Did you know that you probably already have a great microphone and it’s in your pocket? The iPhone’s microphone is superb and if you record in a quiet room, it will catch 95% of your natural voice.
If you have an iPhone, you can start creating a digital voice right away for free with The Voice Keeper voice banking app.
If you don’t have an iPhone and you don’t want to compromise on 95% of your voice quality, we’ve created a guide to help you to choose the right USB headset to use with your computer or tablet. Read on!
Four recommended microphones:
These are not affiliate links and we do not make any profit from these suggestions. They are purely based on our experience and the results we have achieved in the last decade in creating personalised digital voices.
1) Sennheiser SC260/230 — the safest choice
SC 230/260 USB
This one falls on a slightly more expensive side, but in our experience, it is the best microphone we’ve ever used. Over the years, it has helped us create several amazing voices!
Sennheiser SC260/230 is a heavy-duty microphone, designed for busy and demanding call centres. We used this microphone at a busy expo in 2019 and the results were fantastic, despite the surrounding crowd and noise!
Note: There is no need to buy the CTRL or II sub models.
2) Sennheiser PC-8 — A cheaper alternative
Sennheiser PC-8
Similar results to Sennheiser SC260/30 can be achieved with a cheaper Sennheiser microphone, the PC-8.
What you waive here is the microphone’s physical durability—it can feel more fragile. We achieved similar results with the Logitech headsets. They gave us good results, but they were less durable.
3) Microsoft LifeChat LX 3000 & 6000 — The runner-ups
Microsoft lifechat LX-6000
We recommend sticking to the business line and staying away from the gaming series.
4) MacBook 2019+ built-in microphone
MacBook 2019 and later models
We have also achieved surprisingly good results with these built-in microphones, thanks to their noise cancellation feature. So if you don't have an iPhone or a recommended USB headset, but you do own one of the latest MacBooks - go for it! Just remember to record in a quiet room.
Which microphones we do not recommend?
1. Microphones that are far from your mouth
2. Laptop microphones
3. Analog microphones
That’s pretty much it! Three top microphone choices, and three types of microphones to avoid. Now you have all the confidence you need to take the next step.
