Raspberry Pi has become a popular tool for makers and DIY enthusiasts, thanks to its versatility and affordability. One of the main applications of Raspberry Pi is in creating audio projects, from music players to voice assistants. However, the built-in audio input of Raspberry Pi is not always sufficient for high-quality recordings or voice recognition.
That’s where Raspberry Pi microphones come in. These are external microphones that can be connected to Raspberry Pi via USB or audio jack and provide better sound quality and sensitivity. A good Raspberry Pi microphone can enhance your audio projects, whether you’re recording music or creating a smart home device.
When choosing a Raspberry Pi microphone, there are a few things to consider. The type of microphone, such as condenser or dynamic, can affect the sound quality and noise level. The connection type, USB or audio jack, can also impact compatibility and ease of use. Additionally, the size and form factor of the microphone can be important if you’re planning to integrate it into a project or mount it on a device.
We tested several Raspberry Pi microphones to find the best options for different use cases and budgets. Whether you’re a musician, a podcaster, or a maker, we’ve got you covered with our top picks for the best Raspberry Pi microphones.
Best Raspberry Pi Microphones
If you’re looking to improve your Raspberry Pi audio recording quality, a dedicated microphone is a must-have accessory. Whether you’re a podcaster, musician, or just want to enhance your video conferencing experience, a good microphone can make all the difference. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best Raspberry Pi microphones available on the market. Our selection is based on factors such as sound quality, compatibility, and ease of use. Read on to find the perfect microphone for your Raspberry Pi setup.
SunFounder USB Mini Microphone
If you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use USB microphone for your Raspberry Pi or computer, the SunFounder USB Mini Microphone is a solid choice.
Pros
- Works without drivers: just plug it in to your Raspberry Pi / Windows PC for an instant microphone.
- Driver-free, plug and play, Ultra Portable.
- Omni directional noise-canceling mic picks up sound from longer distances.
Cons
- Not suitable for use in a port that’s near your computer’s cooling fan.
- Mediocre audio quality.
- Range is limited.
This tiny USB microphone is perfect for those who need a simple and affordable solution for voice recognition software, Skype calls, or Google Hangouts. It’s easy to set up and use, and it doesn’t require any additional software or drivers. Just plug it in and you’re good to go.
One of the best things about the SunFounder USB Mini Microphone is its small size. It’s incredibly portable, making it ideal for those who need to use it on the go. It’s also omnidirectional, which means it can pick up sound from longer distances.
However, the audio quality of this microphone is not the best. It’s mediocre at best, and it has a lot of static. It’s also not suitable for use in a port that’s near your computer’s cooling fan, as this can interfere with the microphone’s performance. Additionally, the range of the microphone is limited, so it’s not ideal for larger rooms or spaces.
Overall, if you’re looking for a simple and affordable USB microphone for your Raspberry Pi or computer, the SunFounder USB Mini Microphone is a decent choice. However, if you need higher-quality audio or a microphone with a longer range, you may want to consider other options.
Tangxi PC Microphone
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and easy-to-use microphone for your Raspberry Pi, the Tangxi PC Microphone might be worth considering.
Pros
- The microphone has high sensitivity, allowing for effective recording up to 2 meters away from the device.
- It’s a plug-and-play device, so you won’t need to install any drivers or additional software to use it.
- The frequency response is high, providing clear and accurate sound quality.
Cons
- While the microphone is unidirectional, it may not be suitable for recording in noisy environments.
- The cable length is relatively short, ranging from 0.7-0.9 meters.
- The microphone’s build quality may not be as sturdy as more expensive models.
The Tangxi PC Microphone is a great option for those on a budget who need a reliable microphone for their Raspberry Pi. Its high sensitivity and frequency response provide clear and accurate sound quality, while its plug-and-play design makes it easy to use. However, its short cable length and potentially limited recording capabilities in noisy environments may be drawbacks to consider.
HiLetgo SPH0645 I2S MEMS Microphone Breakout Module
If you are looking for a low-cost MEMS mic for general audio recording/detection, this I2S MEMS Microphone Breakout Module is a good option.
Pros
- Small and low cost
- Digital output
- Easy to use with I2S peripheral
Cons
- Only supports 1 mono element
- Bottom ported
- Only compatible with certain microcontrollers
This tiny I2S MEMS microphone is a great option for those who want to avoid the noise that can seep in with an analog mic system. It has a range of about 50Hz – 15KHz, which is good for just about all general audio recording/detection. Instead of an analog output, there are three digital pins: Clock, Data, and Left-Right (Word Select) Clock. When connected to your microcontroller/computer, the ‘I2S Master’ will drive the clock and word-select pins at a high frequency and read out the data from the microphone. No analog conversion required.
The microphone is a single mono element, but you can select whether you want it to be on the Left or Right channel by connecting the Select pin to power or ground. If you need stereo, pick up two microphones! You can set them up to be stereo by sharing the Clock, WS, and Data lines but having one with Select to ground, and one with Select to high voltage.
This I2S MEMS microphone is bottom ported, so make sure you have the hole in the bottom facing out towards the sounds you want to read. It’s a 1.6-3.6V max device only, so not for use with 5V logic. Many beginner microcontroller boards don’t have I2S, so make sure it’s a supported interface before you try to wire it up! This microphone is best used with Cortex M-series chips like the for Arduino Zero, for Feather M0, or single-board computers like the for Raspberry Pi.
Sanpyl Computer Microphone
If you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use microphone for your Raspberry Pi, the Sanpyl Computer Microphone is a great option.
Pros
- High sensitivity, effective distance more than 2 meters, different from the limitation of the traditional 3.5pin microphone whose effective distance is 0.5m-1m.
- No other devices are required for recording, easy and convenient to use.
- Frequency response product with high clarity, bringing great using experience.
Cons
- Cable length is only approximately 0.7-0.9m/2.3-3ft, which may be too short for some users.
- The microphone may not be as durable as more expensive options.
- The microphone may not be suitable for professional-level recording.
The Sanpyl Computer Microphone is a cool black, high-performance microphone that reproduces real sound with high sensitivity. It can be used with any computer with a USB port and is driveless for XP system and later, making it easy and convenient to use. With a frequency response product that delivers high clarity, the Sanpyl Computer Microphone provides a great user experience.
While the microphone’s effective distance of more than 2 meters is a significant advantage over traditional 3.5pin microphones, the cable length is only approximately 0.7-0.9m/2.3-3ft, which may be too short for some users. Additionally, the microphone may not be as durable as more expensive options and may not be suitable for professional-level recording.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use microphone for your Raspberry Pi, the Sanpyl Computer Microphone is a great option.
ZaxSound USB Audio Sound Adapter
If you’re looking for a simple and affordable way to connect your external microphone and headphones to your computer, then the ZaxSound USB Audio Sound Adapter might be a good option for you.
Pros
- Easy to use, plug-and-play design
- Compatible with a wide range of devices, including Raspberry Pi, PS3, PS4, and more
- No external power source required
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with the microphone input
- Build quality could be better
- Limited data transmission speed
The ZaxSound USB Audio Sound Adapter is a 3D stereo USB audio adapter that allows you to connect your external microphone and headphones to your computer. It’s a simple and affordable solution that requires no external power source and is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Raspberry Pi, PS3, PS4, and more.
One of the biggest advantages of this adapter is its plug-and-play design, which means you can start using it right away without the need for any additional drivers or software. It’s also very easy to use, with USB type A, stereo output jack, and microphone input jack connectors.
However, some users have reported issues with the microphone input, which can be a problem if you’re planning to use this adapter for voice recognition or live webcasting. Additionally, the build quality of the adapter could be better, with some users reporting that it feels flimsy and fragile.
Despite these limitations, the ZaxSound USB Audio Sound Adapter is still a good option if you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use solution for connecting your external microphone and headphones to your computer. Just keep in mind that it may not be the best choice if you need high-quality audio or a more robust build.
Qiilu Mini Microphone USB Vocal Micro Pc Notebook Raspberry Pi Jack Connection M Portable USB Mini Studio Speech Microphone Audio and Video Accessories (White)
If you’re looking for an affordable and portable microphone for your Raspberry Pi, the Qiilu Mini Microphone USB Vocal Micro is worth considering.
Pros
- High Fidelity Sound: Noise reduction, filtering unwanted background noise, making the sound clearer.
- 360° Omnidirectional: The omnidirectional noise canceling microphone picks up sound from greater distances.
- Plug and Play: No need to use any drivers, just plug it into your PC to use the microphone.
Cons
- Limited Frequency Response: The frequency response is limited to 100~16kHz, which may not be ideal for some users.
- No Mute Button: There is no mute button on the microphone, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- Build Quality: The build quality of the microphone is not the most durable, so it may not hold up well over time.
The Qiilu Mini Microphone USB Vocal Micro is a great option for those who need an affordable and portable microphone for their Raspberry Pi. It offers high fidelity sound and 360° omnidirectional noise canceling, making it ideal for recording audio from greater distances. Additionally, it is easy to use with its plug and play feature. However, the limited frequency response and lack of a mute button may be a drawback for some users. Also, the build quality is not the most durable, so it may not be the best choice for those who need a microphone that can withstand heavy use.
Lazmin USB Microphone
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Lazmin USB Microphone could be a good choice for you.
Pros
- Reproduces real sound
- High sensitivity with an effective distance of more than 2 meters
- No other devices required for recording
Cons
- Limited frequency response
- Poor noise reduction
- Short cable length
This microphone is easy to use and compatible with any computer with a USB port. Its high sensitivity makes it effective for recording from a distance, which is a plus. However, the frequency response is limited and noise reduction is poor, which may not be ideal for some users. Additionally, the cable length is on the shorter side.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable option that gets the job done, the Lazmin USB Microphone could be worth considering.
Jaxenor USB Plug and Play Microphone
If you’re looking for a high-performance microphone that reproduces real sound, then the Jaxenor USB Plug and Play Microphone might be the perfect solution for you.
Pros
- High sensitivity, effective distance of over 2 meters, unlike traditional 3.5mm microphones.
- No additional devices required for recording, easy to use.
- High clarity frequency response for great user experience.
Cons
- Some users may find the cable length to be too short.
- The microphone may pick up background noise if not used in a quiet environment.
- The microphone may not work with older operating systems.
This microphone is ideal for video conferencing, podcasting, and voice recognition. Its high sensitivity allows for an effective distance of over 2 meters, unlike traditional 3.5mm microphones. The microphone is driveless for Win XP and later, making it easy and convenient to use. Its high clarity frequency response ensures a great user experience. This microphone is compatible with any computer with a USB port and is plug and play for XP and later.
In summary, the Jaxenor USB Plug and Play Microphone is a great option for those looking for a high-performance microphone that is easy to use and produces great sound quality. However, it may not be suitable for those who need a longer cable length or who work in noisy environments.
Wendry Desk Recording Microphone
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly microphone for your Raspberry Pi, the Wendry Desk Recording Microphone might be a good option.
Pros
- Reproduces real sound
- High sensitivity for effective distance up to 2 meters
- No other devices required for recording
Cons
- Limited frequency response
- Short cable length
- No noise-cancellation feature
This microphone is designed to be plug-and-play with any computer with a USB port, making it easy to use. It also has a sleek black design that looks great on any desk. However, its frequency response is limited, which may affect the sound quality of your recordings. Additionally, the cable length is relatively short, which may limit where you can place the microphone. Finally, this microphone does not have a noise-cancellation feature, so it may pick up background noise.
In summary, if you’re looking for an affordable microphone for your Raspberry Pi that is easy to use and has a decent sensitivity range, the Wendry Desk Recording Microphone might be worth considering. However, if you need a microphone with a wider frequency response or noise-cancellation feature, you may want to look elsewhere.
ASHATA Microphone
If you’re looking for an affordable USB microphone for your Raspberry Pi, the ASHATA Microphone might be worth considering.
Pros
- Produces high-quality sound
- High sensitivity with an effective recording distance of over 2 meters
- Easy to use with no additional devices required
Cons
- Limited frequency response
- Only compatible with computers with USB ports
- Not very durable
The ASHATA Microphone is a cool black, high-performance microphone that reproduces real sound with high sensitivity. Unlike traditional 3.5mm pin microphones that have an effective recording distance of only 0.5-1 meter, this microphone has an effective distance of over 2 meters. It’s easy to use and requires no additional devices for recording. The frequency response is limited, but it still produces high-quality sound with great clarity.
This microphone can be used with any computer that has a USB port and is driveless for XP system and later, making it plug and play. However, it’s not very durable and may not last long with heavy use. Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable USB microphone for your Raspberry Pi, the ASHATA Microphone is a decent option.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best Raspberry Pi microphone, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for when making your decision:
Compatibility
First and foremost, you’ll want to ensure that the microphone you choose is compatible with your Raspberry Pi model. Check the product specifications to make sure that it will work with your specific device.
Type of Microphone
There are several types of microphones to choose from, including condenser, dynamic, and ribbon. Each type has its own unique characteristics and is better suited for certain applications. Consider what you’ll be using the microphone for and choose a type that will best meet your needs.
Sensitivity
Microphone sensitivity refers to how well the microphone can pick up sound. If you’ll be using the microphone in a noisy environment, you’ll want to choose one with high sensitivity to ensure that it can capture sound clearly.
Directionality
Microphone directionality refers to how well the microphone can pick up sound from different directions. There are several types of microphone directionality, including omnidirectional, bidirectional, and unidirectional. Choose the directionality that best suits your needs based on the environment you’ll be using the microphone in.
Additional Features
Finally, consider any additional features that may be important to you, such as noise cancellation, built-in preamps, or adjustable gain. These features can help to improve the quality of your recordings and make using the microphone more convenient.
By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose the best Raspberry Pi microphone for your needs.
Aaron Smith is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.