There was indeed a time that USB mics used to be very bad at recording music or voice. Back in those days, XLR mics used to be the salvation. However, things have changed, and today we can buy USB mics that can provide you recording quality that can rival some XLR mics.
That being said, high-quality XLR mics will always be better than USB mics. Still, USB mics can provide some amazing benefits for an average user.
Today, we’ll take a look at the best USB microphone for vocals that you can buy in 2021, and we’ll also share how you can pick the right mic for yourself.
You can also read: Best Shotgun Mics under $200
Buying Guide:
In this section, we’ll talk about the features that you need to look for to get the best USB microphone for vocals in 2021.
Frequency Range:
The frequency range determines how well the mic is capable of reproducing the recorded noise accurately. This is why this is one of the prime features you should look for.
Polar Pattern:
Now this one’s a bit subjective. Mics usually come with four types of patterns. There are omnidirectional mics, bidirectional mics, cardioid mics, and stereo mics. Each type of mic comes with different directional capabilities, and you’ll have to choose the right type depending on your necessity.
However, certain mics offer all of these patterns at once, and we highly recommend getting them.
Mount:
While the mount might not seem very important at first, we assure you that you’ll face a lot of perils unless you get a mic that can be mounted easily. The best approach is getting mics that come with good mounting systems.
Design:
The design of the mic shouldn’t only be appealing, but user-friendly too. The best USB microphone for vocals should come with an on-board control system that will allow you to control different parameters such as gain, polar pattern, volume, etc.
Then again, some mics offer direct headphone input. These inputs will allow you to monitor your recording in real-time, giving you more insight into what’s going on.
Best USB Microphone for Vocals in 2021
|
Product Name |
Features |
Price |
Check on Amazon |
| Blue Yeti |
|
$$$ | Check Price Here |
| Audio-Technica AT2020 |
|
$$$ | Check Price Here |
| Shure MV7 |
|
$$$ | Check Price Here |
| Blue Blackout Spark |
|
$$$ | Check Price Here |
| Rode NT-USB |
|
$$$ | Check Price Here |
1. Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti is one of the most famous and loved USB mics that you can get. This mic is not a powerhouse that you’ll see in a music recording studio, but you may see podcasters and streamers use it.
The Blue Yeti offers a multipattern feature that allows the users to switch between four different polar patterns. You can use cardioid, bidirectional, Omni, as well as stereo pickup patterns, and that too with the flick of a knob.
It also comes with one of the best on-board controls out there, allowing you to customize your experience on the go. We highly recommend these as the best USB microphone for vocals.
Pros:
- Multipattern mic
- On-board control system
- Great mounting system
- Standard frequency range
Cons:
- The buttons and the knobs feel a bit flimsy
2. Audio-Technica AT2020
The Audio Technica AT2020 doesn’t come with loads of features like the Blue Yeti. This mic doesn’t even provide any onboard controls at all. Still, this is considered the best USB microphone for vocals, especially by music production enthusiasts.
This mic comes with some raw power that allows it to record your voice perfectly. The provided stand isn’t great, and you might want to consider getting an aftermarket mic. It also comes with a special design that prevents noise generated by wind.
Pros:
- Good build quality
- Superb for music production
- Built-in windshield
- Unidirectional polar pattern
Cons:
- The stand isn’t good at all
3.Shure MV7
If you’re willing to spend some serious cash on the mic, we highly recommend getting the Shure MV7. This one’s the most modern mic that you can get now. It offers an amazing recording quality, and it features both USB and XLR connections.
The mic will provide you touch controls that make it easy to use. There’s also a headphone output built into this that’ll help you monitor the recording in real-time.
Pros:
- Built-in headphone output for zero-latency monitoring
- Amazing recording quality
- Features both USB and XLR connection
- The touch panel is intuitive
Cons:
- A bit expensive
4. Blue Blackout Spark
The Blackout Spark from Blue is yet another amazing mic. This one comes with a condenser capsule that’s specially built for providing great details and depth to your recordings. There’s a PAD built into this mic that helps it record the audio without any distortion. We highly recommend this if music production is your purpose.
Pros:
- Unidirectional mic
- Built-in PAD with -20dB noise reduction
- Customized condenser capsule
- Records clean sound
Cons:
- Needs to be mounted with a shock mount
5. Rode NT-USB
The Rode NT-USB is a great unidirectional mic, and it offers some decent features like zero-latency monitoring. Despite being a bit expensive, this mic comes with the required accessories like a pop shield, stand, ring mount, and more.
It also features some onboard controls that’ll allow you to control the mic effectively. We highly recommend this.
Pros:
- Onboard controls
- Provides necessary accessories
- Zero-latency monitoring
- Cardioid pattern
Cons:
- Needs an aftermarket mount
Final Words:
Now that you’ve seen our list, hopefully, you’ve already chosen a mic for yourself. If you’re confused about which one will be the best USB microphone for vocals, refer to our buying guide as it might clarify things for you.
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