The Best USB Mics for Voice-over

Not long ago, creating a successful career as a voice artist meant spec’ing out a home studio and filling it with several key pieces of costly audio gear, including a mic, preamp, interface, processing, etc. Today, all you really need to get started is a USB microphone and the gift of gab.
Modern USB mics have made it easier than ever to take your voice to the ears and hearts of your listeners by doing all the heavy lifting — conversion, interfacing, and many times, processing — for you. And with some, getting a great sound truly is as easy as plugging it in and hitting record. Sweetwater takes a look at some extraordinary USB mics that we feel possess the voice-tailored features to give today’s artist a competitive sonic edge in this crowded market.
Why Choose USB Mics for Voice-over Work?
Before we move on, let’s take a look at what USB voice-over mics are all about, and why they’re causing many of our customers to forego their more costly interfaces.

Convenience — Ever wanted to capture an idea or lay down some tracks without the setup hassle? USB voice-over mics are perfect for this. Simple USB interfacing and CD-quality-or-better conversion mean there are no external interfaces to bring into the mix. Just plug and go.
Sound quality — Make no mistake: some USB voice-over mics sound really good, even by pro standards!
Portability — With no audio interface to lug around and many of the below options including travel cases, USB voice-over mics are perfect for mobile recording. Many times, your smartphone and a pocket-sized mic are all you need.
Compatibility — Smartphones and tablets being the powerhouses they are, it’s only reasonable that today’s voice-over artist would want to capture uncompressed hi-fi audio directly onto their mobile device. It’s here where many USB voice-over mics shine. Many are plug-and-play compatible with iOS and Android devices.
Cost — Many USB voice-over mics will set you back far less than buying a mic and interface separately. This makes them the perfect solution for any artist who’s just getting started.

Our Top USB Voice-over Mic Picks
Apogee HypeMic
Onboard compression delivers big radio presence

Class-leading conversion and size-defying performance are par for the course with Apogee’s MiC series of small USB microphones. What we love about the HypeMic is its voice-maximizing internal analog compressor circuit. Now you can get that sought-after radio broadcaster bass without ever touching a plug-in. The HypeMic’s compressor is also effective at eliminating overs and thereby maximizing audio levels before clipping. The 24-bit/96kHz PureDIGITAL connection interfaces seamlessly with your laptop or mobile device. And thanks to the included tabletop tripod, mini pop filter, and carrying case, you’ve got all you need to achieve pro results at home or on the road.
What else is cool? Natural-sounding cardioid voice pickup, black-and-copper color scheme, front panel controls, direct headphone monitoring, Mac/PC/iOS compatibility

Audio-Technica AT2020USB+
A proven studio condenser, now with interface-free USB connectivity

Thousands of aspiring voice-over artists have gotten their start in digital recording using the original AT2020. In fact, just on our site alone, you’ll find dozens of satisfied customers singing its praises. Here’s why: the AT2020’s airy top end and quiet performance make it a power-packed and affordable self-contained VO solution. Today’s USB version of the AT2020, the AT2020USB+, is even sweeter. Its rock-solid 16-bit/48kHz audio conversion delivers the AT2020’s lauded audio performance directly into your laptop or iOS device — no audio interface required. A generous accessories package comprised of a desk stand, a 10′ cable, and a storage pouch makes the AT2020USB+ an irresistible deal for any artist who needs full-range voice reproduction on the cheap.
What else is cool? Classic studio mic design, low self-noise, direct-monitoring headphone jack with mix control, front-facing controls, clean cardioid pickup

Blue Microphones Yeti Pro Studio
A complete USB/XLR recording solution with software and templates

One of the VO community’s most celebrated USB mics is also one of its oldest. The Yeti Pro Studio — now two generations beyond the venerable original Yeti — is a complete multitrack recording solution in a convenient USB delivery system. From acoustic guitar and bass to speech and vocals, this mic’s 20Hz–20kHz full-range pickup, four switchable polar patterns, and breathtaking 24-bit/192kHz resolution make it a standout option for all recording needs. Did we mention it’s also a stereo mic? That’s great for recording multiple VO personalities and lending realism to musicians with instruments. We really like the Yeti Pro Studio’s mature speech pickup for voice-over work. An included software suite with PreSonus’s Studio One Artist DAW and iZotope’s preset-packed Ozone Elements gives you additional freedom to trim and join VO clips and clean up unwanted noise from not-so-ideal recording environments.
What else is cool? Quick-start recording templates, USB or XLR recording capability, weighted monopod stand, direct monitoring control, front mute switch, stereo and figure-8 polar patterns

RODE Podcaster
Brings Procaster sound to the mobile VO studio

If the RODE Podcaster’s ported steel housing and front-address design call to mind a certain iconic broadcast mic from the late ’60s, it’s no accident. The Podcaster brings the voice-tailored speech pickup and ultra-low noise of its cousin, the Procaster, to mobile recording rigs everywhere. This large-diaphragm USB dynamic mic blends serious audio performance with plug-and-play convenience. We at Sweetwater have found the integrated pop filter to be effective at neutralizing “p” pops before they can ruin a take. Excellent rejection from the rear of the mic makes the Podcaster a good USB solution for combating unwanted room reflections. This hefty mic does not include a tabletop stand, so be sure to pick one up. A swivel stand adapter and matching white USB cable are included.
What else is cool? Executive nickel-on-white steel housing, large 1.1″ diaphragm, high-quality 24-bit/96kHz resolution, graduated LED volume indicator ring, direct-monitor headphone jack

Samson G-Track Pro
2-in/2-out USB audio interface with integrated mic

Samson has really shaped the market with its cost-effective USB mics. The G-Track Pro ushers in a new era of recording quality and convenience for the budget-minded voice artist. The G-Track Pro isn’t merely a mic, but more accurately, a full-fledged USB audio interface tucked inside the body of a full-range (50Hz–20kHz) recording condenser. Three switchable polar patterns, a master mute, and mono/2-track recording options equip the G-Track Pro to be the centerpiece of your mobile VO studio. And unlike other options on our list, the G-Track Pro gives you a 1/4″ TS input for capturing guitar, bass, or keyboard live as you track vocals, making it a great option for music makers to boot.
What else is cool? Sleek gray/black housing, zero-latency direct monitoring plus USB mix control, master mute switch, easy plug-and-play operation, integrated stand base

Shure MOTIV MV51
5 recording modes plus stand-free kickback performance

Our list wouldn’t be complete without a MOTIV mic from Shure — the company responsible for such voice-over classics as the SM7B and KSM42. The MOTIV collection of mobile condenser mics brings pro-grade recording to virtually any phone or laptop on the market. Of these mics, our favorite would have to be the MV51. From its stand-less kickback tabletop operation to a ’55-inspired steel grille that Elvis would feel right at home in front of, this system is the height of mobile recording luxury. Not only is it compatible with Mac, PC, iOS, and Android devices, but its app-driven operation and five switchable recording modes make setup light and easy, even for beginners. Stand-mounted in your home studio, it’s perfect for voice-over work for your commercial clients. On the go, it’s well equipped to capture song ideas, podcasts, and live streams.
What else is cool? Large 1″ condenser capsule, 24-bit/48kHz mobile recording directly onto your phone, DSP presets for music and voice-over, low-latency real-time monitoring, included USB-USB and USB-Lightning cables

If you’re a voice-over artist who doesn’t have a USB mic, we hope this list has opened your eyes to their potential. For portability, budget, and convenience, they certainly meet a need that traditional studio mics can’t. If you have questions about any of these products or others on our site, contact your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700.

If you want to hear the sound quality of several of these mics in action, take a listen to the sound samples in our USB Mic Shootout.

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