On a Medium Budget: Three off-the-shelf USB microphones for video and podcast recording

We previously discussed entry-level and mid-range USB condenser microphones. In the voting in the first and second categories, representatives of the Audio-Technica brand won a landslide victory – ATR2500x-USB and AT2020USB +… Let’s see which models you see fit to highlight in this final selection of noteworthy USB microphones.

Shown: Shure MV51. Source: Audiomania.ru

[17 767] Shure MV51 – has a remarkable design with a reference to the exterior Shure Model 51 Sonodyne from the 1960s. The height of the microphone is 128 mm, it has a solid all-metal body, so the weight is also decent – 575 g. The microphone has an integrated stand in the form of a small folding leg without height adjustment. It is quite stable, but for some applications it may be necessary to attach it to a standard microphone stand. [такая возможность здесь предусмотрена]… By the way, the latter option will allow you to capture less unnecessary sounds when you actively work with the keyboard and accidentally hitting the table with your hands. With unwanted effects from pure stop sounds wind protection will also help to cope – it is included [уточняйте этот момент]…

A distinctive feature of the model is a huge [по сравнению с устройствами из прошлых обзоров] 25mm capsule and support up to 24 bit / 48 kHz with built-in A / D converter. The microphone is compatible with Android and iOS, but has been out for a long time, so just in case, check the list of supported OS versions and smartphone models. By the way, for the “apple” platform there is an application ShurePlus MOTIV – the update was released just a couple of months ago.

It is worth noting that Shure MV51, like most of its analogs, contains one meter cables each, which is not suitable for connecting to a stationary computer for everyone. He may also require adapters for different tablet models. You can listen to a comparison with the iPad Pro’s built-in microphone here, with an Android smartphone – here… In reviews, this model is sometimes juxtapose with both the Blue Yeti and classic Shure products like the SM7B dynamic microphone. Sounding MV51 without any comparisons – behold and behold…

There are convenient controls on the front of the case – they allow you to switch between five presets [Speech, Singing, Flat, Acoustic Instrument, Loud]that will help combat clipping and more effectively adapt to the selected recording format depending on the room and tasks – the cardioid will continue to work regardless of the mode change. There is also a Mute button, which is often lacking on mainstream USB microphone models, and a headphone output for recording monitoring. By the way, this model can be attributed to the middle line, at least within the framework of our reviews.

For lovers of a more familiar form factor, there is MV7 [22 993] – senior companion MV51 with an additional XLR-connector and a package that includes three-meter cables.

[16 900] Marantz Professional AVS – complete system with lightweight tabletop design [1,04 кг, 485 мм], webcam, lighting and microphone. The model appeared several years ago, so a Full HD camera is built in here [пишет в H.264], but with autofocus and a good viewing angle. Good “out of the box” solution for video calls and webinars.

The microphone uses a semi-cardioid and an analog-to-digital converter that supports recording in 16-bit format with a sampling rate of up to 48 kHz. Interestingly, apart from the headphone output, there is also a microphone output on the “jack”. The device also records on flash drives – the bundle includes a USB-C-to-USB-A cable.

Of the potential inconveniences – it requires a network connection and is powered by an adapter.

The older model Marantz Professional Turret is slightly more interesting due to the pantograph stand [860 мм] and an extension microphone with a pop filter, but here again only a Full HD camera is built in, therefore – for work tasks – there is practically no reason to overpay.

[23 399] Apogee MiC Plus aims to become more successful than its predecessor – MiC 96k, a fairly popular model among Western podcasters and independent musicians. The competitive advantage of this line is its compact size and minimal weight. For the MiC Plus, it is only 124 mm high and 200 g, although with accessories and a case it will be at least 350 g.

In this model you will find a 24-bit ADC allowing recording up to 96 kHz sampling rate and a monitor headphone output. A versatile combo for a wide range of tasks: from working with musical instruments to speaking and streaming. Includes Lighting, USB-B and USB-B cables, small tripod and stand adapter.

Big brother of MiC Plus – HypeMIC [31 530] – has an analog compressor with three modes of operation and brings the line to the level of real “studio”. We have prepared a short video about him and compared its sound with models from previous reviews.

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