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It’s difficult to get anywhere in the audio world without a microphone, but they can often require just as much setting up as a drum kit. Thankfully, some clever soul created USB microphones that can be up and running in minutes. These are ideal for a whole range of audio pursuits from recording podcasts to singing vocals, live streaming and Zoom calls, making them a certified crowd-pleaser.
That said, a pristine mic made for recording music in a large room might have too much high fidelity for a web gaming streamer, so they are not one-size-fits-all. For that reason, we’ve put together a guide looking at what to consider before purchasing. After you've stocked up on knowledge, we’ll show you our top ten budget and pro-standard favourites from brands like Audio-Technica, Rode and Blue.
Jani is a professional photographer and filmmaker from Finland with over 15 years of experience in both fields. He has studied at some of the best schools and universities across the globe, leading him to become an expert in creative industries. Today he is the creative director and the owner of JP Harrow Portraits that specialises in portraiture for same-sex couples and families in London, UK.
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Jani is a professional photographer and filmmaker from Finland with over 15 years of experience in both fields. He has studied at some of the best schools and universities across the globe, leading him to become an expert in creative industries. Today he is the creative director and the owner of JP Harrow Portraits that specialises in portraiture for same-sex couples and families in London, UK.
If you're looking for an expert in portrait photography, filmmaking, drone flying or anything else technical, make sure to visit Jani's website JP Harrow Portraits for quotes and direct contact, or follow him on Instagram.
The first and most vital feature to consider is the type of USB microphone. The most popular are condenser mics, which are ideal for voices and quiet instruments and therefore suited to those looking to create a home studio environment. They’re generally a little more expensive, but they have a super crisp sound, hence why they’re popular with podcasters.
On the other hand, dynamic microphones are more rugged and can take much more damage, or rather, they can better handle louder noises. So, if you plan on recording louder instruments, such as drums or guitars, this is a better option. They won't have quite the same quality, but some producers aiming for a lo-fi style recording may prefer it.
Of course, many professional and home studios will have at least one of each, giving the creative the option of the sound they want. However, if you’re just getting started, then think about what you plan on recording more of initially and start with a USB microphone that complements this.
If you plan to record audio at your home or in a studio setting where there isn’t that much loud background noise, then a condenser microphone would be good to start with.
Dynamic microphones are often used during live performances since they can handle loud music and noises a lot better. So if you are not planning to perform live somewhere, stick with a condenser microphone.
Before we go further down the features and specs rabbit hole, it’s always wise to check that the purchase you like is compatible with your current laptop, computer, tablet and such. Generally, most microphones will work with both Windows and Mac OS operating systems, but not all will work with every version of them.
This is particularly pertinent if you’re working on an older computer and haven’t updated it in a while. Furthermore, older units can have lower quality sound cards, which may have trouble producing the best sound. So, ensure that what you’re buying won’t require you to upgrade what you already have.
In the specification tables beneath each product, we’ll mention which operating systems the microphone works with, not what version, as sadly, this would take up far too much space! These extensive lists are normally easy to find with a quick Google, or you could always message the website or company to double-check.
Most modern microphones will work just fine with any PC or Mac computer out there, so you don't need to worry about compatibility issues. However, please note that some features on these microphones might require you to have specific software such as Apple Logic Pro to take full advantage of them.
Once you know what style of mic you want and that it will work alongside your equipment, it’s time to pay attention to some of the features. A particularly important one is the sample rate. This is how many measurements of sound are taken each second. The higher the number, the higher the audio quality.
How high you need to go depends on what you want to record, although many people, even when recording instruments, find that 48 kHz is more than good enough – this is often considered the standard. That being said, the lower 44.1 kHz is what a CD audio sample rate is, but there are also higher 96 and 192 kHz options available.
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Whether you need to worry about sample rates or not depends on what you are planning to create with your new microphone. If you plan to create music and record live vocals, you need to look for microphones with higher sample rates. But if all you plan to do is record your voice for a YouTube video, you don’t really need to pay attention to high sample rates.
You might have heard the term direct monitoring thrown about here and there, but what is it? Well, direct monitoring is where the USB microphone has a headphone port on the body, allowing you to listen to the voice or instrument you’re recording without any latency.
This feature is particularly favourable for people who live record, as it allows you to understand and interpret the recorded information on the fly. Sadly, it's usually found on upper- and mid-range microphones rather than the more economical options, so if you’re on a budget, this might not be available to you.
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You can safely skip direct monitoring features unless you already know you will need this feature. It’s a premium feature, and most people recording audio for YouTube videos don’t need it.
It’s more of a feature for those who sing live and need to hear instant feedback on how they sound. So unless you are planning to perform on a stage, this feature might not have any real value.
Last but not least, you’ll want to see what extras come included. After all, you might as well get your money’s worth. The most common and likely the most helpful is a stand. These can come as tripods or clip-ons, so you might want to check which, but either way, it’s better than trying to hold the microphone fixed when recording.
Next up, keep an eye out for a pop filter. These, as the name suggests, filter the pops out of sounds which is caused by too much air hitting the microphone. They’re common in all types of recording and are just as good when singing or speaking.
If you plan to travel from place to place to record instead of strictly at a studio, buying a microphone with a case is also a solid idea as this will protect your device in transit. Some companies will instead opt for a pouch, which will cover but not protect.
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If you plan to use your microphone outdoors, you might also like to consider purchasing a wind muff. It looks like a fuzzy sock that you simply put over your microphone. It will allow you to record audio even in those situations where windy conditions would usually ruin the audio you are trying to capture.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Blue Yeti USB Microphone | £110.75 High Mid | 4-In-1 USB Microphone for Voiceovers, Live Recording, Streaming and More | ||
2 | Audio-Technica Unidirectional Dynamic Microphone|ATR2100x-USB | £79.00 Mid | Audiophile Microphone With a Choice of Sample Rates | ||
3 | Audio-Technica Cardioid Condenser Microphone|AT2020USB+ | £115.00 High Mid | An Award-Winning Mic With Direct Monitoring and Mix Control | ||
4 | Marantz USB Condenser Microphone|MPM2000U | £79.99 Mid | A Well-Constructed Mic for Music, Vocals and Voice | ||
5 | Samson Go Mic Clip-On USB Microphone | £44.99 Low Mid | Portable USB Mic for Recording on the Go | ||
6 | Blue Snowball iCe | £54.99 Low Mid | Crystal-Clear Audio Without at an Affordable Price | ||
7 | Samson Q2U Recording and Podcasting Pack | £63.70 Low Mid | Plug and Play USB Microphone With Everything You Need to Get Started | ||
8 | Audio-Technica Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone|AT2005USB | £119.56 High Mid | Dynamic USB Studio Mic With Desktop Stand | ||
9 | Omnitronic M-22 Dynamic Microphone | £22.20 Low | Budget USB Microphone for Video Conferencing | ||
10 | Rode NT-USB Condenser Microphone | £125.00 High Mid | Industry-Standard USB Condenser Microphone |
The Blue Yeti is an incredibly popular USB condenser mic due to its Tri-Capsule technology that captures super crisp and clean sound. This makes it ideal for speaking, voiceovers, instruments, conferencing, streaming – it does the lot. Plus, you almost get four mics in one as the tech allows you to choose between cardioid, omnidirectional, bi-directional and stereo settings.
The device is compatible with both big operating systems and has the optimal 48 kHz sample rate. It's intuitive and simple to use thanks to simple controls but has enough functionality to impress everyone from beginners to audiophiles. It even looks great! For these reasons, it takes our number one spot.
There's no denying that the ATR2100x-USB has a unique selling point that no other option in this ranking can match – its choice of sample rates. This baby can produce either 44.1, 48, 96 or 192 kHz, meaning there's practically no nuance that the audio couldn't pick up.
That said, some people will struggle on the higher rates because they're simply not used to it, and it can feel like an over-saturation at points. But, if you're a true audiophile and want to experience recording sound with a dynamic mic in the most precise way possible, then this has your back.
The AT2020USB+ is a USB condenser microphone that comes with high-quality 44.1 or 48 kHz recording. The direct monitoring feature ensures there's no latency when listening and allows you to adjust as you work. Plus, there's a nifty mix control that helps you blend the live mic and prerecorded music.
As you'd expect from the company, the microphone produces quality, clear audio, all in a robust and portable package. It's a bit of an investment, as a lot of the company's products are, but then again, award-winning goods aren't cheap, are they?
This offering from Marantz is great at picking up the high-end frequencies without leaving you with muddy low-ends. This quality makes it a supremely versatile option that is equally at home recording music, speech or voiceovers.
Moreover, we like that it has a bit more weight behind it than many of the other options out there, making it feel solid, sturdy and well constructed. The company are relatively new, so many folks might not know them, but this is likely the reason that it costs a little less than the other options.
We know microphones are all about function over form, but we have to say, we are digging this retro-looking number from Samson. Not only that, but the device is tiny, making it perfect for the travelling podcaster or streamer, which we guess is where they got the name from.
The mic also allows you to choose the sample rate of 44.1 or 48 kHz, giving you a little control. Sadly, there's no direct monitoring, and the device is also known to be a tad sensitive, so you'll want to ensure the environment isn't too loud when using it.
Although this is a newer version of the Snowball range, this offering actually strips back on some of the features from its predecessor. However, it's these reductions that make this offering much more affordable.
Therefore, if you're happy with a single direction microphone (cardioid) and less control, then this could be the way to go. And even though some features are stripped, the recordings are still crystal clear and of the highest quality. If you're someone who is solely focused on sound quality and doesn't need any bells or whistles, this could be right up your street.
Here we have another offering from Samson, the dynamic Q2U. This pack includes everything from stand to pop filter so that as soon as it arrives, you'll be capable of capturing high-quality vocal and instrumental recordings.
Due to the simplicity of the controls, there is no interface required on the computer, meaning that getting up and running will take only a matter of minutes. The foam cover isn't up to the best of standards, so you might want to replace that, but the stands are known to be secure and sturdy.
Audio-Technica is one of the most respected names in the music equipment industry, so it's no surprise that a couple of their products have made our ranking. This offering is a dynamic microphone that has direct monitoring and works on a couple of sample rates.
These features make it a solid choice for a range of different functions, but it's the ability to move from the studio to the stage that is most compelling. It is on the pricey side, but this is a versatile option that would probably be best for someone looking to bolster their microphone arsenal, rather than wanting a specific type.
If you're working on a tight budget, then you'll be glad to know that there's still a USB mic out there for you, and it's the Omnitronic M-22. This compact number is a dynamic microphone meaning it's capable of recording a whole range of different noises, making it a handy option to have around even if you upgrade in the future.
The device is simple too, just plug it in and it's ready to go with no need for drivers or external gear. Of course, there are limitations in terms of quality and it's missing some higher-end features, but for the price, it's hard to complain.
Australian company Rode are a popular brand to those in the know who always produce industry-standard, top-quality goods – like the NT-USB. This condenser mic comes with two controls that allow you to monitor and mix however you like. Plus, with the direct monitoring function, you can adjust as you go.
You'll also find that practically all the extras you could wish for, maybe other than a hard case, are included. It's the most expensive option in our ranking, which could put a few people off, but if you're willing to part with the cash, we guarantee you'll like what you get.
Of course. Most microphones come with a USB port which is pretty much the only way you can connect some of them to the computer. It is worth keeping in mind that the price tells a lot about the microphone's quality - a cheap USB microphone might work fine for narration and voiceovers but will not be that suitable for recording live vocals for a song.
Yes, you can. But note that mixing microphones from different manufacturers can cause technical issues. If you are new to all of this, stick with one well-known brand and buy their microphones only. This way, you can follow manufacturers instructions on how to link their microphones together.
No. 1: Blue|Yeti USB Microphone
No. 2: Audio-Technica|Unidirectional Dynamic Microphone|ATR2100x-USB
No. 3: Audio-Technica|Cardioid Condenser Microphone|AT2020USB+
No. 4: Marantz|USB Condenser Microphone|MPM2000U
No. 5: Samson |Go Mic Clip-On USB Microphone
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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