Our Top Microphones Under £1000

Choosing the right microphone is undoubtably one of the most important decisions one can make when setting up any recording rig, regardless of scale or budget. Whilst the price range for any given microphone can range from two to five-figure sums (and beyond that even!), in recent years we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming many lesser known yet extremely high quality and affordable options to the fold. These are by no means cheap or “budget” microphones – indeed, this selection features microphones designed and manufactured to the highest calibre (in many cases, by hand), but in our opinion they do represent excellent value for money, standing out from an ever-growing and frankly overcrowded market of mass-produced options whilst undoubtedly providing many years of stellar performance and reliable use. So, whether you’re looking to step up your game to your first “serious” mic or need a solid workhorse to add to the locker, we think these deserve a place on your shortlist…

When we interviewed Austrian Audio Co-Founder and CEO Martin Seidl back in 2019, we were blown away with the passion he and his team had for their work. Formed of mostly ex-AKG employees and engineers, Austrian Audio set about channeling the same uncompromising approach into a modern, forward-thinking company with a rich heritage in microphone design. The OC18 is based around their proprietary ceramic CKR6 capsule, resulting in a wonderfully transparent, neutral sounding mic with reduced interference or unwanted resonance. The highly sensitive nature and low-self-noise of the OC18 makes it ideal for those recording quieter sources at high gain. It’s clear and open sound is well-balanced across the spectrum, making a true all-purpose studio workhorse that takes post-processing extremely well. Superb on voice, acoustic sources and really just most things – this should definitely be on your shortlist for an all-purpose, extremely high quality microphone that outperforms many more expensive options.

Key Features:

• Same hand-crafted design as flagship OC818
• Neutral, transparent and well balanced sound
• Handcrafted single-diaphragm CKR6 ceramic capsule
• -10/-20dB Pad
• Selectable Bass Roll-off @40/80/160Hz

There’s certainly no shortage of Neumann U87 clones and replicas available on the market, but few that manage to hit the sweet spot for value/performance ratio. We were recently sent the United Studio Technologies take on the classic 87, the aptly named UT Twin87, and were suitably blown away. On board is UT’s very own large-core, custom-wound, US-made output transformer, custom made 24k gold sputtered dual diaphragm/dual backplate K87 style capsule, and a whole assortment of selected, premium components such as polystyrene, tantalum, multilayer ceramic, WIMA film capacitors, metal and carbon film resistors, and hand-selected transistors. Its dual-circuit design allows it to emulate the sonic attributes of both a vintage ’87 and the modern iteration at the flick of a button, the latter exhibiting a slightly brighter (but by no means harsh) sound with the same pleasing mid-range clarity and top-end lift that sits the original so well in a mix. We ended up liking the modern sound so much that this was used almost exclusively on our test session, however we can see how the “vintage” mode would certainly be useful for particularly bright sources that requires a marginally darker tonality. It’s also worth mentioning that UT do a FET47 model (pictured) which not only looks identical but does a fantastic job at recreating the authentic FET47 sound at a fraction of the price.

Key Features:

• Dual Mode circuitry for “Vintage” and “Modern” operation
• UT Series Capsule with 34mm brass, insulated dual backplate K87
• Dual-diaphragm, 6 micron, 24k gold sputtered Mylar (PET film)
• Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Polar Pattern Cardioid, Figure 8, Omni
• SPL 117 dB (127 dB w/ Pad) @ <.5% THD

The Neumann TLM103 is without a doubt one of the most popular condenser microphones around. A natural choice for those looking to upgrade to their first “serious” mic, many look to the TLM103 based as an affordable alternative to the ubiquitous Neumann U87. It’s ultra-compact (a great choice for those that require something small and light, for, say, mobile applications) , with a capsule derived from the U87, albeit with a more modern voicing. It’s a fairly bright sounding mic due to a presence boost above the 5k mark, but we’re big fans of it on instruments – acoustic guitar in particular. If suited to the right voice, it makes for an excellent multi-purpose mic with the same robust build quality and performance specs we come to expect from Neumann. Clear, open sound with very good signal to noise ration, it’s a good choice for those looking for a vocal mic that does the basics very well.

Key Features:

• Modern U87-style voicing
• Compact form-factor
• Classic Neumann build quality
• Extremely low signal/noise ratio
• Bright, airy sound with plenty of top-end detail

Based in Portland, Oregon, Ear Trumpet Labs make beautifully hand-crafted microphones with a heavily vintage inspired aesthetic. In recent years they’re popularity has grown considerably within the Folk, Americana and Acoustic-orientated music scene, with artists such as First Aid Kit, Gregory Alan Isakov, Band of Skulls, Old Crow Medicine Show and the like choosing their mics both for both stage and studio use. Any one of their mics could have featured in this list, however the Edwina has always proven popular thanks to its versatility in and out of the studio, and its unimposing yet stylish form-factor on stage. A true large-diaphragm condenser microphone, the Edwina captures sources with a subtly “old-school” warmth, whilst retaining plenty of top-end detail and presence. Featuring superb feedback rejection, excellent off-axis performance and a huge sweet-spot that ranges from 1-18 inches, the Edwina is a great choice for vocal ensembles, solo acoustic performances and more. If you’re looking to make an impact on stage, be sure to check out the entire Ear Trumpet Labs range!

Key Features:

• Striking vintage design
• Superb feedback rejection – ideal for live performance
• Excellent off-axis performance, great for ensembles!
• Well balanced sound with a characteristically warm but clear sound
• Versatile – Great for live and studio use
• Hand-made in Portland, Oregon

It’s no secret that we’re big fans of Soyuz Microphones. We’ve been championing their line of microphones for many years, and could wax lyrical about all the things we love about their quite frankly beautiful microphones. The 023 Bomblet is coined as Soyuz’ “workhorse” mic: great on vocals, nicely articulated detailing on acoustic sources and capable of withstanding high SPLs – making it a popular choice in front of kick drums and guitar cabs. It’s unique triple-back plated capsule is at the heart of its distinctive character. Based on the LOMO 19a21 – which was in turn based upon AKG’s CK12 brass capsule – the Bomblet has a very pleasing mid-range punch, and a subtle airiness to the highs without feeling forced or overtly bright. Ok, so it comes in just over the threshold of £1k, but for a completely hand-crafted mic that can do just about most things, it’s still amazing value for money and a fantastic mic in its own right.

Key Features:

• Unique triple-back plated capsule sounds excellent.
• Handles high SPL’s well
• Lovely sound – rich low mids with good top-end detail.
• Looks great and very versatile
• Fantastic build quality
• Hand-made in Tula, Russia.
• Custom proprietary hand-wound transformer 

Ah, the ubiquitous Shure SM7b. It was bound to crop up at some point! The somewhat unsophisticated yet instantly recognisable silhouette has adorned countless recording sessions, both live and in the studio. The SM7b is a dynamic microphones, and as such likes to be paired with a decent pre with plenty of juice. Two independently adjustable EQ curves allow some basic tone shaping, depending on your source and the character you’re after. Perhaps most famously used by Bruce Sweden on Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the SM7b is actually one of the most popular choices among home-recordists and bedroom producers. Typically for a dynamic microphones, it features excellent noise rejection – ideal if you work in an untreated environment – a relatively low noise-floor and can handle high SPL’s extremely well. Paired with an in-line booster such as the Soyuz Launcher, it exhibits a tight, warm sound, with a subtle list In the top end. Excellent off-axis rejection and and pronounced low-end sound make this a great choice for a wide-range of vocal timbres. A fantastic all-rounder for those working to a budget.

Key Features:

• Excellent rejection of environmental sounds – great for untreated rooms.
• Ideal for vocal, broadcast and voiceover work
• Warm, compressed sound that sits well in a mix
• Great on wide range of vocal styles
• Robust build quality

Recent years have seen a resurgence in popularity for the ribbon microphone. The warm, smooth sound works wonders on bright, harsh sources such as brass instruments or overheads, and when used on vocals can evoke instantly nostalgic characteristics so often associated classic vocal performances of yesteryear.

Hand-made in the UK by Stewart Tavener (of Xaudia) and team, the entire family of Extinct Audio microphones offer uncompromising performance at a seriously attractive price point. They sound as natural and full-bodied as any highly-prized/priced vintage or modern offering we’ve come across, whilst the build-quality and craftsmanship is truly second to none (just hold one and you’ll know what we mean!). Add to that a detailed but typically smooth top-end, high-gain output and the added reliability of modern-day manufacturing, and you have a ribbon microphone that well and truly deserves a spot (or two) in every engineer’s mic locker. Pictured here is the “Black-Ops” model, a slightly more rugged version of the popular BM9 that features a slightly thicker ribbon and custom transformer for higher gain applications. Not just a stunning ribbon for the money – a stunning ribbon mic, full stop.

Key Features:

• Hand-made in the UK
• Every ribbon made, fitted and tuned by Dr. Stewart Tavener of XAudia
• High gain output
• Extended frequency response well suited to wide range of sources
• Smooth, natural sound with subtle “bump” in low-mids
• Robust build-quality

With a capsule inspired by that of the legendary CK12, the TF11 – Telefunken’s most affordable large diaphragm condenser – is a great choice for a huge number of applications, from vocals (both male and female), acoustic instruments, guitar cabs and more. It’s a simple enough, single-diaphragm cardioid design, but by hand-selecting premium components from a selection of other mics in their range, Telefunken have managed to keep costs down whilst still ensuring a high-quality, natural sound. Of course the nature of a FET microphone might be missing some of the depth and “warmth” associated with their valve counterparts, but on the other hand the relatively flat frequency response and fast transient response make this an incredibly flexible mic for a wide range of applications. If you’re not fussed about optional polar patterns – or indeed, any other bells and whistles – and you just want a great cardioid workhorse mic, then the TF11 is a great place to start.

Key Features:

• High SPL capability
• Great transient response – ideal for detailed instruments
• Great value “no frills” mic
• Compact and extremely robust
• Nice open, natural sound with a nice presence in the top-end.