It’s no secret that autonomous sensory meridian response content, better known as ASMR, has exploded in popularity over the last few years. From ASMR beauty tutorials to mukbangs, viewers have gotten a kick out of the happy hormone-boosting effects of ASMR, and creators are obsessed with creating content doing everyday things that they love, just under a microphone.
The key to creating great ASMR content (besides finding a suitable activity) is finding the right microphone that captures the sound without distorting it. To help you get on the right track to creating high-quality ASMR content, we’ve found some of the best mics you can grab, whether your budget is $50 or $500. Keep reading to see our picks for the best ASMR microphones to upgrade your content.
Blue Yeti Pro
If you’ve indulged in ASMR video content, chances are you’ve spotted a Blue Yeti microphone a few times. After all, it’s one of the most popular ASMR microphones on the market used by creators. The best-selling Blue Yeti Pro Microphone specifically is a fan favorite due to its convenience, being a USB microphone that delivers the pro audio quality of an XLR microphone.
Blue Snowball
The next microphone on this list, the Blue Snowball, is an excellent option for anyone looking for an inexpensive, beginner-friendly microphone. This microphone is equipped with three pickup settings—cardioid (for solo instruments, podcasts, etc.), omni (for acoustic instruments or streaming a conference call), and cardioid with -a 10DB pad (for loud sound sources)—to help you cater to your recording needs and environment.
Rode NT USB
The Rode NT-USB is a side-address microphone meaning it accepts sounds from a perpendicular position instead of directly in front. Whether you’re using applications on Windows, Mac, or even an iPad, the Rode NT-USB is compatible with virtually all mainstream recording programs. Additionally, this microphone comes equipped with a pop shield, tripod desk stand, ring mount, storage pouch, and 6m (20’) USB cable, so you have everything you need to start recording content today.
Samson Go
Don’t let the size of the Samson Go microphone fool you—this portable USB mic delivers high-quality audio in a small and convenient package. One quick scroll through the reviews is all the proof you need to know that it doesn’t miss the mark on delivering crisp audio. The unique fold-up design allows you to carry this mic in your pocket or laptop bag just in case you plan on recording some on-location ASMR content. At $39.90, this is a cheaper ASMR microphone that doesn’t waver on quality.
HyperX QuadCast S
If you desire to add a punch of personality to your ASMR content, wait until you get a taste of the HyperX QuadCast S condenser microphone. In addition to providing superior audio quality for your streaming or ASMR needs, this microphone has customizable RGB lighting that you can adjust to give your content some added flair. Controlling your mic’s sensitivity is as easy as turning a dial at the bottom of the mic.
Shure SM7B
If you’re willing to invest in a high-end microphone for your ASMR content, you may want to consider the Shure SM7B. Priced at $499 (on sale right now for $399 at the time of publishing this article), this mic is beloved for its ability to capture small details while blocking out unwanted noise (i.e., electromagnetic hum stemming from devices such as lights, computers, etc.). Considered the “vocal MVP” for podcasting, vocals, and streaming, this microphone is a top contender for capturing rich and full sound.
Audio-Technica AT2020USB
This condenser microphone with USB output is a content creator’s dream (ASMR creators included). The mix control on the Audio-Technica AT2020USB allows you to blend your microphone signal with pre-recorded audio. The state-of-the-art design ensures that you’ll get crisp, noise-free audio with every recording.
Do you see a microphone on this list that sounds like the perfect match for your ASMR content? Let us know and share this blog post with a fellow creator who may find it helpful.