The 9 Best ASMR Microphones: 2022

Pitchbends

Pitchbends

Sep 26, 2022

It’s fair to say that many of us are a bit (or very) obsessed with some form of ASMR. It can help us sleep, relax, or even concentrate. But without the right sound quality, it’s hard to get that tingly ASMR goodness.

From whispers and taps to munches and crunches, ASMR sounds need a quality microphone to capture quality recordings. 

In this article, we explore the best ASMR microphones available to buy in 2022. We will also look at the benefits of each mic and help you select the best one for your needs and budget.

Our picks

9 best ASMR microphones

Blue Yeti USB Condenser

Blue Yeti USB Condenser

The Blue Yeti USB Condenser microphone is one of the most popular USB microphones used in the ASMR world. It is also a popular choice for many content creators, live streamers and podcasters.

This is a great choice of microphone for anybody looking to record some soothing ASMR sounds. Its simplicity makes it easy to start recording straight out of the box. Simply plug in the mic’s USB into your computer and start recording – no extra gear required! This will save you a tonne of time and money 

In terms of features, the Blue Yeti USB Condenser offers:

  • Switchable polar patterns – control which sides of the microphone record audio
  • Omnidirectional functionality – record sound from all sides of the microphone
  • Headphone jack – monitor recordings in real-time

The Yeti USB Condenser mic offers impressively clear sound quality, with a wide-range frequency response capable of processing a range of sounds – both in the high and low ends of the frequency spectrum.

Overview: Blue Yeti USB Condenser

Mic type Condenser
Connectivity USB
Frequency range 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Pros
  • Clear sound quality
  • Wide frequency range
  • Easy to use
  • Budget friendly
Cons
  • Lack of XLR output
  • Highly sensitive microphone input
Blue Yeti USB at Amazon

Shure MV88+ Stereo Condenser

Shure MV88

The Shure MV88 offers one of the most convenient ways to record ASMR sounds. This stereo condenser microphone connects straight to your smartphone (iOS and Android), using the Shure MOTIV app to control the mic settings. 

From the app, you can tweak the microphone’s stereo width, compression, EQ and more. This is a great way to enhance your ASMR sounds. For instance, more stereo width will really immerse your listeners, surrounding the ears with ASMR goodness.

The MV88+’s audio quality is very good, making it a great choice for ASMR recordings. It also has headphone connectivity for real-time monitoring.

Overview: Shure MV88+ Stereo Condenser

Mic type Condenser
Connectivity USB-C
Frequency range 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Pros
  • Includes Manfrotto PIXI mini tripod,
  • Wide frequency range
  • Great audio quality
  • Phone connectivity
  • Five DSP preset modes
Cons
  • Cables are short

Rode NT1-A

The Rode NT1-A

The Rode NT1-A is another incredibly popular choice of microphone in ASMR and content creation – and for good reason. This microphone has incredible self-noise cancellation capabilities, meaning it can capture even the quietest ASMR whispers, and the gain can be boosted without interference from the mic’s own noises. 

Rode’s NT1-A also has a particularly good high end, capable of capturing bright high end sounds. This makes it a perfect microphone for capturing the bright and airy tones of ASMR whispers.

Overview: Rode NT1-A

Mic type Condenser
Connectivity XLR
Frequency range 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Pros
  • Includes Manfrotto PIXI mini tripod,
  • Bright high end
  • Self-noise cancellation
  • Very high quality sound
Cons
  • No USB connectivity
  • Requires phantom power

Stellar X2

Stellar X2

The Stellar X2 offers great quality recording audio for its price. There are higher end XLR microphones on this list, however if you don’t have the budget for them, the Stellar X2 is a very good option. 

For a mid-level price, the Stellar X2 provides high-end recording features. This includes natural frequency balancing, which controls the sound input to remove harsh sounds, including only the pure, raw forms of audio input. Which of course is essential for ASMR recordings. 

Made using high-grade brass and Japanese mylar, the Stellar X2 has a quality-built diaphragm capable of impeccable recording quality. This offers higher sensitivity recording, capable of picking up even the most subtle ASMR sounds. It also cuts out distracting background and microphone noises, so no need to worry about disruptive noises from your microphone. 

Not only is the Stellar X2 made for quality recording, it’s also designed to last. This is a reliable microphone that will see you through many ASMR recordings.

Overview: Stellar X2

Mic type Condenser
Connectivity XLR
Frequency range 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Pros
  • Good budget high-end microphone
  • Background noise removal
  • Very well balanced sound quality
Cons
  • No USB connectivity
  • Requires phantom power (48V)

Rode NT-USB

Rode NT-USB

The Rode NT-USB is a reputable USB microphone with outstanding build quality that offers one of the best microphone universes at an affordable price. Manufactured by a trusted name in the audio game, the Rode NT-USB offers impressive sound quality with outstanding build quality, while its USB offers convenience and universal compatibility.

Rode has long been a familiar name in the audio world, focusing on what's most important in a microphone: Good sound quality and build. Rode doesn't necessarily need the extra components in order to impress.

Overview: Rode NT-USB

Mic type Condenser
Connectivity USB
Frequency range 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Pros
  • Low mic noise
  • Good choice of accessories
  • Good, crisp audio quality
  • Built in pop shield
Cons
  • Slightly flimsy tripod
  • Limited to cardioid polar pattern
  • Limited to 48 KHz recording

Audio-Technica AT2020USB+

Audio-Technica AT2020USB+

The Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ is one of the most popular microphones used by ASMR content creators and podcasters. It is a fantastic overall choice, offering an impressive sound quality at a reasonable price.

There are a number of reasons that make this one of the best microphones for ASMR. Firstly, it is a USB connection microphone, meaning you can simply plug into your laptop and start recording – it’s super convenient to use. 

Secondly, the AT2020USB+ has a crisp sound quality that works very well for ASMR recordings, capturing intricate sounds such as vocals, whispers, taps and more. It captures higher frequencies with ease, resulting in a clear and bright sound quality.

Furthermore, it’s a side-addressed microphone with condensers that detect audio from the sides of the device, rather than the top – this makes it easy to position yourself whilst recording, helping you create your ASMR art in ultimate comfort. Lastly, this microphone also has a volume controlled headphone jack for real-time audio monitoring.

These features, alongside its budget friendly price, make the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ the best overall choice of ASMR microphone on this list. 

Overview: Audio-Technica AT2020USB+

Mic type Condenser
Connectivity USB
Frequency range 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Pros
  • Best price to quality balance
  • Easy to use
  • Zero latency monitoring
Cons
  • Limited to cardioid polar pattern
  • Cheaper accessories

Shure SM7B

Shure SM7B

Looking to record vocal ASMR sounds? The Shure SM7B is a perfect choice. This microphone is specifically designed for vocals, with a range of design features that balance frequencies, control wind sounds, and improve vocal clarity.

Shure’s SM7B is designed with a detachable close-input windscreen. This is a foam cover that condenses the sounds of wind, air and breathing, breaking up distracting breathy tones before they reach the microphone diaphragm. This makes vocals sound clean, soothing and natural – perfect for ASMR.

The SM7B also emphasises mid ranges whilst reducing low bass frequencies to amplify vocal clarity. 

The Shure SM7B is one of the more pricey microphones on this list, but it is definitely worth its high-end price point. It has all of the key features you’d expect to see in a professional ASMR microphone, including its detachable windscreen, pop-filter and cardioid pattern. It also uses dynamic EQ to responsively reduce low frequency humming noises from nearby electronic devices such as your computer. This gives the SM7B that “broadcast” quality you hear on radio an TV.

For ASMR pros looking to invest in something truly impressive, this is the best high-end ASMR microphone on the list for sound quality.

Overview: Shure SM7B

Mic type Condenser
Connectivity USB
Frequency range 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Pros
  • Exceptionally clean and natural reproduction
  • Internal mic and external noise reduction
  • 3 frequency response settings
Cons
  • Expensive (but worth it)
  • Not suitable for beginners

3Dio Free Space Binaural Microphone

3Dio Free Space Binaural Microphone

So this is probably the most exciting ASMR microphone on the list. The 3Dio Free Space Binaural Microphone is truly designed for ASMR, with a binaural microphone that emulates the way that humans actually hear. 

This simulates a real world listening experience, recording in 3D stereo sound. Sounds that are recorded to the left of the microphone are played back in the left ear. Sounds recorded below actually sound like they are coming from below when played back, giving a truly immersive binaural effect. 

This makes the 3Dio Free Space Binaural Microphone one of the best mics for ASMR, letting you play on listeners’ senses from all directions. It’s even designed to feel like a human-hearing emulation, featuring two large ears either side of its omnidirectional microphone.

Overview: 3Dio Free Space Binaural Microphone

Mic type Condenser
Connectivity XLR
Frequency range 60 Hz to 20 kHz
Pros
  • Real-life emulation of human hearing
  • Low self noise
  • Interesting product design: a great feature for ASMR videos
Cons
  • Expensive (but worth it)
  • Needs phantom power

Blue Snowball iCE Plug ‘n Play USB Microphone

Blue Snowball iCE Plug ‘n Play USB

If you’re looking for the most budget friendly ASMR mic, the Blue Snowball iCE Plug ‘n Play USB should be your microphone of choice. Its sound quality might not compare to some of the premium microphones on this list, but at such a good price, the Blue Snowball iCE is a great option for any ASMR beginner. 

It has a cardioid pickup pattern, ideal for recording vocals and other ASMR sounds. It also comes with a tripod desk tand and USB cable. With USB connectivity, it simply plugs into your laptop ready for recording. 

Overview: Blue Snowball iCE Plug ‘n Play USB Microphone

Mic type Condenser
Connectivity USB
Frequency range 40 Hz to 18 kHz
Pros
  • Cheapest ASMR mic
  • Very easy to use
Cons
  • Sound quality better on more expensive mics

How to choose the best microphone for ASMR

Technically, any microphone can be used to record ASMR. But the best results come from a quality microphone capable of capturing those intricate sound details. After all, those intricate details are what cause the tingling feeling that comes with ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response). 

However, better recording quality generally comes a heftier price tag. That’s why it’s useful to understand what exactly makes a good microphone, and what key features to look for in an ASMR mic.

The main things to consider when shopping for an ASMR microphone include:

  • Self-noise
  • Polar pattern
  • Manufacturing quality
  • Price

Self noise

Self noise refers to the sounds that are omitted from the microphone itself. For example, electrical humming sounds. Some microphones come with built in self-noise suppression features that reduce the interference from electrical humming and other mic noises. This is a key feature to look out for in ASMR mics, allowing the recording to focus on those tingly ASMR sounds.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern refers to the directions from which the microphone picks sounds up from. Microphones can be cardioid (picking up sounds from the front direction) or omnidirectional (picking up sounds from every direction). Both types can be used to record ASMR. Your choice should depend on the kind of ASMR you wish to record. For instance, if you want to create sounds that immerse the listener from different directions, an omnidirectional mic might be the best option. 

Manufacture quality

Microphones can be a hefty investment. Buying a better quality microphone can lead to a better, long term investment over a cheaper mic with a lower quality build. 

Price

Price is always an important buying factor. If you have the budget for it, then a higher value microphoe will usually offer better quality audio recording than lower priced microphones.

Most good microphones are around £100 / $100 or more. Although, even some of the more budget friendly mics on the market offer impressive audio quality – particularly since podcasts, streaming and ASMR have all become more popular. 

Summary: our picks

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