The Best Mic For Home Recording In 2024
The Rundown
1. Best Of The Best: Elgato Wave:3 Premium USB Condenser Microphone
Elgato's Wave:3 Premium USB Condenser Microphone and Digital Mixer for Streaming is the perfect solution for any streamer, You can connect up to 7 other audio sources with the Wave Link app and use its superior circuitry to ensure seamless audio signal transmission. Read Review
2. Best For The Price: Blue Yeti USB Mic for Recording
The Blue Yeti USB Microphone is a premium mic that records in four different patterns. It features an adjustable headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute and mic gain. The flexible cardioid, omni, bidirectional and stereo pickup patterns allow you to record in ways that would normally require multiple mics. Read Review
3. Budget Pick: Razer Seiren Mini USB Streaming Microphone
Razer Seiren Mini is the world's first compact USB microphone. It's made for on-camera and streaming use, with a heavy-duty stand to help find the perfect sweet spot. It's ultra-compact, so it barely takes up any desk space and is discreet - putting more focus on you. Read Review
4. Best Performance: Blue Yeti X USB Microphone for PC & Mac
The Blue Yeti X captures legendary Blue broadcast sound with greater focus and clarity than ever before. Its four-capsule array, combined with the custom-engineered condenser capsules, provides our most precise frequency range and sensitive recording yet. Read Review
The best mic for home recording will depend on your budget, the sound you’re trying to capture, and your available recording space.
Recording at home can be challenging because of a smaller control over the acoustic properties of the room. However, it can also be advantageous because you have more control over what goes into the final track and what stays out. If you’re looking to record in your home or apartment, there are some considerations to make before choosing a mic. If you have limited resources or are just starting out as an amateur recording artist, then you probably don’t want to invest thousands of dollars into equipment.
Luckily, there are plenty of affordable options when it comes to mics that won’t break your bank account. Between several top models, we thought Elgato Wave:3 Premium USB Condenser Microphone is the finest of the best. Unless you were displeased with the prior item, you might substitute Blue Yeti USB Mic for Recording.
RELATED: We did the research for you. Read our in-depth guide for the best home office microphone of 2024. Low prices, top models & expert support.
Our Top Picks
- Use the Wave Link app to control Wave: 3 and up to seven other audio sources, plus create two independent mixes
- Superior circuitry ensures seamless audio signal transmission
- Proprietary Clipguard technology makes distortion virtually impossible
- Condenser capsule with a tight cardioid polar pattern captures speech with precision
- Up to 24-bit / 96kHz analog to digital conversion delivers lush detail
- Custom Three-Capsule Array: Produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube, game streaming, podcasting, Zoom calls and music.
- Four Pickup Patterns: Flexible cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns allow you to record in ways that would normally require multiple mics.
- Plug 'n Play on Mac and PC: Instantly start recording and streaming on Mac or PC.
- Onboard Audio Controls: Headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and mic gain put you in charge of every level of the recording and streaming process.
- Blue VO!CE Software: Craft the perfect broadcast vocal sound and entertain your audience with enhanced effects, advanced modulation and HD audio samples. Advanced Blue VO!CE is compatible with Yeti, Yeti Nano and Yeti X. To access Blue VO!CE, please download Logitech’s free G HUB software.
TOP Choice #3
![Razer Seiren Mini USB Streaming Microphone]()
- Ultra-Precise Supercardioid Pickup Pattern: The Razer Seiren Mini is tuned with a tighter pickup angle, so it can focus on your voice while ensuring that background noises like typing and mouse clicks don’t get picked up.
- Ultra-Compact Build: Made for minimalist or smaller setups, it barely takes up any desk space and is discreet on-camera, putting more focus on you. Easy to bring along if you need take your streaming elsewhere.
- Connectivity technology: USB
- Heavy-Duty Tilting Stand: Sitting on a sturdy support, the mic can be angled to find the perfect sweetspot for your voice. It can also be detached and mounted on a boom arm or mic stand that uses a standard 5,8-inch thread.
- Professional Recording Quality: With its 14mm condenser capsule and flat frequency response, the mic broadcasts your voice with stellar clarity that’s filled with crisp highs and deep lows.
- Customizable LED Lighting – Personalize the color of Yeti X’s LED lights to match your on-stream aesthetic
- High-Res LED Metering – Visualize your voice level at a glance and adjust up or down for powerful, broadcast quality sound
- Four-Capsule Array – Capture legendary Blue broadcast sound with greater focus and clarity than ever for professional streaming, podcasting and YouTube
- Multi-Function Smart Knob – Fine-tune your on-stream sound with easy-access controls for mic gain, mute, headphone volume and blend
- Blue VO!CE Software: Craft the perfect broadcast vocal sound and entertain your audience with enhanced effects, advanced modulation and HD audio samples. Advanced Blue VO!CE is compatible with Yeti, Yeti Nano and Yeti X. To access Blue VO!CE, please download Logitech’s free G HUB software.
- Logitech G HUB Integration – Manage mic gain, headphone volume, monitoring preferences and pickup pattern selection right from your desktop
5
![NZXT Capsule - AP-WUMIC-B1 - USB Cardioid Streaming]()
- STREAMING MICROPHONE: Designed for single sound-source gaming and streaming use, the Capsule delivers high-resolution voice pickup while suppressing unwanted background noise
- DESIGNED FOR GAMERS: Unidirectional cardioid polar pattern ensures you'll have minimal background noise. Internal capsule is tuned for speech in a gaming environment, optimizing vocal clarity.
- HIGH QUALITY AUDIO: Incredible analog-to-digital conversion technology ensures your voice will be the best in the lobby.
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: USB-C to USB-A Cable, Mic thread adapter (length 32mm): Male 1/4” to Female 3/8”, Stand quick-release cover
- SIMPLE AND RUGGED: No screws, washers, or fumbling to place Capsule on a boom arm. Internal shock mounting relieves any worry of your mic bumping into your desk mid-game.
- Complete Mic Set: Package includes a condenser microphone, metal shock mount, adjustable suspension scissor arm stand, desk mount clamp, pop filter, foam mic cover, 1.8M USB A to B cable and manual. All premium accessories are contained in one package, which makes the TONOR Q9 to be your most secure choice!
- Great Sound of Fidelity: Equipped with a 16mm large diaphragm, wide frequency response (20Hz to 20KHz) and professional sound chipset, Q9 microphone provides a perfect combination of clarity, warmth, extended dynamic range and high SPL capability. The cardioid condenser capsule enables the Q9 to capture pristine and accurate sound and cancel noise from surroundings, perfect for recording and communicating.
- User-friendly Design: With a convenient volume button, TONOR Q9 recording microphone is much easier for you to use. In working status, short press for adjusting mic volume level, 3s long press for turning off the microphone.
- Plug and Play: With USB A to B cable, TONOR Q9 microphone is easy to connect with both Mac and Windows computer, no need any extra driver software or sound card. It is perfect for podcasting, music/video recording, live streaming, gaming or online chatting. Note: This microphone is compatible with PS4, but not compatible with Xbox.
- Durable Boom Stand: The Q9 microphone has a sturdy all-metal suspension scissor stand that extends vertically up to 27.5"/700mm, giving you an excellent range of motion. Maximum desk thickness: 1.7"/45mm.
- DURABLE AND STURDY ARM SET: The arm stand and shock mount made of high-quality metal, It can protect the pc microphone all-around. Pop filter and windscreen cap can lower wind and Saliva interference and make your voice more clear. The USB microphone kit includes 1x condenser microphone, 1x adjustable sturdy arm, 1x desk mount clamp, 1x metal shock mount, 1x pop filter, 1x windscreen cap, 1x USB cable and 1x manual instruction
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: MAONO provides 30 days of hassle-free return and up to 12-month warranty service. We are committed to ensuring that you are 100% satisfied, If you have any problems when using the item, please feel free to contact us, We will serve you with full sincerity!
- HI-RES SAMPLING RATE 192KHZ/24BIT: This USB condenser microphone was designed with the professional sound chipset and 16mm electret condenser transducer, which let the USB mic hold a high-resolution sampling rate up to 192KHz/24bit. Provide you an excellent sound quality. The flat frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz is excellent for podcasting, music/video recording, live streaming, gaming, online chatting, Performed perfectly in reproduces your sound
- PLUG & PLAY AND WIDE COMPATIBLE: The microphone has USB data port, easy to connect with computers. No need extra driver software, and no need for an external sound card, Only select USB mic as default input in your software settings. Double shielding USB cable reduces interference. Compatible with Windows and Mac OS
- CARDIOID POLAR PATTERN: The computer microphone with cardioid polar pattern design to reduces pickup of sounds from the sides, improving the isolation of desired sound source, making a clearer and more realistic sound. Perfect for Project/Home-Studio, Network YouTube Recording, Google Voice Search, Steaming, Podcasting and Desktop Recording
8
![Zero-Latency Monitoring SUDOTACK USB Streaming PC Microphone]()
- [High-Quality Microphone Accessories]:The streaming microphone has a durable shock mount and an adjustable cantilever, which can provide a flexible range of movement. The pop-up filter and windshield cover can reduce the interference of wind and saliva, and minimize the noise of blasting and the external environment.
- [High Fidelity Sound Quality]: The studio microphone can provide up to 24bit / 192kHz sampling rate, and the frequency response reaches 30Hz-16kHz. ST-900 can easily capture clear and true sound sources. It has an excellent performance in most application scenarios and can provide you with high-quality recording effects.
- [Cardioid Pickup Pattern]: The unique cardioid pickup design can accurately pick up the sound from the front of the microphone, and effectively isolate the noise source, easily capture the high details of vocals and acoustic instruments, perfectly restored The unique color of the sound.
- [Zero-Latency Monitoring]: USB microphone with 3.5mm headphone jack, can control the recording process in real-time, In an emergency, you can use the one-key mute button to mute the sound. The design is convenient and user-friendly. It provides the best solution for users of live broadcast, dubbing, online chatting and pc gaming. The built-in LED light can visually display the working status. Red light: mute, green light: working.
- [Plug and Play]: With a 2.5m USB A to B data cable, SUDOTACK ST-900 Microphone can instantly work on Mac and Windows PC and laptop, no other drivers are required. Note: This microphone is highly compatible with Windows, Mac OS, Linux. Perfect for podcasts, vlogs, voice-overs, music recording, or streaming on YouTube, Twitch.
9
![Studio Condenser Microphone Bundle, BM-800 Mic Kit]()
- 【GURANTEE FOR YOU】:If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase or the product is damaged in transit, broken, please contact us promptly. We will solve your problem promptly.
- 【Latest Generation V8II SOUND CARD】: Compare with traditional V8 sound card, V8II sound card has new design and better sound effects performance. For V8II sound card, besides common functions, we add some new and popular sound effects into it, such as Electro, TikTok. As a professional sound mixer, V8II sound card can meet your any needs on sound effect.
- 【HIGH PERFORMANCE SOUND QUALITY】: Condenser microphone using strict complete electronic circuit control and gold-plated diaphragm, with a good cardioid directional pickup pattern, high output, low self-noise, even the most subtle sound, Podcast microphone, can also be reproduced accurately.
- [WIDELY UESD]: Whether it is a mobile phone, a notebook or a desktop computer, studio microphone can be perfectly applied, and one jack can satisfy all output devices. Recording microphone especially suitable for studios, recording studios,gaming, radio stations, stage performances and computers.
- 【PLUG AND PLAY】: Easy to install, just unfold the shock mount, connect the audio cable of the usb microphone and then link it to your device. Strong output, no distortion, low power consumption. Microphone for pc can be applied to all laptops, PCs and mobile phones.
10
![USB Microphone Podcast Recording Kit - Pyle PDMIKT120]()
- INCLUDES STORAGE CASE: Comes complete w/ a mic shock mount, pop filter, detachable USB cable, and a portable aluminum storage/ travel case for quick transport and setup. Mic construction material is engineered metal alloy and metal iron base
- PLUG AND PLAY: The Pyle Computer and PS4 Game Console Desktop Microphone features simple USB plug-and-play operation. Simply plug it to your laptop’s USB port, select it as your input in your software settings, and create your own audio
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: The compact desk microphone kit is ideal for studio vocals, gaming, singing, streaming, podcasting, YouTube and desktop recording. Works w/ Windows PC, Mac & Linux operating systems. For home, office and business use
- FREESTANDING PLACEMENT: Features freestanding placement on any desktop, counter or table w/ the included microphone stand. It has a distinctive cardioid pickup pattern with a back electret condenser microphone, perfect addition to recording equipment
- ADJUSTABLE POP FILTER: The pro broadcast mic starter bundle kit features a gooseneck adjustable pop filter which eliminates popping sounds for a crisp vocal pickup and high precision audio clarity. Lab tested for stage and studio quality performance
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
What to Look For in a best mic for home recording?
You may know that best mic for home recording is a kind of product many customers are hesitant to pay for. It is not due to its quality but the fact that there are many factors you must consider. Nevertheless, all your worry is not a problem for us. Our knowledgeable staff will help you with the right decision.
Tech-evaluated and high-rated products are available in our list of eligible items. Here are some indispensable things you shouldn’t ignore:
Type Of Microphone
The energy of sound waves is captured by microphones, which can then convert it into electricity in various ways. You can either use a condenser microphone or dynamic microphone to accomplish this.
Connections
After you have chosen the mic type you prefer, it is time to think about how you will connect it to your system. There are two options: wireless or wired.
Traditional wired microphones transmit sound signals via a cable. They can be a hindrance to performers' movement, particularly during large productions. A wireless microphone is a good option if you need to be mobile. These wireless microphones use radio waves to transmit signals to the receiver.
Traditional wired microphones transmit sound signals via a cable. They can be a hindrance to performers' movement, particularly during large productions. A wireless microphone is a good option if you need to be mobile. These wireless microphones use radio waves to transmit signals to the receiver.
Impedance
This is measured in Ohms (symbol O) and refers to the microphone's ability to receive an audio signal or AC current. Mics with a low impedance (600O and lower) retain better audio quality when used on cables that are longer than 16 feet. High impedance signals that other microphone components may be of lower quality can sometimes indicate a low quality signal.
Maximum Sound Pressure Level
This measurement is often expressed as decibels (dBs), and it is the highest volume the microphone can tolerate without distortion.
Attenuation Switch
Have you ever wondered what those switches at the back of Rode Videomic are for? Attenuation switches are the switches at the back. Attenuation switches on microphones reduce the output of the mic by a specific amount. This is usually between -10dB and -20dB. The microphone will become four to sixteen times more quiet than usual.
Polar Pattern/Directionality
Directionality is the way a microphone picks up sounds from its surroundings. One microphone can detect sound in all directions simultaneously. Most other microphones can only pick up one direction at a time. This can be advantageous depending on the circumstances.
Response Flatness
Although it might seem that flat responses are the best, a treble lift is sometimes an advantage. This applies especially to vocals. This can cause the PA system to become more sensitive to howling. The signal from speakers often gets in the microphone, creating a hissing sound. Many dynamic microphones have a treble lift, which lends itself to many vocals.
Frequency Response
The frequency response refers to the range of frequencies that a microphone can detect, usually 20hz-20Khz. Knowing the frequency range is not enough. What you need is the microphone's responsiveness to certain frequencies. Before you choose a microphone, think about the recording you are going to do. A microphone with a higher frequency, such as a dynamic microphone, may be better suited for recording bass, drums, and other musical instruments.
RELATED: We present top 10 best work from home microphone in November 2024 with excellent quality at a reasonable price. Find the best for you here.
FAQs
Which Microphone Is Recommended For Low Frequency Measurements?
Low frequency can be referred to as a relative term. The standard 1/2" condenser test microphones and the measurement grade microphones have an -3dB point between 1 Hz and 3 Hz. This is enough for most applications. Some specialty microphones can measure down to 0.1 Hz and exceed this limit.What Should I Do When My Miniature Microphone Gets Soaked In Water Or Sweat?
A microphone is best if it's not in contact with water. However, sweat can be a problem if the environment is professional. The microphone should be shaken to remove any water. It must then dry, perhaps near a heat source such as a radiator. Never use a hairdryer. After they have been sweat-filled, omni microphones should be rinsed in demineralized waters and dried.Which Levels Can The Microphone Handle?
A microphone's dynamic range is the difference between its lowest and highest levels.It is not just a function the microphone, but the preamplifier that goes with it. A microphone's dynamic range is directly related to its sensitivities.
How Do I Clean My Miniature Microphone Cable From Tape Remains?
Over time, residue from glue and tape can etch the cable making it less able to withstand braking. Organic oil can be used to clean the cable (e.g. Olive oil and lukewarm warm water can be used to clean the cable. Ecotech2 Multidegreaser by Finish Line has been reported to have good results.Does The Size Of A Microphone Impact Its Frequency And Dynamic Range?
It is important to consider the size and sensitivity of your microphone. Microphones of smaller dimensions and higher sensitivity are more capable of measuring high amplitudes or frequencies. However, microphones with a larger diameter or more sensitive can measure higher frequencies and have lower noise floors.What Microphone Is Recommended For Determining The Direction Or Noise Source Location Of Sound?
Multiple free-field microphones, placed in predefined patterns and combined with appropriate software allow spatial transformations of complex sound pressure fields to be projected to map the acoustic energy flows. Because of their general value and matching phase specifications, array microphones make a great choice for large-channel count acoustic testing. Because they allow the user to identify specific microphones quickly and easily, Transducer Electronic Data Sheets (TEDS), are highly recommended.What Is The Noise Floor Of A Microphone?
The cartridge thermal noise specification defines the microphone's noise floor. Important to remember that preamplifier noise can have an impact on the mic and preamplifier combo's noise floor. You can also measure the sound pressure by limiting other components of the measurement chain like power supplies or data acquisition systems.What Is A Polar Plot And How Is It Used?
Polar plots, also known as beam patterns, show an angular dependence on the sound pressure measured by the microphone. A polar plot shows how sound pressure levels are affected by different angles of incidence. The typical angle of incidence is a 180-degree arc, with the microphone in the middle. As you move away from the centre, your pressure amplitude will decrease. The frequency dependence of measured sound pressure is not shown in polar plots. They are only obtained at one frequency. Because the pattern of the beam will vary at different frequencies, it is important to specify the measurement frequency with polar data.READ NEXT: The Modern Vinyl Record Players For 2024
About Nicolas Ward
