Nov 16, 2018 - After three years, 75 hours of research, and audio recording tests on 25 models, we still think the Yeti by Blue is the best USB microphone for. We saw in our microphone for live shows that typically dynamic microphones are best, but in most cases for studio environments we take a different approach: condenser microphones. Below is the top 10 best microphones for recording vocals.
Smooth workflow is one of the reasons why Audio and Video Professionals prefer Mac to Windows. As long as you have the right apps, you wouldn’t face any glitches, per se. If you want to record audio for music production, podcasts or something else, you need the best audio recording software for Mac.
By default, Mac allows you to record audio from Mac internal mic, which is fine if you want to take quick audio notes. However, if you want professional audio quality, we recommended using a USB mic like. If you want to record system audio,. Most the following Mac Audio recorder allows you to change audio source. Down below, we have covered some of the best audio recording software for Mac that you can use.
It’ll take you a few extra clicks to start recording audio with QuickTime. First, launch the app from the Spotlight, and go to File New Audio Recording. For instance, QuickTime lets you change the recording source — pick between the internal microphone and the system audio (with SoundFlower).
You can also change the Recording quality between High and Maximum. Once these are set, just hit the Record button. As the program records your voice, you can see the size of the recording file also. Once you’ve recorded the whole thing, you can export the file as MPEG-4 Audio file.
However, there is no option to pause audio recording, you can only stop it and start a new one. Pros. Really easy-to-use interface.
Built-in macOS. Ability to record from different sources including an external Mic Cons. Limited customization options, no option to pause recording.
The interface isn’t suitable for professionals. Limited options for exporting audio The Verdict QuickTime is the best Mac software for casual audio recording. It gets the job done — with minimum things at stake. You don’t have to worry about complex customizations or exporting. Everything you record will be available in a single file.
That having said, we would not recommend QuickTime for professionals. QuickTime Comes Built into Mac 2. Audacity Best for – recording voice over and editing Audacity is a free and open source audio recording software for Mac. We use for recording audio for. You have an option to choose the recording source ( we use it with Blue Yeti mic), recording channel type, audio type etc. As you can see below, it does offer a wider range of control as well. But, the best part about Audacity for Mac is that it comes along with a bunch of editing tools.
In fact, Audacity is a digital audio editor, first, and recorder later. Unlike QuickTime, Audacity lets you perform basic audio editing tasks like editing. You will also find options like effects, voice generation, noise removal, and track-based management. In case you are into professional audio recording and editing, there is a wide variety of to choose from. Another bright side is that you will be able to export the audio recording in almost any format. The reason, why we prefer Audacity is because it’s cross-platform support (available for Windows, Mac, and Linux) Just as Photoshop save the file in PSD and have all the properties intact, you can save audacity files in AUP, which can be later open and edited from any computer that audacity installed in it.
Pros. Professional features for recording & editing. Multiple audio recording and editing options. Free, Open Source and Cross-platform Cons. Audacity doesn’t have an intuitive interface. Takes time to get used to The Verdict As we said, Audacity is made for professionals. Did we say that Audacity is free to use?
It’s free, open-source and cross-platform. Considering the features you get, it’s an awesome deal as well. At least, you would not have to worry about paying a huge amount for your DAW. (Free and Open Source) 3. Simple Recorder Best for – quick audio recording Simple Recorder is a truly simple solution for audio recording in Mac. It doesn’t come with many bells or whistles, but it gets the job done. Unlike QuickTime and Audacity, which takes multiple mouse click to start the recording, Simple Recorder sits in the menu bar and can start the audio recording in just two clicks.
Best solution when you want to take quick notes. You can select the source of recording from the drop-down menu. It also lets you set up the volume. In just a single button, Simple Recorder would start the recording process. In the Preferences section, you can pick the recording format, Sample Rate, Channel etc. There are some Pro features like Status Icon, Shortcuts and some levels of Automation. Pros.
Quick and Easy to use. You can manage all the actions from the icon menu itself. Offers support for different sources and standard customization Cons. Doesn’t offer basic Editing options The Verdict Simple Recorder is the best Mac audio recording app for the intermediate users. Unlike QuickTime, it offers a standard set of customization options.
That having said, unlike Audacity, the features aren’t that suitable for professionals either. So, if you think you need somewhat control over recording, go for this. (Free, offers a Pro plan as well) 4.
GarageBand Best for – recording audio for music production Technically speaking, GarageBand is a digital audio workstation, not a digital audio recorder (like QuickTime) or a digital audio editor (like Audacity). In simple words, if you are into recording audio for music production, GarageBand is one of the best choices in town.
It’s rich with features and offers the best level of compatibility. Last but not the least, you’d not have to pay a single penny for this program. Like Audacity, GarageBand supports MIDI recording and editing out of the box. However, unlike Audacity, GarageBand has a smaller learning curve and is more stable.
Also, it’s compatible with any iOS device. Although it’s a fully-fledged DAW, you don’t need rocket science to record audio using GarageBand. It even has a dedicated mode for Voice, where you can also select the type of voice recording. For instance, it offers different options for recording Narration Voice and Bright Voice. Just hit the Record button and you can do the exporting part later. Pros. GarageBand is a fully-fledged audio recorder.
Comes with built-in audio editing features. Well-suited for professionals Cons. GarageBand isn’t suitable for Quick Recordings. Getting used to the interface may take some time The Verdict GarageBand is the recommended choice for professionals out there. If you need the best quality, control as well as performance, you should go for this built-in tool. Although the UI is simple, learning GarageBand will surely help you as an audio professional. (Free, Built-in in Mac) 5.
Piezo Best for – recording podcast Piezo from Rogue Amoeba is a simple and wonderful audio recording software for podcasts. If you want to make some amazing podcast recordings with precision, you can count on Piezo. Unlike all of the tools we’ve talked about earlier, Piezo lets you record voice from popular apps like Chrome, Skype, FaceTime, Messages etc. It is one of the best features for getting precise podcasts, you know.
Settings in Piezo are very easy to manage. That having said, it lets you change the Music Quality only.
Still, you don’t have to do guesswork here. Piezo has set up some quality pre-sets for music, audio, spoken word etc. By default, the recordings will be saved in MP3, which is convenient for most people. Just as you can see, the interface is a bit unconventional. Pros. Really easy-to-use Interface. Quality Presets are useful for quick recording.
Supports recording from individual apps Cons. Could have better-exporting options The Verdict Piezo is the best audio recording software for doing podcasts on Mac. You can simply record your own voice or get inputs from common apps like Chrome or Skype. It is basically minimal but you have options to extend the capabilities of Piezo.
($23, free trial available) 6. Macsome Audio Recorder Best for – recording audio from multiple sources Macsome Audio Recorder is one of the voice recorders that promise to do almost anything.
Without bringing all the professional features, Macsome Audio Recorder lets you record audio from multiple sources such as the internal microphone, different apps on your Mac and other hardware. Unlike some other apps, however, it doesn’t offer any kind of optimization. Despite all these features, the program has a minimal footprint to offer.
Did we say mention that Macsome Audio Recorder has one of the best recording management interface as well? You can even use ID tags for organizing your recording files. We really liked how Macsome Audio Recorder works. You can add separate recording profiles for apps/hardware and start the recording process in a single click. Pros. Simple but effective interface. Supports recording from individual apps/hardware.
Super-easy management of recording profiles Cons. The Recording screen isn’t intuitive The Verdict As it promises, Macsome Audio Recorder is one of the best all-in-one audio recorders for Mac. It might not have the best UI in town, but there are many productive features.
When you want a tool that records podcast, music, and speech with the same efficiency, Macsome Audio Recorder would be our take. ($29.95, Free Trial available) 7.
Audio Hijack Best for – advanced video recording We already talked about Piezo from Rogue Amoeba, right? Audio Hijack is also from the same developer but it offers advanced features and control. Inside a nice package, you will find tools for recording almost every type of audio from your Mac. You can even use Audio Hijack for scheduling recordings. It would be the best option when you’re recording audio from the web.
The best part is that Audio Hijack comes with different session templates — you have one for internet radio, DVD Audio, Application audio and Web Audio etc. When it comes to Application mode, you can pick an app from the list and start recording. You can also check out a bunch of built-in effects and filters in Audio Hijack. It also has an interesting UI that lets you manage how the recording process works.
Overal Audio Hijack is one of the best audio recording software for Mac if you are looking for advanced features. Pros. Professional Interface and Intuitive UI. In-built options for filters and sound effects. Advanced options are available Cons. None worth noting The Verdict Audio Hijack is one of the very few Mac audio recording software that is worth paying for.
You get a whole bunch of features like filters, effects, and top-to-bottom control. Even if you’re not into it, you can get a cool audio recording and management experience. ($59, Free Trial available) 8. AudioNote Best for – take audio notes during lectures AudioNote lets you combine a note-taking app and audio recording app.
This is how it works: you can open AudioNote and start recording the lectures, interviews or something else. When you make notes on the screen, it will be synced with the audio. So, during the playback, you can listen to the audio as well as seeing all the notes on the screen.
There are some really cool features too. For instance, you can tap on one section of your notes to jump into the corresponding section in audio. As a note-taking software, you can bring text, shapes, annotations and a lot more things. Once you are done, you can also convert your notes to a PDF document.
The best part is that you have everything in sync. Pros. An excellent way to record and sync notes. Easy interface. iCloud integration Cons. None worth noting The Verdict AudioNote is the best option for students and professionals alike.
With this tool in your hand, you don’t have to worry about getting the list in the notes. You would know what the professor was talking about when you’d written something. Pretty cool, isn’t it?
($14.99) Best Audio Recording Software for Mac Well, these are the different kind of audio recording software for Mac, for different needs. For your day-to-day casual recording needs, Simple Recorder is the best option, indeed.
On the other hand, if you are into the world of podcast recording, go for Audio Hijack from Rogue Amoeba. Options like GarageBand as well as Audacity are for those who need professional-quality control over the recording quality and process. Still, you can take an effort to step up the game.
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USB microphones are the easiest to use when you want to start podcasting. You basically plug them in and start recording.
The other option is. These will require a. We don’t want to worry about that when you want to get started quickly. Typically, XLR mics are “more professional” but that doesn’t mean there aren’t amazing USB microphones for pretty much any budget. One thing to keep in mind is how much background noise you will have in your recording area: computer fans, HVAC, traffic, etc. Pick up more background sound and are best suited for quieter environments.
Dynamic mics will sound better in a less than perfect recording area or if you have multiple people speaking into separate mics. I favored USB mics that included headphone monitoring jacks as it’s important to listen as you record, so you might as well get used to it now.
Combine one of these mics with a and a and you’ll be off to a great start! Let’s start with my top 2 picks (both under $200) for the best USB microphone for podcasting. Contents. Best USB Microphones Under $200 Blue Yeti I know nearly everyone mentions the as the top USB mic, but it’s for good reason.
For its price point (around $120) you get the best bang for your buck by far when it comes to both sound quality and features. If you can find it for under $90 like I have a few times for Prime Day or Black Friday, don’t hesitate in grabbing one (or 2). The Yeti excels when used by a single person in the cardioid setting, but has the option to switch between:. Cardioid (front). Bidirectional (front & back). Omnidirectional (all directions).
Stereo (left & right) Bidirectional is great for in-person interviews and omnidirectional is great group chats or conference calls. Having all this flexibility in one mic makes it the best choice for new (and experienced) podcasters. They have included a 0 latency (no delay) headphone monitoring jack, gain control and a mute button that flashes when muted. Blue also keeps creating new colors for the Yeti.
When I first got the mic I believe they only had silver and black, but now they have a bunch of different color combinations:. Blue also has a that includes both XLR and USB connections. One downside is that the mic is fairly heavy. I’ve heard that cheaper boom stands have trouble holding it up.
I personally use the with the to hold and suspend the mic upside down and it works great. Check out some other. Audio-Technica AT2020USB PLUS Let me first start off by saying there is a big difference between the AT2020USB and the.
With the Plus model, you get a headphone jack with level control and a mix control dial that allows you to blend pre-recorded audio with your voice. The headphone jack alone is a must-have feature if all you are just using a USB microphone. There is zero delay between what you say and what you hear when you use the jack on the microphone. If you use the headphone jack on your there will be a slight delay – this will make you go crazy! I also want to point out that makes a that uses an XLR connection as well as a that includes an Apple Lightning (iPhone/iPad) connection. All that being said, this is one of the best USB mics you can get for podcasting and voice work. It’s a condenser microphone, so it can pick up background sound easily, but it uses a cardioid polar pattern which means it picks up sound from the front the best.
It comes with a USB cable, small desk stand (not that great, really), mounting adapter and a carrying pouch: It is smaller and lighter than the Yeti, which makes it more compatible with different mic stands. If you don’t need the additional pickup patterns, the is a better choice. Rode NT-USB Rode has been making great audio equipment out of Australia ever since they entered the scene. The is no exception.
You get a zero-latency headphone monitoring jack and mix control (like the AT2020USB PLUS). They also include a pop filter that attaches to the base and sits at the ideal distance, desk stand and storage pouch. Another bonus is that it is compatible with an iPad if you use the camera connection kit.
This is a great looking and top notch USB microphone by a quality company. You can’t go wrong here. Razer Seiren Elite Razer is known for computer gaming peripherals like mice and keywords, but as live streaming has become more popular it made sense for them to offer a microphone as well. The is a greatly upgraded (it’s really a whole different mic) version of their original Razer Seiren.
They have changed the microphone capsule to a single dynamic element which is much better for gaming and added a high-pass filter. It has onboard gain and volume control, as well as a mute button and zero-latency monitoring through your headphones. We used to not recommend the older version, but this new one is great. Rode Podcaster The is a new edition to this list, but not a new microphone. It’s a dynamic USB mic with a cardioid (front facing) polar pattern. There is a headphone jack with volume control for latency-free monitoring and a little green light to indicate it’s plugged in and working.
Similar to the Yeti, this mic is really heavy so you’ll need to make sure you pick up a quality stand or boom arm to support it (it doesn’t come with one). I’m partial to the Rode Procaster (XLR version), but if you don’t want to mess with audio interfaces and mixers, the Podcaster is a nice choice for a broadcast-style USB microphone. Just so you know, this one is slightly over $200, but it didn’t make sense to put it in its own section. Best USB Microphones Under $100 Now we’re going to take a look at some lower budget USB podcast mic options under $100.
Most are actually under about $70. Audio-Technica ATR 2100-USB I won’t say too much about this one here as we have a separate. My favorite feature is the dual USB/XLR outputs. It also comes with all the cables you need and a desk stand. It is designed to be handheld or on a stand, so if you want the option to use a USB mic by hand I would lean this direction. The is a dynamic mic, so it is more forgiving in louder environments as well.
It can easily make your voice sound nice and rich. It also works really well as a backup or travel microphone and the price point means you it’s not the end of the world should something happen to it. People like Pat Flynn and Tim Ferris use this mic for that purpose. For a sub $80 mic, this is a great choice.
Blue Snowball There are actually 2 models of the. The standard model includes 2 microphone capsules, cardioid and omnidirectional pickup, and an adjustable stand. The other model is the Snowball iCE, which we mention a little farther down in the under $50 section. The Snowball is a plug and play USB mic although I have heard of issues with Windows 10. Without a headphone jack, it’s hard to recommend for podcasting. Samson Meteor Mic The is a sub-$100 USB condenser mic that includes a headphone monitoring jack. What else do I need to say?
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It works with an iPad with the Apple Camera Adapter, comes with a mic mute button, headphone volume dial and built-in legs. It comes in a choice of 3 colors:. You really get a well-rounded and well-featured mic for under $100 – and it looks like a little rocket ship! Blue Snowflake The is closer to sub-$50 mics. It’s a cardioid condenser USB mic that packs up very small. It’s a great choice if you need something to toss in your bag for travel. It sits right on the top of your screen or on your desk.
The microphone pivots and swivels as well. The included USB cable fits right inside the case when folded closed – very cool! Best USB Microphones Under $50 For USB microphones under $50, we’re not going to get all the features that really allow us to create the best recordings, but we get audio quality that is much better than what is included in a.
If you want to get started podcasting on a budget or if you want something you can travel with without fear of damaging, here are the best options. These are typically better than what is included with headset/mic combos as well.
Samson Go Mic Designed as a travel microphone, the folds and includes a carry case. Like the Snowflake, it clips to your laptop or sits on the desk. It has a headphone jack for monitoring and has both cardioid and omnidirectional pickup. For the price and size, this microphone is perfect as a travel mic or a good choice for a cheap USB mic.
Blue Snowball iCE The has a single microphone capsule, cardioid pickup pattern (vs cardioid and omnidirectional with the standard Snowball) and a more basic stand. Definitely an upgrade from the built-in computer audio, but otherwise nothing special.
Samson Meteorite The is tiny little ball mic that comes with a magnetic stand, allowing you to position the microphone in any direction. The price is typically the same as the Go Mic, so I would recommend that one over the Meteorite. More Popular USB Microphones There are a few other popular USB mics for podcasting and voice.
They are not our top recommendations. Apogee Mic 96K The is pricey and doesn’t include a headphone jack. Pass on this one. As we get time to test out more mics and get feedback from other people, we will update this section.