Amazon Basics USB Condenser Microphone for Streaming, Recording, and Podcasting on PC, Plug and Play, Cardioid Pickup, Adjustable Stand with 360° Rotation, 5.8 x 3.4 inches, Black
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AI Verdict
This is a simple, no-frills USB mic that's a huge step up from your laptop's built-in audio for calls and basic streaming, but don't expect studio-level quality.
This mic is a strong fit for anyone needing a cheap and easy audio upgrade for communication. Its plug-and-play USB connection and clear vocal pickup are perfect for beginners. However, its sensitivity to desk noise and lack of physical controls make it a weak fit for serious content creation.
If this isn't enough, look for a USB microphone that has a built-in gain knob and a headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring.
Regret Score™
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Pros
- Truly plug-and-play; it works instantly on Windows and Mac with no drivers needed.
- The one-tap mute button on the front is a convenient feature for live calls or streams.
- Sound quality is surprisingly clear and rounded for vocals at this low price point.
- Can be detached from the included stand and mounted on a standard 5/8-inch boom arm.
- The microphone body feels surprisingly sturdy and well-built for the price.
Cons
- The included desktop stand is short, flimsy-feeling, and not height-adjustable.
- It's a condenser mic that's very sensitive to background noise like keyboard clicks and desk bumps.
- There is no physical gain or volume knob on the microphone itself; all adjustments are software-based.
- It is very sensitive to plosives (p-pops), making a separate pop filter almost essential for close-up use.
Dimension Scores
Provides surprisingly clear and rounded vocal tone for its price, but lacks the professional richness for serious recording.
Volume can only be adjusted through software, and it doesn't capture deep bass tones well, sounding flat for instruments.
It's the definition of plug-and-play, requiring zero drivers or complicated setup on both Windows and Mac systems.
The 7-ounce microphone body is solid, but the included plastic stand feels cheap, light, and isn't very stable.
Best For
- Upgrading your audio for Zoom calls and online meetings.
- Beginner streamers or gamers who want clearer voice chat on a tight budget.
- Recording simple voiceovers or podcast demos without a complicated setup.
- Anyone who wants a simple, plug-and-play audio solution that just works.
Not Recommended For
- Professional music or vocal recording that requires rich, detailed audio.
- Recording in a noisy environment without acoustic treatment.
- Users who need to make quick, on-the-fly adjustments to gain or monitoring volume.
Watch Out For
- The included stand is too low for proper desktop use, forcing you to either lean down or prop it up on a stack of books.
- Without a separate boom arm, the mic will pick up every vibration from you typing or bumping the desk.
- You will absolutely need a pop filter if you plan to speak within a few inches of the mic, as it's very prone to plosive sounds.
- The lack of a gain knob means you'll be constantly tabbing out of your game or app to adjust microphone levels in your system settings.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 840324413427 |
| ASIN | B0CL9BTQRF |
| Brand | Amazon Basics |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Plastic or plastic alloy |
| Impedance | 2.2 Kiloohms |
| Department | consumer_electronics |
| Model Name | AMZ-S6524A |
| Item Weight | 7 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Amazon |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Polar Pattern | Unidirectional |
| Connector Type | USB |
| Special Feature | Mute Function |
| Audio Sensitivity | 75 Decibels |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Item model number | AMZ-S6524A |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop |
| Frequency Response | 20 KHz |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Product Dimensions | 3.37 x 3.37 x 5.79 inches |
| Included Components | Microphone, Cable |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 75 dB |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.37 x 3.37 x 5.79 inches |
| Microphone Form Factor | Large Diaphragm |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 3.37 x 3.37 x 5.79 inches |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Streaming |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising thing about this mic is how good it sounds for the money; it's genuinely impressive for calls and basic streaming. It's a true plug-and-play device that works the second you connect it. The convenience of the tap-to-mute button on the front is a nice touch. However, be warned that it's extremely sensitive to its surroundings—it will pick up every keyboard clack and desk bump unless you mount it on a separate boom arm. The included stand is also too short to be practical for most desktop setups.
“i was so tired of my friends complaining about my headset mic on discord and for this price i figured why not, and wow it's a night and day difference, they said i sound super clear now!”
Common Praise
- Audio is remarkably clear and full for such an inexpensive microphone.
- Setup is nonexistent; just plug it in and it works.
- The tap-to-mute button is very convenient for live calls.
- The microphone itself feels solid, not like a cheap plastic toy.
- It's easy to mount on a proper boom arm with the standard 5/8-inch thread.
Common Complaints
- Picks up way too much background noise, especially keyboard and mouse clicks.
- The included stand is flimsy, unstable, and too short.
- No physical gain knob means all level adjustments must be done in software.
- Very susceptible to 'p-pop' sounds (plosives) without a pop filter.
- The mute button can be loud enough to be heard on a recording when pressed.
Ownership Tips
- You'll quickly realize a boom arm isn't optional; it's necessary to isolate the mic from desk vibrations.
- The lack of a gain knob is more annoying than you'd think, requiring you to constantly fiddle with Windows sound settings.
- It's a good idea to position the mic so the back of it is facing your keyboard to take advantage of the cardioid pattern's noise rejection.
- The mute light is quite bright, which can be distracting in a dark room during a gaming session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install any drivers or software?
No, it is a plug-and-play microphone. You just connect it via the USB cable and it works instantly with Windows or Mac.
Can I attach this microphone to a boom arm?
Yes, the microphone can be unscrewed from its included stand and attached to any stand or boom arm with a standard 5/8-inch thread.
Is this microphone good for reducing background noise?
Its cardioid pickup pattern helps focus on your voice in front of it, but as a sensitive condenser mic, it will still pick up noises like keyboards and mice.
Does it work with Windows 11?
Yes, it is compatible with Windows 11, as well as older versions like 10, 8, and XP, and Mac OS 10.10 or higher.
How do I mute the microphone?
There is a one-tap mute button on the front of the microphone. An LED indicator light changes color to show you when it's muted.
Is the USB cable detachable?
Yes, the product description and recent reviews confirm it uses a detachable USB cable to connect to your computer.
Buying Guide
When you're buying a USB mic in this budget price band, you're paying for simplicity. The main goal is to get your voice to sound clearer than it does on a gaming headset or laptop mic. You're trading advanced features like hardware volume control and audio monitoring for a low price and a setup that takes literally five seconds. Don't expect it to make you sound like a radio host, but expect your friends on Discord to notice the upgrade immediately.
Cardioid Pickup Pattern
Think of this like a flashlight for sound. It mostly 'hears' what's directly in front of it (your mouth) and tries to ignore sounds from the sides and back (like your keyboard or TV). It's great for solo use at a desk.
Condenser Microphone
This means it's very sensitive, which is why it can pick up your voice clearly without you yelling. The downside is that it also picks up other faint sounds in your room, which is why a quiet space is important.
Plug and Play
This is the best feature for a beginner. You don't need to download special software or mess with complicated settings. Your computer instantly recognizes it as a microphone, and you can select it in any app, from Zoom to Audacity.
Alternatives
If this mic seems too basic, search for a USB microphone that specifically lists a 'gain control knob' and a '3.5mm headphone jack' for zero-latency monitoring.
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