USB microphone: improve the sound of home office meetings

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Models also have specific functions, such as recording podcasts and broadcasting games live on the internet. Buying Guide: g1 USB Microphones Whether you’re video conferencing or recording a podcast, using a USB microphone improves how you’re heard at the other end. Simply plug one into your computer and notice an improvement in audio quality. It’s that kind of “plug and play” product, you connected it and used it, you don’t even need to configure it. Unless you want to stream games online, then you need to adjust according to each game and platform. Other guides: MONITOR: how to choose the best use in the home office NOTEBOOK: test with six models WEBCAM: Shopping Guide evaluates 6 high definition cameras ALL GUIDES The Shopping Guide selected eight models of USB microphones with varied indications of use, from home office to stream games. See the list below and, at the end of the report, read the tips on what to pay attention to when buying. AKG Lyra The AKG Lyra is a USB microphone with a retro design and the only model on the list that can also be used with Android phones. For the iPhone, you need to use an accessory sold separately, such as a Lightning to USB-C cable – which costs around R$ 220. The device fits into a removable table stand and offers an output for headphones (3. 5mm), mute button and volume adjustment. The device allows you to capture sound from the front or in several directions, with four different modes of use (frontal, bidirectional, omnidirectional and stereo). This means that it can be used by one person, two people, several people and even trying to record a band. In online stores, the AKG Lyra cost R$1,500 in March. Audio-Technica AT2020 USB The most expensive microphone on the list, the Audio-Technica AT2020 USB was sold in March for R$1,800. It is a model that only connects to PCs or Macs. According to the manufacturer, the product is suitable for home office use and podcast recording. Its sound capture mode is frontal only – manufacturers refer to this type as cardioid. The equipment has a table tripod, fitting for external supports and allows volume control – without more resources. It is worth noting that Audio-Technica provides this microphone in a conventional version, without a USB connection and at a lower price, in the range of R$ 700. Blue Yeti Nano The Blue Yeti Nano, with a retro look, can capture sound in four different ways – cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional and stereo, with microphone sensitivity adjustment. It is intended for general use. The model has volume control and mute button on the body of the equipment. It also features an external stand mount and comes with a vibration-protected desk stand. In online stores, the Blue Yeti Nano cost R$700 in March. Blue Snowball Ice Also suitable for general use, the Blue Snowball Ice is a simpler model, with front pickup only (cardioid) and one of the cheapest on the list. In March, the microphone was sold for R$450 in internet stores. The device, which works only on computers, can be used with an external adapter or with the tripod that comes with the product. Fifine K669B The Fifine K669B enters the category of microphones indicated for general use. The manufacturer indicates that it can be used on computers (PC, Mac) and video game consoles, such as PlayStation. Among its features, the product offers a support tripod on the table and a volume adjustment button, which also serves to leave the audio in mute mode. Fifine’s microphone is also one of the cheapest on the list, selling for R$450 in online stores in March. HyperX Quadcast Aimed at gamers, HyperX Quadcast is full of features: support with vibration and shock protection, “mute” button with light indicator and four sound capture modes (cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional and stereo). The model is also the only one on the list to come with the pop filter integrated into the body of the equipment. It helps reduce noise during use. The microphone can be used with PC, Mac and PlayStation 4, according to the manufacturer. It has compatibility with platforms like Discord and TeamSpeak. In internet stores, HyperX Quadcast cost R$ 1,300 in March. The Quadcast S version is the same, with the addition of having customizable RGB lights and being sold for a higher price (in the range of R$ 1,400). Razer Seiren X Also aimed at gamers, the Razer Seiren X is a microphone with supercardioid pickup – with a tighter angle, it can pick up more voice details. The model has an impact-resistant stand, which helps reduce vibration during use, and comes with a volume control button. According to the manufacturer, it is a product compatible with the main game streaming platforms, such as Twitch. In online stores, the Razer Seiren X was priced at R$600 in March. Thronmax Mdrill Pulse The Thronmax Mdrill Pulse enters the category of entry-level microphones, with a difference: an external noise canceling feature, in addition to the conventional mode (cardioid). The product comes with a tripod to support the table and, according to the manufacturer, it is compatible with PC, Mac and PlayStation4. Its price was R$ 500 in March in internet stores. What to pay attention to when buying CAPTION MODE: USB microphones capture the sound of the speaker from different positions. The most common is cardioid, which requires the speaker to stand in front of the equipment. There is also the supercardioid, with a smaller pickup angle, more focused on the voice. Other models allow you to use other capture modes, such as bidirectional, for two people – one in front, the other behind the microphone. And others feature omnidirectional and stereo capture. Here, the indication is for when there are more people in the room with a single microphone. Or, depending on the boldness of the owner, you can even try to record a band in the place. But it is good to point out that these USB models are not professional, those used in recording studios. TYPE OF MICROPHONE: USB devices are also divided into condenser and dynamic, which refer to the way the device transforms sound into an electrical signal. Condensers are the most common and capture almost all the audio in the environment, being indicated for general use – such as videoconferences, games and interviews. Dynamics, on the other hand, are more specific in capturing sound, with general use and very good for podcasts. Think of a conventional mic – high chance it’s dynamic. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Desirable: “mute” button, gain control – which is a volume knob, avoiding messing with the PC’s audio configuration – and pop filter (the external membrane that helps to reduce noise in the capture). The headphone jack is also useful: with it you can hear the sound being recorded, also dispensing with computer commands. To transmit on the web, it is worth checking if the microphone has some kind of application for the PC that helps with the configuration. Vini Lima, streamer, comments that it is often necessary to adjust “a series of settings” if you don’t have a soundboard – something much more professional. “I used Voicemeeter, which serves as a digital audio interface. But the app kept giving problems, every time a different failure”, says Lima, who changed his microphone because of errors, common to this type of system. Lima went from one from HyperX to an import from Elgato, which came with more control options and integrated better with other streaming devices he already used. ARRANGE THE DESK Depending on whether you are using it at home or in the office, where you use the microphone matters – such as empty rooms, echoing rooms, or even the table where the device is installed. Most USB models come with a desktop stand and a slot for external supports such as retractable arms, which are sold separately. The idea here is to reduce noise during meetings or recordings. “With the microphone on the table, people tend to clap their hands and make noise. The suspended arm helps solve this”, explains Alexandre Maron, podcaster for the production company Ampère. This report was produced with complete editorial independence by our team of journalists and specialized collaborators. If the reader chooses to purchase a product from the links provided, Globo may earn revenue through commercial partnerships. We clarify that Globo does not have any control or responsibility over the possible shopping experience, even from the links provided. Questions or complaints regarding the product purchased and/or the purchase, payment and delivery process should be directed directly to the responsible retailer. Watch Shopping Guide videos:

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