3 best usb condenser microphones
USB condenser microphones are popular audio recording devices known for their versatility and ease of use. They are designed for various applications, from recording podcasts and voiceovers to live streaming, gaming, and music production. Here's what you need to know about USB condenser microphones:
Condenser Microphone Technology: USB condenser microphones use condenser capsule technology to capture audio. This technology offers superior sensitivity and clarity compared to dynamic microphones, making condenser mics well-suited for capturing vocals and acoustic instruments.
USB Connectivity: Unlike traditional XLR condenser microphones that require external audio interfaces, USB condenser microphones have a built-in USB interface. This means you can connect them directly to a computer or other USB-enabled device without the need for additional hardware.
Plug-and-Play: USB condenser microphones are typically plug-and-play devices, meaning they are easy to set up and don't require specialized drivers. Once connected, your computer should recognize the microphone, allowing you to start recording or streaming right away.
Audio Quality: USB condenser microphones come in various quality levels, from entry-level options to professional-grade models. Higher-end models offer studio-quality audio with a wide frequency response and low noise levels.
Cardioid Pickup Pattern: Many USB condenser microphones feature a cardioid pickup pattern, which means they primarily capture sound from the front while rejecting sound from the sides and rear. This pattern is ideal for recording vocals or single sound sources.
Accessories: Some USB condenser microphones come with accessories like shock mounts, pop filters, and adjustable stands to help improve audio quality and ease of use.
Applications: USB condenser microphones are suitable for a wide range of applications, including podcasting, voiceovers, video conferencing, gaming, music recording, and online streaming.They are favored by content creators and musicians for their versatility.
Monitoring: Some USB condenser microphones offer headphone jacks with real-time monitoring capabilities. This allows you to listen to your audio while recording, which can be essential for achieving the desired sound quality.
Compatibility: USB condenser microphones are generally compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. They can be used with various audio recording and streaming software.
Price Range: USB condenser microphones are available at different price points, making them accessible to users with various budgets. The price often correlates with the microphone's build quality and audio performance.
In summary, USB condenser microphones are user-friendly audio recording devices that provide high-quality sound capture directly to a computer via USB connectivity. They are a popular choice for content creators, podcasters, musicians, and anyone in need of a versatile and convenient microphone for various audio recording and streaming applications.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best usb condenser microphones on the marketProduct description
Equipped with a USB output, the AT2020USB+ is designed for digitally capturing music or any acoustic audio source using your favorite recording software. The microphone offers the critically acclaimed, award-winning sound of the AT2020, with studio-quality articulation and intelligibility perfect for singer/songwriters, podcasters, voice-over artists, field recorders, and home studio recorders. The AT2020USB+ features a built-in headphone jack with volume control that allows you to directly monitor your microphone signal with no delay. It also offers mix control that blends microphone and pre-recorded audio. The microphone’s cardioid pickup pattern delivers excellent off-axis rejection, while its A/D converter with a 16-bit, 44.1/48 kHz sampling rate ensures extremely articulate sound reproduction. Audio-Technica’s state-of-the-art design and manufacturing techniques ensure that the microphone complies with the company’s renowned consistency and reliability standards.
- Condenser microphone with USB output for digital recording
- High quality A/D converter with 16 bit, 44.1/48 kilohertz sampling rate for superb audio
- Headphone jack with volume control allows you to monitor the microphone signal with no delay
- Mix control allows you to blend your microphone signal and prerecorded audio
- High output, the internal headphone amplifier delivers superior clarity and musical detail as well as more volume overall
- Compatible with Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X
User questions & answers
Question: | How is the AT2020PLUS different from the regular AT |
Answer: | I have both. The AT2020 was great for general recording purposes, but for singing or voiceover I do LOVE the monitor jack and the slider. The slider will let you balance what comes into your monitor (your earbuds, headphones, whatever you plug in to the jack) so you can choose how much of the mic versus the PC comes into your ears. This gets important because if you rely on the PC to feed your voice back to you, there is a slight signal delay that can get awkward. You don't have to use the monitor, and it doesn't affect the act of recording. Hope that helps! |
Question: | Does this work with windows 10? I need someone who actually uses it on win10 machine, not someone selling them. I have at2020 not working w/ win |
Answer: | Yes, I'm running Windows 10 with Audacity recording software. By the way, with this one-directional mic, it's very important to be speaking INTO THE BLUE LIGHT behind the screen. That's the one-directional "sweet spot." And, you didn't ask, but I record (as do most of my professional colleagues now stuck at home) into the free software "Audacity." Some have found that If you plug in the mic AFTER you load Audacity, it may not recognize AT2020+ as a microphone choice, and while it may still record, the results will be unsatisfactory. If or when that happens, just restart Audacity AFTER plugging the USB into your computer and click on the AT2020+ option. |
Question: | Is this a one-directional mic? I was told that a one-directional mic is best for recording podcasts |
Answer: | Yes, and it's very important to be speaking INTO THE BLUE LIGHT behind the screen. That's the one-directional "sweet spot." And, you didn't ask, but I record (as do most of my professional colleagues now stuck at home) into the free software "Audacity." Some have found that If you plug in the mic AFTER you load Audacity, it may not recognize AT2020+ as a microphone choice and while it may still record, the results will be unsatisfactory. If or when that happens, just restart Audacity AFTER plugging the USB into your computer and click on the AT2020+ option. |
Question: | is it possible to listen to a downloaded .mp3 instrumental (NOT instrument) on my PC and hear that while i record over it using this mic |
Answer: | Yes, using the monitor dial on mic itself, toggling between PC sound and your own, or setting accordingly until balance suites you. (using plugged in headphones into mic) |
Product features
For Digital Recording Use
Condenser microphone with USB output.
Superb Audio Quality
High-quality A/D converter with 16 bit, 44.1/48 kHz sampling rate.
Mix Control & Volume Control
Mix control allows you to blend your microphone signal and pre-recorded audio; headphone jack volume control allows you to monitor the microphone signal with no delay.
Smooth, Extended Frequency Response
Ideally suited for podcasting, home studio recording, field recording and voiceover use.
USB Compatibility
Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X.
Accessories Furnished
Pivoting stand mount for 5/8"-27 threaded stands; 5/8"-27 to 3/8"-16 threaded adapter; soft protective pouch; tripod desk stand; 10' (3.1 m) USB cable.
Product description
Engineered for quick and easy portable use, the MOTIV MV5 Digital condenser microphone delivers convenient, high-quality plug and play audio capture for Mac, PC, iPhone, iPod, iPad and Android devices. Featuring three onboard DSP presets (Vocals, Flat, Instrument) that ensure optimal settings for capturing virtually any sound source. Ideal for everything from music to podcasting to audio for desktop video chats. The MV5 also includes an integrated headphone output for real time monitoring. Tested to the same rigorous quality standards as all Shure products, a low-profile, retro-inspired industrial design is optimized for portable applications and comes in a choice of colors. Ships complete with a detachable desktop stand to easily integrate into any creative space.
- Apple MFi (Made for iPhone/iPod/iPad) Certified for direct connection to any iOS device without the need for any additional adapters or connection kits
- 3 DSP Preset Modes (Vocals, Flat, Instrument)
- Automatically applies gain, EQ, compression and limiting for optimal results
- Built-in headphone output for real-time monitoring
- Custom-tuned microphone capsule provides best-in-class audio
- Available in 2 colors gray with black foam and black with red foam
- Included anodized aluminum desktop stand and integrated thread mount compatible with any standard 1/4" camera tripod thread
User questions & answers
Question: | Could i use a microphone suspension boom to hold up this microphone |
Answer: | Use a sticky cell phone gel pad. They cost about $5 and will keep your mount from sliding even in quick turns and hard braking. I bought one years ago and it is still working well. I always put my Garmin on the floor out of sight when parking it gets dirty but the gel pad on the dash works well anyway. |
Question: | How long is the cord to plug into iPad |
Answer: | It works great with the HD ecoroute dongle. Don't expect it to provide full OBD-II information, though, Garmin has limited information for ecoroute. It does provide mileage information, engine temp, rpm, engineload, battery voltage, ignition advance, air intake temp and some others. It shows five guages which can be switched out. It can reset the OBD-II, also. My vehicle has no temp guage and it kept flashing a check engine light - bad thermostat, stuck open. I replaced thermostat and now I can see actual temp. |
Question: | How does this compare in sound quality vs the blue snowball |
Answer: | A button press will toggle between camera and navigation mode. If the camera is wired to your reverse lights for power, your navigator can automatically display camera footage every time the vehicle is shifted into reverse (and back to navigation mode when shifted into a forward gear.) |
Question: | Do you need a pop filter for this mic, or does it work well without |
Answer: | According to the installation instructions for the BC20, the camera has a horizontal angle of 140 degrees and a vertical angle of 115 degrees, with a resolution of 640x480. |
Product features
Get studio sound at home
It’s an amazing time to be creative. Getting your inspiration out there is as close as your computer or even your phone. But your audio could be better. Way better, right?
The MV5 fixes that. With pristine sound recording and intuitive app controls that’s travel-worthy.
Save money with our Mobile Recording Kit
The Shure Mobile Recording Kit (MV5 + SRH240A Headphones) enables you to record and monitor professional-quality content, no matter where you are. Connect the MV5 Microphone directly to your computer or mobile phone, and plug-in the SRH240A headphones to the microphone for real-time monitoring.
Two months of Adobe Premiere Rush with every purchase
We have partnered with our friends at Adobe to provide a two-month subscription to Premiere Rush with every MOTIV microphone. Create, edit and share video content on the move, and have the flexibility of switching between mobile and desktop to edit, whilst your project is saved on the Cloud. Combine your MOTIV microphone with Adobe Premiere Rush and level-up your video production. Visit the Shure website for information on how to redeem.
Product description
Yeti is the most advanced and versatile multi-pattern USB microphone available Anywhere. Combining three capsules and four different pattern settings, Yeti is the ultimate tool for creating amazing recordings, directly to your computer. With all new total Blackout finish, Blackout Yeti adds style and energy to your recording or broadcasting setup. Blackout Yeti can capture anything with a clarity and ease unheard of in a USB microphone. Featuring Blue innovative triple capsule array, Blackout Yeti can record in stereo or your choice of three other unique patterns, including cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional. Blackout Yeti utilizes a high quality A-D converter, a built-in headphone amplifier for zero-latency monitoring, and direct controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and microphone gain. With no drivers to install, Blackout Yeti is the most versatile USB mic lighting up the airwaves today. Headphone Amplifier - Impedance - 16 ohms.
- Custom three-capsule array: produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube, game streaming, podcasting, Skype calls and music
- Four pickup patterns: cardioid, Omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns offer incredible flexibility, allowing you to record in ways that would normally require multiple microphones
- Onboard audio controls: studio controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and microphone gain put you in charge of every level of the recording and streaming process
- Legendary Blue Broadcast sound: makes the professional difference for recording, streaming and building your audience
- Unique position able design: adjust and pivot the microphone in relation to the sound source to optimize your sound quality
- 2 year manufacturer warranty
Product features
Unique Positionable Design
Adjust and pivot the microphone in relation to the sound source to optimize your sound quality.
Blue’s Legendary Broadcast-Quality Sound
Makes the professional difference for recording, streaming and building your audience.
Custom Three-Capsule Array
Produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube, game streaming, podcasting, conference calls and music.
Onboard Audio Controls
Studio controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and microphone gain put you in charge of every level of the recording and streaming process.
Stunning Design
Yeti features a visual design inspired by classic audio gear—a stylish, retro vibe that will complement any desktop system, in a wide palette of colors to match with your on-camera aesthetic.
Four Pickup Patterns
Cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns offer incredible flexibility, allowing you to record in ways that would normally require multiple microphones.
No-Latency Monitoring
Monitor your voice in real time mixed with the sound from your computer to make sure your streams sound great. Compass premium microphone boom arm sold seperately.
Plug 'n Play on Mac and PC
Instantly start recording and streaming on Mac or PC.
Bidirectional Mode
Bidirectional mode picks up sound from both the front and rear of the microphone, but not the sides. Ideal for two-person podcasts.
Stereo Mode
Stereo mode picks up sound from left to right in front of the microphone. Great for recording music or a 3-person podcast.
Four Patterns for Ultimate Versatility
Four distinct pickup patterns allow you to record and stream in ways that would normally require multiple microphones.
Cardioid Mode
Perfect for podcasting, game streaming, YouTube productions, Skype calls, vocals and instruments, cardioid mode captures sound sources that are directly in front of the microphone.
Omni Mode
Omnidirectional mode picks up sound all around the microphone. Great for conference calls and captures the feeling of "being there."
Pro Broadcast Bundle
Yeticaster delivers the ultimate broadcast studio setup to your desktop with Yeti, the world’s #1 USB microphone, the all-new Radius III shockmount, and the Compass premium broadcast boom arm.
Accessorize Your Creative Space
Transform your desktop into a broadcast studio with the Compass broadcast boom arm and Radius III shockmount, or get them all together with Yeticaster.
Compass Premium Broadcast Boom Arm
Tired of squeaky, flimsy scissor booms? We are too! Compass features a broadcast studio-grade design with enclosed aluminum construction, internal springs, and hidden-channel cable management.
Radius III Custom Shockmount
Radius III is a vintage-style suspension mount designed to isolate Yeti and Yeti Pro USB microphones from noise, shock and ambient vibration.
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