We purchased the The 6 Best Microphones for Streaming so our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and assess it. Keep reading for our full products reviews.
The best microphones for streaming should provide consistent audio quality and be compatible with your computer and studio setup. Most microphones require a USB connection, and some may require additional drivers and software, though this isn’t true for all of them. The Blue Yeti microphone from Amazon is our top pick for streaming and online activities. It’s a well-known brand that works on Linux, Windows, and Apple laptops and desktops without the need for additional software.
The undisputed king of online content creation is the Blue Yeti microphone (Check latest price on Amazon). This microphone works with Linux, Windows, and Apple laptops and desktops and does not require any additional driver software. The three condenser capsules allow for a wide range of sound recording modes in almost any situation. A mute button and gain control knob are located on the microphone’s body, giving you complete control over streaming and recording audio. There’s also a headphone jack for monitoring voice and instrument recordings with zero latency.
The USB power cord is compatible with both USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports and provides enough power to run the Blue Yeti. The mic comes with a swivel stand for desktop use, but it can also be removed and mounted on a boom arm or custom stand to customize your recording space. The Blue Yeti microphone strikes a good balance between professional recording quality and a price that fits almost any budget.
An XLR microphone with an interface panel can provide superior control over vocal and music recording for streamers and content creators looking for professional quality recording at home. The gold-sputtered diaphragm capsule in the MXL 770X (Check latest price on Amazon) captures every detail in stunning clarity. For a full, rounded sound, it also brings out the crisp sound of higher tones while lending warmth to lower tones. This microphone has cardioid, figure-eight, and omnidirectional recording patterns that can be used in a variety of situations, including streaming video games, recording podcasts and interviews, and recording full band sessions.
A shock mount, an integrated pop filter, and a 20-inch XLR power cable for use with 48V phantom power units are included in the box. This mic looks great mounted on a boom arm or a stationary stand in your recording studio. The mic itself weighs just over a pound, making it ideal for transporting from home to the studio or to performance spaces.
The Shure SM7B microphone (Check latest price on Amazon) is an excellent choice if you’re a streamer or content creator with extensive recording experience looking for audio equipment that will push the boundaries. This microphone was designed from the ground up to provide the best recording and live audio streaming experience possible. Its flat, wide-range frequency response creates a true-to-life reproduction of both voice and music recordings. The SM7B has air suspension mounting, which eliminates mechanical sound transfer, as well as enhanced electromagnetic hum rejection, which blocks noise from computer monitors, recording equipment, and even neon lights.
It’s built tough for years of dependable use in any environment, and it has a classic cardioid recording pattern that makes it ideal for single-person streaming. To block harsh vocal sounds, it comes with a pop filter and a windscreen. For precise position control, this microphone has a yoke mounting with a captive stand nut for easy mounting and removal from stands. It doesn’t require a phantom power unit to function, but it does necessitate a preamp for higher volume output.
The Razer Seiren Elite microphone (Check latest price on Amazon) is a professional-grade dynamic microphone that was designed with streaming in mind. It has a single dynamic capsule that produces voice playback that is warmer and richer than condenser mics. It has a built-in high-pass filter that filters out unwanted low frequencies such as footsteps or voices from another room, allowing for clean recording without the use of complicated noise gates. A digital/analog voice limiter on the Razer Seiren Elite prevents audio distortion and clipping for ultra-clean playback and broadcasting.
It has a zero-latency headphone jack, like most Microphones for Streaming, for real-time audio monitoring of echo and distortion for on-the-fly adjustments. It comes with a convenient desk stand, but it also has a 5/8 inch thread for precise positioning and control on a boom arm or traditional mic stand. It is powered by a USB cable, so you won’t need to buy an expensive preamp or phantom power unit to use it.
For those who want to record louder sounds, condenser microphones are ideal. The Audio Technica AT2020USB (Check latest price on Amazon) is ideal for streamers who get excited and show it. It is powered by a USB cable, so no expensive or specialized equipment is required to get it up and running. For exceptionally clear audio streaming and recording, it uses a cardioid recording pattern that rejects any noise that isn’t made directly in front of the diaphragm. It has onboard mixing controls that allow you to mix your voice with pre-recorded sounds in real time to create truly unique broadcasts.
For a well-rounded sound, an analog/digital converter produces excellent audio playback in the high, mid, and low range tones. For custom positioning, the included pivot stand can be mounted on the included desk tripod or a boom arm. When using the built-in zero-latency jack for real-time monitoring, this microphone has a high output internal headphone amp for exceptional clarity. It also includes a storage pouch to keep it safe when not in use.
Shotgun microphones are ideal for field shooting and for people who want to better integrate their video and audio. The Rode VideoMic (Check latest price on Amazon) attaches to almost any DSLR camera with ease and connects to the camera via a 3.5mm cable for audio integration. The super-cardioid recording pattern of the half-inch condenser microphone allows for ultra-directional recording. This means that anything you don’t want picked up by the microphone won’t be recorded. It has a built-in high-pass filter that filters out background noises like traffic and room conversations.
The microphone is protected from movement or accidental bumps by the shock mounting system, which is made of durable ABS plastic. It has 3/8 inch threading for mounting on a boom arm for those who prefer traditional microphone mounting. It runs on a 9-volt battery, so no heavy equipment is required, and it includes a windscreen to help reduce unwanted noise. When you register your microphone with Rode, you get a 10-year warranty.
Related: The 5 Best Home Audio Systems
The Final Word
The Blue Yeti is the best Microphones for Streaming. It’s from a well-known brand, has plug-and-play functionality, and three condenser capsules for a variety of sound recording modes. For those looking for professional audio recording, we recommend the MXL 770X. It also comes with a number of accessories, allowing you to use it right away.
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