The Best All Around Microphone For 2024

Nicolas Ward By, Nicolas Ward
Updated
Blue Yeti USB Microphone for Recording and Streaming on PC and Mac
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Of The Best: Blue Yeti USB Microphone for Recording and Streaming on PC and Mac

The Blue Yeti USB Microphone for Recording and Streaming on PC and Mac is your new audio companion. With its custom three-capsule array, you can record vocals in a warm, balanced tone that you can tweak with the Blue VOICE software. Along with four different pickup patterns, this microphone includes onboard controls so you can change settings on the fly. This positionable design also makes it easy to position your mic where you want it. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: USB Microphone, TONOR Computer Cardioid Condenser PC Gaming Mic

The TONOR Computer Cardioid Condenser PC Gaming Mic is a plug and play USB microphone that offers a highly accurate sound with a cardioid pickup pattern that captures the clear, smooth and crisp sound in front of the microphone. This mic has been designed for professional voice-over work and it's easy to install. The shock mount can be unscrewed and attached to a boom stand for more versatility in placement. Read Review

3. Best Connectivity: HyperX QuadCast - USB Condenser Gaming Microphone, for PC, PS4, PS5

The HyperX QuadCast is a USB condenser microphone with four selectable polar patterns, including cardioid and omnidirectional, as well as a built-in anti-vibration shock mount to reduce unwanted vibrations. The microphone comes with a tap-to-mute sensor which indicates the status of the microphone via a LED light. The microphone also comes with four selectable gain settings for control over how loud your voice will sound when playing games online. Read Review

4. Best Powerful: Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone

The SM7B dynamic microphone has a smooth, flat, wide-range frequency response appropriate for music and speech in all professional audio applications. It features excellent shielding against electromagnetic hum generated by computer monitors, neon lights, and other electrical devices. The SM7B has been updated from earlier models with an improved bracket design that offers greater stability. Read Review

If you’re just getting started with your music career, or are looking to upgrade from your current setup, then you’ll need the perfect microphone. Even pros have the go-to microphones that they use on a regular basis. Every microphone is different - no single one can do everything equally well.

That’s why it makes sense to choose a few great microphones rather than limiting yourself to just one. You can’t just pick any old mic and expect it to work for you. If you’re not sure where to start, then check out our guide below which will help you in your search for the best all-around microphone.

However, after investing in 15, we've come up with a name that's worthy of your requirement: Blue Yeti USB Microphone for Recording and Streaming on PC and Mac. If you desire extra features not included in this model, you might look into another one, USB Microphone, TONOR Computer Cardioid Condenser PC Gaming Mic. It could better suit your needs.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Blue Yeti USB Microphone for Recording and Streaming on PC and Mac
Our Score:
9.9
Blue Microphones
  • Onboard Audio Controls: Headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and mic gain put you in charge of every level of the recording and streaming process.
  • Blue VO!CE Software: Craft the perfect broadcast vocal sound and entertain your audience with enhanced effects, advanced modulation and HD audio samples. Advanced Blue VO!CE is compatible with Yeti, Yeti Nano and Yeti X. To access Blue VO!CE, please download Logitech’s free G HUB software.
  • Unique Positionable Design: Adjust and pivot the microphone in relation to the sound source to optimize your sound quality.
  • Custom Three-Capsule Array: Produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube, game streaming, podcasting, Zoom calls and music.
  • Four Pickup Patterns: Flexible cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns allow you to record in ways that would normally require multiple mics.
TOP Choice #2 USB Microphone, TONOR Computer Cardioid Condenser PC Gaming Mic
Our Score:
9.7
TONOR
  • What You Get: 1 x Microphone with Power Cord(1.5m), 1 x Foldable Mic Tripod, 1 x Mini Shock Mount, 1 x Pop Filter and 1 x Manual. (Note: It is not compatible with Xbox.)
  • Easy to Install: Without any assembly, only need to unfold the three-legged stand directly and adjust the position of the pop filter, then it can be plug and play.
  • Plug and Play: With a USB 2.0 data port, the TC-777 is plug and play, no any additional driver is required. Ideal for conference, distance learning, streaming, chatting, podcasting, recording, Zoom, Skype, YouTube video, etc.
  • Cardioid Pickup Pattern: This mic has a cardioid pickup pattern that captures the clear, smooth and crisp sound in front of the microphone and suppresses unwanted background noise.
  • Versatility: The shock mount can be unscrewed and attached to a boom stand with 5/8'' threaded insert directly. Note: If the threaded insert your stand comes with is 3/8'', then the 3/8'' female to 5/8'' male threaded screw adapter is needed (not included).
  • Four selectable polar patterns
  • Convenient gain control adjustment
  • Anti-vibration shock mount
  • Tap to mute sensor with LED indicator
  • Multi device and chat program compatibility
  • Mount adapter included
  • STREAMING CONTENT - Professional Live Streaming Starts With A Microphone Capable Of Capturing Exceptionally Clean And Natural Reproduction Of Both Music And Speech. The SM7B Has Been A Pioneer In Such Abilities For Decades.
  • CLASSIC CARDIOID PATTERN WITH UNIFORM CAPTURE - The SM7B Cardioid Pattern Is Designed To Reject Off-axis Audio, So You Can Sing Or Speak At A Comfortable Angle And It Captures The Sound, Just As You Want It, With Minimum Coloration.
  • QUALITY IN THE DETAILS - Rugged Construction For Securing The Microphone Cartridge. Detachable Close-talk Windscreen And Switch Cover Plate Included. Bass Rolloff And Mid-range Emphasis (Presence Boost) Control With Graphic Display Of Response Setting.
  • ONE MICROPHONE FOR EVERYTHING - Studio Recording, Home Recording, Podcasting and Streaming. The SM7B Is Trusted By The Worlds Leading Vocalists, Podcasters and Streamers.
  • SHIELD YOUR SOUND - We Added Advanced Electromagnetic Shielding To Defeat Hum From Computer Monitors And Other Studio Equipment.
  • WHAT’S IN THE BOX - Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone With One A7WS Detachable Windscreen And One RPM602 Switch Cover Plate. Free 2-year Warranty Included.
  • PROFESSIONAL XLR CONNECTION - The XLR Connection Along With An Audio Interface Allows You More Control Over The Sound — Thus A Better Overall Sound Quality. At least 60dB of gain is recommended to get that iconic warm and balanced tone most commonly associated with the SM7B.
  • STUDIO VOCAL RECORDING - The SM7B’s Dynamic Cartridge With Smooth, Flat, Wide-range Frequency Response Produces Exceptionally Clean and Natural Reproduction Of Both Music and Speech.
  • CLOSE-MIKING STUDIO APPLICATIONS - The SM7B Shines When Used For Close-miking Instruments and ASMR Audio Where Warm And Smooth Full-frequencies Are A Must.
  • PODCAST and BROADCAST - Found In The Top Podcasting Studios Around The World, The SM7B Air Suspension Shock Isolation and Pop Filter Eliminate Both Mechanical Noise And Breathiness. So Words Get Through And The Rest Stays Out Of The Mix.
  • Durable Boom Stand: The Q9 microphone has a sturdy all-metal suspension scissor stand that extends vertically up to 27.5"/700mm, giving you an excellent range of motion. Maximum desk thickness: 1.7"/45mm.
  • Complete Mic Set: Package includes a condenser microphone, metal shock mount, adjustable suspension scissor arm stand, desk mount clamp, pop filter, foam mic cover, 1.8M USB A to B cable and manual. All premium accessories are contained in one package, which makes the TONOR Q9 to be your most secure choice!
  • Plug and Play: With USB A to B cable, TONOR Q9 microphone is easy to connect with both Mac and Windows computer, no need any extra driver software or sound card. It is perfect for podcasting, music/video recording, live streaming, gaming or online chatting. Note: This microphone is compatible with PS4, but not compatible with Xbox.
  • Great Sound of Fidelity: Equipped with a 16mm large diaphragm, wide frequency response (20Hz to 20KHz) and professional sound chipset, Q9 microphone provides a perfect combination of clarity, warmth, extended dynamic range and high SPL capability. The cardioid condenser capsule enables the Q9 to capture pristine and accurate sound and cancel noise from surroundings, perfect for recording and communicating.
  • User-friendly Design: With a convenient volume button, TONOR Q9 recording microphone is much easier for you to use. In working status, short press for adjusting mic volume level, 3s long press for turning off the microphone.
  • Ultra-Precise Supercardioid Pickup Pattern: The Razer Seiren Mini is tuned with a tighter pickup angle, so it can focus on your voice while ensuring that background noises like typing and mouse clicks don’t get picked up.
  • Professional Recording Quality: With its 14mm condenser capsule and flat frequency response, the mic broadcasts your voice with stellar clarity that’s filled with crisp highs and deep lows.
  • Connectivity technology: USB
  • Ultra-Compact Build: Made for minimalist or smaller setups, it barely takes up any desk space and is discreet on-camera, putting more focus on you. Easy to bring along if you need take your streaming elsewhere.
  • Heavy-Duty Tilting Stand: Sitting on a sturdy support, the mic can be angled to find the perfect sweetspot for your voice. It can also be detached and mounted on a boom arm or mic stand that uses a standard 5,8-inch thread.
  • Superior circuitry ensures seamless audio signal transmission
  • Up to 24-bit / 96kHz analog to digital conversion delivers lush detail
  • Condenser capsule with a tight cardioid polar pattern captures speech with precision
  • Proprietary Clipguard technology makes distortion virtually impossible
  • Use the Wave Link app to control Wave: 3 and up to seven other audio sources, plus create two independent mixes
  • Built-In background Noise Reduction: Utilizes a supercardiod pickup microphone to eliminate distracting noises further away from the microphone for professional-grade stream audio
  • Zero Latency Monitoring: Allows for real-time in-stream monitoring without confusing echos
  • Built-In Shock Mount: Dampens vibrations to help protect against bumps for smooth and uninterrupted audio
  • Blue VO!CE Software: Craft the perfect broadcast vocal sound and entertain your audience with enhanced effects, advanced modulation and HD audio samples. Advanced Blue VO!CE is compatible with Yeti, Yeti Nano and Yeti X. To access Blue VO!CE, please download Logitech’s free G HUB software.
  • Multi-Function Smart Knob – Fine-tune your on-stream sound with easy-access controls for mic gain, mute, headphone volume and blend
  • High-Res LED Metering – Visualize your voice level at a glance and adjust up or down for powerful, broadcast quality sound
  • Logitech G HUB Integration – Manage mic gain, headphone volume, monitoring preferences and pickup pattern selection right from your desktop
  • Customizable LED Lighting – Personalize the color of Yeti X’s LED lights to match your on-stream aesthetic
  • Four-Capsule Array – Capture legendary Blue broadcast sound with greater focus and clarity than ever for professional streaming, podcasting and YouTube
  • Omni-directional for high-qualitiy stereo sound pick up
  • Wide compatibility with 3.5mm jack cameras, recorders, smartphones and PCs.
  • Plug-in power system is provided, allowing sound pick up without battery
  • 360-degree rotation Clip for freedom of attacment angle
  • Included wind-screen to reduce wind noise
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What Tips Are Recommended To Recognize Which Of best all around microphone Will Satisfy You Most?

Some people are apprehensive about purchasing best all around microphone. Numerous factors must be addressed while making a significant purchase. Our market expertise will help you make the best decision as soon as possible.

The thing has been added to the list of products that have been subjected to technical testing and evaluation. Please keep the following points in mind:

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Response Flatness

Although it might seem that flat responses are the best, a treble lift is sometimes an advantage. This applies especially to vocals. This can cause the PA system to become more sensitive to howling. The signal from speakers often gets in the microphone, creating a hissing sound. Many dynamic microphones have a treble lift, which lends itself to many vocals.

Polar Pattern/Directionality

Directionality is the way a microphone picks up sounds from its surroundings. One microphone can detect sound in all directions simultaneously. Most other microphones can only pick up one direction at a time. This can be advantageous depending on the circumstances.

Attenuation Switch

Have you ever wondered what those switches at the back of Rode Videomic are for? Attenuation switches are the switches at the back. Attenuation switches on microphones reduce the output of the mic by a specific amount. This is usually between -10dB and -20dB. The microphone will become four to sixteen times more quiet than usual.

Type Of Microphone

The energy of sound waves is captured by microphones, which can then convert it into electricity in various ways. You can either use a condenser microphone or dynamic microphone to accomplish this.

Frequency Response

The frequency response refers to the range of frequencies that a microphone can detect, usually 20hz-20Khz. Knowing the frequency range is not enough. What you need is the microphone's responsiveness to certain frequencies. Before you choose a microphone, think about the recording you are going to do. A microphone with a higher frequency, such as a dynamic microphone, may be better suited for recording bass, drums, and other musical instruments.

Impedance

This is measured in Ohms (symbol O) and refers to the microphone's ability to receive an audio signal or AC current. Mics with a low impedance (600O and lower) retain better audio quality when used on cables that are longer than 16 feet. High impedance signals that other microphone components may be of lower quality can sometimes indicate a low quality signal.

Connections

After you have chosen the mic type you prefer, it is time to think about how you will connect it to your system. There are two options: wireless or wired.
Traditional wired microphones transmit sound signals via a cable. They can be a hindrance to performers' movement, particularly during large productions. A wireless microphone is a good option if you need to be mobile. These wireless microphones use radio waves to transmit signals to the receiver.

Maximum Sound Pressure Level

This measurement is often expressed as decibels (dBs), and it is the highest volume the microphone can tolerate without distortion.

FAQs

What Is The Noise Floor Of A Microphone?

The cartridge thermal noise specification defines the microphone's noise floor. Important to remember that preamplifier noise can have an impact on the mic and preamplifier combo's noise floor. You can also measure the sound pressure by limiting other components of the measurement chain like power supplies or data acquisition systems.

What Microphone Is Recommended For Determining The Direction Or Noise Source Location Of Sound?

Multiple free-field microphones, placed in predefined patterns and combined with appropriate software allow spatial transformations of complex sound pressure fields to be projected to map the acoustic energy flows. Because of their general value and matching phase specifications, array microphones make a great choice for large-channel count acoustic testing. Because they allow the user to identify specific microphones quickly and easily, Transducer Electronic Data Sheets (TEDS), are highly recommended.

What Should I Do When My Miniature Microphone Gets Soaked In Water Or Sweat?

A microphone is best if it's not in contact with water. However, sweat can be a problem if the environment is professional. The microphone should be shaken to remove any water. It must then dry, perhaps near a heat source such as a radiator. Never use a hairdryer. After they have been sweat-filled, omni microphones should be rinsed in demineralized waters and dried.

Does The Size Of A Microphone Impact Its Frequency And Dynamic Range?

It is important to consider the size and sensitivity of your microphone. Microphones of smaller dimensions and higher sensitivity are more capable of measuring high amplitudes or frequencies. However, microphones with a larger diameter or more sensitive can measure higher frequencies and have lower noise floors.

What Is A Polar Plot And How Is It Used?

Polar plots, also known as beam patterns, show an angular dependence on the sound pressure measured by the microphone. A polar plot shows how sound pressure levels are affected by different angles of incidence. The typical angle of incidence is a 180-degree arc, with the microphone in the middle. As you move away from the centre, your pressure amplitude will decrease. The frequency dependence of measured sound pressure is not shown in polar plots. They are only obtained at one frequency. Because the pattern of the beam will vary at different frequencies, it is important to specify the measurement frequency with polar data.

How Do I Clean My Miniature Microphone Cable From Tape Remains?

Over time, residue from glue and tape can etch the cable making it less able to withstand braking. Organic oil can be used to clean the cable (e.g. Olive oil and lukewarm warm water can be used to clean the cable. Ecotech2 Multidegreaser by Finish Line has been reported to have good results.

Which Levels Can The Microphone Handle?

A microphone's dynamic range is the difference between its lowest and highest levels.
It is not just a function the microphone, but the preamplifier that goes with it. A microphone's dynamic range is directly related to its sensitivities.

Which Microphone Is Recommended For Low Frequency Measurements?

Low frequency can be referred to as a relative term. The standard 1/2" condenser test microphones and the measurement grade microphones have an -3dB point between 1 Hz and 3 Hz. This is enough for most applications. Some specialty microphones can measure down to 0.1 Hz and exceed this limit.

 

 


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About Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward is an elite author with many years of experience in the music field and the owner of many engaging articles at TheAudioInsights. He studies music production and has many years of passionate research into sound systems. Appearing in many popular newspapers, Nicolas Ward provides useful knowledge and the latest information on music and sound.