Char
ASMR content has been taking the internet by storm over the past few years. ASMR, or autonomous sensory meridian response, is a sensation that starts from the scalp before travelling to the rest of the body. From this, viewers of ASMR content have described it as giving them either an odd, tingly but satisfying feeling or even a calming and relaxing sensation from it.
Have you been thinking about creating your own ASMR content, say for a Mukbang just for some pleasure to the ears? If so, here are some of the best microphones for ASMR artists and content creators.
Top 8 ASMR Microphones in Malaysia
Table of Contents
Why it's our top pick:
"The Zoom H3-VR has been deemed by audiophiles as one of the best all-in-one solution microphones for most situations, be it for announcements over a podcast or Mukbang for your Youtube channel. Because it's an ambisonic microphone, ASMR audio is bound to receive feed that'll please the ears of your viewers."
Features:
A secret superpower to one of the more affordable ambisonic microphones around is, as its name already indicates, being a recorder. This microphone is able to pick up sounds 360-degrees for an immersive audio experience thanks to its 4-mic Ambisonic Array.
It also has an Auto Mic Position Detection feature to accurately pick up and leave out sounds. As it is both a recorder and decoder, there's no need for you to carry extra equipment or have additional computer software to let you access the audio files.
For your ease of use, the microphone has a single-knob gain control to let you easily access all input levels.
Performance:
The microphone has a frequency range of 50hz to 20khz, so it'll be able to pick up even the softest sounds of your whispers. In fact, it can actually record up to 24bit/96kHz in range.
Additionally, with the inclusive BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter, you can wirelessly control the microphone to record your audio via iOS devices.
Starting up ASMR content may be hard for some especially when it comes to choosing which equipment to use. The Fifine K669B USB Microphone is a good-quality audio recorder with an affordable price tag while being very beginner-friendly due to its plug-and-play nature.
Features
The Cardioid pattern of the microphone provides the user with a clear and natural audio recording while keeping unwanted noise at a minimum. Despite the low-entry price tag, this mic features a compact all-metal body that gives it a very premium feel. Additionally, the mic is easy to carry around and provides some level of protection in case you accidentally drop it.
Performance
Most have praised the raw and clear-sounding vocals that this microphone records. The compact and lightweight size was also easy to bring the microphone around, as it is not bulky. A downside of this microphone is the lack of a headphone jack, which will make detailed adjustments difficult.
Even if you don't care about its fancy retro design, the Shure MV5 is considered one of the best bang-for-your-buck picks when it comes to serving a balance in quality and pricing.
Features:
This microphone offers versatility in its usage. You can have it hooked up like a normal USB microphone to your computer or use it with your iOS devices due to its inclusive Lightning cable. Moreover, the Shure MV5 comes with the support of a free-to-use app to let you tweak your audio recordings and make edits.
When making your recordings, you have the option to use either of its two DSP (Digital Signal Processing) modes or the single DSP-free mode. The former lets you perform a wider spectrum of signal (audio) processing whereas the single-mode lets you record raw audio feed.
As the microphone has a 3.5mm low-latency headphone jack at its back, you are also able to monitor your recordings as you make them.
Performance:
The microphone is compatible with several OS including Windows 10 and the latest Mac OS. It has a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz and the capability to offer up to 48kHz audio quality. You're truly getting some great quality sounds that'll be clean and clear as according to several professionals and casual reviewers on the net.
Plus, with the free Shure app, you can optimise the EQ and compression modes for your recordings.
Mukbang might just be the most popular form of ASMR content, and the BLUE YETI USB Mic has been claimed by many as the top choice for recording Mukbang ASMR content.
Its ability to capture four pickup patterns provides maximum flexibility to record sounds from different directions with accuracy and detail. Listeners will feel as though every bite and crunch is around them.
Features
With its ability to change sound pickup patterns (Cardioid, Omni, Bidirectional, and Stereo), this microphone provides maximum coverage and flexibility in how you record your audio. The custom three-capsule array also produces a clear and loud sound when you take a bite into say, a piece of crunchy fried chicken.
Performance
Many users have praised the ability of the BLUE YETI to capture sound from many different directions with maximum clarity and detail. The unique, retro styling of the microphone is eye-catching and provides a classic feel. However, the price is quite expensive compared to other microphones in the market.
Being one of the world’s quietest microphones, the Rode NT1-A is capable of capturing a wide range of sound with high sensitivity and clarity. Catered towards those who are recording vocals, this microphone is capable of recording any type of sound from whispers to full-blown loud singing.
Features
Boasting an ultra-low noise transformer-less circuitry and a cardioid polar pattern, the Rode NT1-A is highly sensitive and can capture a wide range of sound with a minimal amount of self-noise. It can even capture noises as low as 5dB, making it qualified to produce raw and crisp audio made for vocal recordings. Additionally, the stainless steel construction gives it a very premium look and feel.
Performance
As indicated by most customers, the Rode NT1-A is a fine microphone for those who are looking to record clear vocals due to its high sensitivity to sound and little to no self-noise. However, the stainless steel construction means the microphone is a little on the heavier side, going over the scales at 326g.
Thinking of recording ASMR content from the convenience of your phone? The Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone gives users the option to record high-quality audio from their mobile phone that’s comparable to bigger, conventional microphones.
Features
Being small and discrete, this microphone can be carried around even in your pockets, making it very convenient for those who only want to record using their phones. Coming equipped with a 3.5mm jack, the microphone can be plugged on most phones with ease, and with its low self-noise, the Rode SmartLav+ is bound to provide great sound quality with minimal unwanted noise. The 1.2m Kevlar-reinforced cable also ensures that you won’t be experiencing any cable breakage anytime soon.
Performance
Despite its small size, the Rode SmartLav+ can record crisp and natural audio with exceptional quality as reported by some customers. The sturdy, Kevlar-reinforced cable also ensures that no cable breakage will occur, giving exceptional reliability. However, some customers have complained that the length of the cable is a little too short.
Love your iPhone for all of your audio needs? The Shure MV88 give users the option to record high-quality audio with just their Apple devices without sacrificing the quality that you get from bigger, more conventional microphones. Utilising the ShurePlus MOTIV Audio App, users will also have the ability to control and edit their recordings on the fly.
Features
With 5 preloaded DSP settings, you can easily tweak your recorded audio easily with the ShurePlus MOTIV Audio App. This microphone also comes with Lightning Connector compatibility so you can connect the mic to your iPhones or iPads with ease.
Performance
Despite its small size, the Shure MV88 can record audio with exceptional quality and detail as reported by some customers. Customers also like that there is a ShurePlus MOTIV Audio App that comes in handy for editing recorded audio on their phones. However, the microphone only supports Apple devices. Not to mention, this is quite an expensive microphone.
Portability usually means there would be sacrifices in other aspects such as audio recording quality. That’s not the case with the Sony A10 Linear PCM Recorder A Series. With its ability to capture sounds up to 96kHZ/24-bit, this audio recorder captures high-quality audio despite its small and lightweight body which is convenient for you to carry around.
Features
With its 3-way adjustable microphone system that could record up to 96kHZ/24-bit, this mic can capture superior high-resolution audio with absolute precision for different styles of recordings. The wireless playback feature also lets users monitor their recorded audio wirelessly.
Performance
Reviewers often praised this audio recorder for its amazing audio quality despite being such a small and lightweight device. The wireless playback feature is a game-changer for some as it gives them the option to monitor their recorded audio and make changes without the need for a computer or laptop.
How much does a good ASMR microphone cost?
For a professional, high-quality ASMR videos, a good ASMR microphone that is long-lasting would cost around RM300-RM1000. Despite so, cheaper alternatives which range from RM40-RM100 can easily be found online too. But it’s important to note that depending on their qualities and brands, they are usually not long-lasting and needs costly maintenance.
How to use ASMR microphones efficiently?
The key to using ASMR microphones to produce clear and crisp sound is to reduce as much unwanted noise as possible. Your surroundings play a huge part in the result of your end product.
- Make sure you soundproof the room that you are recording in with soft, sound insulating materials such as carpets and thick blankets.
- Investing in sound insulating wall panels is also a great way to lessen the impact of creating disruption and distortion in your ASMR recordings.
Even noises that you never knew existed may cause a great deal of disturbance to your ASMR recordings! The rustling of your clothes while you move around and even the sound of your breathing may be picked up by your microphone, giving the end audio an unsatisfying quality with a lot of hissing and white noise.
- To prevent that, wear soft and thick clothes and breathe away from your microphone to ensure a cleaner and clearer recording.
- Another tip while recording with an ASMR microphone is to find a position on the microphone that gives you a clear and loud noise with minimal disturbance.
- Generally, the ideal position while recording is to keep the voice source around 4 to 8 inches from the microphone.
You may want to experiment with your microphone and take some time to find the ideal position, as not all microphones are built similarly.
Can people use any microphone for ASMR?
According to Char, we can use any kind of mic for ASMR as it has many subgenres. For example, in Lo-Fi ASMR (low fidelity), people use phone or earphone mics to film. In this genre, sound recordings with technical flaws such as distortion, hum, background noise, or limited frequency response are often captured and many viewers truly enjoy the final product.
Char believes what makes an ASMR video is the sounds from objects, not the microphone. Of course, with a better gadget, aspiring ASMR artist can better explore their potential but they have to start somewhere. Besides, there’s an art to good Lo-Fi content too!
What should you look for in ASMR microphones?
As claimed by Char, these are the must-have features in a good ASMR microphone;
- Volume Dial
This dial controls the microphone's power and sensitivity; a higher setting increases the volume of voice, while a lower one makes it softer. The microphone volume control differs by default and the instructions can be found in the guidebook that comes with the purchase.
However, some experimentation may be required to establish the perfect volume for every individual. And it's for this reason that the dial is necessary, as it allows users to regulate how loudly they want the sound they’re recording to be picked up.
- Earphone/Headphone Jacks
Technically, earphone jacks allow audio signals to flow in both directions between earpiece and audio source. This multi-directionality of audio signals is required to complete the circuit and produce sound waves in users ears while also allowing them to speak via the mic.
In short, it’s needed because users can use it to check the sound quality, be aware of what sounds the microphone is taking up, and address any auditory concerns before recording. Not only it avoids the possibility of the user having to re-record, but it helps ensure that the viewer has a positive ASMR experience with the user too!
- Mic Stand
In users home studio, a mic stand will hold and position their recording microphone so they can easily record ASMR videos without interference noises. As we know it, ASMR microphones would pick up and capture all kinds of knocks, bumps, and vibrations. But without a mic stand, unwanted noises could be picked up too and this would destroy a take and render the recording worthless.
With stands, distractions can be avoided and it allows users to create content with both of their hands more freely and artistically.