When you want to start your own ASMR YouTube channel or ASMR spotify channel, you'll need to look at the best ASMR microphones available to ensure total immersion and the best sound possible.
The world of ASMR has taken the globe, and YouTube by storm. Thousands of YouTubers and Spotify artists are creating complete binaural, tingly experiences via ASMR videos and playlists for their listeners, and you can too!
In this blog, we'll discuss what we think are some of the best ASMR microphone options for content creators with varying budgets. We'll look at the best cheap ASMR microphones as well as some of the more high end ASMR mics for a deeper immersion.
First off, what should you be looking for in an ASMR microphone? What Makes A Good ASMR Microphone
The two major features you should be looking for in an ASMR microphone are sensitivity and omni directional sound.
You need a high sensitivity so every whisper and sound you make is picked up by the mic correctly. This includes breathing, mouth sounds and whatever else you want to record in high-quality.
The second feature you should be looking for is a condenser microphone, ideally with omni-directional recording capability. Alternatively, a set of stereo paired microphones will do the trick. The condenser microphone is the key here!
You need an omni directional microphone so it picks up sound from any angle, which means you can talk or whisper from either side and the microphone will pick it up.
A stereo pair of microphones are also ideal as you can move from side to side, effectively mimicking the left and right ears.
Of course, you'll need things like an audio interface and DAW but we go further into the home recording set up and best home recording products in a previous blog, which we highly recommend reading.
You may just want to record directly into your soundcard or DAW without an audio interface, which is entirely possible with a USB mic, so we've included some of those as well.
Show me the best ASMR Microphones!
In this list we've rounded up the following microphones which we think could be regarded as some of the best microphones for ASMR.
- Zoom H3-VR Virtual Reality Audio Recorder
- Shure mv5
- TOURTECH CM-100 Pencil Condenser Microphones (Pair)
- Rode NT2-A Studio Condenser Microphone Bundle
- sE Electronics SE4400a Condenser Microphones (Matched Stereo Pair)
- Rode K2 Valve Condenser Microphone
- Rode NT-USB Condenser Microphone
- AKG C414 XLS Condenser Microphones (Matched Stereo Pair)
- sE Electronics X1 S Condenser Microphone
- Stagg SUM45 USB Microphone Set
- Rode M5 Condenser Microphone Matched Pair
- Marantz MPM-1000 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Let's begin our deep dive into the best ASMR mics available today.
1. Zoom H3-VR Virtual Reality Audio Recorder
First up we have the very popular Zoom H3-VR Virtual Reality Audio Recorder, which has been designed for ASMR as well as the likes of PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift and other big-name VR applications.
This is one of the best ASMR microphones available as it allows you to create completely immersive 3D audio, so you can move from "ear to ear" and create the binaural sound with ease.
You have a 4-way built-in Ambisonic mic, recorder and decoder which removes the need for extra hardware. The unit also allows you to record stereo binaural waves up to 24 bit/48 kHz for complete immersion, whilst the battery or USB power gives you the option to record anywhere.
Finally, you can record via the wireless iOS remote control through an optional BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter so you don't need to run back to your laptop or PC every time you want to hit record.
Easily one of the best ASMR microphones for those who are serious about binaural, 3D sound and immersion.
Not in stock? Contact us to special order today.
2. Shure Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser Podcasting Microphone
The Shure Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser Podcasting Microphone is an incredibly powerful podcasting microphone that is also perfect for ASMR applications.
We think this is one of the best ASMR microphones as it features an integrated headphone output which offers real-time monitoring, which means you don't need an audio interface to record.
You have plenty of recording options thanks to its 3 preset recording modes. The Shure MV5 includes a Micro-B-to-USB cable for connection to a PC or Mac, and is available with a Micro-B-to-LTG cable for connection to Apple mobile devices - you can record anywhere.
You can record at 24 bit / 48 kHz and even mount the MV5 to a camera tripod allowing you to move from side to side and capture the binaural recording process.
This is a budget-friendly and high-quality ASMR mic that will offer plenty of immersion.
3. TOURTECH CM-100 Pencil Condenser Microphones (Pair)
If you want an accurate stereo recording, the TOURTECH CM-100 Pencil Condenser Microphones (Pair) package is ideal. The ASMR experience relies on a stereo experience, so the set of TourTech CM100 condenser microphones make the perfect option for those on a budget.
Yes, they are predominantly drum microphones, but the Cardioid construction and 30 – 20,000Hz frequency response with high sensitivity allows you to create high-quality vocal recordings in stereo. If you're on a budget, know how to record in stereo with an audio interface and want an immersive experience, these are some of the best ASMR mics available.
4. Rode NT2-A Studio Condenser Microphone Bundle
We're in the realms of professional-level recording with the Rode NT2-A Studio Condenser Microphone Bundle. This is a complete audio recording bundle that will allow you to create high-quality ASMR audio.
The key feature recording artists will appreciate is the three-position variable polar pattern - Omni, Cardioid or Figure 8. This means you can record either side of the microphone beautifully, and capture that stereo sound.
The ultra low noise and high-frequency response of 20Hz - 20kHz means you can capture those whispers and tingles without any interference, the included pop shield and shockmount also helps reduce any plosives and unwanted noises.
5. sE Electronics SE4400a Condenser Microphones (Matched Stereo Pair)
Hand crafted microphones are usually unheard of at this price point, let alone do they sound this stunning. A pair of sE4400a condensers are always factory-matched for perfect tolerance and exceptional stereo imaging, meaning they’re perfect for ASMR use.
These mics come with custom shock mounts and a stereo bar for minimising noise and ensuring the perfect setup - and even a flight case in case you needed to take them on the road, too.
6. Rode K2 Valve Condenser Microphone
Valve microphones, just like valve amps, respond beautifully to subtle nuances from the recording source. The Rode K2 Valve Condenser Microphone is no exception and offers a warm, accurate sound thanks to the built in Class ‘A’ valve circuitry and hand-selected and graded 6922 twin-triode valve.
This valve circuitry combined with the three separate polar patterns: Cardioid, Figure 8 and Omnidirectional and super-high sensitivity of -36.0dB ensures you can move side to side and capture stereo sound sources. Every whisper, trigger and sound source will be represented accurately.
This is an expensive microphone, but worth every penny should you choose to invest in high-quality ASMR mics.
7. Rode NT-USB Condenser Microphone
The Rode NT-USB Condenser Microphone is ideal if you don't want to use an audio interface and you want to record ASMR audio directly to your computer via USB.
This is an industry-standard USB microphone which comes bundled with a pop shield, Tripod desk stand, ring mount, storage pouch and 6m (20') USB cable so you can start recording directly to your PC, laptop, and with an Apple iPad instantly.
The JFET impedance converter with bipolar output buffer, A/D converter 16bit 48kHz all contribute to a crystal clear, unaffected sound at low volumes, whilst the cardioid polar pattern provides the immersive sound you need.
The pop shield ensures you reduce plosive noises whilst the 3.5mm stereo headphone jack provides zero-latency monitoring when recording. Onboard controls allow you to make adjustments without the need for an audio interface.
Easily one of the best USB microphones around and a great ASMR mic for those who want to achieve high-quality recordings.
8. AKG C414 XLS Condenser Microphones (Matched Stereo Pair)
If you're really serious about high quality audio and professional-grade recordings, then a matched pair of AKG C414 XLS Condenser Microphones is a perfect option.
The AKG C414 is the industry standard for stereo recording needs. Crystal clear, the C414 mics are matched in pairs within 1 dB to each other in sensitivity.
Further to this, the mics are also within 1 dB to each other in the range of 300 Hz to 8,000 Hz of the individual frequency response when used in cardioid mode, and are selected from a large quantity of individual microphones using the described criteria by using a proprietary computer program.
These microphones even come with a Proof of Performance chart inside of their attractive carry case, such is the confidence of AKG in their capabilities. For top-of-the-range ASMR recording, these microphones are truly impressive.
9. sE Electronics X1 S Studio Microphone Bundle
One of the key features of ASMR recordings and a main technique you need to nail down is the "quiet" tone. You need complete rejection of background noise for full immersion. This is where the sE Electronics X1 S Studio Microphone Bundle comes in handy.
In this bundle you get the sE Electronics USB condenser microphone, RF-X Reflexion Filter, shock mount and integrated pop filer which will provide complete isolation and reject any plosives and background noises that may creep into the mix.
The cardioid USB microphone provides a high frequency response of 20 Hz - 20 kHz and high sensitivity of 30 mV/Pa (-30.5 dBV) so the quietest of noises will be captured accurately. Whether you're whispering, tapping or plucking - you'll be heard.
For around £150, you get a high quality studio recording bundle for ASMR and other vocal applications.
10. Stagg SUM45 USB Microphone Set
If you're on a budget the Stagg SUM45 USB Microphone Set is a great recording option and awesome starter ASMR microphone set up that won't break the bank.
One of the key features that sets this apart from other ASMR mics in this list is the high - 36 dB +/- 2 dB (0 dB = 1 V / Pa at 1 kHz) sensitivity. This means the lightest of noises and whispers will be picked up which is perfect when choosing an ASMR microphone.
Your voice and sound effects will be recorded in 16 bit quality via the cardioid polar pattern with a frequency response of 50 Hz to 16 kHz. Unwanted background noise will be rejected, whilst the subtle nuances of your voice or sound source will be picked up nicely.
Easily one of the best cheap ASMR microphones that doesn't suck.
11. Rode M5 Condenser Microphone Matched Pair
The Rode M5 Condenser Microphone Matched Pair provides stereo sound recording at studio quality levels straight out of the box.
You have two pencil mics for stereo audio capture, both of which provide a low self noise and high sensitivity. Again you have the all important frequency response of 20Hz ~ 20kHz, but its the -34 dB sensitivity that makes this a stand out ASMR microphone as it will effectively capture small and subtle noises with high detail.
Each mic also has a 1/2" capsule with gold-plated membrane and cardioid polar pattern for audio clarity so you're all set for recording vocals and instruments at studio quality.
12. Marantz MPM-1000 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Last but by no means least we have the cheapest microphone suitable for ASMR recording. The Marantz MPM-1000 Cardioid Condenser Microphone clocks in at around £50, which won't break the bank, but might just help you break Spotify records thanks to the high-quality audio capture capabilities.
The ultra-low self-noise of 17 dBA is impressive for such a budget microphone, whilst the high sensitivity of -38dB and cardioid polar pattern allow you to create that immersive binaural experience - exactly what you need in an ASMR microphone.
This is another great ASMR microphone for those who want to start their own home studio or ASMR channel as you also get a windscreen, shock mount, tripod stand and XLR cable bundled. By far the best cheap ASMR mic in our list.
Shop a full range of microphones over at PMT Online today or call in to your local PMT store to speak to our experts about creating an ASMR studio set up or help with choosing the best ASMR microphone for you.