Many laptops and almost all webcams have built-in microphones, but if you are trying to create a podcast or record a demo of your songs, you need a device with much better sound quality. That's where the USB microphone comes in.
When buying a USB microphone, you need to pay attention not only to its price, but also to the 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 the top-10 best USB microphones of 2015 according to the version of Wirerealm website, dedicated to reviews and news about music devices.
Contents:
- 10. Blue Snowflake
- 9. Apogee MiC 96k
- 8. Samson Go Mic
- 7. Shure PG42
- 6. Blue Snowball
- 5. CAD U37
- 4. Rode NT-USB
- 3. Audio-Technica AT2020USB
- 2. Samson Meteor
- 1. Blue Yeti
10. Blue Snowflake
This is a portable cardioid condenser microphone. Great for podcasting, games, internet chat, but not the best option for professional recording. Frequency range: 35 Hz - 20 kHz.
9. Apogee MiC 96k
Compatible with both Mac, iPhone and iPad. Presence of microphone preamplifier and A / D converter, high quality of recording( up to 96 kHz / 24-bit), and small size make this device a good choice for both home and studio.
8. Samson Go Mic
Portable condenser microphone. Comes with USB cable, cable clip, and zippered case. Due to its small size, low weight( 0.105 kg) and low price Samson Go Mic is worthy of competition "blue snowflake", ranked 10th in the ranking of the best USB microphones. Samson Go Mic frequency range - from 20 Hz to 18 kHz
7. Shure PG42
This condenser semiprofessional microphone comes with a rack mount and case. A large diaphragm has a high sensitivity and allows you to convey the smallest nuances of sound. The switches allow the use of a low-pass filter and an attenuator of -15 dB.The operating range is from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
6. Blue Snowball
Sampling frequency 44.1 kHz / 16-bit, which allows the device to compete with USB microphones, which cost three times as much. Blue Snowball is a condenser microphone that can switch between omni-directional or cardioid modes. One of its best features is aesthetics, it looks beautiful and comes in 10 different color options. The frequency range is 40 Hz -18 kHz.
5. CAD U37
Its advantages include low cost, a 3 meter long cable and a large capacitor capsule for rich sound. The overload protection switch minimizes distortion from loud sound sources. Operates in a range of 40 Hz - 18 kHz.
4. Rode NT-USB
Provides clear sound when recording voice-over texts and podcasts. Compatible with iPad( requires USB adapter when connected).The package includes a stand, a microphone storage bag and a pop filter, which is attached to the microphone base. There is a stereo headphone jack for monitoring Rode NT-USB in real time. Supports a range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
3. Audio-Technica AT2020USB
Opens the top three of the list of the best microphones with a USB connection, a cardioid microphone with a 16-bit capacity. It is suitable for professional singers thanks to the ability to mount it with a microphone stand and suspension. A diaphragm with a low weight provides excellent dynamics and an extended frequency range - from 20 Hz to 16 kHz.
2. Samson Meteor
Studio microphone with a cardioid pattern is equipped with a large diaphragm with a wide surface recording( 25 mm), and has a mechanism for folding the legs for easy transfer or storage. Another interesting feature of Samson Meteor is that it can connect to smart devices( for this you will need an Apple converter).The declared operating range is 20 Hz-20 kHz.
1. Blue Yeti
The first microphone in the world that combines 24-bit digital recording with an analog XLR output. Blue Yeti allows you to record sound in stereo, cardioid, omni-directional or bi-directional modes. It operates in the frequency range 20 Hz - 20 kHz.