Best USB Microphone For Singing/Vocals 2023; Reviews
Here in this article “Best USB Microphone For Singing” we’ve rounded up 10 top USB mics for recording vocals of various types, specifications, and budget. Below, you’ll find in-depth reviews of each, as well as an elaborate buying guide to pick out your favorite.
Whether you’re recording vocals in the studio or taking the stage with your band, you obviously want your voice to sound great. To that end, we set out to answer the much asked question: What are the best USB microphones for singing and vocals?
It’s easy to look at our favourite artists and take cues from the gear they use, but a quick look at the cost of high-end recording equipment can quickly bring us back down to earth.
There are, however, plenty of superb quality USB mics out there that will excel at recording vocals without the five-figure price tag. In this guide we’re looking at some of the best USB mics available today, aimed at a variety of situations and budgets,from cheap under $100 usb microphone to premium ones.
Image | Title | Best For | Features | Price | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Top![]() | Rode NT-USB | Best Overall | Diaphragm: 0.5″ / 12.70 mm, Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Capsule: Condenser | Buy on Amazon | |
![]() | Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ | Best For SInging & Instruments | Capsule: Condenser, Polar Pattern: Cardioid | Buy on Amazon | |
![]() | Blue Yeti USB Mic | Most Versatile | Diaphragm: 0.55″ / 14 mm, Capsule: Condenser, Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Figure-8, Omnidirectional | Buy on Amazon | |
![]() | Marantz Professional MPM-2000U | Best Under $200 | Capsule: Electret Condenser, Diaphragm: 0.62″ / 16 mm, Polar Pattern: Cardioid | Buy on Amazon | |
![]() | Razer Seiren Elite Microphone | Best Noise Cancelling | Capsule: Single Dynamic Capsule, Polar Pattern: Cardioid | Buy on Amazon | |
![]() | Shure MV7 | Best Dynamic | Capsule: Dynamic, Polar Pattern: Unidirectional | Buy on Amazon | |
![]() | MAONO AU-PM422 | Best Under $100 | Capsule: Condenser, Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Diaphragm: 0.62”/16mm | Buy on Amazon | |
![]() | Samson Condenser Microphone | Best Studio Pick | Capsule: Condenser, Polar Pattern: Supercardioid, Diaphragm: 0.75″ / 19 mm | Buy on Amazon | |
![]() | Blue Yeti Nano | Best For Home | Capsule: Condenser, Diaphragm: 0.55″ / 14 mm, Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional | Buy on Amazon | |
![]() | Samson G-Track Pro | Best For Professionals | Diaphragm: 1″ / 25.40 mm, Capsule: Condenser, Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Figure-8, Omnidirectional | Buy on Amazon |
USB Microphone for Singing reviews
Best Overall
Rode NT-USB
- Sound Field: Mono
- Diaphragm: 0.5″ / 12.70 mm
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Capsule: Condenser
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Maximum SPL: 110 dB SPL
- Output Connectors (Digital): USB Type
- Sample/bit rate: 48 kHz / 16-Bit
- OS Support: Windows, iOS, macOS/OS X
- Dimensions: ø: 1.97 x L: 7.24″
- Weight: 1.14 lbs.
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Rode NT-USB delivers quite a superb sound, thanks to a quality cardioid capsule set in a standard studio fashion, only except the mic provides USB interface.
It sounds very natural, clear and transparent, and does not suffer from those common effects such as popping and sibilance.
The proximity effect is negligible, and it works from a number of angles.
The Rode NT-USB is also less susceptible to vibration noise, even with the stock tripod. For best results, you may consider getting an additional suspension kit and shock mount.
The NT-USB is a very solidly built and classy-looking mic. It comes with an excellent mounting that allows it to be angled anywhere within a 180 degree arc and either attached to a mic stand or the included plastic tripod for sitting on a tabletop.
The capsule, set in a side-address configuration, looks to be around an inch in diameter, has a fixed cardioid pattern and is almost certainly a back-electret type.
There’s also a free two-year extended warranty if you register your purchase on Rode’s web site.
Control and connectivity comprises a USB port, a stereo headphone mini-jack for monitoring, an overall level control and a control to balance the DAW output with the incoming pre-converter mic signal for zero-latency monitoring.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hYFYC6eEbg
In addition to the mic itself, the kit includes a long USB cable, a soft storage case, a very chunky curved pop shield and a desktop tripod mount.
The pop shield utilises the locking ring on the included stand adaptor to locate it. It’s also possible to attach the mic stand adaptor to a conventional stand rather than the tripod base.
You can use it with a Mac, a Windows machine or an iPad needs no extra drivers to be installed but you will need Apple’s Camera Connection Kit or similar to interface the USB with an iPad.
The mic also has a detachable pop filter only makes the NT-USB more enticing, of course. This metal shield is designed to combat irritating plosive sounds (the hard ‘P’s or ‘B’s that cause a mic to freak out), and it’s essential for the likes of live streaming or podcasting.
You’ve normally got to buy these separately, so having one right out of the box is a welcome bonus.
In terms of performance, this one of the best usb mic for singing delivers fantastic audio. It’s impressively sharp and is perhaps one of the best standards of sound on a USB microphone. It’s got a talent for filtering out background noise as well.
Rode NT-USB includes all the necessary features for a painless recording. It does not require any special drivers and works well as a plug and play device.
It has two controls on the right side that are meant for monitor volume and the mic’s gain. Underneath, there is a standard 3.5 mm jack for headphones.
Pros:
- Great sound quality
- Ease of use via USB connectivity
- Integrated pop shield
- Good at filtering out background noise
Cons:
- Unsteady tripod
Related Articles:
- 7 Best USB Microphones For Under $200; Reviews
- 7 Best USB Microphones For Under $150; Reviews
- Best USB Dynamic Microphone 2022; Reviews
- Why Does Your Microphone Sound Muffled
Best For Singing & Instruments
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+
- Form Factor: Stand/Boom Mount
- Sound Field: Mono
- Capsule: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Maximum SPL: 120 dB SPL
- Output Connectors (Digital): USB Type
- Sample/bit rate: 44.1 kHz / 16-Bit
- OS Support: Windows, macOS/OS X
- Dimensions: ø: 2.05” x L: 6.38″
- Weight: 385.56 g
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The Audio Technica AT2020USB+ Condenser USB Microphone is a studio-quality microphone that plugs directly into the USB port on your computer.
It works seamlessly with the modern recording software, this microphone is designed to be used for podcasting, studio recording, rap vocal, and voice-overs.
The Audio Technica is incredibly easy to use. You just plug it into the USB port on your PC or MAC, and it is ready to go.
This microphone is a well-put-together package that comprises everything you might reasonably need for recording vocals or instruments in a streaming or home recording setup.
Although it does not come with a pop shield, even in the more expensive podcasting pack bundle, which also includes a pair of headphones and a boom arm, that’s not a deal-breaker, though, since pop shields are at least cheap to buy separately.
AT2020USB produces crisp and clean sound, compared to a number of models in the same price range, it comes out the winner.
The mic has a steady frequency response that makes it more musical. This is actually the best curve you’ll ever see on a USB mic and it also makes it one of the best USB microphones for recording vocals
Other mics in this range tend to use cheaper capsules and end up sounding harsher especially in the higher range. Those imperfections tend to get even more audible due to the digital sampling.
The body of AT2020USB is made of rugged metal intended for durable performance, and indeed, it looks like it can last a very long time.
Even the capsule is protected by a rigid grid. It uses a square USB connector often found on printers.
Quite frankly, it is better than mini-USB, which tends to detach and bend. 10 feet USB cable is included in the package, for which if needed you can easily find a replacement. The package also includes a tripod.
The USB caters for 16-bit A-D conversion (which can accommodate a dynamic range of over 90dB) and a sample rate of 44.1kHz.
As well transmitting the mic signal, the USB connection brings stereo audio back from the computer.
Headphones are plugged into the mini-jack socket on the side of the mic and a thumbwheel potentiometer governs the headphone level, while another adjusts the balance between the direct signal from the mic (for latency-free monitoring) and the computer’s stereo output.
Being a class-compliant device, the AT2020 USB+ needs no additional driver to be used with Apple operating systems (OS X, iOS), and a suitable driver should download automatically for Windows if one isn’t already installed.
Pros:
- Handy lag-free monitoring
- Versatile
- Brings in pleasant room sound at distance
- Good frequency range
- Plug and play: easy to use
- Requires no additional equipment
Cons:
- Wobbly tripod stand
Most Versatile
Blue Yeti USB Mic
- Form Factor: Desktop / Stand/Boom Mount
- Sound Field: Mono, Stereo
- Diaphragm: 0.55″ / 14 mm
- Capsule: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Figure-8, Omnidirectional
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Maximum SPL: 120 dB SPL
- Output Connectors (Digital): USB Type
- Sample/bit rate: 48kHz / 16-bit
- OS Support: Windows, macOS/OS X
- Dimensions: ø: 4.72 x W: 4.92 x L: 11.61″
- Weight: 2.2lbs
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The Blue Yeti USB microphone has been the most popular USB microphones in the last several years and we highly recommend it to someone who is going to use it for singing or recording vocals
The heavy 50s-style metal construction – complete with a brilliantly designed large-footprint table stand – lends this microphone an air of seriousness.
One of the stand-out features of the Yeti is the ability to change polar patterns.
The Yeti Blue uses a proprietary tri-capsule microphone array that allows you to switch between 4 different polar patterns, customizing how the Yeti picks up sound.
They are Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Bidirectional, and Stereo.
One advantage of its 5v-powered USB makeup is that the Yeti is able to put many of the most important recording controls on board.
There’s a built-in gain dial, essential if you’re recording quiet or distant sounds and useful for preventing later processing.
It also features a volume knob for the live-monitoring headphone amp, a mute button to pause recording, and the most important control of all: the pattern switch, which selects between the four operating modes of its triple-capsule array.
Blue Yeti has two ports. The first one is of course USB that powers the device and sends the digital signal to the computer.
This model has a standard sampling rate of 16 bit at 48 kHz. The USB cable of around 6 feet long is also included in the package.
The other output port is a 3.5 mm headphones jack, allowing you to hear exactly what’s being captured.
Both ports along with a shock mount thread are located underneath the device; however, the shock mount itself is not included in the package.
Blue Yeti sounds surprisingly rich for its cost. It is a sensitive mic so be prepared that it will be picking up both wanted and unwanted sounds alike.
However, a proper positioning along with right picking patterns can help to achieve a good level of noise cancellation. For instance, if the source of noise is behind the mic, you may use a cardioid pattern; if the noise is coming from sides, a bidirectional pattern will be handy.
This is where its functionality turns out very useful. If you play an acoustic guitar, you’ll especially like the stereo mode, which can make it sound much more natural.
The main advantage Blue Yeti boasts over its competitors is the THX certification. In fact, it was the first microphone that actually earned it.
THX warrants for sound quality and guarantees the whole frequency range is delivered just the way it should – and this is indeed so.
On the other hand, many other mics will often deviate from the natural pattern, coloring some frequencies and muting the others.
Pros:
- Tremendous sound quality
- Multiple recording patterns
- Plug and play – no installation
- Fantastic for the price
- 4 picking patterns
- THX Certification
Cons:
- Non-standard size, hard to find a fitting shock mount
- Flimsy controls / buttons
Best Under $200
Marantz Professional MPM-2000U
- Capsule: Electret Condenser
- Diaphragm: 0.62″ / 16 mm
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 18 kHz
- Output Connectors: Micro-USB
- Sample/bit rate: 48kHz / 16-bit
- OS Support: Windows, macOS/OS X
- Weight: 400gm
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Marantz Professional MPM-2000U is a computer mic, which could be easily mistaken for a studio microphone. It has a full aluminum body, shielded with a quality grille and placed into a shock mount –the only difference is – it has a USB port instead of XLR and hosts a 48 kHz/16-bit audio converter.
MPM-2000U features a tight cardioid pickup pattern that results in superior background noise rejection, and it has a larger capsule, which facilitates appropriate capturing of the richness of the vocals and gives more control when it comes to proximity. Superior audio quality makes it ideal for singing and music recording,
It has a decent amount of weight to it and is of good quality construction Although the grill does appear less durable than we find with more expensive brands.
It’s frequency response of 20-18000 in league with professional studio level audio recording. Its USB connectivity allows for effortless audio capture direct to your digital audio workstation.
The MPM-2000U is class-compliant, so there are no drivers to install! The microphone will be recognized immediately when connected to your computer.
The sound of this mic could be described as mellow, rich, natural, transparent, and crispy. It sounds lovely for a large diaphragm.
It isn’t an exact match for a typical studio LDC but somewhat closer to mid-size with 16 mm diaphragm in diameter, but of course, the capsule itself is bigger.
MPM-2000U’s does not roll off the low frequencies, so if you feed it with bass it will give you the bass, and this is where the shock mount comes into play. It helps to isolate the mic from any surface vibrations that without the isolation would translate into rumble. Shock mount is one of the main advantages of this mic, because if you don’t have one, the microphone will pick up your every mouse click and keystroke.
Pros:
- Clean and clear audio pickup
- Comes with a basket-style shock mount
- Solid die-cast construction
Cons:
- Lacks headphone monitoring
Best Noise Cancelling USB microphone
Razer Seiren Elite
- Capsule: Single Dynamic Capsule
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Range: 50 Hz – 20 kHz
- Maximum SPL: 120 dB SPL
- Sample/bit rate: 48kHz / 16-bit
- OS Support: Windows, macOS/OS X
- Weight: 1.73 lbs
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The Razer Seiren X provides delightfully crisp voice audio, a sleek aesthetic, and a compact design at an entry level price point for professional microphones. It’s an excellent grab for those in need of a high quality microphone for work calls, gaming, streaming, or content creation.
This is another great option if you are looking for a good USB dynamic microphone for singing or recording vocals.
The Seiren Elite is a cardioid-pattern dynamic mic, its long cylindrical body is addressed at the top end, not on what appears to be the front face (where the knobs are located).
The included stand is among the best we’ve seen bundled with a USB mic—it has excellent swivel range so that the vocalist can perfectly align the capsule with their mouth.
The detachable mic stand is heavy enough for the job and has a padded base to minimise those bangs and bumps on your desk making their way up to the mic diaphragm.
The Razer Seiren X uses a supercardioid pick-up pattern which just means it focuses on picking up the noise directly in front of the microphone, and reduces background noise coming from behind the mic or from the sides.
This pick-up pattern is optimal for speech and is great for canceling out any audio that may be coming out of your speakers or computer.
The headset volume is controlled with a knob on the front, while mic gain is controlled with a knob on the rear.
It’s a little bit confusing, since most people conflate volume with gain. Having both be controlled by the same knob wouldn’t work, but it would be better if the mic gain and headphone volume knobs were both on the front of the device.
Making gain adjustments on the fly can be a bit tricky, since the pattern selector and gain knobs are hidden from view typically.
Unique to the Elite is a High-Pass Filter toggle, which is designed to allow the microphone to filter out unwanted low-frequency noises such as the hum of an air conditioner.
There’s also an LED peaking indicator around the mic, which glows red to give you a heads up any time things are getting a bit blown out, as well as a built in digital/analog limiter to prevent distortion.
Razer’s mic even comes with a foam windscreen to prevent any “pop” noises during those plosives, which is something you usually have to buy separately for these kinds of mics.
It does a great job during streaming, picking up sound at a much higher quality than is possible through a simple headset mic.
Podcasts, too, benefit from the sound of a dedicated USB microphone like the Seiren. Less expensive microphones lose out on that natural, conversational sound.
Recording with the Seiren is almost like being there, and even over something like Discord or Skype, the sound is noticeably better than with a cheaper headset mic.
Podcasts, too, benefit from the sound of a dedicated USB microphone like the Seiren.
Pros:
- Warm tone
- High pass filter
- Headphone monitoring
- Solid build
Cons:
- Missing a ticker to tell where your knobs are positioned
Best Dynamic USB Microphone
Shure MV7
- Form Factor: Desktop
- Sound Field: Mono
- Capsule: Dynamic
- Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
- Frequency Range: 50 Hz to 16 kHz
- Connectivity: 1 x XLR 3-Pin & USB
- Maximum SPL Unidirectional: 132 dB SPL
- Sample/bit rate: 44.1 / 48 kHz / 16 / 24-Bit
- Dimensions: ø: 2.6 x L: 2.1″
- Weight: 1.21 lb
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The Shure MV7 is an approachable microphone that lacks buttons and switches; instead, Shure outfitted the mic with a touch panel decorated by a row of LED lights to indicate the gain level.
The panel also includes a mic mute toggle for on-the-fly changes. On the back of the body you’ll find an XLR, microUSB, and headphone jack output.
It features other, more premium comforts like adjustable frequency responses—though, with the MV7 you must download the ShurePlus MOTIV app.
Available with black or silver metallic enclosures, the MV7’s capsule is covered by a screw-on foam pop filter/windscreen, and when this is removed, instead of a grille, you see the actual unprotected dynamic capsule. (The filter is only removable so it can be replaced with various color options—it needs the filter on to properly protect the capsule.)
This is one of the best dynamic microphone for recording vocals as it’s capsule has a cardioid pattern and a frequency range of 50Hz to 16kHz, and the mic’s A/D converter can record 16-bit or 24-bit audio at 44.1kHz or 48kHz sample rates.
In the box, you’ll get a Micro Type-B to USB Type-C and Micro Type-B to USB Type-A cable.
Useful if you’re recording on the go on your phone and don’t want to pick up the background noise.
Build quality is solid, the chassis is sturdy and comes fitted with a swivel mount that can attach onto mic stand or boom arm threads.
Unlike some microphones in the USB market, it doesn’t feel cheap or plastic-y to handle, it feels like it could take some wear and tear in the studio or on the road and not immediately crumble to dust.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a mic stand included, so you’ll have to invest in one to use it comfortably.
The Shure MV7 produces amazing audio quality, capturing a full frequency range with clarity that makes your voice shine.
If there is one thing, it doesn’t quite capture the low end as well, it lacks some of the richness and texture you may be expecting. Despite this, the MV7 still produces crystal clear, crisp audio.
The difference in quality between the XLR and USB connections is almost imperceptible, both sound fantastic.
Pros:
- Specially tuned for vocal capture
- Hybrid XLR/USB Connectivity
- Built-in shock mount and pop filter
- Auto-leveling and software enhancements
- Simultaneous output
Cons:
- Expensive
- Mic stand sold separately
Best Under $100
MAONO AU-PM422
- Capsule: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Diaphragm: 0.62”/16mm
- Output Connectors (Digital): USB Type, 3.5mm jack
- Sample/bit rate: 192kHz / 24-bit
- OS Support: Windows, macOS/OS X
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This USB condenser microphone was designed with the professional sound chip-set and 16mm electret condenser transducer. The proprietary capsule design delivers rich, detailed sound, while the premium converter enables high-resolution 192kHz/24bit audio recording direct to your computer.
This is undoubtedly one of the best budget microphones for singing/vocals under $100.
The microphone is well-suited to vocals, instruments, podcasting, game streaming and Skype & zoom calls too.
Its cardioid mode captures sound sources that are directly in front of the microphone. It delivers a rich, full-bodied sound. Just plug your headphones directly into the 3.5mm jack of microphone for zero-latency monitoring that eliminates those distracting delays so you can record and overdub in real-time.
The microphone has a touch-key mute/unmute button, and the built-in LED Indicator lights to tell you the working status. You can also adjust mic gain with the easy-to-reach knob,
The microphone is a great choice for audiovisual electronic musical instruments and various applications operating life up to 15000 cycles.
The mic has a rugged Zinc alloy metal frame, high-quality metal arms stand and shock mount to isolate USB mic from noise, shock and ambient vibration, And it can protect the pc microphone all-around, which effectively extends the life of the microphone.
The microphone also comes with the pop filter and windscreen cap that can lower wind and plosive interference and help you record voice more clearly.
When it comes to connectivity – The microphone has a USB data port, easy to connect with computers. You will not need extra driver software, and no need for an external sound card either.
The mic features double shielding USB cable that reduces interference. It’s also compatible with Windows and Mac OS and it comes with a 12 month warranty.
Pros:
- Large diaphragm condenser mic
- Has a 3.5mm headphone jack
- Comes with a boom arm & pop filter
- Built to last
Cons:
- On the heavier side
Best Studio Pick
Samson Condenser Microphone
- Capsule: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
- Diaphragm: 0.75″ / 19 mm
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 18 kHz
- Connectivity: 1 x XLR 3-Pin & USB
- Sample/bit rate: 44.1 kHz-48 kHz / 16-bit
- Maximum SPL: 136 dB SPL
- OS Support: Windows, macOS/OS X
- Dimensions: ø: 2.75 x L: 8.75″
- Weight: 1.5 lb
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Samson’s C01U USB condenser microphone is a back-electret, medium-diaphragm studio microphone. The ‘digital’ tag refers to the fact that it has a built-in analogue-to-digital converter and interface, enabling it to connect to a computer workstation via USB rather than the more usual analogue, balanced XLR cable. It outputs at 16-bit resolution and supports sample rates of 8, 11.025, 22.05, 44.1 and 48kHz.
The Samson C01U makes an excellent singing microphone. Easy to use, and the vocal recordings will sound professional compared to your computer’s built in microphone.
Connectivity is strictly via USB, with a port at the bottom of the mic, where an XLR connection normally would be.
There is no other audio output, and the supplied USB cable provides not only the audio connection to the computer, but also power for the mic.
To enable the mic to function as a one-stop solution for simple recording needs (like podcasts), this version is also a full USB interface.
Samson shoe-horned a headphone amp into the compact C01U Pro microphone. You get real time zero-latency monitoring while recording.
No more external headphone amps or plugging into different, and lagged, sources.
The C01U Pro’s integrated headphone amp makes this a complete recording outfit that’s perfect for space-restricted studios and musicians on the go.
Solid die-cast metal construction and shock-mounted mic element minimizes unwanted handling noise and vibrations and that is what makes it a great noise cancelling USB microphone.
Another good thing about this microphone is that you do not have to worry about compatibility.
It will work fine without installing additional drivers or specific software. In fact, you can plug it into Mac and Windows computers as well as iOS and Android devices. Its versatility and functionality is what makes it one of the best microphones for recording instruments too.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Needs no audio interface or mic preamp
- Connects via a conventional USB cable
- Excellent sound & convenience
- Included stand mount
Cons:
- Dodgy headphone jack
Best For Singing At Home
Blue Yeti Nano
- Form Factor: Desktop
- Capsule: Condenser
- Diaphragm: 0.55″ / 14 mm
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Maximum SPL: 110 dB SPL
- Output Connectors: Micro-USB
- Sample/bit rate: 44kHz / 16-bit
- OS Support: Windows, macOS/OS X
- Dimensions: ø: 4.29 x L: 8.31″
- Weight: 1.39 lbs
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The Blue Yeti Nano is solidly built and has a nice weight to it with touches of unique styling throughout. You’ll find the stylish black-chrome Blue logo on the upper front of the mic.
The detachable aluminum stand is nicely weighted and painted shadow gray to match the mic. The stand is bold, yet subtle, and has a unique design and stance.
When the mic is in its stand you can easily adjust its angle via two knobs on either side of the mic.
With the mic connected to a computer, the volume dial lights up green. When pressed, it functions as a mute button, and lights up red.
On the bottom of the mic, there’s a quarter-inch thread mount that allows for connecting to various camera tripods—the included 0.75-inch screw-in adapter allows for connection to any standard mic stand.
On the backside, there’s the pattern button, which has two small lights on either side to indicate which pickup pattern — cardioid or omnidirectional — you’ve selected.
The Nano comes with two Blue proprietary, 14 mm condenser capsules, supporting sample rates up to 24-bit/48 KHz. It’s a side-address microphone, meaning that the front of the mic should face you when recording.
Along the bottom, you will find a microUSB plug and 3.5mm low-latency headphone jack as well as standard threading for an optional Radius III shock mount or to connect to a boom arm, which is how I have it set up currently.
The Yeti Nano is beautifully engineered and you can tell that every detail was thoughtfully designed and manufactured with excellence in mind and that is what makes it one of the best USB microphones for recording vocals.
Under the hood, the Nano includes a dual-capsule design for capturing audio in either cardioid (for recording narration and podcasts), or omnidirectional (for recording multiple speakers or environmental audio).
The Nano is quite efficient when it comes to selecting cardioid or omni sound, thanks to a super convenient push button on the mic’s back and indicator lights showing which mode you’re using.
The Yeti Nano works with Windows 7, 8.1, or 10, Mac OS 10.10 or higher, and requires USB 1.1, 2.0, or 3.0. It will work with the majority of recording software apps available, with the exception of ProTools.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality
- Very portable
- Choice of colors
- Illuminated control dial
Cons:
- Only two polar patterns
- Front dial feels loose
Best For Professionals
Samson G-Track Pro
- Sound Field: Mono
- Diaphragm: 1″ / 25.40 mm
- Capsule: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Figure-8, Omnidirectional
- Frequency Range: 50 Hz – 20 kHz
- Maximum SPL: 130 dB SPL
- Output Connectors: USB Type-B, Analog
- Sample/bit rate: 96kHz / 24-bit
- OS Support: Windows, macOS/OS X
- Dimensions: ø: 4.5 x L: 10.5″
- Weight: 3.52 lbs
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The all-black 3.5-pound, 4.5-by-10.5-inch (HW) G-Track Pro ships connected to its desktop swivel-mount stand, which is weighted for more stability.
The mic can be angled upward, making it easy to get the ideal distance from speaker or sound source to capsule.
Behind its sturdy grille, there’s a layer of windscreen foam protecting the dual 1-inch capsules that combine for the various mic patterns.
The G-Track Pro is a full-size, multi-pattern studio mic with a dual-diaphragm, 1-inch capsule offering cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-of-eight pickup patterns.
This is one of the best budget microphone for streaming and gaming for professionals as it has a built-in headphone amp and desk stand, and is the first USB mic that we came across with a built-in 1 megohm instrument input.
It provides recording up to 24-bit/96 kHz, unlike most USB mics, which offer 48 kHz recording, often at a depth of just 16 bits.
Power to run the mic and associated electronics comes from USB so no phantom or other power source is required.
The microphone capsule is a dual-diaphragm capacitor model built around a one-inch capsule skinned with three-micron metalized Mylar, and offers three switchable polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-of-eight.
For instruments, the quarter-inch unbalanced jack on the rear of the mic accepts guitars, basses, keyboards and line-level sources.
Both the mic and the instrument input can be used simultaneously so, for example, a singing guitar player can record separate voice and DI’d guitar tracks at the same time.
However, if you need to mix the two signals to record onto a single mono track, you can do that too — there’s a Mono/2-track switch on the mic body for this.
Beyond being a mic and an interface, it’s also an audio monitor thanks to its single LED light.
While recording, if your vocals begin to peak, the light changes from green to red to indicate clipping. It also turns yellow to indicate you’re muted.
Finally, the G-Track Pro comes with a heavy duty podcasting stand and a 6′ cable. It literally has everything you need to record and stream vocals except a computer.
With the G-Track Pro you’re getting the total package. This thing is a game-changer and a money-saver for just about anyone looking to get into streaming vocals or podcasting. It’s super simple to use and has a high quality build.
Pros:
- Clean, mids-focused signal.
- Dedicated instrument input can be used at the same time as mic.
- Three selectable patterns.
- Gain knobs for both mic and instrument input.
Cons:
- No adapter for standard mic stand included
USB Microphone for Singing/Vocals – FAQs
What Are USB Microphones? How Do They Work?
The USB microphone contains all the elements of a traditional microphone: capsule, diaphragm, etc. Where it differs from other studio microphones is its inclusion of 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.
That makes mobile digital recording as easy as plugging in the microphone, launching your DAW software, and hitting record.
Are USB Microphones Good For Recording Vocals or Singing?
Technically, USB mics are also condenser microphones (at least almost all of them are), so they are not really a category. However, it makes sense to classify them separately for a couple of reasons.
First, they are more affordable than most professional condenser mics. Also, they are relatively easy to use and are considered most suitable for beginner vocalists. All you need to do is plug the USB mic into your computer, and you are good to go!
There is no need to worry about powering or setting them up. But be aware that they don’t yield top-notch sounds the way standard condenser mics do.
And since they are mainly plug-and-play devices, they mostly don’t offer the option of plugging into other audio interfaces besides a computer.
Which Polar Pattern Is Best Suited For Singing/Vocals In A USB Microphone?
The most common pattern used in modern vocal recording is the cardioid pattern (left), which picks up best from directly in front of the capsule while rejecting sound from directly behind. The omnidirectional pattern (centre) is more common in mics used for acoustic music, and picks up equally well from all directions.
What Frequency Response Is Best Suited For Singing/Vocals In A USB Microphone?
A microphone with a frequency response range of around 80 Hz to 15 kHz would make a good choice for a vocal mic. However for miking snares and toms, you would look for a range that starts lower, at around 50 Hz, and for a bass drum mic, you will want a low end of 40 Hz or even lower, down to 30 Hz.
What Should Be The Response Curve For A Good USB Microphone For Singing?
The shape of a microphone’s frequency responsiveness is called its response curve. Because it starts out at zero on the low end and drops off to zero at the high end, it takes the form of a curve when graphed.
Within this overall curve, there will be peaks and dips in certain places that give the mic a certain character and make it more suited to certain applications.
For example, a mic intended for vocals may have a spike in its upper midrange that results in smoother or more intelligible reproduction of voices.
Condenser Mic Vs Dynamic Mics. Which One Is The Best For Recording Vocals?
Condenser microphones are best used to capture vocals and high frequencies. They are also the preferred type of microphone for most studio applications.
Also known as capacitor microphones, condenser mics are mainly used in studios because of their detail and accuracy.
Th USB condenser microphones have a thin diaphragm, because of the thin diaphragm, condenser mics are used to pick up delicate sounds.
They also need a power source. While this usually comes in the form of phantom power, it is not uncommon to use a 9v battery. The added power to the microphone is what gives it its characteristic high-output sound.
Dynamic Microphones are best used for booming sounds and powerful vocals. Because of their ability to handle loud sounds, they are the preferred microphone for live use.
Unlike condensers microphones, a dynamic mic uses a wire coil to amplify signal picked up by the diaphragm. As a result, the output of a dynamic mic is lower than a condenser.
Another reason why dynamic microphones are great for live sound is that they are incredibly tough.
Conclusion
The Rode NT-USB is our pick for the best USB microphone for singing & receding vocals.The NT-USB is a highly versatile side-address microphone ideal for recording any kind of vocals with all mainstream recording applications.
The body features a zero-latency 3.5mm headphone jack to monitor microphone input. A premium pop-filter is included, which fits onto the base of the mic, positioning the filter the ideal distance from the capsule to minimize plosives during singing or speech.
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