The two pieces of gear you need to make great ASMR content are a quality ASMR microphone and a pair of ASMR headphones. Whether you’re an aspiring ASMRtist looking for your first mic or an experienced content creator who’s ready for an upgrade, read on and discover the best microphones for ASMR available today.
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1. Blue Yeti USB Microphone | Best ASMR Microphone
Pros:- Great value for the money
- Crystal-clear sound
- Most popular microphone in ASMR
- Stereo sound
- USB output makes setup easy
- Multiple recording modes
- Built-in headphone jack
Cons:- Somewhat bulky
- USB port placement is a little awkward
- Better with a mic stand
- Have to experiment with mic placement to find the sweet spot
The Blue Yeti USB Microphone is the most popular microphone in the ASMR community because it gives you everything you could want in an ASMR mic for less money than its competitors. It sounds incredible, it’s extraordinarily versatile, and it’s still relatively affordable. That’s why the Blue Yeti is the go-to microphone for anyone looking to start making ASMR content in 2019.
The best thing about the Yeti is that it contains three individual condenser microphone capsules, which essentially means that it uses three mini microphones instead of one large one. This multi-mic setup allows the Yeti to record in many different ways, including cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional & stereo polarity patterns.
The Yeti’s multiple microphones also allow you to create stereo recordings in which sounds move from one ear to the other depending on their position relative to the microphone, which is a central component of most ASMR videos. Many of the other products on this list require you to purchase two separate microphones in order to achieve this effect, but a single Blue Yeti can do it all on its own—and with excellent sound quality to boot!
Another great feature of the Yeti is that it is extremely easy to use. Simply plug the included USB cable into your Mac or Windows PC, select the Yeti as your recording device, and you are ready to begin recording. This ease of use makes it a great option for beginners, as you won’t have to fiddle around with any settings or menus to get the mic up and running.
All in all, the Blue Yeti USB Microphone is a stellar product with very few downsides. It’s a little on the bulky side and there is a bit of trial and error in getting to the best sound. But these are minor complaints considering what you’re getting. The Blue Yeti is the undisputed king of ASMR microphones, and you could purchase one now and not feel the itch to upgrade to anything else for a very long time.
While the Yeti is great on its own, for a truly professional setup I would recommend picking up a pop filter and a suspension stand, with together will make for a more balanced and clear sound.
Find more Blue Yeti USB Microphone information and reviews here.
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2. Blue Snowball iCE | Best Cheap ASMR Microphone
Pros:- Affordable
- Plug and play
- Super clear sound
- Built-in stand
Cons:- Picks up background noise
- Pop filter sold separately
- One recording mode
The Blue Snowball iCE is an ultra-affordable microphone that is great for beginners looking to start making ASMR content. It records stunningly clear audio, especially considering its low price, and it is also extraordinarily easy to use—making it a great choice for aspiring ASMR artists looking for their first microphone.
Like the Blue Yeti listed above, the Blue Snowball iCE is a USB microphone. Setting the microphone up is as simple as plugging it into your computer via USB and setting it as your default recording device. You don’t need to install any drivers or software to get up and running, which is great for beginners.
Unlike the Yeti, the Snowball iCE only has one recording mode: cardioid. This polarity shape emphasizes sounds that are directly in front of the microphone, less so sounds that are to the sides or the rear. While the Yeti contains separate mics that can each record stereo audio, the Snowball iCE records only in mono. This means that you cannot use the Snowball iCE to create a left-to-right motion with your triggers,
That said, the Snowball iCE is available for less than half the price of the Blue Yeti and it is still a great choice for other types of ASMR. The audio it records is incredibly clean and pleasing to the ear, and there are a lot of things you can do with this mic as a beginner ASMR content maker. If, after you’ve made a good number of ASMR recordings, you feel the desire to start making stereo recordings, you could always purchase another Snowball iCE and record with both simultaneously.
I would recommend also picking up a Snowball iCE pop filter and maybe even a suspension stand, both of which will make for a more balanced and clear sound.
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3. Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB | Best Cheap Dynamic Mic
Pros:- Dynamic design
- USB and XLR output options
- Good sound quality for the price
- Includes a stand
- Built-in headphone jack with volume dial
- Handheld design
- Lifetime warranty
- Can be used in hand
Cons:- Mono only
- Audio is less clear than more expensive options
- Plastic stand
If you’re a shopper on a budget, then the Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB may be the perfect microphone for you. It has excellent audio quality for the price, and it comes with all of the essential features you need as a budding ASMRtist. Unlike many of the other mics on this list, the ATR2100-USB is a dynamic microphone—the same kind of microphone musicians usually use when performing live—which makes it a good choice if you can see yourself moving around with your mic while you record.
The best part about the ATR2100-USB is that it comes with everything you need to begin recording right away, including a microphone stand, a USB cable, and an XLR cable. Much like the Blue Yeti and the Snowball iCE listed above, the ATR2100-USB is completely plug and play. Simply connect the USB cable to your computer, set up the stand, and you are ready to start making your own ASMR content.
Another great feature that the ATR2100-USB shares with the Yeti is that it comes with a built-in headphone jack that allows you to monitor what the microphone is picking up in real time. This is especially great for making ASMR, as you will know exactly what your triggers sounds like in your recording while you are making it. This allows you to adjust how you are manipulating the trigger in order to maximize tingles for your listeners.
Like the Snowball iCE, this microphone records in mono, which essentially means that your recordings will sound identical coming out of the left and right speakers. You won’t, for example, be able to make a trigger feel like it is playing just in the left ear and move it to the right ear.
That said, the ATR1200-USB is another good option if you’re on a budget and want to dip your toes into making your own ASMR content, particularly if you can see yourself moving the microphone while you record. If you’ve got a little bit more money to spend and you want a product that you will be able to use for a long time to come, go with the Yeti instead.
Find more Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB information and reviews here.
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4. Roland CS-10EM | Best Cheap Binaural Microphones
Pros:- Binaural audio
- In-ear monitoring
- Great price
- Multiple earbud sizes
Cons:- Requires field recorder or compatible device
- No 3.5mm or USB output
- Require windshields
The Roland CS-10EM in-ear microphones are the best cheap binaural microphones available today. Binaural audio is a special kind of stereo that captures sounds just like human ears would. The CS-10EMs contain two omnidirectional microphones that record sounds just like your listener would have heard them if they were in the room with you—which is great for ASMR!
The CS-10EMs are no bigger than a standard pair of iPod earbuds but each bud is equipped with a high-quality condenser microphone. Recording audio using the CS-10EMs is as simple as plugging the input cables into a field recorder with stereo mini input slots like the Rode R-07 and pressing record. The headphones will be powered by the recorder and will store audio there as well.
The main downside of the CS-10EM is that you must have a field recorder or another compatible device in order to use them. Alternatively, you could use these adapters and use the CS-10EM with an audio interface like the Scarlett 2i2. Either way, this cuts back on their affordability because you can’t use them with your computer or phone right out of the box.
Still, if you already have a compatible field recorder and want to record binaural audio, the CS-10EM is a fantastic choice! It is by far the best binaural microphone in this price range. If not, you may want to consider the Sennheiser AMBEO Smart Headset listed below.
Find more Roland CS-10EM | Best In-Ear Microphone for ASMR information and reviews here.
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5. LyxPro SDPC-2 | Best Cheap Microphone Pair
Pros:- Includes two microphones
- Affordable
- Countless recording options
- Three polarity patterns
- Includes windscreens, aluminum carrying case, and mic clips
Cons:- Doesn't include stands
- Less spacious than large condenser mics
- Interior of case slides around
- Requires XLR-to-USB converters or audio interface
The LyxPro SDPC-2 is a super-affordable pair of condenser microphones that will allow you to make stereo recordings without breaking the bank. These mics have fantastic sound quality and are particularly great if you want to create wider stereo images than what the Blue Yeti can produce. Here’s what I mean:
The Yeti contains three microphone capsules that it uses to record omnidirectional or stereo audio. These mics can make an awesome stereo recording, but the width of the stereo image is still limited because the mics are so close to one another.
You can put a trigger on the left side of the mic and you will get a recording that feels like it is coming from the left, but unless the trigger you are using is very quiet, there will likely still be some bleed into the microphone on the right. This makes it difficult to make a sound seem like it is coming exclusively from one side or the other, which is why the stereo image feels more narrow.
On the other hand, the SDPC-2 has two completely independent microphones that you can position however you want. This gives you a lot of flexibility to experiment with different stereo configurations in order to get the perfect sound for each recording—and to keep some sounds exclusively in one channel but not the other. The flexibility goes even further when you add in the SDPC-2’s three interchangeable capsules, which you place on top of the microphones to alter the polarity pattern between omni, cardioid, and supercardioid.
The SDPCs come with microphone clips but not a stand. If you decided to go with these mics, you’ll definitely want to pick up one or two microphone stands and possibly a microphone bar (if you go with one stand). The SDPCs are also the first mics on this list that do not have a USB output. In order to connect them to your computer, you will need two XLR-to-USB converters or an audio interface like the Focusrite Scarlet 2i2.
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6. Audio-Technica AT875R | Best Shotgun Microphone
Pros:- Highly directional sound
- Easily used with handheld camera
- Excellent noise rejection
Cons:- One recording mode
- No stereo options
- Requires a stand or camera mount
The Audio-Technica AT875R is unlike any of the other microphones on this list because it is a shotgun microphone—which essentially means that it is highly, highly directional. The AT875R captures audio from directly in front of the microphone with stunning volume and clarity while blocking out almost all noise coming from other directions. The AT875R is also designed with film and broadcast in mind, which makes it a natural fit for use in ASMR videos.
The AT875R is a great mic for ASMR if you want extraordinarily clear recordings with minimal background noise. It’s especially valuable if you do not have an ideal recording environment, as its excellent noise rejection means that you will be able to record your triggers clearly without picking up your roommates talking in the other room.
The other big advantage of the AT875R is that it can easily be used with handheld video cameras. This isn’t something used in all kinds of ASMR, but it is super useful for some genres like this classic stone carving video.
If upon watching the above video, you felt your mind rush with creative possibilities for making cool ASMR content, then the AT875R might just be the mic for you! Just be sure that you pick up a stand, a mic clip, an XLR cable, and a USB adapter or audio interface to connect it to your computer.
Find more Audio-Technica AT875R information and reviews here.
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7. Rode M5-MP | Best Microphone Pair
Pros:- Includes 2 mics
- High-fidelity sound
- Low noise floor
- Flexible stereo recording options
Cons:- Stands not included
- One polarity pattern
- Requires two XLR-to-USB converters or audio interface
The Rode M5-MP is an excellent pair of small-diaphragm condenser microphones that have been carefully selected to ensure a variation of no more than 1dB of sensitivity between them. The M5-MPs have a super-low noise floor, a cardioid polar pattern, and a full frequency response, producing crisp full-bodied audio with minimal background noise. All of this makes them an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reasonably priced pair of microphones for stereo ASMR recording.
As was the case with the LyxPro SDPC-2 above, one of the best things about getting a pair of microphones is the flexibility you have for making stereo recordings. The M5s are slightly less versatile than the SDPCs because the M5s can only record using a cardioid polarity pattern, but they make up for it with their high-fidelity sound.
The M5-MPs also are unique compared to most of the other mics on this list because of their small-diaphragm design, which gives them a better transient response than large-diaphragm options, an extended high-frequency response (even beyond the limits of human hearing), and a very consistent pickup pattern. According to Neumann, small-diaphragm mics like these are the best choice “when you want to capture the pure and natural sound, without added flavors.”
This purity can be great for ASMR, which is all about hearing the tiny details produced by various triggers. This is where the M5-MP excels.
As was the case with the SDPC-2, if you decide to go with the M5-MP, you’ll definitely want to pick up at least one microphone stand and possibly a microphone bar. You will also need two XLR-to-USB converters or an audio interface like the Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 to connect them to your computer.
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8. Sennheiser AMBEO Smart Headset | Best ASMR Microphone for iPhone
Pros:- Works with iPhone
- Binaural 3D recording
- Doubles as ASMR headphones
- Wired design ensures uninterrupted connection
- Two color options
- Awesome partner app
Cons:- iPhone only without adapter
- Draws on your phone's battery
- Pricey
- Audio is less pristine than more 3Dio binaural mics
The Sennheiser AMBEO Smart Headset allows you to record high-quality ASMR content, including binaural 3D audio, directly onto your iPhone. They also double as a pair of high-quality in-ear headphones that you can use to listen to music or to monitor your recordings in real time. They even come with active noise cancellation, which isn’t much help for recording but is great to have in a pair of headphones.
One highlight feature of this microphone is that you can record on the go without a portable recorder like the H4N Zoom. Instead, you can use the mics on the headset and store the audio directly on your iPhone. The headset has a Lightning input that is compatible with all modern iPhones, but you can also pair it with a Lightning to 3.5mm or Lightning to USB-C adapter and record with other phone types as well.
The other big feature of this headset is that it has two omnidirectional microphones—one in each earpiece—that record binaural 3D audio. Binaural audio is a special kind of stereo recording that involves capturing sound the same way that a listener’s ears would hear them if they were actually present.
This usually relies on having two omnidirectional microphones (essentially what your ears are) on either side of a head-sized object. In this case, that object will actually be your head, which makes for an exceptionally lifelike recording, which can be really awesome for ASMR. It’s very similar to the binaural recording technology used in some of the more expensive microphones listed below. But this headset is available for about half the price of the other binaural options and still sounds great.
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9. Zoom H4N PRO Digital Multitrack Recorder | Best ASMR Recorder
Pros:- Portable
- Great sound, with super low noise floor
- Flexible micing options
- Built-in effects software
- AC adapter
- Built-in X/Y stereo produces a modest sense of space
Cons:- Expensive
- Limited stereo field
- Unfocused, ambient sound compared to other microphones on this list
The Zoom H4N PRO Digital Multitrack Recorder is a great option if you are looking for a portable ASMR recorder. While all of the other microphones on this list require a computer or external storage device, the Zoom H4N PRO is completely standalone. This gives you the freedom to make your ASMR content whenever and wherever you like—unlocking countless creative possibilities.
What separates the H4N PRO from other portable microphones is its impressive sound quality and versatile recording options. The H4N PRO features two built-in microphones arranged in an X/Y stereo configuration, allowing you to record in full stereo without any external equipment.
The H4N PRO also includes 2 multi-jack (XLR + 1/4″) inputs that let you supplement the built-in microphones with one or two external mics. For example, you could connect a Blue Yeti to the H4N and record with that as well as the built-in microphones. These flexible micing options are great for ASMR, as you can achieve wildly different sonic results simply by experimenting with different microphones at varying volume levels.
Other noteworthy features about the H4N PRO include the built-in headphone jack, which allows you to monitor your recordings; the 32GB maximum SD storage capacity; and the surprisingly good software, which even lets you add audio effects to your recordings.
The biggest downside of the Zoom H4N PRO is its price tag; it costs nearly twice as much as the Blue Yeti, and the audio it produces, while good, is not as clean as what you would get with the Yeti. The Yeti also records in a wider stereo image than the H4N PRO, which is really nice for achieving that kind of ear-to-ear motion that is so prevalent in ASMR.
That said, the Zoom H4N PRO is still the best ASMR recorder if you can see yourself making ASMR content outside of your home studio.
Find more Zoom H4N PRO Digital Multitrack Recorder information and reviews here.
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10. Rode NT1-A | Best Mono Microphone
Pros:- Ultra-low noise floor
- Attractive design and build
- Clear and warm audio
- Includes pop filter, shock mount, and 20' XLR cable
Cons:- Mono only
- Expensive, especially if you want to record in stereo
- No USB output
- Needs a microphone stand but doesn't include one
A relative newcomer to the ASMR scene that’s been gaining a lot of popularity is the Rode NT1-A. This microphone’s primary selling points are its crystal-clear audio and ultra-low noise floor. Audio recorded with the NT1-A is extraordinarily clean and contains very little background noise, which can really amplify the effectiveness of many triggers.
The NT1-A’s one downside is that, like the Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB, it can only record in mono, rather than stereo. Stereo recordings have different sounds coming from the left and right speakers, which makes sounds feel like they are coming from different directions in space.
Mono recordings like those made by the NT1-A, on the other hand, sound exactly the same in the left and right speakers, which makes everything sound like it’s coming from directly in front of the listener. If you want to record audio in stereo, you would have to buy two NT1-As, which you could use to record separate left and right channels.
When used in this way, the Rode NT1-A is easily one of the best microphones for ASMR available today. The audio it produces is extraordinarily pleasing to the ear, with pristine high frequencies (which give sounds their airiness or sheen) and tremendous warmth and clarity throughout the rest of the frequency spectrum.
At this price point, however, I would only recommend the Rode NT1-A for ASMR if you are able to buy two. The fact that a single NT1-A is only able to record in mono is simply too big of a shortcoming if you’re willing to spend this much on a microphone. Instead, I’d recommend you give the Blue Yeti or the Rode M5-MP a try, both of which can give you that all-important stereo sound.
But if you’ve got the budget for two, the NT1-A might be the microphone to take your ASMR content to new heights. Just be sure that you have an audio interface or a couple of converters in order to handle the XLR outputs and a couple of stands to hold them.
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11. Blue Baby Bottle Microphone | Best High-End Mono Microphone
Pros:- Gorgeous vintage design
- Top-of-the-line audio
- Warm, full-bodied character
- Comes with a pop filter, shock mount, and wooden case
Cons:- Expensive
- Mono only
- Three-year warranty
- Doesn't include an XLR cord
If you’re an experienced ASMRtist who is looking to take your content to the next level, the Blue Baby Bottle might be the microphone for you. This is a top-of-the-line product that produces audio with stunning clarity and a unique sonic character. While recordings made with cheaper microphones can sometimes sound cold or harsh, the Baby Bottle’s sound is warm and full of body. There’s just something about the Baby Bottle’s sound that makes everything more pleasing to the ear, which is part of what makes it so great for ASMR.
The one downside of the Blue Baby Bottle is that, like the Rode NT1-A, it can only record in mono. This means that you will need to purchase two Baby Bottles if you want to record ASMR content in which the sounds feel like they are moving from ear to ear. Obviously, this takes a product that was already expensive and doubles the price, which is why the Baby Bottle is best saved for serious content producers.
If you’re a hobbyist who is just getting into making your own ASMR content, you’ll be more than happy with one of the more affordable options listed above. But if you’re a committed content producer who wants to maximize your tingles, the Baby Bottle is an awesome choice.
Find more Blue Baby Bottle Microphone information and reviews here.
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12. 3Dio FS Binaural Microphone | Best Cheap Binaural Microphone for ASMR
Pros:- Records binaural audio
- Realistic prosthetic ears
- Affordably priced binaural microphone
- Ears are great for many ASMR sub-genres
- Creates a more immersive sound than regular stereo
Cons:- Expensive compared to stereo microphones
- No USB or XLR output
- Requires a stand
- Requires an audio interface, digital recorder, or preamp
This is the most realistic sound experience of all. While most of the other microphones on this list are able to record in mono or stereo, the 3Dio FS, like the Sennheiser AMBEO Smart Headset, records in a specific type of stereo called binaural, which essentially means that it is modeled after the human auditory system. The 3Dio FS actually has two microphones that are embedded inside prosthetic ears about five inches apart from each other (roughly the width of a human head). This allows the 3Dio FS to record audio that sounds very close to what it would sound like if the listener were physically present during the recording process.
The 3Dio FS lets you record high-quality, immersive ASMR content without having to break the bank to do it. Sure, the FS is still significantly more expensive than many of the other products on this list, especially the Blue Yeti, but it’s a great deal compared to other binaural mics (just wait for the last product on this list).
Another great feature of this microphone for ASMR is the prosthetic ears, which you can interact with in various ways that can really trigger the tingles. The 3Dio FS (and other 3Dio models) are especially popular options for ear-cleaning ASMR and role-playing-type content, both of which benefit from the sense of immersion that comes with binaural audio.
The biggest downside of the 3Dio FS is simply that it is fairly expensive compared to most of the other microphones on this list. As I said above, it’s a great deal compared to other binaural mics, but it may be too expensive if you’re a novice ASMRtist who is just getting involved in the space. Another noteworthy downside of this model is that it only has a 3.5mm audio output—no USB or XLR. It’s not a huge issue, but it would have been nice to have multiple outputs so that you could choose which one works best for you.
But these are small complaints about an otherwise excellent product. If you’re serious about making ASMR content and you want that binaural sound, then the 3Dio FS is definitely worth a look.
Find more 3Dio FS Binaural Microphone information and reviews here.
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13. 3Dio FS Pro II | Best Binaural Microphone for ASMR
Pros:- Best binaural mic on the market
- Top-of-the-line mic capsules
- 3.5mm stereo output and two XLR outputs
- Extraordinarily low noise floor
- Wide frequency response gives unparalleled realism
- Phantom power
Cons:- Expensive
- Included cable is short (8 inches)
- Doesn't come with a stand
If you’re a passionate ASMR content creator who is looking for the very best, then look no further than the 3Dio FS Pro II—the best binaural microphone for ASMR available today. This model comes with all of the same advantages as the 3Dio FS listed above but also sports improved microphone capsules, a lower noise floor, and additional output options. These improvements come at a high cost, but the FS Pro II is worth every penny.
The most significant upgrade that the FS Pro II has over the FS is the DPA 4060 microphone capsules. These capsules are widely regarded for having an extraordinary frequency response range, which essentially means that you will be able to record both extremely high frequencies (the frequencies responsible for giving sounds their airiness or sheen) as well as extremely low frequencies, including rumbling bass sounds that lesser microphones aren’t able to pick up.
This is especially great to have in an ASMR microphone, as you are able to capture each sound in incredible detail. The bass response is particularly nice for ear-cleaning and other immersive content, because the Pro II is able to capture the subtleties that you would experience if you were actually hearing the sounds in person.
These microphones are also widely heralded for their wide dynamic range. Dynamic range refers to the volume level differences between very loud sounds and very quiet sounds. Some microphones compress these differences in order to make recordings in which all sounds are equally loud—not so with the capsules in the 3Dio FS Pro II.
The Pro II’s dynamic range makes for recordings that are nuanced and pristine. This is great for ASMR because you can capture very soft sounds as well as louder ones. The contrast between sounds can be very relaxing and can go a long way toward triggering the tingles.
The one significant downside of the 3Dio FS Pro II is, of course, the price. There’s no getting around it, the Pro II is an expensive piece of gear. But you get what you pay for when it comes to audio equipment, and the 3Dio FS Pro II is the best of the best.
Choosing an ASMR Microphone
Choosing a microphone to use for ASMR depends on three primary factors: recording options, output options, and budget.
ASMR Recording Options
Mono Microphones
When I say recording options, I'm primarily referring to what kind of audio the microphone is able to record. Some products, like the Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB, the Blue Snowball iCE, and the Rode NT1-A, are only able to record in mono. Mono recordings sound identical coming out of the left and right speakers, so they don't have the sense of space or directionality that you can get with a stereo recording. The only way to produce a stereo recording using these mono microphones is to purchase two of them and use them simultaneously.
Stereo Microphones
A stereo recording is one in which there is a separate audio channel for the reft and light speakers. The Blue Yeti is capable of making stereo recordings with just one microphone, while the LyxPro SDPC-2 and Rode M5-MP come with two microphones so you can record in stereo. With any of these options, you will be able to move triggers around the microphone(s) while you are recording and the sound of the trigger will move from ear to ear.
Binaural Microphones
Stereo is great, but you may prefer to have the unique stereo sound created with binaural microphones, which essentially have two microphones spaced apart like a pair of ears. The Sennheiser AMBEO Smart Headset, the Roland CS-10EM and the 3Dio FS and the FS Pro II all have a binaural microphone design.
These microphones create recordings that make the listener feel like they are actually in the room with you, experiencing the triggers first-hand. This can be a huge boost to immersion and really increase the tingle response.
Input Options
The second major factor to consider when choosing a microphone is input options—in other words, how do you connect the microphone to your computer?
USB inputs are super convenient because you can plug them directly into any computer with no problem. XLR cables are the industry standard for audio equipment, but they require a separate audio interface or an adapter in order to connect to a computer, which adds an additional expense.
ASMR Microphone Price
Last but not least, price! If you're a beginner ASMR content creator who is looking for your first microphone, you cannot go wrong with the most affordable options on this list, especially the Blue Yeti. The Yeti is an incredible value, and many of the biggest ASMRtists on YouTube still use it, because it is just that good.
If you want even clearer audio than what the Yeti can provide or you're ready to upgrade to a binaural mic, then one of the more expensive microphones is probably right for you. For a first binaural mic, I would recommend the Sennheiser AMBEO Smart Headset, which gives you a lot of value for the money and records awesome binaural sound.