Not all mics require complicated equipment to work well. If you’re after a simple but high-quality home recording setup, a USB microphone is a respectable alternative to XLR mics, audio interfaces and other fancy gear. The main benefit of a USB microphone is its portability and convenience. You can simply plug it into any device with a USB input and have it work flawlessly. Even if you have already invested in high-end studio mics, a USB mic can be a useful tool to have when you need to record something quickly. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of what we think are the best USB microphones for music. All 5 of these microphones feature a condenser diaphragm, cardioid pickup pattern as well as 20-20kHz frequency response.
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One of the most well-known USB mic manufacturers out there. The Yeti is one of their best-selling microphones and for good reason. The Yeti offers studio-grade sound in a convenient and beautiful package. The built-in stand allows it to sit on any flat surface without requiring a tripod. Besides the default cardioid polar pattern, you also get 3 other pickup patterns to choose from stereo, bidirectional and omnidirectional. Making it a great, versatile microphone that can be used in a variety of different configurations.
While more famous for their studio headphones, Audio Technica also makes a great selection of microphones. The AT2020 is a favourite among content creators, with a frequency response well suited for podcasting, acoustic instruments and voiceovers. Just like the Yeti, it comes with a headphone jack for instant monitoring. However, there is no gain control. It does have a mix control that allows you to blend the microphone signal with pre-recorded audio though, which producers will find particularly useful.
For those who have used Rode’s popular studio mics, such as the NT-1 and NT-1A, the NT-USB offers a similar level of quality while maintaining a more convenient form factor. While the NT-USB might not sound exactly as detailed as its XLR counterparts, it comes very close. It also comes bundled with a pop filter, which makes it stand out from the other microphones on this list. Because of this pop filter, the NT-USB is a perfect choice for those who want to record vocals.
If you’re on a tight budget, the Samson Meteor provides great quality for the price and is also one of the most uniquely designed microphones on this list. The Meteor features built-in foldable tripod legs that eliminate the need for a dedicated mic stand. It also comes in a beautiful chrome-plated finish. Additionally, it has power, peak and mute indicators, as well as a headphone jack and mute button.
Thanks for reading our article on the 5 best USB mics for music recording! We at Soundbrenner are dedicated to helping musicians stay focused on what truly matters: their music. By creating innovative devices, such as Soundbrenner Pulse and Core, our goal is to deliver the best possible practice experience for musicians. Click here to find out more.
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