USB microphones are one of the most popular and trendy microphones in the market right now. They are now the standard tool in the market. But, they are not also good at the professional level.
If you are looking to add the best laptop microphone for recording lecture in your setup, then you are in the right place.
Below, I have provided the list of top best laptop microphone for recording lectures.
We have tested 18 different microphones from brands like Audio Technica, Rode, Shure, Sennheiser, and Blue to see which are the best laptop microphone for recording lectures 2022.
The Recording Studio Set-Up
Below is a list of what we kept consistent for each recording:
- Recordings were taken directly from the SD card used in the device.
- Microphones using a ⅛ inch jack were plugged into a Behringer Xenyx 302USB, which was plugged into the Macbook Pro.
- The gain was set to the midpoint, with the EQ set even at zero for the Low and High. Mic level was just shy of the midpoint.
- The same levels were used across all XLR microphones.
- Same voice over talent for all recordings, which was Andrea Perry & Ryan Knott for the English voice-overs, and Lars Grosspietsch for the German voice-over. We also wanted to capture the difference between male and female voices.
- The microphones were plugged into a 2015 Macbook Pro running MacOS Sierra 10.12.3 with the sound input level set to 67%. We did not adjust the level in order to keep the level consistent across microphones and to mimic the plug-and-play experience a USB mic provides.
- XLR microphones were plugged directly in a Zoom H4N digital recorder.
Best Laptop Microphones for Recording Lectures 2022 – Our Top 10
We selected the following as our favorite microphones for recording lectures based on the test recordings we made. Check out our results below.
1. CAD U37
CAD U37 looks like a real microphone. It is not a brand well known for its quality microphone. When I first saw this microphone, I was highly skeptical. The price of this microphone is low, but its quality is amazing. Do check its insane number of positive reviews before buying.
NOTE: For a similar mic at a slightly higher price point, also check out the Audio Technica ATR2500.
2. Blue Snowball
Blue Snowball can be used at any type of vocal recording, whether it be podcasting, voiceovers, Youtubing, or Skype calls…
This mic is popular because of its cool looks. It’s super easy to use, it doesn’t take up much space, and it sounds great. So what more could you really ask for?
Even if you’ve never owned a single microphone before the this Blue Snowball is for you.
Note: The Snowball Ice is the cheaper version of Snowball. If you are looking for a cheaper version, then Snowball Ice may be a good option for you.
You might also like to know that the Samson Meteor is another great alternative to check out as well.
3. Floreon BM 800
USB microphones are now becoming a trend in the market. Floreon BM 800 is the perfect example of a USB microphone.
And it’s not because of anyone unique feature it has that’s missing in some of the older models. It’s because of the PRICE.
Just like with computers and most other tech gadgets, as quality goes up, the price also goes down.
4. Blue Snowflake
Blue Snowflake is perfect for desktop and laptop microphone for recording lectures. It won’t be fit for recording on mobile. For mobile recording, you might need a smaller one.
As you can see in the picture, it has a unique casing that unfolds into either a desktop stand or a laptop clip, as needed.
It can also be carried out in pocket because it holds the USB cable as well.
Check Price On Amazon
And for a few similar options, check out these as well:
• Samson Meteorite – Amazon
5. Apogee Mic 96k
Apogee Mic might be the best laptop microphone for recording lectures because it can make recordings with less equipment than ever before.
You can also record straight into your tablet or smartphone.
This special type of microphone is highly reviewed and tested. You can check the reviews by clicking the link below.
While most USB mics record digital audio at 16bit-44.1kHz, this one records at 24-bit/96kHz, which is a higher resolution than even some pro studios will use.
6. Rode NT USB
USB mic tends to be a little “gimmicky”. USB mic always seems to have at least one weird feature that no other mic has.
If you don’t want any gimmicks then Rode NT USB is a good option that you may try.
The one great (not gimmicky) feature worth mentioning is the mix control for the headphone jack.
With the simple turn of a knob, you can fine-tune the balance between the live and backing tracks to exactly what you want.
Surprisingly, not all mics have this feature…but this one does. Do Check it.
7. Blue Microphones Yeti
Blue Yeti Microphone is the best microphone for recording songs. For voice recording, any of the previous mics may be good. If you are on a high budget then Blue Yeti might be a good option for you.
Inside the Blue Yeti, there is a unique Tri-Capsule Array that allows you to record in STEREO, as well as the 3 standard polar patterns:
1. Cardioid
2. Bidirectional.
3. Omnidirectional
There is no USB mic more versatile than this one. If you plan to use just a single USB mic to record all the music in your studio, I highly recommend the YETI above every other mic on this list.
And if you like the Yeti, but prefer to use it in a more “traditional” studio with an audio interface, check out the YETI Pro, which has both USB and XLR inputs.
Here they both are:
8. Blue Spark Digital Lightning
With the continence of USB connectivity, the Spark Digital Lightning combines the sound quality of a proven studio microphone.
The Focus Button of this mic is one of the unique features of this mic.
Working of Focus Button:
On the back of this, there is a toggle that allows you to switch between normal mode, and focus mode.
While the normal mode is well suited for general purpose recording, focus mode works particularly well on vocals.
Check it out on Amazon. It also got amazing reviews.
9. Audio Technica ATR2100
Audio Technica looks like your average cardioid dynamic handheld vocal mic for live performing.
It is designed for both live performances and used for recording on the computer. It has both USB and XLR inputs, it works either in the studio or on-stage.
This might also be in our list of best Laptop Microphone for Recording Lectures.
And as you can check the reviews, it does both jobs pretty damn well.
10. Rode Podcaster
Almost 90% of the USB microphone in the market is condensers.
90% of people who use USB mics have minimal home studio setups, with little-to-no acoustic treatment.
And as any sound guy will tell you…without acoustic treatment, it’s MUCH easier to get good sound from dynamic mics than condensers.
Among the dynamic USB mic currently on the market, the one I recommend most is the Rode Podcaster.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The best laptop microphone for recording lectures are:
1.CAD U37
2. Blue Snowball
3. Floreon BM 800
4. Blue Snowflake
5. Apogee Mic 96k
6. Rode NT USB
7. Blue Microphones Yeti
8. Blue Spark Digital Lightning
9. Audio Technica ATR2100
10. Rode Podcaster
Your android phone uses a form of socket (TRRS) that can accept up to 2 channels of sound input (stereo sound from a microphone) and 2 channels of stereo output to headphones. That socket expects a plug where the pins for input and output line up. If they don’t then the sound won’t be crisp or clean.
Yes. There are several Bluetooth microphones available to do this.
Conclusion:
After doing hard research, we found these best laptop microphone for recording lectures 2022.
All those above information are collected from the internet and we personally tested some of the mics. I hope that this mic buying guide of the best laptop microphone for recording lectures will help you out to choose the best one for you.
However, keeping your budget in mind, we have done the hard work for you so that you go ahead with your purchase without having much to worry about.
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