What are the best XLR microphones under $200?

Question

Music & AudioMicrophones

What are the best XLR microphones under $200?

4

Options
Considered

7

User
Recs.

Nov 5, 2021

Last
Updated

4 Options Considered

Best XLR microphones under $200	Price	Weight	Type
-- 512 Audio Limelight	$199.99	350g	Dynamic
-- MXL 770	$73	1 lb	Condenser
-- Audio-Technica AT2020	$100	0.8 lbs	Condenser
-- Audio-Technica AT2035	$150	0.9 lbs	Condenser

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score 1 · Answer 1

512 Audio Limelight

Frequency range:50 Hz - 15 kHz

Diameter:28 mm

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score 3 · Answer 2

MXL 770

Top Pro

Good sound quality and great accessories at a low price

The audio quality from the MXL770 is not very detailed, but it is clear and full. Combined with the shock mount and hard case, this mic is a steal for the price. See More

Top Con

Recordings may sound muddy with this mic

The mic’s audio may sound dark or muddy. The highs are not very pronounced so some fine details from the recording may not be easily heard. See More

Specs

Weight:1 lb

Type:Condenser

Frequency range:30 Hz to 20,000 Hz

Diameter:2.36 inches

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Top Pro

Clear audio output with an emphasis on the mids and bass

The audio from the mic sounds full and detailed. The mids and bass are quite prominent, so recordings of voices and/or guitars will sound rich and full. See More

Top Pro

You get a good quality carrying case with the mic

Transporting the MXL 770 shouldn’t be too difficult thanks to the inclusion of a carrying case. The case is made out of hard plastic with thick foam inside so the mic will be adequately protected when taken out of your home or studio. See More

Top Pro

A shock mount is included

Excessive vibrations and similar issues relating to microphone mounting won’t be a big issue with the MXL 770. You get a shock mount with every purchase so mounting the mic should be easy and microphonics (mechanical vibrations that get picked up as noise) won’t be a big problem. See More

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score 1 · Answer 3

Audio-Technica AT2020

Top Pro

You get a padded carrying pouch with the mic

Taking the mic on the go should be easy to do. It comes with a leather carrying case and should give the mic extra protection from minor hits or drops. See More

Top Con

Does not come with a shock mount

While the AT2020 does come with a mic mount, other options in the price range have a shock mount included. This can make this microphone a poor buy value-wise. See More

Specs

Weight:0.8 lbs

Type:Condenser

Frequency range:20 Hz - 20,000 Hz

Diameter:2.05 inches

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Top Pro

The mic’s build quality is very good

This microphone should be able to withstand years of regular use and abuse. It's made of metal and built really well, with no unnecessary play or rattles from the different components. See More

Top Con

The audio output can get quite harsh when recording high frequencies

This may not be the best mic to use if you plan to record a lot of high frequency sounds like high-pitched female vocals or cymbals. The AT2020 tends to emphasize the higher frequencies which results in the recorded audio’s highs sounding quite sharp and harsh. See More

Top Pro

A microphone mount is included

Mounting this microphone to a stand or boom arm should be easy. The microphone comes with a well-built all-metal mic mount, so you should be able to properly setup and position the mic right out of the box. See More

Top Pro

The sound output is detailed and rich

With the AT2020, you’ll be able to get great recordings of a wide range of audio sources. The mic is able to capture a lot of detail, yet at the same time is able to deliver a full-bodied sound. The audio is also very clear with no distortions. See More

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score 2 · Answer 4

Audio-Technica AT2035

Top Pro

Useful accessories are included

Transporting as well as mounting the mic shouldn’t be a hassle thanks to the useful accessories that the AT2035 comes with. You get a microphone mount adapter as well as a shock mount so you’ll be able to properly mount the mic with your existing mic stands or boom arms. Also, you get a padded soft case for a safer transportation of the microphone. See More

Top Con

This microphone is relatively expensive

The AT2035 is a great performing mic, but there are other options that may sound almost just as good but at a noticeably cheaper price. See More

Specs

Weight:0.9 lbs

Type:Condenser

Frequency range:20 Hz - 20,000 Hz

Diameter:2.05 inches

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Top Pro

Balanced sound output

With the AT2035, you’ll be able to get detailed and clear recordings with the audio having a natural quality to it. The sound is fairly balanced with just a slight emphasis on the highs, which results in a detailed sound. See More

Top Con

The shock mount is not very good

Some consider the shock mount to be a poor accessory. The mount is made of plastic, which may feel quite flimsy. See More

Top Pro

You can tweak the microphone’s audio

It is possible for you to make some minor adjustments to the microphone’s sound. At the lower part of the mic is a Low Cut and Pad switch. With the Low Cut switch, you’ll be able to reduce the amount of bass that the mic picks up. The Pad switch reduces the microphone’s sensitivity by around 10 dB, which is useful when you are recording loud audio sources and you want to control volume levels. See More

Top Pro

Build quality is great

The mic should last you many years of use. The case and grill are made of metal, making them quite durable. See More

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What are the best XLR microphones under $200?

4 Options Considered

512 Audio Limelight

My Recommendation for 512 Audio Limelight

My Recommendation for 512 Audio Limelight

MXL 770

My Recommendation for MXL 770

My Recommendation for MXL 770

Good sound quality and great accessories at a low price

Recordings may sound muddy with this mic

Clear audio output with an emphasis on the mids and bass

You get a good quality carrying case with the mic

A shock mount is included

Audio-Technica AT2020

My Recommendation for Audio-Technica AT2020

My Recommendation for Audio-Technica AT2020

You get a padded carrying pouch with the mic

Does not come with a shock mount

The mic’s build quality is very good

The audio output can get quite harsh when recording high frequencies

A microphone mount is included

The sound output is detailed and rich

Audio-Technica AT2035

My Recommendation for Audio-Technica AT2035

My Recommendation for Audio-Technica AT2035

Useful accessories are included

This microphone is relatively expensive

Balanced sound output

The shock mount is not very good

You can tweak the microphone’s audio

Build quality is great

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