An essential part of any musician’s gear is the microphone. Whether you are a singer, an acoustic player, a vocalist, or an instrumentalist it is imperative to have the best microphone you can afford to get that professional sound you are looking for.
In this piece, we will be discussing some of the best 3.5mm microphones available today that will ensure your content sounds its absolute best with optimal clarity and definition.
What is a 3.5mm microphone and how does it work?
A 3.5mm microphone is a particular type of microphone that is used in many applications such as gaming, mobile phones, laptops, and even computers.
It is small and lightweight, but its main function is to pick up sound from the environment for users to record audio like voice or songs.
The mic itself has a 3.5mm jack that connects to the 3.5mm input on your device or PC.
Why should you buy a 3.5mm microphone?
The main reason to get a 3.5mm microphone is for those who want a microphone that’s small and portable.
This makes it ideal for musicians and aspiring singers who might want to record their songs at gigs or just record their voices over the internet.
Furthermore, since they are small and lightweight, they are perfect for recording instrumentals as well.
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Table of Contents
5 Best 3.5mm Microphones Reviewed
1. Rode VideoMic
The latest super-cardioid unidirectional mic from the Australian company Rode, the VideoMic incorporates a superior quality anti-vibration mount Rycote Lyra. It is made for dubbing and is utilized alongside digital cameras at the professional level.
The mic is planned with the most recent innovation, updates, and among the best standards in the industry. Highly compatible with a camera, Rode VideoMic consolidates its compact size and decreased weight with an extended range of response frequency.
The estimation of oneself clamor of the amplifier is fundamentally diminished. The presence of a switchable filter also considerably lessens interference in the low-frequency band.
Accessible modes:
• linear;
• 80 Hertz.
The three-position attenuator permits you to work in various modes: 0, – 10 or – 20 dB. The nine-watt battery is utilized for controlling the mic. A special indicator controls the charge level.
Using the regular mounting or 3/8, the RODE VideoMic can be mounted on cameras. The connector stereo mini-jack of 3.5 mm makes the signal transmission. The case is made of sturdy yet lightweight plastic ABS. Unwavering quality is given by its great parts and shock mount.
Moreover, windbreaks allow muting the unwanted sound of the wind. In fact, in the updated version, there’s an anti-vibration mount Rycote Lyra, which enables a great recording quality even during movement.
Key specifications of Rode VideoMic:
1. Acoustic principle: linear-gradient.
2. Polar pattern: super-cardioid.
3. Frequency range, Hz 40 … 20,000.
4. Activated low-pass filter.
5. Output impedance, Ohm 200.
6. The level of sensitivity, -38 dB.
7. Dynamic range, 114 dB.
8. Signal and noise, 74 dB SPL.
9. Noise equivalent, 20 dB SPL.
10. Maximum SPL, 134 dB.
11. Power: alkaline battery 9 V.
12. Communication is via a 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack.
13. Weight without battery 176 g.
Pros:
• Economical, meaning great value of money
• Durable and adaptable.
• Options are adjustable
• Great noise filter
• Solid mounting.
Cons:
• It requires an excellent windscreen.
2. BOYA BY-M1
The Boya BY-M1 lapel mic can be utilized alongside with DSLR cameras, video cameras, smartphones, tablets, external recorders, etc.
Its economic feasibility, universality and great specifications are key to its great reputation among the vloggers, photographers, videographers and other users.
This gadget has a regular 3.5mm plug with gold-plated contacts and a six-meter cable, permitting the sound architect or operator to move at a great distance and still get the job done.
The battery is situated in a different power unit with the capacity to be turned off. Additionally, the mic can also be attached with clothes or the interior with a solid clip. Additionally, the mic is ideal for use in the studio. In spite of its small size, it ensures astounding sound quality with low unwanted noise pickup.
Since the mic has a 4-pin 3.5 mm jack, to associate with a camcorder, camera, PC, PC, you need a connector from 4 pin female jack to 3 pin male jack. For cell phones and tablets, no connectors are required.
Pros:
• It gives a natural, authentic sound.
• Low noise associated with handling.
• Minimal size
Cons:
• Some users have complained about the lapel clip’s quality.
3. Sennheiser MKE 400
Sennheiser MKE 400 is a minimalistic mic for video recording. Its lightweight (around 60 g with battery) makes it the ideal tool to be used with cameras and camcorders today.
This mic has a metal-based structure, 2 sensitivity functions and a high-pass filter. In fact, you can attach the mic to the hot shoe of a camera.
If you are searching for a mic that is practical and compact, this model is definitely a viable option for you. It tends to be mounted on any camera which has mount available for an external mic and sound input. It is also fueled by one penlight batteries of type AAA.
Highlights:
1. High-quality condenser mic with a fully covered metal body
2. Integrated stable fixation that prevents background noise, particularly during movement
3. Foam top that gives wind security is also present
4. Anti-vibration suspension a great extent of contact noise suppression
5. On/Off switch alongside a battery status indicator
6. Super-cardioid directivity.
Specifications:
1. Connectors: 3.5 mm scaled down jack.
2. Appointment: for camcorders.
3. Orientation: super-cardioid.
4. Type: condenser.
5. Frequency reaction: 40 – 20,000 Hz.
6. Sensitivity: 8 – 20 dB.
7. Dimensions: 130 x 21 x 62 mm
8. Cord length: 0.2 m
9. Power: battery AAA.
Pros:
• Sturdy metal body
• Already incorporated windscreen.
• Give an incredible suppression of background noise, which is ideal for video recording
• Powered by AAA-type batteries (“tablet”).
Cons:
• Too small.
4. Shure VP83F
This is a small-camera condenser mic designed for DSLR cameras and has an already built-in recording feature.
The mic gives an unrivalled sound quality, which is crisp and clear. The primary component of the model SHURE VP83F –is an inside recorder that permits you to record sound at 24 bit/48 kHz.
This model disregards any background noise, and can likewise prompt qualitative entry vehicles. Records from this mic are stored on a MicroSD HC memory card. Likewise, this mic can expand the receiver sensitivity, and deal with all the records and playback choices.
It is anything but difficult to set up this mic, utilizing a unique five-positional console and an LCD screen. Two 3.5 mm jacks are given – they are made to be used with the camera and earphones. The mic is powered by two or AA batteries. In continuous mode, the mic can give more than 10 hours of opening time.
Simple to read backlit LCD screen gives you full power over the gadget action, including sound performance levels, battery life, data about the track, the earphone volume, the degree of gain of the mic, the filter switch and the rest of the time of the recording.
Specifications of SHURE VP83F:
1. Sound quality: 24-piece/48 kHz.
2. Memory card: Micro SDHC.
3. Hours: 10:00.
4. Two connectors: 3.5 mm.
5. Power supply: batteries or AA.
6. Console: five-positional.
Pros:
• The ideal mix of consumer requirements and sale price.
• It consolidates remarkable durability and incredible workmanship.
• It has a super-cardioid radiation design by which the mic overlooks external sound sources and background noise.
• The camera is fueled by two batteries.
Cons:
• It may not turn on at low air temperatures.
5. Audio Technica ATR-6550
Audio Technica ATR6550 is a unidirectional, condenser mic-gun that can record sound in a little, medium or even large areas. The mic has a great-looking minimalistic design that is, just as a strong and dependable gadget. Perfect for use with camcorders, just as other versatile recorders.
Audio Technica ATR6550 is a condenser mic that is incredibly sensitive towards yours and the surrounding sounds. Moreover, in the event that you need to get a great stereo sound recording for your video, this is the best choice for you.
Simply just connect the mic to the camera using a fastener that is included in the package, and you are good to go. The receiver has a generally wide frequency range of 70 – 18000 Hz and a narrow diaphragm perfectly capture any sound.
There are two different recording modes, the normal and the tele. The normal mode is meant for sounds at small and medium distances. Tele mode on the other hand, uses a super-cardioid directional design to allow sound from great distances and lengths to be recorded. Also, in the Tele mode, the mic will limit any additional noise.
Highlights:
1. Unidirectional and Super-cardioid outlines.
2. Compact and simple to utilize.
3. The mic is a sensitive condenser design.
4. Ideal for use with camcorders.
5. Two modes for recording (Normal and Tele).
Specifications:
1. Polar pattern: normal: single-minded focus / tele: super-cardioid.
2. Sensitivity: normal: – 56 dB. tele: – 45 dB.
3. Impedance: normal: 1000 Om / Tele: 2200 Om.
4. Power supply: battery 1.5V.
5. Frequency range: 70 – 18000 Hz.
6. Output connector: 3.5 mm.
7. Weight: 113 g.
Pros:
• The mic is minimal design, lightweight and can be easily connected to the camera.
• Appropriate and adequate for shooting in a little room of normal arrangement.
• Stereo sound, noise-canceling features.
• The capacity to switch recording modes.
FAQs
Are 3.5 mm MICS good?
I mean, some of the codecs like SBC and AAC can’t work well with them.
This depends on a lot of things: if you are shooting for quality, won’t use CODECs that much (avoid anything with 192/96 kbps), and you need to play them back on your computer, then no MICS will be good enough. If they are either cheap or better than what you get in your PC, get them.
Yes, they are! There is no reason not to use them and, like everything else, you get what you pay for.
Is there such a thing as a bad quality 3.5 mm microphone? Only if it’s used incorrectly.
How can I attach my microphone to a headphone jack?
Use an adapter that has an audio jack on one end and 3-5mm threading on the other which plugs into the headphone jack. Yes, $10 adapters exist to do just this.
FAQ:
Q: What is a 3 5mm microphone used for?
A: A 3.5mm microphone can be used to elevate sound quality in a recording studio or to ensure that your voice is clear and crisp during a podcast. Perhaps you want to record a tutorial for your YouTube account.
Q: What is the best microphone for PC use?
A: HERE’S OUR FAVORITE PICKS… iUKUS PC Microphone with Mic Stand, Professional 3.5mm Jack Recording Condenser Microphone… Lavalier Lapel Microphone, Riksoin Professional Clip on Mic Braided 3.5mm Omnidirectional… Professional Studio Condenser Microphone, Computer PC Microphone Kit with 3.5mm XLR/Pop…
Q: What type of microphone do I need for my project?
A: Lavalier or lapel: This small microphone that clips to a jacket lapel or shirt collar is an almost perfect mate for the 3.5 mm connector. Handheld: This is a thinner, cylindrical microphone that can be easily carried. Desktop or studio: This is a wider microphone that can be mounted on a pedestal, tripod, or boom.
Q: What size microphone cable do I Need?
A: Size: A 3.5 mm microphone cable is thinner and the jack is only 1/8 inch long, making it much easier to tuck away when not in use. Affordability: In terms of cost, 3.5 mm microphones are on par with or better than USB microphones of the same size.