- Anthony
If you’re looking for the best microphone for youtube, you need to consider a few things. There are a lot of different microphones out there that can be used for YouTube, but not all of them are created equal.
First, what kind of videos are you making? Second, what’s your budget? And third, what other equipment do you have? Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices and find the best microphone for your needs.
Contents
Top Rated 14 Best Microphones For YouTube
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
| MAYBESTA Professional Wireless... | 4,699 Reviews |
$25.99
$22.99 | View on Amazon |
| 2 |
| FIFINE Gaming USB Microphone... | 7,216 Reviews |
$39.99
$34.99 | View on Amazon |
| 3 |
| TONOR USB Microphone, Computer... | 33,625 Reviews |
$46.99
$31.99 | View on Amazon |
| 4 |
| Blue Yeti USB Microphone for... | 31,110 Reviews |
$129.99
$100.20 | View on Amazon |
| 5 |
| WMT USB Microphone, Condenser... | 948 Reviews |
$36.99
$29.97 | View on Amazon |
| 6 |
| ZealSound USB... | 2,623 Reviews |
$32.95 | View on Amazon |
| 7 |
| PChero USB Lavalier Lapel... |
$9.99 | View on Amazon | |
| 8 |
| Leettus 2pcs Lavalier Wireless... | 285 Reviews |
$29.99 | View on Amazon |
| 9 |
| ECOMXIA 2 Pcs Wireless... | 1,154 Reviews |
$39.98
$29.88 | View on Amazon |
| 10 |
| USB Microphone, TONOR Cardioid... | 20,133 Reviews |
$29.99 | View on Amazon |
Shure SM7B
Although the Shure SM7B may be one of our most expensive recommendations, it is hands down the best YouTube microphone. This microphone is of unmatched quality, and you will find it used by many famous YouTube and Podcast professionals.
The Shure SM7B is my favorite microphone for YouTube because it sounds clean and polished. The dynamic cartridge has a flat frequency response covering a wide range of frequencies, giving us a natural sound result. With a warm and smooth sound, the mid-range emphasis is enhanced by bass roll-off.
Shure SM7B has features that protect your audio from unwanted sounds. It is a dynamic cardioid microphone that records audio through the front.
Air suspension shock isolation and pop filter eliminate machinal noise, breathiness, and plosives. Advanced electromagnetic shielding is also used by the Shure SM7B to reduce hum from other devices such as your router or computer.
We’re considering the (arguably) best microphone for vocals. It will be used by professional podcasters Joe Rogan and The Breakfast Club, as well as popular YouTubers. If you have the budget and want the best YouTube microphone, I would not recommend any other.
Rode NT-USB
Rode NT – USB is a studio cardioid condenser mic with a USB connector for plug-and-play operation. Although the included tripod effectively keeps noise levels low, it can be easily modified by adding an external shock mount.
The sound quality is outstanding, and it’s easily one of the most affordable YouTube microphones for under $200. The headphone jack has volume control and a mix dial to allow you to blend computer audio with your voice. You will need to adjust the volume on your computer as it does not have onboard gain control.
Audio-Technica AT2020USB Plus
The Audio-Technica AT2020USB PLUS is a great choice for professional YouTubers. It has a superior frequency response, superior quality body, and superior transient responses. The mic produces professional sounds that will draw new YouTube subscribers. This makes for excellent audio quality. The mic has a medium-weight diaphragm that features cardioid polarization to minimize off-axis sounds, producing crisp highs and rich lows.
You can plug your headphones into the headphone socket to monitor your audio. It works with Windows, Mac, and tablets. You don’t even need an interface or converter for recording. You can lock the microphone with the tripod desktop stand, which reduces vibrations picked up from your desk.
You don’t need an intermediary device to adjust the volume. The capsule is durable thanks to the rigid grid protecting it from damage in case of accidental falls. The soft pouch included makes it easy to transport the mic outdoors.
Pros
- Clean and crisp sound
- It is simple to use
- Sturdy construction
- Requires no additional equipment
Cons
- Tripod stands aren’t strong.
Blue Yeti
Next up is the Blue Yeti. This microphone is a well-known and popular choice for beginner YouTubers. It is an affordable option that offers great quality and a low price. This microphone is USB-compatible and the best for YouTube.
The Blue Yeti microphone is feature-rich, versatile, and a real leader in this market. It is plug-and-play but still produces high-quality recordings. Our recordings will be rich in detail with crisp highs and warm lows.
The best thing about USB microphones for me is the ease of use. Blue Yeti also offers convenient features such as gain control and a headphone jack, allowing latency-free monitoring. Multi-polar patterns allow for greater versatility.
The Blue Yeti offers four modes, unlike other devices that offer only one (usually cardioid). There’s a mode for that!
The Blue Yeti is a great product. It’s very affordable and of high quality. It’s an excellent choice for anyone just starting and has great quality.
Blue Snowball
The Blue Snowball, the smaller brother to the Yeti, is an excellent USB YouTube microphone. Two models are available: Blue Snowball iCE and Blue Snowball II.
Blue Snowball’s first model has two microphone capsules. This allows for omnidirectional (all directions) and cardioid (perfectly for voice recording). It also features adjustable height stands and better build quality.
The Snowball iCE is a single-cardioid capsule device with no height adjustments.
HyperX QuadCast
The HyperX QuadCast microphone is a great choice for YouTubers who want to record clear audio. The inbuilt pop-out filter reduces annoying utterances like Ps and Bs, making your recording professional.
Because it offers four polar patterns, the HyperX QuadCast can be used in any situation. You can choose from the omnidirectional, stereo, stereo, or bidirectional to best suit your YouTube content. You can make YouTube-worthy videos by using the anti-vibration mount.
As the only thing you need to do to set up the microphone is to connect it to your computer using the USB cable provided.
An LED indicator informs you of the status of your mic. You can also tap-to-mute the mic to avoid embarrassing broadcasting mistakes. You can listen to what you are recording and ensure that it is up to standard with the 3.5mm headset jack.
Pros
- It is easy to use and set up.
- Record high-quality sounds
- Reduces plosives
Cons
- It does not have an XLR output.
Electro-Voice RE20
Because of its high performance and amazing sound quality, the Electro-Voice RE20 microphone is one of my favorites on YouTube. Although I still prefer the SM7B, it’s my favorite podcast microphone. Both microphones have a rich history, but they are in different areas.
The industry standard for broadcast microphones is the Electro-Voice Re20. You’ve probably heard about the Electro-Voice RE20’s quality when listening to radio FM, sports announcements, or podcasts. It’s used primarily for broadcasting, but it can also be found in music studios as an instrument microphone.
Variable-D technology is another feature that allows the speaker to move around with the microphone without causing a noticeable difference in volume. This feature is useful for doing things or interfacing with objects while recording YouTube videos.
The Electro-Voice RE20’s sound is natural and smooth, with a tone-shaping mid-bass switch. The internal pop filter will prevent you from worrying about line hum and plosive noises affecting your audio. This microphone is one of the most popular on YouTube.
Rode Procaster
The Rode Procaster is a great value for money. The Procaster has an internal pop filter that reduces p-pops and an internal shock mounting to reduce vibrations. To further isolate the microphone, you can also purchase the Rode PSM1 shockmount. A shock mount is a great option as the included mount is a bit weak and made from plastic. It will also make it easier to position the Procaster correctly.
This mic is an end-address dynamic cardioid microphone that requires a good amount of gain. Cloudlifter CL-1 is a great way to boost it. I also use a separate preamp, such as the DBX286s. But I use it straight into a ZoomH5 with the gain set at 6.
Samson Technologies Q2U
Samson Technologies Q2U has many built-in efficiencies, making it a great choice for YouTubers. The dynamic mic features a cardioid pickup pattern that rejects ambient noises and picks up vocals exactly as intended. It’s very useful, especially for recording in noisy environments. It protects the mic from dust and moisture and reduces distortion.
This microphone is compatible with both XLR connectors and USB connectors. It’s more versatile than other microphones that only have one. The mic can be connected to a Windows PC via USB output. You can also connect it to a mixer or audio interface using the XLR connector. You can also use the 3.5mm headphone socket to monitor your recording and eliminate any latency.
It is worth noting that dynamic microphones do not require phantom power and can be used with many audio interfaces. The sturdy tripod stand on the desktop allows you to record in a stable location.
Pros
- Background noise is well controlled.
- Cardioid dynamic response
- High-performing
- Included handy accessories
Cons
- Standing feels a little fragile.
Elgato Wave:3
The Elgato Wave:3 USB condenser microphone is my favorite for YouTube and is often overlooked. This microphone is distinguished by its high quality and the additional features.
This microphone is ideal for vocal recording. It has broadcast-grade sound and plug-and-play. The premium condenser capsule provides exceptional precision and sound diffusion thanks to the steel grille. The cardioid pattern will keep your voice in the forefront.
However, the Elgato Wave:3 software is what sets it apart from other options. Wave Link mixer is my favorite, especially for streaming microphones. This allows you to distinguish what you hear from what your audience hears. It is a great monitoring tool. Nine channels are available, so there is no limit to what you can do with your streams. You can even mute copyrighted songs in your streams.
The Elgato Wave:3 is a great microphone; it looks amazing and is plug-and-play. It also offers some of the most powerful streaming mixing software. This is a great choice if you are looking for the best microphone on YouTube.
Rode RodeLink Filmmaker Kit
RodeLink Filmmaker kit is a wireless lav mic that can be connected to a DSLR or digital recorder. The kit includes a high-quality lav microphone that can be connected to a digital transmitter or receiver. The wireless connection can be used from far away unless you are at a large event, such as a trade show, where many other wireless devices are nearby.
Rode VideoMic Pro+
In August 2017, the Rode VideoMic Pro+ was released. The VideoMic Pro+ was improved with tons of useful new features.
Auto power on/off and removable cable are some of my favorite. Safety channels and rechargeable lithium batteries are also favorites.
Although it’s not inexpensive, this mic is an amazing little shotgun.
Rode offers a full line of VideoMics if this one seems a bit out of reach.
Audio-Technica AT4053B
The Audio-Technica AT4053B hypercardioid boom microphone is recommended for indoor voice and dialogue. You can swap out the mic capsule for a different pattern of pickup.
Oktava MK-012
The Oktava MK-012 is a less expensive option. The Oktava MK-012 is a modular mic with cardioid, hypercardioid, and omnidirectional capsules. This is the one I’d recommend starting with.
It would help to be careful when shopping for capsules, as the MK-012 model number applies to multiple capsules. The hypercardioid model is the best.
What You Should Know About The Best Mics For YouTube
It is not easy to pick a microphone for Youtube. It is important to think about your needs. Are you looking for a controlled or unpredictable environment? Are you planning to edit the footage after it happens, or do you prefer to record an event as it is? We have a complete guide to finding the right microphone. Here’s how it works.
What is a microphone polar pattern?
The polar pattern is a way to see how the microphone picks up sound. For the best sound quality, do you need to be right in front of it? Do you have the freedom to sit back and allow some wiggle room? You can find a variety of polar patterns (aka recording patterns) to suit any use case.
Cardioid is a recording pattern that repeatedly appears for the best microphones for YouTube. Cardioid pickup patterns (heart-shaped) record what is in front of the microphone, while omnidirectional mics record everything around it. Because you don’t need to be precise about where the microphone is placed, cardioid polar patterns work well. They also reject off-axis noise better than omnidirectional microphones.
What’s the difference between a dynamic and condenser microphone?
The sensitivity of a dynamic microphone is lower than that of condenser mics which can be extremely sensitive. A dynamic microphone is almost certain to be used at a comedy or concert.
Because they can handle high-volume inputs without introducing distortion, dynamic mics are ideal for live performances. Dynamic mics are more sensitive to background noise than condenser microphones.
So why would you choose a condenser mic? A condenser microphone is a great choice because they are more sensitive and can pick up subtle nuances better. Condenser microphones are a great choice for studio singers.
Condenser microphones have one major drawback: they require phantom power almost all the time, leading to more expensive equipment. A condenser microphone is a good choice if you have complete control over your environment and can only record one person at a given time.
What is the proximity effect?
The proximity effect occurs when the sound source is close to a microphone. The bass becomes louder because it is too close. You can distort your recording if you are too close.
With directional microphones, you don’t need to worry about proximity effects. It’s not an issue with omnidirectional microphones—the greater the directionality of your microphone’s recording pattern, the more dramatic the effect.
Although the proximity effect is generally undesirable, it can be useful in certain situations. The proximity effect is a favorite of vocalists because it can make their voices “bigger” and give the track an intimate feel.
What kind of YouTube channel do you want?
The best microphone for you will depend on how you categorize your channel and the types of videos you plan to make. The Blue Yeti microphone is an excellent choice if you plan to stream for gaming. It has a wide range of recording patterns and is small enough to be portable. It wouldn’t be practical or usable for vlogging, however. You’d need something larger, such as a shotgun microphone, or a slimmer option like the Blue Ember XLR. These are all great options for specific uses.
Importance Of Polar Patterns
We mentioned “polar patterns” a lot in this article, with the most common being the “cardioid.” This is an important aspect of making the best YouTube microphone. It can make or break your recordings. It will help if you continue reading to learn more about how each mode affects you, as we all live in different environments.
Shure describes it like this: The polar pattern is the sensitivity of a microphone relative to the direction of angles from which sound arrives. Or, to put it another way, how well the microphone “hears” sound from different directions. The most common of these patterns will muffle audio received through the capsule’s sides or rear. This is a great option for people with noisy backgrounds as your microphone will pick up more than any other source. As mentioned, I live near a highway but keep my Shure SM7B next to me.
One-on-one sessions are made easy by the bidirectional mode. You can use the Omni-directional mode to record outside footage with friends or family.
Blue Yeti is one of the microphones that allows you to adjust the polar pattern. This feature is amazing because it allows you to limit the audio captured by using cardioid mode when alone. However, you can still expand the input in other settings. It is important to limit the volume of condenser microphones.
While you might think that the best microphone for YouTube is the sound quality, it’s not the only thing that matters. The polar pattern is just as important.
Some relevant posts:
- Best Studio Headphone 2023: Top Brands Review
- How Does A Dynamic Microphone Work And What Is It? Full Guide 2023
- How To Choose A Microphone? Top Full Guide 2023
- How A Microphone Works? Top Full Guide 2023
FAQ
Should I Buy an XLR or USB YouTube Microphone?
A USB microphone can be directly connected to your computer, but the XLR microphone needs an external interface to record. The USB microphone for Youtube is great for portability due to its plug-and-play feature.
You will need to bring external audio equipment, such as a mixer or field recorder, to make the XLR portable. The XLR microphone can be used with different microphones or audio gear, unlike the USB microphone. As long as the microphone uses the three prongs of an XLR connection, it is flexible.
How Do I Choose the Best YouTube Microphone?
YouTube Microphones come in six main types, each designed to work well under specific circumstances. Best lavalier microphone for youtube and Shotgun microphones are great for YouTube videos on-camera; the former allows unlimited movement, while the latter restricts audio sources to the camera.
The Condenser microphone can record the most vocals in a quiet environment, while the Dynamic Microphone records loud sounds in a noisy environment. The Wireless Microphone Systems and the Portable Digital Audio Recorders can be used for recording on the go.
Wireless microphone systems can only be used at a short distance from your camera. You should select the most suitable camera for your needs, depending on where you are shooting and how your presentation will be presented.
Can I Repair My YouTube Microphone?
Depending on the extent of damage, it is possible to repair your YouTube Microphone. To prevent permanent damage, cleaning the microphone if it has malfunctioned due to water, smoke, or dust is important. Your YouTube microphone capsules can also malfunction. You can purchase replacement capsules or have your technician replace them.
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Conclusion
Thanks for reading! In this article, we’ll be discussing the best microphone for YouTube. We’ll go over a few different types of microphones and what makes them good for YouTube use. We hope you find this information helpful if you’re starting or a seasoned YouTuber!
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
