Asmr microphone

For a first ASMR microphone, choose a cardioid condenser with a low published self-noise figure, or a USB microphone if you want simplicity. Treat your room before you spend more. Skip binaural microphones unless you want ear to ear scenes, and skip dynamic broadcast models for whisper-level work.

We have not tested these products.

Self-noise is the spec to compare

Self-noise is the hiss a microphone makes in a silent room. Soft sounds sit close to that hiss, so a quieter microphone leaves more room before noise shows.

Look for a figure from the maker and compare it across models. If a maker does not publish one, that is worth noting.

Types of microphone

• Condenser: sensitive and detailed, common for whispers and taps. It also picks up room noise.
• Dynamic: good at ignoring a noisy room, but quiet sounds need a lot of gain.
• Binaural: two capsules placed like ears. On headphones it gives a sense of direction.
• Phone microphone: a free way to test if you enjoy making ASMR.

USB or XLR

USB microphones plug in and work. XLR microphones need an audio interface but give more room to upgrade.

If you are not sure you will keep making ASMR, start with USB or your phone.

Binaural or cardioid

A cardioid microphone picks up what is in front of it. A binaural setup captures left and right separately, so sounds can seem to move around your head. It is mainly useful for ear to ear whispers and less useful for tapping on a table.

Placement and room

Speak slightly past the capsule instead of straight into it, use a pop filter, and back off from sharp taps. Record a short test at a few distances and keep the one that sounds right on headphones.

Soft things around you, such as blankets or a closet full of clothes, can improve a recording more than a new microphone.

Phone recording

A phone can be a decent first recorder in a quiet room. Hold it still on a stand, keep it in airplane mode, and test how it sounds on headphones.

Quick decision list

• First microphone, quiet room: USB or cardioid condenser.
• Want to upgrade later: XLR and an interface.
• Ear to ear scenes: consider binaural.
• Noisy room: fix the room before replacing the microphone.

Check before you buy

Read the maker datasheet and look for a review that includes sound samples recorded in a normal room. Samples recorded in a treated studio can hide problems you will hear at home.

Check the return policy, since a microphone can sound different with your voice and your room than it did in a review.

When to upgrade

Upgrade only when you can name the problem: hiss at low gain, a harsh high end, or no way to add a second microphone. If you cannot name it, the room is the likelier cause.