Unearthing the Best USB Microphone for Vocals
You don’t need to compromise on the audio quality anymore. With a top-notch usb microphone, you can get vocal brilliance easily.
Let’s help you find the best usb microphone for vocals as per your needs in this read.
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The past decade has witnessed a humungous increase in content creation. Vlogging, podcasting, and other types of content creation are on the rise. It also makes sense considering how people are now getting more confident in sharing their talent, viewpoints, realizations and findings.
You may also be planning to take up on some content creation venture, or maybe you already have. Now, a very important to consider in this journey is the quality of your vocals and audio. To ensure your audience enjoys your content and stays hooked to it, your vocal recording needs to be just top-notch.
And the best way to achieve that goal is to get a good quality USB mic. But how can you find just the right USB microphone for your needs and budget? Right here, right now!
In this read, I’ll take a deep dive into five of the best USB microphones available in the market and also share some worthy mentions with you. By the time you wrap it up, you’ll have found your best USB microphone for vocals!
Why Choose a USB Microphone?
If you are just starting out with exploring different kinds of microphones, you may find yourself thinking: what is a usb microphone really and why choose it? So I thought to breakdown the basics for you first.
What’s a USB Mic?
A USB (Universal Serial Bus) mic is a kind of microphone that easily connects to devices like computers, phones, and camcorders through a USB port. Designed keeping the ease of use in mind, usb microphones are incredibly popular for many diverse audio recording applications. This includes voiceovers, gaming, streaming, music recording, podcasting, video conferencing, and other kind of vocals. Also, we have reviewed some of the best shotgun microphones. Do check that out.
Why Should You Opt for USB Mics?
There are numerous reasons behind the ever-increasing popularity of usb mics. Here’s why selecting them for your vocal recordings is a good idea:
Well, this explains why content creators love USB mics, right!
So which is the best USB microphone for vocals for your needs? Let’s find that out.
HyperX QuadCast S Stands Out as One of the Best USB Microphones
HyperX QuadCast S Mic
HyperX QuadCast S Mic
Tailor-made for wide range of audio recording applications and smooth vocals, the HyperX QuadCast S is certainly a brilliant USB microphone for vocals. Podcasters especially beginners podcasters, streamers, gamers, and content creators across the globe love it, and so will you.
Enjoy Diverse Versatility in Recording with 4 Polar Patterns
One of the most notable features of the HyperX QuadCast S is its four polar patterns which makes it a really good USB microphone. You can choose from stereo, cardioid, bidirectional and omnidirectional pickup patterns which calls for amazing adaptability and flexibility in various recording scenarios.
Stereo Pattern
The stereo pickup pattern captivates sound from the right and left sides so creates a sense of depth and space in your recordings. When you are recording music, or the sound of any musical instrument, or wish the mic to pick up a wide soundstage, opt for this pattern.
Cardioid Polar Pattern
However, if you want to record vocals, and want your mic to particularly focus on the sound source from the front, and let go of all the background noise, choose the cardioid polar pattern. It works best for podcasting, streaming, voiceovers and solo vocal recording applications.
Bidirectional Pattern
But there are times when you need to capture sound from the mic’s rear and front end while minimizing all the side noise. Perhaps, you are interviewing with the interviewer and interviewee on opposite ends of the mic, and want excellent sound quality. That’s when you should go for the bidirectional pattern because it will beautifully pick up the sound from the two ends.
Omnidirectional Pickup Pattern
And then there are recording scenarios when you need to record vocals and also want the mic to capture sound from every possible direction. In that case, the QuadCast S’s omnidirectional pattern comes in handy. It will pick up the signals from the main sound source as well as all the ambient noise you want in the recording.
I’m sure you have already felt a connection with the QuadCast S. I feel the same way.
Advanced Features Bring in Flexibility and Excellence
The amazingness of the Hyper X QuadCast S doesn’t end at the four pickup patterns. It comes with integrated RGB lighting which adds visual aesthetics to your recording setup. Yes, your setup looks even nicer with it, and you also sync it with any other HyperX RGB product you have to make the setup more cohesive.
Moving on, the QuadCast S does not compromise on the quality of audio at all. It comes with an anti-vibration shock mount which effectively minimizes the handling noise along with vibrations. Plus, it has a built-in pop filter that combats wind noise and plosives. Both these features ensure your vocals have pristine clarity. And since it is a cardioid condenser mic, its sound sensitivity is excellent.
Fine Tuning Audio is a Breeze
You also have the option of fine-tuning your input sensitivity with its gain control and preventing audio accidents with its tap-to-mute sensor. Use the mute button to stop recording when you wish to, and make sure your audio is free of unwanted interruptions. Coupled with the easy USB plug-and-play functionality, this is certainly one of the best USB microphones for vocals.
That said, since it has many advanced features, they may be slightly difficult for you to understand if you are a beginner. But you can easily get a lot of guidance on its usage online. Some users also feel it is a wee bit expensive.
The Ultimate Studio Legend: Shure SM7B USB Mic Gives Stellar Vocals
Shure SM7B USB Mic
Shure SM7B USB Mic
Noteworthy for its stellar quality in vocal and other audio recordings, the Shue SM7B is indeed a formidable choice among usb microphones. Its strong construction, pristine quality of sound and time-tested design make it the best USB mic in the market. And oh yes, I adore it too!
Exceptional Audio Performance is a Given
With the Shure SM7B usb microphone, one thing is a given- you will get outstanding audio performance for sure! The vocals will always sound warm, clear, smooth and natural. Plus, the tonal quality is super-detailed which means you will hear the little nuances in sound in it too, something most usb microphones miss out on.
The SM7B is a dynamic usb microphone that comes with a cardioid polar pattern which honestly contributes massively to its brilliant tonal quality and natural audio performance. Its heart-shaped cardioid pattern captures sound primarily from the front. Simultaneously, it minimizes sound from the rear the sides. With the sound source isolated, the sound capture is focused and excellent making it stellar for recording vocals.
Moreover, its cardioid pattern isn’t very prone to feedback which calls for higher gain ensuring that it picks up the vocals without any distortion. It also adapts to a wide range of vocal applications and styles making it perfect for voiceovers, podcasting, singing vocals, or spoken word.
And since it is dynamic, it is less sensitive to background noise than a condenser mic so unwanted details will always be minimized.
Packed with Features that Enhance Longevity and Versatility
The SM7B comes with an integrated pop filter which addresses the plosive sounds quite effectively. Not only that, it takes care of the wind noise too, so your vocals are all crystal clear.
Moreover, it has a very sturdy construction which makes it easily withstand the hardships of routine usage, live performances and on-the-go recording. While you should handle it carefully, a slight drop won’t damage it. As robust as it is, it is built to last with you for many years to come.
For those who frequently perform live, a dynamic microphone excels in capturing the clarity of live vocals, ensuring every nuance is heard loud and clear.
It also has xlr and usb outputs, which along with a good audio interface gives you unmatched control over its sound. Without a doubt, it is one of the few XLR mics that won’t disappoint you. The mic also comes with cutting-edge electromagnetic shielding that battles the annoying hum coming from electronic equipment, so your audio recording is clear. Being one of the top-quality xlr mics, it is also functional with phantom power.
As brilliant as it is, it does demand you to use a preamp for its optimal functioning which is a bit of a hassle for some users. Irrespective of that, it won’t be wrong to say that the SM7B is a solid usb microphone.
Elevate Your Vocal Performance with the Audio-Technica ATR2500 USB Mic
Audio-Technica ATR2500 USB Mic
Audio-Technica ATR2500 USB Mic
Offering a decent blend of user-friendly functionality and good audio performance, the Audio Technica ATR2500 is a condenser USB mic. Being a budget-friendly mic, it is often the choice of many budget-conscious content creators, podcasters, gamers, and vocalists.
Relish Studio-Grade Quality of Audio
Delivering fine-quality audio, the ATR2500 ensures capturing your vocals with utmost depth and clarity. Be it recording the vocals for videos, podcasts, or music, this mic will enhance the natural richness of the audio.
Plus, it has a super strong cardioid pattern which aces at picking up the vocals with precision and authenticity. As it focuses primarily on the sound coming from the front, it isolates it and constantly fights the background noise. Any unwanted noise won’t bother your recording with the Audio Technica ATR2500.
The microphone also comes with an onboard headphone jack that allows you to monitor the audio in real-time and listen to the recording directly via the mic. With this voice monitoring option, you can make adjustments to the audio as per your requirement and ascertain its quality remains good.
User-Friendly Construction Optimizes Functionality
If you are a newbie looking for a practical USB mic, the ATR2500 is your right match. Its USB connectivity makes the setup process rather simple so you enjoy a comfortable plug-and-play functionality.
Plus, its audio control is very convenient to use too. It also has an A/D (analog-to-digital) converter which makes sure that the audio input is converted into a digital format that is completely compatible with your laptop/ computer. It is an integral component of the microphone signal chain and is highly accurate which makes the overall quality of audio exceptional. Not to forget, it has a reasonable price point so it won’t cost you your kidney.
That said, since it comes with only one polar pattern, it isn’t as versatile in different recording scenarios as other high-end USB mics. Plus, some users feel its sound quality is inconsistent, and is great in some situations while being moderate in others. Moreover, a few users have also complained of its durability as it is prone to damage. But if you handle it with care, it won’t succumb to wear and tear easily.
Unleash Your Creative Vocal Mastery with Logitech for Creators USB Mic
Logitech for Creators USB Mic
Logitech for Creators USB Mic
A feature-rich, highly ingenuine, and aesthetically pleasing USB condenser microphone, the Logitech for Creators is designed for an array of recording applications. Offering a beautiful combination of great functionality and great sound, this is the best USB microphone for vocals considering its type and price point.
Cherish Optimized Audio Performance
Equipped with a very powerful condenser capsule, the Logitech for Creators is one of the few USB microphones that promise high-fidelity sound capture. This feature makes it a preferred choice for streaming, podcasting, vocals, broadcasting, gaming, and other types of content creation.
It comes with the famous Blue VO!CE effects integrated into it allow you to comfortably fine-tune the vocal recordings. So if you wish to add more warmth, richness, clarity, or any other effect to the vocals, you can easily do so to get a customized result.
Like the QuadCast S, this baby boasts four pickup patterns to select from stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional. You have the option of easily switching from one pattern to another to get optimized audio capture. Whether you are recording solo vocals, group discussions, musical recordings, or interviews, this mic will live up to your high expectations. It has certainly lived up to mine. 😉
Leverage the Power of Unmatched Convenience
A big reason why so many others like me recommend the Logitech for Creators is the extraordinary convenience it adds to your recording setup. Unlike most USB microphones, it has a very positionable design. Place it on your table, attach it to a mic stand, or place it on a shelf, it offers great flexibility in usage.
Its plug-and-play setup is a breeze allowing you to connect it with your Mac or PC, and record easily after selecting your preferred settings. Its controls are very simple to operate too, and you get top-notch audio equalization which only improves the quality of your recordings.
Amidst all these advantages, it can present some complications in usage for newbies and is considered marginally expensive by some users.
Samson Meteor Mic is Your Brilliant USB Vocal Studio
Samson Meteor Mic
Samson Meteor Mic
Cladded in a titanium black attire, the Samson Meteor USB microphone is renowned for capturing high quality vocal performances. Being rich in features and offering straightforward functionality, this compact mic is adored by vocalists, podcasters, streamers, and content creators.
Detailed and Pristine Audio Performance
Arguably, one of the best features of the Samson Meteor is its large-sized diaphragm condenser capsule. The powerful capsule promises to capture your vocals with utmost detail and professional-grade quality. Be it a voiceover, podcast, or vocals, this mic will faithfully reproduce your voice.
While the mic features only a cardioid polar pattern, it is super-efficient in capturing the sound coming directly from the front end. Meanwhile, it also minimizes unwanted background interruptions which makes it an ideal choice for vocals.
Its frequency response is created as such so it captivates vocal frequencies lying on the entire spectrum. As a result, the vocal reproduction is wholesome and the recording is authentic to your voice. You can also conveniently practice headphone monitoring courtesy of the 3.5mm built-in headphone jack, which automatically helps you improve the recording quality.
Portable and Durable Mic Gives Good Bang for Your Buck
With the Samson Meteor USB microphone, you enjoy a hassle-free setup. Its plug-and-play connectivity through the USB port makes it quite compatible with many devices including PC and Mac. You don’t need any additional drivers or difficult configurations to set it up.
In addition, this lovely mic has a very compact design which makes it quite portable, and ideal for home studios, professional setups, and on-the-go recordings. Plus, it is easy on your pocket and is extremely durable due to its robust build, so yeah you’ll get great bang for your money invested in it.
The only shortcoming it currently exhibits is a lack of advanced features. Other than that, it is a solid USB microphone for vocals.
Notable Mentions
Let’s Start Recording
After discussing multiple microphones with USB connectivity and truckloads of advanced features, I am sure you would have made up your mind on a couple. Go through their specifications, analyze your readings and choose the USB microphone for vocals that best fits your requirements.
Credits:
Images from: 9to5Toys, Think Media, Steggy,
Sharoon Shahid
Hi! I’m Sharoon Shahid, founder of Audiblearray. With a decade of experience in using mics, I’m here to guide you on your audio journey and save you from gear pitfalls!
