7 Best Condenser Microphones For Youtube (Under $200)

What are the best condenser microphones for Youtube under $200? Especially on Youtube, the video and media market has exploded within the past 5-10 years. You can have thousands of dollars of video gear and lights for flawless visual video, but your video is a waste without good audio.

I have been in the same shoes as many of you are in right now. Where your in need of a condenser microphone that can produce the highest quality recording possible on an extremely tight budget. We all take our art seriously and could not afford for our passion to be ruined due to a low budget. 

While getting good audio for your videos substantially increases the production value, there is good news! Boosting the sound to your Youtube video doesn’t have to be nearly as expensive compared to most video equipment.

Thus, we tested and did extensive research on the vast majority of condenser microphones under $200. We narrowed it down to the top 7 microphones that will give you the most exceptional vocal outcome for Youtube.

Before We Get Started, A Few Things To Keep In Mind

• USB Mics are cheaper and simpler to use because you don’t need to purchase an additional interface.
• Microphones that need Phantom Power require an additional interface. (all other non-USB condenser microphones)
• There are 2 types of studio microphones; Dynamic and Condenser. The majority of microphones on this list are condenser mics that are typically better for recording vocals in a studio.

In Short, Here Are The 7 Best Microphones For Youtube Under $200

• AKG P220
• Rode NT-USB
• Audio-Technica AT2035
• Blue Yeti USB Microphone
• Samson C01U
• AKG P420
• Shure PGA27-LC

1. AKG P220

The AKG P220 is an incredible condenser microphone that delivers a very accurate representation of your voice. With a direct but warm tone, the microphone has many incredible reviews from Youtube creators. For a variety of reasons, many say they couldn’t believe this mic is under $200.

With a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz, it captures all the broad frequencies of any vocal type. As a side note on the mics sound quality, many claim the AKG P220 works very well with baritone (low) voices. It has excellent longevity with robust build quality. 

The large diaphragm for the AKG P220 microphone, or any mic with a large diaphragm, can capture more of the acoustic energy than a smaller diaphragm mic. One of the more significant technical advantages of a large diaphragm is that it’s very low in self-noise. Overall, the cheaply priced AKG P220 is an excellent value for Youtubers. 

Settings

1. 300HZ Bass roll-off – Ideal for cutting out muddy lows on the audio depending on your room or vocal tone.
2. -20dB – Helps cut out a noisy background, only picks up what is directly in front of the mic.

Included Accessories

• Metal travel case
• Shockmount

Tech Specs

2. Rode NT-USB

With the exception of headphones, the Rode NT-USB condenser microphone comes with all of the accessories you need to begin recording right away. Considering it’s a USB mic, you do not need an additional interface. It’s a very sensitive mic that picks up many things that you wouldn’t typically hear.

Many people like the mic’s sensitivity, while some do not. In my personal opinion, this mic is better for softer voices or spoken word rather than louder vocals. The vast majority of Youtube creators I’ve encountered tend to record their vocals on the softer side. Thus, the Rode NT-USB mic just might be an excellent choice.

It offers 16Bit 48 Kilohertz for great vocal clarity. Not to forget, it’s really good at eliminating background noise. There are two knobs on the back of the Rode NT-USB; The top one adjusts the sound you hear between what’s coming out of the computer compared to the mic.

The bottom knob adjusts your headphone volume. Overall, this mic is an excellent USB condenser microphone that comes with everything you need to get started. It’s a great bang for the buck, and we highly recommend it.

Included Accessories

• Pop Shield
• Tripod
• Protective Zip Case
• Stand Mount
• 6m USB Cable

Tech Specs

 3. Audio-Technica AT2035

Any fans of Jocko Willink? Well, Jocko Willink uses the Audio-Technica AT2035 microphone for his Youtube Channel. I can confidently say without a doubt that this microphone is extremely good for podcasts, voice-overs, or Youtube at the price. You can get this mic as a podcast packet or the standalone mic at a lower price. The AT2035 provides a full frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz, picking up every frequency in the audible spectrum.

It has an incredibly high SPL handling at 148dB with an exceptional dynamic range. Those technical details are not only great for microphones at this low price, but great for condenser microphones in general. The high SPLs make the microphone worthy of loud audio sources. It’s one of the few reasons that give the AT2035 the ability for extreme versatility.

The Audio-Technica AT2035 has a large diaphragm that helps sustain a rich vocal tone. A large diaphragm microphone, in general, can capture more of the acoustic energy than a smaller diaphragm mic. One of the more significant technical advantages of a large diaphragm is that it’s very low in self-noise. Fortunately, the AT2035 has very low self-noise for the price at only 12dB.

The diagram is also custom low-mass engineered with a great transient response. A higher transient response microphone is beneficial for picking up quick audio such as rapping, speaking quickly, or burst instruments like a snare. In my opinion, the AT2035 is too suitable for its price range.

Keep in mind, this mic will only work with an audio interface and does not come with a pop filter. It has an XLR output that requires 48 volts of phantom power. Overall, it’s one of the better microphones for Youtube below $200.

Here is a video of Jocko Willink’s podcast using the Audio-Technica AT2035PK. (With different headphones)

Pros

• High SPL handling
• All metal build
• Very low self-noise for the price range
• Wide dynamic range for incredible versatility
• Full frequency response at 20Hz-20kHz
• Excellent transient response with its custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm
• Ideal for home studios on a budget with its superior versatility; Best used for vocals, acoustic guitar, voice-overs, podcast, Youtube, and rap vocals.

Included Accessories

• Adapter
• Mic clip for a boom stand
• Mic Pouch
• ATH-M20x headphones
• Boom arm

Tech Specs

4. Blue Yeti USB Microphone

The Blue Yeti USB condenser is the most popular low-budget mic on the market. A large amount of Youtube creators use this microphone, as well. Standing at roughly a foot tall, the mic is made of solid metal for boosted durability except for its flimsy buttons. The Blue Yeti is much larger and heavier than most microphones. Considering it is USB, it does not require phantom power that allows you to begin recording right away once received.

The Blue Yeti has a sampling rate of 16 bit at 48 kHz. Especially for its low cost, it produces excellent sound quality. It was the very first microphone to earn the THX certification for providing the full frequency range of 20Hz-20kHz and its clear sound. Overall, the Blue Yeti USB is a fantastic condenser microphone for Youtube creators below $200.

Features

• Comes in many colors. Some colors are cheaper than others on Amazon
• Foldable (making it easier for travel)
• Designed to remain on a desk.
• 4 picking patterns including stereo mode

Requirements To Use This Mic

• Mac – Intel Core Duo or higher, 8GB RAM or more, OS X 10.6.4 or later
• PC – Intel Core Duo or higher, 8GB RAM or more, Windows 7 SP1 or later

Tech Specs

5. Samson C01U Hypercardioid

The Samson C01U is a very affordable USB microphone that does not need an additional interface to use. It’s excellent with background noise rejection due to its rare polar pattern being a Hypercardioid. In general, the vast majority of microphones have a cardioid polar pattern meaning it picks up sound in the general front area of the mic.

Like many microphones on this list, a supercardioid has an even tighter range. It picks up sound directly in front of the mic. Better yet, a Hypercardioid like the Samson C01U has the tightest range of all when it comes to picking up sound. This is why supercardioid and Hypercardioid microphones are generally better at rejecting background noise.

The C01U is a sensitive microphone that doesn’t need too much gain allowing you some headroom to play with. I was pleasantly surprised that it produces a very natural and crisp sound for its extremely low price. Another benefit of this microphone’s sound quality is its large-diaphragm mic with exceptional frequency response at 20Hz-18KHz.

The Samson C01U is an absolute flawless bang for the buck microphone for rejecting background noise while maintaining exceptional sound quality. It’s easily one of the best condenser microphones for Youtubers under $200.

Features

• USB mic connection
• Hypercardioid polar pattern for phenomenal background noise rejection
• Compatible with any computer-based Digital Audio Workstation
• Large shock-mounted diaphragm
• 16-bit/48kHz sampling rate
• Full metal body and grill
• No latency earphone monitoring 

Included Accessories

• Swivel mount
• Mini tripod stand

Tech Specs

6. AKG P420

The AKG P420 is a very interesting condenser microphone that gives you three polar pattern options. (1) “Cardioid polar pattern” only captures audio from the front of the mic. (2) “Omni polar pattern” captures sound in every direction from the mic. (3) “Bi-directional polar pattern” captures audio from only the front and back of the mic.

You may be thinking about why these settings can relate to Youtube videos. Depending upon what type of video you’re doing, the added cardioid polar pattern options will surely come in handy.

The AKG P420 microphone has much more to offer than its unique settings. It captures more air in the vocals giving the P420 permission to bring out more presence in any voice type. YouTubers who tend to do voice-overs will benefit from a mic like this of the breathiness nuances it’s able to capture. The midsection is very flat, giving more room for you to manipulate it in post.

Features

• 3 polar pattern options; Cardioid, Omni, or Bi-directional
• High pass filter setting
• -20dB option
• Tough metal build

Tech Specs

7. Shure PGA27-LC

The Shure PGA27-LC Large-Diaphragm is a versatile mic that is great for capturing soft or loud vocals. With its high SPL mixed with the full 20Hz-20kHz frequency response, you will be highly pleased with the overall sound quality.

This mic has more of a boost in the high-end, and with its Large-Diaphragm, it has low self-noise. The reviews for this microphone are fantastic across the board. To top it off, it’s made of solid metal for increased longevity.

Overall, Youtubers will be highly satisfied with the Shure PGA27-LC for a number of reasons. It has a fantastic build quality and able to last a very long time, great sound quality for speaking or voice-overs comes with a shock mount and has a nice design. Running below $200, it’s an incredible bang for the buck and we highly recommend it. 

Features

• -15dB
• High-Pass filter

Included Accessories

• Shockmount
• Travel Case

Tech Specs

Quick Recap

Here Are The 7 Best Microphones For Youtube Creators Under $200

• AKG P220
• Rode NT-USB
• Audio-Technica AT2035
• Blue Yeti USB Microphone
• Samson C01U
• AKG P420
• Shure PGA27-LC

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