How to Use a USB Microphone
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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A USB microphone plugs into a computer with a USB cable and needs no separate audio interface: plug it in, pick it as the input in the computer settings, and speak into the front of the mic. The InnoGear CM38X, CMTECK, Logitech G Yeti Orb and KISEER mics all work this way, with plug and play on Windows.
Plug the mic into the computer
Connect the mic with its USB cable. The InnoGear CM38X uses a USB-C cable that is 6.56ft (2m) long, the CMTECK uses a USB cable that is 1.8m (6ft) long, and the Logitech G Yeti Orb uses a USB Type-A cable. The KISEER mic is a USB 2.0 mini mic for a laptop or desktop PC. No driver is needed for any of them: the computer sees the mic as soon as it is plugged in.
Pick the mic as the input
Open the sound settings on the computer and pick the mic as the input. The InnoGear CM38X, CMTECK and Logitech G Yeti Orb work with Windows and Mac, and the KISEER mic works with a Windows laptop or desktop PC. The InnoGear CM38X does not work with Xbox, and the CMTECK does not work with Raspberry Pi or Android, so check the list before you buy.
Set the gain and the mute
Turn the gain down before you start, then raise it until your voice is loud enough. The InnoGear CM38X has a large gain control knob at the base and a touch-sensitive mute button on top. The CMTECK has a built-in mute button with an LED that shows green when connected, flashing green when working and red when muted.
Place the mic and speak toward it
Place the mic on the desk and speak toward it. The InnoGear CM38X has an adjustable boom arm and a cardioid capsule, the Logitech G Yeti Orb has a cardioid pattern that zeroes in on your voice, and the CMTECK picks up sound from all around with a 360-degree range of 3m (10ft).
Use the monitor jack and the lights
Plug headphones into the mic to hear yourself with no delay. The InnoGear CM38X has a headphone jack on the mic for zero-latency monitoring, and it has 4 RGB modes for the lights. The Logitech G Yeti Orb has RGB lights that work with LIGHTSYNC in G HUB.
What you need
InnoGear Gaming Mic USB Computer Microphone
A USB-C gaming mic on an adjustable boom arm, with a cardioid capsule, one-touch mute, a gain knob, zero-latency monitoring and 4 RGB modes.
- Headphone jack on the mic
- Mute button
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- 12-month warranty stated
CMTECK Conference USB Microphone
An omnidirectional desktop mic with a 360-degree pickup range of 3m (10ft), a mute button with an LED, and a 1.8m (6ft) USB cable.
- Mute button
- Polar pattern: Omnidirectional
- 24-month warranty stated
Logitech G Yeti Orb Condenser RGB USB
A cardioid USB gaming mic with LIGHTSYNC RGB lights, G HUB software control and plug and play for PC and Mac.
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- 1-year warranty stated
KISEER 2 Pcs USB 2.0 Mini Microphone
A pair of mini USB 2.0 mics that plug into a Windows laptop or desktop PC with no driver to install.
These come from our ranked list Best USB Mic, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Does a USB microphone need phantom power?
No. A USB microphone takes its power from the computer over the USB cable, so 48V phantom power does not apply to it. The InnoGear CM38X, CMTECK, Logitech G Yeti Orb and KISEER mics all plug into a USB port and need no separate power supply.
Will the InnoGear mic work with Xbox?
No. The InnoGear CM38X works with Windows PCs, Macs, PS4 and PS5, but not with Xbox. The CMTECK works with Windows and macOS, and the Logitech G Yeti Orb works with PC and Mac.
How far away can the CMTECK mic hear?
The CMTECK has a 360-degree pickup range of 3m (10ft), so it picks up sound from all around the desk. Put it in the middle of the table for a meeting, and keep it close to the people who are speaking.
Do I need to install a driver?
No. The InnoGear CM38X, CMTECK, Logitech G Yeti Orb and KISEER mics are plug and play, so you plug the USB cable in and pick the mic as the input. The CMTECK needs no drivers to install, and the KISEER needs no driver to install.
Ranked USB microphones lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.