Best Cheap Mics For Voice-Over Recording That Don’t Suck

Continuing our “cheap stuff that doesn’t suck” series, we’ve collected a range of some of the best cheap mics for voice-over and narration that sound great, provide excellent vocal capture on a budget, and that certainly don’t suck! These are also great microphones for freelance voice-over artists too!

Disclaimer: as we’re using the word “cheap” to describe these narration and voice-over mics, we certainly don’t mean low quality. These are simply budget-friendly options for those who don’t have the budget for higher-end voice-over mics.

These cheap voice-over and dialogue recording microphones are a mixture of USB and XLR options. Which one you choose will of course depend on your existing set-up – again we’ve highlighted how to choose between USB or XLR mics in that previous blog.

How did we choose the microphones?

Style of mic:

Each mic in this list is ideal for narration and dialogue recording thanks to their condenser or dynamic capsule construction and cardioid polar pattern.

The condenser capsule is sensitive to a wide range of frequencies so it’ll pick up the subtle nuances of your voice. Emotion, accents, delivery – condenser capsules are perfect for picking up every detail.

Dynamic mics are hard-wearing and allow for louder sound sources. Both are fine, it’s just you tend to get more sensitivity at the absolute higher and lower ends of the frequency spectrum with a condenser. But for now – any of these microphones will do nicely.

The cardioid polar pattern helps reject off-axis noise, so the mic won’t pick up anything else other than your voice. It’s just you and the dialogue!

Budget:

Each microphone in this list is perfect for dialogue and voice-over recording on a budget. If you need an additional mic for your studio set up or you’re just getting started in a career in voice-over, narration or dialogue – you can get high-quality sound for less money up front.

A lot of these are podcast microphones?

That’s right! Podcasters and voice actors - whether they want to record audiobooks, radio shows, or adverts - need very similar qualities on their microphones. They need crystal clear vocals that capture subtle details but reject off-axis noise. Podcast mics provide these recording qualities, which is why they are highly suitable for voice acting, too.

Let’s dig in.

In this list we’ll be looking at the following voice-over mic options:

• Shure Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser Podcasting Microphone
• Shure MV7X Podcast Microphone
• Lewitt LCT 240 Pro Condenser Microphone Value Pack
• Marantz MPM-1000U USB Condenser Microphone
• Shure MV7 USB Podcast Microphone
• sE Electronics X1 A Condenser Microphone
• PreSonus PD-70 Broadcast Dynamic Microphone
• Stagg SUM45 USB Microphone Package
• Rode PodMic Dynamic Podcast Microphone
• Audio Technica AT2020USB+ USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Podcast microphones also double as perfect voice-over microphones. One of the key qualities any podcaster looks for when putting together their gear is a microphone that provides superb quality audio. The Shure Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser Podcasting Microphone makes our best cheap voice-over mic list as it features some really handy onboard controls to make your life easier.

If you’re just starting your voice-over or narration journey and you have minimal gear, you’ll appreciate the fact that you have an onboard headphones jack for monitoring purposes. No need for an audio interface!

You also have three onboard recording presets which allow you to choose between Flat, Instrument, and Voice modes. These modes are perfect for different types of vocal capture and are ideal for those who want a wide range of choices when it comes to performance and mixing.

The Flat setting provides an unprocessed signal. This means you can make processing adjustments post-recording and is ideal for voice-over artists and narrators who send their work off to be mixed.

The Instrument setting offers users transparent compression to smooth out volume spikes and equalisation – perfect for recording adverts where you need a consistent sound without any unwanted jumps in volume.

The Voice mode is perfect for voice-over artists, narrators and even voice actors in need of a clear and full sonic quality. This setting alone makes it worth the investment as you benefit from gentle compression to keep levels consistent as well as a built-in de-esser which reduces the unwanted sibilance and plosives – that’s the harsh sound you hear when words with an "S" or “P” are spoken.

Best of all, you don’t need an audio interface, nor do you have to buy any extra software as the MOTIV series has the dedicated iOS ShurePlus MOTIV app for audio capture and mixing.

This particular model includes a Micro-B-to-LTG cable so you can plug directly into your iOS device or plug directly into your PC or Mac with the Micro-B-to-USB cable – also included.

The condenser capsule captures all the subtle details you need and the cardioid polar pattern ensures you’re not recording the sound of that ticking clock in the background or the hum from your laptop. It’s just your voice!

3 reasons why we like it:

• 3 different modes to record with
• Onboard headphones jack
• De-Esser reduces the unwanted plosive

Is the Shure Motiv MV5 better suited to voice acting, dialogue, or narration?

All of the above

Next up we have the Shure MV7X Podcast Microphone which, along with the Shure MV7 USB Podcast Microphone (we’ll get to that one) has become the go-to cheap voice-over and narration mic for those who can’t quite stretch their budget to the SM7B.

The Shure MV7X is perfect for voice actors who want to record high-quality performances that stand out – in any room or environment.

This is a dynamic mic, so we’re breaking the trend a bit. But there’s a reason: this makes it far more hardwearing and durable – ideal for travelling performers and mobile studio owners. The dynamic capsule is also capable of capturing louder sound sources, which is great if you’re an animated performer who shouts a lot and you don’t want your mic to distort.

This makes our best budget-friendly voice-over mic list as it improves your vocals thanks to the Voice Isolation technology. This in combination with the cardioid pick-up pattern and shock mount means that your vocal performance is the only thing the mic picks up. There’s zero off-axis noise.

The optimised frequency response of 50 Hz to 16,000 Hz also means that you capture all the detail you need whether you’re speaking low or shouting in a higher register. The included windshield also means that you don’t need a pop shield to combat plosive noises – a handy addition!

You will need an XLR and an audio interface to record with this. But if you don’t have or want that stuff, we recommend the MV7 USB further down.

3 reasons why we like it:

• Voice Isolation Technology isolates your vocal performance
• The extended frequency range for extra detail
• Dynamic construction means you don’t need a preamp for added gain

Is the Shure MV7X better suited to voice acting, dialogue, or narration?

All of the above

The Lewitt LCT 240 Pro Condenser Microphone Value Pack has quickly become a favourite here as it’s not only one of the best cheap voice-over mics but is a contender for one of ourbest home studio microphones.

This makes our cheap dialogue microphones list as it features a few key elements designed for vocal capture.

The cardioid polar pattern provides incredible off-axis rejection and works beautifully with the condenser capsule to provide a full-bodied, translucent sound with high sensitivity. This picks up EVERYTHING you say in great detail without colouring the tone. This is especially useful for voice actors as it allows you to create different vocal performances free from a “signature” sound – which is what studios will likely need to otherwise edit out in the mixing process.

With this microphone, you get a windscreen and a shock mount – both of which are essentials for freelance voice-over and professional voice acting work. The windscreen stops any plosives making it into the mix and the shock mount provides the separation you need between mic and mic stand, avoiding any mechanical noise from affecting your recording. Pops, knocks, bumps and vibrations won’t be heard in the recording process.

Gold-plated XLR connectors offer enhanced signal connectivity and the high SPL of 142dB allows you to record really loud sound sources – ideal for animated performances.

3 reasons why we like it:

• Condenser capsule allows for greater sensitivity
• Translucent sound reproduction – no colouration or “signature” sound
• Included windshield and shock mount

Is the Lewitt LCT 240 Pro Condenser Microphone better suited to voice acting, dialogue, or narration?

Everything, but leans more towards voice acting

Next up we have the Marantz MPM-1000U USB Condenser Microphone, which is one of the cheapest mics on the list.

If you need to record straight into your computer and DAW with a USB cable, this is ideal. You get a high-quality USB microphone with a condenser capsule capable of capturing high-quality audio in great detail.

Surprisingly, this microphone has a frequency range of 20–17000 Hz which is often found on microphones two or three times the price. In addition, the A/D conversion at 48kHz/16 means you’re capturing audio at studio quality at all times, so you can comfortably upload to streaming services like Spotify and Audible confident in the quality of sound.

A cardioid polar pattern rejects the unwanted noise and the low self-noise of 16dB means you’re not only getting a clean and accurate recording, but one free from the sounds of the environment you’re in. You won’t hear the mic, the laptop, or the clock ticking on the wall.

This comes with a USB and mic clip included, but we do recommend buying a pop filter to create cleaner recordings free from plosives just to be safe!

If you’re on a budget looking for a cheap mic to record dialogue, this is a great option. It’s also a great mic for streaming on a budget too.

3 reasons why we like it:

• Budget-friendly price
• High sensitivity and A/D conversion at 48kHz/16
• USB recording allows for direct to DAW sound capture

Is the Marantz MPM-1000U USB Condenser Microphone better suited to voice acting, dialogue, or narration?

Narration and dialogue recording thanks to the level frequency response

As more voice actors and voice over artists choose USB setups rather than XLR (standard) styles of microphones, the team at Shure have made sure they cater to both users.

The Shure MV7 USB Podcast Microphone is still budget-friendly, but what you get is a quality of recording that rivals those microphones twice the price. It’s also designed to make your life as a voice actor a LOT easier.

The main benefit here is that you don’t need an audio interface or preamp to record with, just a MAC, PC, iOS or Android device as well as a set of headphones and a USB cable – which Shure has provided for you!

The built-in headphone output allows for direct headphone monitoring while recording and the touch panel allows you to control gain, monitor volume, headphone mix, and mute the mic when you need to between takes.

The ShurePlus MOTIV app allows you to control the recording process in-depth and make adjustments on the fly – making it the most portable voice-over microphone on this list. It’s essentially a mobile studio in your hand.

The cardioid polar pattern rejects the unwanted noise around the microphone and the dynamic capsule makes it a hard-wearing option for those who travel. The 50 Hz to 16,000 Hz frequency response offers all the detail you need whilst the A/D Converter for 16 or 24-bit, 44.1 or 48 kHz sound capture ensures you’re recording at a studio-level quality that really shines through if you’re doing audiobooks, Spotify ads or internet radio.

The included pop filter also saves money and allows you to capture smooth vocal performances without sibilance and unwanted plosives.

This basically does all the mixing work for you. All you need to do is concentrate on your script and performance!

3 reasons why we like it:

• Voice Isolation Technology isolates your vocal performance
• Dual USB/XLR output – perfect for all environments
• Auto-Level Mode adjusts compression and gain automatically

Is the Shure MV7X better suited to voice acting, dialogue, or narration?

All of the above

The sE Electronics X1 A Condenser Microphone is one of the industry-standard cheap dialogue microphones that doesn’t suck. At a budget-friendly price you’re getting studio-quality vocal capture with onboard controls to help make recording easier.

The condenser capsule allows for high-quality recording with an extended frequency range of 20 Hz - 20 kHz. This means all styles of vocal performance are perfectly captured in detail.

The cardioid polar pattern does a great job of rejecting the unwanted noise around the mic whilst the low self-noise of 16dB ensures you’re not hearing any rumble or “air” when recording. It’s almost completely silent.

The reason why this is so useful for voice actors is because of the onboard 100 Hz low-cut switch which helps eliminate low-frequency rumble and compensates for excessive bass with close-mic techniques (proximity effect). If you have a low voice, are whispering or are talking in a low register whilst reading a script or delivering dialogue you won’t get an unwanted “boom” in the mix. It captures the lower registers beautifully without overloading your sound with too much bass. The power is there, just not the “boominess”.

Another onboard switch is ideal for voice actors as you can reduce the volume by 20dB, so you’re free to scream and shout without the mic distorting.

A great option for those who want to start their own voice recording and voice-over studio at home.

3 reasons why we like it:

• Budget-friendly
• Onboard low cut switch to reduce proximity effect
• Studio quality frequency response

Is the sE Electronics X1 A Condenser Microphone better suited to voice acting, dialogue, or narration?

All of the above, but voice actors with a lower voice will appreciate the low-cut switch

Need a full set-up?

Recording at home can be a nightmare if you’re not able to isolate your vocals correctly. The best way to isolate those vocal performances is with a reflection filter and pop shield. Thankfully the sE Electronics X1 S Studio Microphone Bundle has everything you need including a portable vocal booth, microphone, cradle and pop shield. For a reasonable price you get everything you need to record dialogue in lush quality. Worth checking out if you don’t already have any equipment.

PreSonus is another industry standard name in the world of microphones for dialogue recording. Their incredibly high standards when it comes to creating audio interfaces naturally transferred over to their microphones resulting in some of the most budget-friendly options out there that professional broadcasters, podcasters and voice actors will be comfortable using.

The PreSonus PD-70 Broadcast Dynamic Microphone is budget-friendly and provides sound quality associated with microphones at least twice the price.

You have your cardioid polar pattern, which as we know rejects the unwanted off-axis noise, making it perfect for crystal clear recordings, but it’s the frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz that will really appeal to voice actors and narrators.

The extended frequency response in this mic ensures that all manner of frequencies are captured beautifully and in great detail. If you’re a voice actor looking for a mic that can capture the emotion or dark foreboding in your voice when the script calls for it, as well as the excited high-pitched shrills of a cartoon character, you’re going to love this mic.

The integrated hard mount, with a swivel head and windscreen, makes it a great option when you need to move your mic around and the fact you don’t need to buy an extra pop filter is always a bonus.

It’s worth noting that this is an XLR mic, so you’ll need an audio interface with a preamp to drive the gain and manipulate the settings, but as a beginner mic or even mid-level studio, this will easily help voice actors, narrators and dialogue recording artists get a great sound on a budget without you needing to upgrade for many years.

3 reasons why we like it:

• Budget-friendly
• Extended frequency response
• Included windshield and swivel head

Is the Presonus PD-70 Broadcast Dynamic Microphone better suited to voice acting, dialogue, or narration?

All of the above, but voice actors will appreciate the extended frequency response. However, you may need some mixing skills to combat the boom or proximity effect (or just stand back a bit more!)

If you’re starting on your voice acting or narration journey, you’ll appreciate the extra equipment that the Stagg SUM45 USB Microphone Package comes with.

You get a table spring stand, shock mount, pop filter and USB cable included in the box - which sets gets you up and running quickly. For a budget-friendly price you get a cardioid dynamic microphone with USB connectivity. You won’t need an audio interface either – just a DAW to record with, and then you have almost everything you need to start creating.

Beginner voice-over artists will appreciate the fact that this microphone is very forgiving when it comes to frequency. You have a 50 Hz to 16 kHz frequency response, so it’s not as sensitive as the other microphones in this list, but it will reduce the proximity effect and allow you to create high-quality recordings with little to no mixing experience. The cardioid polar pattern rejects the off-axis noise and the addition of a cradle and pop shield means you won’t have to worry about rumbling noises, mechanical noise, or unwanted plosives.

The sample rate and resolution of 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, and 16bit means that anything you record is good enough for the likes of Spotify, audiobooks, and any digital platform – which makes it a great microphone for freelance voice-over artists just getting into the industry, or doing it in their spare time to learn the ropes.

Although you may have to upgrade to a higher-end option one day, this is perfect for getting started in voice acting techniques.

3 reasons why we like it:

• A full set-up on a budget
• Forgiving frequency response
• High sampling rate and sampling resolution are ideal for digital platforms

Is the Stagg SUM45 USB Microphone Package better suited to voice acting, dialogue, or narration?

Narration and dialogue as the somewhat reduced frequency response is better suited to flat recordings where less detail is needed.

The Rode PodMic Dynamic Podcast Microphone is quickly becoming a go-to microphone for dialogue recording on a budget. Whether you’re a freelance voice-over artist in need of a microphone to create adverts, a narrator, or an audiobook recording professional, you’ll appreciate just how well your voice sounds when using this.

This is definitely marketed as a broadcast microphone and the frequency range of 50Hz - 13 kHz showcases that it’s not as sensitive as some mics available when it comes to extended frequencies, but this just means that you get a flatter, polished sound that requires minimal effort in the mixing process. If you’re reading audio books or adverts off a script, you’re not going to run into proximity effect or high peaks in pitch – you get a controlled, broadcast-quality sound that the likes of Spotify, iTunes and Audible need.

The dynamic capsule has been specifically made for speech applications, which is ideal for voice-over work and the internal filter with double mesh housing means you don’t need an external pop filter.

The dynamic capsule is also useful for travelling artists as it’s hard-wearing and you don’t need a power amp to power it – just plug it directly into your audio interface.

A swivel mount also makes it particularly easy to manipulate while you’re recording.

Another cheap voice-over microphone that doesn’t suck and won’t drain your budget - but will certainly improve your recording straight out of the box.

3 reasons why we like it:

• Broadcast quality mic on a budget
• Frequency response tailor-made for speech/voice-over/dialogue
• Double mesh filter reduces plosives and protects the capsule

Is the Rode PodMic Dynamic Podcast Microphone better suited to voice acting, dialogue, or narration?

Narration and dialogue as the capsule has been specifically-designed for speech.

In case you haven’t noticed, we’re trying to save you as much money as possible here when putting together a dialogue recording studio. The Audio Technica AT2020USB+ USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone helps you by reducing the amount of extra gear you need to record voice overs, audiobooks or narration through built-in features.

If you don’t have an audio interface, you’ll love this as the USB microphone plugs straight into your computer or laptop. The onboard headphones jack allows you to monitor what you’re recording in real-time, whilst the ability to blend microphone and pre-recorded audio via the Mix control means you can listen-in to how your performance sounds and fits in real-time with zero-latency.

Again, you have a cardioid polar pattern to reject off-axis noise and provide excellent directional recording. The A/D converter with a 16-bit, 44.1/48 kHz sampling rate also offers studio-level, digital-ready recording quality for audiobooks and streaming services.

This is a condenser microphone, so you’re getting greater sensitivity with a frequency response of 20 - 20,000 Hz, which is the industry standard for multi-use condenser mics. This basically means it’s great for all manner of dialogue recording and can capture the nuances of your vocal delivery with ease.

A built-in mesh pop filter drastically reduces plosives and the hard-wearing chassis means you’re not going to break it if you drop it.

3 reasons why we like it:

• Broadcast quality mic on a budget
• Frequency response tailor-made for speech/voice over/dialogue
• Double mesh filter reduces plosives and protects the capsule

Is the Audio Technica AT2020USB+ better suited to voice acting, dialogue, or narration?

All of the above.

We hope this helped you decide on a cheap voice-over mic. Again, these mics may be “cheap”, but they certainly don’t suck. They enable people just starting out in the world of dialogue and speech recording to create without having to spend a lot of money. Let us know in the comments below if you think we’ve missed any!

Need some extra help choosing studio microphones for voice-overs or voice acting? Do you need to speak to someone about creating a home studio or improving your recording quality with better microphones? Call us on 0151 448 2089 or check out your local store to speak to one of our Experts about your microphone and recording needs.