The omnidirectional microphone is a microphone that picks up sound from all directions. Because it does not need to be aimed in one direction and can be used for almost all purposes, the omnidirectional mic is suitable for use by reporters who have to capture a wide range of sources.
This article has compiled a list of the 10 best omnidirectional microphones that are perfect for any audio recording, including podcasting, singing, video recording, and zoom meetings.
- Blue Yeti – Best for Podcast
- Blue Snowball – Best for Zoom Calls
- Rode Reporter – Best for Interview
- Shure VP64A
- Shure MVL
- Shure CVB-B/O Boundary – Best for Conference Room
- FIFINE K690 – Best for Vocals
- JLab Talk
- Movo HM-M2
- Samson Technologies Samson G-Track Pro
Best Omnidirectional Microphones Reviews
1. Blue Yeti USB Mic
The Blue Yeti provides some of the most incredible sound quality we’ve ever heard from a low-cost omnidirectional microphone. We tried it with various audio devices and found that it produces clean and robust sound.
It’s simple to use and includes Blue VO!CE Software has sophisticated capabilities such as immediate mute, instant volume adjustment, audio effects, voice enhancement, and more.
This program is also accessible via Logitech’s free G HUB software, compatible with both Mac and PC.
It offers four selectable pickup patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, and stereo) that allow you to record in ways that would ordinarily need the use of numerous microphones. As a result, you can record voices or other instruments using just one microphone.
It also has built-in volume and mic gain controls to alter sound levels.
This microphone also features a unique positionable construction that allows you to change the microphone to improve your sound quality.
All of these factors combine to make the Blue Yeti USB Microphone a fantastic choice for recording and streaming, whether on a computer or a smartphone. It’s ideal for novices and professionals looking for a dependable, low-cost microphone.
2. Blue Snowball – Best Omnidirectional Microphone for Zoom Calls
This USB microphone features a 2-capsule design that is ideal for recording high-quality audio. It has a cardioid pattern for capturing sound from one direction and an omnidirectional pattern for capturing sound from all directions, allowing you to capture audio from almost anyplace. This is great for recording audio from conferences, podcasts, Twitch feeds, and other sources.
It also has an adjustable desktop stand that allows you to place it in relation to your sound source, boosting sound quality while saving desktop space. You can even fine-tune the mic using the Blue Sherpa companion app, which allows you to change mic gain, polar patterns, and other settings.
This microphone is compatible with any computer or laptop, allowing you to begin recording straight away, and it also includes driver-free operation for Mac and Windows.
Because the condenser microphone is compatible with both Windows and Mac, you can start recording and streaming right away. It also has a 10 dB pad to reduce distortion and defend against popping and crackling.
The Blue Snowball USB Microphone is one of the greatest solutions for streaming gaming, joining Zoom meetings, and recording podcasts straight away, especially if you’re new to YouTube video creation.
3. Rode Reporter Omnidirectional Dynamic Interview Microphone
If you want to conduct on-the-spot interviews, the Rode Reporter omnidirectional microphone is an excellent choice. It has a rugged design built to withstand the elements and is also ideal for the outdoors. Lightweight and compact, it is easy to carry.
This is a wonderful microphone for those just starting as journalists or vloggers. You can record high-quality audio with this, and it’s also weatherproof.
Thanks to the built-in wind filter, you may be confident that your recording will be free of wind noise. The wind filter can also be used to reduce background noise like automobile engines and sirens, which will help to improve the quality of your recordings.
Because the omnidirectional capsule is intended for use in handheld applications, it will not pick up noise from neighboring objects. That means you can record interviews without worrying about background noise or disturbance. It works with all major smartphone apps and can also be used to make calls.
The microphone boasts an aluminum die-cast shell that is both strong and tough, as well as a matte black anti-glare surface. This helps eliminate reflections so that the interview topic can be seen clearly on camera.
4. Shure VP64A Omnidirectional Handheld Microphone
This is one of those “just right” microphones that you can use in a wide range of situations. It’s comfortable and easy to use too, and it’s also reasonably priced.
The Shure VP64A is designed with high-quality materials and construction to withstand the elements, so it’ll last for many years.
It’s also perfect for people who are just getting into audio or want to take their hobby to the next level. It’s pretty versatile too, so it’s not limited to just music or voice recording – it can also be used as a good-quality lapel microphone for live performances or interviews.
You can use this microphone with an external mic preamp or even with your smartphone or tablet if you don’t have one.
The VP64A is also great for outdoor use, so you can record birds or wildlife or even at concerts or festivals.
If you’re looking for a portable and easy-to-use omnidirectional handheld microphone, then this is the one to buy.
5. Shure MVL Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
The Shure MVL is a lavalier microphone that allows you to record clear audio with your phone or tablet. It’s small and discreet, so you can easily use it while interviewing people or shooting videos without them being aware of it.
The lavalier microphone has a 3.5mm TRRS connector, making it compatible with most smartphones. To record, you can also use a USB cable to connect it to your computer.
The Shure MVL comes with a carrying pouch, windscreen, and tie-clip mount for mobile audio recordings that greatly surpass the quality of onboard phone and tablet microphones.
This lavalier microphone will deliver a high-quality recording with minimal noise from your surroundings. It’s ideal for use in interviews, public speaking, and other situations where you need clear audio.
It’s small so that it won’t be too noticeable. This allows you to use it in various situations, and it won’t cause any unwanted distractions.
The Shure MVL is a high-performance lavalier microphone for those looking for a convenient way to record clear speech in close-mic digital speech recording applications.
6. Shure CVB-B/O Boundary – Best Omnidirectional Microphone for Conference Room
The Shure CVB-B/O Boundary Condenser Microphone is a top-notch microphone designed to be used in the most extreme environments.
The microphone is perfect for recording fast transients in a wide variety of locations. It’s great for capturing sounds in a wide variety of situations, from live performances to interviews, and it has excellent audio quality.
It can handle thunderous events without losing any audio fidelity, and its frequency response is great for capturing fast transients and high frequencies. It’s made with a SuperCardioid polar pattern, which is ideal for capturing sounds from the sides and rear of the stage.
This microphone is also rugged and dependable, so you can count on it to provide reliable sound in almost any environment.
The microphone is available in two different polar patterns, cardioid and omnidirectional, which both have their advantages. Cardioid polar patterns are better for capturing sounds from a specific direction, while omnidirectional patterns are more versatile and pick up sounds from all directions.
7. FIFINE K690 – Best Omnidirectional Microphone for Vocals
The FINE K690 Studio Recording Microphone has a 3-capsule array that allows you to record in 4 different ways, including cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional patterns, so you can choose which sounds you want to capture.
This microphone comes with a built-in USB output, allowing you to connect it directly to your computer to start recording and streaming right away. It also has a headphone volume control, so you can adjust the volume on your headphones without reaching for your computer.
The FINE K690 has a visual design inspired by classic audio gear, and it’s made from a metal body that will complement your desktop setup. It’s easy to set up too, and compatible with any system with USB inputs.
This studio microphone is an excellent choice for those looking to record their videos.
8. JLab Talk USB Microphone
JLab Talk USB Microphone has a high-quality condenser capsule that’s designed to deliver great sound quality, even on low volumes.
It has an omnidirectional pattern mode, making it easy to get quality sound while recording on Skype, Zoom, etc. It also has a cardioid mode, which gives you more clarity in your voice, and a bidirectional mode, allowing better sound recording when speaking to two people.
It’s easy to use, with a simple slider to adjust the volume. The controls are intuitive, and it’s compatible with virtually any computer. There’s no driver needed, so you can start recording immediately. There’s a headphone jack for listening to your recordings and a 3.5mm AUX input for real-time listening.
With a 96kHz / 24bit recording resolution, this microphone can capture incredibly high fidelity audio. This makes it perfect for recording interviews and lectures, and podcasting.
It also has a built-in pop filter and a high-pass filter, eliminating low-frequency rumble and distortion from your recording.
9. Movo HM-M2 Dynamic Omnidirectional Microphone – Best for Interviews
It’s an ideal choice for interviewers or anyone else who needs to record clear, high-quality audio.
This microphone uses a dynamic capsule, which delivers a more natural and crisp sound. That way, you’ll be able to hear what the person is saying, rather than the background noise that most microphones have.
There’s also an internal pop filter that reduces handling noise, so it’s much quieter when the mic is handled.
The microphone also has a cardioid pickup pattern that picks up sound from a single direction. This means that you can easily isolate it from other noises. This is perfect if you’re recording a video or podcast and need to record the person speaking without the rest of the sound getting in the way.
It has a frequency response of 70Hz – 15kHz, and it features an omni-directional capsule. This means that you’ll be able to capture sounds from all around, including voices, wind noise, and more.
The microphone weighs only 6.7 ounces (191g), making it ideal for travel and on-the-go use. It comes with a carrying case that you can use to store it when not in use. The case is made from the durable, lightweight material, and it’s easy to open and close.
10. Samson Technologies Samson G-Track Pro Professional USB Condenser Microphone
Samson G-Track Pro is an all-in-one USB condenser microphone that lets you record voice and instruments at the same time. It comes with a built-in audio interface so you don’t have to use your computer to mix your recordings.
This condenser microphone comes with dual 1″ (25 millimeters) condenser capsules with three selectable pick up patterns – Cardioid (unidirectional), bidirectional and omnidirectional.
The mic can be switched between Mono and 2-Track recording modes, which allows you to choose whether to record the voice or instrument. The front panel mixer has level controls for selecting microphone and instrument level, and a headphone volume control for monitoring.
You can also adjust the recording mode on the fly. You can also plug in your instrument into the 1/4″ instrument input for recording and monitoring.
What is an Omnidirectional Microphone?
An omnidirectional microphone is a specific audio recording device that picks up sound equally from all directions. Omnidirectional microphones are ideal for recording high-quality audio in multiple environments, including outdoor spaces and conferences.
These microphones have a 360-degree pickup pattern and can record quality audio from any direction, making them one of the most flexible types of mics on the market today.
The most common omnidirectional microphone uses an internal diaphragm that moves upon sensing sound waves. When sound waves enter the microphone through the openings, they cause the diaphragm to vibrate. The vibrations then produce electromagnetic signals sent to a computer or amplifier.
What Are Omnidirectional Mics Used for?
An omnidirectional microphone can be helpful in several situations.
Any time it’s important to capture the ambient sound of a room, you should use an omnidirectional microphone. This includes recording musical performances, performances in a theater, or any situation where you want to record the environment and the voices.
For recording interviews, omnidirectional microphones are often used when only one person is conducting the interview, and only one subject is being interviewed.
In live sound reinforcement, omnidirectional microphones can be used for choirs or groups of people speaking together. They can also be used for audiences, especially if your goal is to capture the excitement and energy of the crowd rather than individual record voices.
Omnidirectional microphones are sometimes used in television broadcast production to capture ambient sound onset and during interviews with multiple participants (although lavalier microphones are more common).
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Using an Omnidirectional Mic?
Advantages
The main advantage of using omnidirectional mics is that they can capture the ambient noise and nuances of the recording space. They don’t just record what’s in front of them, they pick up any sound that happens to be close by. This means that you can include all sorts of details in the background, such as music coming from another room or people talking outside your window.
Another advantage is that omnidirectional mics allow for more natural-sounding recordings. Because they’re able to pick up a wider range of sounds than other types of mics, it gives your audience the feeling that they’re hearing everything as it was intended to sound.
Omnidirectional microphones are less sensitive to high frequencies than cardioid mics, so they’ll pick up sounds that a cardioid mic might miss. This means that you can get a more detailed recording than a cardioid mic, even though the omnidirectional mic will not be as sensitive to low frequencies.
An omnidirectional mic is also better at capturing sounds off to the side or behind the microphone. You can hear this when you listen to recordings made with an omnidirectional mic and compare them to recordings made with a cardioid mic.
The omnidirectional mic captures more of the sound in the back and sides of the room. Omnidirectional mics are great for recording events with lots of background noise.
Disadvantages
In terms of downsides, they can pick up more undesired sounds than other microphones, which is most common. They do not focus on a specific direction. They will record every sound in all directions, including unwanted sounds such as room echo or reflections, traffic passing by, and background noises.
Omnidirectional microphones are often not used in recording studios because they do not have the necessary directional quality.
Another disadvantage is that they have a wider frequency response than other microphones. This means they can pick up both low and high frequencies, which is not always a good thing.
Using an omnidirectional microphone for recording vocals may mean picking up too many low frequencies and muddying the sound. In some cases, this problem can be solved with an equalizer or by using a different microphone to record the vocals.
In addition to the above problems with omnidirectional microphones, they also require higher gain settings during recordings than other types of microphones because they do not focus on the source of sound like directional microphones do.
A higher gain setting increases the potential for distortion during recordings when using an omnidirectional microphone.
Considerations when choosing an omnidirectional microphone
Here are some of the key features you should look for in an excellent omnidirectional microphone:
Frequency Response
The frequency response is how much the microphone’s sensitivity is at different frequencies. This is an important characteristic because it determines how sensitive the microphone is to different sounds.
For example, if you have a microphone with a flat response, then the microphone will pick up any sound that contains more bass than treble. Conversely, if the microphone has a peaky reaction, then the microphone will pick up sounds with higher treble and lower bass content. The frequency response of your microphone should be within ±3dB at all frequencies.
Types of Omnidirectional Microphones
Omnidirectional microphones come in 3 primary forms: Dynamic, Condenser, and Ribbon.
- Dynamic mics are designed to pick up sounds from the front and back of a room. This is because they have a large diaphragm that picks up sounds from the side and back of the room. The large diaphragm has a large surface area, which means that it can pick up a lot of low-frequency sounds. However, this also makes the microphone sensitive to high-frequency sounds.
- Condenser mics are designed to pick up sounds from the front and back of a room and the top and bottom. The diaphragm is smaller than for dynamic mics. This means that the diaphragm picks up less low-frequency sounds and more high-frequency sounds. This is because the small diaphragm has a smaller surface area. Condenser mics are often used for vocals.
- Ribbon mics are very similar to condenser mics. They have a smaller diaphragm and a larger cone. Ribbon mics are usually used with portable recording equipment such as an iPhone.
Microphone Array
A microphone array is a collection of several microphones positioned in the same direction. This allows you to capture multiple sounds, so you don’t have to hold your smartphone to your ear to hear what’s happening around you.
Noise Cancellation
When trying to capture your voice, noise can be an issue. Some omnidirectional microphones come equipped with a noise cancellation system to help reduce outside noise.
Conclusion
The omnidirectional microphone for recording audio is the Blue Yeti USB. It’s an excellent choice for voiceovers, podcasts, and Zoom calls. It’s also great for interviews, concerts, and other types of events. It’s the only omnidirectional microphone that offers full 360-degree coverage.
