Go for an omnidirectional USB mic if you need a microphone that picks up all of the sounds in your studio, like for musical performances.
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Polar patterns have a big impact on how a microphone picks up sound. Consider the following when shopping around for USB mics. The best USB mic will vary depending on how you intend to use it. What should I look for in a USB microphone? You can invest less in your overall setup and spend more of your podcast budget on a quality microphone. You don't need any additional equipment to start recording using a USB mic.
#Best usb dynamic microphone for podcasting windows#
USB microphones are much simpler and use USB cables to connect to Windows PCs, Macs, and even mobile devices like an iPad or iPhone-great for capturing sound from anywhere.Įasy to use with a variety of devices, USB mics are great for any level podcaster, especially those who sometimes record on the go. XLR microphones require more advanced podcast setups with additional equipment, like an audio interface and phantom power source. The main difference between a USB mic and an XLR mic is how they connect to other equipment for recording. What is the difference between a USB microphone and an XLR microphone? If you're looking for the best USB microphone for recording quality audio for your show, you might want to steer clear of figure-8 microphones. While good for recording in stereo or recording two voices at once, figure-8 microphones don't have many applications for podcast recording. Only a handful of manufacturers make this type of USB microphone. Picture the polar patterns in the shape of an 8, with the microphone at the number's very center point. They pick up sound coming directly in front and behind, but reject sound coming from the sides. However, if you're trying to record spoken vocals, an omnidirectional mic will pick up unwanted background noise more than a cardioid mic, which blocks out any sound coming directly behind the microphone.įigure-8 microphones are also named after the shape of their pickup patterns.
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If you're singing and playing an acoustic guitar, this type of microphone will pick up your voice and capture the guitar at the same time. Instead of a heart facing out from the mic, picture a mic surrounded by a large bubble in which any sound is recorded. This USB mic type picks up on sound signals coming from the front, sides, and back with equal strength. When it comes to podcast applications, this type of USB microphone works well for getting quality recorded vocals spoken directly into the mic from the front.Īn omnidirectional mic indiscriminately records sound from any direction. In this scenario, the mic will mostly pick up the singer's vocals while simultaneously capturing some of the sounds from the band without picking up sounds from the audience. Musicians frequently use cardioid microphones for live performances when accompanied by a band and facing a live audience. Generally, a cardioid mic won’t pick up sound coming from directly behind.
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This type of mic is most sensitive to sound signals coming from directly in front, but will also pick up some sound coming from the sides. Cardioid MicrophonesĬardioid microphones get their name from the shape of cardioid pickup patterns, which resemble a heart extending from the front of the mic. Understanding the differences will help you choose the best USB mic for your needs, based on your show’s content and the set up of your recording studio. Each pattern has advantages and disadvantages when it comes to recording certain types of sound. The pickup pattern of a microphone determines the direction that the mic receives and records a signal.
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Each type records sound differently using specific polar patterns. You can usually find three kinds of USB mics: cardioid microphones, omnidirectional microphones, and figure-8 microphones. You can begin recording without any additional pieces of recording equipment. The addition of these circuits makes it possible to plug a USB mic directly into a desktop computer or tablet.