If you want to hook a microphone up to a Windows PC or Mac computer and want to keep things as simple as possible, then a USB microphone is definitely the best solution. By picking out a USB microphone, you remove all of the stress and faff of having to find the right converter, preamp, or audio interface since all of comes neatly built-in. USB microphones are ideal for people who just need one microphone, like singer-songwriters, hobbyists, podcasters, vloggers, and even gamers. They're also great for online meetings.
Connecting a Microphone to a Computer or Laptop
If you want to connect a microphone to a computer, then roughly speaking, you have two possible options. Option 1: if you're a big fan of straightforward plug-and-play solutions, then a USB microphone is definitely something for you. Simply plug the microphone into a free USB port on your computer, and in most cases, the microphone will be immediately recognised by your app or software. If not, just select the mic as the audio input in the options or settings menu. Sometimes you might need to install a driver, but this can be done in minutes. Also, since almost all USB microphones are USB-powered, you're not left with a mess of cables on your desktop. Option 2: if you want more flexibility in your setup, then you could opt for an external audio interface fitted with the amount of inputs you need. Audio interfaces are compatible with any microphone that's connected via an XLR plug, so you have more freedom to use a few different microphones. Note: you won't be able to connect a USB microphone up to an audio interface.
USB Gaming & Headset Microphones
Dedicated multiplayer gamers will get a lot of use out of a USB microphone. A USB microphone won't just sound much better than the built-in microphone of your laptop, but your team-mates will also be far less annoyed by the sound of you hammering your keyboard and clicking your mouse. By suspending the microphone from a good desk-mounted arm, you can keep your desktop neat and clear for your mouse and keyboard. Better yet, you could go for a headset microphone. This puts the microphone directly in front of your mouth and completely removes it from sight so you can focus on game play. And, if the cable is long enough, you can even game in comfort on your sofa.
USB Podcasting Microphones
The best podcasting microphone is usually going to be the one that you can easily travel with. If you produce journalistic podcasts, then the portability, compatibility, and setup-time of your mic will be important. Of course, if you produce podcasts in a fixed space, then you'll be comfortable with a regular desktop USB microphone. But f you conduct interviews on location, then a wireless clip-on USB microphone will probably be handy. Also, we have an array of USB microphones that are compatible with mobile iOS and Android devices, and some of these models even come including a Lightning, micro-USB, and/or USB-C cable included.
USB Microphone Stands & Broadcast Arms
Many USB microphones come including a compact tabletop stand, which is convenient if you sit at a desk while working. But, if you know you'll always be working in the same position; could do with giving your microphone a fixed spot; and want to keep your desktop clear for other equipment, then a broadcast arm is a great upgrade. Broadcast arms simply clamp onto the edge of a desk to suspend the microphone above. They use up no deskspace and are easily adjusted and swivelled out of the way. Some broadcast arms even come with an integrated XLR or USB cable. Of course, if you're recording musical instruments using a USB microphone, then a tablestand will be too small, and a broadcast arm too fussy. In which case, you can get a normal floor-standing microphone stand with a boom arm, so you can mount your microphone and put it in exactly the right position. If you're thinking about getting a microphone stand or a broadcast arm, then you need to make sure that your microphone has a 3/8 inch or 5/8 inch screw thread.
Frequency Asked Questions About USB Microphones
How do you connect a microphone to a computer?
The sound-quality of the built-in microphones of computers could often do with improving. The easiest way to record good sound on a Windows PC or Mac is to plug in a USB microphone. Because USB microphones come with a preamp and converter built in, you don't have to get any extra external gear. If you want to plug more than one microphone into your computer at the same time, then you can use an audio interface fitted with two or more microphone inputs.
How much does a good USB microphone cost?
For just £20 you can get a simple USB microphone that will already sound far better than the built-in microphone of your computer. From there, the price can rise as far as around £500, with a few models priced as high as over £1,000. Besides offering studio-grade sound quality, more expensive USB microphones offer more and more extra functions, including features that range from an integrated headphone output, to advanced noise suppression and built-in effects.
How do USB microphones work?
A USB microphone is essentially three bits of kit in one. First, there's the microphone itself, which is the capsule that vibrates in response to sound waves and converts the vibrations into an electronic signal. Then there's the microphone preamp which strengthen the electronic signal before sending it through an AD converter which converts the signal from analogue to digital so it can be processed by the computer. You can basically see a USB microphone as a microphone with a built-in audio interface.
What's the best USB microphone for me?
USB microphones come in an array of different shapes and sizes, but it's actually worth considering the shape of your new microphone depending on what you want to use it for. Tabletop models are the most popular since they're neatly set up on your desk for recording vocals, speech, online meetings, and gaming. Sometimes, it can be more convenient to mount the microphone on a stand or broadcast arm - just make sure that the mounting point of the microphone will be compatible. Another thing worth thinking about is access to a headphone output. This can be handy, since microphones with an integrated headphone port support direct monitoring, so you can record latency-free (without any delay between the initial sound and the sound picked up by the microphone). This feature is definitely recommended if you want to record vocals or instruments.
