Listed below are common microphones that are compatible with Riverside. Expand each dropdown to view equipment details, recommendations, and troubleshooting suggestions.
Highly recommended mics are noted with an asterisk (*) and Recommended label.
Scroll to the bottom for a list of unsupported microphones.
Supported microphones
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Apple AirPods
Please note that Riverside does not recommend the use of Bluetooth headphones of any kind, as they can introduce lag into recordings.
Compatibility with Riverside Computer Browser
Connection type Bluetooth Manufacturer details Full specs at apple.com Recommendations - Although most people do not encounter issues when using AirPods to record, some users have observed that the AirPods' Bluetooth connection can cause latency (lag).
- If you use your AirPods with the Riverside iOS app, you may see a pop-up message 'Wired Connection' in the Studio. Tap No to use the AirPods as both microphone and headphones.
- If connected to a computer, enable Echo Cancellation to reduce the risk of audio bleed.
- Be sure your AirPods' batteries are sufficiently charged before recording with them.
Troubleshooting -
Recommended
Audio Technica ATR2100x-USB
This model has been discontinued by the manufacturer.
Compatibility with Riverside Riverside Mobile App (see below)
Connection type USB-C (Mic) to USB-C or USB-A
or XLR (Mic) to Audio InterfaceManufacturer details Full specs at audio-technica.com Recommendations Connect your headphones to a computer instead of to the microphone to minimize any echo. Limitations This mic is only compatible with the Riverside mobile app when using a device with a USB-C port:
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iPad or iPhone with a USB-C port
Please note: Some external USB-C mics are not compatible with iOS 17 on the iPad.- On the Studio's Lobby screen, connect the microphone to the iPad or iPhone via USB-C.
- Once you join the Studio, in the Wired connection pop-up:
- Connect headphones to the microphone and tap No.
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Android phone with a USB-C port
- Connect the microphone to your device.
- Connect headphones to the microphone to hear the Studio.
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting: I don’t see my microphone in the menu of the Lobby or Studio -
iPad or iPhone with a USB-C port
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Audio Technica AT2020USB+
Compatibility with Riverside Riverside Mobile App
Connection type USB-B (Mic) to USB-A (Computer) Manufacturer details Full specs at audio-technica.com Recommendations - Connect your headphones to a computer instead of to the microphone to minimize any echo.
- The AT2020USB+ allows you to monitor previously recorded tracks while recording new audio. Adjust the Mix Control to balance levels of live audio from your microphone and pre-recorded audio on your computer. Turn the Mix Control dial towards COM (computer) to hear more pre-recorded audio; turn the dial towards MIC (microphone) to hear more of your voice or instrument in the mix.
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting: I don’t see my microphone in the menu of the Lobby or Studio -
Recommended
Blue Yeti
Connection type USB-A (Computer) to Mini-USB (Mic) Manufacturer details Full specs at bluemic.com Compatibility with Riverside Recommendations - Plug any headphones into the computer, not the headphone input in the mic.
- Speak into the side of the microphone, not its top. The Blue logo, headphone volume control knob, and mute button/status light should be facing you.
- The microphone gain (physical knob) should not be increased by more than one-quarter (1/4th) of a turn.
Troubleshooting - If you cannot be heard in the Studio, check that the mic's physical mute button is not on.
- If the other participants hear an echo, stop the recording and then connect your headphones to the computer instead of to the microphone to minimize any audio bleed.
- Troubleshooting: Microphone not recognized
- Blue Support FAQs
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Blue Snowball
Compatibility with Riverside Connection type USB Type-B (Mic) to USB-A (Computer) Manufacturer details Full specs at Bluemic.com Recommendations Use the switch on the back to select the mic's audio pickup pattern: Cardioid, Cardoid with -10DB Pad, or Omni. We recommend recording with 1. Cardioid. Troubleshooting - When connected to a computer, the LED above the Blue logo glows red to indicate that the Snowball is drawing power.
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Earthworks ETHOS (XLR)
Compatibility with Riverside Riverside Mobile App
Connection type XLR (Mic) to Audio Interface Manufacturer details Full specs at Earthworksaudio.com Recommendations - Enable Phantom power on your audio interface.
- Connect your headphones directly to the computer instead of to the interface to minimize any echo.
- For best results for vocals, position the microphone slightly above your mouth, less than 6 inches (15 cm) away, and point the mic slightly downwards.
Troubleshooting - This condenser microphone requires Phantom power supplied by the audio interface.
- Troubleshooting: Microphone not recognized
- Earthworks Ethos – User Guide [PDF]
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Electro-Voice RE20 (XLR)
Compatibility with Riverside Connection type XLR (Mic) to Audio Interface Manufacturer details Full specs at Electrovoice.com Recommendations - Connect your headphones directly to the computer instead of to the interface to minimize any echo.
- For best results for vocals, position the microphone less than 6 inches (15 cm) from your mouth.
Troubleshooting -
Recommended
Rode Lavalier Go
Compatibility with Riverside Connection type 3.5mm TRS (minijack) Manufacturer details Full specs at rode.com Recommendations - After clipping the lavalier mic to your clothes, check to make sure your movements do not cause the cable or fabric to rub and create unwanted sound.
- If connecting the Rode Lavalier GO to your computer, we recommend also using headphones to limit echo.
- To use wired headphones, you may need to use a TRRS splitter if your computer does not have a separate 3.5mm port for audio input.
Limitations Lavalier mics are not compatible with iPhones that have USB-C ports, however they are comptible with iPads and Androids that have USB-C ports:
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iPad with a USB-C port
Please note: Some external USB-C mics are not compatible with iOS 17 on the iPad.- On the Studio's Lobby screen, connect the microphone to the iPad via USB-C.
- Once you join the Studio, in the Wired connection pop-up:
- Connect headphones to the microphone and tap No.
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Android phone with a USB-C port
- Connect the microphone to your device.
- Connect headphones to the microphone to hear the Studio.
Troubleshooting -
Recommended
Rode VideoMic Go
Compatibility with Riverside Connection type 3.5mm TRS (minijack) Manufacturer details Full specs at rode.com Recommendations - The Rode VideoMic is highly directional. Be certain that the mic is directly pointing at you.
- If connecting the Rode VideoMic to your computer, we recommend also using headphones to limit echo.
- To use wired headphones, you may need to use a TRRS splitter if your computer does not have a separate 3.5mm port for audio input.
Limitations - Due to hardware limitations, this mic is only compatible with the Riverside mobile app if you use a TRRS splitter.
- With the splitter, connect the microphone to the end labeled for sound input and wired headphones to the end labeled for sound output.
Troubleshooting -
Recommended
Rode VideoMic Go II
Compatibility with Riverside Connection types 3.5mm TRS (minijack)
USB-C
Manufacturer details Full specs at rode.com Recommendations - The Rode VideoMic II is highly directional. Be certain that the mic is directly pointing at you.
- If connecting the Rode VideoMic Go II to your computer via 3.5 mm TRS, we recommend also using headphones to limit echo.
- To use wired headphones, you may need to use a TRRS splitter if your computer does not have a separate 3.5mm port for audio input.
Limitations This mic is only compatible with the Riverside mobile app when using a device with a USB-C port:
-
iPad or iPhone with a USB-C port
Please note: Some external USB-C mics are not compatible with iOS 17 on the iPad.- On the Studio's Lobby screen, connect the microphone to the iPad or iPhone via USB-C.
- Once you join the Studio, in the Wired connection pop-up:
- Connect headphones to the microphone and tap No.
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Android phone with a USB-C port
- Connect the microphone to your device.
- Connect headphones to the microphone to hear the Studio.
- Please note: Any mic settings that you adjust using Rode's apps and software like RØDE Connect, RØDE Central, or RØDE Reporter are not retained if you connect the microphone to a device via the 3.5mm output.
Troubleshooting -
Rode Wireless Go II
Compatibility with Riverside Connection type 3.5mm TRS (mini jack) to a computer or mobile app
USB to computer
Manufacturer details Full specs at rode.com Recommendations - If connecting the Rode Wireless GO II Receiver to your computer, we recommend also using headphones to limit echo.
- Be sure the batteries in the receiver and transmitter/s are charged.
- If recording solo with an iPad, connect the Rode receiver via USB directly to the iPad. On the latest version, choose headphones on the pop-up, then choose no on the Riverside pop-up.
Limitations - This mic is compatible with the Riverside mobile app only with a TRRS splitter.
- Connect the splitter to your iOS device first with a USB-C/Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter, if needed. Then connect the Rode receiver to the splitter's end labeled for sound input and a set of wired headphones to the end labeled for sound output.
Troubleshooting -
Recommended
Rode–NT USB
Compatibility with Riverside Connection type USB-B (Mic) to USB-A (Computer) Manufacturer details Full specs at Rode.com Recommendations - Connect your headphones to a computer instead of to the microphone to minimize any echo.
- Position the microphone about 6 inches (15 cm) from your mouth.
- Use the included pop filter to minimize plosive sounds.
- Connect the microphone directly to your computer, rather than using a USB hub.
Troubleshooting -
Recommended
Samson Q2U
Compatibility with Riverside Connection type USB-B Mini (Mic) to USB-A (Computer)
or XLR (Mic) to Audio InterfaceManufacturer details Full specs at samsontech.com Recommendations - Connect your headphones directly to the computer instead of to the microphone to minimize any echo.
- When recording with the mobile app, connect the headphones directly to the microphone. (See below)
Limitations This mic is only compatible with the Riverside mobile app when using a device with a USB-C port:
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iPad or iPhone with a USB-C port
Please note: Some external USB-C mics are not compatible with iOS 17 on the iPad.- On the Studio's Lobby screen, connect the microphone to the iPad or iPhone via USB-C.
- Once you join the Studio, in the Wired connection pop-up:
- Connect headphones to the microphone and tap No.
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Android phone with a USB-C port
- Connect the microphone to your device.
- Connect headphones to the microphone to hear the Studio.
Troubleshooting - The LED on the mic's handle flashes red when the mic is overloaded or the sound is clipping.
- If it is clipping, move the mic further away from the person speaking.
- If you cannot be heard in the Studio, check the physical on/off switch on the mic's handle.
- The output buttons near the mic's base only control the headphone output volume.
- Troubleshooting: Microphone not recognized
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Recommended
Sennheiser e 835/e 835-S (XLR)
Compatibility with Riverside Connection type XLR (Mic) to Audio Interface Manufacturer details Full specs at Sennheiser.com Recommendations - Connect your headphones directly to the computer instead of to the interface to minimize any echo.
- For best results for vocals, position the microphone 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) from your mouth. Speak slightly off to one side of the mic to reduce sibilant S sounds.
Troubleshooting - The e 835-S variation has an On/Off switch. Be sure that it is switched On.
- Troubleshooting: Microphone not recognized
- Sennheiser – Quick Guide [PDF]
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Shure Beta 87 (XLR)
Compatibility with Riverside Connection type XLR (Mic) to Audio Interface Manufacturer details Full specs at Shure.com Recommendations - Enable Phantom power on your audio interface.
- Connect your headphones directly to the computer instead of to the interface to minimize any echo.
- For best results for vocals, position the microphone 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) from your mouth, and speak directly into the mic if it is close, or slightly off to one side if it is further away.
Troubleshooting - This condenser microphone requires Phantom power supplied by the audio interface.
- Troubleshooting: Microphone not recognized
- Shure Support – User Guide
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Recommended
Shure MV7
Compatibility with Riverside Connection type Micro-B-USB (Mic) to USB-C or USB-A (Computer)
or XLR (Mic) to Audio InterfaceManufacturer details Full specs at shure.com Recommendations - Connect your headphones to the computer instead of to the microphone to minimize any echo.
- The MV7 is highly directional (cardioid). Be certain that the mic is directly pointing at you.
Limitations This mic is only compatible with the Riverside mobile app when using a device with a USB-C port:
-
iPad or iPhone with a USB-C port
Please note: Some external USB-C mics are not compatible with iOS 17 on the iPad.- On the Studio's Lobby screen, connect the microphone to the iPad or iPhone via USB-C.
- Once you join the Studio, in the Wired connection pop-up:
- Connect headphones to the microphone and tap No.
-
Android phone with a USB-C port
- Connect the microphone to your device.
- Connect headphones to the microphone to hear the Studio.
Troubleshooting - If you cannot be heard in the Studio, check whether the mute button on the mic's touch panel interface is on.
- Troubleshooting: Microphone not recognized
- Shure Support – User Guide
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Recommended
Shure SM58 (XLR)
Compatibility with Riverside Connection type XLR (Mic) to Audio Interface Manufacturer details Full specs at Shure.com Recommendations - Connect your headphones directly to the computer instead of to the interface to minimize any echo.
- For best results for vocals, position the microphone 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) from your mouth, and speak directly into the mic if it is close, or slightly off to one side if it is further away.
Troubleshooting - The SM58S variation has an On/Off switch. Be sure that it is switched On.
- Troubleshooting: Microphone not recognized
- Shure Support – User Guide
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Recommended
Shure SM7B (XLR)
Compatibility with Riverside Connection type XLR (Mic) to Audio Interface Manufacturer details Full specs at Shure.com Recommendations - Connect your headphones directly to the computer instead of to the interface to minimize any echo.
- Speak directly into the mic and position it about 3 to 6 inches (2.54 to 15 cm) away from your mouth.
Troubleshooting - The SM7B needs more gain than what most entry-level or mid-tier preamps and audio interfaces can deliver. Connect an inline boost amplifier if your preamp does not have more than 60 dB of gain.
- Troubleshooting: Microphone not recognized
- Shure Support – User Guide
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Tula Mic (USB)
Compatibility with Riverside Connection type USB-C (Mic) to USB-A (Computer) Manufacturer details Full specs at Tulamics.com Recommendations - Connect your headphones to a computer instead of to the microphone to minimize any echo.
- Connect the microphone directly to your computer, rather than using a USB hub. Select the Tula as your computer's audio input.
- To enable the Tula's built-in Klevgrand noise reduction, push and hold the NC button on its left side.
- While it is recording the room tone sample, do not make any additional noise.
- Use the Tula's cardioid pickup pattern (UNI Mode), rather than its omnidirectional pattern (OMNI Mode).
- OMNI is best suited to recording with multiple participants in person.
Troubleshooting - Adjust the Tula’s gain (sound sensitivity) with the + and - buttons on its left side.
- The right-most LED on its front shows the gain level: green is a good level, red is too much gain. If the LED barely registers green when you speak into the mic increase the gain level. If it shows yellow or red, reduce the gain level.
Unsupported microphones
- Lightning-only microphones or mics without headphone outputs like Rode VideoMic Me-L, Zoom iQ6 X/Y, Zoom iQ7, Shure MV88+, Apogee ClipMic Digital, etc.
- Devices using Intel Smart Sound Technology array may experience issues capturing audio data.