For recording song, vocals or for any other sort of music, there is a need of special device known as a microphone. Cheap mics for recording offers sound recording feature in a very low and affordable price range. 
Wondering about how you can get an idea microphone for recording in such a cheap budget? Don’t worry we have got care of this.
Today, we have compiled a list of some high-quality cheap mics for recording based on durable construction, recording quality and low budget.
Why We Listed the Cheap Mics?
There is a reason for compiling this list. Because of so many brands available in the market, the choice becomes very difficult for a person and he ends up buying a faulty product.
So, to avoid this mishap, only those products have been chosen that meets the criteria of delivering as they are advertised.
Contents
- Top 7 Cheap Mics for Recording in 2022
- 1. CAD U1 USB – Best Cheap Microphone Under 20 $
- 2. Behringer Ultravoice – Cheap Recording Microphone 2022
- 3. Audio-Technica ATR-1100 – Best Microphone for Vocal Recording
- 4. Blue Snowball iCE – Best Game Recording Mic
- 5. MXL 990 Condenser Microphone – Best Mic for Recording Music
- 6. Samson Go Mic – Best Portable Recording Microphone
- 7. Shure SM57-LC – Best Microphone for Instrument Recording
- The Final Word
- How to Pick the Best Cheap Microphone for Recording?
Top 7 Cheap Mics for Recording in 2022
1. CAD U1 USB – Best Cheap Microphone Under 20 $
The microphone that tops our lost for being the best cheap mic in 2022 is CAD U1. With an amazing construction and a handheld design, this microphone is ideal for recording purposes.
One of the best cheap mics for recording comes with a special cardioid pattern which is used for focusing on the main sound source only i.e. to neglect the background noise.
CAD U1 microphone comes with a smooth and enhanced frequency response which allows you to record songs, vocals, speech, instruments and podcasts in an ideal manner as well.
The special pop-filter available in this microphone minimizes the P-Popping effect that might cause some issues for studio recorders.
The on-off switch is also available within the best cheap mic which is easy to use and offers to turn on or off the mic in just a matter of time.
Downfalls:
Although CAD U1 is a perfect choice for many people who want to spend only under 20 bucks on a recording mic, it has also been reported for some issues. The mic has got buzzing issues, from which you can’t get rid easily. On the other hand, some users have also complained about the compatibility of this mic as it has failed to get connected with Windows 7.
Some ups and downs related to CAD U1 USB mic are as follows:
- Dynamic mic for recording vocals.
- Cardioid pick-up pattern.
- Durable construction.
- Affordable price.
- On-Off Switch is available.
- Not compatible with Windows 7.
- Buzzing sound is annoying.
Final Views
CAD U1 USB along with some minor downfalls is still one of the best cheap mics for recording. The qualities it has got are not ignorable in such price range. Better buy it if you only want to spend no more than 20 bucks on a recording mic.
2. Behringer Ultravoice – Cheap Recording Microphone 2022
Another dynamic microphone for recording with a wide range of qualities is brand new Behringer Ultravoice. One of the best cheap mics for recording has got a smooth frequency range for recording different projects.
In order to record full HD and crystal clear audio, the cheap microphone comes with an ultra-wide frequency response. The sound it produces is with reduced background noise.
The signal output of this microphone is set at a high eve to make sure that your voice gets a perfect cut through when you are immersed in recording vocals.
The special cardioid pattern present in best microphone offers to minimize the background noise and ambient sound that can cause problems for many people.
last but not least, Behringer microphone also comes with a special shock mount system that offers to reduce the handling noise for a perfect audio production.
Downfalls:
Handheld design of this microphone is annoying for some of the users. The audio quality is perfect but some professional users of this mic have reported electrical tick noises after they have used it for only 5 months.
Some ups and downs are as follows:
- Ideal for vocal recording.
- Shock mount system to handle noise.
- Special pickup pattern.
- Affordable price.
- Wireless microphone.
- Handheld design might cause an issue.
- Not so durable.
Final Views:
Behringer Ultravoice along with a range of ups and downs is yet another perfect choice for many people. One of the best cheap mics for recording does offer crystal clear audio in an affordable budget.
3. Audio-Technica ATR-1100 – Best Microphone for Vocal Recording
Audio-Technica ATR-1100 is probably the cheapest mic available on our list with many awesome qualities. The microphone is popular for providing the best quality sound with an amazing construction as well.
One of the best cheap mics for recording is perfect for recording vocals and instruments. It can be used for practicing if you have got a music or karaoke competition.
A unidirectional polar pattern of the mic keeps it away from picking any type of background feedback. This feature allows a person to record vocals without any fear or worry.
The best cheap mic also comes with a 10′ cord for better using options.
Last but not least, this microphone usually comes with a mini-plug which with the help of a 3.5mm adapter can be inserted in any device with compatible input.
Downfalls:
Well, there is a cost to pay for cheaper products. Same is the case with this microphone. Many users have reported that it is not as durable as advertised. With a great sound quality, if premium materials were used, this microphone would have been more popular among the users.
Some pros and cons are as follows:
- Perfect for recording vocals.
- Unidirectional pattern.
- Reduces background noise.
- 10′ long cable available.
- Cheapest microphone for recording.
- Not durable.
- Handheld design is not ideal for many users.
Final Views:
Audio-Technica ATR-1100 is one of the cheap mics for recording. Well, some downfalls are there but what more can you expect from a 10 dollar microphone? So, better buy it before it runs out of stock.
4. Blue Snowball iCE – Best Game Recording Mic
Blue Snowball iCE is indeed the choice of gamers and YouTubers. One of the best mics for recording has got an awesome and unique ball-like structure which is able to pick sound from anywhere.
With the help of a condenser capsule, recording vocals, instruments, songs or commentaries become easy.
The best gaming microphone is also perfect to record gaming commentaries. Special pick up patter avoids any type of ambiance or background noise due to different circumstances.
The mic is very easy to connect. It doesn’t require any special drivers for installation and is compatible with Windows as well as Mac operation systems.
Snowball microphone is basically a USB 2.0 device but it comes with higher compatibility options i.e. it can be connected into USB 3.0 output easily.
Downfalls:
Besides having a suitable choice for many people, Blue Snowball microphone acquires a good space and is not as compact as other mics for recording. The white color also gets dirty quickly. The design is indeed unique but its fragile at the same time.
Some pros and cons are as follows:
- Special custom condenser capsule.
- For recording vocals and instruments.
- Unique design.
- Higher compatibility options.
- USB 2.0 interface.
- Not compact.
- Fragile
Final Views:
Blue Snowball iCE is one of the cheap mics for recording with a perfect and crystal clear audio deliverance. It should be on your priority list if you are okay with its size and color.
5. MXL 990 Condenser Microphone – Best Mic for Recording Music
MXL 990 is a condenser microphone and is perfect for people who have got a preamp already in their studio. One of the best cheap mics for recording with its special vintage design and a unique shape provides crystal clear audio quality.
The wide frequency response of this microphone allows you to record vocals, instruments, and songs with a better audio interface.
MXL 990 also comes with a special old diaphragm which records HD quality audio without causing any issues.
The design is also durable. One of the cheap mics for recording also comes with special shock mount that is present to reduce the issue of handling noise.
All things being said, MXL990 is the best choice for the money and should be on your preference if you have got a budget range of 100$.
Downfalls:
With many awesome qualities, the mic has also got some minor downfalls. For instance, the mic has no USB output and you must need a preamp in order to use it. Some users are also uncomfortable with the price range it comes in.
Some pros and cons are mentioned below:
- Durable construction.
- Ideal for singing and karaoke.
- Best cheap mic for recording.
- Special gold-plated diaphragm.
- Comes with a shock mount.
- No USB output.
- Requires complex connection.
Final Views:
MXL 990 is one of the best cheap mics for recording. The sound recording features of this mic are just astonishing. Better check it out if you plan on to record your vocals with reduced background noise.
6. Samson Go Mic – Best Portable Recording Microphone
Samson Go Mic is indeed a portable and compact microphone for recording purposes. It has been a popular choice for many people who are looking for a compact microphone in an affordable price range.
Talking about the features, one of the best mics for recording comes with an easy plugging option. There are no drivers required and it can easily get connected with a laptop or a PC.
The microphone has got the ability to clip with a laptop alone or a desk as well. You can easily clip it to anywhere you want.
Talking about audio quality, one of the cheap mics for recording comes with a special pick-up pattern which offers you to record vocals, podcasts, and instruments easily.
One of the most amazing features of this recording mic is, it’s an ideal choice for many voice recognition softwares as well.
Downfalls:
Samson Go Mic is a portable receiver for recording vocals and musical instruments but there is a compromise on its build quality as it is not that much durable. On the other hand, people have also reported that this mic doesn’t work with Mac operating systems.
Some positives and negatives are as follows:
- Portable USB microphone.
- Ideal for vocals recording.
- Compact size.
- Affordable price range.
- Reduces background noise.
- Not durable.
- Not compatible with Mac OS.
Final Views:
Samson Go Mic is one of the best cheap mics for recording. However, some downfalls are also there. It’s essentially ideal for people who want a compact and portable mic in a cheap budget.
7. Shure SM57-LC – Best Microphone for Instrument Recording
Shire SM57-LC is the last best microphone on our list and comes with a variety of qualities.
One of the best cheap mics for recording has got a special contoured response which is perfect for clean instrumental sound production and an ideal vocals pickup as well.
The microphone as discussed above is perfect for instruments recording. With the help of the mount, it can record the drum and produce a professional level sound for it easily.
One of the cheap mics for recording has also got a uniform pickup pattern which minimizes the effect of background noise while recording the sound.
Last but not least, a Shure microphone comes with durable construction. Even with the heaviest use, it can serve you for a long period of time without any issues.
Downfalls:
The handheld design of Shure microphone is not ideal for podcasting. Besides if you want to record a podcast with this mic, you will have to purchase a special mount for it separately. Also, it requires a preamp to get started and will eventually increase your costs.
Some positives and negatives are as follows:
- Contoured frequency response.
- Unique design.
- Ideal for instrument recording.
- Extremely durable.
- Cardioid pickup pattern.
- Requires additional accessories.
- Handheld design may cause issues.
Final Views:
Shure SM57-LC is one of the best cheap mics for recording vocals, instruments, and music. The mic produces HD audio quality and should be bought for perfect sound production as well.
The Final Word
Cheap mics for recording are used for producing crystal clear and loud audio with rich voice recognition as well. We have reviewed some of the best cheap mics for recording vocals and now is the time for you to take a decision. 
However, if you are still confused, take a look at the recommendations given by some professional studio recorders as;
- Behringer Ultravoice for recording vocals.
- Shure SM57-LC for recording instruments.
- Samson Go Mic if you want a portable microphone.
So, make your choice and start recording vocals, and music etc. in an ideal manner.
How to Pick the Best Cheap Microphone for Recording?
Some important and key factors in picking up a perfect microphone for recording are as follows:
The Budget
As we are talking about cheap mics for recording, so budget is of main concern here.
Most of the mics that we have listed above are under 100 bucks. You can easily get a perfect microphone in this range.
You should have at least 20 bucks in your pocket while you might to buy a microphone for recording purposes.
Lavalier microphones, YouTube Microphones, and gaming Microphones are also the choice for many people and they cost very less from usual as well. So, you should make up your decision according to your preferences.
Microphone Types:
There are different microphone types available on the market on the basis of how they connect.
Microphones that are most common and popular are USB mics and they can easily connect to your computer or laptop for high-quality recording.
XLR microphones are also popular in a low-budget range. XLR cable is on with three prongs and it gets connected at the back side of your computer.
The cheapest mic types are ones that come with a headphone jack. A 3.5mm jack is present at the end of the cable which can be connected to headphones, laptops or computers to start the recording.
Extra Accessories:
Only buying a cheap mic for recording is not enough. You also need to make sure that some extra accessories like an audio interface, a preamp and microphone stand.
All these extra accessories are going to help you in setting up the microphone so that you can easily record your podcasts, songs etc. to deliver in an ideal way.
Leave a Reply