One of the most important elements when making a video with a camera is a microphone with USB in good condition. Obviously, any model will be used to record the audio, but you have to know how to choose one if you want results that meet expectations.
And, the sound is as important as the video. So, a 4K camera is of little use to you if the audio quality is not up to expectations. So, to make things easy for you, since the offer of microphones for streaming is really wide, we have prepared a top with the best models to consider.
What do I need to know to buy a microphone?
Keep in mind that, if you do not have sound knowledge, you may have problems choosing from the huge catalog of available microphones . Luckily, we are going to give you a summary of the elements that you have to take into account when buying a device of this type. To begin with, make it clear that in the sound sector, cheap is expensive. So, better go for quality microphones that won’t disappoint when you try them.
And if the sound is not clean and is loaded with background noise, chances are it will not help you how well you have recorded. In short: the soundscape has to be clear to be able to convey what you want clearly.
Some additional details that are interesting
The first has to do with usability. Here you have to check that the microphones can be placed in different positions . If this is fulfilled, surely the right place will always be found so that the sound is best possible when recording videos. In addition, the inclusion of a sound regulator is recommended to, in this way, have good control of everything.
There are not many restrictions when it comes to dimensions and weight , since the condenser models are like that. The fact is that, if the above is true, you can be pretty sure that the quality of what you record and publish will be high as little as far as sound is concerned.
On the other hand, it should be noted that in this sector there is a clear rule: cheap is expensive. With this we want to tell you to forget about a 20 euro microphone. Yes, it is true that it will serve you perfectly to get out of the way, but if you are looking for more professional results, you will have to invest a little more money.
Microphone types
Here we enter one of the most important points when buying a device of this type. More than anything because you can find bi-directional, cardioid, shotgun, and omni-directional microphones. The best? A cardioid model, since it picks up only the sound in front of it, ignoring those from the sides.
In this way, you can move comfortably without the recording being altered, since they do not pick up the ambient sound. You also have to take into account the impedance. In this case we refer to the opposition to the alternating current at the microphone output. Or, to make it easier to understand, you have to look for low impedances, so that you don’t bottleneck the sound, making it sound canned.
You also have to know the design you are looking for. The ideal would be a dynamic model , which is robust and resistant to shocks. More than anything because, on more than one occasion you will give it the occasional involuntary touch and it may end up on the ground. So better to bet on resistant solutions, or that have an anchoring system.
Best Recommended USB Microphone Models
Now that the details that you should take into account when buying a USB microphone are clear, we leave you with the best options to consider.
Gyvazla
Noise canceling microphone with a smooth and flat frequency response of 50Hz-16KHz. It is omni-directional and connects via USB.
BOYA BY-DM200
A model specially designed to be used in smartphones, but which also fits in laptops. With very small dimensions and, therefore, easy to manipulate, it allows a fairly good improvement of the sound that is recorded directly, reducing even the ambient sound such as the wind itself. There is no shortage of covers for us to have problems and its sensitivity is really good.
Lavalier IUKUS
One of the great virtues that this model offers is that it integrates a DAC chip, so its performance when recording is really good and fits all kinds of needs. Its design allows it to be placed even on the flap of the shirt, thus avoiding having to carry it by hand, and it is one of those that is effective both for use sitting at the desk and when recording away from home. It does not lack a cover for the wind, and its cable is 1.5 meters long.
Rode VideoMic NTG
Designed for an incredibly flat frequency response, highly directional supercardioid polar pattern, and very low self noise. Apart from being able to connect via jack, it is a fully equipped USB microphone that can be connected to a computer, tablet or smartphone.
Rode VideoMic Pro +
The RØDE VideoMic Pro + is the main directional VideoMic in the RØDE camera. It is a true shotgun microphone designed for use with camcorders, DSLR cameras and portable audio recorders as a primary and reference audio source. It is also a fully equipped USB microphone that can be connected to a computer, tablet or smartphone.
Trust Issue
With an attractive design and finish in which plastic and metal are successfully combined, the excellent compatibility due to the use of USB is one of the most striking details that this model offers. When it comes to quality, precision and clarity is the predominant note in this device.
TONOR Microphone
This is one of the microphones that can be used with an articulated arm -which is included- and, therefore, it is one of the most comfortable when placing it in any position. The connectivity it uses is USB, which is positive, and highlights that the diaphragm that it integrates is 16 millimeters so it is very good.
Audio-Technica AT2020
Sterically this is quite a sober accessory, but it has a quality that is beyond question. Its diaphragm is of low mass of 16 millimeters, which ensures a good capacity to capture sounds. It is capable of handling a wide dynamic range and uses a cardioid polar pattern.
M-Audio Uber Mic
Be careful with this M-Audio microphone , since it hides a triple capsule system so you can record in maximum quality. In addition, its cardioid mode will allow only your voice to be deepened. The icing on the cake is the included headphone jack, so you can hear yourself and confirm that you are doing it perfectly.
Rode NT-USB
Apart from being able to use USB as it can be read in its own name, this model is one that also connects through the use of a 3.5 mm Jack port. With quite contained dimensions, 6.2 x 5 x 18.4 centimeters, it should be noted that its frequency response is as follows: 20 Hz -20 KHz.
