Computer microphones for recording

Choosing the best microphone for recording on your computer can be a challenge. There are many factors to consider outside of cost. You can buy a inexpensive computer microphone that sounds great for $100; however you can also spend $2000 on a microphone that doesn’t sound any better. This article will explain the differences between the types of computer microphones. We’ve also reviewed the best in each category to help you make the best decision for your recording requirements and budget. After all one the the most important pieces of your recording chain is the microphone.

Types of Computer Microphones
There are three main types of microphones that can be used to record to your Mac or PC:

Desktop Microphones
These microphones were very popular when people first began to record to computers, but are losing ground due to headset microphones. They are used mostly for taking lecture notes, conference calls, and dictation. Generally speaking the sound quality of desktop microphones is poor, but for basic digital recording and phone calls they work fine. One benefit to using a desktop microphone is that they are the least expensive to buy.

Headset Microphones
These microphones are most often used for calling, dictation, speech recognition and gaming. They offer a good compromise between the audio quality of a studio microphone and ease of use. Headsets allow you freedom to move around while talking and ensure the microphone is positioned correctly. Unless you are planning on recording music or high fidelity sound this type of microphone can work well.

Studio Microphones
Studio microphones come in all different types and sizes and offer the best sound quality. Those looking to create podcasts, music, online radio stations, or high quality dictation would be wise to choose this type of microphone to record on their computer. Sound quality comes at a price though and these microphones are usually more expensive than headset or desktop microphones. There are many types of studio microphones and a more thorough review can be found here.

Digital or Analog Computer Microphone
Once you’ve chosen the type of microphone that will work best, you’ll need to decide if you want it to be digital or analog.

Digital microphones
These microphones convert the analog sound signal to a digital signal before entering the computer. The most common type of connection in digital microphones use is USB. These microphones are convenient since they don’t require the computer to have a sound card, and can be plugged directly into any USB port. For most people who want great sound and won’t be recording high quality audio this type of microphone will work well.

Analog microphones
Analog microphones require a sound card or audio interface for most setups. They plug into the audio input jack on your computer’s sound card or external audio interface. Many people using this type of microphone will opt to use a digital audio interface to change the analog signal to digital before connecting to the computer. High quality analog studio microphones often require power (called phantom power or labeled +48v) in order to operate. Analog condenser microphones offer the best possible voice quality.

Computer Microphone Reviews
There are many great computer microphones available. The best quality studio microphones can cost thousands of dollars, so we’ve reviewed the best value microphones in each category for the average person who needs great sound, but doesn’t want to spend a fortune. If you’re interested in extremely high fidelity microphones we’ve included a review as well.