Top computer microphones based on customer reviews

A microphone for a computer is a universal device that can be used to communicate via Internet telephony or in multiplayer games; and to record music. Therefore, it is important that it captures a high-quality voice.

Top microphones for computer

How to choose a microphone for a computer - the main criteria

When choosing a microphone for a computer, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:

1. Connection type Microphones can use line-in or USB. The first option is preferable for users who need detailed audio settings. But for the highest quality recording you will need to add a good sound card to the microphone. USB devices are often equipped with their own audio chip, which is enough for simple sound processing - but not enough for high-quality vocal recording or clear voice. But they can work without a sound card;

2. Type of microphone. There are dynamic and capacitor devices. The first ones have a simple design, are distinguished by durability and low price. The quality of sound capture is enough for internet calls or online communication. But to record voice or vocals is better to use condenser microphones. Though they are more expensive, they are distinguished by high quality audio capture;

3. Directivity Non-directional models "grasp" all the surrounding sounds. Directed - then only sounds from a certain area, so that the voice is obtained without background noise, but it is not possible to move away from the computer to say anything from afar;

4. Sound pressure This parameter indicates the maximum volume that the microphone is capable of withstanding without the appearance of aberrations. If you plan to record loud sounds, you should choose a device with a large value of this parameter (more than 120-140 dB);

5. Sensitivity. Parameter opposite to sound pressure - shows the minimum volume that the microphone is able to recognize. If you plan to whisper - you should choose a device with high sensitivity (up to 20-30 dB).

6. Signal-to-noise ratio is also important. The fact is that all sensitive elements of microphones generate background white noise that can be heard on the recording. Therefore, for the most accurate voice capture, it is worth choosing devices with a high signal-to-noise ratio - from 50 dB.

Microphone for computer which company choose

The choice of manufacturer depends on the intended use of the device. For example, a budget model from companies such as Sven, Genius or Plantronic is suitable for Internet telephony or just voice communication.

But to record voice for further processing or publication, you should choose a better model from companies such as Trust, Sony or Shure.

The best low-cost microphones for computer

SVEN MK-490

Rating: 4.6

Very simple and cheap microphone, which is well suited for communication on the Internet. Placed on a stand, it also has a shutdown button. Complemented by a flexible leg. It is connected to the computer via a line input.

The sensitivity of the model is rather low - 58 dB. Therefore, whispering into it will not work. The microphone is non-directional.

It is advisable to use a microphone with a discrete sound card. Then the device will provide high-quality audio capture.

Plantronics Audio 300

Rating: 4.6

Budget electret (kind of condenser) microphone with high sensitivity at 39 dB. Non-directional, therefore it captures well even a low voice, regardless of the angle of the “receiver”. The model is suitable for voice communication over the Internet.

The model is connected to the computer via a normal line-in (3.5 mm jack). There is a built-in noise reduction system, but only monotone signals are extinguished. On the microphone is placed off button.

The sensitivity range of the model is 100-8000 Hz. Captures voice without transmitting subtle intonations.

Suitable for use with both discrete and integrated sound card.

Genius MIC-01A

Rating: 4.6

A simple but high-quality microphone with good sound transmission. Sensitivity is low, 62 dB, but at the same time it picks up the voice in sufficient detail. Designed primarily for voice communication. It is connected to the computer through a normal linear input.

The frequency range of 100-10000 dB, well picks up the intonation in the voice. The design of the model is collapsible - the main module can be detached from the stand and attached, for example, to clothing. Because of this, however, he does not have a shutdown button.

The microphone is omnidirectional, but it practically does not catch external noise coming from, for example, PC components. Can be used with built-in or integrated sound card.

The best microphones for the computer in terms of price-quality ratio

Trust GXT 210 USB

Rating: 4.6

Electret omnidirectional microphone with built-in sound chip. Connects to computer via USB. It is equipped with a built-in noise reduction system, however, it mostly suppresses only monotonous third-party sounds. Focuses on voice communication, including in multiplayer games.

The sensitivity of the microphone is high. Well picks up the voice, even if the speaker is far enough away from the receiver. The frequency range is standard - 100-10000 Hz.

The design of the model includes a rigid leg, a stand with a backlight system, an off button and a 1.5-meter cable.

Sony ECM-MS907

Rating: 4.6

Condenser stereo microphone amateur class. It has a unidirectional configuration with the ability to select the width of the acoustic zone between 90 and 120 degrees. Needs additional power, runs on battery. It is connected to the computer via a standard linear input (3.5 mm).

The sensitivity of the model is high, 30 dB. The maximum supported sound pressure is 110 dB. "Perceived" frequency range - 15-15000 Hz.

As a result, the microphone is well suited for recording music, voice and other sounds with subsequent processing.Can be used with portable voice recorders or recorders. The package includes a pop filter.

Shure PG27USB

Rating: 4.6

Condenser USB-microphone with a larger aperture. Suitable for recording voice, vocals, music, other audio for further processing or publication. Due to the increased size of the diaphragm well captures loud, assertive sounds (for example, from a bass guitar or audio) without distortion.

The main advantage of the microphone is a very wide dynamic range of more than 150 dB. This ensures the capture of all shades of voice or music with natural sound transmission. Therefore, it is suitable for performers, vocalists, as well as for organizing a home studio.

Which microphone for a computer to buy

The choice of microphone for a computer is directly determined by its intended use. For example, if you just need to communicate via Skype or in multiplayer games, then you can pay attention to ultra budget models from Sven, Plantronics and Genius. The microphone from Trust provides the best quality in these use cases.

Sony's microphone is well suited for voice recording. But the model Shure - to record vocals or music.