Professional microphones are virtually indestructible and last decades. The Shure SM57 and SM58 are legendary for their durability — there are SM58s from the 1970s still in daily use. Buying these used is a no-brainer.
Under $200 used, you can find industry-standard dynamic mics (Shure SM57, SM58, Sennheiser e835), professional condenser mics (Audio-Technica AT2020, AT2035, Rode NT1-A), and even shotgun mics for video production.
Dynamic microphones like the SM57/SM58 need no special care — just a working XLR cable. Condenser microphones require phantom power (48V) from your audio interface but offer superior detail for recording.
The Shure SM7B, which has become the standard for podcasting and streaming, occasionally appears under $200 used. At its new price of $399, a used SM7B for $180-$200 is a steal.
