The Best Computer Microphones of 2021

Best Computer Microphones Buying Guide & Reviews of 2020

From podcasting, live chatting, gaming, and recording acoustic instruments to conducting webinars, conferences, or online interviews, the only thing you look for is the best quality sound output. To get it, you’ll need the best microphones to connect to your PC and receive the exalted sound quality.

All the computer microphones are now USB enabled liberating you from the fuss of long wires and cables. Differentiating them might be tough, but not all the microphones do the same thing. You need to know their types and features before you purchase one. Here we are to help you narrow your search!

Types Of Computer Microphones

No matter if you are a PC or a MAC user, the best microphone to choose depends on the intended use, budget, and the type. The USB computer microphones come in three categories, which include Dynamic, Condenser, and Ribbon, which are designed for distinct applications. Let us go in detail.

Dynamic Microphone: A dynamic USB microphone converts sound waves into electrical energy using a diaphragm. Once you start speaking, the diaphragm, which is contoured inside the head of the microphone starts vibrating and this, in turn, sets the attached metallic coil in motion. This movement generates a magnetic field which eventually produces an electric current. The current now flows from the microphone to the sound recording device which lets you store the information forever.

When compared to a condenser microphone, this one is affordable yet has a durable construction. Moreover, it is less sensitive and moisture resistant. So, it can be used in everything, from music to surveillance to underwater recording and so on. Samson computer microphones are the dynamic mics for their durability and top-notch quality.

Condenser Microphone: Similar to a capacitor, this microphone has the diaphragm in closer propinquity to the solid metal plate. When sound waves hit the former, it moves back and forth relative to the metal plate. As a result, the capacitance changes to the rhythm of the sound.The output voltage of this microphone is so high that it requires an external power source. So, a condenser microphone is mainly used for studio recording for its high level of sensitivity. Having the most comprehensive frequency response, it offers superior sound quality than the dynamic one.

Ribbon Microphone: If you have been struggling to capture the natural sound of your instrument, it’s high time you have tried a ribbon microphone.It consists of an aluminum ribbon suspended between the poles of its magnet, which is much efficient than the diaphragm used in the above two microphones.

This microphone produces high resonating frequencies that have an output level that can surpass typical microphones. Due to this and its directional properties that can pick up sound coming from a particular direction, a ribbon microphone can be used to capture a voice, an instrument or even the ambiance of your room.

Polar Patterns In a Microphone

A pattern basically refers to the microphone’s sensitivity to the audio/sound coming from various directions. A USB computer microphone has three types of polar patterns, namely, cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure of eight.

Cardioid Pattern: If a microphone is specific to picking audio from the front side, it is the cardioid patterned mic. The advantage of using cardioid microphones is simple; it allows sound from wherever you want in the front and ignores everything else. So, these microphones outperform when used in outdoor locations. An example of this would be a vocalist on stage giving a live performance with a handheld microphone.

Omnidirectional Pattern: As the name suggests, a microphone with the omnidirectional polar pattern is designed to take up audio from either front or back. Omni mics pick up reverberations in a room, which results in an incredibly realistic sound recording. They are mainly preferred by some customers for their flatness in response and also to get rid of the proximity effect many directional microphones give.

Figure - 8 Polar Pattern: Computer microphones with this pattern are commonly called “pressure gradient” mics as they respond to sound from the front and rear end with equal efficiency but are almost deaf on the sides.

Other Types Of Computer Microphones

Apart from the USB microphones, there are other types of computer mics available in the market that work for different applications.

Headsets: They are wired microphones that come with mono or dual stereophonic earpiece and a microphone embedded. Headsets let you talk and hear at the same time and are well-suited in call centres, which require recording one person at a time. If headsets are your type, consider Dell computer microphones as they are longlasting and affordable.

Sound-Card Microphones: A sound card is an expansion card that is included in every PC either in expansion slot or is built into the motherboard. Microphones that plug into the sound card may be easy to connect and use, but as they work through your PC’s sound system, a good sound quality can’t be expected.

Professional Microphones: If a computer microphone doesn’t suffice your applications, you can connect a professional microphone with your PC or MAC. Its high-frequency response and excellent sensitivity make it the best option to record acoustic guitars or vocals as it effectively captures the nuances. The only con is that it requires an external power supply same as a condenser microphone.

Bottom Line

With the ever-increasing and continuously changing technologies, there came a need to change the dynamics of the microphones to adapt to the changes, which led to the invention of these many types of mics. Now that you read the above info, we are sure you now don’t have to check every type of microphone to decide which one suits you. Still any doubt troubles you, then you must find your pick in the top ten computer microphones listed above. Make sure your voice is heard with the best microphones!