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Microphones are something a working musician always needs; you need them to wire up your stage for a live performance, you need them in the studio, you need them for your recording sessions, podcasts, and pretty much every time you plug in the guitar.
Now, even though most high-quality microphones aren’t that expensive (with the exception of boutique models that cost well above $1,000), you’re probably going to be pretty thrilled to hear that right now is the best time to start searching for upgrades. Sweetwater in particular offers a huge array of microphone deals you do not want to miss, so let’s dive in.
Here are the best microphone deals 2024:
1. Lauten Audio Eden LT-386 – $300 off!
Our first recommendation is aimed at professional musicians and studio engineers who’ve felt hesitant to spend a couple of thousands of dollars on the new workhorse microphone. The Eden LT-386 is definitely among the most expensive microphones on the market, but it’s also the one that had its price lowered the most.
It packs a multi-voicing slider, allowing you to seamlessly transition between three distinct timbres, it was specifically designed with the perfect EQ and soundstage, and it works perfectly wherever you put it.
You can wire up your drum set, your acoustic instruments, your amps, your vocals, and even the entire rehearsal space if you want to. It’s as durable as can be, and right now it’s just a tad more approachable.
2. Lauten Audio Atlantis FC-387 – $150 off!
Our second recommendation is another model from Lauten Audio – the Atlantis FC-387, just like our previous pick, is a boutique large-diaphragm condenser microphone meant for professional studio work.
It packs specs that are largely similar to Eden; the three-timber slider switch is there, the polar pattern that allows you to use it basically anywhere and everywhere, as well as a perfectly balanced built-in equalizer. Furthermore, you’ll be able to modify its gain settings, allowing you to adapt to any kind of music style or genre.
Obviously, it’s still pretty expensive, but you’ll be able to save some $150 if you’re quick enough, and that practically translates in more value for your buck.
3. Lauten Audio Clarion FC-357 – $110 off!
The third Lauten Audio product we’re recommending to you is the Clarion FC-357. This is another large-diaphragm condenser microphone laden with top-shelf features, but what struck us the most about it is that it’s not as expensive as its ‘predecessors’.
Although it doesn’t have the timbre switch, it does come supplied with customizable polar pattern settings and onboard gain control. It’s suitable for singers and musicians of every field, and it’s a model that is bound to be snatched within days due to its $110 discount, so be quick lest you forfeit this incredible opportunity.
4. Audio-Technica AT4040 with Apogee Duet – bundle savings!
The first thing that we should mention about Audio-Technica’s gear is that their products are generally quite expensive. That being said, is there a better deal than a discount on an entire AT bundle? We daresay ‘no’.
This bundle is comprised of the premium-quality AT4040 microphone and a very portable USB-powered Apogee Duet audio interface. Essentially, this combo allows you to start professionally recording your instruments (or your voice) straight out of the box; with the Apogee interface you’ll also receive a number of recording tools and programs, which is a traditional bonus.
5. AKG C414 XLII – $200 off!
AKG is another huge name in the music industry, and you’ll want to check out Sweetwater’s deal on their C414 XLII large-diaphragm condenser microphone. Namely, this boutique microphone had its priced knocked off by $200, so we’re pretty sure that it’s going to run out of stock pretty soon.
As for the reasons why this microphone is so great, well, it packs some of the most advanced features and it’s a studio-ready, road-worthy microphone that boasts unparalleled reliability and functionality. It sports three bass-cut filters, LED overload indicators, nine polar patterns, and the lock-mode that will disable all settings on the fly.
6. AKG C414 XLS – $200 off!
We’re moving onto AKG’s C414 XLS; basically, this is a slightly older version of the XLII, and the main reason why we’re recommending it to you is that it is currently $200 cheaper.
You’ll recognize a variety of features that we’ve just mentioned, such as the LED indicator lights, bass-cut filters, configurable polar patterns, and the highly convenient lock mode. This microphone features the standard frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, superb sensitivity of 20 mV/PA, and exceptional impedance toleration, but that’s only to be expected of a top-shelf high-end microphone.
7. Earthworks SR40V – $150 off!
Earthworks’ SR40V is the first hyper-cardioid microphone on our list; this is a high-end microphone for singers that boast a sturdy construction and a highly ergonomic handle. It also has a built-in EQ that was balanced to the point of perfection, which means that you can use it ‘raw’ and still be able to achieve huge, larger-than-life sounds.
Some of the most notable features of SR40V are the handcrafted circuitry, superior polar pattern design, and exceptional soundstage.
8. Audient iD14 with AKG Perception 420 – bundle savings!
Here we are looking at a mixed bundle comprised of Audient’s iD14 audio interface and AKG’s Peception 420 microphone; there’s plenty of value to be had here, as this bundle caters to every live performance and studio session need you might have.
The microphone features three different polar patterns, the average frequency response range (20 Hz to 20 kHz), and a well-rounded built-in EQ while the Audient interface rocks eight ADAT input channels, JFET-DI, two Class-A microphone preamps, and Burr-Brown converters.
9. Slate Digital VMS ML-1 – $300 off!
Slate Digital microphones are of tremendous quality, and here we have their VMS ML-1 – the game-changing modeling microphone for guitarists, bassists, pianists, and pretty much everyone who uses tons of instrumental timbres for recording and live performances.
It’s one of the best microphones to have when you’re wiring up a huge live show, mainly because it’s capable of capturing the loudest, strongest noises with unequalled accuracy. Its soundstage is absolutely phenomenal, and its versatility leaves very little room for improvement.
10. Lauten Audio LS-208 – $100 off!
So far we’ve seen a couple boutique Lautens, and now it’s time to move a bit further down the road into the middle price point category with LS-208 front-address condenser microphone. Apart from costing only half as much as some of our top picks, this microphone offers exceptionally versatile sonic performance and stability.
Speaking of which, this microphone actually comes in a bundle comprised of a custom spider shock mount, a hard mount, a foam windscreen, as well as an easy carry road case.
11. Lauten Audio LA-320 – $120 off!
Our final Lauten Audio recommendation is the LA-320; a large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone that is absolutely packed with state-of-the-art technologies and bleeding-edge features.
It comes outfitted with a well-rounded cardioids magnet pattern, a variety of selectable low-pass and high-pass filters, and the brand even punched in a gratis external power-supply.
Even though it’s decently approachable in terms of affordability, its price tag got knocked off by $120, so don’t wait for too long.
12. AKG C451 B – $50 off!
Here we have AKG’s C451 B small-diaphragm condenser microphone. What makes this model stand out from most mid-priced microphones is the fact that it sports onboard frequency and gain controls.
This microphone boasts nearly unparalleled levels of versatility as it sports exceptional bass response, tremendous impedance load, and absolutely minimal THD (total harmonic distortion). It’s loaded with top-shelf features and is currently available with a $50 discount at Sweetwater.
13. Telefunken M82 – 15% off!
Next up we have a very special microphone on our list of the best 2020 microphone deals; Telefunken’s M82 is a microphone that was tailor-made for drummers that want to get the most out of their bass sound.
Its cardioid design is perfect for picking up front-end sounds while completely ignoring what happens at the back end.
The M82 sports a 1.37-inch moving coil diaphragm that excels at capturing sounds at the lowest frequencies, which means that it’s also perfect for recording bass guitars and high-gain electric guitars. You might want to check it out, mainly because it’s currently $60 cheaper.
14. AKG C214 – $50 off!
AKG’s C214 Large-diaphragm condenser microphone is basically C414 with trimmed-down specs. It sports a 1-inch large-diaphragm condenser capsule, 23 mV/PA sensitivity rating, and a fixed cardioids polar pattern, as well as premium-quality low-cut filter, but it lacks the high-pass filter to be ‘complete’.
Nevertheless, this microphone is the closest you’ll get to the boutique models for the buck, so if you don’t have the opportunity or the ability to save up some $200 extra, this might be a perfect choice for you.
15. Audio-Technica ATM230PK – $50 off!
Audio-Technica’s ATM230 is a hyper-cardioid dynamic drum microphone; this is actually a three-pack bundle that will allow you to completely wire up your drum setup, be it for studio work or for live performances.
All three microphones are identical (ATM230), and all share the exact same specs – hyper-cardioid polar pattern, slightly narrower frequency response range (30 Hz to 12 kHz), and a highly robust plastic construction. If you’re fast enough, you’ll be able to grab the $50 off deal.
16. Audio-Technica ATM350W – $50 off!
Next up is Audio-Technica’s ATM350W, which is a cardioid condenser microphone for woodwind instruments.
It rocks a specific frequency response range (40 Hz to 20 kHz), minimal THD, an 80-Hz low-cut filter, and a decently long cable, and you’ll also get a complementary carry case and $50 off from your purchase if you order it from Sweetwater’s store.
17. Audio-Technica ATM350U – $50 off!
Here we have another AT model for woodwind instruments; the ATM350U is actually a microphone that was specifically made for horn instruments. It’s pretty similar to ATM350W obviously, but it’s slightly cheaper and more specialized.
This is a condenser microphone with a fixed cardioid polar pattern, a weighted STR radio (65 decibels), decent output impedance, and exceptional stability. Just like ATM350W, the 350U is available with a $50 discount, allowing it to make an even bigger bang for the buck.
18. Audio-Technica AE5100 – $40 off!
Budget Audio-Technica models, just like we’ve mentioned, are very hard to come by; luckily, Sweetwater is currently hosting a massive sale, and AE5100 shares the spotlight with the other entry-level AT microphone models.
This is a simple, straightforward vocal microphone that performs well for recording live shows or for wiring amps up. Its accuracy is impeccable, and it excels at picking up even the faintest noises, making it a perfect choice for recording acoustic instruments.
19. AKG P120 – $10 off!
If you’re starting out as a studio engineer or if you’re a musician getting ready to record their first demos, you might want to consider AKG’s P120 large-diaphragm condenser microphone.
It packs onboard STR slider and is one of the tiniest condenser microphones you’ll find in the budget price range. Generally speaking, it doesn’t come supplied with too many features and it’s exceptionally great for beginners.
Given the fact that it’s available at a bargain price alongside a modest discount, the P120 offers a huge value for the money.
20. AKG P170 – $10 off!
Let’s wrap it up with AKG’s P170 small-diaphragm condenser microphone. Basically, if you’ve never owned a microphone before, this model might be the perfect choice for you. It was already dirt-cheap even before its price tag shrunk down, and it comes supplied with simple features that you’ll be able to use straight off the bat.
It boasts heavy-duty metal construction, an average frequency range, and switchable pre-attenuation pad, so it’s essentially one of the microphones that are the easiest to use.
Conclusion
Be it a $2,000 workhorse or a $100 starting microphone, everybody strives to save up as much money as they can, and in the light of the massive sale going on at Sweetwater, you’ll get the opportunity to find models that you probably couldn’t afford a couple of weeks ago. We hope that you’ve liked our top 20 microphone deals list, and we highly encourage you to visit Sweetwater’s official site for more sweet deals.