Best microphones for beginners: Up your game with these value mics

When you start out in recording, it can be relatively easy to find the right laptop and audio interface for your needs — but what can be difficult is finding the right microphone. Why? Well, there are a number of different types of microphones out there, and within those different types, there are hundreds of models to choose from. On top of that, some microphones sound better for certain use than others, adding to the stress of trying to find the right microphone.

There are three main microphone types — dynamic, ribbon, and condenser. Dynamic microphones are often used in live settings and on loud instruments like on snare drums, guitar amps, and so on — but they also tend to have a higher noise floor. Ribbon microphones are a little more old-school, and have a low noise floor but are much more fragile and delicate — plus will often break if you run phantom power through them. Condenser microphones offer a low noise floor and high-quality output, but require external power to work properly, usually in the form of phantom power.

Still learning about microphones and their different specs? Check out our guide on everything you need to know about microphones.

No matter what you’re looking for from your first few microphones, here are the best microphones for beginners in recording.

Best microphone for beginners overall: Audio Technica AT2020

Best microphone for beginners overall

Audio Technica AT2020

The AT2020 is a great step into the Audio Technica world that offers a good frequency response and build quality in an affordable package.

Pros

Good frequency response

Affordable

Pairs well with dynamic mics

Cons

Comparable options in this price range

Buy From

reverb

amazon

Audio Technica’s entire range of microphones is worth looking at for anyone interested in recording, but if you’re a beginner on a budget that wants a versatile, well-made microphone that can be used on pretty much anything, then the Audio Technica AT2020 is the microphone to go for. The Audio Technica AT2020 is a condenser microphone, and delivers crisp vocals, full-bodied guitars, and so on.

Audio Technica itself has long been a go-to for beginners and professionals alike, and for good reason. The company builds excellent entry-level microphones like the AT2020, and higher-end microphones that are worth adding to your collection as you progress. Pro tip: Couple the AT2020 on a guitar body with a dynamic microphone like the SM57 on a guitar neck for a full-range sound that will work in any recording.

Best dynamic microphone for beginners: Shure SM57

Best dynamic microphone for beginners

Shure SM57

The SM57 is an industry standard that’s perfect for a variety of sources.

Pros

Industry standard dynamic model

Well-built and durable

Great for wide range of sources

Cons

Doesn’t offer the detail of a large-diaphragm condenser

Buy From

musician’s friend

guitar center

reverb

sam ash

amazon

The Shure SM57 is the most popular microphone in the entire world — and for good reason. The microphone is a dynamic microphone that’s built like an absolute tank. It’s perfect in recording situations like on a snare drum or guitar amp, and it can be used just as well live too. That’s because of the excellent off-axis noise reduction, which rejects noise from next to and behind it.

The microphone doesn’t just sound great — it’s built like a brick too. It has a die-cast steel construction, meaning that if you’re looking for a microphone that can survive the bumps and bruises of touring, the SM57 is a great option.

Safe to say, if you’re looking to build a recording studio, then having at least one or two Shure SM57 microphones in your collection will be well worth it.

Best live vocal microphone for beginners: Shure SM58

Best live vocal microphone for beginners

Shure SM58

The SM58 is a go-to vocal mic that offers stellar build quality. Everyone needs at least one in their locker.

Pros

Great on vocals

Well-built

Cons

None

Buy From

musician’s friend

guitar center

reverb

sam ash

amazon

The Shure SM57 is a classic microphone — but if you’re looking for something similar that’s more suited to live vocals, then we recommend the Shure SM58. The SM58 is based on the same cartridge as the SM57, but the grille covering it acts as more of a pop filter, making it much more suited to live vocals.

The SM58 has other similarities to the SM57 too. It has a super-strong build, and great off-axis noise reduction, so you won’t get too much bleed from other sources.

If you’ve ever been to a live concert, there’s a good chance that the singer was using a Shure SM58 — and if you’re a vocalist that needs a decent live vocal microphone every now and then, then the Shure SM58 is worth buying.

Best bass microphone for beginners: AKG D112 MKII

Best bass microphone for beginners

AKG D112 MKII

If you need a solid dynamic mic for capturing low end sources, it doesn’t get much better than the D112.

Pros

Great for low end sources like bass guitar and kick drum

Well made, great low end and low mid response

Cons

Designed for low end sources only

Buy From

Amazon

Guitar Center

Reverb

If you’re a bassist or a budding engineer that ants a decent microphone that can be used for bass guitars or kick drums, then the AKG D112 MKII — which is a dynamic microphone — is the way to go. The microphone is an absolute classic, featuring a nice warm tone and decent attack.

This microphone is slightly more expensive than some of the other microphones on this list, but the sound quality of it is awesome. The microphone is also just as helpful live as it is in the studio — making it relatively versatile.

Best multi-pattern microphone for beginners: Audio Technica AT2050

Best multi-pattern microphone for beginners

Audio Technica AT2050

If you’re a beginner looking for a large-diaphragm condenser with multiple pickup patters the AT2050 is a great starting point.

Pros

Multiple pickup patterns

Versatile for the price point

Wide frequency range

Cons

Not as much detail as some slightly more expensive models

Buy From

musician’s friend

guitar center

reverb

sam ash

amazon

The Audio Technica AT2020 is a great microphone, but if you really want to step up its versatility, then the Audio Technica AT2050 is the way to go. Why? Well, it has a switch on it that allows you to change the polar pattern of the microphone, meaning you essentially have a cardioid, omni-directional, and figure-of-eight microphone all in one. The microphone is a little more expensive than the Audio Technica AT2020 — but if you have the cash and want something versatile, then we definitely recommend buying it.

Best small-diaphragm condenser for beginners: sE Electronics sE8

Best small-diaphragm condenser for beginners

sE Electronics sE8

Small-diaphragm condensers have great transient detail and are perfect for sources with a fast attack like acoustic guitars and drum overheads.

Pros

Great mix of sound quality and affordability

20Hz-20kHz frequency response

Comes with accessories

Cons

Only cardioid polar pattern

Buy From

musician’s friend

guitar center

reverb

amazon

Small-diaphragm condenser mics are great for sources with fast transients like acoustic guitar and drum overheads. Their best when paired with other microphones, but they’re a vital part of every mic locker, even beginners.

The sE8 offers a full, 20Hz-20kHz frequency response, can take high SPL, and comes with a good amount of accessories like a case and clip. It doesn’t come with a shockmount, but it’s lightweight and easy to use. Just don’t forget to use phantom power.

FAQ

What microphone should a beginner use?

It depends on what you need to record, but a simple dynamic or condenser microphone is a versatile choice. For dynamics we recommend the Shure SM57 or SM58, and for a condenser the Audio-Technica AT2020 is a simple, affordable mic that’s easy to use.

Can a cheap mic sound good?

Absolutely. The SM57 is one of the most popular mics of all time and costs about $100 new. It’s really about the quality of the build and components – and how it’s used.

What is the best condenser mic for beginners?

Our choices are both from Audio-Technica. The AT2020 is a straightforward model, and the AT2050 is a step up that offers multiple polar patterns.