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Used Microphones on Reverb — Pro Sound at Budget Prices
Here's something the gear industry doesn't advertise — microphones don't wear out the way most people think they do. A condenser mic with a well-maintained capsule records exactly the same at ten years old as it did brand new. Dynamic mics like the Shure SM58 are practically indestructible and will outlive most of us. Buying a used microphone on Reverb is one of the lowest-risk gear purchases you can make.
I bought a used Rode NT1 on Reverb for $110. New price at the time was $179. Same mic, same capsule, same legendary low noise floor. The only difference was a tiny mark on the body that I've never noticed once while recording because the mic is pointed away from me. Worth every penny of the $69 I saved.
Condenser Mics — The Best Used Buy in the Category
Condenser microphones have no moving parts that wear down with normal use. On Reverb you'll find Audio-Technica AT2020s, Rode NT1s, Shure SM7Bs, and even higher-end Neumann and AKG condensers at prices well below retail. One thing to check — always ask if the mic has been dropped. A drop can damage the capsule in ways that aren't visible externally. A seller who discloses this upfront is being honest. One who gets defensive about the question probably isn't.
Dynamic Mics — Already Tough, Even Better Used
Dynamic mics are built for live performance punishment. A used Shure SM58 or Sennheiser e835 on Reverb at $60-$70 performs identically to a new one at $100. These mics actually break in slightly with use — buying used is genuinely advantageous here.
Ribbon Mics — The Wild Card Category
Vintage ribbon microphones on Reverb are a fascinating rabbit hole for the adventurous. Old RCA and Reslo ribbons from the 50s and 60s show up occasionally at prices that make no sense given their sonic character. If you know how to handle a ribbon mic properly — Reverb is the best place on the internet to find them.
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Best Condenser Microphone for Vocals
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