The best microphones in 2022 serve the finest in sound recording tech in all its diverse forms: Music mics, Shotgun mics to connect to the video camera. There are plenty of easy-to-use USB mics.
If you require a plug-and-play microphone for video chats and serving from home, we’d suggest a USB microphone.
Often, they’ll offer additional functionality that makes them perfect for recording podcasts or streaming. The models you’ll find posted below can give the sound quality you require.
To obtain out which will fit your necessities, keep reading for the selection of the best microphones.
Best Microphones in 2022 You Can Buy Today
Audio-Technica ATR2500x-USB Microphone
The latest update of Audio-Technica to the long-running ATR USB microphone series carries it to the modern-day with minor tweaks. It shows off a USB-C port and minimal onboard controls for altering headphone output volume. Consequently, all gain adjustments can be made in your recording software instead of on the microphone itself, which is helpful if you don’t like fidgeting with hardware controls. The ATR2500x-USB manages well on vocals but creeps behind the competition on signal sources such as a guitar. Nevertheless, if you’re scrutinizing for an ultra-affordable workhorse condenser microphone for vocals that employs USB, this USB microphone from Audio-Technica is worth a watch.
- Specs: Condenser, Cardioid, USB, 24-bit/192kHZ
- Pros: USB-C, Backs for high sample rates, arrives with a desktop rack
- Cons: No dominion over direct monitoring grade, no USB-C to Lightning cable
Samson Q9U XLR/USB Microphone
This year, unleashed as a studio-quality broadcast microphone for content creators, the Samson Q9U is an excellent acquisition to most home recording studios. A dynamic mic in the sort of famous models like the Shure SM7B and Electro-Voice RE20 — mics of alternative for vocalists and podcasters alike — this USB microphone has effectiveness above its weight class. It uses both USB-C and XLR connections and a 3.5mm headphone output for real-time monitoring. So whether you’re digging for your first vocal mic or looking to boost your mic locker on small funding, the Samson Q9U USB microphone is a dependable, wallet-friendly, and relatively future-proof choice.
- Specs: USB/XLR, Cardioid, Dynamic, 24-bit/96kHz
- Pros: USB-C, bodily low-pass filter and mid boost switches, clean configuration, plug ‘n’ play
- Cons: Mute button only functions over USB
Apogee Digital HypeMic USB Microphone w/ Built-In Analog Studio Compressor
Apogee HypeMic is the epitome of USB microphones, the cream of the harvest. The draw is authentic analog compression created into the internal signal chain. You can select between three compression modes — “Shape,” “Squeeze,” and “Smash” — which will put increasingly apparent compression on your signal before it’s recorded. The relatively small dimensions and durable structure of the HypeMic make it a trendy choice for iOS recording enthusiasts who desire something portable and reliable without sacrificing audio quality. In addition, it comes with a pop filter, desktop stand, and basic cables.
- Specs: USB, Cardioid, Condenser, 24-bit/96kHz
- Pros: Absolute built-in analog compression, Apogee’s fantastic converters, a fantastic set of accessories having a Lightning cord
- Cons: High price point, Micro-USB port
PreSonus Revelator USB Mic with Studio Live REVELATOR USB MIC
For total beginners who like a microphone that provides studio-quality sound without purchasing any additional software, the PreSonus Revelator USB microphone is the best alternative. In addition to multiple polar designs and a built-in headphone output for the monitor, it has an easy-to-reach “Preset” button that allows you to flip between distinct signal chains with one press. You can create FX chains on PreSonus’ Revelator mixer software and switch between them directly on the microphone by pressing the “Preset” button. Suppose you’re a streamer or other content creator. In that case, you’ll also appreciate the loopback feature, which lets you “loop” additional audio output from your computer back into a broadcast or recording. It is beneficial if you deal with different audio sources and need to capture them all.
- Specs: Condenser, USB, Three polar patterns: omnidirectional, figure-8, cardioid, 24-bit/96kHz
- Pros: Onboard digital FX processing with traditional Revelator software, loopback, tons of useful bundled software, a standard for newbies
- Cons: It would be incredible if it had an XLR output
Shure MV7 Podcast Microphone (Black)
The more inexpensive cousin of the beloved Shure SM7B dynamic microphone, the Shure MV7 is a top-notch addition to any funding home studio setup. This USB microphone arrives with an added XLR output and a headphone jack output for observing your signal in real-time. While it’s sold as a mic for gamers and streamers, it’s also a significant vocal mic, especially for beginners. The Shure MV7’s most notable features are related to how you can handle it. You’ll find a mute toggle switch on the microphone body and an inventive touch strip to prevent input gain. More functional features – like monitor mix level, EQ, and even compression – can be controlled over the bundled ShurePlus MOTIV app.
- Specs: USB/XLR, Dynamic, Cardioid, 24-bit/48kHZ
- Pros: Sturdy build, built-in DSP, excellent companion app, can document/record over USB and XLR simultaneously
- Cons: Micro-USB port, no Micro-USB to Lightning cable included
AKG Lyra Ultra-HD Multimode USB Microphone
Get a peek of the AKG Lyra, and you’ll immediately comprehend the vibe. It is a modern USB microphone inspired by the composition and functionality of vintage broadcast hardware. The feature that differentiates Lyra from its peers is the switchable mic capsule, with four distinct polar patterns to change the microphone’s sounds. “Front” offers you a cardioid pattern that favors whatever sound is in the facade of the mic. “Front+Back” is for when you have two entertainers, one on either side of the mic. Then, there’s “Tight Stereo” to seize stereo in front and “Wide Stereo” to capture stereo in both front and rear for a more ambient and all-encompassing sound. This versatility makes Lyra a real treasure for situations where you want to record more than one musician at once, like a group vocal, a real live performance, or any other case where a simple cardioid pattern wouldn’t cut it. Recording the same instrument with different polar ways can also net some surprising results.
- Specs: USB, Condenser, Four polar patterns: front, front, and back, tight stereo, wide stereo, 24-bit/192kHZ
- Pros: Sleek vintage-inspired design, multiple mic style selector can give you different results, hardware mute switch, plug ‘n’ play
- Cons: Direct monitoring level tied to the headphone output, compatibility issues with M1 Macs
Picking the Best Microphone
The best microphone depends solely on your setup. This list provides a brief overview of music mics, all-purpose mics, podcasting mics, and so forth. First, decide what you most require a microphone for, then find the suitable one for your requirements.
As with most other devices, cheaper microphones serve to be more generalized, whereas more costly ones tend to be more specialized. Of course, it doesn’t suggest that more affordable microphones are essentially worse. But if you need semi-professional quality, you’ll have to spend on more semi-professional prices.
Final Thoughts
Attend manufacturer websites, and determine for which plan each mic is optimized. The official website will typically give you a great idea of whether the mic excels in podcasting, gaming, music, or other applications. Failing that, get that cardioid is usually the most practical audio design if you’re recording by yourself in a home environment. Different formats are suitable to have, but they’re helpful only when you bring in more people or sound sources.