I'm looking for a microphone (or two, if a must) to record an acoustic guitar and to record vocals. It will be for some indie/alternative style of music.

It doesn't need to be anything crazy expensive as it's just for a home studio for demos, but something affordable, budget friendly, and still gives good results is what I'm looking for.

The cheaper the better, and more looking for the budget side of the spectrum.

 

Audio Technica AT2020 Condenser microphone - 88 €
www.audio-technica.com/en-gb/at2020
www.thomann.de/de/audio_technica_at2020.htm

 

Last edited: Jul 5, 2025 at 9:57 PM

SM57, AT2035, sE Electronics V7... Could really be anything, to be honest. I think the SM57 is really versatile for instruments, and I would get an Audio Technica for vocals. Everything else can be done in mixing.

 

Topping CL101, about 150€, incredible value.

 

Lewitt LCT-240 Pro. If you live in the US check Alto Music as the price can go down to $80 including a shock mount every once in a while.

 

I really like the AKG C1000 for acoustic guitars. And in my opinion, it can also be used for vocals that don't require much detail.

 

Thumbs up for the Lewitt one, If you dug AKG you could consider an Austrian Audio OC16.
I love these as those are from the OG guys that were AKG before they were bought by Samsung.
It is about 350 bucks though. Absolutely worth it, but not that budget friendly any more.

 

Bunford and indie/alternative is a surprise to me, is this job or hob?

 

3Uaudio for LDC (Teal or Black CM1-SE); NoHype/Line Audio for SDC (CM4 cardioid):
http://www.3uaudio.com/chanpin.asp?dh=1
https://www.nohypeaudio.com/lineaudioproducts.htm

Gearslutz 3Uaudio mega-thread for reference:
https://gearspace.com/board/low-end...hone-multiple-voicings.html?highlight=3uaudio
Email the 3Uaudio owner, Guosheng, directly for a good quote.

*I don't dislike the Lewitt Audio LCT-240 recommendation.

 

Last edited: Jul 6, 2025 at 12:05 AM

Do you have a proper treated recording room? If not I would stay away from condensers.
I still love my Sennheiser 421 cardioid dynamic, It's just so versatile. There's even a smaller, cheaper 'compact' version available these days.

 

large diagraphm condenser mic will prove most versatile, something like for ex. sE 4400 is fine,
from dynamic mics, Sennheiser 441 is great but pricey