While USB microphones never really caught up in the intended home studio market - which of course much prefer the real classic professional microphones and toying around with microphone preamps - they really became popular for podcasting, vlogging and audio conferencing, where using the available USB connection to a laptop makes sense, and the properties of a large diaphragm become obvious in a desktop setup.
Founded in 2005, JLab Audio has been largely focusing on personal audio, including Bluetooth earbuds, headphones and portable speakers, always at very affordable prices, but always offering special care to product design. From video conferences to gamer streaming and eventually music recording, the new JLab Talk Series USB Microphones provide a studio quality recording with 24 bit depth and up to 192kHz sample recording rate, and more importantly, offer a complete choice of directional patterns, so users can experiment the best option and quickly convert a microphone used for voice commentary, into a studio interview tool.
Each of the three JLab Talk microphones suits a different set of needs, starting with the most affordable model, the Talk Go ($49), which uses two condenser capsules, allowing users to choose from two directional pattern modes: cardioid, and omnidirectional. The Talk Go offers up to 24-bit/96kHz audio, and features a simple volume control and quick mute functions. Since this is a USB-C powered product, it is important to note that the price of the microphone includes a 5-foot USB A to USB-C braided cable using also a 90-degree nickel-plated connector.
Compact, lightweight and portable, the Talk GO is great for calls, podcasts, gaming, ASMR, and voice-overs using its two directional pattern modes. Like all the three models, it features a 3.5mm output jack for real-time listening with zero latency, and the connection base features adjustable LED illumination for visual reference of the different modes. The standard-sized 5/8" mounting allows using camera tripods or other stands.
Next in the line is the Talk USB ($99), which offers 3 condenser capsules, allowing users to choose from four directional pattern modes: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Stereo, and Bi-directional (figure-of-eight). Because of the extra polar patterns, it features volume, gain and quick mute control. It ships with a 6.5-foot USB-A to USB-C cable. This intermediate, desktop-style microphone is perfect for podcast, streaming, doing YouTube videos, and record voiceovers at up to 24-bit/96kHz.
Finally, the Talk Pro ($149) goes the extra mile, offering a great USB-microphone design with three condenser capsules to support variable pattern modes: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Stereo, and Bi-directional, while providing a digital output of up to 24-bit/192kHz. It features volume, gain and quick mute controls, and ships with a robust 10-foot (3 meters) USB-A to USB-C braided cable and angled-connector.
The larger design, allows users to adjust the gain control if there is any sensitivity, lack of sound or distortion, adapting to different recording applications, while monitoring directly with low latency and benefiting from a visual level meter in the microphone body. Like the other two models, the Talk Pro features a standard-sized 5/8" swivel mounting and ships with a foldable desktop metal stand.
www.jlabaudio.com
