kHz Analog-to-Digital Converter: professional broadcast audio quality.
- Proprietary Clipguard Technology: makes distortion virtually impossible.
- Superior Circuitry: seamless sonic transmission throughout the entire signal chain.