How to Choose a Microphone for Voice Recording

The short version

Dynamic mics reject room sound well and suit loud or untreated rooms.
Condenser mics are more sensitive and suit quiet, treated rooms.
USB mics are simplest; XLR mics need an interface but offer more control.
A cardioid pattern picks up the voice in front and rejects some sound from behind.

Dynamic or condenser

A dynamic mic is sturdy and less sensitive to the room, which makes it a good choice in an untreated space. A condenser mic is more detailed and sensitive, and needs a quiet room, because it also picks up more of the room.

USB or XLR

USB mics plug straight into a computer and are the simplest to start with. XLR mics need an audio interface, which gives more control of gain and often better sound, at more cost and complexity.

Pattern

A cardioid pattern picks up mainly from the front, which helps in a room with noise behind you. Omnidirectional mics pick up from all sides and suit a group in one place.

The room comes first

Any mic records its room. Before you buy, improve the room: rugs, curtains and a closet of clothes often make more difference than moving up in price.

What to choose

For a single voice at a desk, a cardioid USB mic in a soft room is a good start. For a shared space or a mixed room, a dynamic mic is safer. Test the mic in your room before you commit, if the shop allows it.

Clean the recording from any mic

Tunedzy cleans a recording from any mic, so you can start with the setup you have and improve it later.

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Frequently asked questions

Is an expensive mic always better?

No. The room and the distance matter more for most voice recordings.

Do I need a pop filter?

For speech close to the mic, a pop filter or foam cover helps a lot with breath pops.

Can I use a phone instead?

Yes. A phone close to the mouth in a soft room is a sensible start, and cleanup can help.

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