How to Choose a USB Microphone
In the audio world, everything starts with the microphone. But when you’re on the go, traditional microphones and the other required gear can make mobile production challenging.
It’s here where USB microphones shine. With USB mics, a single cable is all you need to turn your laptop, desktop, or mobile device into a full-blown recording studio.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned USB mic user, Sweetwater’s USB Microphone Buying Guide is here to help you better understand the technology and make an informed purchase. We’ll also walk you through some of our favorites.
Looking for personal recommendations? Sweetwater's mic experts are here to help you find the right USB mic for your needs. Give us a call at (800) 222-4700.
- What Is a USB Mic?
- Common USB Mic Applications
- What Does a USB Mic Sound Like?
- Do USB Mics Need Phantom Power?
- What to Look for in a USB Mic
- A Word on iOS Compatibility
- Sweetwater’s Top Picks for USB Mics
What Is a USB Mic?
A USB mic contains all the elements of a traditional microphone: capsule, diaphragm, etc. It differs from other microphones by including two additional circuits: an onboard preamp and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter.
The preamp makes it unnecessary for the USB mic to be connected to a mixer or external mic preamp. The A/D converter changes the mic’s output from analog (voltage) to digital (data), so it can be plugged directly into a computer and read by recording software.
The inclusion of these electronics effectively makes a USB microphone a combination of a mic and an interface. This makes mobile digital recording as easy as plugging in the mic, launching your DAW software, and hitting record.
Common USB Mic Applications
Why reach for a USB microphone over a traditional mic? Here are five scenarios where USB mics have the edge.
Podcasts
When you’re communicating your ideas and messages through podcasts, you want to devote your energy to the content rather than the recording setup. The convenient plug-and-play nature of USB microphones makes them perfect candidates for podcasters. Just plug one into your laptop or mobile device, and you’re ready to capture your podcasts to share them with the world.
Interviews
Bringing several pieces of gear with mountains of cables to an interview can be awkward. It can also really kill a moment. Using a simple USB mic plugged into your laptop or phone can eliminate these issues so you can spend more time focused on the information gathered in your interview.
Streaming
Gamers and mobile content creators love USB mics for their quick, easy audio capture and clean look on camera.
Quick reference recording
Whether you’re a musician on the road or need to lay down a scratch track for your guitarist, you need a quick and painless method to record your ideas. USB mics provide a way for you to record a track to your DAW in a matter of minutes.
Teleconferencing
Your weekly Zoom check-in with the office and FaceTime calls with Grandma can sound much sharper with a USB mic. Not only that, but not having cables strewn about your workspace will help keep things clean on the stream.
Voiceovers
Sound quality is essential in voiceover work, but many voiceover artists aren’t recording engineers. USB mics give anyone access to exceptional sound quality, with a single cable connecting you to your recording software. No external gear or expertise required!
Hear sound samples of some great USB mics in our USB Mic Shootout.
What Does a USB Microphone Sound Like?
USB Condenser Mics
The lion’s share of USB microphones on the market are condenser mics. Widely known for their lifelike pickup in recording studio applications, condenser microphones are natural candidates for USB microphones.
A condenser microphone utilizes a thin stretched conductive diaphragm held close to a metal disk called a backplate. Functioning as a capacitor when given an electrical charge, this arrangement causes a voltage variance when audio frequencies are picked up. The voltage variation then becomes the signal output of the microphone.
This type of circuitry produces a detailed and natural response on vocals, acoustic guitars, and various other sound sources.
USB Dynamic Mics
A handful of USB mics on the market are dynamic microphones. USB dynamic mics — like traditional dynamic mics — tend to produce a larger-than-life sound on vocals and instruments.
Unlike condenser microphones, dynamic mics operate on a suspended coil (element) that moves in a magnetic field in response to sound waves. This moving-coil design tends to produce a flattering coloration and exaggerated proximity response on voices.
USB Mic Adapters
We should also mention that there are a few compact adapters on the market that can turn any dynamic mic into a USB mic. If you already have a favorite dynamic vocal mic, this is an avenue you’ll definitely want to explore.
Do USB Mics Need Phantom Power?
No. Unlike traditional condenser mics, which require a source of electric power to operate (usually 48V), USB condenser mics are different. These mics draw current — typically around 5V — directly from their USB connection. This minimizes the number of additional cables and connections required.
What to Look for in a USB Microphone
Connections & Controls
Most USB microphones include headphone jacks, but some don’t. This can be an important feature depending on your applications and other equipment.
Likewise, onboard volume controls are a real bonus, and some USB mics include a physical control that lets you hear your input separately from your DAW playback for zero-latency monitoring.
Finally, some USB microphones also include XLR connections, so you can use them in standard studio workflows too.
Transducer
First and foremost, consider which instruments or sound sources you’re going to be mixing most often.
USB condenser mics tend to work best for lifelike capture of vocals and high-transient sources, such as pianos and acoustic guitars.
For loud sound sources like electric guitars and drums, or for that big “produced” broadcast sound, USB dynamic mics may be best.
Format
Like all microphones, USB mics come in a variety of formats. Handheld mics are great for recording vocals and interviews, while desktop models are generally better for acoustic instruments and podcasting. Some USB microphones are compatible with standard mic stands, which makes them ideal for studio-style recording.
iOS Compatibility
iOS compatibility is a must for mobile recording artists. While many USB mics today are iOS compatible, not all are. If you intend to use your USB mic with your iPad or iPhone, be sure to double-check the compatibility
Resolution
USB mics are characterized by their ability to convert analog audio to digital signals right inside the mic. The quality of this analog-to-digital conversion (also known as A/D conversion) is categorized by audio bit and sample rate.
Most USB microphones today offer 24-bit depth and resolutions of 48kHz or higher. However, some are limited to 16-bit/44.1kHz — which is still CD quality, but it may be a limiting factor for broadcast users.
Cost
Microphones fall into many different price points, and the number and quality of mics are determined largely by the budget you’re working within. Luckily, most USB mics are relatively inexpensive and very durable, providing great bang for the buck.
Shop all USB microphones at Sweetwater
A Word on iOS Compatibility
Like many audio interfaces on the market today, USB microphones commonly support recording and streaming on iPhones and iPads. This is excellent news for anyone who wants to capture high-quality audio without having to tote around a laptop.
iOS-ready USB mics come in a range of formats, from handheld models that are great for run-and-gun interviews to desktop models that are better suited to podcasting and studio-style applications.
A couple words of caution: first, not all USB mics support iOS, so double-check compatibility or contact your Sales Engineer before buying one. Second, some iOS USB microphones may offer resolution limitations depending on the platform, so you’ll want to take a close look at the specs before taking the plunge.
Sweetwater’s Top Picks for USB Mics
Now that we’ve covered the key factors to look for in your next USB microphone, we’ll list our top picks so you can make great content on the double.
Shure MV7 USB Podcast Microphone
A Broadcast Legend for a New Generation
If the MV7’s horseshoe yoke and zeppelin shape call to mind another broadcast standard, the SM7B, it’s no accident. This versatile USB mic is built to be the SM7B of a new generation.
Like the original, the MV7 looks great on camera and brings broadcast authority to a wide range of voices. But unlike the original, it doesn’t require hundreds of dollars in other gear to get it sounding its best.
Pairing the MV7 with the MOTIV app suite unlocks powerful DSP (compression, EQ) and custom presets to maximize your recording potential and minimize setup.
Blue Microphones Yeti Multi-pattern USB Condenser Microphone
The Stereo Streaming Icon, Reborn
The Blue Yeti is a legend in the streaming and content worlds. Not only was it one of the first pro-level USB mics to hit the scene, but its ease of use and nearly lifelike stereo pickup made it a go-to for recording everything from drums to ASMR.
The Yeti was also forward-thinking in its design to include an integrated desktop base, making it an all-inclusive option for streamers. Not to worry, power users — the Yeti easily detaches from its base for traditional stand mounting.
Today, the Blue Yeti is available in a range of finish options. We recommend the matte black option for most streaming studios, although the top-notch sound is common to all mics in the range.
Apogee HypeMiC for iPad, iPhone, Mac, and Windows
Onboard Analog Compressor Serves Up Big Vocal Presence
Talk about a mic that lives up to its name! The HypeMiC has seen superstar endorsements from power producers Bob Clearmountain (Paul McCartney) and Theron “Neff-U” Feemster (Eminem), and for good reason.
In addition to its crystal-clear signal path, the HypeMiC manages to pack a discrete ’76-style analog compressor into its tiny frame. This allows speakers and vocalists to get big vocal presence and smooth levels on the fly without needing external processing.
Thanks to the HypeMiC’s size, you can easily duck it out of shot to eliminate visual distractions. And with its 24/96 PureDIGITAL tracking quality, your recordings can stay as future-proof as the legends who swear by it.
AKG LYRA Multi-pattern USB Microphone
Strong Visuals Meets Versatile Design
The LYRA mic takes a proven formula — monopod base, four variable polar patterns, swivel design — and dresses it up in an Art Deco design for instant eye candy on your next shoot.
Four independent internal capsules allow the LYRA to capture speakers and sources in traditional mono to 360° stereo. This makes it an excellent USB mic for team huddles to multi-party interviews.
Additional highlights of the LYRA include a front-facing mute switch to prevent embarrassing overshares and onboard 24/192 converters for robust audio capture, perfect for 4K video.
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone
A Streaming Standard Goes USB
One of the industry’s most popular condenser microphones is now a USB mic. The AT2020USB+ gives you that classic side-address studio mic look while supplying full-range pickup of voices and instruments.
Streamlined controls around the mic’s waist for headphone level and direct/computer monitoring make the AT20202USB+ a mic that’s easy to dive into, especially for beginners.
The AT2020USB+ includes a mini desktop stand for low-profile placement and a carry pouch for safe storage between uses.
