Not long ago, creating a successful career as a voice over artist meant spec’ing out a home studio and filling it with several key pieces of costly audio gear, including a microphone, preamp, interface, processing, etc. Today, all you really need to get started is a USB microphone and the gift of gab.
Modern USB microphones have made it easier than ever to take your voice to the ears and hearts of your listeners by doing all the heavy lifting — conversion, interfacing, and many times, processing — for you. And with some, getting a great sound truly is as easy as plugging a microphone in and hitting record. In this article, Sweetwater takes a look at some extraordinary USB microphones that we feel possess the voice-tailored features to give today’s artist a competitive sonic edge in this crowded market.
Why Choose a USB Microphone for Voice Over Work?
Before we move on to the best USB microphones for voice over work, let’s take a look at what USB voice over mics are all about, and why they’re causing many of our customers to forego their more costly interfaces.
- A USB Microphone is Convenient — Ever wanted to capture an idea or lay down some tracks without the setup hassle? USB voice over mics are perfect for this. Simple USB interfacing and CD-quality-or-better conversion mean there are no external interfaces to bring into the mix. Just plug your USB mic in and go.
- A USB Microphone offers great sound quality — Make no mistake: some USB voice over microphones sound really good, even by pro standards!
- USB Mics are Portable — With no audio interface to lug around and many of the below options including travel cases, USB voice over mics are perfect for mobile recording. Many times, your smartphone and a pocket-sized mic are all you need.
- USB Microphones are Compatible — Smartphones and tablets being the powerhouses they are, it’s only reasonable that today’s artist would want to capture uncompressed hi-fi audio directly onto their mobile device. It’s here where many USB voice over microphones shine. Many USB microphones are plug-and-play compatible with iOS and Android devices.
- USB Mics are Affordable — Many USB voice over microphones will set you back far less than buying a vocal microphone and interface separately. This makes USB mics the perfect solution for any voice over artist who’s just getting started.
Best USB Microphones for Voice Overs
Apogee HypeMic USB Microphone
Onboard compression delivers big radio presence
Class-leading conversion and size-defying performance are par for the course with Apogee’s MiC series of small USB microphones. What we love about the HypeMic is its voice-maximizing internal analog compressor circuit. With this USB microphone you can get that sought-after radio broadcaster bass without ever touching a plug-in. The HypeMic’s compressor is also effective at eliminating overs and thereby maximizing audio levels before clipping. The 24-bit/96kHz PureDIGITAL connection interfaces seamlessly with your laptop or mobile device. And thanks to the included tabletop tripod, mini pop filter, and microphone carrying case, you’ve got all you need to achieve pro voice over results at home or on the road.
What else is cool about this USB microphone? Natural-sounding cardioid voice pickup, black-and-copper color scheme, front panel controls, direct headphone monitoring, Mac/PC/iOS compatibility
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ USB Microphone
A proven studio condenser, now with interface-free USB connectivity
Thousands of aspiring voice over artists have gotten their start in digital recording using the original AT2020 USB microphone. In fact, just on our site alone, you’ll find dozens of satisfied customers singing its praises. Here’s why: the AT2020 mic’s airy top end and quiet performance make it a power-packed and affordable self-contained voice over solution. Today’s USB version of the AT2020 microphone, the AT2020USB+, is even sweeter. Its rock-solid 16-bit/48kHz audio conversion delivers the AT2020’s lauded audio performance directly into your laptop or iOS device — no audio interface required. A generous accessories package comprised of a desk stand, a 10′ cable, and a storage pouch makes the AT2020USB+ an irresistible voice over microphone for any artist who needs full-range voice reproduction on the cheap.
What else is cool about this USB microphone? Classic studio microphone design, low self-noise, direct-monitoring headphone jack with mix control, front-facing controls, clean cardioid pickup
Blue Microphones Yeti Pro Studio USB Microphone
A complete USB/XLR recording solution with software and templates
One of the voice over community’s most celebrated USB microphones is also one of its oldest. The Yeti Pro Studio — now two generations beyond the venerable original Yeti — is a complete multitrack recording solution in a convenient USB delivery system. From acoustic guitar and bass to speech and vocals, this USB microphone’s 20Hz–20kHz full-range pickup, four switchable polar patterns, and breathtaking 24-bit/192kHz resolution make it a standout option for all recording needs. Did we mention it’s also a stereo microphone? That’s great for recording multiple voice over personalities and lending realism to musicians with instruments. We really like the Yeti Pro Studio microphone’s mature speech pickup for voice over work. An included software suite with PreSonus’s Studio One Artist DAW and iZotope’s preset-packed Ozone Elements gives you additional freedom to trim and join voice over clips and clean up unwanted noise from not-so-ideal recording environments.
What else is cool about this USB voice over microphone? Quick-start recording templates, USB or XLR recording capability, weighted monopod stand, direct monitoring control, front mute switch, stereo and figure-8 polar patterns
RODE Podcaster USB Microphone
Brings Procaster sound to the mobile VO studio
If the RODE Podcaster‘s ported steel housing and front-address design call to mind a certain iconic broadcast microphone from the late ’60s, it’s no accident. The Podcaster USB mic brings the voice-tailored speech pickup and ultra-low noise of its cousin, the Procaster, to mobile recording rigs everywhere. This large-diaphragm USB dynamic microphone blends serious audio performance with plug-and-play convenience. We at Sweetwater have found the integrated pop filter to be effective at neutralizing “p” pops before they can ruin a take. Excellent rejection from the rear of the mic makes the Podcaster a good USB microphone for combating unwanted room reflections. This hefty USB microphone does not include a tabletop stand, so be sure to pick one up. A swivel stand adapter and matching white USB cable are included.
What else is cool about this USB microphone? Executive nickel-on-white steel housing, large 1.1″ diaphragm, high-quality 24-bit/96kHz resolution, graduated LED volume indicator ring, direct-monitor headphone jack
Samson G-Track Pro USB Microphone
2-in/2-out USB audio interface with integrated mic
Samson has really shaped the market with its cost-effective USB microphones. The G-Track Pro USB microphone ushers in a new era of recording quality and convenience for the budget-minded voice over artist. The G-Track Pro isn’t merely a microphone, but more accurately, a full-fledged USB audio interface tucked inside the body of a full-range (50Hz–20kHz) recording condenser mic. Three switchable polar patterns, a master mute, and mono/2-track recording options equip the G-Track Pro USB mic to be the centerpiece of your mobile voice over studio. And unlike other USB microphones on our list, the G-Track Pro gives you a 1/4″ TS input for capturing guitar, bass, or keyboard live as you track vocals, making it a great option for music makers to boot.
What else is cool about this USB microphone? Sleek gray/black housing, zero-latency direct monitoring plus USB mix control, master mute switch, easy plug-and-play operation, integrated stand base
Shure MOTIV MV51 USB Microphone
5 recording modes plus stand-free kickback performance
Our list wouldn’t be complete without a MOTIV USB microphone from Shure — the company responsible for such microphone classics as the SM7B and KSM42. The MOTIV collection of mobile condenser microphones brings pro-grade recording to virtually any phone or laptop on the market. Of these mics, our favorite would have to be the MV51 USB microphone. From its stand-less kickback tabletop operation to a ’55-inspired steel grille that Elvis would feel right at home in front of, this system is the height of mobile recording luxury. Not only is this USB voice over microphone compatible with Mac, PC, iOS, and Android devices, but its app-driven operation and five switchable recording modes make setup light and easy, even for beginners. Stand-mounted in your home studio, it’s perfect for voice over work for your commercial clients. On the go, this is one of the best USB microphones for voice over work, and it is well equipped to capture song ideas, podcasts, and live streams.
What else is cool about this USB microphone? Large 1″ condenser capsule, 24-bit/48kHz mobile recording directly onto your phone, DSP presets for music and voice over, low-latency real-time monitoring, included USB-USB and USB-Lightning cables
If you’re a voice over artist who doesn’t have a USB microphone, we hope this list has opened your eyes to their potential. For portability, budget, and convenience, USB microphones certainly meet a need that traditional studio microphones can’t. If you have questions about any of these voice over microphones or need help finding the best USB microphone for your voice over needs, contact your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700. We’ll be happy to discuss the various USB microphones we carry that meet your application and budget.
If you want to hear the sound quality of several of these mics in action, take a listen to the sound samples in our USB Mic Shootout.
