Rating of the best microphones

Modern microphones are comfortable, practical and suitable not only for professionals, but also for those who spend a lot of time talking on a computer. When choosing good headphones, attention should be paid primarily to sound. But it can be difficult to figure this out on your own, so it's easier to pay attention to the previously prepared rating of the best microphones.

Today there are a large number of manufacturers who are engaged in the development and production of microphones. To understand which firms provide the highest quality models to their consumers, you need to familiarize yourself with the overview of the top brands, namely

• Defender Is a Russian company with service centers located in many parts of the world;
• Genius - the main production facility is located in Taiwan, but there are subsidiaries all over the world;
• Hama - many give their preference to these German manufacturers;
• Logitech - of course, it is impossible to get along in the top without a Swiss company, which is famous for its products;
• Plantronics - The American company is no less reputable among consumers, so many people buy microphones from these manufacturers.

In order for buyers to be able to choose the right and quality microphone correctly, it is necessary to familiarize themselves with the most popular models in the world. And it is very simple to do this - it is enough to distribute them by price category. In this case, each person will be able to choose for themselves a model with good sound and quality. They are great for choir presenters or soloists.

Among the inexpensive, but high-quality microphones, several models are worth noting.

• Plantronics Audio. It is a desktop device designed for a computer that has an unusual streamlined shape. Most often it is used for regular Skype conversations or chat. However, it is also suitable for high-quality voice recording or even for dubbing a video. In addition, with its help, you can even start creating a presentation at home. The advantages of this cheap model include the presence of a power button, a comfortable stand, as well as a noise reduction system, clarity of the sound signal, and high sensitivity. Among the minuses, it should be noted that the microphone can hum during recording.

• Sven MK-490. Another desktop microphone with a flexible stem. It has an input impedance of 32 Ohms, an off and on button. Among the minuses, it is necessary to note a small sensitivity, as well as isolation from extraneous noise and sounds.

• Nady USB-1C. This model was released by the American company Nady Systems. It can be used for both music recording and playback. If we talk about the technical characteristics, they are as follows: the frequency range is 48 kHz; the resistance is within 16 bits. The set includes a three-meter cable.

• Samson Meteor. Samson is known to many consumers, because it was one of the first not only to develop, but also to release the first USB microphone. This device is made in retro style, has a very convenient design, so that the microphone can be easily placed on the table. The kit includes, in addition to the main components, also a cable, as well as a special carrying case.As for the technical characteristics, they are as follows: the frequency range is 48 kHz; the resistance is within 16 bits.

• CAD U39. The five budget models are completed by this device. The company that produces such a device has been on the market for over 85 years. The technical characteristics are as follows: the frequency range is 44–48 kHz; the resistance is within 16 bits. You can use a microphone for both vocals and recording a variety of sounds.

If the budget allows you to purchase more expensive models, you should pay attention to the mid-range microphones. In some cases, they are as good as premium models.

• Audio-Technica AT2020USBi. This device from a well-known Japanese company is popular all over the world. The released material has been on the market for many years. For the first time, the microphone was presented at the famous Prolight + Sound exhibition in 2015. The technical characteristics are as follows: the frequency range is 96 kHz; the resistance is within 24 bits. Among other things, there is a dedicated headphone jack in the design, which allows direct monitoring. There is also an overload indicator and a sensitivity regulator. There are several cables in the kit, which allows you to connect it to different devices.

• RODE NT-USB. The model from the Australian company is considered the leader in the production of condenser microphones. And this is not in vain, because the range of products is quite diverse. As for this model, its technical characteristics are as follows: the frequency range is 44 kHz; the resistance is within 16 bits. It should be noted that the device has a dedicated headphone output, as well as a couple of regulators. One of them is responsible for the loudness of the audio signal, and the second is intended to show the mix between software and hardware monitoring. The set includes a 6-meter cable.

• Aphex Microphone X. In third place in this category is the model from Aphex. This device differs from other manufactured products by its analog processing capability, which consists of an optical compressor. In addition, a headphone amplifier is included. As for the technical characteristics, they are as follows: the frequency range is 96 kHz; the resistance is within 24 bits.

For those for whom the price does not really matter, it is best to turn their attention to products of the highest price category. Let's take a closer look at the most popular microphones among them.

• Blue Yeti Pro. This device from American manufacturers was one of the first devices in the world with which you can record audio signals in the frequency range of 192 kHz. In addition, this device has 3 condenser capsules, which allow you to choose one of all existing modes. With their help, a variety of radiation patterns are provided. The microphone is controlled using the Mute or Gain buttons. The set includes a USB cable.

• Sennheiser MK4 Digital. This model was released by representatives of the German company Sennheiser, who are considered the best among many competitors. This device was first released at Prolight + Sound in 2016. The microphone is equipped with all the latest "bells and whistles", so it is very popular with the recording industry. Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the too high price.

• Shure PG42USB. This device is a truly studio grade model. It can be used to send a digital audio signal to a PC directly through the USB port. The microphone has a good headphone amplifier, an additional convector, and a preamplifier.

The choice of any device depends on a variety of factors, so when buying a microphone, you need to pay attention to the following:

• the sound signal must be clear, that is, transmit the voice of a person without distortion;
• no extraneous noise should be heard during playback;
• the device should not take up too much space;
• the design should please the buyer.

Particular attention should be paid to USB microphones, as they work practically without interference. In addition, all devices can be conditionally divided into several types.

• Dynamic. The main advantages of such models are durability and low output impedance. In addition, such devices do not require additional power supply. But along with this, there are several disadvantages. Among them, it is worth noting a very low sensitivity, as well as large dimensions. This means that using them in motion simply will not work.

• Condenser. Such devices simply need an external voltage source; that is, phantom power. If the microphone is small, then it may have good sensitivity. However, for this reason, they may not work with every sound card.

• Electret. These microphones are a type of condenser model. Their output impedance is quite high. Most often used for conversations on a PC.

In addition, microphones have different directivity.

• Omnidirectional models can "catch" any sounds, including extraneous noises. Most often these are lavalier or head-mounted microphones that can be directed in any direction and reproduce well reproduced sounds.

• Cardiac. Such devices do not require precise orientation to the sound source. In addition, when recording, the noise will be less noticeable. Typically, these microphones are purchased for home use.

• Narrowly targeted devices are used for studio work.

Besides, when choosing, it is worth considering what a microphone is required for... So, for home use, you can purchase not too expensive models. They can be desktop or lavalier. To conduct interviews, microphones with wires are usually purchased. For conferences, you need to pay attention to models that can transmit a high-quality audio signal.

For live performances, both wireless and wired microphones can be used. However, they must be of high quality anyway.

For information on how to choose the right microphone, see the next video.