Whether it’s a vlog, a podcast, or a song cover, you will definitely be needing a good quality microphone in recording your content. Content creation has hit an all-time high during this pandemic. People are looking to entertain and be entertained. But are all microphones created equal? Definitely not.
Different microphones serve different purposes, with one kind being a more suitable fit for vocal recording and another a great option for your vlog. We've put together a list of the 10 best microphones you can consider before you hit "record," and a buying guide to help you determine which one you should add to your cart today. Our buying guide is also checked by sound engineer Jojo Ariola.
Quick List - Top Microphones for Recording
Jojo Ariola has been working as a front-of-house live sound engineer for almost 20 years. He also has trained several students regarding the field. He has worked with famous local bands, and he has also worked as a DJ in bars and clubs around the metro. He is the audio engineer for music videos of artists like Miguel Escueta and Leanne & Naara. Lastly, he is also a vendor of sound and lights system rentals.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Each microphone is made with different specifications that directly affect the sound that it can produce. Here is a quick rundown of the things that you should know about before making that purchase.
Selecting the right polar pattern of your microphone makes all the difference in the proper recording of your audio. To put it simply, this is the sensitivity of the microphone to the sounds it is processing from different angles. The three most common patterns are unidirectional, bidirectional, and omnidirectional.
Unidirectional or cardioid microphones are best for those who will be recording sound from one specific direction - like your voice in recording a podcast. If you have a co-host, you can try a bidirectional microphone that can record from both sides. On the other hand, an omnidirectional microphone has an equal response in all angles, making it good for picking up ambient sounds.
Your microphone will pick up a range of frequencies, from low to high. This is measured in hertz. If you mainly use your microphone for vocal sounds, a frequency response range of 80 Hz to 15 kHz would be ideal. If you are recording lower sounds like a bass drum, you will need a 40Hz or 30Hz.
It is extremely important to have clear audio in producing your content. There is nothing more annoying than watching an exciting video and not understanding what is being said, or straining to listen to a recording with bad audio quality. Make sure that you choose a microphone according to the content you want to produce.
Condenser microphones are designed to pick up more subtle and accurate sounds, capturing a crisp audio signal and making it warm and natural. This makes it perfect for capturing vocals and other high-frequency sounds. Aside from vocal tracks, this is also an excellent choice in recording acoustic guitar music.
Condenser mics are also perfect for recording violin and cello performances as well as an overhead mic for cymbals. This option can be more expensive but would be worth the investment because of the complex sounds with a great range of frequencies it can capture.
Since this is a sensitive microphone, it can pick up all noise and may even pick up the sound of your air conditioning. It is best to get up close to your microphone during recording to drown out ambient sounds. However, do take note that it needs phantom power to function.
If you are looking to record loud, booming sounds, such as electric guitar riffs and dynamic drum beats, you should get a dynamic microphone. The output of a dynamic mic is lower than that of a condenser mic, making it the best type for these loud instruments.
They are also perfect for vocals during live performances since they don't pick up other stage noise and are not prone to feedback. This is a good choice for those who are just starting out because of its value for money.
A great option for recording your podcast is a USB microphone. This plug-and-play option is easy to set up with your laptop, not requiring additional equipment for you to operate as long as your computer has a USB port. This is perfect for just sitting in front of your computer and hitting record for a fuss-free setup.
These mics have their own digital interface that is already built-in, making this an affordable option compared to buying a separate mic and audio interface. It could record your voice clearly, and some models can cancel out background noise. If you are not looking into audio mixing, this is a great option for you to purchase.
If you are looking to capture your voice as you move around, getting a lightweight microphone is your best bet. This ensures that the mic could accurately record your voice even as you go from one place to the other. You can choose between having a lapel mic that is clipped on your clothes or a shotgun mic that you can attach to your camera.
Check the equipment you are using before you make that purchase. There are some microphones that require a separate audio interface that works with specific equipment, such as a laptop or a computer. Make sure that you know the minimum spec requirements of your new microphone to know its compatibility with your computer.
There are some microphones that can be connected to your phone or your camera. Remember to check their compatibility with the output cables and recording software the microphone requires. Otherwise, you might need to spend more on additional equipment needed to actually make it work. Lastly, always check if the mic needs phantom power to function, especially condenser microphones
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Blue Yeti Nano | ![]() | Easy Set-Up for Home Recording | |
2 | Shure MV7 Microphone | ![]() | Sound Professional in Your Home Studio | |
3 | Audio Technica ATR2500XUSB | ![]() | Ideal Microphone for Podcasters | |
4 | Rode VideoMic GO | ![]() | Crisp Audio for Mobile Vlogging | |
5 | Maono AU-HD300T | ![]() | Perfect Beginner Microphone for the Budding Sound Engineer | |
6 | Boya BY-MM1 | ![]() | Best Budget Vlogger Microphone | |
7 | Sennheiser MK 4 | ![]() | Get Studio Quality Recordings With a USB Mic | |
8 | Rode NT-USB Mini | ![]() | Compact and Easy to Operate | |
9 | Boya BY-M1 Pro Lavalier Microphone | ![]() | The Go-To Mic of Content Creators | |
10 | Audio Technica ATR4697-USB | ![]() | Low Profile Microphone for Simple Voice Recordings |
This plug-and-play mic from Blue Yeti is perfect for beginners. It is easy to set up by plugging it straight into your computer. You can choose between omnidirectional or cardioid pickup patterns depending on what you will be recording for the day. Solo podcasters can go for cardioid, while those with partners can choose the omnidirectional option.
This microphone delivers a high-quality and crisp audio sound that could instantly upgrade your content's audio. Its compact size also takes little space on your desk, and its sleek design makes for a cute accent for your video. The audio gains can be controlled by downloading the Sherpa app. This is a great microphone for budding content creators.
This is a great choice for both beginners and advanced audio users. You have the option to choose the automatic settings of the mic to easily pick up your voice during recording. This feature also gives you the option to give your recording more texture by allowing you to choose from dark, natural, or bright sound profiles.
But if you are looking for more advanced options for enhancing your sound, you can manually set it up with the ShurePlus MOTIV app. You can also save your presets in the app, so the mic is good to go for your next recording session. Consider this microphone if you want to gain technical know-how in recording sound.
Are you starting your own podcast and producing everything right from your own bedroom? This microphone is not just affordable; it also does a great job in recording your voice and making it sound professional, even with the most minimal adjustments on your end. You don't need to get a sound engineer to achieve that crisp and clear sound.
You can easily use this either on your smartphone or on your laptop during recording. It works well with most digital audio workstations, meaning that you will not need to download any additional software on your device. This works great even if your room is not properly soundproofed, as the cardioid directionality reduces the pickup of unwanted sounds.
Easy to mount directly to your DSLR or video camera, this microphone automatically reduces noise from your camera handling even as you move. Its supercardioid polar pattern allows the mic to focus on the sound in front of it, giving a detailed audio pick-up.
This is a great microphone for your travel vlogs, as it can easily record your sound, whether you're recording indoors or outdoors. It does not require batteries; simply connect the microphone to your recorder and enable the plug-in for it to connect to the device's power. This product is a hassle-free and reliable microphone for your mobile vlogs.
This is a great microphone for those who are just getting started on setting up a home recording studio. Its frequency range allows for great pickup of sound from high to low. It's a great place to get started on your audio-mixing journey at a practical price point.
This dynamic microphone cuts a lot of background noise, too, making it a great option if your space isn't completely soundproofed just yet. Its dual compatibility with both XLR and USB gives you flexibility with the recording equipment you are ready to use. You'll get great value for money with this mic.
This shotgun microphone is easy to mount on your camera. This helps with your mobility during vlogging, as its cardioid pick-up minimizes background noise. It easily connects to your recording device of choice - from your camera to your tablet or your smartphone, it would be a breeze for you to vlog on the go.
The budget-friendly price point is a big plus for this microphone. And even though it's so affordable, it produces a crisp and clear sound, making you easily understandable without the pops and plosives. It handles steadily even as you move, picking up sound with ease. This is the best budget microphone you can use for your vlog.
Capture the unique tone and timbre of your voice perfectly with this USB microphone. It instantly enhances your voice and gives it a warm and full tone once picked up. The design is internally shock-mounted for low handling noise, so it's great to use for mobile recording. This microphone can make your voice-over dreams come true.
This microphone is definitely worth the investment, especially for those who are serious about doing voice recording work at home. The quality of your recording will rival the one that is done in a professional studio. Just make sure to properly soundproof your space, as this can pick up even the faintest of nuances in the room.
This no-frills microphone is a great tool to use for your simple vocal audio recordings at home. It records your voice crisply, whether you're speaking or singing. And if you are thinking of recording your guitar and ukulele, this does a rock-solid job in capturing those sounds as well.
When connected to your computer, it is easily detectable by both macOS and Windows. It is compact and easily fits on top of your desk and has an integrated 360-degree swing mount, making it easy to position for use. It also has a unique detachable magnetic desk stand to safeguard it against knocks and bumps.
The BY-M1 Pro from BOYA is a universal lavalier microphone since it is compatible with smartphones, PCs, cameras, audio recorders, and other recording devices. It is very popular among content creators and vloggers because not only is it ideal for making Youtube videos and for live streaming on various social media platforms, but it is also affordable and very easy to use.
Engineered with intelligent noise reduction technology, the BY-M1 Pro makes sure that your recording is always clear. It also allows you to monitor the sound via headphones when in smartphone mode. Furthermore, its 6-meter-long cable lets you enjoy stable transmission without having to worry about its distance from your recording device. It also comes with a foam windscreen and lapel clip for clearer sound and hands-free movement.
If you feel like your workspace is a bit too crowded with all the gadgets you need for recording, you could give this one from Audio Technica a try. This is a low-profile microphone that easily gets the job done. Its omnidirectional pickup pattern accurately captures the sound of your voice with minimal ambient noise. You can easily use your computer, tablet, or smartphone for recording.
However, there are only minimal adjustments you can make with this mic, so don't expect your recording to have a studio-quality sound. But for simple vocal recordings like podcasts and voiceovers, it gets the job done well enough. This is perfect for those who are trying to conserve space and are looking for a no-frills recording microphone.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Voice recordings require a microphone that is sensitive to smaller vibrations and softer sounds so that you can capture the subtle nuances in a voice recording. In this regard, condenser mics have the edge over other types. You can't go wrong with brands like Rode and Audio-Technica when it comes to condenser mics.
Recording studios need a range of microphones that can provide excellent reproduction of both vocals and instrumentals. Thus, you'll find different types of microphones in a studio, from condenser and dynamic to USB, ribbon, and various other types. The most common brands are Shure, Rode, Royer, and Audio-Technica, among others.
Yes, in fact, they are a great option for podcasters and speech recorders because they are simple to use and do a decent job of capturing vocals at home. However, if you're after professional quality recording for songs, you might need to look into the more expensive models.
Let’s face it - sometimes you’ll need more than just one microphone to cover all your recording needs. If you want to explore more options for your purchase, check out our list below.
Author: Laura Mercado
Editor: R. Umlas
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Blue|Yeti Nano
No. 2: Shure|MV7 Microphone
No. 3: Audio Technica |ATR2500XUSB
No. 4: Rode |VideoMic GO
No. 5: Maono|AU-HD300T
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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