While every Mac and iPhone total with a mike built - in , they ’re not ones that deliver high quality audio . So , if you require to go your best on video recording calls , are thinking of starting a podcast , becoming a YouTube or TikTok adept , cyclosis on Twitch , or want to record some medicine at home , you should by all odds get yourself a good external mike .
But , with so many on the market place , which one are best for your needs ? What ’s the divergence between USB and XLR , condenser or dynamical ? It can all be a bit confusing . Not to worry though , as we ’ve put together a roundup of the good mike for different situation , with all of them retailing for less than $ 250/£200 .
Should I buy a USB or XLR microphone?
When it come to microphones , there are two independent type of connexion that you use to plug them into your Mac : USB and XLR . The former is the easiest as they connect via a stock USB cable , while the XLR variant ca n’t be attached straight to a Mac , but instead requires some kind of audio interface .
You might think that this makes the USB alternative the best , and for many people this will be the example , but audiophiles usually take the eyeshot that the XLR / audio interface route gives superior audio quality thanks to the pre - amps in the interface that can add a little warmth and sparkle to the ruined recordings .
If you just want a simple-minded setup that gift near results , then a USB microphone will probably suffice as it will most likely be a cheaper and more portable answer . For those wanting to register music or multiple people in a podcast the flexibility and more professional options that come in with the XLR / audio interface setup will be discriminatory .
While we wo n’t be covering audio interfaces in this special roundup , an excellent pick is anything from the Focusrite Scarlett image , with theScarlett Solo ( fourth gen)perfect for those just embark on out with audio recording . It retails for around $ 159.99/£139.99 and at the time of writing could be detect for$139.99 on Amazon USor£127.98 on Amazon UK . you could believably find the 3rd - coevals models even cheaper if you shit around , and they are still excellent devices for connecting microphones to your Mac .
Should I buy a dynamic or condenser microphone?
by from the link choice , there ’s also the type of microphone you’re able to purchase . There , again , are two main options : dynamical and capacitor .
As a ruler of thumb dynamic mics are better are getting disembarrass of desktop dissonance as they have a nidus on what ’s at once in front of the mike ( your interpreter ) . Condensers can have a rich tonal palette , but their sensibility can nibble up more surround audio . The latter makes them splendid for conquer ambient tones in the way , but if you live in a noisy house then they could be problematic .
Both can produce marvelous sound , so if you ’re unsure which to pick out , do a short Googling on the specific model you have in judgment to see if people who own them are getting the results you ’re hoping to strike .
Top microphones for Mac
Logitech Yeti
pro
Cons
Type: Condenser / USB
A stalwart in the USB mike world is theYeti(from Blue , now owned by Logitech ) . You ’ll see this in a masses of YouTube picture and have take heed it on countless Twitch streams and podcasts , as it ’s an incredibly popular capacitor mic that deport outstanding audio .
One of the main reasons for its popularity is that it contains four different condenser capsule deep down – giving it the ability to record in a miscellanea of modes . These let in speaking directly into the mic or even having two people talk on either side of it . The Yeti is a big unit though , so you ’ll want a bit of deskspace to accommodate it .
If versatility is what you ’re after , not to mention the convenience of a USB connexion and built - in standpoint , then the Yeti is a tried and tested fable .
Logitech Yeti X
In accession to boast a premium design that would not be out of blank space in a live program , theYeti Xis a tremendously various complete outfit . It ’s an rise to the democratic Yeti with improved audio tone and design update .
It is made with a four - capsule condenser matrix and a salmagundi of patterns that let in microphones in cardioid , two-channel and omnidirectional way to handle any record situation with ease .
It is honest that it does not have the 1/4 - inch audio stimulant that the Samson G - Track Pro does have , but where the Blue Yeti X really place upright out is in the software program section . The VO software is directly integrated into Logitech G Hub .
This allow for you not only to choose a stove of predetermined audio mount so that your vocalism sounds more tuned for a broadcast , but you’re able to also modify innovative options related to noise , compression and more .
Thanks to its LED index and variating potentiometer , it is potential to fancy and adjust the audio grade of the voice at a glance and deal it instantly , without having to resort to the electronic computer ’s argument .
With the Yeti X plugin for Mac and Windows computers , the Yeti X integrates with the macOS operating scheme to have greater control and customise the colour of the LED lights and manage the gain of the microphone , pattern or volume pick , among other aspects .
Logitech G Yeti GX
The Logitech G Yeti GX has fancy RGB inflammation – a G logo is illuminated and a matching LED ring adorns the bottom edge of the mic . It will no doubt look nerveless in a YouTube video .
The mic can be placed on a table or jump on on a boom arm . There ’s a USB - C connection on the bottom , but unfortunately no 3.5 mm aux plug to link up your headphones . If you want to hear yourself for , say , a podcast transcription , you ’ll have to resort to other way .
If you desire to influence the strait you ’ll need Logitech ’s G Hub software package , and regrettably , the app is a assorted bag . On the Mac side they have n’t even get by to update the app for Apple ’s own processor so it ’s run via Rosetta . The app does knead on a Mac though , and it ’s well-to-do to make adjustments to the sound to get it just right .
If you need a unproblematic microphone with really right sound for videos , podcasts , video meetings , or whatever , this mic is worth checking out . The price is a bit high , but so is the tone .
Logitech Snowball iCE
Type : Dynamic / USB & XLR
If you ’re look for a tacky and cheerful microphone to commemorate vocal when cyclosis , television calling or making a podcast , then theSnowball iCEis a safe option . Like the Yeti , the Snowball was one of Blue Microphones mics , but Logitech bribe the troupe in 2017 roam Blue ’s Yeti , Yeti Pro , Yeti Nano , and sweet sand verbena mics into its own lineup .
The orbicular chassis is cool and fun , plus it comes with an attachable rack that will have it sitting up on your desk at a good height to capture your voice .
You ’ll want to add a soda water buckler if you signify to speak directly into it , as you ’ll pick up ‘ plosives ’ ( boom sounds as your breath hits the microphone ) when using it in this manner . Sit it slightly offset to your sass and you should find this a great USB microphone that wo n’t break the bank .
You may still be capable to detect the original Snowball fashion model on sales agreement : that Snowball has two condensers and additional polar patterns , while the iCE has only one capacitance and miss Omni .
Samson Q2U
If you ’re unsure which sort of connection you want to use , theSamson Q2Uhas both USB and XLR outputs . This is a nice lineament as it means the mic can stay in your rig if you decide you need to upgrade to an audio interface at some spot .
The Q2U has a traditional handheld - style chassis but go happily in any received mic point of view . For such a succinct social unit it manages to outfit in a surprising amount of options , with the said connectors joined by a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack for direct monitoring .
There are no book controls though , so you ’ll involve to do that via your software .
Affordable price , flexible options and capital phone . hone for beginners or even those who want to add a 2nd mic to their setup .
Rode PodMic USB
Type: Dynamic / XLR& USB
ThePodMic USBis a programme - expressive style active microphone that come from the illustrious Rode brand and is an upgrade to the older PodMic , which was an excellent machine but only included an XLR connexion . As the name propose , the PodMic USB adds a digital option , all while retaining the former port . This imply you may choose to either connect it to your Mac via USB or XLR . away from the beautiful styling that makes it calculate like something you ’d find in a wireless studio apartment , the PodMic USB is draw a bead on very much at spoken Bible audio and podcasting in particular .
There ’s also the ability to plug headphones into the 3.5 millimeter jack at the root word of the microphone , plus a dedicated volume control leave you to vary the levels to suit your special taste . Rode uses its own built - in preamp to warm up up the vocals , plus earpiece output is zero - latency so you wo n’t hear any time lag when recording .
It ’s a solid construction , with a metal chassis surrounding the microphone grill which also includes a built - in dad shield . There ’s an integrated bracket that can screw into the received mic stand fittings , which is utilitarian as the PodMic USB does n’t amount with a stand in the box .
If you require a gorgeous , professional - sounding outspoken mic that offers versatile connectivity , then the Rode PodMic USB is well worth your consideration .
Samson G-Track Pro
This is a act of a chunky animate being , so if you require a mic to throw in your bag and take around with you , one of the earlier entryway are in all likelihood more worthy . But , to those who are looking for a mic that has plenty of feature and sonic pick , then the G - Track Pro should be high on your list .
The mic has three different polar traffic pattern , which mean you’re able to change the area where it will capture go , much like the Blue Yeti . Cardioid will focalize on your spokesperson and ignore surrounding sound , while omnidirectional will allow you to capture consultation , plus you’re able to also record yourself playing guitars , pianos or other instruments while singing .
The G - Track Pro caters for electric guitars too , as you may plug a received 1/4 in transmission line immediately into the mic via its port and use it as an audio user interface .
There ’s lineal earphone monitoring , onboard volume controls and switches for instantly selecting the recording pattern . A bit too much for those who just want to pep up their Zoom telephone call , but a enticing mic if you have higher ambitions .
Rode Procaster
Type: Dynamic / XLR
One of most extremely regarded outspoken microphone that qualify for this list is the Rode Procaster . This excellent moral force mic , looks and feels premium with its full alloy construction and program - panache pattern .
Tailored specifically for spoken word , it sport a built - in pop - filter , grim interference , and the cardioid radiation pattern does a great job of rejecting background signal phone .
There are no push button or dial on the Procaster , instead it ’s a professional esthetic with only the XLR output to bust the simpleness .
Audio lineament is rattling , and your vocals will instantly sound more impressive liken to cheap mics that you may already be using . Should you really prefer the melodic theme of a USB variant , then you’re able to buy theRode Podcasterfor around the same price . One thing to yield in mind it that you ’ll ask a honorable - tone viewpoint as well as an XLR audio interface for the Procaster , so the last bill will be a bit higher than other options on this listing .
Shure MV88+ Video Kit
TheMV88 + Video Kitdevice from Shure consists of a stereo condenser digital mike , a Manfrotto PIXI mini tripod and a image of clips and cables with which you’re able to confiscate any iPhone model you require to utilise .
The kit is not cheap , but it is really a premium solution with which you get what you pay for . The sound character is fantabulous , with a foam microphone that take into account you to capture audio out of doors without dissonance even in breezy atmospheric condition .
The frequency answer of the MV88 is from 20 Hz to 20 KHz , so any audio beginning is captured in stereophonic . During our tests , he deal to handle both audio conversations and the capture of melodious instruments .
If you ’ve been face for a premium iPhone mike that does it all for a long time , seem no further . Shure ’s MV88 + TV outfit is the recommend product with which you may modify the gain and persuasiveness of the signal capture by the microphone .
The transcription is also assisted by the MV88 + ’s smart mike clip and the Manfrotto PIXI tripod . The clip forge really well , allow user to configure their microphone for vertical or horizontal sound recording or telecasting capture .
The tripod for iPhone is well build , thickset for travel and go for the iPhone securely , make it well-situated to hold with one hand while the other handles the iPhone screen .
Sennheiser Memory Mic
TheSennheiser Memory Micis a clip - on - lapel microphone that can wirelessly catch sound recording for gamy - quality videos recorded with the iPhone . It is a not bad option for those who intend to use the cognitive content on connection such as YouTube .
The Memory Mic can be hooked around your cervix like or the fuss can be used as a clip , providing the user with great exemption .
The microphone does not maintain a Bluetooth connection ; rather , it stores the audio locally in the microphone itself , and then synchronizes the audio and telecasting together once the recording session is completed , all wirelessly .
The synchronization process is somewhat laborious : Sennheiser ’s mike creates a local wireless meshwork and use it to reassign sound recording using its free completing app , which direct you through the integral process . However , although it is a little gawky , the synchronization hold up 30 second and works without job , as long as you keep the Memory Mic and your iPhone close to each other . ( If you do n’t , you could lose your sound recording forever ) .
Video capture with the Sennheiser memory mike results in exculpated audio recording no matter of how far you are from the iPhone . This is ideal for put down speakers or large - side interviews at a length .
add together to all that an elegant magnetic clip and four hour of recording time , and what you have is a wireless tizzy microphone that is almost pure for iPhone . The only drawback is that Sennheiser ’s Memory Mic is somewhat thickheaded , so discreet positioning may be necessary .
Steelseries Alias Pro
TheSteelseries Alias Progives you the best of both worlds : an XLR mike with high - quality sound and the simplicity of just plug in via UCB - C.
It is easygoing to just plug into the USB - C port and set off using it . Since it is target at banner , it is possible to apply the Alias Pro with two computers at the same time . There are also two USB - atomic number 6 ports in the outside sound card . It is capable of mixing up to five audio sources and has great feature for anyone streaming game .
The microphone can either be placed on a table or mounted on a boom branch .
There ’s a USB - only Alias modelling , but the Alias Pro that we ’re look at here is an XLR microphone that make out with an external sound board ( Stream Mixer ) . The Stream Mixer is promiscuous to apply . Unfortunately , the Sonar software is PC only and there is only a simplified verison of Steelseries ’ Steelseries GG software for the Mac .
If you ’ve leave behind the recreational stage behind you , Steelseries Alias Pro can be a suitable leverage . It ’s significantly more powerful than a typical USB microphone , but it has a toll tag to equal .
For more advice about add-on for your Mac , iPad or iPhone see all ourBest Picks .
