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Top 5 USB Mics

Rode XDM-100

Dynamic Microphone – $249

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One of my favorite new dynamic mics of the year. This Rode Mic sounds great, looks great, is built great, and comes with very powerful software for content creators. While this mic will do a great job for individual creators, is a TOP TIER choice for group creators like podcasters or team streamers due to the Rode X – Unify software that is included.

 
Stand-out features

– Beautiful metal design with red accents
– Rode X Unify software included (more in the “pros” section)
– Connect multiple mics to a single PC

 
Pros

– High-quality sound
– Unify software allows for volume control of individual audio sources (ie. music volume vs game volume)
– Multiple Rode X Mics can be added into and controlled with Unify
– Every user’s headphone jack can have it’s own individual mix
– Record audio directly inside Unify

 
Cons

– Pops and clicks are very loud
– Included pop filter is ugly and covers the red accents
– No hardware controller for Unify, you’ll have to make adjustments with your mouse

 

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BEACN Mic

Dynamic Microphone – $279

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The BEACN Mic is the pinnacle of what a premium USB mic should be. It has high-end features, both hardware and software, that are only found in this mic. It’s currently the mic I use at my setup and it’s been there for about a year now.

 
Stand-out features

– “Modernized SM7B” design with a simple RGB ring
– High-impedance headphone amp
– Full software suite with audio effects redesigned from the ground up

 
Pros

– Built-in processor so your PC doesn’t have to process the effects
– BEACN app mixing table is feature packed and intuitive
– Option hardware controllers with BEACN Mix and Mix Create for easy volume control
– Nearly impossible to peak with 32-bit float
– Routing table gives complete control over 4 output mixes

 
Cons

– Mic quality needs to be EQ’d in order to get best quality
– At $280, it’s the most expensive on the list

 

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Rode VideoMic NTG

Shotgun Microphone – $249

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The only shotgun mic on this list, the VideoMic NTG is typically a mic that sits on top of your camera, but it’s USB charging port can also connect to a computer to allow it to be used as a standard USB Mic.. super cool!

Stand-out features

– The only mic on this list that is also a vlogging camera microphone
– Built with the same technology as Rode’s high-end NTG film shotgun mics

 
Pros

– Shotgun mic gives you the sound quality of a condenser with more isolation
– Built in “safety channel” with lower gain in case high volumes cause clipping
– Auto-shutoff feature when camera is powered down

 
Cons

– Only mic on this list with no software suite, just a simple audio input
– Manual gain knob is knob on the back is not as intuitive as typical “auto-gain” that you get with video mics

 

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Elgato Wave 3

Condenser Microphone – $119

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The OG streamer mic. This mic was the first one to deliver with a full audio suite that included multi-track audio, sub-mixes, and multi-outputs. Elgato has done job of keeping this mic updated so instead of feeling “out of date” like many older products, it has become one of the most refined with great features.

 
Stand-out features

– Wave Link software suite is simple and intuitive
– New integration into Stream Deck +
– Wave Link is Mac compatible

 
Pros

– Integration with Stream Deck products makes for the most versatile setups
– Range of mics and audio interfaces within the Elgato ecosystem
– Incredibly affordable
– VSTs (audio effects) can be added to tracks

 
Cons

– Not a ton of “con” to talk about here. It’s very simple and usable so maybe a lack of customizability in places

 

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Rode XCM-50

Condenser Microphone – $149

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The condenser mic in the Rode X line-up. The chunky little brother to the afore-mentioned XDM-100. If you liked the idea of that mic but wished it came a little cheaper and in a condenser version.. here you go!

 
Stand-out features

– Beautiful metal design with red accents
– Rode X Unify software included (more in the “pros” section)
– Connect multiple mics to a single PC

 
Pros

– High-quality sound
– Unify software allows for volume control of individual audio sources (ie. music volume vs game volume)
– Multiple Rode X Mics can be added into and controlled with Unify
– Every user’s headphone jack can have it’s own individual mix
– Record audio directly inside Unify

 
Cons

– No hardware controller for Unify, you’ll have to make adjustments with your mouse

 

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