Best Computer Microphone Reviews 2018

With anything between $20 and $100, you can find a quality computer microphone. The brand and the type of microphone you go for mostly determine how much you’ll pay. First and foremost, it’s important that you know what to look for in a mic so that you can check that in relation to your budget.

The more popular brands might cost a little bit more just because they’re popular, but not because they’re the best, so you don’t need to get swayed by the hype. In the same vein, you may want to avoid some cheap computer microphones since most of them are of low quality, and may fail to meet your needs. Now let’s get into the details of what you should be looking for in a computer mic.

Since you’ll be capturing sound into your computer or sound mixer, or making numerous video calls, it only makes sense that you have a mic that filters out unwanted noise. One unique feature that you may want to consider is the cardioid polar pattern that filters as much unwanted noise as possible; you wouldn’t want your recording muddled with irritating background noise.

Here are some more features you may want to take into consideration:

• Consider the type of the microphone. This depends on what you want to do with the mic.
• Check the design, based on your needs. Look out for any extra perks in addition to the main features.
• Consider whether the mic you want is compatible with your operating system/s.
• Check the mode of connection. Most connect via USB and are powered by your PC, while some have both USB and XLR for analog connection. You’ll also find wireless microphones, which are ideal for using in live performances.
• You may want to consider the size, including the dimensions and the weight.

Computer microphones have a fairly simple construction. They are small, portable devices with the mic attached to a stand for support. You’ll find most with foldable tri-pod stands, that you can easily set up on a desktop and start recording. Most also come with on and off buttons placed on the side of the mic, as well as USB and jack ports to attach to other peripherals. You may want to check the length of the USB cable, and whether it’s detachable or permanently fixed.

The primary purpose of a computer mic is to enhance the quality of sound that the built-in mic can’t give you. You’ll be looking here for features that make a particular mic perform to its optimum best and enable you to use it with ease. There are omnidirectional and unidirectional mics. The latter receives sound from only one direction, while the former receives from multiple directions. For studio recording, an omnidirectional would work better for capturing sounds from various sources, while a unidirectional mic would be ideal if you’re working in an environment with some background noise. You may also want to check if your mic features a cardioid polar pattern that filters unwanted sounds, giving you rich, quality recordings.

Most mics come with a tripod stand that you simply place on your work station in a raised position, rather than holding the mic or placing it on your desk. You can adjust the stand to different angles or heights to suit your position. Further, check the mic’s controls and its position. Some headphones that come with the mics have a volume control switch that enables you to easily control the mic’s volume. The on and off switch is also strategically placed for ease of access.

Lastly, check the compatibility of the microphone with your operating system. If you’re going to use it on different machines, you’d better go for one that’s compatible with multiple operating systems. This will save you the hassle of having to install new drivers.