Computer Microphones - How to Choose and Recommended Models

Recently, I caught a cold and thought it was definitely COVID-19, but I tested negative.
However, I was concerned because my boss at the nearby desk was about to go on a honeymoon, and I didn’t want to give him a cold. Fortunately, it seems he went on the honeymoon in good health.
That’s a relief!

During my fourth year of university, COVID-19 began to spread widely. At that time, all classes went online and the Sound House’s job interview was also online. Even after joining the company, I experienced various online meetings.
As remote interactions increased in society, they have now become quite common.
This led to a surge in interest in computer microphones, and they quickly became popular products.
In this article, I’ll introduce how to choose a computer microphone and recommend some models for those considering purchasing one.

What is a Computer Microphone?

n this article, let me define a computer microphone as a microphone that can connect directly to a computer.
While many traditional microphones use XLR connectors, they cannot connect directly to a computer. It is possible to use an XLR microphone with converters, but I believe my colleague wrote about that somewhere, so let me skip it here lol.

Now, let’s dive into how to choose a computer microphone.

① Choose by Connector Type

• USB Type-A
• USB Type-C
• 3.5mm Mini Plug
• Wireless (Bluetooth)

These four types are common.
However, the 3.5mm mini plug can be somewhat complicated. There are two types: 3-pole and 4-pole. The 3-pole type separates the headphone and microphone into different jacks, while the 4-pole type combines both into a single connector.
Be sure to check what type of connector your computer supports before making a purchase.

② Choose by Form Factor

Stand Type

Comes with a stand and can be placed on a desk.

Gooseneck Type

Uses a gooseneck mechanism for flexible adjustment of the microphone angle while being placed on a desk.

Headset

Combines headphones and a microphone into one unit.

Clip-on Type

Clips to your chest and is often compact and lightweight.

There are also boundary microphones suitable for meetings with multiple people, but this article focuses on those for personal use.

For more on boundary microphones, please read the following article.

⇒ [For Beginners] Introduction to Boundary Microphones!

Basically, I recommend that you narrow down your search based on the two key points above, and choose the one that best suits your tastes.

Now, let me recommend microphones based on application.

MXL / AC-400 Gooseneck USB Microphone

This is a simple USB gooseneck microphone.

Many gooseneck microphones you can find at Sound House are compact to avoid taking up too much desk space.
However, with a smaller size, the distance to your mouth can sometimes be too far, resulting in a slight ‘airiness’ in the sound.

However, this model has an ideal gooseneck length and a small base, and captures the voice really well.
It also has a small base while having a gooseneck that is long enough! Additionally, the base includes a mute switch and a headphone jack, offering excellent functionality.

The AC-400 is recommended for online meetings.
It’s perfect for call use since you won’t hear your own voice can’t be heard from headphones.

BOYA / BY-M3 High-Quality Lavalier Microphone (USB Type-C)

The BY-M3 is a clip-on lapel microphone with USB Type-C connection, ideal for Mac users.
It features high resolution with 16bit/48KHz and a clear sound quality.
It’s a lapel microphone, so you might imagine a wireless mic, but this one is wired. While wired mics can sometimes seem restrictive, this one has a 6-meter cable, offering considerable freedom of movement. Since it’s wired, the audio remains stable.

This microphone is recommended for voice chatting, game streaming, and presentations.
It’s easy to move around and use hand gestures, and the clip can securely fix the microphone to your chest, ensuring it stays in place no matter how much you move.

CLASSIC PRO / CPH700BK High-Quality Portable Headset with Microphone (4-Pole 3.5mm)

This is a lightweight and compact 4-pole headset microphone.
Despite its budget-friendly price of around 1,000 yen, it delivers excellent sound quality, showcasing CLASSIC PRO’s surprising price for its quality. The microphone features a boom arm for precise positioning and includes a volume control on the cable for easy adjustment.

It is recommended for online meetings and game streaming.
This headset handles both headphones and microphone functions in one device. It’s a popular choice for online meetings at Sound House and is favored by our staff members who seek for good sound quality.

AKG / LYRA USB Microphone

The LYRA USB microphone from the popular audio brand AKG.
It comes with a desktop stand, so you can use it by placing it on the desk.
The sound quality is excellent and the LYRA is compatible with both computers and iPhone/Android smartphones, making it a perfect choice for a number of users.

It features four microphone capsules.

	FRONTMode	FRONT & BACKMode	TIGHT STEREOMode	WIDE STEREOMode
Pickup Range	Captures sound from the front	Captures sound from all directions	Captures natural stereo sound	Captures a wide range of sound from left to right
Recommended for	Vocals, streaming, game streaming, online meeting, etc.	Interviews, multi-person recording, game streaming, etc.	Video recording, video streaming, online class, etc.	Ensemble, ambient recording, etc.

The microphone allows switching between these four modes. It is highly versatile, suitable for home recording, streaming, online meetings, and interviews... Essentially, it can handle just about anything!

How was it?
In this article, I introduced computer microphones.
These products are popular because they are easy to use and deliver high sound quality right away. I think having one is definitely worth it, so please consider it!

However, most of the microphones in our lineup are USB-connected, so it might be a good idea to search for ‘USB microphones’!

⇒ List of USB Microphones

We also have a page explaining how to choose USB microphones.
If you want more detailed information, please check it out!

⇒ How to Choose a USB Microphone for Beginners (in Japanese only)