Highest Rated Small-Diaphragm Condenser Mic Under $500
Shure SM81
With its incredibly high ratings and Shure’s reputation, do yourself a favor and get the Shure SM81. This is your best pick if you’re looking for good condenser mics in the sub $500 price range. It finds use with many instruments from acoustic guitar to drum overheads to orchestral recordings.
Disclaimer: We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Gearank High Notes
Gearank Recommended
See our Current Recommendation
Overview
This cardioid condenser microphone continues to please users and experts everywhere with its transparent and clear sound that’s comparable to premium tube microphones. Because of its small diaphragm design, this mic is lighter (1.63 lbs) and easy to position than most, handles loud sound sources better with a max SPL (sound pressure level) of 136dB (146dB w/ the built-in Pad), and as such it captures the nuances of acoustics much better – be it during loud strumming or when carefully fingerpicking. It also makes this mic capable of handling acoustic guitar amplifiers and other loud instruments.
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Everything Audio Network | John Gatski | 90/100 |
| Tweakheadz Lab | Editor | 96/100 |
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.
Highest Rated Small-Diaphragm Condenser Mic Under $500
Shure SM81
With its incredibly high ratings and Shure’s reputation, do yourself a favor and get the Shure SM81. This is your best pick if you’re looking for good condenser mics in the sub $500 price range. It finds use with many instruments from acoustic guitar to drum overheads to orchestral recordings.
Disclaimer: We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
