Best USB Microphone for your home studio or for any other audio requirement. These are affordable and because its USB, these are easy to set up. Besides music producers, these are the perfect microphones for Podcasters, amateur musicians, or anyone looking to record better sound at a reasonable price, without worrying about the setup. USB microphones have only become better in recent times and can even outperform several mid-grade studio mics. Skip to the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00B5ZX9FM” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]best usb microphone on Amazon[/easyazon_link].
Best USB Microphones
As a beginner you want something that can be plugged in quickly and get you started fast. That’s what you can do with a USB microphone. These easy-to-use mics connect directly to your Mac or PC, it doesn’t have to go via a preamp or audio interface (I know many beginners are scared to see that setup).
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You can choose from a wide range of USB mics — budget-friendly USB microphones under $100, to USB versions used in pro studios.
Here’s a guide on how to find USB mics for recording vocals, podcasts, voiceover, live performances, and more.
USB Condenser Mics Under $100
For less than $100, you can pick up a USB condenser microphone that connects directly to your computer to capture crisp, accurate audio. Time-tested favorites like the Blue Snowball and Samson C01U are our top choices for budget-minded beginners that want to record vocals, acoustic guitar, voiceover auditions, and podcasts.
Samson C01U Condenser USB Microphone
Around $80
CAD U37 Studio Condenser USB Microphone
Around $45
Shop All USB Condenser Microphones Under $100
If you don’t have recording software on your computer yet, check out the M-Audio Vocal Studio. This package includes a USB condenser mic plus Pro Tools SE, a 16-track version of the industry-standard DAW (digital audio workstation) software.
M-Audio Vocal Studio USB Microphone Package
Around $100
BLUE Snowflake USB Microphone
Around $40
Samson Meteor USB Microphone
Around $40
USB Microphones for Recording Vocals and More
Want to record better vocals in your home studio? These higher-end USB mics are similar to the large-diaphragm condensers and dynamics you’d find in pro recording setups, but with USB connectors that plug directly into your computer. Our customers love the USB versions of workhorse XLR microphones from respected mic makers like Audio-Technica, Rode, and Shure.
These mics all use a fixed cardioid pickup pattern that rejects sound from the sides and rear and picks up sound in the center — the go-to pickup pattern for recording vocals, voiceover, acoustic guitar, guitar amps, drums and more.
Shop All USB Condenser Microphones Under $200
While condenser microphones are generally better at capturing detail, the Rode Podcaster is one dynamic microphone that captures a rich vocal sound while handling hiss and sibilance. And the Samson GM1U G-Track is more than a USB mic — it’s an interface with a 1/4″ line/instrument input, so you can record a direct guitar along with your voice, or even record a stereo source like a keyboard.
Shure PG27USB USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Around $200
Shure PG42USB USB Condenser Microphone
Around $250
Rode Podcaster Dynamic USB Microphone
Around $230
Multi-Pattern/Stereo USB Microphones
Multi-pattern microphones let you go beyond the cardioid pickup pattern. Try the omnidirectional pattern to pick up an uncolored, natural-sounding 360-degreee ambiance. Try the bidirectional or “figure-8” pattern to record an interview with host and guest on either side of the mic — or use one side of the bi-di to lend a heightened, focused quality to solo vocals.
The Blue Yeti series of multi-pattern USB mics have an additional X-Y stereo pickup pattern, which records two discrete channels to the left and right — just as you hear sound with your own two ears. Try placing one of these stereo microphones inside a grand piano or over a drum kit to capture a spacious sound. Stereo mics are also ideal for recording groups and live events.
For the ultimate in flexibility, try the Zoom H2n: a hand-held recorder that doubles as a multi-pattern/stereo USB mic when you connect it to your computer. The super-affordable Samson GoMic is another great option for recording onto your laptop on the go: it has a cardioid pattern plus an omni pattern that’s ideal for recording round-table discussions.
BLUE Yeti Multi-Pattern USB Microphone
Around $120
BLUE Yeti Pro Multi-Pattern USB Microphone
Around $250
Zoom H2n Handheld Digital Recorder
Around $180
Samson GoMic USB Microphone
Around $40
Handheld USB Microphones
Handheld dynamic microphones tend to be much more rugged — and less expensive — than condenser mics, so they make excellent “first microphones” for kids and classrooms. Many USB handheld microphones offer the best of both worlds: a USB output for recording directly onto your computer, plus a standard XLR plug for connecting to mixers, amps, karaoke machines, and other audio gear. Just look for “USB and XLR” in the microphone’s name.
Samson Q2U Handheld USB and XLR Microphone
Around $60
CAD U1 Handheld USB Recording Microphone
Around $30
See All Handheld USB Microphones
XLR to USB Adapters: Connect an XLR mic to a computer
If you already own an XLR mic that you like, an XLR to USB interface is the simplest and most affordable way to record that microphone onto your computer. These adapters convert an XLR microphone’s analog signal to 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, 16-bit digital audio that you can record with your computer’s DAW software.
Want to use a USB to XLR adapter with phantom-powered condenser microphones? Pick up an adapter that provides +48V phantom power, like the Shure X2U adapter or Blue Icicle.
Ion Audio MicLink USB Microphone Cable
Around $30
Alesis MicLink XLR USB Audio Interface
Around $35
BLUE Icicle USB Microphone Interface
Around $50
Shure X2U XLR To USB Microphone Adapter
Around $100
USB Microphone Guide
A USB microphone sends the signal either directly (via USB cable) or through an intermediary XLR cable to a small pre-amp before reaching your computer. The USB cable provides the power needed by the microphone (or the pre-amp).
Some of the microphones listed here are condenser microphones. Also, not all the microphones listed have completely removable USB cords (some of them are hard-wired).
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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