You’ll now have a better option of microphones for those who’re keen to start out livestreaming or report your first podcast. AKG has quietly released the Ara, a $99 USB condenser mic clearly geared toward streamers and others simply upgrading from their earbuds and headsets. You solely have two seize patterns (front-only and omnidirectional) versus the $155 Lyra’s 4, and also you’re restricted to a 96kHz pattern price as an alternative of the pricier mannequin’s 192kHz. However, these won’t be main points for those who’re compressing audio for streams and downloads.

You’ll nonetheless get some frequent perks like mounting choices and a headphone output for monitoring. The mic works with any laptop or cellular gadget that helps USB audio.

The Ara is offered now. Whether or not it is a greater purchase over its most evident rival, Blue’s Yeti Nano, is a harder name. You will not have the Yeti Nano’s software program results or flashier design (an vital consideration as a streamer), however you may additionally get a better sampling price than Blue’s 48kHz providing. It could be a matter of priorities.