Best Vocal Microphones Under $500

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Every recording studio needs an amazing collection of microphones for recording vocals, instruments, and anything else you can imagine. This is a list of 5 amazing vocal microphones tested and approved by me and colleagues I trust. The links to grab all these "budget" microphones are below.
Lauten Audio LA-320
wavyproaudio.com/products/lau...
Avantone Pro CV-12
imp.i114863.net/N7VVb_wavywayne
Slate Digital VMS-ML1
imp.i114863.net/7RM0y
AKG C214
imp.i114863.net/xVZ65
ECM 87 Virtual Mic Locker Kit
www.gauge-usa.com/products/ec...
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Best Headphones In The Game:
wavyproaudio.com/products/wav...
Speakers:
Adam A7X imp.i114863.net/5XV2o
Adam T10S imp.i114863.net/P06LEQ
Kali Audio IN-8 V2 wavyproaudio.com/products/kal...
Bose S1 Pro imp.i114863.net/QO6q1o
Mackie HR824 imp.i114863.net/P06eKN
Sony ZS-RS60BT amzn.to/3zZLIW0
Outboard Gear:
Distressor EL8-X imp.i114863.net/AqbxJ
Shadow Hills Industries Mono GAMA 500 imp.i114863.net/P2PJM
Heritage Audio HA73jr2 imp.i114863.net/QO6q9o
Rupert Neve Designs R6 6-slot 500 imp.i114863.net/kjonKL
API 500-6B 6-slot 500 Series Lunchbox imp.i114863.net/jMvxb
Teletronix LA-2A imp.i114863.net/VLGzJ
Behringer T1952 amzn.to/3BVJNSP
Neve 8804 Fader Pack imp.i114863.net/BX2WMy
Neve 8816 Summing Mixer imp.i114863.net/qroOg
Focusrite ISA One imp.i114863.net/XQVzy
Mics:
AKG C214 imp.i114863.net/xVZ65
AKG C414 imp.i114863.net/e4Aozg
Mojave Audio MA-300 imp.i114863.net/GjZ6WE
Shure SM57 hhtps://imp.i114863.net/QOJKNY
Shure SM7B imp.i114863.net/vokeN
Austrian Audio OC818 imp.i114863.net/EaZnBX
Rode NT1-A imp.i114863.net/b3mZXB
Avantone Pro CV-12 imp.i114863.net/k54nN
Interface:
Apollo Twin imp.i114863.net/qn2RjY
Apollo x6 amzn.to/2X2I8f5
Apollo x16 amzn.to/2X0Gdrs
Patchbay:
Flock Audio Patch imp.i114863.net/nDVPM
Flock Audio Patch "LT” imp.i114863.net/ORmNAW
Power Conditioner:
Furman M-8Lx imp.i114863.net/ZPZn0
Furman M-8x2 imp.i114863.net/6bg0Or
Other:
sE Electronics RF SPACE Isolation imp.i114863.net/XxXgba
Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro imp.i114863.net/Ry6Ak9
Grace Design m905-BK Monitor Control imp.i114863.net/do7Xdj
PreSonus Central Station imp.i114863.net/eoP1Z
iZotope Spire imp.i114863.net/Jrm9zv
PreSonus FaderPort 16 imp.i114863.net/Qang9
TC Electronic Clarity M Stereo Loudness Meter imp.i114863.net/V1o2j
CL-1 Cloudlifter imp.i114863.net/NnWAN
Akai MPK Mini imp.i114863.net/kjoRnx
Roland MV-1 Verselab imp.i114863.net/rn4JMy
Behringer x1222 imp.i114863.net/x9Ne9x
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Plan of Attack Notepad amzn.to/2B47r5C
"If it sounds good, it is good."
-Wavy Wayne
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Email: [e-mail]
#WavyWayne #BeDope #BestVocalMic

[@MrTee-uy5tl]

This is gold, thank you so much! 😍 been looking for mics

[@lexghozt]

Wayne keep it Wavy...Listening to this will keep ur listeners, Listening to your vocals... I have the slate digital joint & pre amp fyre... Thx Wavy

[@newttheripper]

I use to have Avantone CV12 , & it is a way above average. Beautiful up close too

[@Xeridae]

I'm just gonna say it right now. This is the best damn mic video I've ever seen on youtube. I'm not gonna get all nerdy about why but this man knows what's up. Thank you.

[@theexile1155]

You were predestined to be different(Romans 8:29), he who has an ear to hear, let him hear(Mark 4:9).
HALLELUYAH!(PRAISE YE YAH!)

[@giftbygodclothingcollectio8461]

That’s wassup, thanks for the info. Now I know what I’m getting myself for either Xmas or my birthday.

[@subtonic24]

A list without the AT2020 or Rode NT1/NT1A lol that's a first for me. It's nice to see other options out there. Great vid bro!!

[@worldsbesttracks]

YOU THE MAN WAVY THANK YOU FOR ALL THE VIDEOS YOU PUT OUT THEY ARE TRULY A BLESSING MY G I WANT TO ASK YOU FOR A VIDEO REQUEST FOR THE WAVES Scheps Omni Channel I FEEL LIKE ITS A DOPE PLUGIN BUT THERE IS NOT A LOT OF VIDEOS ON IT THAT GO INTO FULL DETAILS OF IT EVEN THO IT GETS ALOT OF GREAT REVIEWS BUT DO YOU YOU THINK IT CAN BE A GO TO OR IS EVEN WORTH THE HYPE

[@lotustaixtyson2464]

Wavy always on some good videos🔥🔥💯

[@victoriousmaurice6070]

Thank you Wavy for the hip hop vocal preset I've been mixing for 5 years and I recently purchased the waves gold pack and took my vocal recordings from 8 to a 10 with your presets thanks wavy keep it up

[@rome3838]

Wavy always clutch wit da vids at da right time 💯✊🏾

[@waynewav]

💯💯

[@endlessends666]

Bro lmao first 15 seconds of the vid had me dead asf

[@1waylevy300]

hell yea dope video man wavy wayne back at it! What would you say is the best for modern rap lil baby style vocals out of these mics?

[@DjR3aper]

it just got reaaaaal wavy in this thang!

[@elkioklo9363]

The Slate is a great Mic on its own, after one year of heavy usage i did not stick up with the Emulation stuf just using the mic on its own. For Baritone and tenor voices its wodnerful it catches all the depht and has open crisp highs !!!

[@Firstinversion899]

Nice job! Useful.

[@AlexValliMusic]

I haven't busted out my Aston Origin in awhile, but that's a beautiful mic for the price. I think it's only about $299USD and it's a pretty decent mic for the price.

[@Scottie2528]

I have the Gauge ECM 87. My college professor is the one that created the mic and he gave students a pretty good discount on the mic lol. I think I was one of the few (if not only) people to buy the mic. He’s an engineer with some platinum plaques and Grammys. Really cool teacher. Taught me a lot of cool tricks in pro tools and in general.

[@iamlittylee]

You stil have it? how is it? wayne speaks highly of that mic

[@ralph7777]

Compare it to Neumann Tlm 103??

[@johnunderwood8827]

peace king,thanks for this information king and yes that red mic Soooo Pretty. What is your goto mic for recording?

[@Orderftw782]

Yo wavy can u please make a video showing what levels should our vocals and beat should be in a mix🔥🔥🔥

[@sneakervinyl]

Wavy, whats your opinion on the Blue Baby Bottle in comparison to these? Awesome vid!

[@matissejones]

The intro was sick thooo🔥😂😂

[@4brotroydavis]

Wayne I don't use pro tools but ye knowledge is universal...keep bridging it fam

[@user-ic3zk7lc8s]

I'm thinking about getting Audio Technica AT2035 for starting out voice over. Do you recommend it, because my budget is tight.

[@kimberleyamber4918]

Good vibes ✨

[@debby-olayinkamojiolukayod8836]

Hi, thanks so much. Please can you show me how to set up Avantone Pro CV-12 for reading vocals

[@genolexismusic983]

Looking for Mics for rap vocals and wanted to find something other than the Neumann. Was going for the RODE NT1 but I'm kid of hooked on the list one you mentioned that has the capacity to have 8 different tones

[@blaseblase3955]

Thats my son in the thumbnail lol but keep up the good work bro!

[@brianbrown5342]

Dope video. I gotta shout out zzounds as a great place to get mics or audio gear at too. They've got these monthly payment plans that people can use to get some of the more expensive mics and audio gear. They just don't have the slate or ecm mic right now I don't think.

[@isaiahhogan2974]

I got the Aventone CV12 and it's fire fasho.

[@BeatsByCed]

Question, Wavy Wanye what can of camera you're using to record your videos?. Thanks for all you do homie

[@KillforKickz]

hes using a sony a7iii. i asked the same message on Instagram, and he responded to me lol

[@klubstompers]

Sony A6600 on this video.

[@Haji_Original]

Can you add mic tests after presenting each one?

[@bruhstoise]

Thank you for this. I’m looking to get a nice mic to begin making music with but I don’t want lower quality or a $1000 investment just for something I can buy once and use for a few years until I want to really put some real money down

[@tekki44]

yo man, what do you think about Rode NT1? Do you recommend it?

[@KwestTheVisionary]

You can never go wrong with the classic AT4040

[@MB-ry6ez]

Yeah Audio Technika is waaaay to good for the price

[@shemarsmith3740]

I bought a stellar x2 for vocal recording, you reccomend that ?

[@nkshooter4960]

love you g your so funny 😂❤️

[@TopHour]

Great Vid

[@yungskitzo_661]

What's the best microphone for aggressive vocals on the budget
Im already using a rode nt1
And a Aston origin

[@NURREDIN]

Have you tried the new MXL Revelation II? It's exactly at $500.00. It's a tube mic,and it recreates the sound of the ORIGINAL Neumann U-47 (not the later versions which have a higher treble response). I've previously worked with the original U-47 many years ago when I was an intern at King records in Cincinnati,and this mic sounds more like the original than any other lower priced clone I've tried.If you're a 2nd tenor or a baritone and you do R&B or Jazz, ala Isaac Hayes,Barry White, Greg Porter, or Will Downing,this could be the mic for you.

[@tre.j3589]

Is that the Roland Aira MX-1 mixer? Or what kind of mixer you have there? I can’t see it that well on my phone. Thank you

[@11superstar1997]

Is the Blue Baby Bottle no longer reference class for $500 mics??

[@JOZBITsBEATs77]

Wave wich mic are u using and its in wich range y dd u choose it

[@Jowstjah]

Hey Wayne!
fking loive your video's man

[@waynewav]

Thanks Fam. I used a Sony A6600 for this shoot.

[@Mack-vv8bo]

I was just looking this up 🔥🔥

[@statik_mark]

Get the bm-800 huge recommendation i have it and its good for music

[@statik_mark]

And its under 50$

[@Mack-vv8bo]

@@statik_mark bet good look

[@younglove.music2867]

For me the Behringer B1 is my choice . It has the same specs as the C214 right down to the noise floor for $280 less than C214 so the price comes in at $119. Sonically I would say that the Behringer B1 is a tad brighter than the C214 so if you have a deep voice like me I would say go with the Behringer so the bass doesn't become overpowering in your vocals but if you have a bright voice vice versa trust me I have both mics

[@SueroNetwork]

Not at all that mic sounds cheap as hell stick with the akgc214 its just like the 414 same capsules there's levels to this that's why the price is much higher you owe it to yourself to invest in some quality gear ...that mic is cool just to get by but not something I would keep in my mic locker

[@kimberleyamber4918]

Would you suggest the avantone or Lauten?

[@devincargile8821]

Love your personality on the intros

[@Rammy22ify]

Got to let that CV12 warm up for a minute.

[@Trife_G]

What modeling microphone do you prefer Slate Digital VMS ML-1, Townsend Labs Sphere L22, or Antelope Audio Edge Duo Dual-Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Modeling Microphone?

[@rollowarlin8450]

Go with the Antelope.

[@IndustrianoOficial]

Should I Use The High Pass On The C214 ?

[@micahmggreen3464]

Can you record your talkbox with that particular microphone CV 12?

[@trappwoodsss1889]

i’ve been having this message pop up on my screen every time i try to import an audio “Could not complete the import audio command because permission denied(13)” someone please help !! i haven’t recorded in days !!!

[@ianrains5014]

@Elijah Rouse II hahahahahahahahahaha

[@DoItYourselfMusician]

SM7B is fire too.

[@prospectfuturelink]

That Sure SM7B your using to do your video in my opinion is a better vocal mic than any of the ones on your list and still under $500

[@ericsolomon3318]

Bruh, the commercial is DOPE!

[@waynewav]

Thanks fam.

[@highlonesome-coloradobluegrass]

I sing into a Shure Beta SM58 and I love it. I do own two Ear Trumpet Microphones the band can get around.

[@WiIIiamOfficial]

The Sennheiser Professional E 945 is a bit more expensive than the Beta but it sounds much better.

[@Hemel02]

Sir plz suggested me studio monitor speaker
Yahama Hs5 vs Rokit KrK 5 3rd Gen Vs M audio BX5 3D?
Plz

[@nahhmsayin]

Using a Shure mv7, looking around tho

[@liyilongedison]

any recommendations for rap vocals?

[@pakksin]

On the power box on the avatone is left the more open side and right the more closed side like in sound or like how does it go mines is straight in the middle

[@thedlomax]

‘Preciate it yo

[@Flamez2k10]

bruh be crackin me up

[@airborne1672]

How much do you charge for a mix and master?

[@LethalDos]

I got the warm audio wa47jr I’m definitely liking the way it sounds.

[@theexile1155]

You were predestined to be different(Romans 8:29), he who has an ear to hear, let him hear(Mark 4:9).
HALLELUYAH!(PRAISE YE YAH!)

[@FreestyleGalaxyNMore]

​@@theexile1155 Amen!!!!

[@JayyReezy]

Can you please review the Aston spirit 🙏🏼

[@soldierkidd8553]

What is the mozy spensivest microphone can you finx

[@siyamthandamnyabiso7835]

Please make a video on how to Record in Pro Tools using a USB Microphone 🙏🙏🙏

[@RobRoythefirst]

how do you feel about the AT 4040. I've been using it for years. I use it to record my vocals and send it off to some friends who are much better at mixing vocals than I am. They have never had an issue getting a clean signal from me and the finished mix sounds incredible always.

[@commonsense5188]

I actually got a chance to play with that mic a few years ago. I really liked the outcome. I got nice, clear, prominent vocals from the 4040. Before that I was using a Sterling Audio ST66 tub mic which is no longer made that I got a great recordings out of as well. Another fun mic for vocals is the KEL-HM2D that I like to mess around with. It's a small diaphragm condenser that acts sort of like a dynamic. Nice flat response and was a steal several years ago at 200 bucks. The company however, is no longer in business.

[@purimusicofficial1775]

I use the RODE

[@ojvic7297]

The shure sm7b is the best mic ever made...😆
You can make the sm7b sound like anything bruh...

[@rollowarlin8450]

A good vocal mic has a transformer in it period. Some low to mid-priced mics that do ? MXL V 67 G, MXL 3000, Lauten 220, sE Z3300A, Monoprice 600850, Aston Spirit, Cascade m-20u, Sterling St 51, 55, and 59. Pick up a used St 51 for around 50 bucks and you won't believe how much better your vocals sound.

[@SHKDWN79]

I like your choices but that sterling st 55 is junk compared to st 77

[@DjR3aper]

****ATTENTION**** The slate is normally $800 for just the mic. it's temporarily on sale.

[@itskane1791]

That mic is on sale once a month lol

[@Rammy22ify]

I use the CV12 and the LCT 440 Pure from Lewitt both under $500

[@jas8012]

LCT 440 Pure. Still a very underrated microphone

[@Rammy22ify]

@@jas8012 Real talk, most people don't know.

[@ekayjackson5133]

I was waiting for someone to mention this cause i was def looking into that joint!!

[@Rammy22ify]

@@ekayjackson5133 LCT 440 specs are really good

[@nulu08]

Have you looked at the Stellar x2?

[@Highriskjack]

I got the La-320 ITS WORTH IT!!

[@joel9909]

loool great sense of humor bro

[@realjordangoode]

Yall gotta check out the Aston Orgin and Aston Spirit, both are great and under $500

[@jbmjayy]

Yessir from $299 to $499 it sounds flawless

[@IOG2K]

They both harsh as fuck

[@bl5122000]

I’m so glad I don’t have to stroll tonight

[@KenetthKase]

What usb microphone would you recommend for aggressive vocals ?

[@MB-ry6ez]

Non

[@macmacca4313]

I’m looking to get the avantone cv 12 and I have the Apollo twin interface, do I need a preamp or the interface alone Is ok ? Thanks for this video by the way👍👍

[@waynewav]

Start with the Apollo alone. It has great preamps and unison options.

[@outlawedbeats]

The Aston Spirit is dope as well

[@tuneunleashed]

FUCKING BEAST

[@anthonyalfonso24]

I’m curious why you didn’t mention the sm7B you’re using?

[@gndesigns1500]

Is aight not the best for most vocals imo but dope for podcasts n stuff

[@RicoTracks24]

@@gndesigns1500 it is legendary though, Michael Jackson used it on the Thriller album.

[@tuneunleashed]

@@RicoTracks24 It sounds muddy for vocals. A condenser microphone is better when it comes to mixing. When it comes to just talking get a dynamic microphone

[@Zel909]

Lordtunes World although thats the general consensus the sm7b is a curious case. Some artists love this mic for its darker and richer tone. It’s able to be boosted without having any added noise in most frequencies. I personally prefer the nt1 but sometimes the sm7b is perfect.

[@RicoTracks24]

@@tuneunleashed I know fam, I use condensers when recording, I was just stating it has been used on legendary projects that’s all I’m saying.

[@shaolin6]

my scarlett CM25 absolutely sucks, i cant wait to get a new mic

[@scar3489]

2TrackBeat - StudioRack Preset ??? Pls :/ GaingSta. - Kick - Snare - Vocal Space etc..

[@DraftZJ]

was fully expecting to see the Shure SM7B here

[@TherealBlackheart]

Using the at2020. Definitely affordable

[@nigelelgin3597]

I use the Studio Project C1 really nice mic and i think it cost like $300

[@melissamaddux7006]

What do you think of the Scarlett studio microphone?

[@waynewav]

Never used it personally, but there is a use for every mic.

[@melissamaddux7006]

@@waynewav Awesome! I am setting up a home recording studio and I am really new to this. Thanks for the informative videos!

[@SkilerJoi]

I use a blue spark sl great mic under 500

[@jmontgo87]

I have the At 2035. What's your opinion on it?

[@waynewav]

That’s also a great mic.

[@babar141]

Yo wavey Wayne, taylor swift never used or has ever claimed she used a CV-12

[@CihanCihan]

And the lewitt 440 pure ?

[@chillrainsounds1334]

What the best tripod mic stand

[@jacksonajo]

No Aston origin or Spirit?

[@Rammy22ify]

Yo, that intro..😂😂😂

[@Murdur1]

Aye Wayne wassup with the RØDE NT1A?? It's my absolute favorite

[@onlyjasonpaul]

That mic is garbage

[@jontay2002]

Just save up your pennies and get the blue bottle tube mic.. it comes with the b6 that cap is like the u87 but alot more full the b9 cap is 99% identical to the sony it will run you 5-6 bands but if you serious just remember it all starts at the mic you are recording with ~love

[@Colegottagetguwap]

A 5k mic is not necessary you just gotta know how to mix

[@MoCityJonesbeats]

Blue spark ⚡️

[@canid_caninepixelodyssey1726]

lmao, the gas talk in the intro±±!! lol

[@davidgiarca8898]

Great video ! But why you would use the autotune while speaking? I think it's annoying