Top 10 Best USB Microphone in 2023 Reviews
Last updated on January 11, 2023
If you are in search of a microphone that you can use hassle-free, a USB mic has you covered. You mustn’t install any software on your computer or Ipad to start using a USB microphone. Simply plug it into your PC or iOS USB port through a USB cable. When you get a good USB mic, you are assured of an incredible sound output for various purposes.
A good bass drum mic should have a frequency response of at least 30 Hz. On the other hand, an ideal mic for miking snares and toms ought to have a frequency response of 50 Hz and above. It is advisable to consider buying a USB microphone with multiple, changeable polar patterns for extra versatility in different settings. One of the best practices regarding the use of a mic is to ensure that it is positioned in proximity to the sound source. Besides, it should face away from noise sources.
Here are some of the best USB microphones currently on the market:
Table of Contents
- 10. Blue Yeti USB Microphone
- 9. Rode NT-USB USB Condenser Microphone
- 8. Blue Snowball Microphone
- 7. Audio-Technica ATR2100 Microphone
- 6. 1byone USB Microphone
- 5. Samson Meteor Mic
- 4. CAD U37 USB Studio Condenser Recording Microphone
- 3. M-Audio Vocal Studio | Digital Recording Bundle and USB Condenser Microphone
- 2. BC Master USB Microphone
- 1. Home Studio USB Condenser Microphone
10. Blue Yeti USB Microphone
Using proprietary tri-capsule technology, Blue Yeti Microphone offers you pristine recordings of studio quality. You don’t require complex drivers to use this microphone. Just connect it to your computer using a USB port and then set it to conform to your computer’s or iOS operating system. Don’t worry if you don’t have a USB cable for the connection. This microphone comes with one out of the box.
The microphone has flexible compatibility with various computer operating systems. Such systems include; Windows 7, XP Professional, Windows 8, Windows Vista, as well as XP Home Edition. Blue Yeti features stereo mode, cardioid mode, omnidirectional mode and bidirectional mode for recording different voices. This eliminates the need for multiple microphones.
9. Rode NT-USB USB Condenser Microphone
The NT-USB is a side-address microphone which you can conveniently connect to your PC via a USB port. It is suitable for recording song and music performances podcasts and voice-overs. The microphone boasts full compatibility with the entire applications used for mainstream recordings on computers operating on Windows or Mac.
Rode NT-USB works well with Apple iPad mainstream recording apps like RØDE Rec and GarageBand. The microphone has a premium pop-filter on its base to reduce harsh sounds. It comes with a pouch for safe storage when idle.
8. Blue Snowball Microphone
Blue Snowball Microphone is ideal for recording voice work like podcasts and sung vocals, thanks to cardioid mode settings. The microphone produces a rich and full-bodied sound of such work. Besides, you can capture louder, high-fidelity sounds than those which can be produced when the microphone is in cardioid mode. This is because the device can also integrate 10 dB PAD into cardioid mode.
Omnidirectional mode of the microphone allows you to record sounds from all directions at an equal magnitude. The feature makes the mic ideal for a live recording of a performance by a band. It comes with a desktop stand as well as a USB cable out of the box.
7. Audio-Technica ATR2100 Microphone
Audio-Technica is a rugged handheld microphone featuring a USB digital output as well as XLR analog output. Plug the microphone into your PC through a USB cable for digital recording. On the other hand, XLR output is a handy feature in the recording of live performances.
No more audible delays while monitoring the output of your microphone. This is because Audio-Technica comes with an inbuilt jack for direct monitoring. It also features cardioid polar pattern. The said feature minimizes the picking up of the unnecessary side and rear sounds. This microphone does a superb job in capturing high-quality sounds from live performance, podcasts, home studios, as well as voiceovers.
6. 1byone USB Microphone
1byone USB Microphone can capture all types of human voices. It can deliver a sampling rate of up to 16 bit/48 kHz. It comes with a headphone jack with zero- latency which enables you to hear your sound precisely without delays. The microphone is equipped with Uni-directional and Omni-directional pattern modes. The two modes are superb for recording podcasts, field recording, conference calls, gaming, among other applications.
The operation of this microphone is extremely easy. You can operate it without using drivers. You only need to connect it to your pc using a USB cable and then play. It functions well with Mac as well as Windows PC operating systems.
5. Samson Meteor Mic
Samson Meteor Mic offers high-quality audio recording, thanks to its 25mm diaphragm condenser. It features Cardioid pickup pattern. The pattern reduces background noise besides isolating the main source of your sound. With a resolution of 44.1/48kHz, this microphone produces professional audios regardless of the sound source.
The chrome-plated construction of the microphone consists of a beautiful fold-back leg design. You can adjust the legs to fit any recording position. Samson also features a stereo headphone output measuring 1/8 inches for monitoring your recording without delay. Use the microphone mute switch for audio privacy during video conferencing.
4. CAD U37 USB Studio Condenser Recording Microphone
CAD U37 comes with a huge condenser microphone feature. The feature is ideal for warm and high-quality recordings. It features two switches on its front face. One of the switches is used for minimizing the microphone’s sensitivity. This ensures a clear sound quality when capturing a very loud sound.
The other switch is meant for reducing deep-bass sound pickup. Put the switch in “Bass Reduction” position to get rid of noise resulting from wind. The microphone works extremely well with Windows and Macintosh operating systems. It has a smooth and extended frequency. The frequency is ideal for recording live songs and speeches as well as instrument sounds.
3. M-Audio Vocal Studio | Digital Recording Bundle and USB Condenser Microphone
With M-Audio, you don’t have to undergo the long process of installing complicated applications for you to record high-end audios. Just connect it to your computer or iOS device and start recording immediately. It comes accompanied with a carry pouch and a stand out of the box. Therefore, you can start capturing ideas from whichever place as soon as you receive this mic.
The mic features an inbuilt mesh grill which bars plosives and wind noise from interfering with your recording. The directional USB mic picks up your voice besides minimizing background noise.
2. BC Master USB Microphone
BC Master USB Microphone is equipped with custom condenser capsule measuring 16mm for extra-clear audios. If you want a mic that’s ideal for Youtube recordings, then you can consider this mic. It features Cardoid polar pattern. The pattern concentrates on recording the front sound as it rejects rear and side sounds.
It is ideal for vocal recording, podcasting as well as putting narration to home movies. The microphone has a low cut switch which is essential for the removal of unnecessary sounds like background rumbles and humming from your audio.
1. Home Studio USB Condenser Microphone
Home Studio eliminates the need to install application for a mic recording as it is a plug and play device. It is compatible with Windows and Mac. It features a unique omni pickup pattern which cancels out noises from your audio recording in addition to isolating the main source of your sound.
The microphone has a smooth and flat 50Hz-16KHz frequency response. This frequency response is ideal for recording live songs, speeches, desktop recording, podcasting and voiceovers.
Final thoughts
Say goodbye to the complicated process of installing software on your PC for audio microphone recording by getting a top-notch USB mic. We’ve tested all the above-listed microphones and we can confidently assure you that each of them is superb. You can count on any of them for crystal clear and high-quality audios. Our absolute winner though is the Blue Yeti USB Microphone. The mic passed all our tests regarding quality, performance, versatility, among others.