Are USB Mics Good?

There is a reason why the USB microphone market has exploded in the recent decade and it is because they are indeed GOOD.

USB microphones have played an instrumental role in the recent boom of digital content creators. These devices have eliminated the barriers that common individuals experience while setting up their audio productions. You no longer require expensive interfaces, mixers, or any of the other supporting devices for that matter to start your audio production, as long as you have a USB mic.

A USB mic combines all the traditional devices into one and enables a simple setup that does not require external devices. This plug-and-play functionality and portability have skyrocketed their popularity, making them a go-to device for pretty much every aspiring content creator.

That said, the question remains whether they are good enough to replace traditional audio gear and whether can they be used for all sound applications including professional and casual. It’s exactly what this article will discuss. Let’s get on with it:.

Why Are USB Microphones So Popular?

You will have to look at the traditional audio gear to understand what exactly prompted usb mics to glory. A typical traditional audio production setup revolves around an XLR microphone, but unfortunately, such a microphone cannot work on its own. You have to connect it to an audio interface or a mixer to convert the analog signal received by the microphone into a digital one.

The traditional setup not only makes the entire setup more complex but also puts more burden on your pocket, something that most content creators cannot afford at the beginning of their careers. 

USB microphones offer a quick fix to the problems of a traditional setup. A USB mic is a complete device that can work on its own without any other equipment such as an audio interface or mixer. You can connect them directly with your laptops, computers, and even smartphones as long as they are compatible with them.

Not only do they make the setup easier, but also bring down the cost which can be spent elsewhere to kickstart your production. A usb microphone will start working the moment you plug it into the USB port of your laptop or other smart devices without requiring external drivers, hence the name: Plug-and-Play Microphones.

Is a USB Microphone At Par With XLR Mics In Terms of Sound Quality?

The simple and precise answer to this question is NO. USB microphones can never be as good as XLR microphones in terms of sound quality because of the fundamental differences in their designs. 

See, an XLR mic uses dedicated external equipment such as an audio interface to convert analog signals into digital. In contrast, a compact analog-to-digital convertor is incorporated in USB microphones which are naturally not as efficient as dedicated audio interfaces. The difference in the conversion produces a stark contrast between the sampling rates of the two devices, giving XLR microphone setup an edge over their usb counterparts.

Furthermore, XLR microphones have been in use for studio recordings for a much longer time than USB mics, allowing manufacturing to fine-tune every component which results in a sound with more depth and clarity. While USB microphones have come a long way, they still have a long way to go to achieve a similar level of depth and clarity in their recordings.

Another superiority XLR mics enjoy over their USB counterparts is the XLR cable. It is a dedicated cable designed specifically to transmit sound signals across different devices and performs much better than a USB cable.

That said, it certainly does not mean that USB mics are incapable by any means. They are quite capable and as the technology evolves the gap between the qualities of both microphones is being bridged. Furthermore, not everyone needs “studio-quality” audio from their microphones, making USB Mics a perfect choice for them.

Applications of a USB Mic

As long as you do not require “studio-grade” results, a USB mic will serve well for almost every application. Depending on the type of USB mic, you can use them for:

1. Live Streaming

Users who only require to improve their communication during their live stream will benefit from a USB microphone because it is a significant upgrade over their computer mic. A good usb microphone will eliminate the background noise and bring clarity to your voice so the audience can understand every word.

2. Podcasts

You can also use usb microphones for podcasts. I know almost all popular podcasters use XLR microphones but they have the resources to afford and run that setup. In contrast, people who are just starting out can, unfortunately, not afford such an expensive setup. You can use usb microphones to start off and as you begin to attract an audience and earn revenue you can switch to a more professional setup – a common practice among online content creators.

3. Music Recording

Traditionally only XLR microphones were used for the music recording because of a diverse dynamic range, but lately, USB microphones have established a footprint in the industry. USB condenser microphones are specially designed for such applications, allowing them to capture subtle changes in the notes of vocalists and musical instruments such as acoustic guitar. While the audio quality is still not at par with the XLR mics in the same category, it is good enough.

4. Voice Recordings

You can also use usb condenser mics for voice recordings for applications such as voiceovers, vocal recordings, and interviews. These mics have higher sensitivity and broader frequency response, allowing them to capture subtle changes in the voice accurately. You can enhance the sound quality and bring it to par with their XLR counterparts by purchasing a capable recording software and using it to manipulate the sound.

5. Video Conferences and Teleconferences

It is important your voice is heard with clarity during remote business meetings and video calls which can be ensured by a usb microphone. Using usb microphones for these applications is extremely pragmatic because of their simple setup and portability.

Pros and Cons of USB Microphones

Benefits

We have discussed the applications of USB microphones but the question is if someone has the resources why would not one prefer an XLR microphone? What are the benefits that make USB microphones a better choice in some aspects? Let’s get to them:

1. Ease of Setup

Perhaps the biggest superiority USB microphones enjoy over their XLR counterparts is the ease of setup. You do not need help from a professional audio engineer because all that is required to make them work is to plug them into the USB port. Furthermore, most USB microphones will automatically install themselves like pen drives and will not have external drivers. 

2. Portable Microphone

Traditional microphones restrict you in many ways especially when it comes to portability. You have to travel with the entire setup, including hefty equipment like audio interface and mixers to make them work. It is inconvenient, to say the least. 

On the other hand, a solid usb microphone does not need any other recording equipment and you can easily accommodate it alongside your laptop in your backpack. It allows you to carry your setup virtually anywhere without carrying an additional suitcase. 

3. Versatility

USB microphones are generally more versatile than traditional microphones. Typically, traditional microphones are designed around single applications such as vocal and instrument recordings, whereas a USB microphone is good enough across all applications. It is achieved by offering multiple polar patterns in a single mic, which is almost a standard practice in the USB mic category. You can switch between cardioid polar patterns and omnidirectional polar patterns depending on the applications to get the best results.

4. No External Power Required

A USB microphone draws power from the device it is connected to; you do not need any external battery packs to power them. As long as you have a working laptop, the microphone will work. Furthermore, unlike traditional condenser mics, they do not require phantom power which is an added benefit.

5. Affordable

Affordable is also a major differentiating factor for the popularity of USB microphones. You can purchase two high-end USB mics at the same cost you will get a traditional setup otherwise. These mics break the cost barriers, making them accessible to a wider audience and allowing pretty much everyone to set up their own home studio and start audio production.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages of USB mics are quite evident in the light of our discussion, but if we have to pinpoint the exact reasons why someone should not purchase an XLR mic, it would be for the following reasons:

1. Sound Quality 

USB microphones still have a long way to go to compete with traditional XLR mics in terms of sound quality. While many USB mics offer excellent audio quality, that is not comparable to high-end traditional XLR microphones.

2. Upgradability

There is not much to upgrade once you have purchased a USB microphone because it is essentially an all-in-one device. In contrast, users have many options to upgrade with the traditional setup such as mixers and audio interfaces.

What Constitutes a Good USB Microphone?

The market offers a diverse and wide range of USB microphones, which can be overwhelming for people who have no prior experience with the microphones. Here is what you need to look for while purchasing a USB microphone.

1. Frequency Response

Frequency response describes how a particular microphone reacts to different frequencies across the spectrum. The modern market offers microphones with frequency responses tailored for specific applications, making the choice easier for the users. You should look for a frequency response that fits your needs the best and pick accordingly. 

That said, if you want a natural sound quality you should look for a wide and flat frequency response because that will produce exactly the same frequency notes that are recorded without added coloration.

2. Headphone Jack

Real-time monitoring is the key to successful sound production. While indirect monitoring is an option with traditional microphones because of their low latency, it is not viable in USB microphones. Thus, you must look for a microphone that offers a headphone jack, enabling direct monitoring via headphones to get the best audio. It is also known as headphone monitoring.

3. Polar Pattern

Polar pattern describes how a particular microphone picks up sound. The cardioid pickup pattern picks up sound from only one direction, blocking sound sources from other directions to eliminate background noise. It is an important consideration while recording vocals with a condenser microphone.

Omnidirectional mics, on the other hand, capture sound from all directions, making them useful for capturing the ambient environment. Many USB microphones offer multiple polar patterns, making them a better choice as you can switch between different modes based on your requirements.

4. Price

You should analyze the price carefully before purchasing a USB microphone. If it is the same as the XLR microphone and you want to set it up in a home studio, purchasing such an option is not a wise choice. You will be better off with an XLR microphone because it offers better sound quality. As a standard rule, never purchase an expensive USB microphone when you can purchase an XLR microphone at the same price.

Frequently Asked Questions