If you are searching for best USB microphones for Youtubers and Podcasters then you are landed to the right web page.
In this article, I’ve compared the top 6 USB Microphones for Youtubing and podcasting. Read the full article if you are searching for one.
SO, keep reading…And you’ll able to decide which one is best for you.
Top 6 USB Microphones for Youtubers and Podcasters
When it comes to the audio recording, a microphone is one of the most important pieces of equipment.
And, WHEN IT COMES TO PODCASTERS AND YOUTUBERS, USB powered Microphones are their first choice.
There are several reasons they like uSB mics over traditional mics.
Such as,
- USB microphones are handy and mobile
- There is not need of audio interface to convert analog to digital audio.
- They are less sensitive then professional studio condenser mics so you can record inside your bedroom without capturing background noise.
- And SO ON…
BUT…
As the market is full of USB powered microphones and most of the manufacturers tried to show their mic is best, its difficult to choose the best one for you.
Hence I’m here with this list which helps you in choosing the right USB mic for your work.
Note: Every mic “whether its USB or manual mic”, manufactured for a particular work. So always choose your mic as per your work need, otherwise you will end up with a lot of frustration.
Now let us jump into the list…
1. Blue Yeti
When we talk about podcasts, voiceovers, and Youtube, the very first name comes into our mind is Blue Yeti.
Blue Yeti knocked on the market in 2009 and in its 10 years of journey, it has been the number one choice for podcasters and YouTubers and game streamers.
If you are a podcaster, Youtuber or game streamer, then this USB microphone should be your first choice.
There are several reasons why this beautiful USB mic has been the 1st choice of streamers in the last decade.
Let us see all the features of Blue Yeti USB mic so that we could know those reasons.
- This mic features Tri-capsule array ie; three condenser capsules that can record almost any situation.
- You’ll get 4 pattern selections—cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional and stereo for different types of operations.
- Features headphone output with zero latency. This feature helps you voiceover without distracting due to latency.
- You’ll also get Gain control and mute button.
- Unique positionable design is ideal for podcasters, YouTubers and gamers.
- You can use it for vocals, musical instruments, podcasting, voice-overs, interviews, gaming, field recordings, conference calls and more.
- This PC and Mac compatible USB mic is a plug and play device so you can use it without worry about extra drivers.
- The price point is also a factor why it’s quite popular among podcasters etc. You can get this mic at just $115.
- Maximum SPL is 120 dB which is a good range for a vocal mic.
- This mic support 48 kHz audio recording which is used for audio streaming. Here we again realize that Blue Yeti is specially designed for podcasters.
Well, I know the above features excite you to checkout Blue Yeti mic.
So don’t delay.
2. Rode NT-USB
Another popular USB microphone is Rode T-USB.
When it comes to mic brands Rode is considered the 2nd best brand for condenser microphones.
Rode is known as the manufacturer of classic condenser mics but with time they realized the need and popularity of USB mics hence released their first USB microphone Rode NT USB.
However, when it comes to the features, Rode NT USB is not even close to the Blue Yeti microphone.
But for Youtubing and Podcasting, it would be a good USB microphone under your budget.
Let us see some features of the Rode NT USB microphone.
- Pop shield, Tripod desk stand, ring mount, a storage pouch, and 6m (20’) USB cable included
- 3.5mm stereo headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring just as Blue Yeti
- Direct mix control between mic input and source output
- Compatible with Apple® iPad for recording on the go.
- compatible with the SMR shock mount & WS2 foam windshield
- Two years of extended warranty.
- JFET impedance converter with the bipolar output buffer, A/D converter 16bit 48kHz
- 0.50″ capsule
- Cardioid polar pattern
Features I don’t like in this mic, its 16-bit mic which is insufficient for professional recording.
It only provides a 48kHz sample rate which is actually not great for studio recordings. Moreover, you get only one polar pattern in this mic.
IN my opinion, Rode NT USB is good for podcasting and YouTubing but not ideal for professional music creation.
Checkout RODE NT USB on Amazon
3. Rode NT USB Mini
When I was writing this article, I got an email containing the news that Rode released their new USB Mic – Rode NT USB Mini.
After getting that news in my mail, I’ve researched and got some useful insights about it.
Here are these insights.
- Actually, its a 24 bit USB mic which is great for music vocals as well as broadcasting. I think rode realized that they missed out something that is not in RODE NT USB ie; it has only 16bit audio recording which is not sufficient for studio-quality recordings.
- Another thing which I really like, it has a USB-C connection so you can use it seamlessly use it with your iPad and iMac.
- When it comes to size, Rode NT USB mini is much more compact than other USB Mics which makes it more mobile than other USB microphones.
- This USB mic supports 48kHz audio recording which is ideal for home recordings broadcasting.
- Rode NT USB mini features 3.5 mm headphone jack with a headphone amplifier with zero latency playback that is great for broadcasting.
So here were some of the great features of rode NT USB mini microphone.
I know you are eager to check out this microphone.
4. Samson Go Mic
The sleek and compact design is Samson Go mic’s X-Factor.
Its compact design makes it clip right onto your laptop or sit unobtrusively on your desk.
The one mic which I really recommend for podcasting and field recording after Blue Yeti is Samson Go Mic.
Apart from a compact design, several other features makes it great USB mic for broadcasting.
Let us see those features…
- Plug and play – You don’t need any driver to connect this tiny equipment with your PC, Mac or iPad. Just plug it and start recording with your favorite DAW.
- The range of this microphone extends beyond typical USB microphones, which makes it ideal mic for field recording too.
- You get two polar patterns with this mic ie; cardioid and omnidirectional pickup patterns. It’s built to take care of the interview sessions.
Here are some other features of Samson Go mic
- Custom, compact design that clips to a laptop or sits on a desk
- 16-bit, 44.1kHz resolution
- The smooth, flat frequency response of 20Hz–18kHz
- Stereo 1/8″ headphone output for no latency monitoring
- Includes USB cable, cable clip and carry case
And top of that, the price is really amazing.
You’ll get this mic with just $30 in your pocket.
Really built for newbie Podcasters and Youtubers who don’t want to invest more in equipment at the start of their career. Right?
5. Samson C01U Pro USB Mic
Another USB microphone by Samson is C01U Pro USB.
On a first look, you would be confused by its built as it looks like an analogue condenser mic.
But apart from the built, Samson C01U Pro mic is truly USB mic. Let us see the features of this USB condenser mic.
- Samson C01U has a large, 19mm diaphragm which makes it a genuine studio condenser microphone.
- Just like other popular USB mics, you can plugin and start recording. there is no extra gear such as audio interface etc not required. However, it comes with a driver CD that you can install for extra features and commands.
- It’s compatible with most computer-based digital audio workstation software
- The only disappointing point it’s only one polar pattern ie; Hypercardioid pickup pattern
- There is no option for high depth recording it has only 16-bit, 48kHz resolution.
- You’ll get Smooth, the flat frequency response of 20Hz–18kHz
- Solid, die-cast construction with a heavy gauge mesh grill. The looks are great as a traditional condenser mic.
- Includes swivel stand mount and USB cable.
- The included audio CD has Samson Sound Deck Noise Cancellation Software (Mac OS X/Windows) available for purchase.
6. Snowball iCE
This tiny ball-shaped USB mic really has pretty design. Thanks to Bluedesigns, for designing this great looking USB mic.
The tiny size of Snowball iCE is great for YouTubers and podcasters as well as for field recording.
It comes with a tripod stand that helps you to make recordings direct from your study table.
Let us see some other features of Snowball iCE.
- Condenser, Pressure Gradient Transducer With USB digital output
- Cardioid Polar Patterns
- Frequency Response: 40 –18 kHz
- Sample/word Rate: 44.1 kHz/16 bit
- Weight: 460g
- Dimensions: 325mm (circumference)
However, it’s not ideal for recording studios but when it comes to Youtubing and podcasting I strongly recommend this after Blue Yeti.
Final Verdict
So here were the 6 top USB condenser mics to choose from.
Many of them are built for podcasting and Youtubing but none of them perform well in studio recordings.
I know you are still confused that which one you should choose for you. So, first of all, think of the particular work which you want to do with your USB mic.
Before going for the mic, get more insights about your core operation,
In my opinion, Blue Yeti is best for Podcasting and Youtubing, where Samson Go is best for field recording.
If you are searching for Studio USB mic then you would be disappointed by listening that not any mic in this list is good for core studio operations.
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