This governs the direction (or directions) from which the mic captures a sound. So with connection and basic operation so straightforward, what should you be looking for instead and what features could make the difference for your needs? A key characteristic of any microphone is its pickup pattern.
How to start a podcast: a beginner's guide to podcasting (Image credit: Getty/Anastasiia Krivenok) We liked the low-cut filter and general build quality, and have achieved great results in a studio setting. For speech and broadcast/podcast applications, the Rode Podcaster is an excellent choice. The best USB microphone for you will be determined by what you want to record.
Looking for a great deal on a USB microphone? Check out our Black Friday music deal page for all the latest news and the biggest offers. In this guide, we’re going to show some of the best USB mic options available to you right now, as well as explaining a bit about why they’ve become so popular.
The technology is mature enough that even the best budget USB microphones will provide exceptional results, and can be used to their full potential by people who’ve never even picked up a mic before. Now, with streaming, vlogging, podcasting and video conferencing, USB microphones are enjoying something of a golden era.