Hot Mic Monday: The OBSBOT Tiny 4K Internal Mic — Convenient, But Should You Use It?

Not all microphones are created equal.
This week on Hot Mic Monday, we’re zooming in on a mic that’s already in your gear — but might not be doing you any favors.

We’re talking about the built-in microphone inside the OBSBOT Tiny 4K webcam.

First Things First: It’s Not a Bad Webcam

Let’s be clear — the OBSBOT Tiny 4K is a fantastic webcam.
4K resolution, auto-tracking, AI framing — it’s packed with features that make video content creation easier and more dynamic.

But when it comes to audio?
You’re working with a built-in condenser mic inside a tiny piece of plastic, most likely just a few inches from your computer’s fan.

What It Sounds Like (and Why That Matters)

At FXBG Public Radio, we tested the OBSBOT’s internal mic in studio conditions and casual video calls. Here’s the breakdown:

PROS:

  • Better than a laptop mic

  • Picks up speech clearly enough for meetings or backup voice

  • Pairs well with OBSBOT’s AI camera features for mobile recording

CONS:

  • Thin, tinny tone with a sharp high-end bias

  • Picks up room echo and keyboard clatter easily

  • No proximity effect or warmth

  • Not suitable for music, voiceover, or professional content

How We Use It (and When We Don’t)

We’ll use the OBSBOT’s internal mic:

  • For emergency backup audio if the main interface crashes

  • For secondary reference audio during content capture

  • On the road, when portability > quality

But for anything that represents your brand or voice — even casual streams — we recommend using an external mic. A $30 XLR or USB mic will outperform it dramatically.

Quick Specs:

  • Mic Type: Built-in stereo mic array (condenser)

  • Pattern: Omnidirectional

  • Connection: USB-C via webcam

  • Control: None (handled via computer input settings)

  • Best Use Case: Zoom calls, emergency fallback, mobile webcam recording

🎥 Want to hear how it actually sounds? Watch this week’s Hot Mic Monday video here!

Final Thoughts

The OBSBOT Tiny 4K’s internal mic is a decent tool for convenience — not for quality.

If you're using it for day-to-day video calls or backup recording, it gets the job done.
But if you care about clarity, tone, and sound presence, even a basic external mic will give you far better results.

Use the OBSBOT for its camera.
Use literally any other mic for your voice.