The ability to use both outputs at once grants a lot of flexibility: you can record a high bit-depth audio file for post-production, and a lower-resolution audio file for reference. This dynamic microphone has a single cardioid recording pattern, and supports the simultaneous use of the XLR and USB outputs. The Shure MV7 follows in the footsteps of the legendary Shure SM7B XLR microphone, and the MV7 does not disappoint. Do anything and everything with the Shure MV7 What’s more, this the best of the best USB microphones for a reason: the Yeti X records 24-bit audio at 48kHz, so you’re afforded more wiggle room for edits in post production than you would be with the Blue Yeti. This is great if you want to capture room ambiance, but the ability to switch presets to something more focused-say cardioid mode-is just as valuable.

Inside the mic is a four-capsule condenser array, with each condenser angled differently to record omnidirectional sound. If you have a PC, you can make use of the Blue VO!CE recording software for adding real-time vocal effects, but this software is not available on MacOS. The back of the microphone has a knob for selecting your recording pattern. It sports a gain knob with LED lights that indicate if you are peaking or close to peaking.

The Yeti X has a MicroUSB output as well as a 3.5mm headphone monitoring output. We can help you out if it comes to it, but a USB mic sidesteps this issue. Its recording capabilities surpass any of the listed following microphones, but it also requires an external recorder, which will cost much more than any of the following options. For one: if you make your living on recording and mixing audio, then you’ll want to look at an XLR mic like the Rode NT1A. Though most of these are just fine (if not superb) for vocals streamed as a compressed MP3 file, there are instances where a non-USB microphone will better serve you. Well, if you need something portable with zero learning curve, yes. There are few instances where you’ll need anything greater than a 16-bit, 44.1kHz recording.That said, if you want to record a certain background presence, you may want something with omnidirectional capabilities like the Blue Yeti Nano.

In brief, cardioid patterns are your best bet they do a great job at recording sounds directly in front of the recording element, while simultaneously reducing distracting background noise. There is a variety of recording patterns offered from one USB microphone to the next, but not all of them are available with each pick.

However, we’ve made sure all of our picks are compatible with both, saving you the trouble of checking, checking, and triple-checking.

Not all USB mics work with both Mac and PC operating systems.

A cardioid pickup pattern can record sound from the front and sides of the unit.

Samson sound deck settings