Voice Over
Best USB Microphones for Remote Recording
USB microphones are unparalleled in terms of convenience. The best USB microphones are always ‘plug-and-play’, meaning you can attach the USB cable to your computer or laptop and get started recording right away, with minimal fiddling with technology.
There are tons of USB mics out there now, with the rise in remote work. But microphones for remote recording are anything but one-size-fits-all. The right mic for you depends on your budget and desired features.
The Top 10 Best USB Microphones in 2022
It is perhaps a given that sound quality is of utmost importance for remote recording. The listed microphones all prioritize crisp audio, without exception. These models span the range of price points and functionality to help you narrow your search for your ideal remote recording microphone.
Apogee Hype Mic
- Price range: High-end (about $350)
- Pros: Built-in analog compressor, 3 compression settings
- Cons: Higher price point
The Apogee Hype Mic is one of the best USB mics for voice actors because, although it’s more expensive than most other USB microphones, this mic delivers proportionally higher quality and customizability.
Shure MV7
- Price range: High-end (about $250)
- Pros: USB or XLR connection, reputable brand
- Cons: Higher price point, not very sensitive
This mic looks promising on paper with its flexible connection mode and Shure branding. The MV7 is made for recording very close, which may or may not be bothersome. That said, this is still a good microphone with high-quality sound.
Elgato Wave:3
- Price range: Average (about $150)
- Pros: Clarity, comes with Wave Link software
- Cons: Cardioid pattern only
The Elgato Wave:3 is a great mic, by all accounts. Although it’s aimed at live streamers, voice actors will like its crisp sound quality and plug-and-play setup. It even includes free mixing software, making the Wave:3 that much more user-friendly.
Blue Yeti
- Price range: Average (about $130)
- Pros: Four pattern options, adjustable gain
- Cons: Some users have static issues
The Blue Yeti is a classic frontrunner on lists of the best mics for YouTubers for good reason. The Yeti offers a standout degree of flexibility with four pickup pattern options and adjustable gain as well as volume. Yet this mic is no harder to set up or use than any other USB microphone. It is arguably the best USB mic in terms of value for its price point.
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+
- Price range: Average (about $130)
- Pros: Sound quality, adjustable gain
- Cons: Awkward desktop tripod, cardioid-only
This mic challenges the Blue Yeti as another leading microphone at their shared price point. Notably, the Audio-Technica mic lacks the pickup pattern flexibility that the Blue Yeti has, but perhaps voice actors will be perfectly satisfied with cardioid only as they record alone from home.
The AT2020USB+ delivers high-quality audio that certainly competes with, if not surpasses, the Yeti, making it another strong contender for the best USB mic in 2022.
HyperX Quadcast S
- Price range: Average (about $120)
- Pros: Four pattern options, built-in anti-vibration, touch-to-mute sensor
- Cons: Physically large and heavy
The HyperX Quadcast S enters the ring as yet another option to give Blue Yeti fans pause. Although it’s a bit clunky and marketed toward gamers, the Quadcast S also brings unique features with its high sound quality. It’s RGB lighting adds some fun and flair while the touch-sensitive top mute button adds convenience. It’s tough to find serious flaws with this one.
RODE NT-USB
- Price range: Average (about $100)
- Pros: Durable, affordable, small
- Cons: Heavy
This little microphone is one of the best for voice actors on the go. Rode’s NT-USB packs a powerful punch for its small size due to its noticeably solid construction. This may be the best choice for you if you need an affordable mic that travels easily without sacrificing quality.
Samson Meteor Mic
- Price range: Affordable (about $60)
- Pros: Small, simple, affordable
- Cons: Can be hard to locate the best positioning/angle to pick up audio
This little mic is cute, frankly, and will only put a small dent in your wallet. It has potential as a convenient on-the-go mic. It may be hard to find just the right spot to pick up your recording, but if it fits your budget, the Samson Meteor mic is a solid choice.
Blue Snowball iCE
- Price range: Affordable (about $40)
- Pros: Budget-friendly, reputable brand
- Cons: Can lack sensitivity for some users
Voice actors who admire the Blue Yeti’s quality but are just starting will find the Blue Snowball a good choice to get their feet wet. The value for the money is what makes this mic stand out as one of the best USB mics.
HyperX SoloCast
- Price range: Affordable (about $40)
- Pros: Budget-friendly, touch-to-mute sensor
- Cons: Lacks advanced features/quality
The SoloCast is the HyperX answer to Blue’s Snowball iCE mic at a very similar functionality and identical price point. The most notable difference between the two is perhaps the SoloCast’s mute sensor located at the top of the mic.
The SoloCast is a little bit more convenient than the Snowball in this respect, but both of these highly affordable mics are better than their price would suggest.
Wrap Up
Every voice actor has different needs, of course. Knowing that the convenient, easy setup of a USB microphone is right for you is a step in the direction of making this decision.
The span of mics listed here covers several combinations of priorities you may weigh as you perfect your remote recording setup.
Beginners minding a budget most of all might be drawn to the $40 Blue Snowball iCE or HyperX SoloCast. More established voice actors will find that extra room in the budget translates to even better quality from these two brands: The HyperX Quadcast S and Blue Yeti are spectacular midrange options.
Other models prioritize special features like condenser settings (the Apogee Hype Mic), portability (the Rode NT-USB), complimentary software (Elgato Wave:3), or additional XLR connection (the Shure MV7).
Whatever speaks to your personal needs, a solid remote setup is a worthwhile investment. Let your voice sound confidently with the ease of a simple USB cable and any one of these mics.
Let us know what your favorite USB microphone is in the comment section below!
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