In today’s world of remote work, video conferencing, and content creation, having a high-quality USB microphone is essential. However, not all microphones are created equal, and sometimes you need a microphone that is small and compact without sacrificing sound quality. That’s where the smallest USB microphones come in. These tiny powerhouses pack a punch and offer a variety of benefits, such as portability, convenience, and versatility. Whether you’re a podcaster, streamer, or just looking for a reliable microphone for your video calls, a small USB microphone could be the perfect solution for your needs.
Criteria for Choosing a Small USB Microphone:
Sound quality:
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a small USB microphone is sound quality. Look for microphones that offer clear and natural sound without any distortion or background noise.
Compatibility:
Make sure to choose a microphone that is compatible with your device, whether it’s a PC, Mac, or mobile device. Also, check if the microphone is compatible with your favourite recording or streaming software.
Portability:
If you plan to use your microphone on the go, then portability is crucial. Look for microphones that are small and lightweight, and easy to carry around in your bag or pocket.
Design:
Aesthetics may not be the most important factor, but it’s always nice to have a microphone that looks good and matches your style.
Consider any additional features that may be important to you, such as mute buttons, headphone jacks, volume controls, or even RGB lighting.
Top 7 Smallest USB Microphones:
- Samson Go Mic
- Blue Snowball iCE
- Shure MV5
- FIFINE K669B
- TONOR Q9
- IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2
- Razer Seiren Mini
Samson Go Mic:
Link: http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/microphones/usb-microphones/gomic/
Name and brand of the model:
Samson Go Mic
Features and specifications:
The Samson Go Mic is a compact and portable USB microphone that offers professional-quality audio. It features a switchable cardioid and omnidirectional pickup pattern, which allows you to record in various settings. The microphone also has a frequency response range of 20Hz to 18kHz, a built-in headphone output for zero-latency monitoring, and a durable zinc die-cast construction. The Samson Go Mic is compatible with both Mac and PC, and it comes with a USB cable and carry case.
Pros:
- Switchable cardioid and omnidirectional pickup pattern.
- Zero-latency monitoring.
- Compact and portable design.
Cons:
- May pick up some background noise in noisy environments.
- Requires additional equipment to use (such as a preamp or audio interface).
- Expensive compared to other dynamic microphones.
Price and Availability: The Samson Go Mic is available for purchase on various online retailers, such as Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo Video, with prices ranging from around $30 to $50.
Customer Reviews and Ratings:
The Samson Go Mic has received positive reviews from customers, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Customers praise the microphone for its portability, ease of use, and sound quality, although some note that it may pick up some background noise in noisy environments. Overall, the Samson Go Mic is a great option for those looking for a compact and affordable USB microphone that offers professional-quality audio.
Blue Snowball iCe:
Link: https://www.logitechg.com/en-us/products/streaming-gear/snowball-ice-usb-microphone.988-000067.html
Name and brand of the model:
Blue Snowball iCE
Features and specifications:
The Blue Snowball iCE is a high-quality USB microphone that is perfect for recording podcasts, streaming, and making voice calls. It features a cardioid pickup pattern that captures sound from the front, making it ideal for solo recordings. The microphone also has a frequency response range of 40Hz to 18kHz, ensuring that it captures a wide range of sound. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, and it comes with a desktop stand and a USB cable.
Pros:
- High-quality sound recording.
- Easy to use and set up.
Cons:
- Limited pickup pattern.
- No gain control.
Price and Availability: The Blue Snowball iCE is priced at around $49.99 and is widely available from online and offline retailers.
Customer Reviews and Ratings:
The Blue Snowball iCE has received mostly positive reviews from customers. On Amazon, it has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with many customers praising its sound quality and ease of use. Some negative reviews mention the limited pickup pattern and lack of gain control, but overall, the Blue Snowball iCE is a highly recommended small USB microphone for those on a budget.
Shure MV5:
Link: https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv5?variant=MV5-B-DIG
Name and brand of the model:
Shure MV5 is a small USB condenser microphone from Shure, a leading audio equipment manufacturer known for its high-quality microphones.
Features and specifications:
The Shure MV5 is a compact USB microphone designed for podcasters, content creators, and musicians who want high-quality audio in a portable package. The microphone features a custom-tuned microphone capsule that provides clear and detailed audio and a built-in headphone output for real-time monitoring. It also has an adjustable desktop stand and a detachable magnetic grille that allows for easy customization. The microphone has three DSP preset modes that adjust the audio settings based on the recording application, making it easy to get professional-quality audio with minimal setup.
Pros:
- Three DSP preset modes for easy setup.
- Built-in headphone output for real-time monitoring.
- Detachable magnetic grille for easy customization.
Cons:
- Limited directional control.
- Lacks additional controls for advanced audio adjustments.
Price and Availability: The Shure MV5 is priced at around $99 and is widely available from online retailers, music stores, and electronics stores.
Customer Reviews and Ratings:
The Shure MV5 has received positive reviews from customers, who appreciate its compact size, ease of use, and excellent audio quality. Customers have also praised the microphone for its versatility, as it can be used for podcasting, streaming, and music production. However, some customers have noted that the microphone’s directional control is limited, and it may not be suitable for recording in noisy environments. Overall, the Shure MV5 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a high-quality USB microphone in a portable package.
FIFINE K669B:
Link: https://fifinemicrophone.com/products/usb-microphone-with-volume-control-k669-669b
Name and brand of the model:
FIFINE K669B USB Microphone
Features and specifications:
The FIFINE K669B is a compact and affordable USB microphone designed for home recording, podcasting, streaming, and other applications. It features a cardioid polar pattern to capture sound from the front while rejecting sound from the sides and rear, resulting in a clear and focused sound. The microphone also has a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz, a sampling rate of 16-bit/48kHz, and a sensitivity of -34dB±2dB. It is plug-and-play, so you don’t need any additional drivers or software to use it with your computer or other devices.
Pros:
- Cardioid polar pattern for clear and focused sound.
- Plug-and-play design, no additional drivers or software needed.
- Affordable price point.
Cons:
- Limited options for adjusting gain and other settings.
- May not be suitable for recording in noisy environments.
Price and Availability: The FIFINE K669B USB microphone is available on Amazon and other online retailers for around $30-$40.
Customer Reviews and Ratings:
The FIFINE K669B has received positive reviews from customers for its affordability, ease of use, and sound quality. Many users praise it for its clear and crisp sound, while others appreciate its compact size and plug-and-play design. Some users have noted that it may not be the best option for recording in noisy environments, but overall, the microphone is considered to be a great value for its price. It has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, based on thousands of customer reviews
TONOR Q9:
Link: https://www.tonormic.com/products/tonor-q9-usb-microphone-kit
Name and brand of the model:
TONOR Q9 USB Microphone
Features and specifications:
The TONOR Q9 is a plug-and-play USB microphone designed for home recording, podcasting, gaming, and streaming. It features a cardioid polar pattern to capture sound from the front and reduce background noise, a 16mm diaphragm, and a sampling rate of 48kHz/16-bit. The microphone comes with a sturdy tripod stand, a pop filter, and a shock mount to reduce vibration and noise from handling the microphone.
Pros:
- Affordable price point.
- A cardioid polar pattern reduces background noise.
- Plug-and-play design for easy setup.
- Comes with a tripod stand, pop filter, and shock mount.
Cons:
- Some users report a slight hiss or static noise when recording.
- The included tripod stand is not very adjustable.
- Limited frequency response range.
Price and Availability: The TONOR Q9 USB Microphone is available on Amazon for around $40, and $54.99 on the official website.
Customer Reviews and Ratings:
The TONOR Q9 has received generally positive reviews from customers, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Customers praise the microphone’s ease of use and affordability, as well as the included accessories. Some users have reported a slight hiss or static noise when recording, but this seems to be a relatively minor issue for most users. Overall, the TONOR Q9 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly USB microphone for home recording or podcasting.
IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2:
Link: https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigmichd2/
Name and brand of the model:
IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2
Features and specifications:
The iRig Mic HD 2 is a high-quality USB microphone designed for use with computers, smartphones, and tablets. It features a large-diaphragm condenser capsule, 24-bit/96kHz A/D conversion, and a built-in headphone jack for monitoring. The microphone also comes with a desktop tripod stand and a mic clip, as well as a Lightning and USB cable for connection to various devices.
Pros:
- Versatile compatibility with various devices.
- Comes with a desktop tripod stand and mic clip.
- Built-in headphone jack for monitoring.
Cons:
- A little more expensive than some other small USB microphones.
- May not be as portable as some other small USB microphones.
Price and Availability: The iRig Mic HD 2 is priced at around $129 and is widely available through online retailers and music stores.
Customer Reviews and Ratings:
The iRig Mic HD 2 has received positive reviews for its sound quality and versatility. Customers have praised its compatibility with various devices and the included tripod stand and mic clip. Some reviewers have noted that the microphone can be a bit bulky, but overall, it is a well-regarded option for recording vocals and instruments on the go.
Razer Seiren Mini:
Link: https://www.razer.com/streaming-microphones/razer-seiren-mini
Name and brand of the model:
Razer Seiren USB Microphone
Features and specifications:
The Razer Seiren Mini is a compact and portable USB microphone designed for streaming and content creation. It has a super-cardioid pickup pattern that captures sound from the front while reducing background noise. The microphone also features a built-in shock mount to reduce vibrations and a removable stand to adjust the angle and height of the microphone. The Seiren Mini offers a frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz and a sensitivity of -42dB.
Pros:
- Superb sound quality.
- Removable stand.
- Plug-and-play functionality.
- Built-in shock mount.
Cons:
- The small size may not be suitable for all users.
- No mute button.
- The included stand may not be sturdy enough for some setups.
Price and Availability: The Razer Seiren Mini is available for purchase on the Razer website and through various retailers for around $49.99.
Customer Reviews and Ratings:
The Razer Seiren Mini has received positive reviews from customers, with many praising its sound quality and compact design. However, some users have criticized the lack of a mute button and the flimsy stand. Overall, the Seiren Mini is a great option for those looking for an affordable and portable USB microphone for streaming and content creation.
When comparing and contrasting the different models based on the criteria mentioned in the introduction, here are some key points to consider:
Type of Microphone:
The Samson Go Mic and Blue Snowball iCE are both condenser microphones, while the Shure MV5, FIFINE K669B, TONOR Q9, IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2, and Razer Seiren Mini are all dynamic microphones.
Connectivity:
All 7 models are equipped with USB connectivity, making them easy to connect to a computer or other devices that have USB ports.
Battery Life:
The Samson Go Mic and IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 both have built-in rechargeable batteries, providing users with the flexibility to use them without being tethered to a power source. However, the other models do not have built-in batteries and require power through a USB connection.
Price:
The prices of these microphones vary greatly. The Blue Snowball iCE and FIFINE K669B are the most affordable, while the Shure MV5 and Razer Seiren Mini are on the higher end of the price spectrum. The Samson Go Mic, TONOR Q9, and IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 fall somewhere in between.
Customer Reviews:
All of these microphones have received positive reviews from customers, with some models standing out in terms of user satisfaction. The Blue Snowball iCE and FIFINE K669B have both received high ratings for their affordability and ease of use, while the Shure MV5, TONOR Q9, and Razer Seiren Mini have been praised for their sound quality. The Samson Go Mic and IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 have been well-received for their portability and versatility.
Conclusion:
To summarise, small USB microphones offer an excellent solution for individuals who want to have high-quality audio without compromising portability. The seven smallest USB microphones listed above offer excellent sound quality, portability, and compatibility with most devices. If you’re looking for a small USB microphone, we recommend the Samson Go Mic as the best option for its versatility and excellent sound quality.
We encourage readers to check out the listed models to find the one that meets their needs and leave comments about their experiences with these microphones.
FAQ’s
- How much should I expect to spend on a small USB microphone?
Small USB microphones can range in price from under $20 to over $100, depending on the brand and features. It’s important to consider your budget and the features that are most important to you when making a purchase.
- Can I use a small USB microphone with my mobile device?
Yes, many small USB microphones are compatible with mobile devices, but it’s important to check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure compatibility.
- Do I need any additional equipment to use a small USB microphone?
In most cases, no additional equipment is needed to use a small USB microphone. However, some microphones may require a preamp or audio interface to improve sound quality.
