The popularity of USB microphones is growing by the day. This is driven by people’s desire to enjoy the same experience from the typical microphone but from wherever and whenever. Podcasters, singers, and other people simply need to plug the USB Mic into a computer and will be able to talk through it.
The Mic comes in Plug and Play meaning you don’t need to install software or configure it. It doesn’t feature any cord or wire so that you can stay organized.
Over the years, different types of the USB mics are available in the market, and like many other users, you may not be sure which type is the best. In this review, we will break down the best in the market.
Choosing USB Microphones
You may need to deeply look at the following aspects:
- Connectivity: The best microphones come with a broad range and will easily connect to the devices. This allows you to use it even from a distance;
- Portability: If you travel with your microphone a lot, you need to go for a small and lightweight;
- Audio Quality: A good USB microphone will deliver quality audio, free of distortion, minimize unwanted noise, sounds natural and also has the right tone;
- Pick Pattern: Microphones are classified according to the way they pick sound. Cardioid (Unidirectional) type only pick what is in front of the mic, Bi-directional pick from the front and back, while Omni-directional pick from all-round (up, down, front and back); and
- The Intended Use: A microphone for use in a professional setting such as a studio will be of higher quality than that used for a basic activity.
Best USB Microphones in 2018
Contents
- 10. Neewer, NW-700 Professional Studio Condenser Microphone
- 9. Aokeo, AK-6 Desktop USB Condenser Microphone
- 8. Marantz Professional, USB Microphone
- 7. Audio-Technica, ATR2500-USB Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone
- 6. Fifine, USB Microphone
- 5. Blue Microphone, Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone
- 4. Shure, MV5 Digital Condenser Microphone
- 3. Blue Microphones, Blue Raspberry Premium Mobile USB Microphone
- 2. Blue Yeti, USB Microphone
- 1. Audio-Technica, Microphone Cable (AT2035)
10. Neewer, NW-700 Professional Studio Condenser Microphone
Neewer NW-700 professional condenser microphone allows you to capture audio in the best and simplest manner. It relies on a cardioid pattern that mainly picks the main sound while reducing background noise.
The mic features wind screen pop filter mask field to make the track clearer, free of lisping and hissing. A ball-type anti-wind foam cap has been equipped with the mic to avoid wind interference and singers’ spit.
The mic works with any device that provides enough power of 5 voltages. However, it doesn’t work with mobile phone and tablet computer and also the iOS system.
Item Weight: 1.9 pounds
Frequency Response: N/A
9. Aokeo, AK-6 Desktop USB Condenser Microphone
The Aokeo AK-6 is undoubtedly one of the best-looking USB microphones on the market. It’s designed for normal as well as professional work and comes with the necessary accessories.
The condenser microphone works within a frequency range of between 20hz-16Khz. It features Echo Mixing Volume Knob for adjusting the volume and Microphone Volume Knob for easy volume adjustment. The USB mic works perfectly with any operating system (Window or Mac) and recording software without needing to install any special driver.
Item Weight: 1.4 pounds
Frequency Response: 20Hz-16,000Hz
8. Marantz Professional, USB Microphone
When it comes to microphones and speakers, the Marantz Professional USB Microphone is well-known. Their prowess is evidenced by this USB microphone that is targeted for home studio recording, voiceover, Skyping, pod casts and other uses.
It features a cardioid condenser that picks sound from different directions making it great for recording closely-spaced subjects. It comes with a suspension boom arm, dual suspension springs, and all-steel construction.
Item Weight: 2.1 pounds
Frequency Response: 20Hz-17,000Hz
7. Audio-Technica, ATR2500-USB Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone
This Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone by Audio-Technica may be what you need to make the podcasts, home studio recording, voiceover, field recording more exciting.
It comes with a 16-bit AD converter with a sampling rate of 44.1/48 kHz and user-friendly controls on its front. Despite its relatively small nature, this microphone produces clear sound and reduce unwanted noise.
It also features the built-in headphone jack that allows you to directly monitor from your microphone with ease. This USB mic is compatible with both Window and Mac. People also love its solid built with simplicity design.
Item Weight: 1.5 pounds
Frequency Response: 30Hz-15,000 Hz
6. Fifine, USB Microphone
Starting us off is this Plug & Play USB Microphone by Fifine. It comes with a frequency response range of 50Hz-16 KHz and works with Windows and Mac without needing any software installation.
The handy microphone is based on cardioid pick-up pattern and comes with noise cancellation to minimize background sound. The highly-effective condenser makes it perfect for home studio, song record, directly recording from the PC, podcasting and more. The mic features an omnidirectional pickup pattern for picking up the vocal and minimize the background noise. The 5.9ft cord allows the mic for easy access.
Item Weight: 0.8 pounds
Frequency Response: 50Hz-16,000Hz
5. Blue Microphone, Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone
First of all, this USB mic from Blue Microphone comes with a cute snowball design. It features a built-in custom condenser capsule, that will deliver crystal clear audio.
It is suitable for various applications including home studio recording, voiceover, YouTube, Skype, FaceTime, Podcasts, Messages, online chat and much more. The Plug’n Play mic works with Window and Mac and doesn’t require any additional software or configuration to work. It comes with a USB cable and PC stand.
The Plug’n Play Snowball iCE mic is a good choice for its quality audio, simple design, and has rubberized feet for firm support and no scratching. The only issue is the red Led that some people find a bit intrusive.
Item Weight: 1.7 pounds
Frequency Response: N/A
4. Shure, MV5 Digital Condenser Microphone
Recording yourself or other people at home, in the studio, field or any other place will be easier once you get the Shure MV5 USB microphone.
This portable MV5 digital mic works with various devices including iOS, Window and iPads. It features 3 DSP modes (Flat, Vocal and Instrument). Together with options like Compression, EQ and gain that ensure you get high-quality audio. While it sounds great, is decently priced, and works well, this microphone comes with a rather short cord (3ft long) and also may pick some background noise.
Item Weight: 0.55 pounds
Frequency Response: N/A
3. Blue Microphones, Blue Raspberry Premium Mobile USB Microphone
Capture audio in the highest quality while minimizing background noise by using this USB microphone from Blue Raspberry. It’s designed for use with PC, Mac, iPhone or iPad.
The Mic features patented Blue premium capsule that delivers studio-quality audio of 24-bit. Patent-pending IAD design (Internal Acoustic Diffuser) helps reduce any noises in the room while mainly focusing on the vocals giving a clear crystal sound.
Reasons that make it a great bargain include highly portable, great sound quality and very portable with its lightweight of only 0.55 pounds.
Item Weight: 0.55 pounds
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20,000Hz
2. Blue Yeti, USB Microphone
The Blue Yeti USB microphone features tri-capsules array (3 condenser capsules) that it can work in any environment.
It picks 4 different pattern modes: stereo mode; Cardioid Mode; Omnidirectional Mode and Bidirectional Mode. This makes it a good choice for voiceover recordings, podcasting, musical instruments, field recordings, interviews, conference calls.
The Mic comes with a mute button, gain control, the zero-latency output for headphone. It’s praised for its light weight, sturdiness, versatility and nice looks. The only issue is that the mute light is a bit confusing to use.
Item Weight: 3.2 pounds
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20,000Hz
1. Audio-Technica, Microphone Cable (AT2035)
The AT2035 Cardioid USB Microphone from Beach Camera comes in a simple and easy to mount design. This USB Mic is equipped with a switchable 80Hz high-pass filter and 10 dB pad, providing the high sound pressure levels with ease. It features a condenser capsule for capturing the audio in high quality, a protective pouch, and custom shock mount.
The simplicity, good connectivity, good design are the reason the AT2035 USB Mic becomes the best pick this year.
Item Weight: 5 pounds
Frequency Response: NA
After comparing the above items, we’ve come to the conclusion that these USB mics stood out in many areas including audio quality, user-friendliness, portability, reliability and quality design. You will, therefore, find them ideal for home use, office, studio, pod casts, travel and other situations.
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