A list of the best devices at an affordable price.
Peripherals are an integral part of the gaming space of every player, as they are the way through which to communicate with the video game. However, not all the peripherals that are usually found on a desktop fulfill this function, some have multiple purposes, of which many do not have to be to play, per se.
This is the case of microphones , which serve as a communication tool both inside and outside our video games, and which, even so, are quite common in our gaming spaces. The reason for it? The way we communicate today while we play. Whether with our teammates, in the form of relaxed chat while playing something, or with the aim of developing some type of content, these peripherals are the most common in gaming environments.
Because of this, we have covered several lists with our favorite models on several occasions. From the last time we did it, a quick six months have already passed , so, taking advantage of the start of 2021, we wanted to renew this list , this time starting from an even more moderate price than the previous one. Our five favorite desktop microphones for less than $ 60 .
USB microphones for less than $60 USD
Without further ado, let's move on to our list of recommended USB microphones; The list provided refers to those models we like the most, in no particular order and without necessarily being ordered.
Fifine K669B
It is still one of our favorite USB models
There is a reason this microphone has been featured in every one of our buying guides on this peripheral: that it is very difficult to find a USB condenser microphone that performs better than this Fifine model for a lower price, especially when we can find it for below
$35.99 USD for which it is sometimes around.
The microphone itself is a USB condenser microphone with a cardioid pickup pattern, metal construction, and integrated audio control. It offers, to our ears, a much clearer sound than most headphone microphones on the market, and with a few slight adjustments it can give very good results outside of calls and initial chats. In general, as long as we find it at a similar or lower price than the current one, this K669B will be a direct recommendation.
Behringer C-1U
A simple model with a great recording quality
In line with our previous recommended microphone, and also from our previous list of recommendations, we find this model from Behringer, a very veteran German brand in the audio sector, which offers us a condenser microphone with very good specifications at a lower price. at
$59.89 USD.
Focusing more on the specific specifications of this C-1U, it is, like our previous recommendation, a USB condenser microphone, with a large diaphragm and cardioid pattern; Of which we highlight its excellent performance -for its price- when recording vocals, especially if we adjust its values to suit our needs.
Marantz Professional M4U
Versatility by flag
One of our most peculiar recommendations on this list is this Marantz model which cost
$55.39 USD, since it is actually a condenser microphone that enjoys an XLR connection for audio input, but has an external USB converter to be able to be used through this connection without the need for more hardware than what is included in this model's box
Its specifications are, in our eyes, very correct; It features a cardioid pickup pattern, a nice metal mesh construction, and excellent pickup of sound, especially from vocals. If we had to bring out a weak point, in addition to having to have one more device on the table, it would be that this model does not have any type of foot or support, we will have to get hold of it separately; for the rest, it is an excellent and very versatile option.
Blue Snowball ICE
The benchmark in this price range
So far, whenever we have made a list of recommended USB microphones, we have avoided the Blue Snowball as much as possible, not because it does not seem like a good microphone, rather, quite the opposite, but because we wanted to show that there is more life beyond this Blue model in its price range; However, since, on this occasion, the price range we are dealing with is smaller, we have not thought a bad idea to list the well-known spherical model. This model cost
$49.99.
If we stop to observe its specifications, it is a somewhat cropped version of the original Blue Snowball, a USB condenser microphone with a cardioid pattern that stands out, above all, its ability to pick up vocals, especially those spoken, which makes it a perfect choice for casual recordings or desktop conversations.
Razer Seiren Mini
An excellent microphone from a well-known but unexpected brand
For many it may be strange to find a Razer product on this list, even violent, considering the number of great options on the market; But let us say that, for the price at which we can currently find it, the Razer Seiren Mini seems like a very solid option for anyone who wants a USB microphone for voice recording or live capture. This model
cost $ 71.99
The main reason why we say this is because, although without anything particularly noteworthy among its characteristics, since we are, again, in front of a USB condenser microphone with a cardioid pattern, this small Razer model has an excellent adjustment for the capture of voice; as well as powerful software that allows us to equalize the sound to our liking, and that is perfectly integrated with this model. Within the price range that we are handling, it seems to us a very remarkable option.
What can we find outside the USB connection?
USB condenser microphones are our favorite option for gamers due to their simplicity and good performance, since, through a single connection, we can have a good distribution ready for the capture and recording of our audio, especially if we compare the capabilities of these microphones. with respect to those of the microphones normally included in our headphones.
USB condenser microphones are our go-to choice for gamers for their simplicity and performance
However, if we have an audio interface, or we intend to get one, we can also opt for excellent options in this price range; Without going any further, one of the ones we have given on our list, the Marantz Professional MU4, has the option of, through its XLR connection, connecting to an external audio interface. If we don't have one, it's difficult to stay within our budget if we add the interface + microphone price; But, if we have to, one of our best options is possibly the Behringer U-PHORIA UM2 , which is around $45 USD on Amazon, or the M-Audio M-Track Solo , which is available for about $48 USD, and accompany it with a dynamic microphone like the Neewer NW-800 , and even with everything, depending on the price at which said model is, we can go beyond said budget.
If we already have an interface, we have it much easier with our $70 USD maximum price, since we can easily get hold of a Shure SM-48 , a reference microphone in terms of capturing vocals of all kinds; or a model like the Behringer Ultravoice XM8500 if we find it at a good price and we do not mind giving something of quality for a more affordable price. Either of these two options are recommended in our eyes, as well as the Marantz MU4 that we have already talked about.
What to consider when buying a microphone
As with all specialized peripherals, there are a host of factors, features, and specifications that help determine how well a peripheral such as microphones performs. In our previous guide dedicated to these devices we talked about what were some of these characteristics that we must take into account, information that we are going to share again here. Thus, for the purpose for which the microphones in this list are intended, we consider that the following must be taken into account :
- The frequency range . As with other devices in the wide world of audio, the higher the frequency range, the more "rich" the sound captured by a microphone will have; although, at the moment of truth, the adjustments made on the microphone can be more decisive.
- The uptake pattern . Also called the "polar pattern," it refers to the direction through which the microphone picks up sound. Typically, speech and vocal microphones tend to have a Cardioid pattern , that is, they capture the front of the microphone; but, omnidirectional or bipolar patterns are also common.
- Sensitivity . For a microphone, the sensitivity, usually represented in negative values, refers to the electrical voltage of a microphone.
- The S / N ratio (Signal, noise) . Through this measure the sharpness of the sound capture of a microphone is determined. Typically, the higher the ratio, the less noise in the sound.
In addition to all this, elements such as the correct placement of the microphone, the settings for your captures, or the sound treatment of the room where they are placed can be important factors to take into account when using these devices. We could have the best microphone on the market, if we do not orient it correctly and use it in a totally empty room, we will find a mediocre sound.
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