ASMR is a genre of video that has gained lots of popularity in the past few years. Certain sounds such as brushing your hair or scratching your nails against something can trigger pleasurable feelings for most people. This is what’s called ASMR.
To start with, an ASMR microphone needs to be very sensitive. There are lots of different types of mics you can use but the most common are the condenser and binaural type.
To help those looking to record videos of this genre, today we bring a round-up of the best microphone for ASMR. We will research and review the best options for ASMR artists of any level of expertise.
Tip: if you’re looking for a microphone that can be used with both ASMR and music, check out our Best Microphone for Vocals, Best Microphones for Rappers, and Best Microphone for Acoustic Guitar to find more options.
Best Microphone for ASMR
Here are some of the best microphones for ASMR that are also budget-friendly:
What is ASMR?
Before we get to our review, we would like to explain what exactly ASMR is. ASMR, in a nutshell, is short for autonomous sensory meridian response. It has been observed by a lot of people that certain sounds may trigger good feelings and sensations in the body.
Scientists are still researching why exactly watching and listening to an ASMR video causes this sensation. But one thing is certain: this kind of practice has a lot of positive effects on health. It is capable of relieving stress and even chronic pain, as was shown in various studies.
An ASMR artist may use lots of different techniques for recording their videos. Some of the most popular ones people seem to enjoy are the sound of brushes, scratching, whispering, and soft-spoken conversations.
What We’ve Considered For This Product Roundup
For this roundup of the best ASMR microphones, we considered the following points:
- Type of microphone (dynamic or condenser)
- Standard vs binaural
- Polar Pattern
- Sensitivity Level
- Portability
- Connectivity
Top Pick – Blue Yeti
We tested 7 products and found the Blue Yeti to be the best ASMR microphone.
The Blue Yeti is one of the best ASMR microphones when it comes to price value, recording options, and ease of use. The four polar patterns will fit any style of ASMR recording and give you great versatility.
Portable/Budget Pick – SAMSON Go
We’ve decided to make the SAMSON Go our portable/budget pick since it fits both categories very well. Featuring cardioid and omnidirectional patterns, costing around $40 and with the added benefit of portability, you can’t go wrong with it.
7 Best Microphone for ASMR Reviewed in Detail
#1 Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti is one of the most popular mic models nowadays. Lots of YouTubers, streamers, and content creators swear by the Yeti, and it can function very well as an ASMR microphone due to its versatility and ease of use.
Product Specifications
- Condenser Microphone
- USB Connectivity
- Three Capsules
- Four Patterns
- Onboard Audio Controls
- Plug ‘N Play Feature
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- The four polar patterns to choose from will give you more versatility when recording. You can choose between cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, and stereo.
- The stereo polar pattern option is perfect for recording ASMR.
- Onboard controls such as volume knob and mute button may come in handy when recording.
- The USB connectivity eliminates the need for any additional equipment besides your computer.
Cons
- A lot of negative reviews regarding Blue’s customer service.
Verdict
The Blue Yeti is amazingly versatile for its price tag. The four polar patterns will work to record any type of ASMR you wish and the USB connection makes it a breeze to use: just plug it in and you’re ready to record. For these factors, the Blue Yeti is our top budget pick for the best ASMR microphone.
Check Price on Amazon#2 SAMSON Go
The smallest ASMR microphone on the list, the SAMSON Go prioritizes portability and ease of use. You can record with this mic directly into your phone with high quality sound.
Product Specifications
- Condenser Microphone
- Multipattern
- Foldable Table Stand/Clip
- Plug and Play
- USB Connectivity
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- The design looks very good.
- Features two patterns: cardioid and omnidirectional.
- The mic features a foldable little stand that can also clip to laptop screens.
- Features a headphone output for direct monitoring.
- You can record directly to your smartphone using separate adapters.
Cons
- May sound thin due to its small size and reduced frequency response.
Verdict
The Samson Go is an amazing option for those who favor portability. For an ASMR microphone that small, it has an impressive sound quality. Plus, you won’t need to worry about stands since it already features a built-in one.
The only downfall to the SAMSON Go is its reduced frequency response (80Hz to 18kHZ). For some ASMR applications, low frequencies are important, and 80Hz may not be low enough to capture these details.
Check Price on Amazon#3 Zoom H1n
Not only a microphone but a handheld recording device, the H1n will eliminate the need for a computer or a smartphone. It is capable of high quality ASMR recording directly to an SD card.
Product Specifications
- Handheld Recorder
- Built-In Stereo Microphone
- SD Card Port
- Powered by Batteries
- USB Connectivity for Data Transfer and Charging
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- You can record ASMR audio without needing a computer or smartphone.
- The built-in stereo microphone is very good for ASMR.
- A 2GB micro SD card is included.
- You can connect an external microphone to the input line if you want.
- The built-in display makes it easy to work with.
Cons
- With a recorder, there’s the added step of transferring your files to your computer for editing.
Verdict
The Zoom H1n is for those looking for a portable, all-in-one solution. A handheld recording device with a powerful stereo microphone, the device will give you crisp sound with the added benefit of also being able to capture new ideas for ASMR triggers on the go.
But as we said, the added step of having to transfer files to your computer in order to edit them can be a hassle and the process will be not as streamlined as with some other options.
Check Price on Amazon#4 3Dio FS
We couldn’t let this one be out of the list. The 3Dio FS is probably one of the most iconic, best ASMR microphones. It is shaped after a pair of ears with binaural sound to make the work of ASMR artists easier. For that reason, it is considered to be the perfect ASMR microphone.
Product Specifications
- Binaural Microphones
- 3D Audio Based on the Human Ear and Hearing
- Battery Powered
- Stereo 3.5mm Output Jack
- Built-In Standard ⅝ Microphone Stand Adapter
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- No other ASMR binaural microphone can compete with the level of realism of the 3D sound of the 3Dio.
- The design of this mic will instantly get the attention of viewers on your ASMR channel.
- With its stereo 3.5mm output jack, it is easy to connect the microphone even to a handheld recorder.
- The microphone doesn’t need any other power source except for the batteries and they will last a very long time: more than 300 hours, according to the manufacturer.
- Despite its unusual shape, the mic can be mounted onto a standard mic stand.
Cons
- The very high price tag may not be suitable for all people.
Verdict
This is one of the best ASMR microphones there is. It only takes one YouTube search to prove it. Nothing comes close to the binaural sound of the 3Dio. No wonder it is the result of more than 15 years of research in human hearing. Also, ASMR artists can pinpoint in the 3Dio exactly where they want the sensation to be felt in the listener.
However it is not for all budgets, with an average price exceeding the $1000 mark, this ASMR mic is certainly a big investment and is more advised for experienced professionals in the area.
Check Price on Amazon#5 HyperX QuadCast
You’ve certainly seen this particular microphone on the table of a gamer YouTuber or streamer, but the HyperX Quadcast is also a potent condenser microphone for creating ASMR videos. And it looks very aesthetically pleasing too.
Product Specifications
- Condenser Microphone
- USB Cable Powered
- Multi Polar Patterns
- Headphone Jack for Input Monitoring
- Built-In Pop Filter and Shock Mount
- Built-In Gain Control
- Table Mount Included
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- This condenser microphone features four different polar patterns: cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo. These are perfect for making ASMR videos, especially the stereo pattern.
- The headphone jack will make you able to monitor the sound coming directly from the microphone with no artifacts while recording.
- A convenient table mount may help a lot with your ASMR recordings.
- The built-in pop filter and shock mount are very convenient.
Cons
- The building materials feel a little fragile and plastic-like. That’s also due to the microphone being very lightweight.
Verdict
A convenient choice for those who are looking for a multi-purpose, good ASMR microphone. Apart from recording ASMR, you can easily use this very versatile mic for vlogs, gaming, streaming, singing, and even video calls.
What also caught our attention is that it is rare to find standard condenser mics with a stereo polar pattern mode. This is one of the best features, as a stereo sound will be more accurate in translating to the human ear.
Check Price on Amazon#6 LyxPro SDPC-2
Unlike the other ASMR microphones in this list, this option comes as a pair and with multiple included capsules, as well as a hard case. Recording with a pair of microphones is great because that way you can achieve a realistic stereo sound.
Product Specifications
- Condenser Microphone
- Sold as a Pair
- 3 Included Capsules with Different Polar Patterns
- +48V Phantom Power Required
- Includes Foam Pop Filter
- Includes Aluminum Carrying Case
- Includes 2 Microphone Clips
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- A much cheaper alternative to the 3Dio. With a pair of mics, you can mimic a binaural microphone by placing it in the right spots.
- Includes three separate capsules: omni, cardioid, and super cardioid. They will be very useful for mimicking human hearing.
- Wide frequency response and high sensitivity.
- The only option in this list to include a hard case.
Cons
- Requires an audio interface with +48V phantom power to be used.
- Requires some knowledge in audio mixing for better results.
Verdict
The SDPC-2 is a professional microphone choice for those who want the added realism of the binaural sound but don’t have the budget for a 3Dio FS. It only costs about one-tenth of the price, and you will be able to get very great results.
The only disadvantages would be that it will require an interface with +48V phantom power to work and some knowledge on the more scientific side of binaural audio for proper placement and mixing of your sound. Still, it is a great pick of ASMR microphone for intermediate and advanced content creators.
Check Price on Amazon#7 Audio Technica ATR2100x
Our last product on the list is the ATR2100x, from Audio Technica, a dynamic microphone that features a dual XLR Cable + USB connection for optimal usability.
Product Specifications
- Dynamic Microphone
- Unidirectional Cardioid Polar Pattern
- Dual XLR Cable + USB Connection
- Built-In Headphone Jack for Monitoring
- Built-In Volume Wheel
- Tripod Desk Stand Included
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- With this mic, you have the option to use both with the provided USB cable or with an XLR cable.
- The tripod desk stand has very good quality and will be useful for ASMR recording. Even still, the microphone can be used with other stands such as the standard type.
- Even though this is a dynamic, this model has more sensitivity than most other dynamic microphones with the added bonus of picking less noise than condenser microphones.
Cons
- It has more sensitivity than most dynamic ASMR mic, so it picks up a lot of background noise.
Verdict
The Audio Technica ATR2100x has high-quality sound and serves well as an ASMR microphone, but there are more interesting choices at the same price range. The biggest downfall that we found is that there is only one choice of polar pattern available, while options such as the HyperX Quadcast offer four.
Check Price on AmazonBuying Guide
Things to Consider Before Buying ASMR microphones
There are some important points to consider when looking for the best ASMR microphones. Factors like the type of the microphone, sensitivity, and noise ratio should be taken into account. Here is a buying guide to help you when shopping.
Type of Microphone
The best ASMR microphones usually come in two types: dynamic and condenser. Dynamic mics have less sensitivity but are also usually more directional and will pick much less background noise. They’re especially good if you’re recording in a noisy environment with no sound treatment.
Condensers, on the other hand, have much more sensitivity and some of the best ASMR microphones fall into this category, but it will require an audio interface with +48V phantom power and an acoustically treated and isolated room to sound their best, so there are a lot of additional costs involved.
The choice between the two will come down to the environment you have available for recording and your budget. Condenser microphones will also have the benefit of having a better response on the frequency range, especially on low frequencies, making them good for ASMR recordings.
Sensitivity of the Microphone
When recording ASMR videos, you need a microphone with high sensitivity. The more sensitivity a mic has, the easier it will be to capture the sound and the little details you’re going for.
As mentioned before, condenser microphones will perform better in this question. It is worth checking YouTube videos for different microphones before buying to hear the nuances they’re able to capture.
Self Noise
As you will be capturing very intimate, sometimes quiet sounds, this is an important factor. The self noise (also known as noise floor and noise ratio) of a microphone refers, as the name implies, to how much noise they produce by themselves.
Anything less than 25dBA of microphone self noise will be very good for ASMR. But most modern professional microphones and all the products reviewed on this list, if used properly, will have very low self noise.
Polar Pattern
Different mics feature different polar patterns. The most popular ones for ASMR microphones are cardioid, super-cardioid, hyper-cardioid, and omnidirectional. The first will focus on picking up sounds coming from the front of the mic and canceling any noise coming from behind. Omnidirectional mics will capture everything around them.
Most mics on this list come with more than one built-in option. All these patterns will work great for ASMR recording, a good tip is to search for YouTube videos depicting the different types of patterns. Make sure to test for yourself too.
Connectivity
When it comes to connectivity, there are basically two types of professional ASMR mics in the market: USB microphones and XLR ones. If you opt for a USB microphone, you will be able to plug it into your computer and start recording right away without any additional equipment.
If you opt for an XLR mic, you will need an audio interface or at least a quality adapter. Both types work well for ASMR recording, but if you opt for the XLR, make sure to check our Best Audio Interface and Best Portable Audio Interfaces to learn more about these equipment.
Keep in mind that condenser microphones with an XLR connection will need an audio interface capable of delivering +48V phantom power to them.
Bonus: What is a Binaural Microphone/Audio?
Binaural recording is a technique that involves using a pair of microphones to create a more realistic sensation in the listener. This technique has been gaining lots of attention in the ASMR community.
On our list, we mentioned the 3Dio FS. The model does exactly what we’ve described: there are two microphones mounted to a mannequin head, one on each ear. But, you can also use a pair of matched microphones such as the mentioned LyxPro SDPC-2 to achieve the same effect.
However, it is important to note that stereo and binaural sound are not the same things. Binaural recording takes into account the spacing between both ears: even though we can’t naturally notice this, the sound will hit one ear earlier than the other one.
What Are the Benefits of Binaural Recording?
As stated before, binaural ASMR recordings will sound more realistic to the listener. There are a lot of studies regarding the different benefits of binaural audio such as stress and anxiety relief, but these effects can be achieved with traditional ways of recording too.
Should I Invest in a Binaural Microphone?
We know that realism is a key factor, so recording with a binaural microphone will always be a great investment. Binaural ASMR videos tend to get a lot of views. But these types of mics are not cheap, so if you’re just starting out, it is better to go with a standard model and upgrade later.
FAQs
What Type of Microphone is the Best for ASMR?
Do You Need a Special Microphone for ASMR?
Is the Blue Yeti Microphone Good for ASMR?
What is the Best Polar Pattern to Use for ASMR Recording?
Conclusion
In this article, we reviewed the best ASMR microphones to find out which are our top picks. We took into account factors such as dynamic vs condenser mics, sensitivity, self noise, polar pattern, and even connectivity.
Ultimately, the decision for the best ASMR microphone will depend on each ASMR artist use case and budget, that’s why we divided our favorites into two categories: top pick and portable/budget pick.
Top Pick – Blue Yeti
One of the best ASMR microphones. The sound quality is incredible for the price and it is still one of the most versatile options on the list. This USB microphone has all the functions needed by ASMR professionals of any level of expertise.
Portable/Budget Pick – SAMSON Go
A great ASMR microphone for those who favor portability but also sound quality. You can record your ASMR videos anywhere you want and even directly to your smartphone with an external adapter.
Initially, we were going to divide our portable and budget picks between two products, but we found the SAMSON Go to fit both categories so well that we’ve decided to make it into just one.
How Can I Buy the Products From This List?
Have you decided what ASMR microphone is your favorite? You can find the link to these mics directly on each product topic in this article.
We hope we have helped you pick the best ASMR microphone for your particular usage. Make sure to research the ASMR community extensively and hear these products in action on places such as YouTube. Do you have any questions or tips about the best microphone for ASMR? Please make sure to share it with us in the comments section below!
Ian Sniesko is an experienced music producer and musician who loves to share his knowledge about the best audio equipment for making and enjoying great music. For the past 6 years, Ian has written extensively about the audio equipment industry and has contributed to many of the top music magazines.