USB audio

USB microphones are an easy way to stream high-quality audio—better than phone mics without the complexity of pro interfaces.

Benefits of USB microphones

• ✓ Plug-and-play (no drivers)
• ✓ Very good audio quality
• ✓ Built-in preamp
• ✓ Often includes headphone monitoring
• ✓ Cheaper than XLR + interface

Limitations

• ✗ Usually one mic per USB input
• ✗ Cable length limited (3–5m without amplifier)
• ✗ For multiple mics: audio interfaces are better

Recommended USB microphones

Entry (< €100)

Mid-range (€100–200)

Pro (> €200)

Microphone types

Condenser microphones

• Sensitive: Captures lots of detail
• Good for: Quiet rooms, clear speech
• Note: Sensitive to plosives (P/B sounds)
• Power: Needs phantom power (built into USB)

Dynamic microphones

• Robust: Less sensitive to background noise
• Good for: Noisy spaces, close mic use
• Note: Needs closer placement
• Advantage: Less room echo

Recommendation for mosques

Setup

Connect the USB microphone

1. Plug in

   • USB cable to mic and PC
   • Drivers install automatically (Windows/Mac)

2. Select as input

   • Windows: Settings → Sound → Input
   • Mac: System Settings → Sound → Input
   • Set the mic as default

3. Test levels

   • Open sound settings
   • Speak into the mic
   • Levels should be in the green

Use with moschee.io

1. In the dashboard go to Livestreaming
2. Click Start stream
3. Browser asks for mic permission
4. Select your USB mic
5. Start streaming

Use with OBS Studio

1. Settings → Audio
2. Set "Mic/Aux" to your USB mic
3. Adjust levels in the audio mixer

Accessories

Mic arm

Pop filter

Reduces plosives (P/B/T):

Shock mount

Reduces vibration and bumps:

• Often included
• If bought separately: €20–50

Optimize audio settings

Windows

1. Open sound settings

   • Right-click the speaker icon
   • "Sounds" or "Sound settings"

2. Adjust mic level

   • Recording → Microphone → Properties
   • Level: 80–90%
   • Gain/boost: +0 to +10 dB

3. Disable exclusive mode (if using multiple apps)

   • Advanced → turn off "Exclusive control"

macOS

1. System Settings → Sound → Input
2. Adjust input volume
3. Enable reduce ambient noise

Multiple USB microphones

The problem

Windows/macOS treat each USB mic as a separate device. Most apps can use only one input at a time.

Solutions

1. Virtual Audio Cable (Windows)

   • VoiceMeeter or VB-Cable
   • Combine multiple mics

2. Audio interface (better)

   • Connect multiple mics to one interface
   • One USB device to the PC

3. Hardware mixer

   • Route multiple mics into a mixer
   • Mixer output to the PC

Troubleshooting

Mic not detected

1. Try another USB port
2. Check/replace the cable
3. Restart the PC
4. Update drivers (Device Manager)

Audio has noise

1. Reduce gain/boost
2. Move the mic closer
3. Try a different USB port (2.0 vs 3.0)
4. Check for ground loop issues

Echo in the stream

1. Use headphones instead of speakers
2. Disable "Listen to this device"
3. Turn off monitoring in software

Audio is quiet

1. Increase input level
2. Move closer to the mic
3. Raise gain/boost
4. Add gain/compression in software

Next steps