Best Affordable Usb Microphone
Before we get started with our article detailing the Best Affordable Usb Microphone for Gaming, Streaming & Podcasting on the market, we have included links in the for each product mentioned, so make sure you check those out to see which one is in your budget range.
So, here are the top five Best Affordable Usb Microphone.
5. Rode NT-USB
The fifth product on our list is the Rode NT-USB.
Rode NT-USB USB Condenser Microphone
- USB Condenser Microphone with Tripod Base
- Carrying Case
- Mic St Mount
- Pop Filter
- USB Cable
- USB Condenser Microphone with Tripod Base
- Carrying Case
- Mic St Mount
- Pop Filter
- USB Cable
The Rode NT is a highly general-purpose side-address microphone appropriate for recording any vocals with all typical recording applications.
The body features a zero-latency 3.5mm headphone jack to monitor microphone input at all times.
It delivers quite a topnotch sound, thanks to a quality cardioid capsule set in a standard studio fashion. In other words, it sounds very natural, distinct, and transparent, and does not suffer from those common effects such as popping and sibilance.
The proximity effect is minor. It works from many angles – so forget about ‘rain dancing’ with positioning.
It is less susceptible to vibration noise, even with the stock tripod.
Although a pop filter helps protect against plosives, it has been observed that closely recorded vocals are still quite capable of overwhelming it. Thus, if you plan to record close to the microphone, we recommend using a traditional microphone stand, which will allow you to add in your external pop filter.
The Rode NT has a unique gain setting: when the gain is at a too high level, the microphone will be too sensitive and can pick up room noise that can even be heard, for example, a hiss. When the gain is set too low, the microphone will be barely audible.
You, therefore, need to know the appropriate level to assign to suit your aim.
Its pros are:
- It has a clear and DSP-free microphone signal.
- It has a zero-latency monitoring mode;
- It has a free pop-shield, decent stand; and
- It is very affordable.
However, the cons are:
- It lacks a gain knob; and
- It also lacks a mute button.
Overall, the Rode NT-USB is a crisp, clear USB mic microphone.
Some of the frills it lacks—DSP, for instance—may appeal to those seeking a pure signal path.
Rode NT-USB USB Condenser Microphone, RØDE Microphones
as of May 1, 2023 12:32 pm
Price History
4. Samson G-Track Pro
Up next in fourth place is the Samson G-Track Pro.
Samson Technologies Samson G-Track Pro Professional USB Condenser Microphone with Audio Interface,...
- All-in-one: Professional USB microphone with audio interface. Record your voice and instrument at the same time.
- The right mic: Ideal for streaming, gaming, podcasting, and recording music
- At your fingers: Front panel mixer with microphone level, instrument level and headphone volume controls. Selectable Mono or 2-Track recording modes and Direct Monitor on/off.
- All-in-one: Professional USB microphone with audio interface. Record your voice and instrument at the same time.
- The right mic: Ideal for streaming, gaming, podcasting, and recording music
- At your fingers: Front panel mixer with microphone level, instrument level and headphone volume controls. Selectable Mono or 2-Track recording modes and Direct Monitor on/off.
- Built for the studio: Dual 1" (25 millimeter) condenser capsules with three selectable pick up patterns - Cardioid (unidirectional), bidirectional and omnidirectional
- High Definition Audio: 24-bit, 96kHz resolution. Plug-and-play, no driver installation required
- Connect: 1/4" instrument input for connecting guitars or line level devices
- Listen: 1/8" stereo headphone output with level control for zero-latency monitoring
- Built tough: Die-cast zinc construction with heavy gauge mesh grille and integrated desktop base
The Samson G-Track Pro is a USB microphone designed to provide the high audio for professionals through its audio interface.
The dual 1-inch condenser capsules capture all the detail and nuance of your voice, enhancing the quality of your recording, live stream, or broadcast.
It has a 1/8 inch stereo headphone output for zero-latency monitoring and combines 24-bit, 96 kHz digital recording resolution.
Furthermore, it has four polar patterns: cardioid, bidirectional, and omnidirectional pickup patterns and a 1/4” audio input for professional sounding recordings, no matter the application. The cardioid pickup pattern is the most sensitive to sound coming directly in front of the microphone while rejecting sound coming from behind it. This pattern is great for podcasting, streaming, or vocal performances.
However, the omnidirectional pickup pattern picks up sound equally from all directions.
This setting is suitable for recording several people around a single microphone, like a multi-person podcast.
While the bidirectional pickup pattern picks up sound directly in front and back of the microphone while rejecting the sound on the left and right sides, this pattern is used for capturing two performers singing a duet or a cross-table interview.
It is worth noting that you can be recording a signal from this instrument input without realizing it.
For instance, if something’s plugged in, the only way to ensure it will not creep into what is meant to be a vocal-only recording is to kill its gain level entirely or unplug it.
Its pros are:
- It has gain knobs for both microphone and instrument input.
- You can use the dedicated input and microphone at the same time; and
- It includes a weighted desktop stand.
However, the cons are:
- It has no adapter for a standard microphone stand; and
- It is heavy and bulky.
Above all, it is relatively easy to use, set up, and does what is expected from a mid-range priced microphone.
It is suitable for streamers, songwriters, podcasters, and content creators.
Samson Technologies Samson G-Track Pro Professional USB Condenser Microphone with Audio Interface, Black (SAGM1UPRO), Samson Technologies
Price History
3. HyperX QuadCast
The third product on our list is the HyperX QuadCast.
HyperX QuadCast - USB Condenser Gaming Microphone, for PC, PS4, PS5 and...
- Radiant red lighting with dynamic effects: Stunning red lighting and dynamic effects for an eye-catching shot of customizable style.
- Built-in anti-vibration shock mount: Isolate the mic and suppress the sound of unintentional rumbles and bumps with the elastic rope suspension.
- Radiant red lighting with dynamic effects: Stunning red lighting and dynamic effects for an eye-catching shot of customizable style.
- Built-in anti-vibration shock mount: Isolate the mic and suppress the sound of unintentional rumbles and bumps with the elastic rope suspension.
- Tap-to-mute sensor with LED status indicator: Use the convenient tap-to-mute functionality to prevent an audio accident along with the help of the LED mic status indicator. If the light is on, the mic is active, if the light is off, the mic is muted.
- Four selectable polar patterns: Choose between four polar patterns (stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid, bidirectional) to optimize your broadcast setup and keep the focus on the sounds you want to be heard.
- Gain control adjustment: Easily adjust your mic sensitivity by turning the dial at the bottom of the QuadCast.
- Versatile adapter fits 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch threaded setups, compatible with most mic stands or boom arms. The internal pop filter helps block plosive sounds from hitting the mic, and you can monitor the mic via the headphone jack.
- Get great sound whether you’re connecting to a PC, PS5, PS4, or Mac. QuadCast is certified by Discord and TeamSpeak, and works on major streaming platforms like Streamlabs OBS, OBS Studio, and XSplit.
QuadCast is the all-inclusive microphone for streamers, podcasters, or gamers who want a condenser microphone with impressive quality sound.
The Quad Cast includes its anti-vibration shock mount to help reduce the sound of any movements.
The mic features a stand and shock mount, and they have both being pre-installed, so the microphone is ready to be plugged in and used immediately. The stand is made from metal with a rubber underbelly, and the microphone itself is a mix of soft plastic and metal with a red foam insert.
Moreover, QuadCast has red LED lighting, which shows when it is recording sounds.
To turn off the LED, tap the mute button on top. However, there does not seem to be a way to turn off the lighting.
As a result of this, those who are not fond of such features would find this annoying.
This microphone supports four polar directions: stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid, and bidirectional, thus, allowing you to configure it to your surroundings and application.
Aside from the mute button being part of the mic’s top piece, there is a volume rocker beneath the central unit and a polar pattern selector on the rear.
Its pros are:
- It has a substantial and beautiful design.
- It produces good sound quality: and
- It has support for mounts and stands.
However, the cons are:
- The lighting cannot be turned off (unless muted); and
- Its USB interface limits audio to 48 kHz / 16-bit.
If you need quality sound during gaming, streaming, or podcasting, HyperX QuadCast is an excellent microphone at a reasonable price.
HyperX QuadCast - USB Condenser Gaming Microphone, for PC, PS4, PS5 and Mac, Anti-Vibration Shock Mount, Four Polar Patterns, Pop Filter, Gain Control, Podcasts, Twitch, YouTube, Discord, Red LED, HP Inc.
as of May 1, 2023 12:32 pm
Price History
2. Blue Yeti USB
The second product on our list is the Blue Yeti USB.
Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti USB Microphone for PC, Podcast, Gaming, Streaming,...
- Custom three-capsule array: This professional USB mic produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube videos, Twitch game streaming, podcasting, Zoom meetings, music recording and more
- Blue VOICE software: Elevate your streamings and recordings with clear broadcast vocal sound and entertain your audience with enhanced effects, advanced modulation and HD audio samples
- Custom three-capsule array: This professional USB mic produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube videos, Twitch game streaming, podcasting, Zoom meetings, music recording and more
- Blue VOICE software: Elevate your streamings and recordings with clear broadcast vocal sound and entertain your audience with enhanced effects, advanced modulation and HD audio samples
- Four pickup patterns: Flexible cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns allow you to record in ways that would normally require multiple mics, for vocals, instruments and podcasts
- Onboard audio controls: Headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and mic gain put you in charge of every level of the audio recording and streaming process
- Positionable design: Pivot the mic in relation to the sound source to optimize your sound quality thanks to the adjustable desktop stand and track your voice in real time with no-latency monitoring
- Plug 'n Play: Set up the computer microphone in seconds with the included desktop stand or connect directly to a mic stand or boom arm and instantly start recording and streaming on Mac or PC
The Blue Yeti uses a tri-capsule microphone array that can record almost any situation.
It has multiple pattern selections and a frequency response ranging from 20Hz to 20 kHz.
One of the stand-out features of the Yeti is the headphone jack and volume control.
The headphone jack allows you to monitor your recording or streaming without delays. On this microphone, the headphone volume knob sits right on the front.
Besides, you can control how sensitive the microphone is by using the dial on the back.
This feature is a plus on this product, unlike most USB microphones that do not include this and require you to adjust gain levels with software, which can difficult to do during a recording.
It is important to note that the Yeti is a heavy microphone with a weight of 3.5 pounds.
Because of that, it will not work with just any stand. But since you should be speaking from only a few inches away, you can skip the stand and get a boom arm or microphone stand right away.
Plug the included cable into a USB port, select it in your audio settings, and start recording.
Its pros are:
- It produces clear, broadcast-quality sound for a variety of use.
- It comes with recording software; and
- It has LED live metering.
However, the cons are:
- It lacks a pop filter or adapter for a standard microphone stand; and
- It has no Digital Signal Processor (DSP) presets.
The Blue Yeti microphone meets various recording needs, produces clear-cut, broadcast-quality sound, and is worth checking out.
Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti USB Microphone for PC, Podcast, Gaming, Streaming, Studio, Computer Mic - Blackout, Blue
as of May 1, 2023 12:32 pm
Price History
1. Audio-Technica AT2020USB+
Finally, our top USB Microphone is the Audio-Technica AT 2020 USB+.
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone, With Built-In Headphone Jack & Volume...
- Condenser microphone with USB output for digital recording
- High quality A/D converter with 16 bit, 44.1/48 kilohertz sampling rate for superb audio
- Headphone jack with volume control allows you to monitor the microphone signal with no delay
- Condenser microphone with USB output for digital recording
- High quality A/D converter with 16 bit, 44.1/48 kilohertz sampling rate for superb audio
- Headphone jack with volume control allows you to monitor the microphone signal with no delay
- Mix control allows you to blend your microphone signal and prerecorded audio
- High output, the internal headphone amplifier delivers superior clarity and musical detail as well as more volume overall
- Compatible with Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X
The AT 2020 USB+ features a headphone jack with volume control, which allows you to monitor the microphone signal without delay.
It has mix control for blending your microphone signal and has a great quality plug and play feature for connecting directly to your computer or laptop through a USB port. Cardioid mode is the only polar pattern that it supports.
Despite being the most common polar pattern, it is most sensitive to sound source right in front of it but rejects any sound from behind.
The sensitivity coming from the sides is heard but significantly reduced.
The ease of use makes it an absolute choice for field recording and home studio. Furthermore, it brings you superior sound quality, which makes it from other well-known studio units. Aside from being perfectly suitable for podcasting and voiceovers, it also achieves professional performance with vocals and even instruments.
You will never get dissatisfied with its sound quality with whatever you want to record. It also has an excellent transient response, which adds to other benefits that the microphone offers.
It has a low level of self-noise, which is perfect for digital recording. The low-mass design of the diaphragm is responsible for the excellent transient response.
Its pros are:
- It provides a bold and crisp sound.
- It can handle a wide variety of studio applications; and
- It has on/off Switch and headphone volume control.
However, the cons are:
- It has no shock mount; and
- It records only in the cardioid mode.
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ produces crisp and clean sound with good frequency range at a very reasonable price, thereby making it a great buy.
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone, With Built-In Headphone Jack & Volume Control, Perfect for Content Creators (Black), audio-technica
as of May 1, 2023 12:32 pm
Price History
5 Best Affordable Usb Microphone 2022
So that sums up the Best Affordable Usb Microphone. We hope you enjoyed it. Until next time have a great day.
