How To Pick The Perfect Apogee Mic for Your Needs

Considering starting a podcast or recording acoustic instruments at home? Apogee offers two fantastic USB microphones that produce professional-quality audio for a variety of tasks: the HypeMiC and MiC Plus.

People often ask us which USB microphone is right for them. Before diving into their unique use cases, let’s learn about the common features between these two Apogee mics.

Similarities between Apogee HypeMiC and MiC Plus

Premium Cardioid Condenser Capsule

At the core of both HypeMiC and MiC Plus lies its premium cardioid condenser microphone capsule, renowned for its high sensitivity and ample gain. This type of capsule ensures both mics can accurately capture any sound source, from vocals to harsh brass instruments, making it perfect for a wide range of recording applications.

Capture your audio with clarity and precision thanks to the mic preamp providing up to 46 dB of gain. One of the most amazing features of the mic preamp gain is that it can be controlled via the gain knob directly on the microphone or digitally via our free MetaRecorder app.

One last note about the Cardioid Condenser Capsule is that it provides an evenly balanced and smooth frequency response. This is such an important factor for studio quality recordings and will help your recordings have a natural sound, with a minimal amount of post-production work needed.

Pristine Sound Quality with our PureDIGITAL Connection

One of the standout features of both mics is their PureDIGITAL connection. At Apogee our bread and butter is analog to digital conversion. From Audio interfaces to USB Microphones, we ensure all our products provide the best possible sound no matter the circumstance.

Both the HypeMiC and MiC Plus can record high-quality audio up to 24-bit/96kHz, without any distortion or noise. This is thanks to their PureDIGITAL connection, which sets Apogee gear apart from the competition. Just plug in the included USB cable to your phone or laptop and you’ll be ready to go.

First Take Recording Software

First Take is a free recording application designed to simplify the recording process and allow you to focus on your creativity. This user-friendly application can be used with both HypeMiC and MiC Plus, helping you avoid the technical complexities of a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and concentrate on your performance.

Whether you’re recording a podcast or a musical demo, First Take makes it plug-and-play to capture your voice and share it with the world. Just hit record and First Take will do the rest. Easily set your headphone level to monitor your recording, or access individual stems of music recordings with a click of a button.

What makes HypeMiC so special?

HypeMiC’s built-in analog compressor is its defining feature. This makes it a better choice for certain recording applications, as we’ll discuss below.

An analog compressor reduces the dynamic range of a signal by making loud sounds quieter and soft sounds louder. It does this using a circuit to reduce the signal gain when it crosses a certain threshold.

HypeMiC’s three compression presets make it easy to get the sound you want without having to worry about setting the threshold. Just choose the preset that best fits your needs and you’re good to go.

Now that we know what makes HypeMiC special, let’s look at some areas where it excels.

Voice Over

Voice over is a rapidly growing career choice, thanks to the rise of digital media. As demand for animated films, audiobooks, and video games increases, so too does the need for talented voice-over artists. This profession offers a unique blend of creativity and technical skill, and it’s a rewarding path for individuals with a knack for performance and a distinctive vocal tone.

Apogee’s HypeMiC is a popular choice for voice-over artists on the go. It’s portable and offers excellent sound quality, making it a crucial tool for never missing an audition. You can plug it directly into your phone and use the built-in analog compressor to add extra presence and clarity to your vocals, giving you an instant edge over the competition. One of our HypeMiC customers recently told us how they were driving on the highway when they received a voice-over audition for Netflix. Luckily, they had their HypeMiC with them in the car, so they were able to pull over and record the audition on the spot. They ended up landing the role!

The HypeMiC is also a cost-effective solution for those breaking into the voice-over industry. It offers professional-grade voice recording capabilities without the hefty price tag, making it accessible to aspiring voice-over artists on a budget. Instead of having to purchase an analog mic, an audio interface, a pop shield, XLR cables, and a mic stand, you can get the HypeMiC for $349, which includes everything you need to get started.

We recently got the chance to interview Jason Anthony, an exceptional voice actor, with a knack for video games. He recently voiced over 10 different characters in Hogwarts Legacy including the Sorting Hat, Vicktor Rookwood, Nearly Headless Nick, & more.

Podcasting

HypeMiC is a game-changer for budding podcasters, thanks to its built-in analog compression. This ensures consistent and balanced audio levels, regardless of volume variations that naturally occur during a conversation. With three different compression presets to choose from, you can easily find the best setting for your needs, ensuring a high-quality, professional sound. We recommend compression preset number 2 for most podcasting applications.

HypeMiC’s compatibility with the First Take recording app simplifies the recording process, letting you focus on your content and guests. First Take is designed to avoid the technical complexities of a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), making it plug-and-play when it comes to capturing your voice and sharing it with the world.

Whether you’re flying solo or hosting a panel of guests, HypeMiC’s built-in analog compression and First Take’s convenience offer the most compact and effective solution for starting your podcast.

Live Streaming

Live streaming is another area where HypeMiC excels. Its pristine sound quality and built-in analog compression ensure that your voice stands out clearly, even against in-game audio or background noise. This makes it a must-have tool for streamers, enabling them to deliver their commentary and engage with their audience without worrying about being drowned out.

HypeMiC is also incredibly user-friendly and easy to set up, allowing streamers to focus on their content rather than technical difficulties. Whether you’re a seasoned streamer or just starting out, HypeMiC makes streaming a breeze, providing you with studio-quality audio and a hassle-free setup process.

Work from Home

With many of us transitioning to remote work, the HypeMiC is a great solution for numerous Zoom meetings. Poor audio quality can derail an important discussion or presentation, and built-in laptop and computer microphones often fall short. The HypeMiC’s superior sound quality and built-in analog compression ensure your voice is crystal clear and free of distortions or background noise.

Easy setup and user-friendliness make the HypeMiC ideal for those who are not tech-savvy. Simply plug it into your device, select a compression preset, and you’re ready to impress your colleagues. No more struggling with audio settings or dealing with complaints about being hard to hear – with the HypeMiC, every Zoom call is a breeze.

Premium Accessories

In addition to its unique compression feature, the HypeMiC also includes a premium accessories kit, which offers a tripod, pop filter, and carrying case. These accessories are not included with the Apogee MiC Plus, making the HypeMiC a more comprehensive package for those looking for a complete recording solution.

Where MiC Plus Shines

Despite lacking HypeMiC’s built-in analog compressor, MiC Plus is still considered one of the best USB microphones on the market. Its compact size and detailed frequency response make it a great solution for recording. It features a gain knob for easy level adjustments, a 3.5mm stereo headphone output for zero-latency monitoring, 24-bit/96khz recording resolution, and plug-n-play functionality with Windows and iOS devices.

MiC Plus excels in two main areas: recording vocals and recording instruments. Let’s take a closer look at each scenario below.

Recording Vocals

The MiC Plus from Apogee is an exceptional choice for recording vocals, thanks to its premium cardioid condenser capsule. This feature ensures that the microphone captures every nuance of your voice with clarity and precision, providing a balanced frequency response that is ideal for recording vocals.

Whether you’re laying down a vocal demo or recording for a professional track, the MiC Plus delivers top-notch sound quality that brings out the best in your vocals.

Additionally, the MiC Plus boasts a plug-and-play design that makes it incredibly easy to use. Simply connect it to your device, and you’re ready to start recording. This hassle-free setup process is perfect for artists and creators who want to focus more on their performance and less on technical setup.

With its remarkable audio quality and user-friendly design, the MiC Plus is a fantastic solution for all your vocal recording needs.

Recording Instruments (Acoustic Guitar, Horns, Drums)

The MiC Plus is an excellent choice for recording instruments. While built-in analog compression can be beneficial in some situations, it’s not essential for instrument recording, as you can always add compression in your DAW post-recording.

Capturing the best possible source is vital for instrument recording, and that’s where the MiC Plus shines. Thanks to its condenser microphone design, the MiC Plus captures all the intricate details of your instrument’s sound, providing a rich and detailed recording that truly represents the instrument’s tonality. In addition, the placement of the mic in relation to your instrument can have a huge impact on the recording quality. Most people overlook how important proper mic placement is for recordings.

Accessories

One of the key differences between the two microphones is the included accessories. As mentioned earlier, the HypeMiC comes with a more robust selection of accessories, making it a better choice for travel. However, the MiC Plus still includes all the essentials you need to start recording.

• Tripod Stand
• Lightning Cable (iOS devices)
• USB Type C Cable
• USB Type A Cable

System Requirements for both Mics

Both microphones have the following system requirements:

• macOS 10.9 or later (Apple Silicon or Intel processor)
• iOS 9 or later
  • Both mics come with a Micro B-to-Lightning cable
• Windows 10

Summary

This article comprehensively compares two Apogee USB microphones: the HypeMiC and MiC Plus. Both microphones share similar features, including a premium cardioid condenser capsule, pristine sound quality, and compatibility with the First Take recording software.

However, the HypeMiC’s built-in analog compressor makes it ideal for voice-over work, podcasting, live streaming, and remote work. The MiC Plus excels in recording vocals and instruments due to its detailed frequency response. Whichever Apogee mic you choose, you won’t be disappointed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apogee HypeMiC worth it?

If you are looking to start your own podcast or start your career as a voice-over actor then HypeMiC is definitely worth it. The extra premium accessories and the built-in analog compressor make HypeMiC the perfect USB mic for those needs.

How do I set up my Apogee microphone?

First, choose the correct connection cable and connect your mic to your recording device. Both mics come with three sets of cables: Lightning, USB-A, and USB-C. Once your microphone is connected, dial in your input gain via the main control knob. 

A healthy recording level is when you see the front panel LEDs flash between positions 2 and 3. To monitor yourself, connect a pair of headphones to the headphone output located on the bottom of the mic.

What is the price difference between HypeMiC and MiC Plus?

The price difference between HypeMiC and MiC Plus is $90. Apogee HypeMiC is available for $349 and MiC Plus is available for $259.

What unique feature does Apogee HypeMiC have?

The HypeMiC stands out for its built-in analog compression. In fact, it’s the only USB microphone that offers built-in analog compression with 3 selectable presets. This makes it ideal for those starting a podcast or getting into voice-over.

How can I improve my recordings with either mic?

To improve the overall recording quality with either microphone you must set the correct input gain. The ideal gain level is achieved when the input meter is as high as possible without going into the red. This will help you avoid distortion and having high levels of background noise in your recordings.

This applies to both instrument and vocal recordings. Use the 3 LEDs in front of both microphones to gauge how hot your signal is. An even easier way to set your input gain is to use MetaRecorder, which allows out to digitally control it from within the app.