Though most of these are just fine (if not superb) for vocals streamed as a compressed MP3 file, there are instances where a non-USB microphone will better serve you. Well, if you need something portable with zero learning curve, yes. There are few instances where you’ll need anything greater than a 16-bit, 44.1kHz recording.That said, if you want to record a certain background presence, you may want something with omnidirectional capabilities like the Blue Yeti Nano. In brief, cardioid patterns are your best bet they do a great job at recording sounds directly in front of the recording element, while simultaneously reducing distracting background noise. There is a variety of recording patterns offered from one USB microphone to the next, but not all of them are available with each pick.However, we’ve made sure all of our picks are compatible with both, saving you the trouble of checking, checking, and triple-checking. Not all USB mics work with both Mac and PC operating systems.A cardioid pickup pattern can record sound from the front and sides of the unit.
