You must want to get the best video and audio quality that is possible with a quality contact microphone. Get the best audio recording by connecting the microphone to your video camera.
For this, shotgun mix, music mix and USB mix are the best. Choose the best microphone for you to get high-quality sound. If you only need, a microphone for video chat or work from home, then a USB mic is best for you.
Just because it comes with a simple design doesn’t mean it can do just the basics. These microphones are commendable because they are ideal for recording podcasts or streaming. So choose a microphone that suits you. What is the best contact microphone?
A microphone is designed to allow physical contact with a sound generator. The microphone produces mechanical waves instead of airborne sound waves. And receive and deceives audio signals from mechanical waves. Since it is used for communication, it is known as a contact mic.
Top 10 The Best Contact Microphone Reviews On The Market
1. Blue Yeti
Best Microphone Overall
Blue Yeti has been popular in the market for almost a decade, and it has given its best of all time. And for good reason, it hasn’t changed much since it was introduced. The biggest advantage of this is that you get a smart, versatile peripheral microphone at a low price. It comes with all the necessary components so that amateurs and semi-pro audio files can record their files.
The Blue Yeti is considered a high-quality condenser microphone because it comes with a built-in stand. And it has a USB connection that allows you to connect it to all types of compatible devices. It also offers a clich and four different pattern modes, so you have the opportunity to use the pattern mode of your choice.
The four modes of the microphone are omnidirectional, stereo, cardioid, and bidirectional modes. And you can record audio by these four modes. Fortunately, you get four pattern modes in one microphone, which is great.
You can perform multiple tasks simultaneously on the microphone. The microphone also works great as a podcast, an interview, a musical performance, and it’s admirable. You can also record audio using a microphone in a roundtable discussion.
Specifications:
- Connection: USB
- Ports: USB-C, 3.5mm aux out
- Condensers: 3
- Patterns: Bidirectional, Cardioid, Stereo, Omnidirectional
- Size: 4.7 x 4.9 x 11.6 inches
- Weight: 3.4 pounds
Why Buy It?
- Easy to use.
- Affordable price
- Good sound quality.
- Versatile
- Multiple modes.
Why Not Buy It?
- Not easy to pop and shocks/bumps
- No XLR output
2. JLab Talk
Best For The Price
You might be surprised to learn that JLab Talk jointly became the first USB mic for JLab headphone experts. It has become popular among people because of its features and usability. In terms of sound quality, it is similar to Blue Yeti.
The microphone comes with a USB port, that’s why you can easily connect the device. Fortunately, the Microphone does not require any software or adapters to connect to any device.
The microphone is very easy to control and use. Its sturdy design offers four pattern modes. The modes are cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional and stereo, and you can use them to your advantage and need. Therefore, to mute the mic you just have to press the pattern inwards.
Specifications:
- Connection: USB
- Ports: USB-C, 3.5mm aux out
- Condensers: 3
- Patterns: omnidirectional, bidirectional, stereo, Cardioid,
- Size: 9.9 x 7.6 x 7.6 inches.
- Weight: 14.6 ounces
Why Buy It?
- Responsive recording quality
- Affordable price
- Multiple directional patterns
- Easy to use
Why Not Buy It?
- Not every directional mode is effective.
- Noise cancelling is not effective.
3. Rode PodMic
Best For Podcasting
Rode PodMic is known as a serious podcasting microphone on today’s market. It is praised for its studio credentials mode. The microphone has an XLR connector instead of a USB port.
You may think it is complicated to use, but you are wrong. Because you can easily enjoy the benefits. Its most desirable and best feature is its sound quality. And it’s great that you don’t have to spend much to get the best sound quality.
The microphone comes with an internal pop filter that helps control the recording. And thanks for the sturdy construction. Because it helps to stop unwanted noise outside and allows you to meet your conversation. For example, if you accidentally knock on a table during a conversation or make a noise while changing position, this unwanted word will not reach the other person.
However, it would be wrong to consider this mic a beginner mic because it does not come with a stand. Another advantage of this is that you are getting this great mic at a good price.
Specifications:
- Connection: 3-pin XLR
- Ports: XLR out
- Condensers: Not stated
- Directional patterns: Cardioid
- Size: 6.8 x 4.3 x 2.4 inches
- Weight: 33.1 ounces
Why Buy It?
- Well-price
- Internal pop filter
- Great sound quality.
- Sturdy enough.
Why Not Buy It?
- Not for beginners.
- You have to need an extra stand.
4. Blue Snowball Ice
Best For The Budget
The mic in your built-in laptop isn’t enough for you, and you’re looking for a peripheral microphone. But if you don’t have enough patience or funds, then Blue Snowball Ice is the best for you for your best budget. The microphone provides crystal and clear sound.
The major manufacturers offer great designs that are cheap but easy to use. The microphone comes with a compact design. And it is a stylish sphere surrounded by black and white. Its best feature is that it has a USB connector and can connect to all devices compatible with it. So before starting physical contact, connect the microphone to the computer via the USB connector.
The microphone offers a cardioid pattern that makes conversation with friends more perfect during video conferencing or games. One downside, though, is that it’s not high enough to record its podcast. But it will also give you the best service to complete your conversation.
The microphone comes with an adjustable desktop stand, which is best for beginners. It saves desktop space as well as improves sound quality. Connect the microphone to the sound source with its adjustable metal tripod stand.
Specifications:
- Mic Type: Condenser
- Connection type: USB
- Audio pattern: Cardioid
- Size: 10.0 x 7.9 x 4.9 inches
Why Buy It?
- Perfect sound quality
- Affordable
- Come with a stand
- Easy to control
Why Not Buy It?
- Not suitable for high-end applications
- Don’t have enough features.
5. Purple Panda
Best For Smartphones
If you are looking for a professional audio recorder, then Purple Panda may be the best for you. The microphone is best for your smartphone, all you need to do is plug-and-play.
It needs to be plugged into the smartphone with the headphone jack. The package comes with several items that can be created into a complete audio kit. The microphone also has a blurred windscreen that provides the most purity of audio. And prevents outside air from entering the audio. Purple Panda is most commonly used in professional studios.
The acclaimed microphone is compatible with smartphones and other devices. If you have a professional video camera or smartphone, you can get movie-quality in your video with the help of this microphone.
The microphone captures high-quality sound perfectly. Some of the great features of the microphone are that it is durable, light and discreet, so you can safely record video and audio. The simple design of the microphone makes it accessible to all types of people.
Specifications:
- Size: 5.5 x 1.5 x 4 inches
- Weight: 4.2 ounces
- Polar pattern: Omnidirectional
- Output Connection: TRRS / TRS / Mini USB
Why Buy It?
- Durable, lightweight, and discreet.
- Easy to use.
Why Not Buy It?
- Not compatible with PC.
- Need an adapter to connect with the iPhone.
6. Sennheiser MKE 400
Best For A Content Creator
The best microphone for those who are new to content creator is the Sennheiser MKE 400. Its highly directional supercardiode recording pattern provides clear sound, which is admirable.
It records from the narrow space in front of the microphone. It records the sound behind the mic. So it has to point to the front. This mic ignores external noise, provides crystal and clear audio. It takes its voice over the sound of the background. It puts down all kinds of incidental words.
The phone’s microphone records unwanted sounds. Although the MKE 400 does not provide overall clarity, it rarely accepts unwanted sound. So this microphone is very effective when shooting in noisy places. The microphone is suitable and adjustable for DIY content creation. Even its sturdy construction makes the microphone readily available and usable.
Just plug in the microphone to connect to your professional camera. Simply plug and play it to easily connect to the smartphone. You need to connect the microphone via the headphone jack. And you can enjoy great-sounding clips without any kind of DSLR or mirror camera.
Specifications:
- Mic Type: Condenser
- Patterns: Super cardioid
- Size: 5 x 2.6 x 1.5 inches
- Connection Type: 3.5mm
Why Buy It?
- It has a compact design
- Easy to setup
- Suitable for phone
- Good sound quality
Why Not Buy It?
- Lack of basic controls
- Pick up wind noise
7. Shure SM58
Best For Busic
The Shure SM58 microphone is for professionals, and most pop stars use this microphone. It is the best no-frills vocal microphone on the market.
The microphone comes with a cardioid pattern that optimizes music. It pays more attention to music and picks up very little background noise. This is very useful and effective for you if you are looking for a microphone for singing.
The microphone does not come with any USB or 3.5-mm jack but with an XLR connector. So you need to follow some system to connect it to the computer. You can do this very easily, but you will need a high-quality adapter. But it is good to know that it can provide good service when it is on hand or top of something. So it is not ideal for the desktop.
Specifications:
- Mic Type: Dynamic
- Audio Patterns: Cardioid
- Size: 6.5 x 2.1 x 2.1 inches
- Connection Type: XLR
Why Buy It?
- Optimized for music
- Durable
- Affordable
Why Not Buy It?
- No USB connection
- Not perfect for desktop
8. HyperX QuadCast
Best For Gaming
If you are a gamer and you do not like the headset mic, then HyperX QuadCast is suitable for you. It can also provide the perfect service to those who need streaming space. It is a powerful and stylish microphone, and it is truly admired for its sound quality. The HyperX QuadCast microphone is known as a condenser mic. It comes with a shock mount and a built-in stand.
The advantage is that you only need to connect the microphone to the computer via USB, and you can start recording instantly. The cardio setting of the microphone helps you to make the recording.
The best feature of the microphone is that it is bi-directional. The other two pattern modes of the microphone are omnidirectional and stereo audio patterns. So you can perform multiple tasks simultaneously on your microphone.
Since the microphone carries analog features, it will be the most suitable choice for gaming. The advantage of analog features is that you don’t need any software. You can change the audio pattern without the help of software. In addition, you can easily adjust the gains. The microphone comes in a red and black pattern. Patterns allow you to easily control the microphone.
Specifications:
- Connection type: USB
- Mic Type: Condenser
- Audio Patterns: Cardioid, Omnidirectional,
- Bidirectional, Stereo
- Size: 9.8 x 5.1 x 4.0 inches
Why Buy It?
- Shock mount and built-in stand.
- Versatile
- Analog gain control
Why Not Buy It?
- Garish lighting
- Pop filtering is not perfect.
9. Elgato Wave:
Best For Streaming
Elgato Wave: 3 microphones can provide the best service, especially for streaming. It is designed specifically for people who love gaming spaces. The microphone comes with a USB mic, so it can be connected to the device via a USB connector. Also, its best feature is that its cardioid pattern helps in the best audio recording.
The advantage of Elagota is that it allows you to connect to the steam deck. You can handle it without touching the microphone when you connect it to the steam deck. This allows you to change the sound mix without even touching the microphone.
You can also keep an eye on the video size. And keep an eye on other streaming features to manage the microphone. Due to these features of the microphone, Elagota is considered to be the best streaming microphone.
Not only this, the microphone is generally considered the best microphone for its sound quality. Also, the microphone is for the acclaimed Dead Simple Control feature. The cardioid pattern of the microphone provides crystal and clear audio recordings. Its small profile can show this achievement on most desktops.
The microphone may be best for a gaming set-up for its plain black chassis and tasteful lighting. The microphone will also make your game more lively, especially by adjusting the volume and monitoring it in real-time.
Although the microphone fails to deliver the best performance in terms of audio quality, it is considered the best for streaming and gaming.
Specifications:
- Mic Type: Condenser
- Connection Type: USB
- Audio Patterns: Cardioid
- Size: 6.0 x 2.6 x 1.6 inches
Why Buy It?
- Perfect for streaming
- Intuitive setup
- Simple setup
Why Not Buy It?
- Not enough features
- Can’t cancel background noise.
10. Saramonic SmartMixer
Best Microphone For Podcast
This might be perfect for you if you want to get the offer of a versatile microphone. Although the microphone does not come with a stylish design, it provides decent performance in a stable position. The microphone is great for podcasts and audio recordings, especially if you do it indoors.
The microphone comes with a headphone jack, so use a 3.5-mm jack to connect to the device. Apart from this, the microphone comes with several other types of equipment. Provides lighting for an audio or video experience.
Its onboard display provides information on the label monitor while recording on the microphone. And it can work great in the case of professional setups. Its simple design makes it easy to connect the microphone to the smartphone. The microphone comes with a smartphone holder, so you can place your smartphone on the microphone while recording.
One downside to this is the compatibility issues with the new device. Newer devices don’t offer 3.5mm, but it’s an easy way to connect the microphone to the phone. Since smartphones come with an adapter, you can connect the microphone to the smartphone with the help of the adapter.
Specifications:
- Mic Type: Condenser
- Connection Type: 3.5mm headphone jack
- Size: 11.7 x 1.3 x 3.7 inches
- Weight: 1.63 pounds
Why Buy It?
- Affordable price
- Great craftsmanship and quality
- Easy to setup
Why Not Buy It?
- Lack of USB connection
- Sound quality is not good.
Which Microphone Is Suitable For You?
What kind of setup you are going for depends on which microphone is suitable for you. This list contains the best microphones for podcasting, music or purpose. So decide which type of microphone you need more. If you are looking for a microphone for gaming, then HyperX Quadcast can give you the best performance.
So choose the appropriate microphone according to your needs to get the best performance. But keep in mind that the cheaper the microphone, the fewer features it will have and the more generalized it will be. There is an expensive one, more specialized. However, this does not mean that cheap microphones provide bad service. However, the price will depend on the type of microphone.
Check the manufacturer’s website and see which microphone has been optimized for what purpose. Then it will be to your advantage to choose your best microphone according to your purpose.
If you still fail to pick up your microphone, make sure it has a Cardioid audio pattern before selecting one. This is an important pattern, especially if you want to do your audio recording. Although other patterns are needed, that’s when you record noise.
Conclusion
I hope now you know about the best contact microphone. After reading this blog, you will know about the different types of contact microphones and be able to make an informed decision about the best one for your needs. In addition, you will be familiar with the different features of various types of contact microphones and be able to choose the best one for your recording needs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1.How Can I Improve The Sound Quality Of My Recordings With A Contact Mic?
Ans: Some tips to improve sound quality with a contact mic include:
- Using a windscreen
- Holding the mic close to the instrument
- Using a high SPL recording environment
2.What Are Some Of The Best Features Of A Good Contact Microphone?
Ans: Some of the best features of a good contact microphone are that it is easy to set up and use, has a high-quality sound, and is affordable.
3.How Do I Choose The Right Microphone For My Needs?
Ans: There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best microphone for a particular recording or presentation will vary depending on the content and audience. However, some tips on choosing the right microphone include considering the purpose of the recording or production, the type of sound desired, and the budget.
4.What Are The Best Contact Microphones?
Ans: The best contact microphones have a good sound quality and low noise levels. They can be found online or in stores.
5.How Do I Know If A Contact Microphone Is Right For Me?
Ans: The contact microphone is appropriate for use in areas where speech is standard and sound quality is important, such as in recording studios, boardrooms, and classrooms. The source of information for this question is the manufacturer’s website of the contact microphone, which can be found at https://www.uscann.com/.
6.What Are Some Of The Best Contact Microphones Available On The Market?
Ans: Some of the best contact microphones available on the market are the Shure SM57 and the Sennheiser e835.
7.What Are The Best Contact Microphones?
Ans: Sources for information on contact microphones include The Wirecutter and CNET.