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Best All Purpose Microphone for Recording Review & Buyer’s Guide [2023]

Best All Purpose Microphone for Recording Review & Buyer’s Guide [2023]

Getting the Best All Purpose Microphone for Recording in the market can be very challenging. There are hundreds of brands claiming to produce the best quality. Yet, most of them do not meet the standards. Also, most people do not know what features to consider before buying.

Choosing the perfect microphone depends on a solid knowledge of the features. Also, the types and characteristics of the receivers are essential. This guide will cover all that in detail, giving you a rough picture of how a quality mic should look like. You will also get a list of our recommendations to improve your decision.

Table of Contents

Best All Purpose Microphone for Recording Comparison Chart


Best All Purpose Microphone for Recording Review

USB Microphone,Fifine Metal Condenser Recording Microphone for Laptop MAC or Windows Cardioid Studio Recording Vocals, Voice Overs,Streaming Broadcast and YouTube Videos-K669B

FIFINE Metal Condenser Recording USB Microphone

This is the best plug-in and plays a USB microphone. It comes with a 5.9-foot USB cable for connecting to the computers. You only need to plug it in to start recording and podcasting. Also, it is easy to set it up on a PC or Mac.

The FIFINE USB microphone features a robust metal construction design. It allows it to last longer and prevents breaking if it falls on the ground. Additionally, it comes with a stable tripod stand. It makes it convenient for YouTube live streamers or artists doing voice-overs.

This USB microphone comes with an extra volume knob. It makes it more sensitive with a loud voice output suitable for gaming or voice recording. You don’t need a 48V phantom power supply because it gets power from the USB.

It is a quality microphone usable for voice chat. You can also use it for Cortana, voice recognition, and Discord. Besides, it features a cardioid polar pattern condenser for computers to capture voice. It also produces a crisp, clear, and smooth sound without capturing static noise.

If you are a streamer or a gamer, this mic will help with sounds from the primary source. Also, it will filter and separate all background noise. FIFINE USB also does an excellent job for TeamSpeak, OBS, and streaming broadcasts. It is compatible with Mac OS, and windows vista up to widows 10.

Pros

  • Ideal for webcasting, video chat, chat, and any voice recognition software.
  • Easy to set up and use.
  • Comes with a tripod perfect for podcasting, performing voice-overs, and gaming.

Cons

  • Not compatible with any phones or the Xbox.

USB Microphone Kit 192KHZ/24BIT Plug & Play MAONO AU-A04 USB Computer Cardioid Mic Podcast Condenser Microphone with Professional Sound Chipset for PC Karaoke, YouTube, Gaming RecordingUSB Microphone Kit 192KHZ/24BIT Plug & Play MAONO AU-A04 USB Computer Cardioid Mic

This is a condenser microphone that features a professional sound chipset. Besides, it holds a high resolution and a sampling rate of 192 kHz/24bit. Also, this MAONO microphone contains a flat frequency rate of 30Hz-16 kHz. The advantage of this frequency is that it produces high-quality sound.

Whether you are doing a voice-over, a speech, or singing, this mike is excellent. Furthermore, it comes with a USB 2.0 data point. You can connect your Mac or PC without adding any extra drive or software. The USB cable has double shielding to filter external interference.

It sounds good on a live stream, video call, podcast, and all other forms of recording. Besides, you will enjoy its strong bass response. This is because it has a magnet and an electric condenser transducer. The professional condenser microphone is capable of picking up crystal-clear sound.

You will have a better feel because the USB contains a magnet ring to prevent interference. Furthermore, you will get a sturdy boom arm set. It comes with a foam windscreen and a pop filter that records and produces crystal-clear sound. A shock mount that adds some damping function will hold your mic.

Apart from being compatible with PC OS, you can also connect it to your phone using an OTG adapter  Additionally, MAONO AU-AO4 USB microphone features low power consumption with no distortion.

Items that you will get in the box are a table mounting clamp, a condenser mic, and a pop filter. Other items inside the box are a metal shock mount, a USB-B to USB-A cable, and an adjustable scissor Arm. Any product bought via Amazon from the MAONO brand will get free customer support.

Pros

  • High-resolution sampling rate.
  • Reproduce small sounds.
  • Suitable for gaming, broadcasting, studios, and recording.

Cons

  • If not adjusted properly, it might pick up clicks for gamers.

BLUE Condenser Microphone, Blackout, Mic Only (988-000100)

Yeti USB Microphone

If you are looking for a microphone that can record in any situation, try Blue Yeti. It has a tri-capsule array and is available in many different colors. It is capable of recording in any case because it has many pattern selections.

These pattern selections include stereo, omnidirectional, bi-directional, and cardioid. Furthermore, it features a mute button and a zero-latency output for headphones. The Blue Yeti USB microphone is perfect for voiceovers, podcasting, interviews, and vocals.

It requires very minimal specs for device compatibility. For example, you need at least a RAM of 64 MB. Today almost all devices ran on a RAM of 512 and above. You can connect it to any Windows, Linux, or Mac OS.

You do not need any driver software to connect Yeti mic to a PC. This is because it is a plug-and-play gadget with an easy setup. You will get value for your money because of its dynamic design. For example, you can switch to a cardioid mode that delivers a rich and full-bodied sound.

The cardioid mode in the yeti mic is suitable for game streaming, Skype calls, and podcasting. It also features an omnidirectional pattern for picking sound from all directions. This mode is best for capturing a “being there” experience — for instance, conference calls.

If you love interviewing people, then this mic will serve you better. It has a bidirectional mode, which allows it to record from both the front and the rear side. It is best to interview two people. Additionally, it also features a stereo mode for recording sounds from different sources.

Pros

  • Blue Yeti USB microphone features four designs for flexible recording.
    It is compatible with any PC or Mac OS and does not need drivers.
    Perfect for almost any situation.

Cons

  • It is not portable since it requires a PC connection via a USB cable.

Rode NT-USB Versatile Studio-Quality USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Rode NT-USB Versatile Studio-Quality USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Rode NT-USB is a high-quality microphone that is easy to connect to devices through a USB. It comes with a desktop tripod stand, a pouch for storage, and a 3/8 thread stand mount. All these accessories are useful in positioning and producing high-quality sound.

You can rerecord any forms of vocals using this versatile and two-sided microphone. Other suitable applications are record singing, podcasting, and voice-overs. Besides, you can connect it with any mainstream application. It has an easy setup for Linux, Windows, and Mac OS. You can also connect it to your iPad using a recording app.

To connect it to your Apple iPad, you will need a USB connection adapter. A good example is the Apple camera connection kit. It is easy to check on the microphone in real time. Because it features a zero-latency stereo headphone. Also, you can achieve that by using dials to mix between the computer and the microphone input.

Rode NT-USB microphone is capable of filtering all harsh sounds using a premium pop filter. This filter sits at the base of the mic, which is an ideal distance from the capsule. It filters all the hard ‘B’ ‘T’ and ‘P’ sounds during speeches or singing.

When in use, this NT-USB microphone can sit in a comfy style at the table with its base. There is a pouch for storing this microphone when nobody is using it. The power of controlling gain setting lies in your hands. Keep it moderate because high gain picks up room noise while low gain makes the Mic inaudible.

Pros

  • It is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS devices.
  • Zero-latency headphones for monitoring your vocals in real-time.
  • Features a premium pop filter for noise cancellation.

Cons

  • You will need a suitable USB connection adapter to connect it to your iPad.

Rode NT1-A Anniversary Vocal Cardioid Condenser Microphone Package

Rode NT1-A Anniversary Vocal Cardioid Condenser Microphone Package

Rode is one of the few brands able to produce high-quality microphones. The NT-A Anniversary series is an industry-standard mic with a high SPL capability. Furthermore, it delivers crystal clear sound with an extended dynamic range.

It has a self-noise level of 5dBA, making it one of the quietest studio microphones in the world. This is the reason why most guitarists, percussionists, and vocalists use it. The noise cancellation feature gives the artist a humble time. Indeed it has set standards for other priced mics.

In the package, you will find everything that you need for a professional setup. There is no need to buy other gadgets as it is a complete vocal recording solution package. You will get a studio-grade pop shield inside the box. This is what aids in noise cancellation giving you a clean sound.

Other accessories that come with the Rode NT1-A are a premium 20-foot cable, an instructional DVD, and a shock mount. These accessories help with set up giving it a professional taste. Additionally, you will get a dust cover to protect the inner condensers. This will allow it to serve you for an extended period.

The incredible thing about this brand is that it offers a 10-year warranty. It covers the products that you will buy through authorized dealers only. Further, it holds a giant diaphragm and a 1-inch cardioid condenser.

If you want a microphone with global professional standards, buy the Rode NT-1. It is a world-class product that makes use of the latest technology.

Pros

  • It has a 3-pin XLR output.
  • Detachable premium pop filter.
  • Compatible with all PCs through a USB output.

Cons

  • It does not function well in moist conditions

Shure PGA48-XLR Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone

Best All Purpose Microphone for Recording Buyer’s Guide

First, if you understand the different designs, features, and types that are available. Then choosing the right mic will be an easy task for you.

So what is a microphone? It is an electrical device (transducer) that can convert sound energy into electrical energy. Before reaching the speaker, the electrical power passes through an amplifier for processing. Speakers are responsible for converting the electrical energy back into sound.

There are only three types of microphones that you can use for recording. They include Dynamic, ribbon, and condenser mics. Some people will argue that USB mics are the fourth type.

The truth is that USB mics are not different types of mics. The only difference is their ability to connect to a tablet or a computer through a USB port. USB microphones always fall into the class of the dynamic or condenser

Dynamic Mics (Moving Coil Mics)

Dynamic mics contain three major parts, a diaphragm a voice coil, and a magnet. A voice coil attaches to the diaphragm while the magnet surrounds the coil. When sound enters the microphone, the diaphragm together with the coil moves in the same way.

The advantage of using dynamic mics is that they can cope with high volume levels. Also, they have a very long life. Besides, they are suitable for vocalists and instrumentals. This is because they can color the sound in a range of 5 kHz to 10 kHz. The best frequency to add presence and clarity.

When you compare them to other types of mics, you will realize that dynamic mic are cheaper. This is the reason why most studio owners love them. For example, Shure SM57 and SM58 are trendy retail for less than $100 each. Also, they do not need an external power supply or batteries like the condenser and ribbon mics.

Dynamic mics are suitable for close-mic instruments and vocals. Especially when you do not want to capture the room’s ambiance. They are popular choices for voiceovers, recording loud instruments, and vocals on stage. You can also use them for miking drums, electric guitar amps, and recording rock or pop vocals.



Condenser Mics

A condenser mic works from a very different perspective from a dynamic mic. It uses a condenser to convert sound signals into electrical energy. The condenser or capacitor contains two plates. One of the dishes has the same functions as that of a dynamic mic’s diaphragm.

The diaphragm vibrates each time a sound wave hits it. So the capacitance or distance between the two plates changes. This is what causes the generation of an electrical signal.

Condenser mics are expensive since they produce an accurate, transparent, and natural sound. Besides, they also pose flat frequency with extensive lows and highs. So they can be able to record instruments from a further distance than the dynamic mics.

A mic that records from a distance is a cable of tapping the room’s ambiance as well. Room ambiance is a very important aspect of some instrumental artists. Condenser mics usually need a power supply. They can output higher gain leading to a quitter recording.

Further, condenser mics can be able to record soft sounds without noise interference. There are three types in general. They include phantom power, small diaphragm, and large-diaphragm condenser mics. The difference comes between the power supply and the range of frequency.

Condensers are suitable for recording vocals, acoustic pianos, and instruments with fast transients. You use them for drum kit overhead mics, orchestral instruments, and orchestral recordings.

Ribbon Mics

Ribbon mics are the elite or premium choices. Dating back to the early 1930s, they were offering the best fidelity and resolution. This reputation has remained since that time. Today producers use it to record vocals, acoustic instruments, harps, and drums

Ribbon and dynamic mics work in the same way. But, the voice and diaphragm coil change to a thin aluminum foil. Every time sound waves hit the mic, the aluminum foil moves with the help of the surrounding magnet.

They are not typical for home recordings because they are expensive. But they are very common in professional studios. Note that ribbon mics are fragile, blowing into it will damage the aluminum foil. These mics are suitable for loud sources such as screamer vocalists and guitars.

Ribbons produce a full warm sound because of their flat frequency response. All recordings done with this device appear to be smooth, silky, and very detailed. They can capture minimal changes because of the ultra-thin ribbon element.

If you want to capture the room’s ambiance, buy the ribbon. Its bio-electrical design can pick up the background sound in a place. They are also excellent for drum overheads. Further, it provides full-bodied lows and Mids. This is why it produces a natural and uncolored sound.
MXL Mics 770 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Check the Polar Patterns

No matter the type of microphone you choose, it’s essential to understand its pick-up pattern. These are the directions that your mic can pick up sounds from. Examples include:

Cardioid.

This is the most common type of mic that picks up sound waves in a heart shape. Also, it is a perfect choice for recording the sound source only because it minimizes the room’s effect.

Hyper/shotgun mics.

These are popular with TV producers and filmmakers. It is capable of isolating sound from a noisy environment.



Bidirectional/figure 8.

This is the best microphone for recording voices from two opposite directions. They are famous for stereo recording using the mid-side technique.

Omnidirectional-

They pick up sound waves from all directions. They are useful for recording sounds together with the room’s ambiance

Frequently Asked Questions

Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone, Black

Are USB microphones good for recording music?

Yes, USB microphones are very popular nowadays. Many companies are competing to dominate this digital error of YouTube and podcasters. They keep getting better and better every day.

Are XLR mics better than USB?

Each type of mic excels in different situations. So none of them is inherently better. Sound quality is comparable in both devices. They have various components that help in producing a crystal clear sound.

Are dynamic microphones good for recording?

Dynamic mics are perfect for onstage rerecording. For studio recording, condensers are better since they record a higher frequency. Dynamics are resistant to many forms of abuse, such as moisture.



How can I record my vocals better?

The first step is by choosing the best microphone for recording. Note that different mics perform well with different voices and different situations. Next, you need to create an ideal recording environment. Lastly, you can use sound effects as you record your voice.

What software do most recording studios use?

ABLETON LIVE, REASON, FL STUDIO, and PRO TOOLS are some of the standard software in recording studios. Note that there are also many extra plugins to use alongside these programs.

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Conclusion

The quality of your sound depends so much on the type of mic. For this reason, you need to pick the best microphone for recording. There are about three types, and they all work on different criteria. The first one is the dynamic mic, which is suitable for coping with high levels of sound.

They are the cheapest of the three types. You can use dynamic mics for doing voice-overs and recording electronic guitars. The condenser, is a bit expensive because they produce high-quality results. They record soft sounds accurately by filtering all the RX and FX interference.

They are suitable for gaming, recording vocals, video chatting, and instrumentals. The third option is the ribbon microphones, which is a premium choice. It is not common in home studios because it’s a popular choice for professional studios.

They produce smooth, silky, and perfect results. These mics are suitable for loud sources like screamer vocalists, and electric guitars. Lastly, USB microphones do not qualify to be in a standalone category. This is because they can be either of the above three types. The only difference is that they have a USB output functionality.

About the Author

Michael-B
Michael-B

Michael-B is a Music Producer, Musician, and Formally Trained (and was Certified by the Recording Institute of Detroit in 1986) Recording Engineer. As of to date, He's built 3 home recording studios go back to 1987, where he wrote, played all the instruments, and recorded his music. Michael B is also a Writer, Chief Editor and SEO of TrackinSolo.com