Top 6 Best Vocal Mic Under 500 for 2024

Searching for a good quality and affordable vocal mic isn’t difficult anymore. Find the best vocal mic under $500 for your micing needs in this read.

The industry for ‘vocal mics’ is saturated with tons of budget-friendly options. Finding a good microphone when you are cash-strapped does become difficult.

If you are a newbie venturing into content creation, you’d want to experiment with some economical vocal mics first. Perhaps you have set aside a decent budget for your microphone. Even then, it is wise to get a budget-friendly mic first. Once you have a hang of using it, you can then move on to premium mics.

That said, an affordable mic works well for seasoned content creators, too. Be those gamers, streamers, podcasters, singers, storytellers, and voiceover artists. Every content creator would absolutely love a good vocal microphone that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

As my New Year gift to you, I will help you all find the best vocal mic under $500.

In this read, you’ll find a selection of the best 6 vocal mics under $500. Keep reading, and you’re bound to find your match today.

Affordable Excellence: FIFINE Studio Condenser USB Microphone Gives Unbeatable Value

Want a user-friendly, easy-to-use mic with good vocal quality? The FIFINE Studio condenser USB microphone (T669) has got you covered.

Boom Arm Calls for Flexibility in Positioning

Content creators, especially vocalists seeking a stellar condenser mic without breaking the bank, will love the FIFINE Studio Condenser Microphone. Let’s start with its impressive kit. 

The kit comes with a scissor-shaped boom arm stand. It is adjustable, so you have the flexibility to position it in different ways. Flexible positioning allows the mic to capture your voice effectively.

Moreover, it is incredibly simple to set up. Featuring a straightforward USB plug-and-play functionality, it works well for beginners at micing.

Great Vocal Quality with Minimized Background Noise

You’ll also get a shock mount with this condenser mic. The former minimizes handling noises and vibrations, and the latter tackles plosive sounds. Consequently, that results in improved vocal clarity.

The FIFINE T669 condenser microphone excels in completely isolating the sound source due to its top-notch cardioid pickup pattern. Blocking out all the unnecessary noise from the back and rear ensures your recordings are crystal clear.lity with Minimized Background NoiThe FIFINE T669 condenser microphone excels in completely isolating the sound source due to its top-notch cardioid pickup pattern. Blocking out all the unnecessary noise from the back and rear ensures your recordings are crystal clear.

Moreover, its versatility is simply fantastic, making it ideal for recording vocals in both a home setup and a professional studio.

Beware Of…

While it’s an amazing condenser microphone, certain users feel it should have more than one pickup pattern. Plus, some users also criticize its short USB cable. Naturally, a longer USB cable would make the usage more convenient.

Presenting Shure SM7B: Exemplary Vocal Microphone Under $500

When it comes to finding the best vocal microphone under $500, you cannot ignore the fabulous Shure SM7B. It’s a brilliant mic that fits right into your budget.

Versatility is the SM7B’s Second Nature

Packed with versatility and top-notch performance, the Shure SM7B is a true workhorse mic and an excellent choice. Arguably, its versatility is the mic’s biggest highlight. Be it capturing the sound of instruments such as acoustic guitars or vocals, the mic delivers top-notch sound.

Plus, you can use it for streaming, gaming, voice recording, singing and even live performances. Since it is a dynamic mic, like the Shure mics, it isn’t as sensitive as a condenser microphone. That’s why it works perfectly for live performances and loud vocals. It captures the nuances in vocals and blocks out unwanted sound.

Stellar and Unparalleled Vocal Clarity

The microphone’s dynamic cartridge is another of its stellar features. It ensures to give a smooth and wide-ranging frequency response in different scenarios. Consequently, this produces a natural, clear, and warm audio. That’s another reason why it is ideal to record vocals.

Additionally, its cardioid pickup pattern is another big plus. Powerfully rejecting off-axis sound, the pattern makes certain to capture sound from the main source only. Its sound-capturing ability is quite uniform, ensuring low self noise. Yes, that means it picks up the tiny nuances in the vocals, too. As a result, the vocal clarity is unmatched.

Advanced Features Enhance Vocal Performances

Designed with cutting-edge technology, the SM7B comes with an air suspension shock isolation feature. It thwarts electromagnetic interference, vibrations, and handling noises, which further elevates the vocal quality.

Not only that, but it also comprises an XLR connection requiring phantom power. You combine that with an audio interface, and the result will amaze you. Brilliant sound like never before! Not to forget, its construction is super-sturdy. So, the mic is sure to stay with you for many years to come.

Small Concerns Though…

While I found it a great investment for my micing needs, some users feel its price point is slightly towards the high end of the spectrum. And yes, you do need a preamp with it for optimal results. 

Since this means an extra investment, some users don’t appreciate this requirement for the SM7B much.

Experience Unparalleled Vocal Quality on A Budget with MAONO 192KHZ/24Bit Plug

Possessing tons of noise reduction features while being easy on the budget, the MAONO 192KHZ/24Bit Plug is a great mic indeed. I have personally tried and tested it, and I love this baby mic!

Impressive Features for Unprecedented Audio Quality

A standout choice for under $500, the MAONO AU-A04 USB Microphone boasts a range of impressive features. Its flat, smooth frequency response is one of its most striking characteristics. Courtesy of it, the microphone gives accurate and clear audio reproduction.

Plus, its sampling rate is quite high: 192kHz/24bit. With a good sampling rate, the audio quality improves to a whole new level. That’s how it ensures that your audio is packed with important sound nuances and details.

Super-Powerful Cardioid Mode

The MAONO AU-A04 condenser microphone’s cardioid mode is quite powerful, too. Effectively combating all the background noise, it gives out clear, crisp, and pristine audio. Its cardioid pattern is a big reason behind its versatility. 

You can use it for singing, storytelling, podcasting, gaming, streaming, and recording vocals in a recording studio setting. In fact, sound engineers, along with many singers, endorse this mic for its clear, crisp audio and versatility.

Another notable strength of the MAONO AU-A04 is its exemplary bass response. Due to this feature, your recordings in a home studio get that much-needed depth to amplify their quality.

Excellent Noise Cancellation Ability

When it comes to noise cancellation, this mic continues to impress. It comes with an integrated windscreen that minimizes plosive sounds, mouth noises, and other background noises. The mic’s anti-interference function takes care of the electromagnetic interference sounds. 

Boasting a sturdy metal construction, the MAONO AU-A04 comes with a long lifespan, too. So you get a durable micing companion that also delivers top-notch performance. Unlike traditional XLR microphones that often require phantom power, this model offers plug-and-play USB functionality, making it simple to understand and set up too.

Teeny Tiny Concerns…

I am fond of this mic, for sure. That said, some users feel it picks up ambient noise at times. And some have also complained that its cable isn’t too durable.

Harness Studio-Quality Sound Under $500 with Samson Meteor Mic USB

Perfect for a wide range of vocal applications, the Samson Meteor Condenser Mic is another fantastic mic for under 500.

Authentic Sound Reproduction is Samson Meteor’s Forte

The microphone is best known for delivering rich and warm audio, particularly warm vocals. That’s primarily because it is a large diaphragm condenser mic. A large diaphragm adds more sensitivity to the audio. Plus, it makes the mix capture rich and deep tones. It also creates very low self-noise. As a result, your audio clarity and quality both become better than ever.

Samson Meteor’s sound reproduction ability is further enhanced by its flat and very smooth frequency response around 20Hz-20kHz. An excellent frequency response brings out more precision and authenticity in the vocal recordings.

The mic boasts a very efficient and advanced cardioid pickup pattern. Yes, this means you’ll get complete focus on the sound source. Plus, you’ll barely hear any background noise in the recording.

Convenient and Flexible Positioning

Another impressive feature of this mic is its foldable design. Adding an extra layer of flexibility to recordings allows you to position the mic conveniently. Its stylish aesthetic definitely enhances its overall outlook. The mic works best for diverse vocal applications, be it voiceovers, podcasting, streaming, and singing.

Slight Issues Though…

It does come with a mic stand, but some users have reported it to be fragile. So yeah, it may not be very long-lasting. Another concern some users have shown is regarding its ability to isolate vibrations. The manufacturers need to work a bit more on strengthening its vibration isolation function.

Enjoy Legendary Sound Performance Under 500 with Shure SM58-LC

Exceptional durability and sound quality are given with the Shure SM58-LC. An outstanding micing choice, this dynamic microphone is quite pocket-friendly.

Time-Tested, Unprecedented Audio Reproduction

Arguably, the most noteworthy feature of the Shure SM58-LC is its time-tested, unparalleled audio reproduction. The mic ensures the capture of vocals with detail, warmth, and clarity, offering a consistently warm audio experience. As a result, this brings out a remarkable listening experience for your audience.

The Shure SM58-LC is a high-quality dynamic mic. Yes, this means it is ideal for both recording studios and live stage performances. Moreover, its cardioid polar pattern does a fantastic job of isolating sounds from the back and sides. Attentively focusing on the main sound source, the cardioid mode produces unmatched sound quality.

Advanced Noise-Reduction Features

Another feature that I love in this mic is its pneumatic shock mount technology. The shock mount system effectively reduces handling noise. Performers like you get great freedom to move around without interrupting the audio signal with unnecessary vibrations.

Shure SM58-LC also comes equipped with a mesh grille that features an integrated pop filter. The mesh grille protects the mic’s internal components and also minimizes the wind and handling sounds. Simultaneously, the pop filter fights the plosives. Together, the two features result in pristine and amazing audio capture.

Accessories for Added Convenience

For a mic to last long, you need to handle it carefully. With the Shure SM58-LC, you get a storage bag, which makes it easier for you to protect and carry the bag while you’re on the go. You’ll also get an A25D mic clip to mount it securely. 

In addition, the mic comes with a 3-pin XLR connector. With the connector, the mic becomes even more compatible with a wide range of audio devices, allowing for easy connection to guitar amps and other devices.

Constructed to withstand the extensive rigors of touring and live performances, this mic won’t give up on you easily. Be prepared to give consistently brilliant performances with it for many years to come.

Slight Concerns…

With all its greatness, there are a few things you need to watch out for. It is a slightly heavy mic to carry with all its accessories. Plus, its frequency response isn’t as great as the other options discussed above. Lastly, you’ll need an external audio interface with it for its optimal functioning.

Relish the Beautiful Blend of Affordability and Pristine Audio Quality with Shure PGA58

Capture vocals beautifully with the Shure PGA58 dynamic microphone. This budget-friendly mic is sure to surprise you with its advanced features and extraordinary vocal reproduction.

Magnificent Audio Quality is a MUST with Shure PGA58

Characterized by its streamlined and sophisticated cartridge design, the Shure PGA58 always ensures magnificent audio quality. Its cardioid pickup pattern is indeed its standout feature. 

Efficiently rejecting all the unnecessary ambient noise, it pays full attention to the desired sound source. That’s why its sound quality is absolutely incredible.

The mic’s frequency range is quite good, too, which helps it capture audio nicely from a wide frequency spectrum. 

Gives You More Control and Freedom

Since it’s dynamic, it works quite well for live vocal performances. What’s more amazing is that it functions equally nicely in a recording setup. Designed to fulfill the needs of an indoor and live setup, the mic delivers great vocal performance in diverse scenarios.

You also get unimaginable seamless control with its on/off switch. The discrete switch allows you to operate the mic while recording conveniently. 

Comes with Extra Accessories

Adding to Shure PGA58’s appeal is its stunning metallic finish. Its construction and finishing contribute to its durability and aesthetic outlook. The mic’s kit includes a stand adapter, which increases versatility during your recording. For enhanced protection and portability, you get a zipper pouch to pack it safely.

The Shure PGA58 is undoubtedly amazing. I searched a lot for any of its drawbacks. The only concern that came up was the requirement for a separate audio interface. Otherwise, the mic is pure brilliance!

Notable Mentions

Final Thoughts…

With tons of vocal microphones to choose from, I have cherry-picked some of the finest options for you. I suggest you analyze each of the best vocal microphones for under $500 from the above read. Among the options I’ve selected, there are also some highly recommended condenser microphones within the $500 budget range that you may want to consider

Make sure to do that according to your micing needs, what you wish to record, and your budget. Once you go through the analysis, you’ll get more clarity on the best vocal microphone for your micing applications.

Frequently Asked Questions