How to Record With a USB Microphone

The short version

Place the mic about a hand’s width from the mouth, slightly off-axis.
Set the gain so the loudest words sit well below full scale.
Use headphones to hear what you record, and check for latency.
Keep the cable away from power cables, to avoid hum.

Position

Put the mic on a stand or arm at the height of your mouth. Speak slightly across the front rather than straight into it, which cuts pops. Keep the distance steady.

Gain

Set the gain in the software or on the mic so the loudest words peak around the middle of the meter. If the level only reaches the bottom of the meter, the recording will be noisy when you raise it later. Record a test and listen back.

Monitoring

Use headphones, not speakers, so the mic does not pick up the sound from your speakers. Some USB mics have a direct monitor; turn it on to hear your voice without delay.

Cable and power

Keep the USB cable away from power cables and chargers. Hum is often a cable running beside a power lead. A short, good-quality cable helps.

Room

A USB mic picks up the room as much as any mic. A soft space with rugs and curtains makes the biggest difference. For a quiet corner on a budget, see the quiet corner guide.

Clean the USB take

Tunedzy cleans a USB mic recording in one pass on your PC. Compare Before and After.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need an audio interface?

Not for a single USB mic. An interface is useful for several mics or for more control of gain.

Why is my USB mic so quiet?

The gain is low, or the mic is far away. Move closer and raise the gain until the loudest words are well below full scale.

Can a USB mic record with other people?

Yes, but each person needs their own mic or a separate recording to stay balanced.

Keep going

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