Prices of microphones: How Much Do Microphones Cost? (With Pricing Examples) – My New Microphone

Cost of a Microphone – Electronics Prices and Recommendations

CostHelper > Consumer Electronics  > TV, Home Theater & Audio > Microphone

 
General Purpose: $15-$50 Handheld: $30-$300+ Studio: $100-$1,000+
The cost of a microphone (also known as a mic or mike) varies according to the intended use. Microphones can be used for podcasting, voice recording, karaoke singing, live broadcasts or with Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) applications (see How Much Does Internet Phone Service Cost). Microphones are usually either dynamic mics or condenser mics. Dynamic mics use magnetics, are less expensive and more rugged while condenser microphones are powered by electricity and are smaller and more sensitive.
Typical costs:
  • A general purpose vocal microphone costs $15 to $50. Expect a dynamic, handheld microphone for use in a home studio or with a karaoke machine. The Nady SP-4C[1] costs about $16 and features an XLR connector (used in professional equipment) and a standard 1/4-inch jack found in most amplifiers and home audio equipment.
  • Desktop computer microphones are suitable for voice recording, podcasting and VOIP applications from services such as Skype. Expect to pay $3 to $75 for a desktop microphone with either a USB connection or mini 3.5mm mic-in jack. The Logitech USB Desktop Microphone pivots on its base for comfortable positioning and features an 8 foot long USB cord for $20 to $30.
  • Handheld microphones suitable for live performances (speeches, singing, interviews) need to be durable so tend to be dynamic microphones. Most offer directional pickup systems that only pickup sound from in front of the mic and not crowd or background noise. These cost $30 to $300 or more. An example is the Shure SM58[2] costing about $100.
  • Hands-free microphones for stage use include headsets, ear-sets and lavalier microphones (tiny mics that clip on ties or blouses). Due to the smaller size, expect condenser microphones with either directional or omnidirectional pickup (recording sound from every direction) costing $70 to $500 or more. An example of a lavalier microphone is the Sony ECM44B[3] , which costs about $220 and includes a holder clip and XLR connector. The AKG C520[4] is a headset microphone that costs $160 and offers a cardioid directional mic (with a heart-shaped sensitivity pattern), suitable for concert recording as it doesn’t totally eliminate background noise.
  • Wireless microphones offer greater convenience and mobility for a performer and can be found in handheld, headset or lavalier designs. In handheld wireless microphones the transmitter is integrated into the mic, while a separate pocket-sized transmitter is required for headset or lavalier microphones. Expect to pay $120 to $500 or more for a wireless microphone. The Audio-Technica 2000 series[5] , for example, features a receiver and handheld microphone or receiver, transmitter and either a lavalier or headset microphone. It costs from $277 with lavalier or headset, and from $262 with handheld microphone.
  • Studio microphones are typically condenser mics, since they’re more sensitive and don’t need to be as rugged as stage mics. Expect to pay $100 to $1,000 or more for a high quality studio microphone. The Rode NT2-A condenser studio microphone has three different pickup patterns, including omnidirectional and cardioid, and costs about $400.

Related articles: Microphone Stand, Amplifier, Stereo Receiver, Speakers, Singing Lessons, Guitar Lessons

What should be included:
  • Most handheld microphones come with an on/off switch and cable.
  • Many microphones include a stand clip and protective pouch.
  • A microphone should include at least a one year limited warranty.

Additional costs:

  • A microphone stand costs $10 to $30 or more for professional quality equipment. See How Much Does a Microphone Stand Cost for more details.
  • A basic microphone clip that attaches to a stand costs $2 to $25. A shock mount isolates the microphone from physical vibration and stand noise and costs $15 to $95.
  • A microphone pop filter helps prevent the popping sound during voice recordings and typically costs about $15 to $30.
  • A foam windscreen for a handheld microphone for use on stage or in a studio costs about $5 to $10 while a wind muff for use outside costs $5 to $40 or more for professional grade quality.
  • Some microphones that use an XLR connection may or may not come with an XLR cable to connect it to an amp or receiver. A 15′ XLR cable can run $10-$20.
  • Microphone extension cable costs $5 to $20 or more depending on length.

Discounts:

  • Online retailers such as Amazon[6] sell brand-name microphones in discounted packages that include the mic along with accessories such as a stand, pop filter and/or shock mount. The price of these kits represents a discount over buying the items separately but make sure every piece in the outfit is required.
  • B&H[7] offers used microphones at a discount.
  • Sweetwater’s Trading Post[8] offers customers the opportunity to buy and sell used music and audio equipment, including microphones.

Shopping for a microphone:

  • J&R[9] offers a microphone buying guide.
  • Compare online prices from sites such as B&H[10] with those from national retails chains such as Best Buy[11] .
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External Resources:
  1.  www.nady.com/sp4c.html
  2.  www.shure.com/americas/products/microphones/sm/sm58-vocal-microphone
  3.  pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/product-ECM44B/
  4.  www.akg.com/Home-793.html
  5.  www.audio-technica.com/cms/wls_systems/6bc6d93a774d761d/index.html
  6.  www. amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=11974521
  7.  www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/Pro-Audio/ci/2875/N/4294246787
  8.  tradingpost.sweetwater.com
  9.  www.jr.com/product/productGuide.jsp?contentPath=/Content/media/html/productGuides/…
  10.  www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/Professional-Audio/ci/12154/N/4294550705
  11.  www.bestbuy.com/site/olstemplatemapper.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=-25…

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How Much Does A Microphone Cost? – BecomeSingers.

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(Last Updated On: March 31, 2023)

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Microphones vary in prices; the price range of a most affordable mic is around $15, and the most expensive perch at around $20,000. Thus,, we can say that a microphone would cost you around $15 to $20,000. Moreover, many factors dictate the microphone price. These factors include the components or parts of the microphone, the materials and made, craftsmanship, product testing, innovation, brands, advertising, company overhead, and many more. 

Are you spending some time trying to figure out the price range of microphones that you will use for your home recording studio? The same thing likewise happened to me when I was building my home recording studio from scratch. Hence, I have put this article together to give you an overview of the price range of the different microphones in the market today.

Prices Range of Different Types of Microphones

The prices of microphones vary according to their intended use or purpose. Some mics are designed for general purpose usage like karaoke singing, while some are designed for voice recording, podcasting, live broadcasts, and other applications:

1) General Purpose Microphones

Most general-purpose microphones cost around $13 to $50. You can use these mics on your karaoke machine or even in your home studio. The Pyle-Pro, a dynamic microphone, includes a 15ft XLR Cable and is only $14.

Of course, dynamic mics rule the known live world, while condenser mics lord it over in the studio. Nevertheless, you can use dynamic mics for some studio, and they are great for recording guitars and drum snares.

2) Handheld Microphones

Handheld microphones are perfect for live performances like speeches, interviews, singing, and many more. Most handheld mics are dynamic microphones because they need to be durable and offer a directional pickup system (front sound pickup). The price range of these handheld mics is from 30$ to $300 or even more. A perfect example of a handheld mic is the Shure PGA48-XLR Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone, which costs around $49.99.

3) Desktop Computer Microphones

If you are engaged in podcasting, you might have been using a desktop computer microphone. This type of microphone is best for podcasting and voice recording. The price range of this type of desktop or USB microphone is from $5 to $75. This mic may come with a USB connection along with a 3.5mm mic-in jack. An example of the desktop computer microphones is the USB Microphone MAONO AU-902 Cardioid Condenser Mic, for example, is around $62.99 and is perfect for podcasting.

4) Lavalier Microphones for Use Onstage

You will also find hands-free microphones that are perfect for use on stage. This microphone type comes in the forms of headsets, lavalier, and ear-sets microphones, and the price range of the lav mics is from $70 to $500 or even more. An example of a lavalier mic is the PowerDeWise Grade Lavalier Lapel which is around $39.99. Another excellent example of a lavalier microphone for camera is Sony ECM44B, which costs $220. On the other hand, a perfect example of a headset microphone is the AKG C520, which costs around $160.

5) Studio Microphones

Studio microphones are usually condenser microphones that offer better frequency response and more detailed sound. The price range of studio mics is from $100 to $10,000. You may even get to pay more for innovative and high-quality studio mics. Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone, for example, is priced at around $180.50. The Rode NT2-A, on the other hand, may perch at about $400. The Sony C-800G PAC Microphone System, however, is priced at $9,990.00.

6) Professional Wireless Microphones

The wireless microphones are perfect for use if you want from a mic greater mobility and convenience. These mics may come in the form of headsets, handheld, or lavalier designs. These mics usually come with a receiver and a transmitter. The price range of these mics is from $120 to $1,000. 

Two perfect examples of wireless mics are the Sennheiser Pro Audio Ew 100 mic and Audio-Technica System 10 Pro lavalier mic systems. The Sennheiser Pro Audio Ew 100 mic costs around $599, while the Audio-Technica System 10 Pro lavalier mic system is about $999.00.


Factors Dictating the Price of Microphones

The prices of microphones vary because several factors dictate their prices. Branding, for example, may dictate the mic’s prices as well as their craftsmanship and components. If you want to know these factors, you can check out the following factors that dictate the pricing of mics:

Craftsmanship and Labor

The microphone is a piece of delicate equipment that needs to be meticulously constructed. Some brands, for example, thrive in developing innovative and high-quality mics with sterling components. These manufacturers roll out their mics in small batches because of the extreme craftsmanship they put into the manufacturing of their products. The mics they produce are, therefore, expensive and highly sought after.

Another aspect of labor, for example, is product testing. Manufacturers do many tests before they mass produce their microphones. They test mics to ensure that they are of a high standard. These tests may be a series of tests and may take time and effort and may cost a sizeable monetary investment amount. So, the costs of these series of tests done on a product also pad up the mics’ price.

Brand Name and Recognition

In the audio manufacturing world, brand names do matter. Sometimes, you can gauge whether the mic is expensive or cheap by the mere mention of a brand name.

The Shure microphones, for example, were used to record momentous speeches and performances in the past like those of Elvis Presley or martin Luther King Jr. So, when you hear the Shure brand, you know that a long history of innovation backs its products. 

When you hear “Neumann,” on the other hand, you know that the mics they produce are of great quality for this brand have been likewise making mics for several decades. For decades, Neumann has been the world’s leading producer of studio microphones.  

Components and Parts

The more sophisticated the parts and components of a microphone, the more expensive it will be. So, components and parts do matter and dictate the price of a mic. You will find more complex and highly sensitive mics that are very expensive. They may not be the sturdiest of mics, but they offer excellent frequency response and sensitivity, making them more expensive than other mics.

Moreover, the costs of materials may also factor well in the price of a mic. For example, many mics use lesser quality materials, while some mics come with high-quality mater.

Researches and Innovations

Another factor that may pad up the price of a particular mic is innovation. Microphone manufacturers do not just sit on the sidelines once they have rolled out a remarkable microphone model. They continue to invest in innovations and researches to improve their products further.  

Of course, it is their responsibility to do that, for if they become complacent, other manufacturers may steal away their market share. However, the amount of research and innovations they infuse into their products also hike up their products’ prices.

Customer Support and Advertisement

Another factor that may pad up the microphone price is the customer support that backs up the product. Businesses, of course, need to back up their products with reliable 24/7 customer support. Plus, their products would usually come with repair services and warranties. Of course, some manufacturers try to recoup the expenses for a customer support service by raising their products’ prices.

There are also marketing expenses that a manufacturing company needs to shoulder to make its products known to its target buyers. So, adding these marketing expenditures, the price of a microphone increases further.


Should You Go for Expensive Microphones?

As someone who engages in regular recording and one with a home recording studio, I would maintain that I am not so much into highly expensive microphones. Not because I cannot afford them, but because I am more accustomed to using microphones below $1,000. 

Of course, it is logical to say that expensive microphones are better than less costly mics; after all, they are expensive because of their manufacturing quality. However, my point is that I don’t want to spend ten times for a microphone that does not work ten times better than a $100 microphone.

The sound of a mic, of course, is more often subjective. For example, if I compare recordings from a high-end studio and recordings at my DIY home studio, I am often surprised that the quality levels between the two recordings are not so much apart in quality. Maybe it is due to the benefit of having the luxury of time at my home recording studio, or perhaps the price of the mic doesn’t matter much after all.

Of course, if you have the money to shell out for expensive mics, no one is preventing you from using expensive mics. For example, Eminem recorded most of his albums using a Sony C-800G, a very expensive mic. Well. that’s his trip. 

Yet, mic choice usually depends on what you are recording. If you are recording a snare drum, then a Shure mic may do the trick for you. So, itis basically a matter of how you handle and use the mic according to a specific application. 

Of course, learning that a vocal track has been recorded using a very expensive mic may make your mouth watery, and envy those who could afford to do so. 

Yet, in my opinion, the prices of those mics appear to me as inflated. Besides, they don’t necessarily give you the value for your money. It will help to note that you can make a less-expensive mic to sound better with the right help of procession to make your recording sound like using a very expensive microphone. 


Conclusion

Microphones are always baffling, and as I mentioned above, their sounds may be subjective. Of course, if money isn’t an issue for you, you can always engage in a buying spree and purchase the most expensive mics in the market that you can get hold of. Yet, you may even not end up with a satisfactory recording using those mics. 

So, if you are going to ask me whether expensive mics would assure a perfect recording, I would say, “It will not!” I’ve tried it before when I recorded a vocal track at a high-end studio using expensive mics. The recording results in that studio, to my dismay, are not great compared to the vocal tracks I’ve recorded at my DIY home recording studio. 

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