If you are looking for an ideal USB Condenser Microphone to buy, we have you covered! A USB condenser is a great choice for creators. These microphones provide a way better experience than built-in computer mics. There are so many varieties available on the market. Finding the perfect one that will fulfill all your needs within your budget is quite a hard task. That’s why we tested some of the best microphones out there to determine the best USB Condenser available on the market in 2024.
Before we proceed, here are some factors you should consider before buying a USB Condenser Microphone.
Audio Quality: The first thing you should consider is the audio quality. The microphone should be able to capture clear and crisp sound with good sensitivity and a wide range of frequencies. Also, look for a high signal-to-noise ratio for less noise and clearer recordings.
Build Quality: Build quality is very important. Even if your budget is on the lower side, look for a Microphone that can handle regular use and has a solid casing to protect it from outside damage.
Ease of Use: You should buy a microphone that is plug-and-play and has a pretty easy setup process. These are user-friendly and you can set them up with less effort.
Compatibility: The Microphone should be compatible with all kinds of devices such as Windows, MacOS, Android/iOS Smartphones, and tablets. So, look for its compatibility before you buy.
Features: Look for a Microphone with a headphone jack for real-time monitoring, volume controls, and mute buttons.
Price: Try to buy a Microphone that matches your budget. If it’s on the lower side, do not worry. There are plenty of Microphones that come with great features and are cheap.
If you keep these factors in mind before buying a Microphone, you will be able to buy the best microphone within your budget.
Here is a comparison of the microphones so that you can get a basic idea.
| Features | Rode NT USB | MPM-2000U | Blue Yeti Nano | Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ | Samson Go Mic Clip-On | Samson 29/C01UPRO |
| Connectivity | USB | USB | USB | USB | USB | USB |
| Polar patterns | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid and Omnidirectional | Cardioid | Cardioid | Super Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-18kHz | 20Hz-18kHz | 20Hz-20kHz | 20Hz-20kHz | 20Hz-18kHz | 20Hz-18kHz |
| Sample Rate | 48kHz | 48kHz | 48 kHz | 44.1/48 kHz | 44.1kHz | 48kHz |
| Bit Depth | 16-bit | 16-bit | 24-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit |
| Price (May vary) | $169 | $92.42 | $89.99 | $159 | $37.99 | 57.55 |
This comparison is just a basic overview of the features so that you can get a general idea about the products. Read further to learn more about these products including their pros and cons.
Rode NT USB
The Rode NT-USB is a professional USB condenser microphone. This microphone can capture sounds with excellent quality and clarity. It performs exceptionally while recording voice, instruments, live streaming, voice-overs, and more. It has a sleek, nice-looking design and some great features too. But the best part is that it is very easy to set up and use. You can quickly start recording professional-sounding audio in just a few seconds without complications.
Rode NT USB is fully compatible with the leading recording applications on both Windows and Mac OS.
Specs
1. Condenser mic with USB output
2. Cardioid Polar Pattern
3. 20Hz – 20kHz Frequency Range
4. A/D converter 16bit/48kHz sampling rate
5. Compatible with Windows, Mac, iPad, and Android tablets
Pros & Cons
Pros:
1. Great sound quality suitable for any kind of voice-over-related work.
2. The build quality is pretty good.
3. Considering the quality, the price is very reasonable.
4. Very easy to use since it’s plug and play.
Cons:
1. Does not work with devices running on older versions.
2. It does not have a Gain knob.
Price:
The Rode NT USB is priced at around $160 depending on the platform you are buying from. Judging by the quality, we think the price is justified even though it may look a bit on the higher side.
In our opinion, The Rode NT USB is a great quality USB Condenser microphone that you can use in almost any kind of recording. With its great sound and It’s built quality, it’s one of the best options you have out there. If you have a somewhat modern device, it can be the best option you have in hand.
Marantz Professional MPM2000U
The Marantz Professional MPM-2000U is a USB condenser computer mic that connects through a USB port. With its aluminum body, a nice grille, and shock mount – it looks just like studio mics. The MPM-2000U is great at capturing crystal-clear audio, which is perfect for vocals, instruments, voice-overs, live streaming, and more.
Its high sensitivity and low signal-to-noise ratio will let you capture your voice clearly without any distracting background noise. This mic only picks up sound directly in front of it in a tight “cardioid” pattern. This means it’s good at blocking out background noises from the sides and back.
The MPM-2000U doesn’t have any extra fancy features. It’s just designed for clean, clear USB computer recording.
Specs
1. USB condenser microphone.
2. Cardioid polar pattern
3. A/D converter with 16-bit/48 kHz sampling rate
4. Solid die-cast construction body
5. High sensitivity and low signal-to-noise ratio
Pros & Cons
Pros:
1. Well-constructed body with a protective case.
2. Great value for money.
3. Excellent sound quality.
Cons:
1. Does not have a real-time headphone monitoring feature.
Price
The current price of the MPM2000U is around $92 depending on the platform you are buying from. Its performance and build quality make it a great value-for-money microphone at this price point.
We think that The MPM2000U can be a great choice if you are looking for a sturdy mic that will deliver high-quality audio too. The price is another factor in buying the MPM2000U. At this price point, it’s almost a steal.
Blue Yeti Nano
The Logitech Blue Yeti Nano is a professional-grade USB condenser microphone that captures sound with exceptional quality and clarity. The Logitech Blue Yeti Nano performs great in recording voices, instruments, live streaming, voice-overs, and more. It has a compact and sleek design that looks great on camera and fits perfectly on any desktop. The Blue Yeti Nano is equipped with powerful Blue VO!CE vocal effects, that offer professional-grade recording and streaming capabilities.
The Yeti Nano is a very easy-to-use mic. It works out of the box with both Windows and Mac via USB. With its simple plug-and-play design, you can start recording or streaming professional-quality audio in just a few seconds, without any complications. The Yeti Nano is fully compatible with leading recording applications on both Windows and Mac OS, making it a versatile choice for all your recording needs.
Specs
1. USB Condenser Microphone
2. Cardioid and Omnidirectional Polar Patterns
3. Frequency range of 20Hz – 20kHz
4. Sample Rate of 24-bit/48kHz
5. Built-in headphone jack with volume control
6. Mute & microphone gain control
Pros & Cons
Pros:
1. The sound clarity is top-notch for a mic at this price point. It captures vocals with a balanced tone that rivals higher-end models.
2. Cardioid and Omnidirectional Polar Patterns offer versatility.
3. Its compact design lets it fit in tight spaces and makes it easily portable.
4. The build quality is great in this budget.
Cons:
1. It sometimes picks up background noise if not used in a controlled environment.
2. The knobs and controls are a bit sensitive.
Price
The Blue Yeti Nano is priced at around $90 depending on where you are buying it from. This makes it a budget-friendly option for those who seek quality without spending much. At this price point, it’s one of the best deals considering the features and quality you receive with this microphone.
In our opinion, the Blue Yeti Nano is an excellent choice for those who need an easy-to-use and reliable USB microphone. Its recording and build quality, ease of use, and price make it a competitive option if you are looking for a budget option.
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+
The Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ is a great choice for those looking to get professional-quality audio without breaking the bank. With its studio-quality sound and ease of use, it’s a favorite among musicians, podcasters, and content creators. Whether you’re recording music, hosting a podcast, or streaming live, the AT2020USB+ ensures your sound is clear, crisp, and professional. Its built-in headphone jack and volume control allow for real-time monitoring, while the mix control lets you blend microphone and pre-recorded audio.
The AT2020USB+ is not just about great sound; it’s about giving you the tools to create and communicate with ease and style. The build quality is very good. It feels substantial and durable, which suggests it’s a piece of equipment that will last. Its simple setup also means you don’t need an audio interface or any additional gear to start recording; just plug it into your computer and you’re ready to go.
Specs
1. USB Condenser microphone
2. Cardioid polar pattern
3. A/D converter with 16-bit/48 kHz sampling rate
4. Mix control for blending microphone and pre-recorded audio
5. Compatible with both Windows and Mac
Pros & Cons
Pros:
1. Clear, crisp, and professional sound quality.
2. Easy to set up and use.
3. The build quality is good. That means it will be durable.
4, Has a headphone jack for real-time audio monitoring.
Cons:
1. It’s a bit heavier than some other competitors which makes it less ideal for mobile or field recording.
2. This mic is discontinued and no longer has official support.
3. Does not work properly with newer operating systems.
Price
The Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ is currently priced at around $159. The price may vary depending on the location and the platform you are buying from. At this price point, it is worth considering because of its professional features. The AT2020USB+ offers substantial value for those needing a reliable microphone without spending on high-end audio setups.
In our opinion, the AT2020USB+ is one of the best microphones markets considering its price. It’s neither too complex for beginners nor too basic for experienced users. The lack of multiple recording patterns and issues with newer systems can be a drawback for some, but the consistency and quality of the audio captured with this mic make it a worthy competitor. If you are looking for a good-quality microphone that delivers crystal clear sound, is user-friendly, and durable the AT2020USB+ should certainly be on your shortlist.
Samson Go Mic Portable USB Condenser Microphone
The Samson Go Mic is a compact USB condenser microphone that defies its size with remarkable sound quality and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster, a budding musician, or an on-the-go content creator, the Go Mic is your trusty companion.
The Samson Go Mic is a gateway to professional-grade audio in a pint-sized package. Imagine a microphone that clips effortlessly onto your laptop or sits discreetly on your desk, ready to capture your voice with precision while requiring no additional mic stands or complicated setups. The build quality is pretty good for its size, and it feels more expensive than it actually is.
The Sound quality of the Go Mic is outstanding. It can capture clear and crisp audio that easily rivals some of its more costly competitors. It has both cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns, which means you can either isolate the sound to just your voice or capture an entire room.
It also has a headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring. The Go Mic is a plug-and-play device. You don’t need to install any drivers for it. Simply plug it into your USB port, and you are ready to start recording!
Specs
1. Cardioid and Omnidirectional polar pattern.
2. Frequency range of 20Hz – 18kHz.
3. 16-bit/44.1kHz Resolution.
4. USB Condenser Microphone.
5. Compatible with both PC and Mac.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
1. Compact and portable design, easy to take on the go.
2. Has both Cardioid and Omnidirectional polar patterns.
3. Does not need an external power supply
4. Has a headphone jack for real-time monitoring
Cons:
1. The stand design offers minimal adjustability.
2. Has complaints of dying within a few months.
Price
The Samson Go Mic is priced at around $50 depending on the platform you are buying from. It can be an excellent value-for-money option for those on a budget. The quality it provides at this price point makes it a budget beast.
In our opinion, The Samson Go Mic is a solid microphone with both Cardioid and Omnidirectional polar patterns. It can record clear and crisp audio that rivals some higher-priced microphones on the market. It stands out in its category for its size, portability, and versatility. It’s an excellent choice for those who need a high-quality audio solution without spending a fortune. We will highly recommend it if you are on a budget.
Samson 29/C01UPRO
The Samson 29/C01UPRO is a USB Condenser Microphone that is capable of recording clear and crisp sound. It is an ideal choice for recording music, broadcasting, live streaming, voiceovers, and podcasts. Its large 19mm diaphragm captures all the nuances of your voice, making the C01U PRO an ideal choice for hip-hop/rap artists, and singer-songwriters.
The C01U Pro doesn’t compromise on sound quality. It records clear and sharp audio that can match up with its pricier rivals. It has a super-cardioid pickup pattern, which means it can focus on your voice or capture the sound of an entire room. The C01U Pro also comes with a headphone jack for real-time monitoring. It’s a plug-and-play device, so you don’t need to install any drivers. Just plug it into your USB port, and you’re ready to record.
The build quality is great, and it comes with solid die-cast metal construction and a shock-mounted mic element that minimizes unwanted handling noise and vibrations.
Specs
1. USB Condenser Microphone.
2. Super-cardioid polar pattern.
3. frequency range of 20 Hz–18 kHz
4. high-quality A/D converter with 16-bit/48 kHz sampling rate
5. built-in headphone amplifier, and digital sensitivity.
6. Compatible with PC, Mac, and iPad.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
1. Great sound quality.
2. Easy to set up and use because of its plug-and-play design.
3. Excellent value for money.
Cons:
1. Difficult to attach a pop filter to the included desk tripod.
Price
The Samson 29/C01UPRO is priced at around $60. The price may vary depending on the platform you are buying from. The quality it provides at this price point is praiseworthy. Also, the build quality is better than you would expect from a $60 mic. If you are on a budget and looking for a good-quality Microphone, Samson 29/C01UPRO can be a great option.
In our opinion, The Samson 29/C01UPRO is a great microphone if you are looking to buy a USB Condenser Microphone. Along with its capability of delivering clear and precise audio, it is an easy-to-use microphone that you can easily set up. The build quality is pretty good considering its price. We recommend getting The Samson 29/C01UPRO if you are going with a budget microphone.
Hollyland Lark M2
Even though it’s not a USB Condenser Microphone, it is a great option for vloggers, podcasters, and filmmakers who want to buy a professional-grade microphone. The Hollyland Lark M2 is a wireless Lavalier microphone that weighs only 9 grams. It is the lightest mini microphone on the market.
2-Person Wireless Mini Button Microphone.
Being a Wireless Lavalier microphone, The Hollyland Lark M2 is a better choice than most of the USB Condenser Microphones out there. It’s highly portable and can be clipped to clothes or taped to skin. It is also very easy to use and set up. It is an omnidirectional mic and an ideal choice for capturing audio from a specific source/targeted recording. The Hollyland Lark M2 is Omnidirectional and can pick up high-frequency sounds effectively.
Hollyland Lark M2 offers lossless sound reproduction and a 40-hour battery life which helps to deliver high-quality uninterrupted audio recording.
Specs
1. Wireless lavalier microphone.
2. Omnidirectional Polar Pattern.
3. Frequency range of 20 Hz–20 kHz.
4. 24-bit/ 48 kHz Sampling rate.
5. Signal-to-Noise Ratio > 70dB
Pros & Cons
Pros:
1. Highly portable because of its compact size.
2. lossless sound reproduction capability.
3. Up to 1,000ft line-of-sight range wireless audio transmission.
4. Smart Control for Noise Cancellation.
Cons:
1. The signal strength can be affected by physical barriers.
Price
The Hollyland Lark M2 comes with more than one variant. If you want to buy the combo package, it will cost you 179$ currently. There are cheaper variants that come with accessories for the camera or iOS or Android. Judging by the price, we think The Hollyland Lark M2 is one of the best options out there that provides incredible sound and is so easy to use.
In our opinion, The Hollyland Lark M2 is the best choice for you if you are a vlogger, podcaster, or filmmaker and you often shoot on the go. Considering its quality and the value it provides, it can be called the budget king, which rivals some of its pricier competitors.
Conclusion
There are many USB Condenser Microphones available in the market. We reviewed these six Microphones that we think are worth considering if you need a good quality microphone that can deliver crystal clear sounds. Whether you’re a podcaster, a musician, a filmmaker, or a live streamer looking to upgrade your setup, our list will help you pick the best one that fits your budget and needs. Choose one and take your audio game to the next level!
FAQ
1. Are USB Condenser Microphones good?
USB Condenser Microphones are good, affordable, and deliver quality output. They are also easy to use because of their Plug and Play design.
2. Do lower-budget USB condenser mics deliver professional-quality sound?
Yes, the budget USB condenser microphones we talked about can produce a clear and professional-quality sound that is suitable for podcasts, streaming, and recording sessions.
3. What additional equipment would I need to use a USB condenser microphone?
Most of the USB condenser microphones are plug-and-play. That means you can connect them directly to your computer without any external audio interface or power sources.
4. How to choose the best USB condenser microphone?
You have to consider what you’ll be using the microphone for, the environment you will be recording in, and any specific features you might need like the recording patterns, onboard controls, or included software. Choose according to your budget, shortlist them, and then read reviews and watch videos of them to understand how they perform in a real-world setting
