Best USB Microphones

The $120 Blue Yeti is among the hottest USB microphones available on the market. It options recording modes similar to cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional and stereo. It additionally has on-the-spot acquire management and a three.5mm audio jack for headphones. You may also unscrew the microphone from the mount to connect a microphone stand to the underside. The Blue Yeti has a easy plug-and-play setup that capabilities with Home windows 10 and macOS. Nevertheless, the Blue Yeti is a bit chunky, so hold that in thoughts when you plan on touring with it.

Professionals: 4 recording modes; Achieve management

Cons: Chunky

Recording modes: Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo | Compatibility: Home windows 10, macOS | Measurement: four.72 x four.92 x 11.61 inches | Weight: 1.2 kilos (2.2 kilos w/ stand)

Credit score: Blue

In case you’re searching for a sleeker different, the HyperX Quadcast is the way in which to go. It presents the identical options because the Blue Yeti, similar to 4 recording modes, acquire management and a headphone jack. However not like the Blue Yeti, it options an inner pop filter, which’ll cut back popping sounds, and a shock mount, which suppresses unintentional rumbles. On high of the microphone is a tap-to-mute sensor. And it isn’t solely appropriate with Home windows 10 and macOS, but additionally with PS4. Nevertheless, the Quadcast is just a little pricer than the competitors, at $140. 

Professionals: 4 recording modes; Achieve management; Smooth; PS4 appropriate

Cons: Expensive

Recording modes: Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo | Compatibility: Home windows 10, macOS, PS4 | Measurement: four x 5.1 x 9.Eight inches | Weight: zero.56 kilos (zero.Eight kilos w/ stand)

Credit score: HyperX

In case you’re seeking to spend slightly below $100, you possibly can go together with the Razer Seiren X. Just like the Yeti and Quadcast, the Seiren X has a easy plug-and-play setup for Home windows 10 and macOS. Nevertheless, the Seiren X packs solely a single recording mode: supercardioid. This can be a tighter model of cardioid that eliminates extra background noise. The Seiren X does not have an adapter (three/Eight to five/Eight inch) to connect to a growth arm, so you may should buy that individually.

Professionals: Supercardioid mode; Compact aluminum design

Cons: One recording mode; No acquire management

Recording modes: Cardioid (supercardioid) | Compatibility: Home windows 10, macOS | Measurement: four.1 x 7.7 x Eight.four inches | Weight: 1.86 kilos

Credit score: Razer

In case you’re sticking to Blue since you just like the model however nonetheless wish to save just a little extra cash, the Blue Yeti Nano is your subsequent best option. In contrast to the Razer Seiren X, the Yeti Nano comes with a three/Eight- to five/Eight-inch adapter to connect with a growth arm. It additionally options each cardioid and omnidirectional recording modes l. It has a three.5mm audio jack for headphone monitoring just like the others, however it does not have any onboard acquire controls.

Professionals: Two recording modes; Comes with mount adapter; Compact

Cons: No acquire management

Recording modes: Cardioid, omnidirectional | Compatibility: Home windows 10, macOS | Measurement: four.29 x three.78 x Eight.31 inches | Weight: 1.39 kilos

Credit score: Blue

The Samson Go is a stable alternative when you’re on a good funds. For simply $30, it presents cardioid and omnidirectional recording modes, a three.5mm audio jack and a fold-up design with a clip that may connect to your laptop computer’s display screen. Its compact design makes it straightforward to take with you wherever, therefore the “Go.” Nevertheless, contemplating the dimensions of the microphone, you are certain to get a decrease high quality recording.

Professionals: Two recording modes; Tremendous reasonably priced; Transportable

Cons: Decrease-quality mic; No acquire management

Recording modes: Cardioid, omnidirectional | Compatibility: Home windows 10, macOS | Measurement: 6 x 1 x 5 inches | Weight: zero.5 kilos

Credit score: Samson