Mac and iPad Compatible USB-C Lavalier Microphones
USB-C Microphone For Mac or iPad Pro
Due to the wide adoption of USB-C audio in many new smartphones, we're starting to see a growing number of USB-C microphones, USB-C headsets and USB-C earbuds coming to market rather quickly. That makes them ideal candidates for use on recent Apple iPads and Macs / MacBooks which have either a Type-C Thunderbolt 3 / USB 3.1 compatible port.Apple Compatible Movo USB-C Lavalier Mic
With Long Cable, Clip, Windscreen and Carry Case
Here's a few examples of Mac / iPad compatible USB-C lavalier clip-on mic ideal for podcasting, speech recognition, online conferencing or video recording sessions and interviews where a small, unobtrusive microphone is desired. It's optimized for accurate and voice production.
USB-C Lavalier Mic For Mac
Type-C Connection : Omnidirectional Condenser
Simply plug the Type-C lav mic into a modern MacBook, Mac mini or iMac computer with their USB-C compatible Thunderbolt 3 ports. They can also be used in the USB-C connector on one of the new(er) Apple iPads that now have a Type-C instead of a Lightning port , After setting your sound input device preferences, you're good to go!
Who Makes Thunderbolt 3 Compatible USB-C Headsets?
USB-C Headsets For Thunderbolt3 Macs
Wondering which companies make USB-C headset with microphone peripherals for new Macs with Thunderbolt 3 ports? Because the new Type-C ports speak BOTH Thunderbolt and USB protocols, USB-C microphone headsets will supplant the older 1/8th inch 4-Pole analog microphone / speaker jack for audio device connectivity. Plantronics seems to be ahead of most competitors with a complete range of single and dual ear USB-C headsets in their Blackwire 32XX and 52XX series:Plantronics USB-C Blackwire Stereo Headset
USB-C Dongle With Optional 1/8" Analog Use
USB audio isn't very demanding in general, and the notion of licensing an expensive Thunderbolt 3 chipset to put in a headset is ridiculous. So expect USB-C headsets supporting Thunderbolt 3 compatibility to be the way to go. There's a lot of USB-C earbuds with inline microphones on the market since a lot of smartphone companies are starting to use the universal Type-C connector.
USB-A To USB-C Mac Peripheral Adapter
For Legacy Devices On Thunderbolt 3 Macs
The rest of the market for larger, over-the-head style USB-C headphones and headsets with microphone is starting to take hold. But currently, the vast majority of Thunderbolt 3 compatible headsets with mic use the rectangular USB Type-A connection we're so familiar with. If you already own a USB-A style headset, a cheap USB-A to USB-C adapter is all you'll need to use it on a new Mac with Thunderbolt3 ports.
Yeti Nano Mac Compatible USB Mic Review
Blue Yeti Nano USB Mic For Mac
Dual-Pattern - Omni Directional and Cardiod Modes
Far less weighty and klunky than it's hulking cousin, the Blue Yeti Nano delivers silky-smooth audio recording response in a somewhat smaller, lighter footprint. Available in Gold, Onyx, Grey and Blue, there are four microphone color choices to suit your aesthetic taste. And it still features a built-in 1/8th inch analog headphone monitor jack for real-time listening as you record. It's also more affordable, saving you $20-30 or more over the cost of it's larger sibling.
There's a lighted, front mounted volume control and mute combo button on the front for easy access. A rear push button also allows you to switch between Omidirectional and Cardiod pattern modes when needed.
Cheap Desktop USB Conferencing Microphones For Mac
MXL AC-424 Executive Web Conferencing Microphone
Tri-Capsule Mic Array with LED Mute
For often a third the price of a premium mic like MXL's shown above, OEM manufacturers in the far east are widely selling Mac compatible cheap desktop USB conferencing microphones for MacOS users that contain sensitive, high-quality condenser mic capsules at far cheaper prices. You'll often see the same OEM hardware sold under ever-changing 'no-name' brand names: same components, different branding and packaging.
CMTECK Desktop Cheap Business Conference Microphone
Dual Noise Cancelling Mics with LED Mute Switch
As shown above, we have two fairly comparable USB conferencing mics with plug and play Mac OSX compatibility, similar styling and performance - with one at a far, far cheaper price. This is just one example of the split occurring across the Mac compatible microphone market. Premium mic brands are under tremendous pricing pressure from 2nd-tier knockoffs.
Apple Compatible Analog USB Audio Adapter Dongle Recommendations
TS/TRS vs TRRS Analog Audio Adapters
Currenty, there's two dominant approaches to the kind of 1/8th inch / 3.5mm plugs that Apple-friendly USB audio dongles accept. For many years, particularly in the Windows PC world, computers featured SEPARATE microphone and speaker / headset connections. In general the microphone is mono and the headphone/speaker jack stereo. As such you'll find many Apple compatible USB audio adapter dongles that support two-jack style devices.Two-Jack TS / TRS USB Sound Adapters
Those with separate jacks are ideal for older 2-plug mic headsets or mono microphones. The mic is a 2-conductor 1./8th inch (mono) plug and the headphone a 1/8th inch 3 conductor (stereo) plug.Dual Jack Mac USB Audio Adapter
Separate Microphone Input - Stereo Output
One-Jack 4-Pole TRRS USB Sound Adapters
More recently, since around 2010 and the rise of the smartphone and iPhone - audio in and out have been consolidated into a SINGLE 4-Conductor 'TRRS' type of plug that can handle both a monophonic microphone input and stereo audio playback to earbuds or headphones. These USB soundcard DACs have a single input jack on them to handle both mono audio in and stereo audio out. Those with a single jack are more appropriate for more modern 4-pole headphone with mic type of use.4-Pole TRRS USB Mac Audio Adapter
For 1-Plug Mic Headsets or Earbuds
Note that the above featured products are USB audio DACs that attach via a short USB cable. These may be a far better choice - especially on Apple MacBook Pro or Air laptops where a more common dongle 'block' would literally block the adjacent USB ports nearby.
Combo USB Audio Adapter Hubs
Need to conserve USB ports? This MacOS friendly device combines a 3-port USB 3.0 high-speed hub AND a dual-input microphone / headset adapter into one device.3-Port USB 3.0 Hub With 2-Jack Audio Adapter
TR Mono Mic + TRS Stereo Headset + Hub