Best ASMR Microphones in 2024 – Top Selling & Popular Collections

Since graduating from college and relocating to Los Angeles, I have been approached by numerous individuals who specialize in what I would describe as therapy sound and music. These individuals offer a variety of content, including binaural meditations for healing, calming music therapy for anxiety, and the increasingly popular ASMR trend.

ASMR, which stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, is a tingling sensation that originates at the head and travels down the body, providing a serene and enjoyable experience. While there is no scientific evidence to support its existence, it has certainly proven to be lucrative!

Creators, particularly on platforms like YouTube, are amassing millions of views by engaging in seemingly ordinary activities. Examples include speaking directly into a camera with a highly sensitive microphone, spraying water bottles, or breathing near a sensitive microphone to allow viewers to experience the inhalation and exhalation, among other things.

Essentially, this form of content acts as a type of meditation carried out for viewers, helping individuals unwind and drift off to sleep. The crucial factor in obtaining favorable outcomes is utilizing a microphone that picks up on all the delicate nuances.

Below are some of the top choices I have utilized to procure excellent ASMR material for my clientele.

Best ASMR Microphones Reviews

1. Shure MV88+

The Shure MV88+ is an exceptional microphone designed specifically for ASMR. It includes a convenient built-in tripod kit and is perfectly positioned for on-camera use.

ASMR creators, particularly those on YouTube, often need to be in close proximity to both the microphone and the camera. This allows them to directly engage with the viewer during their meditations and performances.

Additionally, the Shure MV88+ seamlessly integrates with Android smartphones and can be utilized with the Motiv app. This app provides access to DSP (Digital Signal Processing) and allows for precise control over the microphone’s mid-side capsule.

The environment in which you conduct your ASMR performance plays a crucial role in establishing a sense of intimacy and closeness with the viewer and listener. Techniques such as whispering, narrating sleep-inducing stories, and gentle skin-to-skin or material rubbing can enhance the overall experience.

When assisting clients with ASMR performances and recordings, I always advise them to find a quiet setting and utilize high gain on the microphone’s preamps.

The MV88+ is a stereo microphone that captures a wide and immersive audio image of your surroundings. It also offers the flexibility to record in various mono or figure-8 configurations, which is particularly useful for ASMR when you want to capture your voice on one side and other sounds on the opposite side, such as fingers, hands, or objects.

Having personally used the Shure MV88+ on numerous occasions, I am particularly impressed with the effects provided by the MOTIV app. It features a fantastic stereo adjustment function, as well as useful EQ (Equalization) and dynamics controls. The sound quality is remarkable, and the gain remains clean and clear.

The only minor drawback I would mention is that when recording ASMR, I prefer to use a sample rate of 96K to capture even the smallest details. Unfortunately, this microphone has a maximum sample rate of 48K. While it is not a significant issue, I can upsample the audio to 96K if needed. However, I do wish it offered a higher sample rate for a more high-fidelity experience in that regard.

2. Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti

Blue Microphones has established a strong reputation for producing exceptional microphones over the years. Personally, I am the proud owner of both the Mouse and the Kiwi mics, and I must say that they are among my favorite vocal microphones that can easily rival top Neumanns.

In recent times, Blue has shifted its focus towards catering to a wider audience, including regular individuals and creators, by downsizing their studio microphones. However, I firmly believe that the Blue Yeti remains one of the finest microphones available for podcasting and content creation.

Despite being a budget-friendly option, the Yeti showcases Blue’s expertise in crafting high-quality capsules and Class A circuitry, resulting in the capture of exquisite vocal details.

The Yeti possesses a nostalgic charm reminiscent of RCA microphones, and its impressive frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz ensures exceptional performance. It truly doesn’t get any better than this.

When it comes to ASMR, the Yeti is one of my go-to microphones when a vocalist aims to create an intimate experience, as if they are whispering directly into your ear.

While I have previously used the Neumann U87, I find that the Yeti excels in delivering the perfect proximity effect. Its capsule design effectively minimizes bothersome pops that often occur when breathing too closely to the microphone, a common issue with many condenser microphones.

I appreciate the fact that the Yeti does not require a windscreen or pop filter. Its threaded mic mount effectively reduces mouth sounds that can be quite bothersome.

Furthermore, the microphone features a well-designed mute button that instantly cuts off the signal, acting as a gate to eliminate unwanted noise when not speaking. This particular feature proves to be highly beneficial in enhancing ASMR recordings by minimizing the need to remove distracting noises between takes.

The only minor drawback is that the Yeti supports only 16-bit recording. However, considering that CDs also utilized this format and were widely accepted, it is still more than sufficient for most recording purposes.

3. Zoom H5

The Zoom H5 is truly remarkable. I am a big fan of the design of Zoom products. I have written multiple reviews that feature Zoom products, and each time I am blown away by their incredible quality.

Zoom has managed to incorporate numerous knobs, buttons, and features into compact interfaces without making it look cluttered or cheap. It is truly impressive.

Out of all the models, the H5 is probably one of the best. I primarily use it for recording nature sounds for sample libraries.

It is also perfect for ASMR, functioning more like a handheld portable recording device rather than an elaborate tripod setup.

I utilize the Zoom H5 to capture various sounds in the room where the performer is located. For instance, in one session, we rubbed different materials together, which is quite popular in ASMR communities.

I move around with the Zoom, using brushes and cotton tools to rub different fabrics and capture the sound. The Zoom excels at capturing even the tiniest details up close.

I also appreciate that it offers a resolution of up to 24 bit 96 kHz.

The fixed XY configuration of the stereo mic is crucial as it makes it easy to achieve that perfect stereo image. Additionally, the microphone is excellent for binaural ASMR work, providing an up-close binaural effect when recorded less than an inch from your mouth.

Furthermore, this device includes XLR and quarter-inch inputs, allowing you to connect additional microphones if desired.

The H5, powered by AA batteries, serves as a mini mixer and a four-track playback system on the go! It is truly exceptional.

The only aspect that is not overly impressive, but I won’t hold it against them, is the built-in effects. While they are useful, they do not match the high-end quality of some external plug-ins available.

4. Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X

The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a highly recommended microphone for ASMR and field recording purposes. It boasts a sample rate of up to 96K, which is ideal for capturing intricate details in both close-up and field sounds.

The 96K sample rate is particularly advantageous as it allows for more headroom and range before any clipping occurs. This is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the recorded audio.

In ASMR, the ability to capture delicate sounds such as whispers, snaps, and rubbing is of utmost importance. The higher resolution offered by the AT2020 ensures that these subtle nuances are faithfully reproduced.

One standout feature of this microphone is its built-in headphone jack. This not only enables instant monitoring with zero delay but also enhances the overall user experience. Imagine being able to listen to your recordings in real-time, make immediate adjustments, and achieve optimal sound quality. It truly revolutionizes the recording process.

Moreover, the LED indicators on the AT2020 are incredibly useful. They provide visual cues about the microphone’s status, whether it’s powered on or muted. This feature eliminates any concerns about accidentally recording when intending to mute, making it a game-changer.

As a fan of Audio-Technica microphones, I must say that the clean sound quality of the AT2020 is exceptional. It is my go-to choice when I want to capture the ambiance of a room without excessive background noise.

However, it’s important to note that the fixed cardioid pattern of the microphone can pick up excessive room sound if positioned too far away. Therefore, it’s advisable to be cautious and find the optimal distance for recording.

On the other hand, the microphone’s proximity range is not extraordinary. It performs best when you are at a moderate distance, such as when you’re holding multiple objects and cannot get very close to the mic but still want to capture the surrounding sounds.

5. PowerDeWise Lavalier Microphone

I acknowledge that some of you may have inquiries regarding this brand, particularly due to the packaging resembling that of power tools found in the Home Depot’s power tool section. However, believe it or not, this lavalier microphone is likely the best option for ASMR that I have personally tested.

One of the reasons for this is the recent upgrade implemented last year. They have added shielding to the cord, effectively eliminating RF interference and ensuring flawless audio transmission.

PowerDeWise also includes a windscreen pop filter, which rejects vocal wind dynamics and prevents irritating rubbing noise when the microphone is off-axis and comes into contact with clothing or the neck.

What truly impresses me about the PowerDeWise Lav Mic, and why I frequently utilize it for ASMR, is its wide frequency range despite its compact size. Additionally, it boasts a low 74 dB noise level, which is uncommon for lapel microphones.

This microphone is particularly suitable for YouTube content creators who perform ASMR in front of the camera but not in close proximity to it. It guarantees a distraction-free experience without the microphone being visible on-screen.

ASMR aims to create a tranquil audio/visual experience, and any visible microphones, vibrant clothing, room lighting, or other technical equipment in the frame can disrupt that. Hence, investing in a reliable lapel microphone is a prudent decision.

Furthermore, this microphone is compatible with Android devices, GoPro camcorders, tablets, laptops, and more. It also works with iPhones, although an adapter is required.

The only aspect I would like to mention about this microphone is that it may not provide the highest quality digital transmission. Therefore, on occasion, I connect it to another preamp through the 3.5 mm Jack and then into my DAW at 96K.

While this may not be a significant concern, if you are seeking a microphone system that is ready to directly connect digitally to your phone or tablet, this may not be the most suitable option for you.