Best microphones for recording instruments under 150: We've Found the the Greatest Options on the Market

Steve Romanoski

Last Updated: Oct 6, 2022

We, at www.playersbenchmusic.com know exactly how time-consuming it can be to scour the endless online stores on your own. The good news is that you don't have to do it if you're in search of the best microphones for recording instruments under 150! We've done all the hard work for you, selecting and reviewing the 0 greatest options offered by top brands: Stringo, Yootones, ROTOSOUND. Check out what we recommend in 2023.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

#TOP 1

Audio-Technica PRO 35 Cardioid Condenser Clip-on Instrument Microphone

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Audio-Technica PRO 35 Cardioid Condenser Clip-on Instrument Microphone

#TOP 1

#TOP 2

Samson C02 Pencil Condenser Microphones (Pair)

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Samson C02 Pencil Condenser Microphones (Pair)

#TOP 2

#TOP 3

MXL 990 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

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MXL 990 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

#TOP 3

Top 9 Best microphones for recording instruments under 150 Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Audio-Technica PRO 35 Cardioid Condenser Clip-on Instrument Microphone

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Customer Reviews

Features

6' (1.8 m) cable permanently attached to microphone
Extended frequency response captures subtle nuances of the performance
Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source
UniMount clip permits accurate positioning, provides shock resistance and protects element

#TOP 2

Samson C02 Pencil Condenser Microphones (Pair)

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Customer Reviews

Features

Sold as stereo pair
Gold-plated XLR connectors
Cardioid Pickup Pattern
Carry Case & shock-mounted mic clips included

#TOP 3

MXL 990 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

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Customer Reviews

Features

INCLUDES - MXL 990 Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Champagne); Custom Shockmount, Mic Stand Adapter; Carrying Case. Blucoil 10-Foot Balanced XLR Cable - Premium Series 3-Pin Cable for Microphones, Speakers and Pro Devices (Male-to-Female). Blucoil Audio Microphone Pop Filter Double Layer Mask Shield for Studio Recording and Broadcasting with Stand Clip Stabilization Arm, Swivel Mount.
PERFECT FOR VOCAL MIKING - The neutral sound reproduction of MXL 990 makes it well suited for recording voices. It provides a full, rich tone and warm midrange that enhances your voice without adding too much color.
OFFERS VERSATILITY - MXL 990 is a workhorse microphone used for different applications, such as music production or content creation. It offers up to 130dB SPL handling.
DELIVERS FULL-BODIED SOUND - The MXL 990 Microphone features a 20mm condenser capsule, low-noise FET preamp, and balanced output. It enhances your voice or acoustic guitar with silky sweet high-end while retaining the tight lows and mid-range.
CAPTURES CLEAR SOUNDS WITH MINIMAL NOISE SPILL - The cardioid microphone picks up audio in front of the condenser capsule and blocks off-axis noise. Plus, it offers a low 20dB self-noise.

#TOP 4

MXL 770 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

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Customer Reviews

Features

WORKS WITH VARIOUS APPLICATIONS - You can use MXL 770 for single- and multi-voice recording as well as capturing piano and string instruments sounds. It can handle up to 137dB SPL.
REPRODUCES VOCALS ACCURATELY - The microphone features a flat frequency response of 30 Hz to 20 kHz. It works best for smooth audio reproduction.
INCLUDES - 2-Pack of MXL 770 Cardioid Condenser Microphones (Black); Shock Isolation Mount; Rugged Carry Case. 2-Pack of Blucoil 10-Foot Balanced XLR Cables - Premium Series 3-Pin Cable for Microphones, Speakers, and Pro Devices (Male-to-Female).
DELIVERS CRYSTAL-CLEAR AUDIO - The studio-grade MXL Mics 770 condenser microphone equipped with a high-quality FET preamp and transformerless balanced output. It delivers low noise and high output gain.
ISOLATES BACKGROUND NOISE AND RUMBLING - The cardioid polar pattern of MXL 770 reduces off-axis audio and suppresses unwanted feedback. The microphone's low-frequency roll-off minimizes the low-noise rumbles pickup.

#TOP 5

Donner DC-87 Condenser Microphone

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Customer Reviews

Features

3 Polar PatternsDC-87 has three polar patterns, cardioid, bidirectional and omnidirectional, which can be flexibly used in a variety of scenarios. Whether you're recording vocals, choruses, orchestras, acoustic instruments, radio or podcasts, you can easily select the correct polarity mode with the flip of a switch.
What You getPackage contains: DC87 Microphone × 1, Shock mount × 1, Windscreen × 1, 10ft（3m) XLR cable × 1, storage bag × 1.
Attenuation SwitchThe -10 dB attenuation switch allows the DC-87 recording microphone to withstand higher SPLs, allowing you to record louder sources without worrying about overloading the microphone circuit and distorting the sound.
25.4mm Large-diaphragmThe Donner DC87 Condenser Microphone shapes the fullness of the sound, which gives you a better experience. The DC-87's excellent dynamic range and high transient response also meet the fidelity, clarity and detail of vocals(48V Phantom Power or Audio Interface Required).
Low CutDC-87 has a low cut switch with 6dB/octave rolloff starting at 80Hz, which reduces low-frequency response when turned on. This feature is great for reducing handling noise, the sound of air conditioning, or the extra bass from the proximity effect.

#TOP 6

XLR Condenser Microphone

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Customer Reviews

Features

Cardioid Pattern: Cardioid pickup shows excellent off-axis sound suppression capability of reducing the sound pickup from the side and rear, thus eliminating background noise. Silky top end, detailed midrange, and warm bass make it ideal for recording a wide range of instruments as well as vocals, from drums and percussion to acoustic instruments and guitar cabs.
External Power Source Required: This microphone features an XLR interface; you need a phantom power supply or sound card that can provide 48V voltage (not included in the package). If you need to connect the mic to Windows laptops/IOS/Pad/phone, please make sure to have phantom power ready.
Studio-Quality Sound: PM500 XLR microphone with custom-designed 34MM Large-diaphragm gold spluttered condenser capsule. and offers a wide dynamic range of 20Hz - 20KHz, unmatched clarity, and ultra-precise cardioid polar pattern. It offers a detailed, rich, smooth, and pleasing sound, it's ideal for everything from pop, rock, and hip-hop to podcasting and voice-over applications.
High Specification: The circuit design utilizes premium components from top-tier manufacturers and a tailor-made permalloy audio signal transformer to provide low self-noise and exceptional sound capturing. Ideal for vocalists, music instrument performers, podcasters, live streamers, broadcasts, ASMR, and studios.
Premium Metal Structure: The body of this XLR condenser microphone is made with zinc alloy and treated with multi-layer coatings. It is sturdy, durable, and functions as an electromagnetic shield to give a purer audio signal.
Upgrade Accessories: The included metal pop filter, shock mount and desktop stand can protect the microphone all-around, it isolates the mic from physical vibration. Users can easily start their pro-level content creation with the accessories provided.
Package List: The kit comes with XLR condenser microphone*1, metal desktop stand*1, shock mount*1, metal pop filter*1, XLR to XLR cable*1, User manual*1, and 12 months warranty service.

#TOP 7

Shure PGA98H-XLR Cardioid Condenser Gooseneck Instrument Microphone

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Customer Reviews

Features

Tailored microphone cartridge design for clear reproduction of wind instrument sound sources
In-line preamplifier provides phantom power and a direct XLR connection
Flexible gooseneck design makes accurate positioning quick and easy
Cardioid polar pattern picks up audio from the source while rejecting unwanted noise
Integrated horn clamp for quick and easy mounting

#TOP 8

Shure MV88 Portable iOS Microphone

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Customer Reviews

Features

PROTECTION IN TRANSIT - High-quality zip carry case included for protection when traveling
TWO FREE APPS - ShurePlus MOTIV Audio and ShurePlus MOTIV Video allow you to customize the performance and set-up of the microphone for professional audio and video capture. Download directly from App Store
BUILT TO LAST - All-metal construction and quality Shure engineering that has stood the test of touring and live stages across the world over the past 90 years
POCKET-FRIENDLY - Capture powerful audio recordings on the move without the need for large and heavy audio equipment
FULLY ADJUSTABLE - Flexibility to tilt, flip and rotate the microphone up to 90° to get stereo clarity, whatever your sound source
IN THE BOX - 2-Year Warranty, MV88 microphone, foam windshield, carry case, headphone monitor adaptor cable
IOS LIGHTNING CONNECTION - Apple MFi certified and compatible with all iOS devices with a Lightning connector
NO WIND NOISE - Includes a black foam windscreen (part number AMV88-WS); please note that the windscreen comes attached and can be removed if desired

#TOP 9

MXL 990 991 Recording Condenser Microphone Package

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Customer Reviews

Features

INCLUDES - MXL 990 / 991 Recording Microphone Package; Hard Mount Mic Stand Adapters; Rugged Carry Case. 2-Pack of Blucoil 10-Foot Balanced XLR Cables - Premium Series 3-Pin Cable for Microphones, Speakers and Pro Devices (Male-to-Female). Blucoil All-in-One Microphone Boom Arm Plus Pop Filter.
PRODUCES NEUTRAL SOUND - The 990 vocal microphone's FET preamp and large-diaphragm deliver a nicely balanced sound with a hint of high-end sizzle and lower noise floor.
ISOLATES AMBIENT NOISE - Both microphones have a cardioid polar pattern, which picks up sounds in front of the mic capsule while blocking unwanted noise from the sides and rear.
OFFERS A COMPLETE KIT FOR RECORDING AND LIVE GIGS - The MXL 990 / 991 Package includes vocal and instrument microphones that deliver silky sweet high-end and tight low and mids.
CAN BE USED WITH VARIOUS INSTRUMENTS - The 990 microphone can handle up to 130dB SPL making it ideal for vocal miking and suitable for acoustic guitars. The 991 mic has a high 137dB SPL for recording drum overheads and horns.

Editor's Notes

All in all, our testing team spent 55 hours on the research before they come up with the list of the 0 best microphones for recording instruments under 150 out there. We've read over 1167 of real buyers' reviews to get the full picture of the current situation on the market. On the list, you'll find models with an average rating of 0 - so rest assured all of them are worth your attention.

Written by

Steve Romanoski

Steve loves music. Steve Romanoski and his wife live in Alaska. They are always on the go, exploring new places and trying out new products (especially those which can help them enjoy the great musics even more). When he's not writing about products, Steve Romanoski enjoys reading books about history and science. He likes to think of himself as a renaissance man, but his wife would probably say that he's just a big kid at heart.