Best Microphones Under $1500

Let's face the facts. Selecting the best microphones under $1500 is a tall task. As pro audio brands have perfected their approach to mics over the decades, they've created better-sounding products that have given engineers, musicians, and audio creators more affordable options than ever. It is a blessing for the music makers and a bit of a curse for those trying to make a concise list.

So, how does one narrow down the best microphones under $1500? Our goal was not to get too specific to one type of mic. We wanted to incorporate the major groups (dynamic, ribbon, small diaphragm, and large diaphragm condenser) and choose a number of representatives from each that were spread across the budget spectrum. Additionally, we opted for microphones that were highly versatile and could cover a number of bases in the studio.

Without further ado, let's explore our list of the best microphones under $1500. This is just scratching the surface, so stay tuned for the sequel.

Best Microphones Under $1500

Shure SM57

Price: $89

Microphone Type: Dynamic Microphone

What better place to start than with the iconic Shure SM57. A true studio essential in every sense of the word, the SM57 is a go-to for recording snare drums, guitar cabs, and much more. Rumors have circulated for years of entire songs or even albums being recorded using just SM57s, but few can confirm or deny.

Like most dynamic mics, the Shure SM57 uses a cardioid pickup pattern, which helps reject unwanted background noise. Its bright, clean sound and carefully contoured presence boost, combined with an impressive max SPL, make it a must-have for studio sessions and live performances alike. Not to mention its rugged design, which has proven nearly indestructible over the years.

LEWITT Audio LCT 140 Air

Price: $299 / Pair

Microphone Type: Small Diaphragm Condenser

LEWITT has a reputation for making affordable, studio-quality mics for everyday musicians, and the LCT 140 Air small diaphragm condenser microphones are exactly that. In addition to standard accouterments like a high-pass filter and pad, the LCT 140 AIR features two modes of operation for added versatility.

In FLAT mode, the LCT 140 provides a linear frequency response to capture sources just as they sound in the room. In AIR mode, the high-end is boosted, flattering sources with an open, sparkling character.

Aston Spirit

Price: $379

Microphone Type: Large Diaphragm Condenser

Don’t let its price tag fool you, the Aston Spirit is built like a boutique microphone, using hand-selected capsules, high-end transformers, and custom capacitors. With three selectable polar patterns (cardioid, figure-8, and omni), a built-in pop filter, and a built-in shock mount, the Aston Spirit makes it easy to capture great sound.

The coolest thing about the Aston Spirit might be its finish. Each mic is individually tumbled for up to four hours, giving it a tough exterior and one-of-a-kind finish. To top it all off, each microphone is engraved with Aston's brand mantra, "The art of performance."

Lauten Audio LA-120 V2

Price: $449 / Pair

Microphone Type: Small Diaphragm Condenser

A pair of studio-quality small diaphragm condenser microphones for less than $500? Now we’re talking! The LA-120 V2 mics utilize a transformerless design built around a US-made JFET to capture every detail.

For added flexibility, the LA-120 V2 comes with interchangeable cardioid and omni capsules, essentially giving you two mics for the price of one. Speaking of flexibility, the onboard EQ makes it easy to dial in a wide range of sounds from warm and ribbon-esque to crisp condenser-like clarity.

Beyerdynamic M 160

Price: $799

Microphone Type: Ribbon

One of the few ribbon mics on our list (and the least expensive by a few hundred bucks), the beyerdynamic M 160 has been a studio staple since it was first released in 1957. Often used on guitar amps and drums, the M 160 features a hypercardioid pickup pattern that captures natural sound with just the right amount of ambiance.

Its unique double-ribbon design helps tame harsh sounds, making it ideal for drum overheads, hi-hats, or even as a room mic. Plus, unlike most ribbon mics, the M 160 is compact, lightweight, and even durable enough to use on stage.

Soyuz 011 FET

Price: $999 / Pair

Microphone Type: Small Diaphragm Condenser

New from Soyuz, the 011 FET is a handcrafted small diaphragm condenser with a custom capsule that delivers controlled low end, smooth mid-range, and defined top end. Paired with a transformerless circuit for added articulation and detail, the 011 FET is a true studio workhorse that sounds great on a wide range of instruments.

Its cardioid polar pattern helps cut out unwanted background noise, while its compact design makes it easy to place in tight spaces. And at just $999 per pair, these mics are just too good to pass up.

Sennheiser MD 441-U

Price: $1099

Microphone Type: Dynamic

A Sennheiser staple for over five decades, the MD 441 is one of the most beloved dynamic microphones in the world. It's been used for literally everything, we're talking television, radio, film, and, of course, music. The 441 is definitely a go-to on guitar and bass amps, drums, and even vocals.

The modern version of the microphone is dubbed the MD 441-U, and it costs just over $1000. The mic features a super-cardioid polar pattern and two onboard switches for shaping your sound. The five-position bass roll-off switch covers your lower frequencies, while the two-position treble boost handles the highs.

Vanguard Audio Labs V13 Gen2

Price: $1199

Microphone Type: Large Diaphragm Condenser

Vanguard Audio Lab's V13 Gen2 has all the hallmarks of a fabulous tube condenser mic. It's well-built, reliable, and delivers that signature vibe we crave. The microphone has been engineered to offer rich, full-bodied lows, a detailed and articulate midrange, and a silky-smooth high end.

The second-generation version of the V13 features some critical updates, including new resistors, Neutrik connectors, power supply, and cable. These upgrades have given the microphone an incredibly low-noise floor. That's not something you can expect from older tube gear, but fortunately, Vanguard has created a great blend of clarity and warmth here.

AEA N8

Price: $1249

Microphone Type: Ribbon

Throughout the company's legendary run, AEA has gone from making exact recreations of gigantic RCA classics to crafting refined ribbon offerings of their own design. The NUVO series does just that, bringing ribbon technology to a smaller form factor with stunning results like the N8.

The N8 is an active ribbon microphone that puts you right in the room with the source you are recording. It's perfect for capturing stringed instruments, pianos, and drums, giving them a unique life in the mix that sounds open and honest. Whether you use it up close on an amplifier or farther away on a full orchestra, this microphone is a solid investment for under $1500.

Universal Audio Bock 187

Price: $1249

Microphone Type: Large Diaphragm Condenser

Everyone knows and loves the Neumann U 87, but finding one without a price tag that makes your wallet cry out in pain is a tall task. Fortunately, master microphone builder David Bock has perfected his take on the classic FET microphone, and Universal Audio continues this legacy with the UA Bock 187.

In 2022, Universal Audio announced it would release the Bock 187 alongside two other recreations, the Bock 167 and Bock 251. Overall, the 167 channels the vibe of the legendary Neumann mic while still featuring modern frills that make miking certain sources easier. There's a lo-cut filter (120 Hz), a -10 dB pad, and "Fat" mode. Fat mode gives engineers a nice low-end boost between 10 Hz and 400 Hz.

Mojave Audio MA-200

Price: $1299

Microphone Type: Large Diaphragm Condenser

Another option for those looking to capture the magic of the U87 and U67 on a budget is the Mojave Audio MA-200. Created by microphone mastermind David Royer, the MA-200 is a fixed cardioid pattern tube condenser mic that will capture warm, rich sounds from any source in any session. That's not just hyperbole—top-notch pros have utilized the MA-200 for vocals, voiceovers, acoustic instruments, pianos, drums, orchestras, guitar amps, and virtually any other application. The microphone's sound quality and reliability rivals those that cost four to five times as much.

Coles 4038

Price: $1482

Microphone Type: Ribbon

Last but not least on our list of the best microphones under $1500 is an all-timer. The Coles 4038 is a legendary mic whose origins date back to 1934, when the BBC first attempted to recreate the RCA 44. The initial design was good but too big, so they started over and landed on gold. The 4038 would become a staple in sessions at the BBC and was loved by The Beatles.

So, history aside, what makes the Coles 4038 so special? The ribbon microphone can tackle any source and will deliver very natural-sounding takes. You can expect drums to receive a dose of heft, guitar amps to sound smooth without harshness, and horns to have a lovely polish. The 4038 is an excellent mic that will be a mainstay in your mic locker for years.

Have questions about any of the microphones mentioned in this blog? Looking for something a little different? We're here to help! Contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant via email or by phone at 866.644.0160.