What USB Condenser Microphone Should I Use?
Most of you already know that I’m going to be starting a podcast over the Christmas Holidays. I gave this a first attempt during the month of November but didn’t have the equipment necessary to create a quality show. Now I’ve got everything i need except a microphone (Which I’d prefer to be a USB microphone). I’ve narrowed it down to four, and now I’m asking you for your opinion. Below I’ve got a description of the 4 brilliant mics and some quick thoughts that I’ve chosen. Then at the end of the post i ask you to comment your opinion on which one presents the best quality. If you have one of the 4 Mics, also feel free to post your review as a comment. If you have any recommendations of Microphones that i haven’t posted below please feel free to email me.
Note: All the information below is directly from the Manufacturer’s website. I’ve linked to their websites in the title of each Mic.
C03U - Multi-Pattern USB Studio Condenser Microphone by Samson.
Plugs in directly to any computer with a USB interface
Switchable Supercardioid, Omni, and Figure-8 Pickup Patterns
High Quality A/D Converter with 16-Bit, 48kHz Sampling Rate
Dual Large 19mm Diaphragm Elements
Switchable High-Pass Filter and 10 dB Pad
Smooth, Flat Frequency Response
USB cable and carry pouch included
Snowball Microphone by Blue
The Snowball is a direct plug n’ play mic that connects to either a Mac or PC — no additional software is needed. With its dual capsule design and unique three-pattern switch (cardioid, cardioid with -10dB pad and omni), the Snowball can handle everything from soft vocals to the loudest garage band” and it’s ideal for podcasting. Check it out and you’ll see why it’s the coolest mic in town.
Technical Specs
| Transducer Type: | Condenser, Pressure Gradient w/USB Digital Output |
| Polar Pattern: | Omnidirectional or Cardioid |
| Frequency Response: | Position 1-3: 40-18kHz |
| Sample/Word Rate: | 44.1 kHz/16 bit |
| Weight: | 460g |
| Dimensions: | 325mm (circumference) |
C01U – USB Studio Condenser Microphone by Samson
Industry’s first USB Studio Condenser mic
Plugs in directly to any computer with a USB input
Cardioid Pickup Pattern
Large 19mm Diaphragm
Heavy Gauge Mesh Grill
Smooth, Flat Frequency Response
USB connection cable included
Perfect microphone for Podcasters as well as Musicians
Specs:
16-bit sample resolution
Supports 8 kHz, 11.025 kHz, 22.05 kHz, 44.1 kHz, and 48 kHz sampling rates
USB low-power device – draws 26 mA => 130 mW. In suspend mode 0.3 mA => 1.5 mW.
Frequency response: 40 Hz to 18 kHz
AT2020 Condenser Microphone by Audio Technica.
| ELEMENT | Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser |
| POLAR PATTERN | Cardioid |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 20-16,000 Hz |
| POWER REQUIREMENTS | USB Power (5V DC) |
| WEIGHT | 13.2 oz (374 g) |
| DIMENSIONS | 6.38″ (162.0 mm) long, 2.05″ (52.0 mm) maximum body diameter |
| OUTPUT CONNECTOR | USB-type |
| ACCESSORIES FURNISHED | Pivoting stand mount for 5/8″-27 threaded stands; 5/8″-27 to 3/8″-16 threaded adapter; soft protective pouch; tripod desk stand; 10′ (3.1 m) USB cable |
[...] in hardware, podcast, review on Jan.13, 2009 A few weeks ago I told everyone that I would be finally replacing my tacky old desktop microphone that couldn’t produce a [...]
Hello,
These are the same 4 microphones I am contemplating over getting to do podcasting and oral history recording of family members and friends. Does anyone know where you can find audio samples comparing the blue mic, with the samson mic, and the AT2020?
Thanks,
jen