Being in field likes YouTube or Film Productions where you need to shoot and edit videos in professional way good enough Microphones becomes a major necessity that you should consider wisely. Microphones come in various shapes, sizes, audio, feel, sound and overall performance but some major considerations that you should keep in mind are USB, Condenser and Dynamic microphones.
If you are a vocalist or if you play some string instrument I would highly recommend you to get a condenser microphone. And if you want a microphone for a stage performance then dynamic microphones would be the best among all. And the last one, USB microphones are for those who have applications on computers like gaming, podcasting, live streaming etc.
Well, you should not worry at all about which microphone to choose as we have selected the 10 best microphones that you can use for your particular purpose.
Top 10 Best Microphone Under $200-
| Model Name | Product Dimensions | Item Weight | Output Connector | Frequency Response | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Technica AT2020 | 6.38" (162.0 mm) long, 2.05" (52.0 mm) maximum body diameter | 12.1 oz (345 g) | Integral 3-pin XLRM-type | 20-20,000 Hz |  (4.4 / 5) |
| Blue Yeti | 4.72" (12cm) x 4.92"(12.5cm) x 11.61"(29.5cm) | 1.2 lbs (.55 kg) | 130 mW | 15 Hz - 22 kHz | (4.4 / 5) |
| Shure SM58 | 162 mm (6-3/8 in.) L x 51 mm (2 in.) W | 298 grams (10.5 oz) | Three-pin professional audio connector (male XLR type) | 50 to 15.000 Hz |  (4.6 / 5) |
| Sennheiser e906 | 5.5 x 3.4 x 13.4 cm | 15.2 ounces | XLR-3 | 40 – 20000 Hz | (4.6 / 5) |
| Rode NT USB | 14 x 4 x 11 inches | 1.1 pounds | USB Output | 20 kHz |  (4.5 / 5) |
| AKG Perception P220 | 5.5 x 9 x 9.8 in | 2 pounds | XLR-3 | 20 - 20000 Hz | (4.5 / 5) |
| Sennheiser e935 | 4.7 x 15.1 cm | 12.5 Oz | XLR-3 | 40 - 18000 Hz |  (4.8 / 5) |
| SE Electronics SE X1 | 16 x 12 x 8 inches | 5.8 pounds | XLR-3 | 40 - 18000 Hz |  (5 / 5) |
| Razer Seiren Elite USB | 4.72 x 4.73 x 11.74 in | 2.9 pounds | XLR-3 | 40 - 20000 Hz | (4.8 / 5) |
| Shure PGA27-LC | 10 x 3.5 x 5 in | 453 grams (16.0 oz) | XLR-3 | 20 to 20,000 Hz | (5 / 5) |
The Audi Technica AT2020 is the best buy of microphone for the price offered. You can consider it as the best condenser microphone that is best for vocalists and instrumentalists recording in a studio. Even this would work very well for gaming, podcasting etc. kind of purposes.
This is a light weight condenser microphone manufactured for transient response and extended frequency. It filters the sound from outside noises leaving a melodious voice that is just near it. Its build quality is just like premium ones and can last longer if you take care of it properly. You should consider as one of the best microphone for studio recording and for internet streaming as well.
Features:
- Condenser microphone
- USB Output for recording
- 5 mm headphone jack
- Volume controls to monitor microphone signals
- Mix controls to blend it
- High-output internal amplifier
- Wide dynamic range
- Low mass diaphragm
- High SPL Handling
- High quality a/d converter of 16 bit
- 48 kHz of sampling rate
- Polar pattern system to reduce noise
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Pretty good linear frequency response
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You can assured of balanced recording
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20 meters long XLR cable so you won’t need to buy it separately
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You don’t have any polar selection pad, so you can’t use it for heavy applications
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It doesn’t come with a shock mount out of the box, so you need buy one separately.
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Question: Is it good for recording rap vocals?
Answer: yea, I’d say so
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Question: What stand does it connect with?
Answer: It has it’s own adapter that fits most standard microphone stands.
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Question: Could this Mic work for ingame chat while gaming? I would rather use this, than some gaming headset with a crappy mic any day?
Answer: Yea it will but you need xlr cables for it a pop filter a stand and a power supply so it is not my choice
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Question: Does this work on Garage Band?
Answer: Yes, but you will need a USB Audio Interface and an XLR Cable in order to connect it to your computer for it to work in Garage Band. And your USB interface needs phantom power.
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Question: Do you have to buy a xlr cable?
Answer: Yes, it is just a mic. You’ll need cable, shock mount, mic stand
Buy the Audio Technica AT 2020 from here:
If a condenser microphone was not your choice then here we have the alternative, the Blue Yeti. It is flexible like hell that allows you to record awesome voice for your podcasts or voice-over and effects.
This one is USB type mic that has a lot many features and they even does not require any external power source like windscreens, just connect it with your PC or Mac and it will do the job for you. It has a custom tri-capsule technology that lets you change the pickup in case you have many different types of work to do with it. The Blue Yeti microphone has a simple and user-friendly design along with four different power setting because of which it differs from other microphones.
Features:
- USN Type microphone
- Tri capsule array
- 3 condenser capsules
- Multiple pattern selection – omnidirectional, cardioid, stereo and bidirectional
- Zero latency headphone output
- Mute button
- Professional design
- Plug and play compatible with PC and Mac
- Up to 24-bit/192Khz sampling
- XLR interface
- In built USB interface
- Four microphone pickup patterns
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Highly versatile in nature
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Pretty clear and good sound quality
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Sturdily built
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Large in size and heavy weight
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Not much user friendly
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Can take some time to set it up
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Question: Does it work for singing?
Answer: Yes, it captures singing quality with 100% accuracy.
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Question: Does the mic come with any software for recording, or do you have any recommendations on good (easy to use) recording software for PC?
Answer: The mic itself doesn’t come with any software. It’s plug-n-play to the bone. But that’s Ok, because you can download Audacity for free for PC and Macs. Really powerful software, simple to learn, and like I said free.
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Question: Has anyone tried doing voice recognition with this mic or know if it will work?
Answer: I could not get any microphone to pass dragon’s program until i tried the yeti. passed their tests just fine? and works great.
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Question: Is Blue Yeti compatible with Windows 8?
Answer: Yes it is.
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Question: Can I use a foam ball with the yeti in place of a pop filter or do I also need an additional pop filter with the ball. Performance is going to count way more than looks for what I’m doing?
Answer: well it depends on what you are using the yeti for. some guy say its fine without the filter. if your doing voice overs I would recommend using a pop filter, if your doing anything that you want it to be considered professional, I would use a pop filter. now if you are just gaming with your boys then you really don’t need one. hope this helps. p.s. any time that you want your work to sound lime a pro, try not to cut corners unless absolutely necessary because sometimes it will show in your quality.
Buy the Blue Yeti from here:
The Shure SM 58 is a high quality microphone that you can get at a very reasonable price. This is a dynamic microphone so it will work very well with stage performances like singing or speech.
With a high quality clearance it delivers the message with all clarity possible. It resists ugly breath noises and drains out the wind. It is a rugged microphone with great build quality that has shock proof system in-built. A few guys use it as for recording vocals while some prefer to use it as a condenser microphone. It is definitely another best microphone that you can buy under $200.
Features:
- Frequency response manufactured for vocals
- Frequency rate : 50 to 15,000 Hz
- Shock mount system to reduce noise
- In built break-resistance and adapter that rotates 1800
- In built pop filter and spherical wind
- Cardioid pickup pattern to reduce background noise
- Ruggedness
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Affordable for most of the gadgets
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Durable than any other average microphone
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Pretty clear sound quality
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In built shock mount system
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Light weight
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Slight lack in overall quality in higher range
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Tone is not awful
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Question: How long is the cable that I can get with this mic?
Answer: The cable is about 6ft long
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Question: Would this microphone work for outdoor use at a summer camp?
Answer: Yes, it has an on/off switch and all you need is the right sound system/PA to amplify the microphone.
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Question: When I turn the switch on or off, does it make any static sound? Or is it a quiet switch?
Answer: It is quiet; not an issue at all. For me, this is a great mic in so many ways.
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Question: Is This Mic decent for YouTube/twitch streaming? need something that sounds good but gets rid of background noise
Answer: You have to be really close to the mic for it to pick up your voice, so if you sing into it it’s more than likely not to pick up anything else. You can’t use it for capturing a group sound.
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Question Can I use this microphone with the Microkorg Vocoder? If so, are there any additional pieces I’d need to make it compatible?
Answer: You can use it with the Microkorg if you get an impedance matching transformer, which will also convert the XLR to 1/4in. It may work with a simple cable adapter, but not as well.
Buy the Shure SM 58 from Here:
If the previous dynamic microphone was not the thing you were looking for, then the Sennheiser e906 would be the best mic under $200 for any type of instrument including guitar, drums and strings.
It is durable in design and has a user friendly in nature does all work perfectly when it comes to clarification of the sound. This microphone offers you with three different sound forms, bright, dark and moderate that allows you to select the right type of sound to record. It has the ability to switch between different sonic characteristics to make it more versatile. This is a multi-use microphone that can adapt different kinds of instruments like drums and guitars that makes better choice than other for the budget of $200.
Features:
- Durable metal body
- User friendly in nature
- Dynamic type of microphone
- Frequency response : 40 to 18,000 Hz
- Professional sound quality
- Flat in shape perfect for string type instruments
- 3 level switchable filter support
- Three different sound forms – bright, dark and moderate
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Flat in shape perfect for string type instruments
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Light in weight
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Has a carrying pouch
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No additional power supply needed
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10 year warranty
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Not suitable for all type of recording purposes
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Might get scratches with use because of metal built
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Question: Will this be with a bass amp?
Answer: We recommend an Electro voice- RE-20 instead – it will preserve your low end, this mic might cut your low end a bit too much.
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Question: Is this mountable on snare/tom with a clip? I do not want to use mic stand.
Answer: There will be no problems on that.
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Question: So it comes with a mzq 100 clamp but as far as i can see it doesn’t fit in this clamp – has anyone else managed to make this mic fit?
Answer: It should fit the clamp it came with. As I recall, I had to force it a bit but it expands and grips the mic pretty tight, which is probably a good thing.
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Question: Will it work recording acoustic guitar amps?
Answer: I would not buy this for an acoustic amp. I would go with a condenser in that situation, personally. This mic is a volume-eater, best suited to loud amp cabs.
Buy the Sennheiser e906 from here:
The Rode NT is a studio-quality USB type microphone with superior sound and clarity. It comes with a tripod stand; pop shield and ring mount for additional support. It supports 3.5 mm headphone jack that makes it even better to use it with your smartphones as well. The mic gives you a fuzzy feel and with a branding of Rode you should definitely buy this one if it meets all your requirements and you are satisfy with it fully.
It is said to be a beast for the price offered by many vocalists and internet streamers as well. The mic gives you a fuzzy feel and with a branding of Rode you should definitely buy this one if it meets all your requirements and you are satisfy with it fully.
Features:
- Condenser type microphone
- Cardioid pickup pattern
- 5 mm headphone jack support
- Desktop stand
- Zip case
- Pop filter support
- Frequency response : 20 to 20,000 Hz
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Crisp and clear sound
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Deep bass
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User friendly in nature
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Plug and play support
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Very well built
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Zero latency monitoring
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A little noise from audio might come some time
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It won’t work with Skype
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Stand does not fold and fit in case
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Question: Do the Rode NT-USB USB include the microphone windshield?
Answer: Yes it does!
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Question: Is the rode compatible with Mixcraft? Also is there a delay when you are monitoring your mic input?
Answer: It is compatible with any recording software and there is not any zero delay
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Question: What is the quality of the 3.5 mm output? does it match that of USB?
Answer: That output is for your monitor/headphones. It is not made for the output of the mic into the computer. USB is the correct output.
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Question: Will this screw on to a microphone stand? or do I need to buy a shockmount? if so, which one?
Answer: Yes it will. There are two thread sizes which are the common sizes. Shock mount is recommended but not necessary.
Buy the Rode NT USB from here:
The AKG Perception P220 is a true condenser type mic that is prefect for instrumentalists, vocalists and guitarists as well. This would be definitely the choice of many singers and rappers out there. When you consider its durability it would be very difficult to find one better than this.
It has the feature of bass cut filter to resist the ugly noise for low frequencies. The large diaphragm design is the best for vocalists. This would be definitely the choice of many singers and rappers out there. Its sound clarity, reasonable price and pretty good performance make it a great choice.
Features:
- True condenser type mic
- Large diaphragm
- Warm and clear sound for vocals
- Switchable bass cut filter
- Can handle sound pressure levels up to 155 dB
- Perfect for on stage performance
- Spider type shock mount system
- Aluminum carry case
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Affordable mic from a reputed brand
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20 dB padding support
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Quite wide mic range
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Large diaphragm
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Does not have pop filter and XLR cable
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You have to buy them separately
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No switchable polar pattern
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Not suitable for ensemble recording
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Question: Can I use it as a field mic for film making purposes?
Answer: This mike is a good vocal and dubbing mike. I have never had problems with it, you can record whatever you prefer, IMO It will also handle it.
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Question: Does this microphone output straight Xlr which i can plug directly into a preamp? Or do i need a special converter?
Answer: I plugged my XLR cable into a ART preamp, which I then had another XLR cable from out the back of the preamp plugged into a Firewire audio interface. Remember this microphone needs 48v Phantom Power to work properly.
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Question: Does this require phantom power? If so will a balanced xlr cable w/ balanced xlr 1/4 adapter work for my Avid M-audio computer direct box, which only has 1/4″ inputs and does have a phantom power source?
Answer: Yes, the AKG Perception 220 does require 48v phantom power. You should be able to use the balanced 1/4 adapter into your Avid M-audio computer direct box.
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Question: Can I use this mic with my macbook air?
Answer: This microphone uses an XLR cable. Therefore in order to use it with any computer you will need to run it through an audio interface and then that audio interface will connect to your computer via USB. A decent audio interface to use would be a focusrite Scarlett solo or focusrite Scarlett 2i2.
Buy the AKG Perception P220 from here:
The Sennheiser e935 is a professional microphone that comes with some pretty good features that let it work very well in every desired condition. It will make you feel like a professional while recording your sound.
It will make you feel like a professional while recording your sound with great clarity and noise cancellation. It is a durable mic with a well-built metal design. It has shock mount technology to handle murmuring sound and voices. This mic is often used by various karaoke singers, stage performers and public speakers as well. If you don’t look too far then this could be one of the best options for a decent mic to amplify your voice clearly at a budget of $200.
Features:
- Dynamic type microphone
- Cardioid pickup pattern
- Frequency response : 40 to 18,000 Hz
- Professional for live performance
- High sensitivity of 2,8mV/Pa = -51dB
- Shock mount system
- Can handle high SPLs
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Reasonable price
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Shock mount system
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High quality clear sound
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Feedback resistance
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Midrange limitation
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Weak windscreen
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A little muddy audio
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Question: Does this mic come with a case?
Answer: Yes, this comes with a carrying pouch with a zipper seal.
If this was helpful, please consider purchasing from us. We offer support after the sale as well. We have it in stock and ready to ship! -Pixel Pro Audio
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Question: Do I need to buy a windscreen for this?
Answer: If you are using this outdoors, it helps a lot, but for live vocals in an indoor environment, you will be fine without one. If this was helpful, please consider purchasing from us. We can help with support after the sale as well. We have it in stock and ready to ship.
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Question: Does it have a QR Code for authenticity?
Answer: On the mic I received, there a code for authenticity you can verify and register on the manufacturer website.
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Question: What kind of clip is needed to attach this to a mic stand? Does it come with a clamp?
Answer: Things You Will Get: Microphone Clamp, Cardioid Mic, Pouch, User Manual & Manufacturer Document of Warranty.
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Question: Does this mic have a USB plug or is there another way a way to connect it to a lap top?
Answer: No USB. The e935 I’d a conventional dynamic mic. You would need ca USB interface lice a Presonus Audiobox.
Buy the Sennheiser e935 from here:
When it comes to durability and versatile nature the SE Electronics SE X1’s large diaphragm makes it the best microphone under $200. This can be considered as best for both, the vocalists on stage or in a studio. The dynamic range, pretty good flexibility, advance features and the ability to handle high pressure sound are the best features offered.
The 32 mm diaphragm, great feel and sound quality offered in this one is something that you can find only in premium microphones that makes it one of the best options for cheap condenser mic.
Features:
- Condenser type microphone
- Large diaphragm
- Can capture audio with 24 bit resolution
- Low cut filter
- Windscreen pop filter
- Dragon pad pop filter
- Cardioid polar pattern
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Reasonable price
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Warm and clear audio quality
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Dragon pad pop filter
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Does not fit well in shock mount system
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Question: What cable do I need to buy to be able to record to laptop and what stand would be compatible with this item?
Answer: You need to buy an XLR cable but it is supplied with one. However you will need an audio interface if you don’t already have one, try looking at focusrite, m-audio or apogee for some entry level models. You won’t be able to record directly to a laptop without one. Alternatively you can look for a USB microphone if you don’t want to buy an audio interface. Any microphone stand will be fine
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Question: Does this set include the reflection shield ?
Answer: No. Microphone + shock mount + pop shield + cable only
Buy SE Electronics SE X1 from here:
The Razer Seiren Elite offers you with a great quality for gaming, podcasts, online live streaming etc. and recording in studio as well. Its aluminum stand allows it to deliver perfect fit at your desk or computer table. This one comes with built-in custom condenser allowing it to create four different patterns of sound. Of course it is just another offering of the best microphone under $200 but if you want to buy a microphone from Razer, then this flagship mic of Razer is the perfect choice for you with super clear 24 bit recording resolution. And above all this, it is a great competitor to Blue Yeti and NT USB.
This one comes with built-in custom condenser allowing it to create four different patterns of sound. Of course it is just another offering of the best microphone under $200 but if you want to buy a microphone from Razer, then this flagship mic of Razer is the perfect choice for you with super clear 24 bit recording resolution.
Features:
- Aluminum base stabilizer
- Additional mic stand
- Four different dedicated recording patterns
- Zero latency output
- Frequency response : 15 to 20,000 Hz
- Accurate recording monitoring
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Excellent build quality
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Ultra low noise
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Versatile polar patterns
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Great frequency response
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Overpriced, but not much like Apple products
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Bulky
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Question: Can i use this with a mac computer?
Answer: Yes, Mac OS natively supports high bit rate recording. and installing the Razer Synapse software will provide you with advanced settings for your Razer Seirēn.
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Question: Is it included the pop filter?
Answer: It does NOT come with a pop filter, those are sold separately
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Question: how long is the cable?
Answer: 10 feet, nice braided sheath
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Question: Does this have noise cancellation?
Answer: High pass filter button is the noise cancellation.It eliminates any noise that is 100 Mhz or less, such as AC,Fans,PC Fans,and your breathing.
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Question: You just plug usb in to a pc and it works?
Answer: This requires the Razer Synapse software to be installed. It contains the Seiren drivers.
Buy Razer Seiren Elite USB from here:
Shure PGA27-LC is a professional like microphone is really a pretty good choice when it comes to its durability and overall performance for a budget of $200. Designed with a larger diaphragm this is a condenser type microphone that is also a good choice for vocalists and guitarists as well.
This is specifically optimized for vocalists and various instrumentalists who want an amplified and crystal clear sound clarity. It comes with shock proof technology and a small bag to carry it in case you need to travel somewhere. In short, if you want a perfect microphone for amplification and clarification of sound that go get the Shure PGA27-LC. This would be the best microphone meeting your needs for the budget of $200.
Features:
- Large diaphragm
- Dynamic range
- Cardioid polar system
- Industrial metal body design
- In built shock mount system
- Padded zipper case
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Affordable
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Durable metal quality
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Offers great audio quality
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Can’t be used without XLR cable
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Susceptible to ‘plosives’ when used without a pop-shield
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Question: How does it connect to computer
Answer: You would need to use a Computer interface to connect it. We have these in stock at the store as well
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Question: Does this come with a 5/8 inch to 3/8 inch microphone stand adapter? Do I need to buy one?
Answer: Yes sure.
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Question: I have no clue what any of this means. phantom power supply? computer interface? xlr? someone just tell me what i need to get all of this working.
Answer: Phantom means that the Microphone needs to preamplify (inside the mic). That’s why needs 48V. (Phantom). Wherever you plug in the mic, you will need it.
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Question: For voice over and podcast, shall i get the pg42-lc or to get the new model pga-27-lc? please advise.
Answer: I like the 27 becauseit picks up very well when speaking off axis.
Buy Shure PGA27-LC from here:
Final Words-
Remember that everything does not depend on the sound clarity or amplification; it all depends upon you, what are you real needs and what you are going to do with the microphone you bought. Also you need to keep improving your skills, doesn’t matter whatever your field is. We have just selected the 10 best microphones that you can buy under a budget of $200. Tell us in the comment what you are going to do with the microphone that you are looking and if you bought one from our top class list then let us know in the comment section below.