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Only at Sweetwater! 0% Financing, FREE Shipping, and FREE Tech Support for USB Audio Interfaces! Shop Sweetwater inSync SweetCare Events Careers Used Gear (800) 222-4700. Built-in Stereo Condenser Microphones, Built-in Effects, and USB - Mac/PC $399.99. Or $17/month. Shop for usb microphone at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. USB Connectivity USB Connectivity (25) USB Port(s) USB Port(s) (21). Go Mic Portable USB Microphone with Software. Model: SAGOMICHD. SKU: 5893103. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars with 84 reviews. 4.5 (84) Compare.
Shopping And Buying Tips For Webcam Headsets
There are many different kinds of Mac compatible mic headsets in the marketplace with various functions and widely differing levels of quality. Picking which headset to buy for your Apple voice and webcam video conferencing setup depends upon how long, where and when you'll make use of the headset during any given voice or video chat session.Headsets can utilized to conduct and manage Skype and FaceTime calls from your Mac, as well as enjoy streaming computer audio, iTunes music playback and for Apple dictation. A headset can be either wired or wireless and can vary greatly in size and shape. They may be lightweight (such as ear buds or single on-ear Bluetooth headsets) to larger over or behind the head headset designs. Most gamers and music lovers will prefer a stereo headset, but single-sided mono headsets for business use may be more practical and preferred in an office setting.
Recommended Mac USB Headsets
For simple plug-n-play convenience and full-fidelity sound reproduction, these Apple compatible USB headsets with microphone are ideal for use at your Macintosh desktop setup. Some feature long cords, often around 8-10 feet long to let you kick-back in your office chair or roam a bit even though you're still tethered to your computer.Creative Quality Headset | Dictation Headset w/Mic |
---|---|
Creative Labs Headset Adjustable Mic 30mm Drivers | Plantronics USB Stereo On-Ear Controls 40mm Drivers |
Best-Selling Headset | Great-Sounding Headset |
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Logitech Quality On-Ear Mute + Vol | USB Koss Headset Excellent Bass Response |
USB-C Headsets For Mac
A new generation of USB-C mic headset connectivity is needed for new iMac, Mac mini or MacBook models with Type-C Thunderbolt 3 ports (which are USB 3.1 compatible.) There are a few native USB-C headsets with mic reaching the market worth review. You can optionally use a rectangular USB-A to USB-C adapter to use conventional USB headsets with if needed.Native Type-C Interface
How Will You Use The Headset?
When considering which Apple compatible headset to purchase, first ascertain exactly what you primarily intend to utilize it for. Think about whether you'll be using your headset for pleasure or business, for gaming, for music playback, for Mac webcam conferencing, or for OSX speech recognition and Apple dictation. Headsets can be USB, USB-C, wired, wireless with a 2.4GHz RF transmitter, or via a Bluetooth connection to your Mac.Wireless Headsets For Webcam Chat On A Mac
RF Wireless | Combo Wireless |
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Plantronics Headset USB RF Transciever | Logitech Premium Headset RF AND Bluetooth |
Wireless headsets obviously provide the advantages of more mobility which Apple users increasingly prefer. RF models have higher-fidelity audio and a more reliable operating range up to 50 feet, while Bluetooth typically craps-out within 30 feet or less. Bluetooth headsets also compress the audio signal and make some tradeoffs in speech and music quality. That makes them 'okay' for casual video and voice chat, but less than optimal for speech recognition and Apple dictation where precise interpretation of the audio signal is required. Both types of wireless headsets incorporate rechargeable batteries that may recharged via USB or a dedicated AC power supply. One advantage of Bluetooth headsets is that they don't require a USB port and can be switched between multiple gadgets when needed, for example an iPhone, Mac laptop or desktop, a home stereo, or a video gaming console after being paired with each gadget.
If you intend to use your headset primarily for webcam video chat or Skype on a Mac, a hard-wired USB headset is typically the most reliable and highest fidelity headset to buy. After all, you're not likely to be wandering far from the external webcam or built-in Apple iSight's view. If you have the urge to roam, wireless is a better choice.
Headsets For Apple Dictation and Speech Recognition
Because accurate capture from a headset's built-in microphone is critical for speech recognition accuracy, a wired headset (either Analog or USB) or RF wireless headset is generally preferred over Bluetooth. There are some exceptions as some of the latest generation of Ultra-Wideband Bluetooth 4.0 headsets don't rely on heavy audio compression as in the past and perform better for Mac dictation and speech recognition.Headset Comfort And Convenience During Use
Comfort and wearability is also a consideration to take into account when buying a headset for Mac and iGadget use. Comfortable, pivoting ear pads and padding on the headband can make long sessions alot more enjoyable. Many quasi-portable headsets have folding headbands and ear-cups that pivot so they can lay flat when not in use: They're more convenient and less space-hogging for travel or storage. Wired or Bluetooth earbud headsets with Apple compatible microphone integrated into the cord are most portable of all.Headsets For Mac Music And Gaming Too
If you're leaning in your purchase a headset to primarily improve Apple iTunes music experience or for gaming needs, think about headsets that explicitly brag about deep bass and full-range 20Hz-20KHz response. These types of headsets have the tendency to feature big 40mm, 50mm or larger internal sound drivers for rich bass and hi-fi audio, and well-padded ear cups for enduring comfort and fully-immersive sound. Because gamers typically put on these headsets for long gaming sessions, these are typically wired to connect to a computer or console. RF-Wireless gaming headsets are also a popular choice. With the former, players don't need to futz batteries or deal with periodic recharging issues, with the latter they get some freedom to roam at a distance from their TV or Mac computer screen.Consider Your Surrounding Environment
When deciding on your purchase of a headset, take into account the surrounding environment where you'll be using it. If it's a noisy environment, as in an office or a residence with roomies, in-ear or full-size earcups help block out ambient noise. Many lightweight headsets have open-air foam ear-coverings to also allow hearing what's going on around you - which can be important in a business environment. Some headsets feature noise-canceling mics, or ambient noise-cancellation to block unwanted enviromental sounds.Apple Headset Compatibility
Think about headset compatibility with Apple hardware when you're deciding to buy a headset. If the headset has a USB or USB-C plug, you're all set since OSX has standard USB audio drivers built into the OS. Some vendors like Logitech or Creative Labs MAY provide specific Apple support for sound control with SELECT models of higher end headsets. Sadly many of the more elaborate 5.1 surround-sound gaming headsets only work in 2.0 stereo mode when plugged into a Macintosh.Apple's use of non-standard signal voltages in analog microphones was problematic in the past. Another problem is most PC headsets have TWO separate 2 and 3-conductor 1/8' 3.5mm plugs: One for the microphone, the other for the stereo headset. Macs have a combined audio port. More recently Apple introduced a 4-conductor (4-Pole) TRRS audio jack that combines speaker and mic into one. Macs since 2010 and iPads, iPhones and iPod touch support the TRRS 4-pole plug CTIA standard, as do most cell-phone manufacturers as well.
As such, the latest generation of 4-conductor analog microphone headsets are now both Mac and PC, iPhone and Andriod / Samsung / etc compatible. Some come with both separate dual plugs (for older computers) and a interchangeable 4-pole plug for more modern devices. In short, many more analog headsets are now appropriate for Mac OSX / iOS use.
While they started out as just a gimmick…
There’s no doubt that today, USB microphones are more popular than ever.
With home studios, podcasters, Youtubers, and many others…
They have become standard tools of the trade.
And while they aren’t quite at the level of professional recording microphonesyet…
They get closer and closer with each passing day.
So if you’re looking to add one to your setup…
In today’s post we will look at the top USB mics of 2018 to see exactly how they compare.
First up…
1. Blue Snowball
Even if you’ve never owned a single microphone before…
Odds are you still know the Blue Snowball…because the damn thing is everywhere.
For pretty much any type of vocal recording, whether it be podcasting, voiceovers, Youtubing, or Skype calls…
The Snowball is one of the standard go-to mics that everyone has at least considered at some point.
So why is this mic so popular?
Well it looks cool, 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?
Anyways, check it out:
- Click to see current price – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusicianF/Thomann)
NOTE: The regular blue snowball has a dual capsule that allows for both cardioid and omni polar patterns. If you don’t need an omni polar pattern, or don’t even know what a polar pattern is…
The Snowball ice – (Amazon/B&H) is a cheaper alternative to check out instead.
You might also like to know that the Samson Meteor – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/Thomann) is another great alternative to check out as well.
Up next…
2. Blue Snowflake
While the Blue Snowball is pretty darn perfect for desktop recording…
For mobile recording, you’ll probably want something a little smaller instead.
So for this purpose, Blue Microphones went ahead and created the Blue Snowflake.
As you can see, it has a unique casing that unfolds into either a desktop stand, or a laptop clip, as needed.
Inside the casing, it holds the USB cable as well, so everything you need can literally be carried around in your pocket.
Pretty cool huh? Check it out:
- Click to see current price – (Amazon/B&H)
And for a few similar options, check out these as well:
- Samson Meteorite – (Amazon/B&H/Thomann)
- Samson Go – (Amazon/B&H/Thomann)
Up next…
3. CAD U37
By all outward appearances, the CAD u37 is the first mic we’ve covered so far that actually looks like a “real” studio microphone.
But is it?
Because as any recording geek will tell you…CAD is not a brand well-known for their quality microphones.
And personally, when I first saw it, I was highly skeptical.
Not only does it look kinda cheap…the price is so low, it’s hard to imagine this thing could possibly be good.
However…
Every once in a while, you find a piece of gear that really shouldn’t be good by all outward appearances…yet it somehow is good. And the CAD U37 is the perfect example.
But don’t take my word for it…just check out the insane number of positive reviews:
- CAD U37 – (Amazon/B&H)
NOTE: For a similar mic at a slightly higher price point, also check out theAudio Technica ATR2500 – (Amazon/B&H).
Up next…
4. Floreon BM 800
Remember how I said in the beginning of this post that USB microphone technology is constantly improving?
Well the Floreon BM 800 is the perfect example of this fact.
And it’s not because of any one 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, price also goes down.
And if you thought the CAD U37 was cheap, you’ll be amazed when you find out how much the Floreon BM800 costs.
Check it out:
- Floreon BM 800 – (Amazon)
And for a similar well-reviewed mic in this same price range, you can also check out:
- Fifine USB Mic – (Amazon)
Up next…
5. Apogee Mic 96k
These days, as audio recording becomes increasingly “mobile”…
It’s now possible to make recordings with less equipment than ever before.
In fact, you don’t even need a computer anymore! Because you can just record straight into your tablet or smartphone.
Of course, to do this, you’ll need a special type of microphone.
And among the current options, none is more time-tested and highly-reviewed than the Apogee Mic 96k.
While most USB mics record digital audio at 16bit-44.1kHz, this one records at 24-bit/96kHz…
![How to connect a usb mic for mac How to connect a usb mic for mac](/uploads/1/2/5/4/125467183/112341877.jpg)
Which is a higher resolution than even some pro studios will use.
Not too bad, huh? Check it out:
- Click to compare prices – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
Up next…
6. Rode Podcaster
Ever noticed that for some reason, 95% of USB mics are condensers?
And it’s actually surprising when you think about it…
Because 95% 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.
Check it out:
- Click to compare prices – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
And besides just being an overall great mic, it’s also the first mic on the list that includes a built-in zero-latency headphone jack.
If you’re unfamiliar with this KEY feature, let me explain…
When recording into a microphone, you ideally want to hear yourself in real-time through a set of headphones.
The problem is…with any USB mic, there’s a time delay that occurs when the audio signal is converted from analog to digital, on its way into your computer.
And you can actually hear this time delay through your headphones! As you might imagine…it’s pretty much impossible to record this way.
But the built-in headphone jack of the Rode Podcaster solves this problem by sending the audio straight from the mic to your headphones, eliminating the delay.
And if you intend to use your USB mic for any type of music recording, this feature is a MUST-HAVE.
NOTE: All microphones on the list from this point forward also have this headphone jack feature.
Moving on…
7. Audio Technica ATR2100
When I first heard about the Audio Technica ATR2100, I was a bit confused…
On the surface, it looks like your average cardioiddynamichandheldvocal mic for live performing.
And it is in fact all of those things.
But you might be wondering (as I was)…
How would a USB mic be used for live performing? Isn’t it used for recording on the computer?
Well the answer is…this one is actually designed for BOTH. Because it has both USB and XLR inputs, it works either in the studio, or on-stage.
And as you can see from the reviews, it does both jobs pretty damn well. Check it out:
- Click to see current price – (Amazon/B&H)
Up next…
8. Blue Spark Digital Lightning
Based off the original, and highly successful Blue Microphones Spark…
The Spark Digital Lightning combines the sound quality of a proven studio microphone…
With the convenience of USB connectivity.
PLUS…there’s the one feature that makes this mic unlike any other: the Focus Button.
Here’s how it works:
On the back, there’s a toggle that allows you to switch between normal mode, and focus mode.
Without getting too technical, this button works by altering the “voltage loading” of the mic capsule, which changes both the frequency and transient response…effectively resulting in two completely different tonalities.
While normal mode is well suited for general purpose recording, focus mode works particularly well on vocals.
Some say it instantly brings any vocal track more forward in a mix. Others say it makes vocals sound great even in rooms with no acoustic treatment.
Sound interesting? Check it out:
- Click to compare prices – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/Thomann)
Up next…
9. Blue Microphones Yeti
For simple voice recording, any of the previous mics we’ve covered so far should work just fine.
But for music recording, you definitely need something more…
Especially when it comes to recording instruments such as acoustic guitar for example.
In a recording studio, instruments such as this one are normally recorded in stereo, with two mics configured in a variety of arrangements.
The problem is…you can’t do this with one USB mic, unless of course that mic is the Blue Microphones YETI.
Here’s why:
Inside the Yeti, there is a unique Tri-Capsule Array that allows you to record in STEREO, as well as the 3 standard polar patterns:
- Cardioid
- Figure-8
- Omnidirectional
I think it’s fair to say, 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:
- Yeti – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- Yeti Pro – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
Up next…
10. Rode NT USB
Now as you may have noticed from this list…
USB mics tend to be a little “gimmicky”.
They always seem to have at least one weird feature that no other mic has.
And don’t get me wrong…that’s awesome.
But what if you don’t want any gimmicks?
What if all you want is the quality of a studio microphone, with the convenience of a USB connector?
Well…that’s exactly what you get with the Rode NT USB.
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. Check it out:
- Click to compare prices – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
NOTE: For a comparable mic in the same price range that also offers mix control, also check out theAudio Technica AT2020+ (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann).
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