Investing in a USB microphone is one of the best ways to get started with a home studio.
A good quality microphone is essential if you intend on recording songs and podcasts at home. The best place to start is by purchasing a USB microphone. For beginners who want to record only vocals, USB microphones are an excellent choice.
Unlike XLR microphones that require an audio interface to function and cannot be directly connected to a computer, USB microphones can be directly connected to your PC with a USB cable and do not require any other accessories. We'll take a look at some of the best USB microphones available.
Fifine T669 Condenser USB Microphone Kit
At Rs 4,199, this microphone offers excellent audio quality and is available on Amazon. It has been over a year since I have used this microphone, and I have been pleased with it. An omnidirectional pattern is present on the microphone. A complete kit is included, including a scissor arm stand, studio-grade shock mount, double pop filter, USB cable, and tripod stand.
The Fine T669 offers superior recording quality compared to many microphones that cost twice as much. In addition to recording songs and podcasts, online interviews can also be conducted with the microphone. Fifine's T669 Condenser Mic is an excellent choice if you're looking for quality recordings at an affordable price.
Rode NT-USB Mini Studio Quality USB
Rode's NT-USB microphone is available on Amazon at a price of Rs 10,999 if you're looking for a microphone from a premium and reliable brand. In addition to a cardioid pickup pattern and clear recording quality, the mic comes in a sturdy design.
Easily obtained from online and offline shops, the microphone is an excellent choice for video conferences, audio recordings, and narrations. You will need to purchase an additional microphone stand and other accessories separately since the microphone does not come with them.
Blue Yeti USB Microphone
There is a Blue Yeti available on Amazon. The Yeti offers the ability to change polar patterns as one of its key features. You can choose from four different sound patterns, including stereo, bidirectional, and omnidirectional.
One of the best options for someone just starting out is the Blue Yeti, which offers clear recordings. On the mic's onboard audio controls you can adjust the headphone volume, select patterns, mute instantly, and adjust the microphone gain. Record audio for YouTube, game streaming, podcasting, Skype calls Song recording, and more with this microphone.
Maono AU-A04 Condenser Microphone Kit
It is currently selling for Rs 4,349 on Amazon for the Maono AU-A04 Condenser Microphone Kit. Singers and podcasters will find these microphones useful. Among the kit's components are a condenser USB microphone, Shock Mount, Pop Filter, and a boom mic stand.
Mac and Windows users can use the mic, which provides high-quality sound recording. If you are looking for relatively good sound quality on a budget, this microphone is a great choice.
AKG D112 MK-II
Compared to the above options, the Shure Beta 52 and the D112 don't have the same level of versatility. The purpose of these devices is to capture low frequencies. This usually means that D112s are used as kick drums, as well as bass guitar amps.
Budget-conscious music producers should consider one of the three above options since they are well-suited to recording kick drums, voices, and other instruments. You might consider the D112 if you are looking for a massive kick sound that thumps you in the chest.
Placid Audio Copperphone
Placid Audio was established by Polyphonic Spree bassist Mark Pirro in order to create microphones with a "distinctive sonic character." This Copperphone's idiosyncratic and deliberately low-audio sound sets it far apart from the others.
This is probably not the first mic you should buy, but it can be a lot of fun once you have one. Schlett says they instantly make you sound like you're on a tin-can radio. It's the opposite of trying to get something to sound perfect. They're more like, "Let me set up this crazy-sounding mic, and it sounds awesome right away."
Rode NT1-A
The fact that the budget offerings in this category are nearly as expensive as the high-end industry-standard dynamics shows the price difference between dynamic and condenser mics.
The large-diaphragm NT1-A is a great first condenser mic for home recording, thanks to its low noise and accuracy, as well as a high tolerance for loud sounds, making it equally at home with guitar amps as it is with voices.
As well, a pop filter and shock mount are included in the price, which ensures the mic stays steady while recording and reduces vibration noises that may occur when the mic moves around.
Neumann U87
SM57s and SM58s are like Camrys and Neumanns are like Benzes. Models from the past are the most prized and expensive ones, but new ones aren't cheap either.
There are few large-diaphragm condensers as trusted and renowned as the U87. Among the artists on this fan-compiled list who have recorded vocals with U87s are Marvin Gaye, Jeff Buckley, the Rolling Stones, and Justin Timberlake.
This vocal mic can also work on an array of instruments even though it is primarily a vocal mic. Unless you plan to upgrade your entire rig to professional-quality gear, you're better off with something cheaper.
sE Electronics sE8
Usually (but not always), condensers with small diaphragms are sold in pairs, with two identical microphones that can be used simultaneously. Using matched pairs of mics on a piano, an acoustic guitar, or to capture cymbals of a drum kit would allow you to mix your record with a wide stereo field. Se8s have consistently positive reviews and are cheaper than many of their competitors. You can also record orchestral instruments, woodwinds, and percussion separately.
Shure SM57 and SM58
A microphone with the SM57 is like a Toyota Camry. There's a reason these unflashy but very reliable machines are everywhere, on stage with your local bar band or on guitar amps and snare drums in the world's most expensive studios. Almost anything can be recorded with them in a pinch.
The 58's bulb-shaped grille has a built-in pop filter that reduces blown-out distortion when singing or talking into the mic, making it best for vocals, while the 57's streamlined shape is best suited to mic'ing instruments. Other than that, they're pretty much the same. As Schlosst summarizes, the appeal is going to go forward and won't be messed up. Is it the best there is? Most likely not. Will it always work? Definitely.”
Make the most of what you can afford
A final thought
All of the recommendations presented here are merely suggestions. Any mic can record any sound you put in front of it. Playing with them, bending the rules, and discovering if any unexpected combination works for you is half the fun of learning how to use them. You may not be able to replicate the sounds of a professional studio with the gear you have on hand.