In the analog studio world, that gain knob is often on a different piece of gear entirely; typically, pros refer to it as a Mic Pre. USB mics also often have headphone jacks, while XLR mics don't.

Don't rely on the wimpy microphone built into your phone or laptop. Here's how to find the best USB (and XLR with USB) mics for gaming, podcasting, and recording music, including our top-tested picks.

XLR microphones connected to your PC via an XLR cable are still the best choice if sound quality is your main concern. But USB microphones are ideal if you want plug-and-play simplicity without ...

The ZealSound XLR/USB Dynamic Microphone features dual connectivity, RGB lighting, and comprehensive controls. This ...

Hybrid connectivity between USB-C and XLR make it hugely versatile, whilst touch controls really enhance the user experience. Sound isolation is unrivalled at this level, too. For this guide we've ...

Some microphones offer both USB and XLR connections. Start with the USB connection and then add a mixer or audio interface for use with the XLR capabilities later. There are two types of ...

AVerMedia's "go" brand refers to devices that focus on accessibility and portability, and the new VERSATI go (AM310G2) embraces both with aplomb. This is an excellent, easy-to-use USB microphone with ...