Finding the right microphone for your unique setup can be difficult. With so many factors to consider before making your purchase, it can feel almost impossible to pick a high-quality desktop microphone that checks all the boxes. Below, we’ve listed exactly what you need to know to purchase the perfect microphone for your recording needs.
Having a great microphone means having exceptional audio quality, and who doesn’t want that? Plus, enhanced audio quality means better communication on either end and dialogue clearance. What’s more, an advanced desktop microphone allows you to record high-quality sound, whether it’s for conference calls, distance learning, or video gaming.
There are two main types of desktop microphones: condenser microphones and dynamic microphones. Condenser microphones are a bit more complex and require more maintenance than dynamic microphones. On the other hand, dynamic microphones are easier to use, more affordable, and ideal for beginners. Choosing the right microphone will help you fulfill your needs and make recording easier. Below, we go into each of these types in-depth.
Condenser desktop microphones require power from an external source to capture and convert sound waves into electrical signals. These microphones are generally more sensitive than dynamic microphones and can capture higher frequencies. Much more complex than dynamic microphones, these microphones are ideal for an intermediate or advanced user.
Dynamic microphones convert sound waves into electrical signals using a magnet. Because of this, they do not need an external power source. These microphones are simply designed. They’re extremely durable, user-friendly, and are the preferred type by most musicians.
A microphone’s polarity pattern refers to how the microphone captures sounds from its environment. Depending on the microphone, it can pick up sounds from more than one direction or it can be limited to one specific direction. There are a total of four directions: cardioid, super cardioid, bi-directional, and omnidirectional. Keep in mind that depending on your needs and the hardware you’re using, the required polar pattern might change.
Frequency response is generally the range or level of frequencies that a microphone can detect, record, and respond to. A microphone’s frequency usually determines what its ideal use is. For example, a microphone that works better at lower frequencies is perfect for recording bass and drums.
The maximum sound pressure level is the number of decibels or the intensity of sound. Keep in mind that the higher the decibels, the higher the sound needs to be for the microphone to pick it up and record it. When choosing a desktop microphone, we recommend choosing one that picks up on low decibel pressures. However, your microphone also needs appropriate background noise cancellation to make the sound quality clear.
The JOUNIVO Desktop Microphone is a sleek option that’s sure to fit with any desk setup. This unique microphone features a built-in LED indicator that indicates the status of your microphone at any given time. Plus, thanks to its handy mute button, you’re only one click away from muting and unmuting your microphone. What’s more, this desktop microphone is a USB plug-and-play device that requires no device driver for installation. Plus, its adjustable gooseneck design allows this desktop microphone to be adjusted freely in a 360-degree range of motion.
Featuring intelligent noise-cancellation technology with an omnidirectional condenser, this microphone picks up your voice clearly and reduces echo and background noise, making it our best overall choice.
This desktop microphone by TONOR is a plug-and-play device with a USB 2.0 data port. Thanks to these essential features, it doesn’t require any additional device driver. This desktop microphone is a flawless choice for conference meetings, distance learning, and Zoom meetings. What’s more, this microphone has cardioid patterns that capture clear and smooth sounds and remove background noise. Extremely easy to install, this microphone comes with a three-legged stand, pop filter, power cord, mini shock mount, and a foldable mic tripod. Simply attach the power cord to the microphone and attach the microphone to the stand and it’s ready to be used.
The CMTECK Computer Microphone is a USB plug-and-play device with a built-in sound card, making it a simple, easy-to-setup microphone. What’s more, you can quickly mute and unmute your microphone with the on-station mute button and the built-in blue LED indicator — which can be turned on or off — which tells the operational status of the microphone. Its built-in high-performance CCS2.0 smart chip records a clear sound that effectively cancels background noise. This desktop microphone is most suitable for podcasting, recording YouTube videos, gaming, and more, making it the most versatile microphone on our list.
The Logitech for Creators Desktop Microphone reduces background noise and produces high-quality audio for your YouTube videos, Twitch streaming, and Zoom meetings — all at an affordable price. It offers four audio pick-up patterns, flexible cardioid and omnidirectional, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns, which allow audio recording in a variety of ways using only one microphone.
With this desktop microphone, you have access to onboard audio controls, which control the headphone’s volume. Plus, an instant mute feature puts you in charge of the recorded audio level. Featuring outstanding, no-delay audio monitoring, you can track your voice in real-time. What’s more, it’s easy to install thanks to its plug-and-play feature; it can be set up in a matter of minutes!
The FIFINE Desktop Microphone is a gaming microphone that is more commonly used for PS4. This handy microphone comes with a volume knob to adjust its audio to whatever volume you prefer. What’s more, this desktop microphone provides excellent audio when playing video games, conference calling, or recording vocals. Compatible with PC, this handy mic offers a cardioid audio pickup pattern to capture your audio and it isolates your audio by separating it from any kind of background or static noise. Because of these stellar features, we’ve chosen this microphone as the perfect fit for your gaming nights.
A: Yes, most microphone mute buttons are replaceable. Many sellers sell mute buttons separately or they include an extra pair of mute buttons in the original microphone package.
A: Yes, once the microphone has been connected to your laptop, PC, or console, any application you open or use will work with the plugged-in microphone. If it is not auto-selected, the plugged-in microphone should be available as an option. You can set it as a default microphone for audio recording. It usually takes no time for an application to detect and recognize a plugged-in microphone.
A: For a wired microphone, make sure you have proper cable management. Any kind of wire pull can damage both your internal and external microphone wires over time, making the microphone useless. Do not unplug the microphone while the power cable is switched on if it is a condenser microphone. To disconnect your microphone, wait 30 seconds after the power cable has been unplugged. Then, you can safely unplug the microphone.
