Mac mini features the Apple T2 Security Chip — second-generation custom Mac silicon designed by Apple to make Mac mini even more secure. The T2 Security Chip consolidates several controllers into one, and includes a Secure Enclave coprocessor that provides the foundation for encrypted storage and secure boot capabilities.
Shopping And Buying Tips For Webcam HeadsetsThere are many different kinds of Mac compatible mic headsets in the marketplace with various functions and widely differing levels of quality. Picking which headset to buy for your Apple voice and webcam video conferencing setup depends upon how long, where and when you'll make use of the headset during any given voice or video chat session.Headsets can utilized to conduct and manage Skype and FaceTime calls from your Mac, as well as enjoy streaming computer audio, iTunes music playback and for Apple dictation. A headset can be either wired or wireless and can vary greatly in size and shape. They may be lightweight (such as ear buds or single on-ear Bluetooth headsets) to larger over or behind the head headset designs. Most gamers and music lovers will prefer a stereo headset, but single-sided mono headsets for business use may be more practical and preferred in an office setting. Recommended Mac USB HeadsetsFor simple plug-n-play convenience and full-fidelity sound reproduction, these Apple compatible USB headsets with microphone are ideal for use at your Macintosh desktop setup. Some feature long cords, often around 8-10 feet long to let you kick-back in your office chair or roam a bit even though you're still tethered to your computer.
USB-C Headsets For MacA new generation of USB-C mic headset connectivity is needed for new iMac, Mac mini or MacBook models with Type-C Thunderbolt 3 ports (which are USB 3.1 compatible.) There are a few native USB-C headsets with mic reaching the market worth review. You can optionally use a rectangular USB-A to USB-C adapter to use conventional USB headsets with if needed.Native Type-C Interface How Will You Use The Headset?When considering which Apple compatible headset to purchase, first ascertain exactly what you primarily intend to utilize it for. Think about whether you'll be using your headset for pleasure or business, for gaming, for music playback, for Mac webcam conferencing, or for OSX speech recognition and Apple dictation. Headsets can be USB, USB-C, wired, wireless with a 2.4GHz RF transmitter, or via a Bluetooth connection to your Mac.Wireless Headsets For Webcam Chat On A Mac
Wireless headsets obviously provide the advantages of more mobility which Apple users increasingly prefer. RF models have higher-fidelity audio and a more reliable operating range up to 50 feet, while Bluetooth typically craps-out within 30 feet or less. Bluetooth headsets also compress the audio signal and make some tradeoffs in speech and music quality. That makes them 'okay' for casual video and voice chat, but less than optimal for speech recognition and Apple dictation where precise interpretation of the audio signal is required. Both types of wireless headsets incorporate rechargeable batteries that may recharged via USB or a dedicated AC power supply. One advantage of Bluetooth headsets is that they don't require a USB port and can be switched between multiple gadgets when needed, for example an iPhone, Mac laptop or desktop, a home stereo, or a video gaming console after being paired with each gadget. If you intend to use your headset primarily for webcam video chat or Skype on a Mac, a hard-wired USB headset is typically the most reliable and highest fidelity headset to buy. After all, you're not likely to be wandering far from the external webcam or built-in Apple iSight's view. If you have the urge to roam, wireless is a better choice. Headsets For Apple Dictation and Speech RecognitionBecause accurate capture from a headset's built-in microphone is critical for speech recognition accuracy, a wired headset (either Analog or USB) or RF wireless headset is generally preferred over Bluetooth. There are some exceptions as some of the latest generation of Ultra-Wideband Bluetooth 4.0 headsets don't rely on heavy audio compression as in the past and perform better for Mac dictation and speech recognition.Headset Comfort And Convenience During UseComfort and wearability is also a consideration to take into account when buying a headset for Mac and iGadget use. Comfortable, pivoting ear pads and padding on the headband can make long sessions alot more enjoyable. Many quasi-portable headsets have folding headbands and ear-cups that pivot so they can lay flat when not in use: They're more convenient and less space-hogging for travel or storage. Wired or Bluetooth earbud headsets with Apple compatible microphone integrated into the cord are most portable of all.Headsets For Mac Music And Gaming TooIf you're leaning in your purchase a headset to primarily improve Apple iTunes music experience or for gaming needs, think about headsets that explicitly brag about deep bass and full-range 20Hz-20KHz response. These types of headsets have the tendency to feature big 40mm, 50mm or larger internal sound drivers for rich bass and hi-fi audio, and well-padded ear cups for enduring comfort and fully-immersive sound. Because gamers typically put on these headsets for long gaming sessions, these are typically wired to connect to a computer or console. RF-Wireless gaming headsets are also a popular choice. With the former, players don't need to futz batteries or deal with periodic recharging issues, with the latter they get some freedom to roam at a distance from their TV or Mac computer screen.Consider Your Surrounding EnvironmentWhen deciding on your purchase of a headset, take into account the surrounding environment where you'll be using it. If it's a noisy environment, as in an office or a residence with roomies, in-ear or full-size earcups help block out ambient noise. Many lightweight headsets have open-air foam ear-coverings to also allow hearing what's going on around you - which can be important in a business environment. Some headsets feature noise-canceling mics, or ambient noise-cancellation to block unwanted enviromental sounds.Apple Headset CompatibilityThink about headset compatibility with Apple hardware when you're deciding to buy a headset. If the headset has a USB or USB-C plug, you're all set since OSX has standard USB audio drivers built into the OS. Some vendors like Logitech or Creative Labs MAY provide specific Apple support for sound control with SELECT models of higher end headsets. Sadly many of the more elaborate 5.1 surround-sound gaming headsets only work in 2.0 stereo mode when plugged into a Macintosh.Apple's use of non-standard signal voltages in analog microphones was problematic in the past. Another problem is most PC headsets have TWO separate 2 and 3-conductor 1/8' 3.5mm plugs: One for the microphone, the other for the stereo headset. Macs have a combined audio port. More recently Apple introduced a 4-conductor (4-Pole) TRRS audio jack that combines speaker and mic into one. Macs since 2010 and iPads, iPhones and iPod touch support the TRRS 4-pole plug CTIA standard, as do most cell-phone manufacturers as well. As such, the latest generation of 4-conductor analog microphone headsets are now both Mac and PC, iPhone and Andriod / Samsung / etc compatible. Some come with both separate dual plugs (for older computers) and a interchangeable 4-pole plug for more modern devices. In short, many more analog headsets are now appropriate for Mac OSX / iOS use.
So you need a computer microphone? Many laptops come with built-in mics, but they usually aren’t anything to celebrate. If you have a desktop PC, a lot of times they won’t come with a microphone.
It used to be available via the Mac App Store but now all MoneyWorks products are only available direct from the developer.If you want a free accounting app for Mac that’s suitable for use in a PC/Mac environment, then Cashbook is ideal as it instantly opens and edits files from either platform.Cashbook supports double entry general or nominal ledgers, detailed reports and even allows you to compile a useful customer database.It’s also setup for taxes in different regions including sales taxes in the USA, GST in Canada and VAT in the UK. Checkbook software for mac. If you’re looking for a simple, free desktop accounting application for your Mac then could be for you.MoneyWorks Cashbook is a light version of the highly acclaimed MoneyWorks Gold (see review below) for Mac and PC.It features much of the functionality of MoneyWorks Gold but is completely free to use although you need to sign-up for a free online subscription. Is a surprisingly good accounting software for macOS that often goes under the radar.Accounted is a no-nonsense, easy to use accounting app which covers all the basic needs of a small business.Accounted is based on a double entry accounting system and has some interesting features such as, support for importing from PayPal and the possibility to sync Accounted with – a powerful Customer Relationship Manager and one of the available.Accounted is particularly suitable for those companies or freelancers that deal in multiple currencies.
So which one should you get?
Our top pick for a computer microphone is the Blue Yeti.
It really depends on your intended use and budget though, so we’ll highlight our favorite picks for general use, like when using Skype or Zoom. All of these are excellent desktop mics for a variety of uses.
Microphone quality usually increases with price, so know that for the most part, your budget will determine how well you will sound. You will also want to consider the type of input you are using. USB and 3.5mm are common connections that work with both Mac and PC.
Lastly, is portability import? Some of these mics are great for travel.
Check out our dedicated posts for gaming mics and USB podcasting mics if either of those fits your use case.
Contents
Best All-Purpose Computer Microphones
All of the computer microphones listed here come with either built-in or detachable stands so you don’t have to worry about how to keep them standing on your desk.
Blue Yeti
Our top choice for the best PC microphone is the Blue Yeti. Not only is the sound quality excellent for the price, but it has features that I’ve found I cannot live without (I use it on a Mac for podcasting). Whether you plan on using it for gaming, podcasting, voiceovers, YouTube videos, Skype calls, Hangouts, or all of the above, this mic excels.
Apple Mac Mini Microphone
You can switch it between 4 modes so you can use it for solo speaking, conference calls, in-person interviews, music recording and more.
You can plug in a pair of headphones and adjust the volume, change how sensitive the mic is (gain control), and it comes with a nice sturdy base that allows the mic to be adjusted to the correct position on your desktop (every desk is different).
Shure MV5
Not only is the Shure MV5 a good computer microphone, but it is Apple MFi Certified. That means you can connect it directly to an iOS device without any adapters. It includes both a USB cable and a Lightning cable, so you don’t have to worry about needing to buy a separate cable.
It includes a headphone jack for monitoring, 3 preset DSP modes, and is small enough to carry with you. You can remove it from its stand and use it laying on a desk or table, making it even more portable.
This is easily one of the best computer mics under $100 – and the ability to use it on your iPad or iPhone is really a bonus!
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+
The AT2020 is a classic vocal mic that performs well above its price point.
The AT2020USB+ is, you guessed it, the plug-n-play USB version.
It has a headphone jack so you can listen to yourself speaking (don’t use your speakers or there’s a good chance you’ll get a nasty echo) and a mix control dial that lets you blend audio from your computer with whatever you microphone is hearing (like your voice).
It comes with a USB cable, tripod stand, carrying pouch, and a threaded mount for attaching to other desktop stands or arms.
Samson Go Mic
The Samson Go Mic is one of the best computer mics for travel and portability. It is plug and play for both Mac and PC (no drivers required) and will sit on a desk or clip to your laptop screen.
But don’t discount it because of that. It has a headphone jack for live monitoring, a frequency response from 20Hz to 18kHz, and comes with a carrying case. This is a great all-around mic that will perform well recording YouTube videos or chatting over Skype.
Samson Meteor Mic
The Samson Meteor Mic offers a great value for the price – and is a great complement to any PC or Mac. You get a flat frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz, 16-bit 44.1/48kHz resolution, and a headphone monitoring jack. It comes with a USB cable and a carrying case.
You’ll get great sound for any spoken audio for under $70.
Usb Microphone For Mac MiniAudio-Technica ATR2100-USB
The Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB is one of my favorite entry-level PC mics. You can use it with either USB (for direct connection to your computer) or XLR (for use with a mixer or audio interface) connections, giving you a lot of flexibility and room for expansion.
It’s also a dynamic microphone, meaning that it won’t pick up background noise as easily as most of the other mics on this page.
Because you can use it handheld or with the included stand for desktop use, it works great as a vlogging mic or podcasting mic, among many other uses.
We featured it in our podcast starter kit and we have a separate review if you want to learn more or see some recommended accessories.
Blue Snowball
The Blue Snowball is a quality budget microphone for your PC. You can choose between cardioid and omnidirectional (front and all directions, respectively) pickup patterns and the metal stand is adjustable to different heights.
Blue offers 6 different colors of the Snowball so you can get the exact look that matches your setup and will great on your desktop.
If you’re looking for a plug and play mic that is made by a reputable company, sounds great, and is easy to use for under $50, grab this one.
Fifine Cardioid Mic
There is a cheaper version, but it doesn’t have the onboard volume control and it picks up sound from all directions, which is bad in most cases. The cardioid version uses a cardioid pickup pattern, meaning that it is meant to just pick up sound from the front – like your voice. It’s an upgraded version of Amazon’s best-selling computer mic and is a good choice for a cheap PC microphone.
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