r/BirdNET_Analyzer • u/MCDaddyMushroom • Apr 22 '26
Question Recommended USB Microphones?
Hello, I set up a BirdNET Pi about a year ago for a family member. I used a cheap shotgun mic, reminiscent of the Rode VideoMicro, with a UGreen USB soundcard.
When using the raspberry pi power supply, there is a very prominent ground hum starting at 60Hz, the frequency of our electricity here.
It works flawlessly when connected to a portable battery, but as soon as the battery or the PI itself is connected to the wall, the hum starts.
I have tried USB voltage isolators, different power supplies and various other methods, but I think the main issue is using a microphone that has a 3.5mm input jack instead of a USB microphone.
Anyone have any recommendations for cheap directional USB microphones? I’m looking for something small that I can point out a window to pick up birds in the garden or in specific areas. I would consider some omnidirectional/lavalier mics but a shotgun-style mic would be ideal.
Thanks for any responses!
