To get started with a mic set up, you have to have a few critical pieces of equipment: a microphone, a mixer, and a computer with some software installed. Here are five that are pretty easy to set up and, if you follow some easy instructions, will give you a lot of versatility.

It’s no secret that the search for the perfect microphone has led to more than a few dead ends. Most people looking for ways to record their voice on the go have to deal with either very high-tech options that require a computer or low-tech options that don’t sound that great. The Logitech Brio is a new microphone that eliminates the common problems of either extreme. The Brio is designed to be easy to use and sounds great, which is why it’s our pick for the best microphone for calls and podcasting.

Whether you need to record a podcast or simply wish to use a mic as a second monitor while watching TV, there are numerous options available. But which is best? There are many great mics to choose from, including wireless models, but they all come with their unique challenges. Some require a connection to a computer or sound card, while others require a lot of setting up and tweaking.

Here are the top 5 Mics that are easy for anyone to use:

• Blue Snowball Ice

The Snowball is a tiny ice microphone that can get you singing without even knowing you’re doing it. It’s simple to use and sounds great to boot. You simply connect it to your iPhone 4S or 5S with the included cable and then hit the blue button to start singing. It’s a great way to record yourself in a place like a shower or a kitchen and to make sure you’re not waking up your neighbours.

• Blue Yeti X

Blue has long been associated with quality audio, and the Yeti family of microphones have historically been a favourite of musicians and producers alike. The Blue Yeti X is a high-end USB microphone, bringing all its signature features into a compact unit.

• Movo UM700

If you’re looking for any excuse to buy a new microphone, you could do worse than looking for the best technology for your needs. Movo’s UM700 is the latest and greatest in their collection of mics designed for all sorts of uses, from podcasting to gaming and everything in between.

• Blue Yeti Nano

For many, the Blue Yeti is the best analogue recording microphone on the market. However, for others, it may be a little too expensive. So, enter the Blue Yeti Nano. This ultra-compact condenser microphone sports the same great sound quality and durability as the Blue Yeti but has a price tag that’s a fraction of its name-brand counterpart.

• JLab Talk

JLab’s new wireless earbuds are called Talk, and they seem to be doing a great job of introducing a new way to communicate without having to talk. They are easy to use, have a good sound quality, built-in mic and controls, and they don’t require any adapters to connect to any device. The earbuds are easy to connect, with a one-touch “find my buds” feature that automatically pairs the device with the earbuds.

The ease of getting a new microphone is hard to beat. There are even a few that are so simple you can use them without even reading the manual. Over time, you’ll find that a few of the more basic microphones in your home or office will become indispensable.

One of the most important tools for a working musician is a compact microphone. Mics that are too large or heavy can be difficult to use. However, some mics are too small, and one size does not fit all. So we have reviewed five mics that are small and easy to use.

It’s easy to take mics for granted, but the truth is that they’re very simple to use. From smartphones to laptops and VR headsets, it’s pretty common to walk by a mic and not even notice it. But while they may seem invisible, they’re the most important part of your arsenal. What you choose to record—and how well you do it—is what will make or break your music, podcast, or video content. That’s why a better mic is always useful.