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The Best Headset Microphone for Recording Audio [Complete Breakdown]
Are you looking for the best headset microphone for your online course or video project?
In this blog post, we will share our top three picks for the best headset microphones available on the market today. We’ll also provide a comparison of the features and benefits of each one to help you make the best decision for your needs.
Whether you’re just getting started in audio recording or you’re looking for an upgrade, read on to find out which headset is right for you!
Why You Should Use USB Headset Mics
A good USB headset microphone is an affordable and helpful device to start recording your voice. Here are some reasons why you should consider investing in a USB headset mic.
- A USB headset is a simple and easy way to record audio.
- It is easy to set up and can be running in minutes.
- USB headsets are typically quite affordable, much more so than expensive XLR mics.
- They do not require any extra gear like a mic stand or cables.
- They ensure good mic technique and practice since the mic follows wherever your head is directed.
What to Look for in a Good Headset Microphone?
Here are some factors to look for when getting a good headset microphone for yourself:
Comfort
Since you will be wearing the headset on your head, it is important that the headband isn’t hard and the earpieces don’t hurt your ear. If you are uncomfortable, then it will reflect on the quality of your podcast.
Price
You can buy a headset microphone for as little as $20 to as much as thousands of dollars. However, there are plenty of affordable headsets that offer particularly good value for your money.
For less than a hundred dollars, you can get a headset that is good quality, durable, and will have great recording capabilities.
Sound Quality
The audio quality of your microphone headset should be loud, clear, and natural sounding. A great headset offers noise reduction, which filters out the background noise like hums and hisses. A good mic will cut out these sounds, which have the potential to ruin your podcast.
Open or Closed Headphones
When it comes to open or closed headphones, we recommend closed headsets as they cover your ear completely and reduce any external noise. If you are in a place where you can hear outside noises, closed headphones offer complete isolation, allowing you to hear yourself clearly.
Open headsets, on the other hand, allow air to pass through the ear cups, which means they aren’t the best choice if you are in a room where there is some noise, like an office. However, if you are in a soundproof setting, open headphones offer more natural audio recording.
Depending on the kind of environment you are in, both open and closed headphones can be a good choice.
Wired or Wireless Headset
Although there are several great wired and wireless headsets, we recommend wired ones since they offer faster and better audio. Direct cable connections can transfer data faster than Bluetooth.
With wired headphones, you also do not need to worry about signal interruption. On the other hand, wireless headset mics may lag or even lose audio.
In addition, Bluetooth headsets are more expensive than wired headsets.
Best Headset Microphones for Recording Audio
Let’s take a look at the important features of the best headset microphones.
1. Logitech G Pro X
Logitech G Pro X is a great-quality wired headset that can produce professional studio-level sound. The mic is detachable from the headband, which means easy storage and portability. It also comes with a mute switch to silence voice quickly, as well as inline controls to adjust the volume.
The headset microphone comes with sound compression and noise reduction features and uses Real Time Blue Voice for filtering out unwanted sounds and making audio crisp and clear.
The ear cups of the headset are lined with memory foam and mold perfectly to your ears. The headband is comfortable and durable and made of high-quality aluminum and steel.
It is quite affordable as well.
2. EPOS I Sennheiser GSP 600
The EPOS I Sennheiser GSP 600 is a very powerful wired headset microphone that is equipped with a 3.5 mm jack. The mic has a noise canceling feature which gets rid of background noises and gives you pristine audio.
The microphone has up to 112 dB sensitivity and is positioned on a bendable but very durable boom arm for optimal positioning. The headset is very comfortable if you make long podcasts since it has soft earpads and an adjustable headband.
3. Sony WH1000XM4
The Sony WH1000XM4 is a powerful Bluetooth headset that comes with an excellent in-built recording mic.
The headset comes with excellent noise-canceling technology which filters out surrounding noise to give you high-quality audio. The mic is equipped with a high-quality NCC processor, which ensures crisp and natural-sounding vocals.
The headset does not have conventional volume buttons. Instead, it has sophisticated touch controls that allow you to lower or raise the volume and use the noise-canceling feature. This headset can also be linked to an app that allows you to tweak the EQ levels and others functions of the headset right from your phone.
The headset has a long battery life and can run for 30 straight hours. This makes it a wonderful choice for longer podcasting.
The headset can be folded, which makes for easy storage and portability.
4. Audio-Technica BPHS1
The Audio-Technica BPHS1 is a sleek and stylish black headset with a built-in microphone. The headset comes with a hyper-cardioid dynamic mic which ensures that the mic picks up even quiet audio and makes it sound clear.
The headphone pads are lined with memory foam and are super soft, meaning you can wear them for hours. The mic sits on a flexible and rigid gooseneck that can be bent for perfect positioning.
You also have the option of placing the mic on either side of the headphone, based on your preference.
5. SteelSeries Arctis 3
The SteelSeries Arctis 3 is a studio-level wired headset that is equipped with a 3.5mm jack. The mic has a sensitivity of up to 98 dB, so it can easily pick up quiet noises during your podcast.
The headset uses both analogs as well as Bluetooth, so it is compatible with all sorts of recording setups and can connect to any phone, tablet, or computer. The headphone comes with a mute button for quick silencing.
The mic is also equipped with ClearCast technology, which reduces background noise and improves the coherence of the vocals. The headset is very comfortable and is equipped with fabric airwave padding for both ears. This ensures your airs do not sweat during a long podcast.
6. ModMic 5.0
ModMic 5.0 is a compact and portable mic that comes with a stand-alone recording mic that can be attached to any type of headphone. If you already have great headphones, this mic offers you flexibility and prevents you from making an expensive purchase.
The microphone works well with all Mac and Windows devices, so there is no need to buy a separate adapter to link to the devices. It comes with an ADC chipset and a preamp, which ensures crisp and clear vocals.
This device also comes with a convenient mute switch that can silence quickly. This is one of the most affordable options on our list.
Tips for Making Headset Mic Sound Better
Here are a few tips that can make your headset sound better.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth has a radio frequency of 2.4 GHz, which is the frequency band that is used by many other devices as well. As such, signal interference is often a major issue when using Bluetooth devices. To make sure your Bluetooth connection remains solid, here is what you need to do:
- Remove any physical barriers between the Bluetooth headphones and your audio source.
- Do not record a podcast in the same room as a microwave or fluorescent lights since they use the same frequency band.
- Close any apps that you are not using on the device, as they may also interfere with the connection.
- Move close to your WiFi router to improve your connection when on call. This will allow a strong and balanced connection with both your Bluetooth and WiFi.
Device or App Settings
The device you are using and your app settings play a crucial role in the input quality of your audio. Use a high-quality headset microphone for recording vocals. You can also tweak the internal settings of the device to make your mic capture better sound.
Background Noise
When you are in a noisy place, a headphone will pick up all these background noises, particularly if it does not have a noise-canceling feature. Highly sensitive mics can pick up even low sounds in the background, which can ruin your audio. This is the reason why you need to invest in headphones with noise-canceling technology.
Sensitivity and Volume
When different mics are exposed to a single sound source, they will produce different output volumes from each other. That’s because each mic has a different level of sensitivity. To ensure this does not happen when a podcast is being hosted by more than one person, you need to adjust the sensitivity and volume of the device.
FAQs on Headset Microphones
How do I use my headphone jack as an audio input?
If you want to use your headphone jack as an audio input, you’ll need to use an adapter. This allows you to use your headphones as an input device for things like computers and microphones.
The process is simple: just plug the adapter into your headphone jack, and then plug your headphones into the adapter. This will allow you to use your headphones as input for audio devices.
Just keep in mind that not all adapters are created equal, so you’ll want to make sure that you get one that is compatible with your particular device.
Where is the mic in headphones?
The microphone in headphones is typically located on the wire near the jack, or on the earpiece itself. If you’re using a headset, the mic will be on the boom arm that extends from the headset.
The location of the mic can vary depending on the style and design of the headphones. However, it is usually easy to identify the mic by its small size and round shape. When you’re talking into the mic, be sure to speak directly into it so that your voice is clear and audible.
What is the difference between a headphone and a headset?
Most people use the terms headphones and headsets interchangeably, but there is actually a difference between the two.
Headphones are designed to reproduce stereo sound, meaning that they have left and right drivers that produce different sounds. This creates a wider soundstage and gives you a more immersive listening experience. Headphones also typically have larger drivers, which results in better bass response.
Headsets, on the other hand, are designed for gaming and other applications where you need to be able to hear both audio and environmental noise. They usually have smaller drivers, and they don’t produce the same wide soundstage as headphones. However, they do have built-in microphones, which allows you to communicate with other people while you’re gaming or working.
Is a headset better than a microphone?
Headsets generally provide better sound quality, as they include both speakers and a microphone in one device. This can be helpful for gamers who want to communicate with teammates clearly or for voice-over artists on a budget or who are on the go. However, headsets can be less comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Microphones, on the other hand, are easier to set up. They also provide gamers or voice-over artists with more freedom of movement, as they don’t need to worry about tangled wires or an uncomfortable fit. Microphones are also better for audio recording, but you may need additional components and a permanent place to set them up.
How do I stop microphone feedback on my headset?
If you’re using a headset with your computer or other device and you’re hearing an echo, it may be due to feedback. Feedback occurs when the microphone picks up sound from the speakers and sends it back through the system. Follow these tips to stop microphone feedback:
- Use headphones instead of a speaker system. Headphones will prevent the sound from your speakers from being picked up by your microphone.
- If you’re using a microphone that’s built into your computer or other devices, try using an external microphone. External microphones are less likely to pick up sound from your speakers.
- Adjust the volume of your speakers. If the volume is too high, the sound from your speakers can be picked up by your microphone.
- Move your microphone away from your speakers. If the microphone is too close to the speakers, it can pick up sound from the speakers and cause feedback.
- Use a pop filter. A pop filter is a screen that goes over your microphone. It can help to stop airwaves from causing feedback.
Where should I position my headset microphone?
Assuming you’re using a headset with an attached microphone, there are a few things to keep in mind when positioning the mic.
- Make sure the mic is close enough to your mouth that it can pick up your voice clearly. Be careful not to put it too close, or you’ll risk getting breathy audio.
- Try to position the mic so that it’s pointing slightly upward toward your mouth. This will help ensure that any background noise is minimized.
- If you’re recording video as well as audio, make sure the mic isn’t in the frame so that viewers don’t see it bouncing around as you talk.
Wrapping Up
If you’re in the market for a new headset microphone, we hope our list of the best options has given you some good ideas. We’ve tried to cover a range of prices and features so there is something for everyone.
Keep in mind what your specific needs are when making your purchase decision. If sound quality is paramount, then you may want to spend a bit more on a higher-end model. However, if budget is a concern or you don’t need top-of-the-line sound quality, you can go for a lower-end model.
No matter which option you choose, make sure to take into account how often you plan on using the mic and where you will be recording before making your final decision.