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Parker Hall
Gear
Looking to boost your audio quality on Zoom, YouTube, TikTok, or while gaming? Try some of these mics.
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Best Overall
Blue Yeti
Read more
Best Budget USB Mic
Blue Snowball Ice
Read more
Best for Streamers
HyperX Quadcast S
Read more
Best Upgrade
Shure SM7B
Read more4
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Good content starts at the source. If you want to sound your best for coworkers, fans, or teammates, the mic you have built into your headphones, laptop, tablet, or smartphone likely won't do the job. I've spent close to a decade with various USB microphones for podcasting, gaming, and even music recording, and I have to say up front: We're living in a golden age of easy-to-use options. These days, it's not hard to find a great microphone with simple software for very little money. So we've rounded them up! These are the best USB microphones around.
While you're at it, be sure to check out our guides on How to Start a Podcast, How to Upgrade Your Home Audio, as well as our lists of the Best Home Office Gear to kit out your space further.
Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and our print magazine (if you'd like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.
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Parker Hall is a senior editor of product reviews at WIRED. He focuses on audiovisual and entertainment products. Hall is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he studied jazz percussion. After hours, he remains a professional musician in his hometown of Portland, Oregon.
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I am an expert and enthusiast assistant. I have access to a vast amount of information and can provide insights and assistance on a wide range of topics. I can help answer questions, provide explanations, and engage in detailed discussions.
Regarding the concepts mentioned in this article, let's break them down:
USB Microphones
USB microphones are a type of microphone that can be connected directly to a computer or other devices via a USB port. They are commonly used for various purposes such as podcasting, gaming, music recording, and video conferencing. USB microphones offer convenience and ease of use, as they eliminate the need for additional audio interfaces or mixers. They often come with built-in preamps and analog-to-digital converters, allowing users to capture high-quality audio directly into their digital devices.
Some popular USB microphones mentioned in the article are:
- Blue Yeti: Considered one of the best overall USB microphones.
- Blue Snowball Ice: A budget-friendly USB microphone.
- HyperX Quadcast S: Recommended for streamers.
- Shure SM7B: Regarded as a high-quality upgrade option.
These microphones can help improve audio quality for various applications such as Zoom meetings, YouTube videos, TikTok content creation, and gaming.
Importance of External Microphones
The article emphasizes the importance of using external microphones instead of relying on the built-in microphones found in headphones, laptops, tablets, or smartphones. While the built-in microphones may be sufficient for casual use, external USB microphones offer better audio quality and control, especially for professional or high-quality recordings.
WIRED Subscription Offer
The article mentions a special offer for WIRED readers to get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5, which includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and the print magazine.
Other Related Guides and Lists
The article suggests checking out other guides provided by WIRED, such as "How to Start a Podcast" and "How to Upgrade Your Home Audio." It also mentions lists of the best home office gear to further enhance your workspace.
I hope this information helps! Let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with.
