Many laptops, and almost all webcams, have built-in microphones, but if you are trying to create a podcast or record demos of your songs, you need a device with much better sound quality. Here the USB microphone comes to the rescue.
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 frequencies outside the range of human hearing distort high and low sounds, so that the voice may sound somewhat unnatural.
Introducing you top 10 best USB microphones of 2015 according to Wirerealm, a site dedicated to music device reviews and news.
10. Blue Snowflake
This is a portable cardioid condenser microphone. Great for podcasting, games, online 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. The presence of a microphone preamplifier and an A / D converter, high recording quality (up to 96 kHz / 24-bit), as well as a small size make this device a good choice for both home and studio.
8. Samson Go Mic
Portable condenser microphone. Comes with a USB cable, cable clip, and zipper pouch. Due to its small size, low weight (0.105 kg) and low price, the Samson Go Mic is worthy of competition for the “blue snowflake”, which took 10th place in the ranking of the best USB microphones. Samson Go Mic Frequency Response - 20 Hz to 18 kHz
7. Shure PG42
This condenser semi-professional microphone comes with a rack mount and a case. Large aperture has high sensitivity and allows you to convey the smallest nuances of sound. Switches enable 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
The sampling frequency is 44.1 kHz / 16-bit, which allows the device to compete with USB microphones, which are three times more expensive. Blue Snowball is a condenser microphone that can switch between omnidirectional 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 cable 3 meters long and a large condenser capsule for rich sound. The overload protection switch minimizes distortion from loud sound sources. It works in the range of 40 Hz - 18 kHz.
4. Rode NT-USB
Provides clear sound when recording voice-over texts and podcasts. Compatible with iPad (you will need a USB adapter when connecting). The package includes a stand, a cover for storing the microphone and a pop-filter mounted on the base of the microphone. A stereo headphone jack is provided for real-time monitoring of Rode NT-USB. Supports a range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
3. Audio-Technica AT2020USB
Opens the top three list of the best microphones with USB-connection cardioid microphone with a bit width of 16 bits. It is suitable for professional singers due to the possibility of mounting it with a microphone stand and suspension. The lightweight diaphragm provides superior dynamics and an extended frequency range from 20 Hz to 16 kHz.
2. Samson Meteor
The studio microphone with a cardioid pattern has a large aperture with a wide surface recording (25 mm), and has a leg folding mechanism for easy transfer or storage. Another interesting feature of Samson Meteor is that it can connect to smart devices (for this you need an Apple converter). The claimed operating range is 20 Hz-20 kHz.
1. Blue Yeti
The first microphone in the world to combine 24-bit digital recording with analog XLR output. Blue Yeti allows you to record sound in stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional or bidirectional modes. It operates in the frequency range of 20 Hz - 20 kHz.
