The Rode NT-USB is a Large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone with a desk stand included.

Applications

It is commonly used for recording vocals/singing, podcasting and voice-overs. Some musicians also use it for recording acoustic instruments - mainly guitar.

Features

It comes with a pop filter, 3.5mm headphone jack for zero latency monitoring, and has a mix knob for adjusting the mix between the mic level in your headphones and the backing tracks from your computer as well as an overall volume knob for the total headphone levels.

Compatibility

Works with Mac and Windows and the iPad via the Camera Connection Kit.

Specifications:

• Type: Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Sampling Rate: 48 kHz
• Bit Depth: 16 bits
• Maximum SPL: 110 dB
• Power Requirements: 5V USB

The quality of its audio has been praised by musicians, podcasters and voice-over artists alike. There were a few home recording enthusiasts and experienced audio engineers that reported that they didn't expect such good quality from a USB mic. Trevor Curwen said in his Music Radar review that it's "Your computer's perfect partner for recording vocals and acoustic instruments with minimal fuss".

There weren't many consistently reported negatives in forum discussions or customer reviews - the only negative comment that came up a few times in customer reviews, and it didn't come from musicians, is that they said they would have liked a mute button to be included,

This is the highest rated USB mic currently available so you can't go far wrong getting this for whatever you're recording from music to video voice-overs and podcasts.

The Fifne K669 is a USB condenser microphone that comes with an adjustable tripod desk stand and a 6 ft. long USB cable.

Applications

This microphone is made for recording vocals, podcasting, and gaming voiceovers.

Features

It has a customized unidirectional capsule and a single knob for volume control.

Compatibility

USB Class Compliant. Compatible with Macintosh, Windows, Linux and other operating systems.

Specifications:

• Type: Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Uni-directional
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Sampling Rate: Not Specified
• Bit Depth: Not Specified
• Maximum SPL: 30dB(at 1kHz≦1% T.H.D)
• Power Requirements: 5V USB

At an affordable price, its metal construction is an excellent factor that gives it a sturdy and solid feel. Its tripod stand also lives up to these positive remarks when it comes to build quality. Many podcasting beginners find it quite easy to set-up with their PC or Mac. In terms of recording and monitoring, users found it to provide clear vocal recordings. It does a decent job with minimal background noise when recording at close range.

It picks up noise when comes to handling or adjusting the microphone itself. It doesn't really bother most reviewers since they rarely touch it while recording.

This is a great if you are looking for a budget microphone that's easy to setup.

The Audio-Technica ATR2100 is a dynamic handheld microphone with both XLR and USB connectivity.

Applications

Podcasting, Home studio recording, Field recording, On-stage use, Voiceovers.

Features

It sports an On/Off switch for both USB and analog operation, and low mass diaphragm for accurate response. It comes with a tripod desk stand with folding legs, and stand clamp that attaches securely to the tripod or to any regular microphone stand.

Compatibility

Macintosh: MAC OS X; USB 1.0 or 2.0; 64 MB RAM (minimum)
Windows: XP/Vista/Windows 7; USB 1.0 or 2.0; 64 MB RAM (minimum)

Specifications:

• Type: Dynamic
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 50Hz – 15kHz
• Sampling Rate: 44.1 kHz/48 kHz
• Bit Depth: 16 bit
• Maximum SPL: Not Specified
• Power Requirements: 5V DC USB Power

A number of reviewers praised its crisp sound quality. Its USB and XLR connectivity gave reviewers flexible options when they want to connect directly to their computer or to an audio interface - which improves the sound quality of the audio input. Its a very directional microphone picks up precise audio with rarely picking up any background noise. Some reviewers mentioned it works fairly well when used as a boom mic for shooting videos outdoors. They also mentioned it doesn't pick up too many plosives so that a pop filter is not really needed as long as it's used at a certain distance.

Some users mentioned the stand wasn't sturdy and the USB connection was flimsy. They would use a different stand and USB cable that fits well with microphone.

This is a good entry level microphone if you are looking a versatile microphone used for both at-home and outdoor use.

The Samson C01U Pro USB studio condenser microphone is based on the original Samson C01U.

Applications

It is recommended for voiceovers, recording music, ADR work (Automated Dialogue Replacement), sound foley, and podcasting.

Features

Its large 19mm diaphragm captures pickup patterns and nuances. It has a 1/8" headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring, and a shock-mounted element within its metal construction for minimizing handling noise/vibrations while recording. It also includes a tripod stand and swivel mount for ideal desktop use.

Compatibility

Windows: Windows XP/Vista/Win 7/Win 8
Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.4.9 or higher
iPad (cable included)

Specifications:

• Type: Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Super-cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 18kHz
• Sampling Rate: 44.1/48kHz
• Bit Depth: 16 bit
• Maximum SPL: 130 dB
• Power Requirements: USB bus powered via Mac, PC or iPad

Musicians, game commentators and podcasters alike praised the quality of this microphone. Most of them mentioned it reproduced clean and transparent vocal and instrument recordings. They also experienced no latency when it comes to monitoring their recordings. It is very easy to set up without any additional installations. The metal material exhibits a very sturdy construction and didn't obtain any major damages when dropped.

Some users pointed out the size of the microphone limits its position and it may need to be adjusted a specific way to keep it balanced on its stand.

This is an exceptional microphone if you are looking for a condenser microphone that's versatile and will last for long term use.

Things To Consider When Buying A USB Microphone

Differences Between USB and XLR Mics

The main difference, which is true of both condenser and dynamic mics, is that USB mics have a built in A/D (Audio to Digital) converter which means that you don't need an audio interface to digitize the signal from the mic.

There is another important difference with condenser mics. A USB condenser mic has a mic preamp built-in so you can't choose any other mic preamp when working in USB mode. Most preamps supply phantom power to operate the mic which is usually between 12v and 48v. Because USB only provides 5v this means the mic has to be specially designed to work at this reduced voltage level. For these reasons a USB and XLR version of the same mic may sound perceptibly different - so much so that some audio engineers and home recording enthusiasts prefer not to use USB mics at all, although their numbers have declined as USB mics have improved significantly in recent times.

Condenser or Dynamic?

If you are going to be recording singers or acoustic guitar then a condenser mic will give you a sound that's closer to the traditional 'studio condenser mic'. Dynamic mics tend to be a little more robust and so are good for outside recording. Dynamic mics are also the type traditionally used by radio announcers so getting a dynamic mic is a simple way to get that 'radio' sound.

Zero Latency Monitoring

If you need to be able to hear what you're recording in real-time, such as when recording to backing tracks, then you will need a mic that has a headphone jack. If the mic doesn't have a headphone jack then you can only monitor by listening to the audio coming from your computer which may be slightly delayed on some systems - this is what is referred to as 'latency'. Some mics do have a headphone jack but still require you to take your monitor mix from your recording software - the IK Multimedia iRig Mic Studio is an example of that.

iPad USB Power Issues

As of the time of writing this gear guide iOS limits the current that can be provided to USB devices. This can result in a USB mic not working at all on the iPad, or more commonly the mic will work but as soon as you plug headphones in it will draw too much current and the iPad will cut the power completely. You may need to provide additional power via a Powered USB Hub in order to solve these problems.