Name: Heil PR-40 Dynamic Studio Microphone
Brand: Heil PR-40 Dynamic Studio Microphone

Prime Sound is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here

In our digitally interwoven world, robust communication tools have evolved from luxury to necessity.

More than ever, our personal and professional lives revolve around virtual interfaces, with Zoom calls emerging as a dominant platform. Clear audio is crucial for teachers guiding students, professionals leading pivotal meetings, or content creators engaging with their audience. Misunderstandings and miscommunications can lead to myriad problems and must be minimized. Therefore, this necessitates investing in the best microphones for Zoom calls.

A superior microphone offers more than just clear audio. It provides a seamless, immersive experience, elevating your virtual presence. In this comprehensive guide, we dissect the nuances of some of the best microphones on the market, examining their features, strengths, and weaknesses. Our aim is to guide you through this often-confusing journey to find the microphone that best suits your Zoom needs. So, buckle up for detailed reviews, a thorough buying guide, answers to frequently asked questions, and our final thoughts on our top picks.

Quick Summary

Editor's Choice: Heil PR-40 Dynamic Studio Microphone

"A professional-grade powerhouse offering superior sound capture and versatility, ideal for various applications."
Best for Vocals: Shure MV5 Digital

"Compact, user-friendly, and optimized for vocal reproduction, making it perfect for individual use."
Best for Streaming and Studio Applications: Rode NT-USB

"Delivers studio-grade quality and offers seamless integration with various software, making it an excellent pick for content creators."
Best Mobility: Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB

"Boasts excellent sound quality in a lightweight, portable design, ideal for on-the-go users."
Good for Casual Use: Samson Go Mic Portable

"An excellent choice for casual and light users, offering great sound quality in a pocket-sized, easy-to-use design."
Good for Multi-Purpose Use: Blue Yeti USB Microphone

"A renowned all-rounder with versatile pickup patterns, suited for a range of applications."

Heil PR-40 Dynamic Studio Microphone – Editor's Choice

Features

Features:

Connection: XLR
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Frequency Response: 28Hz – 18kHz
Additional Features: Steel body and robust design, superior rear rejection, and maximum gain before feedback

Price on Amazon

Price on Guitar Center

9.8

The Heil PR-40 Dynamic Studio Microphone epitomizes professionalism, balancing style, and durability with its sleek steel body. Its design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s built for longevity, ensuring it can weather the demands of a bustling studio environment.

In terms of performance, the Heil PR-40 is truly top-tier. It comes equipped with a broad frequency response ranging from 28Hz to 18kHz, ensuring it captures every nuance of the human voice. Its tight cardioid pickup pattern rejects off-axis sounds, preventing unwanted noise from infiltrating your recordings or calls. Moreover, it can handle high sound pressure levels without distortion, owing to its impressive dynamic range.

As for its applications, the Heil PR-40 is a versatile tool suitable for many uses. Its technical specifications make it perfect for professional settings, such as podcasting, broadcasting, or vocal recording, where pristine audio quality is paramount. Its ability to reject unwanted noise also makes it a wise choice for those working in noisy environments.

Standing apart from competitors, the Heil PR-40 isn’t just a microphone; it’s a comprehensive audio solution. Its superior performance in professional applications, versatility, and robust build quality make it more than just a tool. It’s a long-term investment in your audio quality.

Despite its numerous strengths, there are areas where the Heil PR-40 could improve. Its professional-grade quality comes with a price tag to match, making it a substantial investment. Additionally, it might be overkill for those who only need a microphone for casual Zoom calls or basic recording tasks.

What are our favorite features?

Excellent audio quality
Robust and stylish build
Versatile applications

What could be better?

Price may be high for casual users
Might be overcomplicated for basic tasks

Shure MV5 Digital – Best for Vocals

Features

Features:

Connection: USB, Lightning
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Additional Features: Three DSP preset modes (Vocals, Flat, Instrument), headphone output for real-time monitoring

Price on Sweetwater

Price on Amazon

Price on Guitar Center

9.6

The Shure MV5 Digital is a fusion of vintage design and modern technology, sporting a retro aesthetic alongside cutting-edge features. Its compact size and detachable stand make it an unintrusive addition to any workspace, demonstrating that good things often come in small packages.

When it comes to performance, the MV5 is nothing short of impressive. It boasts a custom-tuned microphone capsule that ensures excellent voice capture, even in less-than-ideal conditions. It also features three selectable DSP preset modes (Vocals, Flat, Instrument), ensuring that the audio output is always optimized for your specific needs.

The Shure MV5 is the perfect choice for those who demand vocal clarity. Its vocal optimization and DSP presets make it an ideal companion for singers, podcasters, or those who frequently participate in Zoom calls. It can also be conveniently connected to any device via a USB or Lightning connector, demonstrating its flexibility.

What sets the Shure MV5 apart from its competitors is its user-friendly nature. The microphone requires minimal setup and no extra gear, meaning you can start almost instantly. This, combined with its high-quality audio and compact design, makes it a standout option in the market.

While the MV5 excels in many areas, it’s worth noting that it’s not built for large-scale, professional recording environments. The microphone, while powerful, is geared towards individuals rather than groups, meaning its performance may falter in more demanding situations.

What are its best features?

Excellent vocal clarity
Easy to use with minimal setup
Compact, stylish design

What could be improved?

Not ideal for group recording or larger professional environments
Might lack advanced features sought by some professionals

Rode NT-USB – Best for Streaming and Studio Applications

Features

Features:

Connection: USB-C
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Additional Features: Compact design, built-in pop filter, zero-latency stereo headphone monitoring

Price on Sweetwater

Price on Amazon

Price on Guitar Center

9.5

The Rode NT-USB is a sleek, robust microphone with an easy-to-use design. With its sturdy construction and included pop filter, it is built for durability and excellent performance.

Performance-wise, the Rode NT-USB shines, particularly when used in streaming and studio applications. It features a high-quality condenser capsule and a built-in audio interface, making it perfect for recording vocals and musical performances. With its zero-latency stereo headphone monitoring, users can enjoy real-time audio monitoring.

The Rode NT-USB is a perfect match for individuals involved in streaming, podcasting, or music recording. Its exceptional audio quality and real-time monitoring make it a reliable choice for such applications. Moreover, it’s compatible with all mainstream recording applications, further enhancing its versatility.

What distinguishes the Rode NT-USB is its balance of simplicity and professional-grade performance. Its high-quality condenser capsule ensures exceptional sound, while its user-friendly features make it accessible to both beginners and professionals alike.

While the Rode NT-USB performs exceptionally well, it does require a stable stand or boom arm, as it can be quite sensitive to desk noise. Therefore, users may need to invest in additional equipment to get the most out of this microphone.

Why is it special?

Superior audio quality.
User-friendly features.
Ideal for streaming and studio applications.

What are the flaws?

May require additional equipment, such as a stable stand
Sensitive to desk noise

Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB – Best Mobility

Features

Features:

Connection: USB-C, XLR
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Frequency Response: 50Hz – 15kHz
Additional Features: High-quality AD converter with 24-bit, 192kHz sampling rate, built-in headphone jack allows direct monitoring

Price on Sweetwater

Price on Amazon

9.4

The Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB is a top-tier microphone that captures clear and warm vocal sound. With its sleek design and durable construction, this microphone adds a touch of professionalism to any setup.

Performance-wise, the ATR2100x-USB stands out with its excellent dynamic range and smooth frequency response, designed to prioritize the human voice. It accurately captures vocal nuances and ensures that your voice sounds natural and full-bodied on Zoom calls.

This microphone is ideal for those primarily using Zoom for vocal-based activities, such as podcasting, teaching, or singing. Its cardioid polar pattern superbly focuses on the sound you want to capture while minimizing unwanted background noise.

What truly sets the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB apart is its dual-output design, offering both USB and XLR connections. This versatility allows it to seamlessly adapt to different setups and user needs, from podcasting at home to performing on stage.

While the ATR2100x-USB delivers an impressive performance, it might not be as convenient for users who prefer a plug-and-play design, as some settings might require manual adjustment for optimal results.

What are its best features?

Excellent for vocals
Dual-output design (USB and XLR)
Durable and professional construction

What could be improved?

Might require manual adjustment for optimal settings

Samson Go Mic Portable – Good for Casual Use

Features

Features:

Connection: USB
Polar Patterns: Cardioid, Omnidirectional
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 18kHz
Additional Features: Compact, portable design, no drivers required

Price on Sweetwater

Price on Amazon

Price on Guitar Center

9.3

The Samson Go Mic Portable offers an exceptional combination of compact design, ease of use, and sound quality. Its compact design allows it to fit in the pocket, making it an excellent choice for on-the-go users.

The sound quality of this microphone is surprisingly good for its size. It provides crisp, clean audio that enhances your voice in Zoom meetings. Its switchable cardioid and omnidirectional pickup patterns offer flexibility to use in various situations.

The Samson Go Mic Portable is an excellent choice for those who frequently travel or use Zoom on different devices. Its plug-and-play operation ensures quick and easy setup, and its compatibility with both Mac and Windows increases its utility.

The unique feature of this microphone is its portability without sacrificing sound quality. This feature sets it apart from most competitors and makes it an excellent choice for professionals on the go.

However, due to its compact size, it may not deliver the same robust audio as larger, more advanced models. For those seeking studio-quality sound, other options might be more suitable.

What are its best features?

Exceptional portability
Switchable pickup patterns
Easy plug-and-play operation

What could be improved?

Might not provide as robust audio as larger models

Samson Go Mic Portable – Good for Casual Use

Features

Features:

Connection: USB
Polar Patterns: Cardioid, Omnidirectional
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 18kHz
Additional Features: Compact, portable design, no drivers required

Price on Sweetwater

Price on Amazon

Price on Guitar Center

9.3

However, due to its compact size, it may not deliver the same robust audio as larger, more advanced models. For those seeking studio-quality sound, other options might be more suitable.

What are its best features?

Exceptional portability
Switchable pickup patterns
Easy plug-and-play operation

What could be improved?

Might not provide as robust audio as larger models

Things to Consider

Navigating the market for the best microphones for Zoom meetings can be a complex endeavor. With many options available, it’s critical to understand what factors and features truly matter. This comprehensive buying guide is intended to simplify the process and help you make the right choice for your specific needs.

Sound Quality

First and foremost, the microphone you select should deliver superior sound quality. After all, clear and crisp audio is paramount for effective communication during Zoom calls.

Microphone Type: Microphones come in different types, mainly condenser, dynamic, and ribbon. Each type has its unique characteristics and is better suited for certain applications. For instance, condenser microphones, like the Rode NT-USB, provide excellent sensitivity and frequency response, making them ideal for studio recordings and intimate vocal work. Dynamic microphones, such as the Heil PR-40, excel in robustness and ability to handle high sound pressure levels, which are well-suited for loud, live sound environments.
Polar Pattern: The polar pattern of a microphone determines the directionality of sound capture. Omnidirectional microphones capture sound from all directions, while unidirectional ones, like cardioid microphones, focus on the sound source directly in front of them. A unidirectional microphone, like the Blue Yeti USB, is preferred for Zoom meetings as it can minimize background noise.

Compatibility and Connectivity

A good microphone should be compatible with your devices and the Zoom platform. Most contemporary microphones connect through USB, like the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB, and are compatible with PCs and Macs without additional drivers.

USB vs. XLR: USB microphones are popular for Zoom meetings because of their plug-and-play nature. They are easy to set up and work perfectly with laptops and desktops. On the other hand, XLR microphones provide professional-level audio quality and are commonly used in music studios or broadcasting environments. They require an audio interface for connection to your computer, which adds complexity and more control over the audio.
Device Compatibility: Make sure that the microphone you choose can work smoothly with your device and operating system. Some microphones might require you to download drivers or software for them to function optimally.

Ease of Use

The ease of setup and usage is another key consideration. You don’t want to be wrestling with your microphone settings during an important Zoom meeting. Therefore, microphones with intuitive controls and user-friendly designs, like the Shure MV5, are often an excellent choice.

Plug-and-Play: Microphones with plug-and-play functionality are convenient and easy to use, especially for beginners. These microphones typically require no additional drivers or software to operate, minimizing setup time and hassle.
On-board Controls: Having on-board controls for volume, mute, and pattern selection can be handy. This allows for quick adjustments during your Zoom calls without navigating software settings.

Durability and Design

Lastly, consider the build quality and design of the microphone. It should be durable enough to withstand regular use and transport, if necessary. The aesthetic appeal may also be a factor, especially if you intend to use it in a visible setting like video calls or streaming.

Build Quality: The materials and construction of the microphone affect its durability. Look for sturdy and well-made microphones, which can often translate into long-term reliability.
Design: The microphone’s design can range from professional and sleek, like the Rode NT-USB, to compact and portable, such as the Samson Go Mic Portable. Depending on your workspace setup and personal style, the design could be an essential factor.

As you venture into purchasing a microphone for Zoom calls, consider these considerations. The right microphone should offer a balance of excellent audio quality, compatibility, ease of use, and durability to meet your specific needs.

FAQ

Does a good microphone make a difference on Zoom?

Absolutely, a good microphone can make a significant difference in Zoom meetings. Superior microphones capture a clear, rich, and full-bodied sound that enhances communication by reducing background noise and focusing on the speaker’s voice. A good microphone can increase the professional quality of your meetings, create a better impression on your audience, and ensure that your messages are delivered clearly and effectively.

Is Blue Yeti good for Zoom?

Yes, the Blue Yeti is an excellent choice for Zoom meetings. Its tri-capsule technology and four pattern modes offer superior sound quality, making it versatile for different environments. The Yeti’s plug-and-play nature, onboard controls, and robust build are great for seamless and hassle-free Zoom meetings.

Can I use a condenser mic for Zoom?

Yes, a condenser microphone like the Rode NT-USB can be used for Zoom calls. Condenser mics are known for their excellent sensitivity and broad frequency response, which can help deliver high-quality, clear audio for your meetings. However, they tend to pick up more background noise than dynamic microphones, so it’s best used in quiet environments.

How do I improve my Zoom mic quality?

To improve your Zoom microphone quality, follow these steps:

Use a Quality Microphone: A dedicated microphone instead of the built-in microphone on your laptop or desktop can significantly improve audio quality. A well-reviewed USB microphone like the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB or a dynamic studio microphone like the Heil PR-40 can offer a considerable upgrade.
Adjust Your Settings: Zoom offers settings that can enhance audio quality. You can access these settings under ‘Audio Settings’ in the Zoom client. Uncheck the ‘Automatically adjust microphone volume’ box and manually set the mic level for better control.
Reduce Background Noise: Minimize background noise in your environment as much as possible. This could mean closing doors and windows, turning off fans or air conditioners, or using a unidirectional microphone.
Placement: The microphone should be placed appropriately — not too close to avoid distortion and not too far to prevent sounding faint. The ideal distance is typically between 6 to 12 inches away from your mouth.

Remember that good audio quality is crucial for effective communication during Zoom meetings, and these steps can significantly help improve it.

Final Thoughts

In our comprehensive review of the best microphones for Zoom, we’ve explored a variety of models and narrowed down the top three that consistently deliver superior audio performance, thus enhancing your virtual interactions.

The Heil PR-40 Dynamic Studio Microphone, our Editor’s Choice, undeniably stands tall with its exceptional sound clarity and rich tonal quality. It is an investment for those who require professional-level audio for their Zoom calls, whether for podcasting, broadcasting, or high-stakes business meetings.

Not far behind, the Shure MV5 Digital offers an impressive blend of portability and performance. Its compact size and advanced digital processing capabilities make it an attractive choice for those seeking high-quality audio on the go.

Meanwhile, the Rode NT-USB is a reliable companion for digital communications. Its outstanding noise cancellation and ease of use are excellent for a broad range of users, from casual Zoom users to budding content creators.

Each of these top three microphones shines in its own unique way, catering to different user requirements and preferences. We hope this guide aids you in making a well-informed decision, ultimately finding the best microphone for your Zoom communication needs.