If you are looking to buy a USB microphone, there are many options to choose from. These include: Samson’s Q2U, Shure’s MV7, AKG’s Pro Audio Ara and Rode’s NT-USB Mini. All of these are great choices.
1. Samson SAGOMIC Go Mic
Samson SAGOMIC Go Mic USB microphone is a small and portable microphone, perfect for podcasting. It is also a good choice for recording music and voice-overs.
This lightweight mic features a compact, ergonomic design. Its plug-and-play interface means it can be quickly attached to your laptop. There are a number of polar patterns available, ranging from cardioid to omnidirectional.
The microphone is a good choice for new podcasters who are trying to make a name for themselves. With the built-in pop filter, you won’t have to worry about the microphone picking up any unwanted noise.
If you’re planning on using the microphone to record video, you’ll want to be aware of the microphone’s sensitivity. You’ll need to position it at least 6 inches in front of your mouth, and experiment with different positions until you find the best one.
You’ll also want to consider the sound quality. This mic’s super-cardioid polar pattern reduces background noise, making it great for podcasting. Alternatively, the omnidirectional pickup pattern is great for capturing interviews, group interviews, and sound effects.
It’s also easy to use. It includes a mute switch. In addition, it can be used with headphones, a boom, or a mic stand.
While it may not be the best mic on the market, the Samson SAGOMIC Go Mic USB microphone makes a great choice for aspiring content creators. It is also inexpensive and versatile, meaning it’s a good buy for a wide range of applications.
2. Rode NT-USB Mini
The Rode NT-USB Mini USB microphone is perfect for podcasting. It’s a high-quality USB condenser microphone that captures high-quality audio without the need for a mixer.
It is built by Australian microphone manufacturer RODE. With the NT-USB Mini, you can get professional-sounding recordings for a fraction of the cost of a professional microphone.
The NT-USB Mini is compact, easy to use, and gives you broadcast-quality sound. It’s also designed for mobile users. You can mount it on a desktop or on a stand.
It’s made of reinforced nylon resin and has a sturdy metal construction. It has a matte black finish.
It features a directional cardioid pickup pattern, which means it picks up sounds directly in front of the mic. This minimizes off-axis noise. In addition, the NT-USB Mini has a built-in pop filter to minimize popping sounds.
The NT-USB Mini has a headphone jack, which allows you to use a pair of headphones with the microphone. Additionally, you can connect it to any major recording software.
The NT-USB Mini ships with a magnetic desk stand. The stand isolates the mic from structural vibrations and deadens accidental noise.
RODE also offers a free app called Rode Connect. This powerful software works with the NT-USB Mini and allows you to play in recorded features, as well as use the microphone’s inbuilt compressor and APHEX Aural Exciter.
The NT-USB Mini can be used on any computer platform. However, you may need an adapter if you’re using a Mac or mobile device.
3. Apogee Hype Mic
The Apogee Hype Mic USB microphone is a high-end USB mic that features high-quality compression and analogue signal processing. This allows users to record vocals anytime without the need for expensive external amplification. It also helps to enhance spoken vocals and improve the overall signal-to-noise ratio.
Apogee has been developing award-winning audio recording technology since 1985. Their products have been used to capture Grammy-winning performances by today’s top artists.
With the Apogee Hype Mic USB microphone, podcasters and musicians can easily produce studio-quality vocals. It uses analog signaling and compressors, and offers three different compression settings to help you get the best sound.
The USB port on the Hype Mic USB microphone allows you to connect directly to your laptop or iOS device, and the mic includes a pop filter. You can also control the output with a blend option that mixes the source audio with your DAW signal.
The Hype Mic USB microphone is built for durability and ease of use. It includes a metal mesh-screen pop filter, a tripod, and a carrying case. In addition, it comes with three different types of cables.
In addition to a pop filter, the Apogee Hype Mic USB mic is designed for capturing premium-quality vocals. Its cardioid pickup pattern means it captures both directional and non-directional sound, making it ideal for interviews and podcasts.
The Apogee Hype Mic USB mic features studio-quality analog compression and a built-in compressor. It also features three levels of compression to help increase the volume of your vocals.
4. Shure MV7
If you’re a fan of podcasting, you may have heard about the Shure MV7 USB microphone. This microphone is designed for the digital age, and offers hybrid USB and XLR connectivity. It can be used in your home studio or on your mobile device.
The MV7’s touch panel allows you to change input levels, adjust gain, and monitor volume. A headphone output is also included, making it easy to hear your recording. You can save your settings as presets.
One of the most impressive features of the Shure MV7 is its audio quality. With a high-quality cardioid directional pickup pattern and onboard DSP, you can record crisp, clear sound. For those that prefer to avoid the use of external equipment, it’s ideal for laptop-based recordings.
The MV7’s zero-latency headphone output makes it a breeze to monitor your recording. But you can go even further by connecting it to your audio interface for additional control.
Despite its modest price tag, the Shure MV7 is a powerful tool for anyone looking to capture a professional-quality recording. Not only does it offer two simultaneous recording formats, but it’s also optimized for voice recording.
As a result, it’s a great option for people interested in podcasting, streaming, and other voice-based applications. You’ll find that it’s compatible with most modern audio interfaces. In addition, it’s a durable, all-metal device that can stand up to years of abuse.
5. Samson Q2U
If you are new to podcasting and are looking for a USB microphone, the Samson Q2U is an ideal choice. It’s designed for both recording vocals and instruments. A cardioid polar pattern helps to minimize background noise while still providing a good range.
The Q2U has a rugged handheld body that is perfect for interviews and home recordings. This model features high-quality analog to digital converters and a USB connection.
The Q2U can be used with both computers and Macs. The microphone is compatible with a variety of audio interfaces including Zoom digital recorders. There is also a headphone output that can be plugged into a PC or Mac.
For portable use, the Samson Q2U can be connected to a boom arm. This makes it easy to position the microphone at a suitable height. Another advantage of the Q2U is its ability to capture multi-person interviews through a mixer.
In addition to its USB and XLR connections, the Q2U has a solid diecast construction. Additionally, it features an on/off switch, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a zero latency monitoring system.
Although the Samson Q2U has a great deal of functionality, it is not the best option for all users. For instance, it’s not recommended for recording on smartphones. Also, it’s not designed for live performances.
The only other disadvantage is its relatively weak rejection of sound. Although this can be helpful in some situations, it can also cause sibilance and echo.
6. AKG Pro Audio Ara
If you’re looking for a mic that’s good for recording podcasts, music, and video conferencing, consider the AKG Pro Audio Ara. It’s a professional USB condenser microphone that has two pickup patterns.
The Front and Back (Omni) pattern is ideal for miking instruments and multiple speakers. This mode also helps pick up sound directly in front of the microphone. On the other hand, the Front polar pattern is good for one-on-one interviews.
Both of these patterns are excellent for podcasting. Podcasters and podcast hosts can record interviews in a studio or home office. They are also suitable for video meetings and gaming. You can also use them in a livestream.
AKG’s Ara is available in both a USB and boom-arm version. It includes a USB-C port and a desk stand. In addition to its port, the mic has a 3.5mm audio output for connecting to a headphone.
The mic has a 96 kHz sample rate. It’s also 24-bit, which means that you can use it to record at a higher resolution than a regular CD.
The microphone has a nice sound and a warm tone. It’s easy to use, too. There are two knobs on the front. One controls the volume and the other has a mute function. Also, there’s a small LED that indicates when the microphone is muted.
AKG’s Ara USB microphone offers a high quality microphone for a reasonable price. The sound is clean, the trebles are smooth, and the microphone has a great midrange.