Учебники по созданию музыки, руководства, статьи

More so that perhaps any other recording studio equipment… Studio monitors  are regarded as possibly the single most important tool for achieving great sound. Which is why top studios will sometimes spend  $10,000 + on the best that money can buy. And while that may be unrealistic for  home studios… Fortunately, you don’t need to spend  that much  to get a great pair of monitors. And to prove it to you, in today’s post I’ve compiled the following list of: The 10 Best Studio Monitors for Home Recording . First up… The criteria for the list When building this list, I decided to set  3 Key Guidelines  to ensure a good mix of monitors:

I’m sure we can all agree, that mic cables aren’t nearly as important as, say… The microphones themselves, or studio monitors,  right ? Of course not. But are they still important? Ask any audio professional that question, and you probably WON’T get a straight answer. Because on one hand they say: A cable is a cable.  It doesn’t really matter. But add up the price of  their  cables, and they’ll most likely cost more than your entire studio. Ask them why they bought  those  cables instead of cheaper ones… And many can’t tell you, because they don’t really know. The truth is… microphone cables  are a topic that most musicians,  both  beginnerand advanced, know surprisingly little about. And newbies get frustrated when they discover how hard it is to simply: sort the good  ones from the bad, and… find the right cable to fit their budget.   So in today’s post, that’s exactly what we’ll cover. Let’s begin.  First up… The Basics Before learning the finer details of mic cables, it helps  a lot  to start with a basic knowledge of studio cables in general. So if you aren’t familiar with common terms like: low impedance/high impedance balanced/unbalanced XLR/TRS Budget vs. Premium Cables Do a quick online search for mic cables, and you find a ton of options ranging from  $5  to  $100  or more. So newbies naturally wonder: How much does a decent cable  REALLY  cost? While everyone has a slightly different answer to this question, standard advicestates: Avoid the cheapest ones  (like the Chinese ones on Ebay).  They break within weeks, if they work at all, and they’re a huge hassle to return.     Unless you have boat-loads of cash, avoid the most-expensive ones  as well. They’re great, but for  most  people…the minor jumps in performance aren’t worth the major jumps in cost.   For  most  studios, I recommend cables between  $25-$50 , because at  that  price, you get an excellent combination of quality, and affordability.  Chances are though, you’ve heard that advice before… But what you probably haven’t heard is: the specific reasons WHY  some  cables outperform  others how those factors contribute to their cost So let’s cover that now, starting with a review of their basic structure… The Anatomy of a Microphone Cable While all cables have their own unique design… The  standard  design consists of 5 main parts: Two Conductors (+/-) Insulation Fillers Shielding Outer Jacket Here’s how they fit together: At the core of the cable are  two copper wire conductors  (+/-), each one wrapped in its own  insulation . The two wires are twisted together, then covered with  filler  to smooth-out warping, and preserve the cable’s roundness. Next comes the  shielding  (usually copper), which protects the conductors from various sources of interference. And finally, the cable is covered with a rubber  outer jacket , to protect it from damage. Now that you know the parts, let’s see how they vary in quality… The 6 Qualities of Premium Cables Read the product description of any high-end mic cable, you’ll probably notice that there’s very little information about WHY  that  cable is better than  others . And that’s mostly because the full explanation is long, boring…and hard-to-understand.  So instead, here’s the  simple version : The 6 KEY factors that contribute to the cost and performance of high-end mic cables are: Strand Count The Lay Shielding Impact Absorption Connector Conductivity Star Quad Cabling Now let’s learn more about each one… 1. Strand Count When you take apart a mic cable, you’ll see that each copper conductor is actually made of many fine strands, rather than just a single wire. By adding  higher strand counts , manufacturers can increase both the flexibilityand durability of their cables.  Which is especially useful with cables that see heavy abuse, such as those for hand-held mics. Of course…the cost of these cables is higher as well. 2. The Lay When you look at the twisting of the two copper conductors, you’ll notice that expensive cables often have more twists than cheaper ones. Cable manufacturers refer to this as  the lay , which is simply a measurement of the distance between each twist.  The more twists…the shorter the lay. By  shortening the lay  on high-end cables, it improves BOTH noise cancellationand flexibility.  But it also means using more wire, with more manufacturing time, ultimately leading to higher costs. 3. Shielding Another thing you’ll notice when dissecting mic cables is that the  shielding  will vary, depending on the cost of the cable.  The 3 most common types of shielding are: braided shielding  – which uses strands of braided copper for superior  strength  and  durability .  Due to its high conductivity, it also has excellent hi-frequency and RFI shielding. serve shielding  – which uses flat copper strands wrapped in a single direction.  While it’s somewhat less-effective at shielding, it offers even greater flexibility than braided shields. foil shielding  – which uses a combination of a foil wrapping and a copper drain wire. It’s less-effective as a shield, and far less-durable, but it’s the standard option for permanent installations and snakes. With high-end cables, braided shields are typically used, and are the most expensive.  Serve shields are the standard with mid-range cables.  And foil shieldsare most common with budget cables. 4. Impact Absorption When a cable hits the stage or gets stepped on, it momentarily compresses, causing a distinct slapping sound, known as the  triboelectric effect …which is big concern with cables that see lots of handling. To solve this problem, high-end stage cables use special material for the insulation, filler, and outer jacket to improve impact absorption. Studio cables on the other hand, which see far less abuse, can work just fine with less-expensive casing. 5. Connector Conductivity To maximize electrical conductivity, manufacturers may coat their connectors with a number of different metals…silver and gold being the most preferred. Some  people say silver is better, because it has a higher conductivity than gold ( when clean ).  However, silver also tarnishes faster than gold, and must be cleaned often to maintain performance… Which is why  most  people prefer gold, despite the fact that it’s more expensive. 6. Star-Quad Cabling The relatively-new technology known as  “star-quad” or “quad” cabling  is getting more and more attention these days, as engineers begin to see its advantages. Using  4 smaller conductors (2+/2-)  compared to the standard 2-conductor design… Quad cabling minimizes the “loop area”, and cuts electromagnetic interference by an impressive 20db as a result.  This makes quad cables especially useful in environments with heavy interference from surrounding equipment. Also, due to technical factors such as lower “phase shift” and reduced “intermodulation distortion“, quad-cabling also offers a better overall sound quality as well. And while average musicians may not hear the difference, many top audio professionals can confirm that the difference  is  there. Up next… The Best Budget Mic Cables Now that you know the difference between cheap and expensive cables…let’s take a look at the best options in each price range. If the ultimate goal is to get the maximum number of cables for the minimumprice…

It doesn’t take long for anyone to realize… Good  microphone stands  don’t get nearly as much credit as they deserve. Because while novices think they’re all the same…experienced musicians know better. If you’ve ever owned a crappy mic stand…then you know how scary it is to dive after your $1000 condenser mic just before it hits the floor.. The truth is…quality mic stands are one of the best investments you can make for any studio or live rig.

It’s a simple tool, with a simple job. It blocks those ugly “plosives” and keeps singers from spitting all over your vocal mic. And that’s it. So naturally you assume that all  pop filters are the same, right? But are they  really ? Well in today’s post, where I examine and compare  7 of the best pop filters  on the market…

As a home recording musician, you’re always on that  never-ending  search for better sound. You buy all the latest plugins. You own the ridiculously over-priced studio monitors and condenser mics. You read every book, and memorize every tip on how to make your mixes sound just like the pros. Except your mixes DON’T sound just like the pros…do they?

Take a look at any online music superstore, and what do you see? Thousands upon thousands of microphones. But do you really need that many for a simple home recording studio? Of course not. !--CUT--> However, if you don’t at least know: the different types  of mics, the instruments  they record, the top brands  in the industry… How on Earth will you ever sort through the endless assortment of microphones you  DON’T  need… To find the few you actually  DO  need? The answer is…you won’t.  And you’ll make some pretty dumb purchases, and waste a lot of time and money in the process. So to spare you the headaches that so many of us newbies go through in the beginning… I’ve compiled the following comprehensive guide which outlines everything beginners should know to choose the  right  microphones for their home studio. Sound good? Then let’s begin. First up… The 2 “Umbrella” Categories One of the first things we all learn… Is that the two “ umbrella ” categories of studio microphones are: Condenser Mics Dynamic Mics 95% of all the mics you will ever use… Will fit into 1 of these 2 categories.  That part’s simple. The harder part is understanding the  8 KEY WAYS  in which they compare. So let’s cover them now.  Starting with… 1. Frequency Response The  Beginner’s Rule of Thumb  states: Condenser mics  work better on high frequency instruments…such as: acoustic guitar cymbals piano And  dynamic mics  work better on low-mid frequency instruments…such as: drums electric guitar cabs While the truth of the matter is far more complex, it’s a good rule to start with. 2. Diaphragm Size and Weight The reason condenser mics work better with high frequencies is… They use a smaller, lighter diaphragm to capture sound. Since  high frequencies  contain LESS energy than  low frequencies , they don’t have as much power to move  mass . That is why the heavier diaphragms of dynamic mics are far less responsive to them. 3. Internal Circuitry The upside of a heavier diaphragm is… The larger mass generates enough voltage through movement, to eliminate the need for an external power source.  That is why dynamic mics are known as “ passive “. Condenser mics however, which are “ active “, require “ phantom power ” to amplify the weaker voltage. But this is by no means a disadvantage. With phantom power, condenser mics can achieve  higher gain , and  record softer  sounds . 4. Diaphragm Durability Unfortunately, the lighter diaphragms in condenser mics are also  more fragile . At higher  Sound Pressure Levels  (SPL), they can potentially be damaged. That is why the stronger diaphragms of dynamic mics are better for  louder instruments  like drums. 5. General Durability Not only are their diaphragms stronger…the  overall design  of dynamic mics is stronger as well. Drop a dynamic mic on the ground, and it will likely survive.  Drop a condenser mic on the ground, and your chances aren’t nearly as good. That’s one reason dynamic mics are great  on-stage . 6. Resistance to Moisture Another reason  dynamic mics are great on-stage is… They’re highly resistant to environmental changes such as humidity. Condenser mics however, can suffer performance problems under extreme humidity changes. 7. Gain before Feedback A  third reason  dynamic mics are great on-stage is… They allow for  higher gain before feedback . In live environments, where many microphones record many sounds in close proximity…. feedback  is a common problem. But since dynamic mics are generally “less-sensitive” than condenser mics, they’re also better at resisting feedback. 8. Price Tag When comparing the best dynamic mics to the best condenser mics… Dynamic mics max out at a mere $400-$500 a piece.  However… Condenser mics can cost as much as $5-10 grand EACH. While that might seem terrifying to some… Don’t worry, because there are plenty of affordable options as well for budget studios. Up next… Which is Better for Studio Recording? Many beginners INCORRECTLY conclude that  condenser mics  are somehow “better” than  dynamic mics  for studio recording. And from what we’ve covered so far, it’s not hard to see why. But the truth is…NEITHER mic is better overall…and NO mic on the planet is good for EVERYTHING. That is why, more than just these two umbrella categories…. Recording studios use a WIDE range of mics, each one tailored for specific tasks. In this next section, we’ll cover each of them in more detail… The 9 Sub-categories of Mics Here are the 9 sub-categories of microphones you should know: Large Diaphragm Condenser Mics Small Diaphragm Condenser Mics Dynamic Mics  Bass Mics Ribbon Mics Multi-Pattern Mics USB Mics Boundary Mics Shotgun Mics Now here’s a little more on each one.  Starting with… 1. Large Diaphragm Condenser Mics You’ve seen them countless times in movies and television. You know that cliche scenario?… With the young beautiful pop star recording her debut album in the studio? Well the microphone you see is ALWAYS a large diaphragm condenser. Because not only does it look great on camera…It’s also the  standard mic for recording vocals . And since it sounds great on many other instruments as well… It’s usually the first microphone on a new studio’s shopping list. In this post I show you which ones I recommend: The Ultimate Guide to Condenser Microphones for Home Recording Classic Example : Rode NT1A  – ( Amazon / B&H / GuitarC / MusiciansF / Thomann ) Next up… 2. Small Diaphragm Condenser Mics Also commonly known as a “pencil microphone“… The  small diaphragm condenser mic  specializes in recording instruments rich in high frequency detail, such as cymbals and acoustic guitar. Just as  large diaphragm condensers  use smaller diaphragms than  dynamic mics … Small diaphragm condensers use diaphragms that are  even smaller . The result is a microphone that is the best in the world at capturing that beautiful high-end shimmer. In home studios, they’re perfect for singer/songwriters. If you sing and play acoustic guitar, a pair of small diaphragm condensers provides the perfect companion for your vocal mic. Here are the ones I recommend: The Ultimate Guide to Condenser Microphones for Home Recording Classic Example : Shure SM81  – ( Amazon / B&H / GuitarC / MusiciansF / Thomann ) Next up… 3. Dynamic “Utility” Mics While  dynamic utility mics  is not an “official” category of microphones… For this article, let’s pretend it is. Because among the many dynamic mics which specialize in one specific task… There are a select few, recognized as “ the classics “, which are SO versatile, they work on almost anything. For example, they’re among the  industry standards  for recording: electric guitar drums rock vocals That is why…pro studios typically carry a dozen or more of these mics in their locker. For home studios, any one of them would be a great addition to a modest mic collection. Classic Example : Sennheiser MD421  – ( Amazon / B&H / GuitarC / MusiciansF / Thomann ) Up next… 4. Bass Mics While your average dynamic mic does okay on bass instruments… To capture that REALLY low end… Most engineers prefer a specific kind of mic designed for just that purpose. Commonly known as either a  bass mic , or  kick drum mic … These mics feature a unique frequency response characterized by: a low end boost a small scoop in the mids and a presence boost around 4k On  kick drums , they capture both the low end thump, as well as the attack of the beater. They also work well on  bass cabinets , and just about any other low frequency instrument imaginable. In a home studio, it’s always smart to  keep at least one  around, for obvious reasons. Classic Example : AKG D112  – ( Amazon / B&H / GuitarC / MusiciansF / Thomann ) Next up… 5. Multi-Pattern Mics Normally seen in the form of a large diaphragm condenser… Multi-pattern mics  feature a unique dual-capsule design… Which allows you to switch between the  3 common polar patterns : Cardioid Omnidirectional Figure-8 This makes them highly versatile tools, especially for  stereo recording . While NOT a high priority for beginners… The sooner you get familiar with multi-pattern mics, microphone polar patterns, and stereo recording, the quicker your recordings will improve. Classic Example : sE 2200a II  – ( Amazon / GuitarC / MusiciansF / Thomann ) Once that happens… You’ll make frequent use of  this next mic  as well: 6. Ribbon Mics Of all the microphones on this list,  ribbon mics  are the ONLY ones that are neither dynamic nor condenser They get their OWN special category because: Rather than using a diaphragm, they use a  thin aluminum ribbon  to capture sound. Other notable features of these mics include: Durability comparable to dynamic mics High-frequency sensitivity comparable to condenser mics A standard figure-8 polar pattern While highly-prized by professionals for their unique sound…their high cost makes them rare in home studios. Classic Example : Royer 121  – ( Amazon / B&H / GuitarC / MusiciansF / Thomann ) Up next… 7. USB Mics You won’t see them in pro studios…and until around 2005, they didn’t even exist. But with the recent rise of  bedroom studios , and  podcasting … USB mics  are NOW more popular than ever. Compared to standard mics which require preamps, interfaces, etc… USB mics plug straight into your laptop, no other gear required.  And some even work with tablets! This  ease-of-use  makes them ideal for anyone looking to dabble in home recording…without investing in a “real” studio. Classic Example : Rode NT USB  – ( Amazon / B&H / GuitarC / MusiciansF / Thomann ) Moving on… 8. Boundary Mics You rarely see them used in home studios… And some studio owners have never even heard of them. But to many professionals,  boundary mics  (aka PZM mics) are essential tools in their recording arsenal. Here’s how they work: Rather than using a mic stand, boundary mics mount against a flat surface in the room, such as the floor or wall. While other mics suffer from  comb filtering , (when direct and reflected sound combines out-of-phase)… Boundary mics are  immune …because up against a wall, the two automatically align. Outside the studio , they’re used in: Conference rooms  – by laying it on the table Theatre performances  – by laying it on the stage Inside the studio , they’re used as: Room mics  – by mounting it on the wall Kick drum mics  – by laying it within the shell Once you already own a solid mic collection, I highly recommend you check one out. Classic Example : Shure Beta 91A  – ( Amazon / B&H / GuitarC / MusiciansF / Thomann ) Last on the list… 9. Shotgun Mics While not commonly used in the recording studio… Shotguns mics  are seen so often in movies and tv, people often wonder what they’re for. Normally used for outdoor tasks such as news reporting and wildlife documentation… These mics are known for their unique ability to isolate sound. They do so, using a design known as an  interference tube , which features a series of slots designed to reject off-axis noise.  The longer the tube, the narrower the pickup angle. Using these mics, you can record  further  from the sound source, in much  noisier environments . And while advanced sound engineers might use them in the studio occasionally, most of us never will. But at least now, you know what they are. Classic Example : Rode NTG  – ( Amazon / B&H / GuitarC / MusiciansF / Thomann ) Up next… Microphones by PURPOSE Now that we’ve covered the 9 TYPES of studio microphones… Let’s examine things from a different angle, and order them by PURPOSE, to see which mics work best on which instruments. First up, the most popular musical “instrument” in all of human history… 1. Vocals Whenever someone starts a new home recording studio… The first question they always ask about microphones is… What’s the best mic for recording vocals? Which of course is no surprise.  The only problem is… No there’s no single answer to this question which is right for everyone. Classic Example : Rode NT1A  – ( Amazon / B&H / GuitarC / MusiciansF / Thomann ) Up next… 2. Acoustic Guitar The next most common instrument recorded in home studios is of course… The acoustic guitar. Because…combined with vocals, this one instrument alone can occupy the role of an entire back-up band. Which is quite handy in a studio with limited resources. However… This benefit comes at a cost, because the acoustic guitar is also one of the most complex sound sources you can record. Classic Example : Shure SM81  – ( Amazon / B&H / GuitarC / MusiciansF / Thomann ) Up next… 3. Electric Guitar With most musical instruments… What you’ll notice is that the top recommended mics for that instrument tend to fall into the same “category”. However…not so with electric guitars. Because when you look at the top microphones  ever  for recording this instrument… You’ll see…some dynamic mics, some condenser mics, and some ribbon mics. Of course we’re not talking about just any old mics.  Because they all fall within a very exclusive list of long-time classics. Classic Example : Sennheiser e609  – ( Amazon / B&H / GuitarC / MusiciansF / Thomann ) Up next… 4. Drums More than any other instrument… Acoustic drums are by far the most complex instrument to record… Especially in a typical home studio where resources are limited. Which is why in most cases, home studio engineers will instead opt for an easier, yet less-ideal solution… Such as virtual instrument drums or electronic drums. However, if you want to record acoustic drums at home, it  can  be done.  And it all starts with getting the right selection of mics for the various parts of the kit. Classic Example : Shure SM57  – ( Amazon / B&H / GuitarC / MusiciansF / Thomann ) Up next… 5. Bass/Kick Drums As we covered earlier in this post… There is one category of mics that is dedicated solely to “low-frequency” instruments. Commonly known as “kick drum mics”, they can be used not only on the kick drum, but also on bass cabinets, and most other bass-heavy instruments. While the list of microphones in this category is quite short… The good news is: they’re all pretty cheap, and they’re all capable of professional results. Classic Example : AKG D112  – ( Amazon / B&H / GuitarC / MusiciansF / Thomann )

 Guide to Condenser Microphones for Home Recording When you’re starting a home studio… And you know absolutely zero about music recording… The ONE piece of equipment that you’re  still  likely to recognize is of course… The  condenser microphone . Which is why one of the first things you’re likely to ask is… Which condenser mic should I buy?

While condenser microphones might some how seem sexier to the average newbie… As any engineer will tell you… A good assortment of dynamic mics is the  foundation  of any mic collection. But among the hundreds of models to choose from… There are a select few… that every pro studio  HAS and every home studio  SHOULD HAVE Because they have proven their worth, time and again, for many decades now. And so…

Feeling tired of the same old condenser mics? It happens to us all eventually. The romance we once had with our mic collection grows tiresome… And we want nothing more than a new toy to spice things up. Well as any engineer will tell you… A shiny new ribbon mic could be just the answer you’ve been looking for. To help you choose one, in this post I share with you my list of: The 7 Absolute Best Ribbon Mics for Home Recording .

While they started out as just a gimmick… There’s no doubt that today,  USB microphones  are more popular than ever. With home studios, podcasters, Youtubers, and many others… They have become standard tools of the trade. And while they aren’t quite at the level of professional recording microphones  yet … !--CUT--> They get closer and closer with each passing day. So if you’re looking to add one to  your  setup… In today’s post we will look at the top USB mics of 2018 to see exactly how they compare. First up… 1. Blue Snowball Even if you’ve never owned a single microphone before… Odds are you  still  know the  Blue Snowball …because the damn thing is everywhere. For pretty much any type of vocal recording, whether it be podcasting, voiceovers, Youtubing, or Skype calls… The Snowball is one of the standard go-to mics that everyone has at least considered at some point. So why is this mic so popular? Well it looks cool, it’s super easy to use, it doesn’t take up much space, and it sounds great.  So what more could you really ask for? Anyways, check it out: Click to see current price  – ( Amazon / B&H / GuitarC / MusicianF / Thomann ) NOTE : The regular blue snowball has a dual capsule that allows for both cardioid and omni polar patterns.  If you don’t need an omni polar pattern, or don’t even know what a polar pattern is… The  Snowball ice  – ( Amazon / B&H ) is a cheaper alternative to check out instead. You might also like to know that the  Samson Meteor  – ( Amazon / B&H / GuitarC / Thomann ) is another great alternative to check out as well. Up next… 2. Blue Snowflake While the Blue Snowball is pretty darn perfect for desktop recording… For mobile recording, you’ll probably want something a little smaller instead. So for this purpose, Blue Microphones went ahead and created the  Blue Snowflake . As you can see, it has a unique casing that unfolds into either a desktop stand, or a laptop clip, as needed. Inside the casing, it holds the USB cable as well, so everything you need can literally be carried around in your pocket. Pretty cool huh?  Check it out: Click to see current price  – ( Amazon / B&H ) And for a few similar options, check out these as well: Samson Meteorite  – ( Amazon / B&H / Thomann ) Samson Go  – ( Amazon / B&H / Thomann ) Up next… 3. CAD U37 By all outward appearances, the  CAD u37  is the first mic we’ve covered so far that actually  looks  like a “ real ” studio microphone. But is it? Because as any recording geek will tell you…CAD is  not  a brand well-known for their quality microphones. And personally, when I first saw it, I was highly skeptical. Not only does it look kinda cheap…the price is so low, it’s hard to imagine this thing could possibly be good. However… Every once in a while, you find a piece of gear that really  shouldn’t  be good by all outward appearances…yet it somehow  is  good.  And the CAD U37 is the perfect example. But don’t take my word for it…just check out the insane number of positive reviews: CAD U37  – ( Amazon / B&H ) NOTE: For a similar mic at a slightly higher price point, also check out the   Audio Technica ATR2500  – ( Amazon / B&H ). Up next… 4. Floreon BM 800 Remember how I said in the beginning of this post that USB microphone technology is constantly improving? Well the  Floreon BM 800  is the perfect example of this fact. And it’s not because of any one unique feature it has that’s missing in some of the older models. It’s because of the  PRICE . Just like with computers and most other tech gadgets, as quality goes up, price also goes down. And if you thought the CAD U37 was cheap, you’ll be amazed when you find out how much the Floreon BM800 costs. Check it out: Floreon BM 800  – ( Amazon ) And for a similar well-reviewed mic in this same price range, you can also check out: Fifine USB Mic  – ( Amazon ) Up next… 5. Apogee Mic 96k These days, as audio recording becomes increasingly “mobile”… It’s now possible to make recordings with less equipment than ever before. In fact, you don’t even need a computer anymore!  Because you can just record straight into your tablet or smartphone. Of course, to do this, you’ll need a special type of microphone. And among the current options, none is more time-tested and highly-reviewed than the  Apogee Mic 96k . While most USB mics record digital audio at 16bit-44.1kHz, this one records at  24-bit/96kHz … Which is a higher resolution than even some pro studios will use. Not too bad, huh?  Check it out: Click to compare prices  – ( Amazon / B&H / GuitarC / MusiciansF / Thomann ) Up next… 6. Rode Podcaster Ever noticed that for some reason, 95% of USB mics are condensers? And it’s actually surprising when you think about it… Because 95% of people who use USB mics have minimal home studio setups, with little-to-no acoustic treatment. And as any sound guy will tell you…without acoustic treatment, it’s MUCH easier to get good sound from dynamic mics than condensers. Among the dynamic USB mic currently on the market, the one I recommend most is the  Rode Podcaster . Check it out: Click to compare prices  – ( Amazon / B&H / GuitarC / MusiciansF / Thomann ) And besides just being an overall great mic, it’s also the first mic on the list that includes a built-in  zero-latency headphone jack . If you’re unfamiliar with this KEY feature, let me explain… When recording into a microphone, you ideally want to hear yourself in real-time through a set of headphones. The problem is…with any USB mic, there’s a  time delay  that occurs when the audio signal is converted from analog to digital, on its way into your computer. And you can  actually hear  this time delay through your headphones!  As you might imagine…it’s pretty much impossible to record this way. But the built-in headphone jack of the Rode Podcaster solves this problem by sending the audio straight from the mic to your headphones, eliminating the delay. And if you intend to use your USB mic for any type of  music  recording, this feature is a  MUST-HAVE . NOTE : All microphones on the list from this point forward also have this headphone jack feature. Moving on… 7. Audio Technica ATR2100 When I first heard about the  Audio Technica ATR2100 , I was a bit confused… On the surface, it looks like your average cardioid dynamichandheld  vocal mic  for live performing. And it is in fact  all  of those things. But you might be wondering (as I was)… How would a USB mic be used for live performing?  Isn’t it used for recording on the computer? Well the answer is… this one  is actually designed for BOTH.  Because it has both USB and XLR inputs, it works either in the studio, or on-stage. And as you can see from the reviews, it does both jobs pretty damn well.  Check it out: Click to see current price  – ( Amazon / B&H ) Up next… 8. Blue Spark Digital Lightning Based off the original, and highly successful Blue Microphones Spark… The  Spark Digital Lightning  combines the sound quality of a  proven  studio microphone… With the convenience of USB connectivity. PLUS…there’s the one feature that makes this mic unlike any other: the  Focus Button . Here’s how it works: On the back, there’s a toggle that allows you to switch between normal mode, and focus mode. Without getting too technical, this button works by altering the “ voltage loading ” of the mic capsule, which changes  both  the frequency and transient response…effectively resulting in two completely different tonalities. While  normal mode  is well suited for general purpose recording,  focus mode  works particularly well on vocals. Some say it instantly brings any vocal track more forward in a mix.  Others say it makes vocals sound great even in rooms with no acoustic treatment. Sound interesting?  Check it out: Click to compare prices  – ( Amazon / B&H / GuitarC / Thomann ) Up next… 9. Blue Microphones Yeti For simple voice recording, any of the previous mics we’ve covered so far should work just fine. But for music recording, you definitely need something more… Especially when it comes to recording instruments such as  acoustic guitar  for example. In a recording studio, instruments such as this one are normally recorded in stereo, with two mics configured in a variety of arrangements. The problem is…you can’t do this with one USB mic, unless of course that mic is the  Blue Microphones YETI . Here’s why: Inside the Yeti, there is a unique  Tri-Capsule Array  that allows you to record in STEREO, as well as the 3 standard polar patterns: Cardioid Figure-8 Omnidirectional I think it’s fair to say, there is no USB mic more versatile than this one.  If you plan to use just a single USB mic to record all the music in your studio, I highly recommend the YETI above every other mic on this list. And if you like the Yeti, but prefer to use it in a more “traditional” studio with an audio interface, check out the YETI Pro, which has both USB and XLR inputs. Here they both are: Yeti  – ( Amazon / B&H / GuitarC / MusiciansF / Thomann ) Yeti Pro  – ( Amazon / B&H / GuitarC / MusiciansF / Thomann ) Up next… 10. Rode NT USB Now as you may have noticed from this list… USB mics tend to be a little “gimmicky”. They always seem to have at least one weird feature that no other mic has. And don’t get me wrong…that’s awesome. But what if you don’t want any gimmicks? What if all you want is the quality of a studio microphone, with the convenience of a USB connector? Well…that’s exactly what you get with the  Rode NT USB . The one  great  ( not gimmicky ) feature worth mentioning is the  mix control  for the headphone jack. With the simple turn of a knob, you can fine tune the balance between the live and backing tracks to exactly what you want. Surprisingly, not all mics have this feature…but  this one  does.  Check it out: Click to compare prices  – ( Amazon / B&H / GuitarC / MusiciansF / Thomann ) NOTE: For a comparable mic in the same price range that also offers mix control, also check out the   Audio Technica AT2020+  ( Amazon / B&H / GuitarC / MusiciansF / Thomann ).