Discover all the USB microphone tests for Podcasts, Gaming or Studio. The advantage of USB microphones is that you don't need an audio interface to connect it to your computer (the converter is built in). The most prestigious brands are Blue Microphones, Rode, Antelope, Apogee, IK Multimedia, Shure and Lewitt.
Please note: USB microphones are used in voice recording for Podcasts or Gaming but also for studio recording, because they are easily transportable.
One of the first details you check before purchasing a mic is its three-pin output jack. It should actually be compatible with a laptop or computer. Fortunately, thanks to technological advancements, microphone designers have been able to develop a new variation called a USB microphone. Even if it does not necessarily display all the advantages of other types of microphone, this one represents an excellent alternative deserving your full attention.
A USB microphone is a transducer, like all other types of microphones. Moreover, its general operating principle is the same as that of a classic microphone. It will capture the sound and translate it into an electrical signal. It allows you to make a voice recording or voice audio broadcast.
In other words, it is an easy-to-use tool suitable for everyone. It delivers premium recording quality to your computer or tablet in minutes. One of its major advantages is the fact that it is portable. It's plug and play, it works perfectly on PC, Mac, iPad.
Choosing a USB microphone for your recordings also means saving you from spending a small fortune on devices and gadgets. You don't need any specific skills to install it on your computer. Just plug it in and it will install the driver necessary for its operation.
It's a mic you can carry with you anywhere. Whether you are a nomad, a frequent traveler, an explorer, a USB microphone will always please you. It is a multi-platform and versatile tool. If you buy one, you should be able to use it on your laptop, Mac, iPad or desktop. In short, it is the economical option for having clear, crisp and high quality sound on your PC, tablet or smartphone.
Technically, if you buy a USB microphone, it comes with all the hardware to get it up and running straight away. The microphone will then come with all the necessary wiring to easily connect to a USB port. It thus allows its user immediate recording. On some models, a USB microphone has a headphone output. This is a significant plus, because it will allow the user to listen to the sound directly through headphones.
A USB microphone is a great way to record vocals and instruments. Typically, it has a cardioid polar pattern allowing it to focus on the main sound source. This feature makes it the ideal equipment for your voice-overs, podcasts, broadcasts, conferences, chat software like Skype or Teams.
Do you want to make a good quality recording? You don't have the time or the budget to buy all the essential components for your home studio? A USB microphone is the best solution. You no longer need a mixer, external power supply, phantom power or amplifier. All you need is a good audio interface to have the equivalent of good studio recording.
Your computer already has a sound card for playing sound. And this is another advantage of the USB microphone. No need for an additional purchase, it all comes down to how the micro USB works.
Depending on your budget, some manufacturers offer USB microphones with an integrated sound card. We can cite the case of Rode Procaster.
In this case, the sound quality will be even better. Other types of USB mics also come with a jack like the Rode Podcaster USB . This is an option that will allow you to record and listen to the microphone feedback at the same time.
It all depends on you and your expectations. Either way, a USB microphone is a great way to start recording on your computer. It does not require very technical knowledge. It does not require the skills of a sound engineer to produce quality sound. It's an easy tool that gives good results.
Want to set up a small recording studio in your bedroom and record multiple materials at the same time? Start by setting up all the equipment (all musical instruments: keyboard, acoustic guitar, etc.) and your USB microphone. And you are ready!
It is still important to note that for some applications, you may need to use a few gadgets. We can note the use of a pop filter, wind filter or windshield to reduce any background noise. To reduce the noise associated with handling, you can use a tripod or a microphone boom.
If you're a beginner, using a USB microphone will help you not get overwhelmed with other items to purchase. However, it is a microphone that will surely meet your needs while being very easy to use. Later, it will always be possible to upgrade your recording studio. In this case, the USB microphone will always find its place in your microphone park.
Currently, most microphones claim to be versatile. But the choice of a microphone should be based on its use and the result you are looking for. However, to guide you, here is a list of criteria to take into account before investing in a USB microphone.
Microphones share a set of characteristics that allow users to make some comparison. Among these criteria we can cite:
Polar pattern:
Directivity is how sensitive a microphone is to sound, based on the direction they come from. There are several types of directivity:
It is characterized by equal sensitivity in all directions. This implies that the USB microphone is very sensitive to the ambiance of the room in which it will be used. In other words, it will be impossible to isolate an instrument when several musicians are playing at the same time. This type of directivity is also sensitive to feedback phenomena.
Microphones with this type of directivity are mainly used in the studio. Their uses can be very varied. However, you should have a room with good quality acoustics. Generally, they deliver a very natural sound. They are excellent for use as overheads, on drums or even on delicate instruments such as the piano.
As an example, we can cite the Blue Yeti Pro. It is a USB microphone not dedicated to professional use, but it will still be suitable for recording voiceovers in a podcast type context, commenting on a video tutorial, etc.
Bi-directional polar pattern is also known as figure-8 polar pattern. It is characterized by the sensitivity of the mic at the front and rear. It also has an angle with a sensitivity of 90°. In other words, the microphone will not pick up sounds from the sides.
A USB microphone with a figure-of-eight polar pattern is primarily used to pick up opposing sound sources. For example, it can record two singers at the same time, just as it can be placed between two drum sets.
This type of microphone can also be used for recording a Podcast. The result will be just as breathtaking. You probably won't find this kind of microphone on the sets of a film. However, many people use it as a side mic for a talk show. Among the USB microphones with this type of directivity, we can cite the Superlux E431U. This is an electret microphone with switchable directivity.
The USB microphone this time has a heart-shaped polar pattern. This is the type of directivity most often used in a recording studio. This is because it is only sensitive to sounds coming from the front. They are then less subject to feedback, and you can easily isolate the different sound sources that you want to record.
Super and hyper cardioid polar patterns are simply variations of the cardioid polar pattern. They are characterized by reduced sensitivity at the front compared to the rear.
Regarding use, this type of directivity is required for recording a directional sound source. We can cite for example the recording of a singer's performance, to tap a guitar amp, to record the elements of a drum set (snare drum, bass drum, etc.). The Blue Yeti Pro also has this type of directivity. By design, it is a versatile USB microphone.
This is a phenomenon that mainly impacts USB microphones with bidirectional directionality . To put it simply, the closer the microphone is to its sound source, the more pronounced the bass. Depending on the user's needs, this characteristic can prove to be a good point for the microphone.
Bandwidth is simply the ability of a microphone to pick up and reproduce frequencies.
The response curve can be defined as the character of a USB microphone. It is presented in the form of a diagram allowing you to visualize the bumps and valleys according to the frequencies captured.
It corresponds to the voltage that the microphone is capable of providing depending on the acoustic pressure received by the membrane.
It plays an important role in terms of frequency response. The larger the membrane of the USB microphone, the more bass frequencies it will pick up.
This is the maximum pressure the mic can handle without experiencing distortion.
A USB microphone is the simple solution to recording audio on your computer. It can plug directly into your USB port and allows you to record directly to your computer. Everything is done without the need for additional hardware.
All you have to do is plug in your microphone and make a few adjustments. You are then ready to start making quality recordings. They are as easy to use as the common headsets you know.
They are effective for recording vocals like singing, podcasting, voiceovers and musical instruments. Some USB microphones come with a headphone output. This allows you to directly control the audio you record through your headphones.
One of the limitations of a USB microphone is that you can only use one microphone at a time. So if you want to record more than one voice, this may not be the best solution. Unless you choose a microphone with omnidirectional polar pattern.
On the market, you can find several types of USB microphones. Here is our official selection of the best microphones that can be found.