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March 18, 2024
Beginner's Gear Guide: Project Studio Microphones

Beginner's Gear Guides: Project Studio Microphones

Start recording at home with these inexpensive mics.
You don't have to spend an arm and a leg to supply your home project studio with a few good mics. If you're ready to start recording vocals and instruments at home, check out our picks below.

USB microphones plug directly into your computer or mobile device for the simplest possible setup -- no need for an audio interface, mixing board, or preamplifier. If you've already got an audio interface, check out our picks for standard XLR microphones.

Condenser microphones help you captured detailed vocals and acoustic instruments, while dynamic microphones are budget-friendly tools for tracking drums, guitar amps, and more. And if you're looking to build up your collection in a hurry, economical microphone packs are the way to go.

See more Beginner's Gear Guides »

USB Condenser Microphones: Plug in and start recording fast
These simple microphones plug directly into your computer's USB port, with no need for a preamp or audio interface. They're ideal for dashing off quickie demos, voiceover auditions, podcasts, and more.
Learn more in our USB Microphone Buying Guide »

Shure MOTIV MV51 Professional Home Studio Microphone (with USB-A, USB-C and Lightning Cables)

$199.00
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $33.17
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $49.75
Used $168.95

Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Plus Condenser Microphone

$143.00
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $23.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $35.75
Used $59.95

Rode NT-USB Plus USB Condenser Microphone

$169.00
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $28.17
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $42.25
Used $139.95

IK Multimedia iRig Stream Mic Pro USB Microphone

$169.99
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $28.33
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $42.50
Used $112.95
Condenser Microphones: Capture vocals and acoustic instruments
When you're ready to record serious vocals or acoustic instruments in your home studio, start here. These entry-level condensers have proven to be worthy contenders among budget-minded engineers. Large-diaphragm condensers are a must-have for tracking vocals, while small-diaphragm condensers are ideal on cymbals, acoustic guitar, and more.
See more Condenser Microphones »

sE Electronics X1 A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

$99.00
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $16.50
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $24.75

Rode NT1 5th Generation Hybrid USB Condenser Microphone

$249.00
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $41.50
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $62.25
Used $214.95
SALE

Lauten Audio LA-120 V2 Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

$449.00
  • 8 x  
    $56.13
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $74.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $112.25

Lewitt LCT 240 PRO Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

$119.00
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $19.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $29.75
Dynamic Microphones: Record guitar amps, drums, or vocals
Known for their ruggedness and ability to handle high sound pressure levels, dynamic microphones can't be beat for recording loud sources like snare drums, kick drums, and guitar amplifiers. Plus, a good dynamic mic is indispensable for tracking vocals in the home studio, since they're less sensitive to room ambiance than condenser microphones. They're also a go-to for recording voiceover.
See more Dynamic Microphones »

Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

$99.00
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $16.50
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $24.75

Sennheiser e 609 Silver Guitar Amp Microphone

$99.95
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $16.66
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $24.99

Rode PodMic Cardioid Dynamic Podcast Microphone

$99.00
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $16.50
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $24.75

Shure Beta 57A Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone

$149.00
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $24.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $37.25
Microphone Packs: Record a full drum kit or ensemble
Need to record a full drum set? A guitarist who sings? Or a classical ensemble? Sooner or later, you're going to need more than one microphone. Stock up the economical way with a mic package that includes multiple microphones, from drum mic packs to stereo pairs. Some packs even include the XLR cables and clips you need to complete your setup.
See more Drum Microphone Packs »

Shure DMK57-52 Drum Microphone Package (3 x SM57, 1 x Beta52, Case, Drum Mounts)

$439.00
  • 8 x  
    $54.88
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $73.17
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $109.75

Rode NT55-MP Condenser Instrument Microphones Matched Pair

$829.00
  • 12 x  
    $69.08
  • 8 x  
    $103.63
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $138.17
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $207.25

PreSonus DM-7 7-Piece Drum Microphone Set

$299.99
  • 8 x  
    $37.50
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $50.00
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $75.00

Shure PGADRUMKIT7 7-Piece Drum Microphone Kit (with Case)

$549.00
  • 8 x  
    $68.63
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $91.50
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $137.25
LAST ONE

Audix DP Quad Drum Microphone Package with Case

$749.00
  • 12 x  
    $62.42
  • 8 x  
    $93.63
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $124.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $187.25
ONLY 3 LEFT

Audix DP7 7-Piece Drum Microphone Package

$1,099.00
  • 12 x  
    $91.58
  • 8 x  
    $137.38
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $183.17
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $274.75
ONLY 2 LEFT

Audio-Technica AT2041 Studio Microphone Package

$179.00
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $29.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $44.75

Audix DP4 Drum Microphone Kit

$419.00
  • 8 x  
    $52.38
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $69.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $104.75