In the age of remote work and virtual talks, a good USB conference mic can make all the difference. Whether you’re having an important business call, taking part in a virtual conference, or just catching up with friends, a good microphone can help your words be heard and understood. But the market has a lot of USB conference mics, which makes it hard to choose one. In this piece, we’ll look at five of the best USB conference microphones and tell you everything you need to know to make a smart purchase.
Criteria for Choosing USB Conference Microphones:
When selecting the best USB conference microphone for your needs, there are several standards to consider. These include:
Compatibility: Before buying a USB conference microphone, you need to make sure that it will work with your computer or another device. Check to see if the microphone’s system needs work with your operating system and software.
Battery Life: If you want to use your microphone for a long time, you can think about how long the batteries will last. Think about getting a microphone with a long battery life or one that can be charged while it’s being used.
Frequency Response: The frequency response of a microphone refers to the range of audio frequencies it can capture. Look for microphones with a wide frequency response range for clearer and more detailed sound.
Range: The range is the distance from which a microphone can pick up sound. If you are going to use your microphone in a large room or at a meeting, make sure it has enough range.
Pickup Pattern: How different mics record sound depends on how they pick up sound. Choose a microphone with a pickup design that works for your needs.
Noise Reduction: Technology that helps reduce background noise can also help improve the quality of the sound.
Top 5 USB Microphones in 2023
Blue Yeti Nano, Blue Microphones
Name: Blue Yeti Nano
Brand: Blue Microphones
Price: $99.99
The Blue Yeti Nano is a small, portable USB microphone that can be used for high-quality audio in online meetings and talks. It has a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz and cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns. The microphone has a headphone jack and a plug-and-play design to make it easy to use. The headphone port lets you listen without delay.
Features and specifications:
- Compact and portable design with a sleek metal finish
- Cardioid and omni-directional pickup patterns for recording a wide range of sound sources
- Frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz for capturing a wide range of audio
- Plug-and-play operation with no drivers required for easy setup
- Adjustable stand included for versatile positioning options
- Compatible with Windows and Mac
Pros:
- Compact and portable design makes it easy to take on-the-go
- Offers two pickup patterns for versatility in recording
- Includes an adjustable stand for flexible positioning options
- Sleek metal finish adds a touch of style to your setup
Cons:
- More expensive than some other options
- Some users may prefer more advanced features for a higher price point
Quantitative Measurements:
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Max SPL: 120dB SPL
- Bitrate: 24bit
- Sample rate: 48kHz
Official website link: https://www.bluemic.com/en-us/products/yeti-nano/
Jabra Speak 710, Jabra
Name: Jabra Speak 710
Brand: Jabra
Price: $299.00
The Jabra Speak 710 is a premium USB conference microphone that offers excellent sound quality and multiple connectivity options. It has Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a 360-degree omnidirectional microphone, and a rechargeable battery with up to 15 hours of talk time. The microphone also has a smart button for voice control and a speed dial.
Features and Specifications:
- Omnidirectional microphone with 360-degree coverage
- Digital signal processing for clear, natural sound
- connects via USB or Bluetooth.
- built-in smart button for one-touch access to Siri, Google Now, or Cortana
- Plug and play, no drivers are required.
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
Pros:
- High-quality sound recording with 360-degree coverage for group recordings
- Bluetooth connectivity for easy pairing with mobile devices
- Portable and compact design
- Provides clear and crisp sound for both voice and music
- Includes a carrying case for easy portability
- Can connect wirelessly or via USB cable for versatile use
- Offers advanced features such as Smart Button and Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
Cons:
- Higher price point than some other microphones
- May not offer as many features as some other microphones.
Quantitative Measurements:
- Frequency Response: Wideband Audio and Wifi Frequency
- Max SPL: Unknown
- Bitrate: 16bit
- Sample rate: 48kHz
Official website link: https://www.jabra.com/business/speakerphones/jabra-speak-series/jabra-speak-710
Shure MV5C Home Office Microphone
Name: Shure MV5C
Brand: Shure
Price: $99.00
The Shure MV5C Home Office Microphone is a USB microphone with high-quality sound and many uses. It has a headphone output, an adjustable stand, and three DSP settings for recording vocals and instruments. The microphone works with Mac and Windows and can pick up sounds from 20Hz to 20kHz.
Features and Specifications:
- A custom-tuned microphone capsule provides superior audio quality.
- Three DSP preset modes (voice, instrument, and flat) for optimal recording settings
- Detachable desktop stand
- Built-in headphone output for real-time monitoring
- Plug and play, no driver required.
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
Pros:
- The affordable price point for high-quality sound recording
- DSP presets make it easy to achieve optimal sound for different recording situations.
- Portable and lightweight design Highly portable and compact design
- Provides clear and natural sound with a cardioid polar pattern
- Compatible with both Windows and Mac, as well as select iOS devices
- Includes a headphone output for real-time monitoring
- Comes with a convenient carrying pouch for easy transport
Cons:
- limited frequency response compared to some other microphones
- may not pick up as much detail in recordings as some other microphones.
Quantitative Measurements:
- Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz
- Max SPL: 130dB SPL (THD: 0.5% 1kHz)
- Bitrate: 16bit
- Sample rate: 48kHz
Official website link: https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/microphones/motiv/mv5
Razer Seiren Mini, Razer
Name: Razer Seiren Mini
Brand: Razer
Price: $49.99
The Razer Seiren Mini is a compact and affordable USB conference microphone that offers excellent audio quality for virtual meetings and online conferences. It features a super-cardioid pickup pattern, a frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz, and a plug-and-play design for easy use. The microphone also has a built-in shock mount to reduce vibrations and background noise.
Features and specifications:
- Compact and sleek design with a built-in stand that can also be detached for greater portability
- Super-cardioid pickup pattern for recording crisp and accurate sound
- Frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz for capturing a wide range of audio
- Plug-and-play operation with no drivers required for easy setup
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and PS4
Pros:
- The compact and portable design makes it easy to take on-the-go
- The super-cardioid pickup pattern provides high-quality sound recording
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- May not have as many features as some other options
- The small size may make it less stable on a desk or table
Quantitative Measurements:
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Max SPL: Not specified
- Bitrate: 16bit
- Sample rate: 48kHz
Official website link: https://www.razer.com/streaming-microphone/razer-seiren-mini/RZ19-03450100-R3U1
Hollyland Lark M1, Hollyland
Name: Hollyland Lark M1
Brand: Hollyland
Price: $129.00
While the Holyland Lark M1 is used in various settings, this exceptional wireless microphone system is also a fruitful investment if you’re looking for a conference mic. Despite not being an ordinary wired microphone, it comes with several amazing traits, making it an attractive choice for most conference rooms.
Lark M1 lets you connect the kit to a USB-C port via an optional TRS to USB Type-C cable. It is equipped with the renowned noise cancellation technology, HearClear, that ensures clean and clear audio by reducing ambient noises effectively and guarantees that all the participants can easily communicate without any disturbance.
Furthermore, the Hollyland Lark M1 has a transmission wireless range of up to 650ft LOS, enabling presenters to move around the space without thinking of signal loss. The Hi-Fi Sound Quality of M1 ensures that every word you speak is clearly transmitted to the entire audience. Thanks to the 2.4GHz frequency, there are no audio dropouts during the speech.
Features and Specifications
- 8 hours of battery life
- Omnidirectional TX mic
- Sturdy and durable charging case
- The system comes with a dual-channel receiver
- LED indicators for displaying important information
Pros
- The microphone kit is very lightweight
- This is a highly affordable wireless microphone for conference
- It gives you multiple connectivity options, including USB, lightning port, TRS, and TRRS
Cons
- You need to buy the TRS to USB-C cable separately
Quantitative Measurements
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Max SPL: 110dB
- Bitrate: 16bit
- Sample rate: 48kHz
Official website link: https://www.hollyland.com/product/lark-m1
Comparison:
When comparing these five USB conference microphones, several factors should be considered, including their features, performance, quality, and value. The Blue Yeti Nano is the most affordable option on the list, making it a great choice for those on a budget. However, it may not be suitable for larger groups or capturing audio from multiple sources.
The Jabra Speak 710 is the most expensive option on the list, but it also offers the most advanced features, including multiple connectivity options and a smart button for voice control and speed dial. The Shure MV5C is a versatile option with three DSP modes for voice and instrument recording, but it may not have the same level of noise reduction technology as some other options. The Razer Seiren Mini is an affordable and easy-to-use option with a built-in shock mount, but it may not be suitable for capturing audio from larger groups or multiple sources. However, if you want a wireless USB conference microphone with popular and trendy features, you can opt for the Hollyland Lark M1.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, choosing the best USB conference microphone for your needs can be challenging, but there are several great options available on the market. The Blue Yeti Nano is a great choice for those on a budget who need a portable microphone with excellent audio quality. The Jabra Speak 710 is the most advanced option, with multiple connectivity options and a smart button for voice control and speed dial. The Shure MV5C is a versatile option with three DSP modes for voice and instrument recording. The Razer Seiren Mini is an affordable and easy-to-use option with a built-in shock mount. Finally, the best choice will depend on your budget and specific needs. Contrarily, the Hollyland Lark M1 is a versatile wireless microphone for conferences with various useful traits at a reasonable price.
FAQ:
Q: Can USB conference microphones be used with smartphones and tablets?
Ans: It depends on the microphone’s compatibility and connectivity options. Some microphones may have Bluetooth connectivity, making them compatible with smartphones and tablets.
Q: Can USB conference microphones be used for music recording?
Ans: Yes, some USB conference microphones may have multiple DSP modes for voice and instrument recording, making them suitable for music recording.
Q: Can USB conference microphones be used for gaming?
Ans: Yes, USB conference microphones can be used for gaming, but gamers may prefer microphones specifically designed for gaming, such as the Razer Seiren Elite or the Blue Yeti X.
