In a hurry?

These are our top three ASMR mic picks:

1. Rode NT1 (best all-rounder)
2. Shure MV88+ (best for stereo sound)
3. Audio Technica AT2020 (best budget)

Best ASMR microphones

1. Rode NT1 5th Gen

Best all-rounder

• Dual connectivity for both USB and XLR
• 32-bit float digital output prevents clipping
• Ultra-low self-noise and high gain levels

The Rode NT1 5th Gen is an ideal all-rounder for all levels of ASMR content creators. One reason for this is its dual connectivity; anyone can get started right out of the box with its USB connection. While those with audio interfaces can just as well use XLR.

It’s a condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern, wide frequency range, and high sensitivity.

Because of its ultra-low self-noise (4dBA), it’s perfect for capturing quiet ASMR with high quality. This is thanks to the ‘Revolution Preamp’ which also boasts 76dB of gain – so you won’t need to boost your whispers or other noises.

One unique feature is the NT1 5th Gen’s 32-bit float digital output, preventing clipping, even if you set the input gain too high. This is ideal for ASMR as you’ll work with high gain levels to capture quiet details – running the risk of accidentally clipping your audio. With the NT1 5th Gen you avoid this.

Shop now | Rode NT1 5th Gen

2. Shure SM7B

• One of the most popular content-creation microphones
• Electromagnetic shielding prevents hum from external devices
• Ideal for close-miking situations as in ASMR

The Shure SM7B is one of the most popular microphones for content creation, and it’s great for making ASMR too. Because it’s made for preserving the naturalness of the sound it captures, it’s great for capturing the subtle and quiet sounds with detail that is needed for ASMR.

One great feature is its electromagnetic shielding, stopping hum from monitors and other devices. Because ASMR is recorded at such a quiet level, this hum is more likely to get in the way, so it’s great that the SM7B eliminates this.

It also has a classic cardioid pattern that rejects off-axis audio. So, you’ll be able to pick up ASMR sounds with focus knowing that no unwanted noise is being picked up.

Shop now | Shure SM7B

3. Shure MV88+

• The stereo capture is perfect for ASMR
• Multifunctional stand can be held or placed on a surface
• Designed for content creation with mobile phones

The Shure MV88+ is ideal for capturing ASMR with a wide range of devices and is especially good if you want to make your content directly from your smartphone. What makes it especially good for ASMR is that it records in stereo, so you don’t have to do much to get an immersive ASMR experience.

As well as this, it has five DSP preset modes and compatibility with the Shure MOTIV Audio App – so you can fine-tune your sound to get the most tingles possible out of your audience.  And with the multifunctional stand, you can hold your phone in place and place it on a surface as well as hold it and point at sound sources.

The MV88+ also has a built-in headphone jack, allowing you to monitor your recordings in real-time. This is especially good for ASMR as you’ll have your microphone set at sensitive levels, and you never know if the sound you are capturing will become too quiet for it.

Shop now | Shure MV88+

4. Universal Audio Sphere DLX

Most versatile

• Dual-capsule design allows for stereo recording
• Extremely low self-noise perfect for ASMR
• Choose from multiple polar patterns and microphone models

The UA Sphere DLX is a modeling microphone that gives you an incredible amount of versatility for your ASMR content.

It’s particularly good for ASMR because it can record in stereo thanks to its dual-capsule design. This means the audio you capture will be closer to the human listening experience, providing a more immersive listening experience when listening with headphones.

Another unique feature of the UA Sphere DLX is its ability to model the sound of other microphones. You can also change their polar patterns and other aspects. This gives you a lot of flexibility to get the precise sound you need for great ASMR recordings – as it is a precise art.

The Sphere DLX also has the lowest noise of any microphone in its class, so you can capture subtle ASMR sounds cleanly and with clarity. This is a great option if you want a single mic that can do a lot.

Shop now | Universal Audio Sphere DLX

5. Neumann KU 100

Most realistic capture

• Immersive capture with dummy head design
• Stereo design made to be just like human listening
• Visualise exactly how your audience will hear content

The Neumann KU 100 Dummy Head is the most expensive microphone on this list but will let you capture ASMR that matches the human listening experience as closely as possible. This is thanks to it being modelled off a human head, with two microphones located in either ear.

As a result, the KU 100 can be used to create a truly immersive ASMR experience. While recording your ASMR content, you’ll be able to visualise exactly how your audience will experience it. You can move sound sources from ear to ear or even around the whole head.

As well as this, you’ll get the premium sound quality you’d expect from Neumann. An extended frequency response, low noise level, and high sensitivity all make this a top pick for next-level ASMR content.

Shop now | Neumann KU 100 Dummy Head

6. Sennheiser MK4

• Professional quality large-diaphragm true condenser microphone
• Low inherent noise and high maximum SPL are great for ASMR
• Shock-mounted capsule to reduce structure-borne noise

The Sennheiser MK4 is a professional option for recording ASMR content. It’s a large-diaphragm true condenser microphone that will pick up every minute detail of your ASMR content.

With its low inherent noise and high maximum SPL, it’s perfect for capturing every detail of your ASMR whispers, taps, or other sounds. And because its capsule is shock-mounted, it also minimises structure-borne noise as well.

Plus, a wide frequency response and high sensitivity make it great for getting the most out of your ASMR content and sending tingles down the spine of your audience with ease.

Shop now | Sennheiser MK4

7. SubZero SZC-500-USB

• USB plug-and-play functionality
• Wide frequency range captures subtle details
• Microphone cradle included attaches to any stand

The SubZero SZC-500-USB Condenser Microphone is an ideal choice for ASMR if you want to get detailed recordings at a fraction of the price. It has a super wide frequency range from 20Hz to 18kHz, with an excellent signal-to-noise ratio, so it will capture every aspect of your whispering voice and other quiet sounds.

Because it has a USB connection, you can simply plug the SZC-500-USB into your device and start using it. And it comes with a microphone cradle that, when attached to a stand, has minimal handling noise.

If you want to make ASMR content on a budget then this is the microphone for you.

Shop now | SubZero SZC-500-USB

8. Behringer C-1U

• Flat frequency response for accurate and detailed capture
• Max SPL 136dB allows you to capture ASMR subtleties
• USB connection makes it easy to get creating content

The Behringer C-1U is perfect If you’re looking for professional capture at an affordable price. If you’re just getting started in ASMR, this could be the choice for you!

It has a flat frequency response for accurate capture of all your whispers and crinkles, as well as a cardioid polar pattern for focused capture with minimal background noise. The C1-U also has a max SPL of 136dB so you can record ASMR sounds with ultimate detail.

Plus, the C-1U has a USB connection. This makes it perfect for beginner ASMRtists as you can simply plug it into your device and get ASMRing – simple!

Shop now | Behringer C-1U

9. Rode K2

• Premium components for a premium sound
• Continuously variable polar pattern make it more flexible
• Super-low self-noise makes subtle sounds sound great

The Rode K2 is the mic you need for ASMR if you want to capture incredible levels of detail. It uses a 1-inch gold-sputtered condenser capsule combined with a hand-selected twin-triode 6922 valve to ensure the utmost quality of sound.

There’s a wide frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz and excellent sensitivity, so can capture every detail of even the subtlest sounds. Plus, the ultra-low self-noise means you can record the quietest sound sources when ASMRing without having noticeable background noise.

It has a continuously variable polar pattern – omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-8 – allowing you to use it in a variety of situations for ASMR, with both a wider and more focused pickup.

Shop now | Rode K2

10. Audio Technica AT2020

Best affordable ASMR mic

• Ultra-low operating noise, ideal for quiet noises
• Cardioid polar pattern has a narrow angle of sensitivity
• Pivoting stand mount makes it easy to position

The Audio Technica AT2020 gives you studio-quality ASMR capture at an affordable price point. Thanks to its cardioid polar pattern and narrow angle of sensitivity, it will only capture the sounds you want it to capture.

Benefiting great ASMR content, the AT2020 also has an ultra-low operating noise – preventing any unwanted interference from the microphone itself. And it records with crisp detail, so all your subtle ASMR sounds will turn out super clear and detailed.

Because of its unique pivoting threaded stand mount, it’s easy to get achieve the perfect position to record whatever whispers, clicks, or taps you want with ease. Get your audience tingling!

Shop now | Audio Technica AT2020

11. Blue Snowball USB Microphone

• Looks great on camera for visual ASMR
• Focused capture eliminates background noise
• Plug and play USB with included tripod stand

The Blue Snowball USB Microphone is an affordable and easy-to-use option that is ideal for ASMR content. It uses a dual-cardioid condenser microphone that eliminates background noise and interference, so is great for capturing subtle whispers and quiet sounds with clarity.

Because it uses a USB connection, you can simply plug it into your computer and get recording. And the included desktop tripod stand makes it easy to position perfectly without any stress. So, if you aren’t that experienced with audio gear, the Blue Snowball is a good starter for making ASMR.

Plus, if you are making visual ASMR content, this microphone has a great aesthetic, with three different colours to choose from: black, white, and brushed aluminium.

Shop now | Blue Snowball USB Microphone

Things to consider when buying an ASMR mic

When buying an ASMR microphone, you should consider several things.

Price

Firstly, the price of the microphone. If you’re just getting started with ASMR you might not want to jump right into the most expensive option straight away. However, if you’re prepared to spend more, you’ll get more features and increased audio quality, resulting in better ASMR content.

Connection type

Secondly, look at the connection type. You might already have an audio interface, which means you can use microphones with XLR connections. But if you don’t, look for a microphone with a USB connection – so you can plug straight into your computer and get producing ASMR straightaway.

Condenser vs dynamic

Next, whether it’s a condenser microphone or a dynamic microphone. While dynamic microphones are great, we think condenser microphones are the best option for ASMR. This is because they often have wider frequency and dynamic ranges, meaning they can pick up the subtle details that will get your audience tingling.

Polar pattern

Another aspect to consider is the polar pattern. While a focused pickup is good for capturing vocals, you could also consider other pickup patterns for more wide-ranging sounds. And of course, if you want to capture in stereo, then think about getting a microphone that has stereo capability built-in like the Shure MV88+.

Self-noise

An important aspect of great ASMR content is your microphone’s self-noise. Because the audio you capture for ASMR is often super quiet, you’ll want a microphone that has low self-noise. This is the low level of noise that microphones make. It’s not as noticeable with louder sound sources but can be detrimental to effective ASMR content.

Sensitivity

The last, and arguably the most important, thing to consider is your microphone’s sensitivity. The higher the sensitivity, the better in this case. You’ll be able to capture intricate details more effectively and, therefore, make better ASMR content that’s more likely to give your audience tingles.

FAQs

What microphone do most YouTubers use?

Most YouTubers use condenser microphones. These often have wide frequency and dynamic ranges, so can capture audio with detail and accuracy. This is especially important for ASMR when the subtleties of different sounds are most important.

What equipment do I need for ASMR?

You need both a microphone and headphones for ASMR. A microphone is a must-have for capturing your ASMR sounds but headphones are important too, so you can listen back to your ASMR content before you put it into the world.

What are the 5 types of ASMR?

There are more than five types of ASMR, but five of the most popular are:

• Whispering
• Crinkling
• Blowing
• Chewing
• Tapping

Final thoughts

Having a great mic is the first step to making great ASMR content and I hope this list of the best ASMR microphones provides you with enough to get started.

If you are interested in other types of content creation, why not check out our 14 best microphones for YouTube or our 12 best microphones for streaming?