The AT2020 USB is a cardioid condenser mic, which means it's fairly unidirectional sounds from the side and rear are mostly suppressed. A-T mics are found in professional recording studios worldwide, and they've recently moved into the USB microphone market. Audio-Technica AT2020 USBĪudio-Technica is a Japanese company that produces microphones, headphones, and similar audio equipment for both the professional and consumer market. A USB condenser mic derives this phantom power from the computer it's attached to, via the USB connection.Īll that said, let's look at the 10 best USB mics for your recording needs, presented in alphabetical order. A dynamic mic works via electromagnetic induction, and is ideal for use on stage or where higher sound levels are present.)īy the way, many traditional condenser mics require an outboard power source (dubbed "phantom power") to operate. (The alternative to a condenser mic is a dynamic mic – although there are few dynamic USB mics. Condenser mics create a detailed sound that's good for vocals, acoustics guitars, and other low- to medium-volume sound sources. A condenser mic captures sound waves via a thin conductive diaphragm. Most USB microphones are condenser mics, like those used in professional recording studios. Still, it's the sound quality that matters, whatever your price range may be. Obviously, different needs require different quality levels, and everyone has his or her own specific budget. When you're shopping for a USB mic, you want the highest quality sound at the lowest possible price. (You may have to install a device driver for the mic, but that's easy peasy.) USB mics are ideal for podcasters, voice actors, recording musicians, and anyone wanting better sound than that provided by their notebooks' built-in microphone. All you have to do is plug it into an open USB port on your computer and you're ready to go. Aside from these unique components, a USB microphone contains all the normal elements found in a traditional mic – capsule, diaphragm, and the like. How does a USB mic differ from a traditional microphone? In addition to the USB connector at the end, a USB mic contains its own preamplifier (not relying on an outboard preamp) and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. Naturally, the USB microphone is the easiest (and lowest price) of these alternatives. (XLR is a round, three-pin connector the 1/4" connector looks like any regular plug.) So you can either use an XLR-to-USB converter (which we'll discuss at the end of this article), install some sort of outboard pro sound box (or internal audio card), or just use a microphone equipped with a USB connector. Most computers simply don't have the XLR or 1/4" inputs used by traditional recording or stage microphones. When you're recording your voice or instrument on a computer, the easiest way to connect is via USB. Choosing the Best USB Microphone for Your Needs Let's look at the top 10 USB microphones on the market today, and see which are best for your own recording needs. So how do you choose the best USB mic for your needs? Well, the best mic isn't always the most expensive one. While you can use mics with traditional XLR or 1/4" connectors, going direct to USB is the best way to get that audio signal into your computer. The better the mic, the better you'll sound.įor computer-based recording, you need a microphone that connects directly to your PC's USB port. The number-one thing that most affects the quality of your recording is the microphone you use. However you're talking to your PC, you want to be heard – and heard well. Even if you're not doing this type of recording, chances are you're chatting on Skype or Google Hangouts. A lot of folks are doing podcasts and voiceover work and even recording music on their home PCs and mobile devices.
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