It’s also imperative that the Wave:3 is plugged into a USB 3.0 port to function properly because, otherwise, it may partially function and deliver a staticky, unusable sound.
The Wave Link software does require a bit of tinkering to learn due to its complexity and its ability to combine many different sources, and some users may have difficulty configuring it to communicate with all types of software.
This makes it a great choice for users who require flexibility and full control over their audio recording setup in a variety of creative settings from streaming to podcasting. The Wave:3 works seamlessly with Elgato’s downloadable Wave Link software, which grants users access to a nine-source mixer interface for fine-tuning of multiple simultaneous audio sources like browsers, gaming applications, DAWs, chats, and more. A built-in software clip guard also prevents the microphone from ever going “into the red” due to overloads, ensuring that recorded content is production-ready regardless of unexpected spikes in volume. Its onboard controls include a multifunctional dial for volume and headphone control, as well as a silent capacitive button for quick muting, which is particularly convenient for live streaming and gaming applications. Powered by a single USB-C cable and plug-and-play ready for both PCs and Macs, the Wave:3 offers a smooth broadcast-grade vocal sound and analog-to-digital conversion at an extremely high 24-bit/96 kHz resolution. Mixer software and onboard controls take practice to useĮlgato is well-known in the video production world for being an industry leader in capture cards, and as the best USB microphone overall the Wave:3 packs a lot of the quality, innovative spirit, and sleek design for which the company’s flagship products are known.Software allows real-time granular control of an entire mix.Built-in clip guard prevents accidental distortion from loud sources.Capacitive mute button allows for click-free control while streaming.Why it made the cut: Manufactured by an industry leader in high-quality A/V capture devices, the Wave:3 is packed with thoughtful design features that aim to satisfy a wide range of audio recording needs. Best USB microphone overall: Elgato Wave:3
Going with established brands increases the likelihood of customer service follow-through and quality control, both of which are especially important when considering a critical piece of content creation equipment like a USB microphone. All of the USB microphones on this list are made by reputable, established brands, many of which have a hand in manufacturing other types of audio, video, gaming, or streaming equipment.
All of the microphones except for our budget pick offer onboard controls that allow users to tweak their settings on the fly.īrand. The ability to make quick sound adjustments is crucial in content creation settings, especially when streaming or podcasting. We selected microphones with user-customizable sound whenever possible, but all of them offer a voice-tailored sound regardless.Ĭontrols. Beyond that baseline, some designs allow users further customization over that sound through the use of EQ filters, compression, and other effects. Unlike traditional microphones, many USB microphones are specifically tuned to provide optimal sound clarity for the human voice. We then took into consideration the following key criteria to make sure our selections offer something for everyone: To make this comprehensive list of the best USB microphones on the market we eliminated all options that didn’t have a great reputation among users and critics. USB microphones come in a wide range of designs-from incredibly simple devices to all-in-one production tools.