We've rounded up the best microphones that will help you sound great while streaming and gaming with friends.

Platforms like Twitch are used in most cases for streaming video from games. Now this is not just a hobby - for most it has become a professional occupation. To get started, you need quality equipment. Today we will share with you our thoughts on the best microphones for streaming video games on Twitch or similar sites.

The sound quality of the microphone is a deep rabbit hole. But the truth is that gamers and streamers don't need studio microphones, they just want something better than a pop-up plastic mic attached to your headset. Sound quality is very important, as is ease of use, customizability, and price. We looked at more than just which mic will give you radio sound - we looked at which mics are actually the best for streaming and gaming with friends.

While some streamers use their gaming headset's microphone, having a dedicated dedicated microphone will provide much better audio quality. Blue's Yeti microphone is still a crowd favorite after months at the top of the charts, which makes sense as it's the best mic for the money.

If you're using a standalone microphone while gaming, check out our guide on best headphones, which offer better sound quality than any other gaming headset.

Even with new tests and re-tests, the Blue Yeti microphone remains the best microphone for gaming and streaming. It is actually very good that professional users choose it to create high-end products.

Best Microphone – Blue Yeti

Advantages:

• Fantastic sound quality
• High sensitivity
• Inexpensive for what it sounds like

Flaws:

• Captures keyboard and mouse sounds

There are many things to love about Blue Yeti: it's easy to set up, it has low price compared to other microphones with the same sound quality and of course it sounds great. But him best feature for streaming is its sensitivity. The distance from the microphone and whether you speak directly into it or not can have a huge impact on the quality of the sound. The foam padding at the bottom of the support doesn't do much to dampen vibrations from the desk, but the shape and size of the Yeti meant that I was able to find a suitable location for it without hassle. The Yeti did a fantastic job no matter where I placed it.

In ideal conditions, your microphone should be positioned 15-20 centimeters from your mouth, and the pop filter should muffle any noise from your breathing. But unfortunately, you can't always play in ideal conditions. If you place a microphone 15 centimeters from your mouth, it will likely end up blocking part of the screen from between your hands. Buying a microphone pendant mount won't cost you much, but for most it's an overkill that will still force you to sit up straight so you can talk directly into the microphone the whole time. When you're streaming or gaming for long periods of time, being able to lean back, shift, and rest is essential.

This is where the Yeti outshone the other microphones I tested. I don't want the microphone to sit awkwardly between my hands or block part of the screen, so I usually move it to the side at arm's length. At this distance, some mics start to sound tinny or echoy when you turn up the gain to compensate for the distance, but the Yeti behaves differently. While his older brother Blue Yeti Pro is better only sounded at a distance of 15 centimeters, the regular Yeti outperformed it at longer distances. That's not to say the Yeti sounds bad up close; on the contrary, it's almost always capable of delivering good sound quality even when not placed in the perfect spot on my desk. This is an incredibly important feature considering that we are all different.

The only thing the Yeti had problems with was its tendency to pick up keyboard and mouse sounds. The foam layer was able to mitigate this drawback a little, but when I accidentally hit the table with my foot or abruptly put down a cup, the sound was still quite loud. In the end, I placed a thick piece of cloth under the microphone, which almost completely eliminated these vibrations. It's unlikely that this problem is unique to the Yeti, since the fabric has helped almost every microphone I've tested in this way. Until you hang up the mount, vibrations will be a constant problem when placing a microphone on your desk.

Another nice feature of the Yeti is that its widest point is its base, meaning I didn't have to worry too much about the times the microphone bumped into any obstructions on my desk. This microphone definitely has substance over form - the Yeti will never win the "world's most beautiful microphone" award, even though it now comes in three different colors. It does what it's supposed to do and doesn't get in your way. There were very few times when I couldn't find a good place for the Yeti.

You can definitely pay more to get better sound quality, but Blue Yeti does everything a streamer or just someone playing with friends needs. If you plan to deal with constant shaking or are planning to install a microphone in a studio, then you may want to spend more money on your microphone. But the Yeti sounds great for its price in any situation the average gamer or streamer would encounter.

Best Detachable Microphone – AntLion ModMic (Unidirectional)

Advantages:

• Very easy to use
• Surprisingly good sound quality
• Inexpensive
• Doesn't pick up keyboard/mouse sounds
• Not as good as a stand mic

Flaws:

• Requires the use of headphones

For some of you, your desk might be...well, a little cluttered. Making room for a microphone on the stand in such cases can be quite difficult. This is where lavalier microphones come in, and the AntLion ModMic is the best I've used. It attaches to your headphones like a headset's built-in microphone, but its sound quality is much better. Plus, it's incredibly easy to install.

Most small headset microphones like the ModMic don't have very clear sound, but that's because they're usually part of headphones. In such cases, the sound of the headphones takes precedence over the quality of the microphone, but ModMic does not have this problem. This microphone was designed to be a good microphone and nothing more. And as a result, this is a really good microphone. While it doesn't sound as good as a stand mic like the Yeti Blue, it probably sounds better than any other microphone attached to headphones.

Unfortunately, it's located a few centimeters from your mouth, which means loud sighs and whistling "s"s will cause noise and distortion. This is not a problem with the ModMic specifically, but with all microphones placed close to the lips. Using the pop filter – the only way fix it, but it won't help with the headset microphone. Otherwise, ModMic does an incredible job of muting the vast majority of background noise, including almost all mouse and keyboard keystrokes.

Another quality of the ModMic is its fairly simple way of attaching to headphones. You attach a magnetic mount with adhesive tape to the base of the headphones, and then attach a microphone to it. The use of a magnet means you can completely detach the microphone from the headphones at any time, leaving only a small black attachment. I liked knowing that I could still use my headphones as simple headphones if I wanted. This took away the worry of something sticking to my headphones forever.

AntLion ModMic is more suitable for gaming voice chat than for streaming, since here sound quality and noise will not be so important. This is a fantastic quality microphone for the price and can be particularly useful if you have high quality headphones but need a microphone. It's not the best choice if you're doing a podcast or livestream, but it's the perfect mic for making sure your teammates can hear you perfectly.

Best Budget Microphone – Zalman ZM-Mic1

Advantages:

• Ridiculously cheap
• Better than most headset microphones

Flaws:

• Picks up ambient noise

I didn't expect to make a "budget microphone" category when I started testing. The easiest budget solution is to use a headset microphone, although this is probably terrible. But then I tried the Zalman ZM-Mic1 and was shocked that you could get such a miracle for only $10(7). The ZM-Mic1 isn't a top-notch microphone, but I'm willing to bet it's a significant improvement over the headset you're currently using. Its value for money is so impressive that it definitely had to be mentioned on this list.

I want to be clear - there are a ton of microphones out there with better sound quality than the ZM-Mic1. This mic certainly sounds great, but since it clips onto the headphone cord, my voice comes out pretty quiet. The distance of the microphone means that it must be more sensitive, making it easier to pick up background noise. It wasn't as noticeable when I was in a quiet house, but if you're surrounded by other people and there's something loud going on nearby, it might be audible.

But in the right place and with correct settings The volume of the voice quality is impressive. There's no breathing noise or loud "s" noises that you might hear from a headset microphone. It's far from studio quality, but you can use this microphone to record a podcast. It wouldn't be fair to compare it to the best options: it's not the most amazing microphone, but it's amazing for the price.

If you're looking for a great microphone at a reasonable price, take a look at the Blue Yeti or AntLion ModMic above. But if you just want something better than a built-in headset microphone at the lowest price, the Zalman ZM-Mic1 is your best bet. You'll usually have to spend more money to upgrade your microphone, but this is great quality for just a cocktail price.

How we test microphones

It's important to understand that gamers have slightly different microphone standards and needs than most of us. When using a microphone, we understand that the sound will be compressed and transmitted over the Internet, so in any case we will lose more in quality than if we recorded the sound in a studio. While sound quality is very important, it is not the only thing that plays an important role in microphones for gaming and streaming. Here are the criteria we used to evaluate our microphones:

Recording quality

Of course, I said that sound quality isn't everything, but it's still the most important factor when testing a microphone. The most important thing, at the end of the day, is to find a microphone that allows you to sound good. We tested the mics in a variety of programs and settings, although we primarily tested them in "cardioid" mode when available. This mode is designed to record only what is in front of the microphone and is used 99% of the time you play or stream. You also need to know how much noise and keyboard clicks your microphone picks up.

Sensitivity

Everyone has different jobs and setup requirements, so it's important that the microphone performs well in several different situations. If a mic sounds better than all the others combined, but only when placed on a suspended mic stand with a shock-absorbing mount placed squarely 15 centimeters from your mouth, it's hard to recommend it. You want a microphone that sounds great in all circumstances and can adapt to how you intend to use it so you can play comfortably and sound great.

Design

It's not a fashion show, but the design still matters. If your microphone is on a stand, you'll be looking at it every time you sit at your desk, so you need to make sure it doesn't distract you too much. The design of the microphone can also play a significant role when considering the sensitivity of the microphone as you need to find a suitable location for it. We used each microphone with different settings, different PCs, keyboards and monitors, getting an idea of ​​how they performed in each environment. If you're a streamer, your microphone will also be in the audience's field of view, so it's appearance has the meaning.

Price

Of course, gamers will always try to get better quality for less money. It's easy to get lost in the deep, dark forest of the audio world, and even easier to spend a ridiculous amount of time and money choosing the best microphone. But we don't need studio equipment, so price is an important factor when considering how good a certain microphone is. You can keep looking for better and better quality over more high price, but it’s important for us to be within the gamer’s budget. Price is one of the key factors when comparing different options. In my search for the best microphone, I looked at everything in the $50 to $150 (35 to 105) price range. The Blue Yeti was more expensive, but it was worth it.

Competitors and future tests

We weren't able to test enough "high-end" gaming and streaming microphones to make a final choice in this category, but there are a few good options listed below. It's important to note how we defined "high-end" because you could spend thousands of dollars on incredible studio-quality microphones. For me, this is not an indicator of “high class”, because none of us need that level of streaming. We tested and selected every microphone with this in mind, so we want to offer options for those who want to spend not a lot of money, but improve the quality by a lot. new level. Ideally, a high-end microphone for gaming and streaming will cost between $200 (140) and $300 (210), and that's still a lot less than you could spend.

Razer Seiren Pro

The Razer Seiren Pro is a really good microphone, but too expensive for its quality. There are other options that cost much less. However, like most Razer products, it looks good and has good functionality. Razer also makes some nice and useful additions for the Seiren, including an attachable pop filter for $25 (18), so that makes this mic highly recommended if you plan on tinkering with the settings. Additionally, the Pro version's XLR connectors will allow you to plug it into your mixing console if you're using higher quality settings.

Audio Technica ATR2500-USB

The Audio Technica ATR2500-USB is a decent microphone available at a fairly reasonable price, but it does have a few shortcomings that make it less than ideal for gaming and streaming. First, it is very quiet when you use it from a distance, which means it needs to be positioned close to your mouth. And everything would be fine if the tripod it comes with didn’t take up so much space on the desktop. And his led indicator“on” is the brightest LED, from which I experienced irritation, as soon as I placed it at a distance of 20 centimeters from my face. It feels like Audio Technica has enslaved the star and is keeping her at the front of the microphone. I had to cover this indicator with duct tape while using it to avoid squinting, and even then I could see its bright light. It sounds good, but it's not a mic I'd want on my desk all the time.

As I mentioned above, the Blue Yeti Pro is definitely superior to the Yeti if you place it 15-20 centimeters from your mouth, but it performed much worse when placed a little further away - which is understandable given that the Pro is more intended for use in a studio environment. This great option, if you want to upgrade to a higher quality level, but it's quite expensive (usually around $230 (161), although some can be purchased at a discount) for a microphone that doesn't perform top-notch in all situations. However, the XLR connectors located at the bottom may be necessary if you plan to use any kind of mixing console.

Blue Snowball

Blue makes great microphones, so the Blue Snowball is a good option, but spending a little more money can get you a much better microphone, the Yeti. This is the same problem I mentioned when discussing the Zalman ZM-Mic1; If you're looking to improve the quality of your microphone, it's not always worth buying a budget option. A good quality mic can make all the difference, and the Snowball, while good, is at that weird point where the best solution It would be better to buy a microphone that is more expensive or cheaper.

Other microphones

I heard good feedback about the Shure PG42-USB, but Shure told me that they no longer make this microphone, which means it will likely be very hard to find, making it pointless to test it, much less recommend it. I also looked at the Marshall MXL AC-404, but that mic is more geared towards conferences, so its sensitivity and design pretty quickly ruled it out of this list.

While some of the microphones listed above come with stands, mounts, and pop filters, not all do. And some of them come with very cheap, flimsy attributes that will break after a while.

Microphone with shock absorber, pop filter and acoustic screen.

Many gamers don't consider these accessories necessary, but they should be there. The good news is that most accessories are relatively inexpensive.

Pop filter

This accessory is essential for almost any microphone. While some microphones are better at blocking wind and crackling sounds, nothing is perfect.

A pop filter is attached to the microphone.

To prevent unpleasant sounds while recording or streaming, it is highly recommended to purchase a pop filter or windscreen. This is a simple piece of cloth that is placed in front of the microphone to filter out noise and wind coming through the microphone input.

Stand or microphone stand

Only a few models on my list come with a stand. And not all of them are strong and reliable. A good stand or mic stand is another important item for any Twitch streamer.

Microphone for Blue streaming on a stand.

The use of each holder comes down to personal preference. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, the microphone stand is subject to vibrations caused by typing.

Shock absorber

If you plan on having your microphone attached to a stand or on a stand, you will need small device, called a shock absorber.

This is a special housing that is used to significantly reduce sound interference caused by vibrations. In other words, your microphone won't pick up noise, clicks, or interference when you hit the stand, move it, or someone stomps nearby, sending shock waves through whatever is holding the microphone. This is an important accessory for many streamers because most people use gaming chairs that roll around on the floor, throwing controllers, typing on a keyboard located on the same desk as the microphone, and so on.

Even the best microphone for streaming is not able to block 100% of the sound caused by vibrations. However, using a shock absorber will greatly reduce the chance of interference affecting your audio signal.

Why spend big money on a microphone for streaming?

If you plan to make a career and make money from streaming or recording videos in games, then you need to have good equipment to create quality content. One of the most important elements is your microphone.

Viewers want to hear the streamer or vlogger without turning up the volume or trying to decipher words between noises and hisses. If your viewers encounter these problems, they may immediately leave your channel and never come back to it.

To avoid this problem, you need to invest in a good microphone for streaming. A good microphone gives you the ability to play games or communicate with fans directly without worrying about your viewers complaining about poor sound quality.

For today voice messages, online communication, recording video and audio on your channel is an everyday matter. In order for your interlocutor to hear your clear, undistorted, loud voice, and for the sound in the video to be pleasing to the ear, you need to acquire high-quality audio input devices to your computer, or rather, microphones.

You're lucky if you already have a microphone built into your laptop. Although it may become outdated. Usually you have to buy it separately. It is inexpensive, but you need to be able to choose it. Our rating of the best microphones for laptops and computers 2020 will help you with this!

Computer microphones come in different types of mounting:

• tabletop, with stand;
• on clothes - with a clip. Usually the clip fits both the monitor and the laptop lid;
• capacitor. Wireless, connect directly to the corresponding laptop connector. For desktop computers unsuitable;
• wireless headset.

What requirements should be met for microphones so as not to make a mistake with the purchase?

• suppression of external noise. The microphone should highlight the voice, and not reproduce the noise of cars on the street, the blow of wind in the window, or the hissing of oil in mom’s kitchen. Pay attention to the frequency range: the average person speaks within 100-10000 Hz;
• strength of the structure and cord. A microphone is a mobile design, it has to be moved often, and its durability depends on its reliability;
• high sensitivity so that you don’t have to talk very close to the microphone every time;
• compactness. Especially if you have limited desk space or need to take it with you;
• direction of signal catching. Some models can pick up frontal sound and will not respond to sound from the side;
• sound pressure. A microphone can receive a signal, but process and transmit it in terrible quality. This parameter determines how well the signal will be transmitted.

The best microphones for computer and laptop 2020

The Best Tabletop Microphones

A very good desktop option with a bendable leg, well suited for Skype. The stand has a built-in weight for good stability. It may be suitable for online communication, voice chats, and audio messages. Not suitable for recording high-quality audio and video.

Type: desktop.

Noise reduction: yes.

Average price: 120 rubles.

Advantages:

• low cost;
• stable support;
• bendable leg;
• slight noise filtering.

Flaws:

• not all noise is filtered out.

Microphone review - in the video:

This microphone can be used for dubbing non-professional videos. It filters out unnecessary noise and gives a completely clear sound. Very high sensitivity - no need to constantly lean towards it. Of course, this is a great option for online conversations. The design is lightweight and stable at the same time. The stand rotates freely in different directions.

Type: desktop.

Noise reduction: yes.

Average price: 350 rub.

Advantages:

• convenient design: stability, rotation;
• strength;
• easy connection;
• recorded sound is good;
• the cord is long.

Flaws:

• The sound must be quite loud to record. To too quiet sound This model is poorly sensitive.

The microphone, first of all, attracts with its unusual minimalist design. It has a wide range of applications: video dubbing, audio recording, online presentations, conversations. A convenient ball joint between the leg and the stand ensures the structure's mobility in all directions. This is an excellent choice for those who constantly work with sound on their computer.

Type: desktop.

Noise reduction: yes.

Average price: 490 rubles.

Advantages:

• good sensitivity;
• Stylish and compact design, convenient to take with you;
• noise suppression;
• there is a microphone mute button;
• gets along well with other microphones if they are connected to the same system.

Flaws:

• There's a bit of noise when recording. Exit: turn off the speakers.

Microphone comparison video review:

Compact model with a fairly long cord (2m). It connects easily, is stable, the leg bends, and the microphone itself is omnidirectional. Can be used for communication, computer games. There is speech recognition and noise filtering. Not suitable for recording audio and video.

Type: desktop.

Noise reduction: yes.

Average price: 320 rubles.

Advantages:

• good price;
• flexibility;
• compactness;
• pretty good sound transmission.

Flaws:

• the model is not professional;
• low sensitivity - if you speak at a distance, you may not be heard;
• In order for sound transmission and sound reception to proceed normally, you also need to play with the microphone settings on the computer.

The best clip-on microphones

A very inexpensive model that can be attached both to clothing and to a computer, laptop lid, shelf, table. It can be used exclusively for conversations on Skype or other chats, but the model is not suitable for serious audio or video recording - it does not filter out noise. The sensitivity is quite high - there is no need to hold it directly to the mouth.

Type: for clothes.

Average price: 150 rubles.

Advantages:

• very affordable price;
• easy connection;
• mobility, very small dimensions;
• good sensitivity.

Flaws:

• not suitable for serious audio-video recordings;
• no noise suppression;
• harsh mount.

Microphone test drive in video:

A simple model that is secured to clothing with a clip, or can be attached to the monitor with Velcro. Quite good sensitivity, omnidirectionality. The cord length is 1.8 meters - enough to move freely and not be chained to the screen. Suitable for gamers (voice chats), online communication, and peer-to-peer conferences.

Type: for clothes.

Noise reduction: none.

Average price: 160 rubles.

Advantages:

• affordable price;
• compactness and simplicity;
• good sensitivity.

Flaws:

• does not suppress noise;
• the wire does not allow you to go far from the computer;
• not suitable for professional recording or serious conferences.

Another miniature microphone that is attached to clothing with a clip, and to a monitor or table with Velcro. Suitable for communication and for gamer chats. Not suitable for recording serious videos or audio. Wire 1.8 m.

Type: for clothes.

Noise reduction: none.

Average price: 160 rubles.

Advantages:

• easy to connect and attach;
• sufficient sensitivity not to be attached in close proximity to the mouth;
• compactness and mobility.

Flaws:

• non-professional model;
• no noise reduction, not the best sound quality.

Comparative video review of the gadget:

The model, although suspended, is professional. The diaphragm is omnidirectional, sound recording and playback is excellent. The length of the wire is almost 2 meters. A foam windproof attachment and a convenient and reliable metal clip make this microphone quite suitable for recording sound. good quality.

Type: for clothes.

Noise reduction: yes.

Average price: 1960 rubles.

Advantages:

• professional model;
• convenient fastening;
• excellent sensitivity;
• compactness.

Flaws:

• the price is high;
• the wire somewhat ties the speaker to the technology.

The best wireless headsets

Wireless headphones with head-mounted microphone. USB connection, noise reduction in the microphone, can be folded, there is a built-in volume control. Range of action – 10 meters. Work without recharging – 6 hours. The sound is received and output quite well.

Type: wireless headset.

Noise reduction: yes.

Average price: 4700 rubles.

Advantages:

• no wires;
• fairly good sound transmission;
• compactness.

Flaws:

• not enough keys to control;
• the volume is low;
• poor signal through obstacles.

About the pros and cons of the headset - in the video:

The model was developed as a gaming model for maximum convenience for the player: nothing hinders movement, no need to constantly bend over to the microphone, a decent distance from USB. The microphone is equipped with noise reduction, “surround sound” effect. Also suitable for online communication. Conveniently and comfortably attached to the head. There is a volume control. Can also work with smartphones and tablets.

Type: wireless headset.

Noise reduction: yes.

Average price: 11,800 rubles.

Advantages:

• no wires;
• convenient fastening;
• noise suppression;
• "sound around".

Flaws:

• Some gamers note that it is not always audible which side the sound is coming from. For example, the footsteps of approaching enemies. In games, it is very important to hear exactly where sounds are coming from. This is not always clear with these headphones.

Comfortable and convenient gaming headset. You can also buy it to listen to music. Noise suppression in the microphone, comfortable ear cups, complete comfort of use.

Type: wireless headset.

Noise reduction: yes.

Average price: 7850 rubles.

Advantages:

• no wires;
• good sensitivity;
• produces excellent sound;
• comfortable to wear.

Flaws:

• Not all users find the cup size comfortable due to different ear sizes. Be sure to try it on first;
• users note that speaking into the microphone and hearing at the same time good sounds It doesn't work out of games. When you try to say something into the microphone, the quality of the incoming sound drops for this period.

Review of the headset - in the video:

Best Condenser Microphones

An excellent and compact model for recording studios. Suitable for regular communication as well. Just plug it into your laptop and use it. Has voice recognition function.

Type: capacitor.

Noise reduction: yes.

Average price: 650 rubles.

Advantages:

• good sensitivity;
• direction;
• excellent quality sound;
• compact and easy to connect;
• recognizes voice.

Flaws:

• quite high price;
• not suitable for desktop computers if the power supply is not located next to the monitor.

Another topical device that is installed on laptops. The leg bends. The microphone is inserted directly into the jack. The sensitivity is high, you don’t have to constantly move closer to the microphone to speak. The output sound quality is not the best, so it is not suitable for professional purposes - only for communication.

Type: capacitor.

Noise reduction: no.

Average price: 350 rubles.

Advantages:

• compactness;
• strength, although it seems fragile;
• acceptable price;
• convenient connection.

Flaws:

• The sound quality is not up to par;
• not suitable for desktop computers whose power supply is not located in close proximity to the monitor.

A true professional model for studio recordings. Connects to the USB connector. Complete suppression of third-party noise - the model highlights only the voice. There is a built-in preamplifier, so the recorded sound is guaranteed to be loud. An attenuator switch is also built-in. There is a headphone output.

Type: capacitor.

Noise reduction: present.

Average price: 17,500 rubles.

Advantages:

• professional model. Great quality sound without noise. Many built-in devices for excellent sound transmission;
• Ease of use;
• good stability.

Flaws:

• very high price;
• If a stand is needed, it must be purchased separately.

Professional review of the microphone - in the video:

Creative design coupled with excellent recording performance makes this model a real bestseller among professional studio microphones. It simply plugs into a USB connector. It is possible to change the direction of the diagram. Amplifier, headphone jack, filters out any noise except voice, excellent sensitivity. The stand is already included.

Type: capacitor.

Noise reduction: available.

Average price: 12,000 rubles.

Advantages:

• professional. Excellent sound and reception quality. Ability to change settings;
• You can choose the color of the case.

Flaws:

• high price.

A full review of the microphone is in the video:

Choosing a microphone begins with finding out the purpose of its use. The principle “better means more expensive” is not needed here. There is absolutely no need to buy a studio-based, ultra-sensitive model with a bunch of bells and whistles if you just sometimes talk to your parents on Skype. And - on the contrary - you should not try to skimp on quality if you are buying a microphone for recording good videos, to a radio station studio or to record music tracks.

Many laptops and almost all webcams have built-in microphones, but if you're trying to create a podcast or record a demo of your songs, you need a device with much better audio quality. This is where a USB microphone comes to the rescue.

When buying a USB microphone, you need to pay attention not only to its price, but also to its sound characteristics. The frequency range of the human ear is from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Microphones that have a frequency outside the range of human hearing distort high and low sounds so that the voice may sound somewhat unnatural.

We present to you top 10 best USB microphones of 2015 according to Wirerealm, a site dedicated to reviews and news about music devices.

10. Blue Snowflake

This is a portable cardioid condenser microphone. Great for podcasting, gaming, internet chat, but not the best option for professional recording. Frequency range: 35 Hz - 20 kHz.

9. Apogee MiC 96k

Compatible with Mac, iPhone and iPad. The presence of a microphone preamplifier and A/D converter, high recording quality (up to 96 kHz/24-bit), as well as a small size make this device good choice both for home and studio.

8. Samson Go Mic

Portable condenser microphone. Comes with USB cable, cable clip, and zippered pouch. Thanks to its small size, light weight (0.105 kg) and low price, Samson Go Mic is a worthy competitor to the “blue snowflake”, which took 10th place in the ranking of the best USB microphones. Samson Go Mic frequency range - 20 Hz to 18 kHz

7. Shure PG42

This semi-professional condenser microphone comes with a stand mount and carrying case. The large diaphragm has high sensitivity and allows you to convey the smallest nuances of sound. Switches allow you to activate the filter low frequencies and attenuator -15 dB. The operating range is from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

6. Blue Snowball

The sampling rate is 44.1 kHz / 16-bit, which allows the device to compete with USB microphones that cost three times as much. The Blue Snowball is a condenser microphone that can switch between omnidirectional and cardioid modes. One of its best features is its aesthetics, it looks beautiful and comes in 10 different color options. Frequency range - 40 Hz -18 kHz.

5.CAD U37

Its advantages include: low cost, a 3-meter cable and a large condenser capsule for rich sound. Overload protection switch minimizes distortion from loud sound sources. Operates in the range 40 Hz – 18 kHz.

4. Rode NT-USB

Provides clear sound when recording voiceovers and podcasts. Compatible with iPad (requires a USB adapter when connecting). The package includes a stand, a case for storing the microphone and a pop filter that attaches to the microphone base. A stereo headphone jack is provided for real-time monitoring of the Rode NT-USB. Supports range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

3. Audio-Technica AT2020USB

Opening the top three of the list of the best USB-connected microphones is a 16-bit cardioid microphone. It is suitable for professional singers thanks to the ability to mount it with a microphone stand and boom. The lightweight diaphragm provides superior dynamics and an extended frequency range of 20 Hz to 16 kHz.

2. Samson Meteor

The cardioid studio microphone features a large diaphragm with a wide recording surface (25mm), and a folding mechanism for easy portability or storage. Another interesting feature Samson Meteor is that it can connect to smart devices (you will need an Apple converter for this). The declared operating range is 20 Hz-20 kHz.

1. Blue Yeti

The world's first microphone to combine 24-bit digital recording with XLR analog output. Blue Yeti allows you to record audio in stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional or bidirectional modes. He works in frequency range 20 Hz - 20 kHz.

The class of USB condenser microphones, which appeared relatively recently, has managed to gain wide popularity in the world, allowing you to obtain sound quality comparable to that of a studio at home. Such devices are actively used by musicians, singers or rappers, as well as podcasters, announcers and presenters. You can learn more about the technical side of the issue in our previous article “”, but today we will talk about the best representatives of various price segments.

Budget

Nady USB-1C

A simple and affordable condenser microphone produced by the American company Nady Systems, which once became famous for the fact that their products were actively used by Mick Jaeger. The device is ideal for aspiring singers and podcasters, offering good recording quality for a reasonable price. The design uses an AKM AK5371 DAC that supports 16-bit 44/48 kHz resolution. There are no controls, hardware monitoring capabilities or a stand, and only a 3-meter USB cable. The issue of placement is resolved by purchasing an additional floor or table stand, and monitoring can also be organized programmatically, although with some delay of around 0.5 seconds. The cost of USB-1C is 7,000 rubles.

Samson Meteor

One of the most popular budget models created by Samson, known primarily for the fact that it was the company that developed and launched the world’s first USB microphone C01U Pro. Meteor has an attractive retro design, has a design with convenient folding legs allowing it to be easily placed on a table, and has a number of useful functions. Includes USB cable and carrying pouch.

The device allows you to record in 16-bit 44/48 kHz quality, is compatible with both PC or MAC and iPad, and does not require the installation of any drivers, being automatically detected in the system as an external audio interface. There is a headphone output with volume control for direct, latency-free monitoring, a mute button, and a clip indicator. Like the Nady product, Samson is perfect for beginners, without pretending to solve serious studio problems. You can buy a microphone for 6 - 7000 rubles.

CAD U39

Our review of inexpensive models ends with a product from the American company CAD Audio, which has been producing high-quality microphones for over 85 years. U39 will allow you to get a full-fledged device for recording voices, vocals or instruments for little money, simply connecting to a USB interface. The bitrate and sampling frequency of the device are still the same 16 bit 44/48 kHz, but the possibilities are a little wider. In addition to hardware monitoring with volume control, implemented using the proprietary TrakMix chip, the microphone is equipped with a low-cut filter, an overload indicator and a power button. The set includes a convenient tabletop tripod, a holder for mounting on a stand and a long three-meter USB cable. The price of CAD U39 in Russia is 8500 rubles.

Middle price segment

Audio-Technica AT2020USBi

The latest modification of the popular AT2020 condenser microphone, produced by the world famous Japanese company Audio-Technica. The original model has been in production for many years, but with increasing demand for computer recording, the developers also created a USB version. AT2020USBi, first presented at Prolight + Sound 2015, differs from its predecessors AT2020USB and AT2020USB+ by supporting work with Apple devices, and just as importantly, more high resolution, increased to 24 bit/96 kHz.

The design provides a headphone output for direct monitoring, a sensitivity control and an overload indicator. The device comes with a table stand with a variable tilt angle and a pair of cables: USB for connecting to a PC and Lightning for iOS gadgets. With an average cost of 15,000 rubles, the AT2020USBi is a very worthy device for high-quality sound recording.

RODE NT-USB

The Australian company RODE is one of the leaders in the production of condenser microphones and has a wide range of products to solve any problem. Among them there is also a model with a built-in DAC, designed for recording sound directly into a computer. NT-USB confidently claims to be best ratio price/quality in its price segment, offering excellent sound transmission and wide possibilities.

The device is compatible with PC, MAC or iOS and supports 16 bits and 44/48 kHz. For ease of operation, there is a headphone output, an overload indicator and two regulators, one of which is responsible for the volume of sound coming from the capsule, and the second allows you to set the mix between hardware and software monitoring. The kit, in addition to the table stand, includes a pop filter attached to the case and a USB cable as much as 6 meters long. Price NT-USB 14 - 15,000 rubles.

Aphex Microphone X

Last in the mid-price segment I would like to mention an interesting product from Aphex, which once developed the legendary Aural Exciter. The main difference that sets Microphone X apart from its competitors is the presence on board of an analog processing section, consisting of an optical compressor that allows you to level out the dynamics, a proprietary exciter designed to add brightness to the sound, and a Big Bottom processor that corrects the low-frequency component of the signal.

In addition, for direct monitoring there is a headphone amplifier with its own volume control and a potentiometer that adjusts the sensitivity of the microphone. The built-in converter supports resolutions up to 24-bit, 96 kHz, and connection to a PC or MAC is available. Includes a height-adjustable tabletop tripod, stand holder, and USB cable. For those who like to experiment, Microphone X will definitely be one of the best options. The cost of the microphone today is 14,000 rubles.

Dear models

Blue Yeti Pro

The top-end USB microphone from the American company Blue Microphones became the world's first device of this class, capable of recording sound at a frequency of 192 kHz and 24 bits. The innovative possibilities don't stop there. The microphone is equipped with three condenser capsules, allowing you to select one of four modes (stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional or figure-of-eight), providing different polar patterns.

Complementing all this is an analog XLR output, designed for use with the Yeti Pro in conjunction with a mixing console or external DAC. The device controls are represented by Mute and Gain buttons, a mode selector and a volume control for the sound supplied to the headphones. The possibility of hardware monitoring is also present. The set includes a convenient desktop base, a rack mount holder and a USB cable. The quality of the sound captured by the microphone and the conversion by the built-in converter is comparable to that of the studio, but the price also varies between 22 - 27,000 rubles.

Sennheiser MK4 Digital

The German company Sennheiser is considered one of the world's best manufacturers of professional-class headphones and microphones, and their wireless systems are completely unrivaled. The brand's latest developments in the field of digital audio took place in collaboration with Apogee Electronics, whose converters are used in top recording studios. One of the joint products was the MK4 Digital USB microphone, first presented at Prolight + Sound 2016. The model is an upgrade of the popular MK4, complemented by a proprietary Apogee DAC and preamplifier. The device is compatible with PC, MAC and iOS, for connection to which USB and Lightning cables are included. You will not find hardware monitoring and others here additional features, but the quality of the output sound will be exceptional. The cost of MK4 Digital is about 30,000 rubles.

Shure PG42USB

The no less renowned microphone manufacturer Shure has in its arsenal a studio-level model that allows you to send digital sound to your computer directly via USB port. The PG42USB is a replica of the PG42 vocal microphone, complete with a converter, preamp and headphone amplifier. The condenser capsule has a large diaphragm, providing a wide dynamic range and high detail. The presence of a headphone amplifier and volume control makes it easy to organize hardware monitoring. All this is complemented by the ability to set sensitivity and a pair of overload indicators, one each for incoming and outgoing signals. Vibration-protected holder, connection cable and aluminum transport case included. The price of the microphone is 24,000 rubles.

Conclusion

If you are just starting to learn the basics of sound recording, moving from multimedia devices to semi-professional ones, then, most likely, the capabilities of budget models will be quite enough. To get good quality sound, you should pay attention to microphones costing from 15,000 rubles, and, finally, studio resolution can only be offered to you by top models of the highest price segment.