- Anthony
If you’re an aspiring Twitch streamer – then you must already know it’s all about the views. If it’s your first time buying a microphone, it can be a bit intimidating, because you never know how well it will perform.
Plus, will there be any correlation between how much money you spend on the best microphones for Twitch Streams to boost the sound of your audio stream, and how many views you will get? Is it possible to stream on Twitch using a low-cost USB mic, or do you have to pony up for an expensive mic and a pre-amp for your Twitch stream to sound professional?
With the 1000’s of Twitch streamers out there with millions of views, we looked to the gaming world for our research into what are the most popular microphones being used on Twitch, and a YouTube channel called Gaming Careers turned out to have very competitive research!
They checked out the top 250 Twitch streamers and found out which microphones they’re using, and here is the list of the best microphones to use for your Twitch broadcasts!
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
| Blue Yeti USB Microphone for... | 31,110 Reviews |
$129.99
$100.20 | View on Amazon |
| 2 |
| FIFINE Gaming USB Microphone... | 7,216 Reviews |
$39.99
$34.99 | View on Amazon |
| 3 |
| Razer Seiren Mini USB... | 11,977 Reviews |
$49.99
$39.99 | View on Amazon |
| 4 |
| FIFINE Gaming PC USB... | 4,053 Reviews |
$57.99
$52.99 | View on Amazon |
| 5 |
| HyperX QuadCast S – RGB USB... |
$159.99
$129.99 | View on Amazon | |
| 6 |
| HyperX SoloCast – USB... | 3,804 Reviews |
$59.99
$39.99 | View on Amazon |
| 7 |
| Caattiilaa USB Microphone -... | 631 Reviews |
$45.99
$37.99 | View on Amazon |
| 8 |
| HyperX QuadCast - USB... |
$139.99
$99.99 | View on Amazon | |
| 9 |
| Podcast Equipment Bundle,... | 990 Reviews |
$69.99
$39.99 | View on Amazon |
| 10 |
| USB Microphone, MAONO... | 12,715 Reviews |
$61.99
$54.99 | View on Amazon |
Contents
- 1 Top 10 Best Microphone for Streaming, Gaming, and Podcasting
- 1.1 Shure SM7B Microphone
- 1.2 Blue Microphones Yeti Studio
- 1.3 Audio-Technica AT2020 USB + Cardioid Condenser USB Mic
- 1.4 RODE Procaster Cardioid Dynamic Broadcast Microphone
- 1.5 Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone $449 US
- 1.6 RODE NT1-A Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
- 1.7 Audio-Technica AT2035 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone $149 US
- 1.8 Shure MV7 Podcast Microphone
- 1.9 Blue Yeti X
- 1.10 Blue Yeti USB Mic
- 1.11 HyperX SoloCast
- 1.12 Rode NT – USB-Mini
- 1.13 HyperX Quadcast
- 1.14 HyperX Quadcast S
- 1.15 Elgato Wave 3
- 1.16 Razer Seiren Mini
- 1.17 Epos B20
- 1.18 Beyerdynamic FOX
- 1.19 Trust Gaming GXT 259 Rudox
- 1.20 PreSonus PD-70
- 1.21 Blue Snowball Ice
- 1.22 Trust GXT 258 Fyru
- 2 What to look for in a good gaming microphone, Podcasting Mic, Stream mics?
- 3 What is a polar pattern, and which do I need for gaming?
- 4 Do I need a microphone boom arm, shock mount, or pop filter?
- 5 How much should I spend on a microphone?
- 6 FAQs
- 7 Want a Wireless, 3D audio recording setup? Check out the Hooke Verse!
Top 10 Best Microphone for Streaming, Gaming, and Podcasting
Shure SM7B Microphone
Coming in at the top of the list, Shure’s SM7B is a first-call mic for many sources, and it’s definitely a winner as a dialog microphone.
110 of the top 250 Twitch Streamers use the Shure Sm7B as their streaming microphone. You’ll also find this dynamic microphone hanging from broadcast booms in studios the world over for radio, voiceovers, ADR and podcasts.
There are two settings that let you tailor the SM7B to a wide range of voices and applications. Great for male and female voices in all ranges, you can capture the deep resonance of a baritone, the beauty of a high soprano, and plenty of in between.
It can also take up to 180dB, which makes the SM7B a top choice for recording very loud instruments, like drums, electric guitar and bass.
Blue Microphones Yeti Studio
A versatile USB microphone, the Blue Microphones Yeti Studio is ideal for voice-overs, podcasts, live streaming and more. The Yeti connects right to your computer via USB – just connect the Yeti to your Mac or PC and start recording or streaming.
The Yeti also features three polar patterns to choose from, and can record in stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional modes. The Yeti also includes a built-in headphone jack with its own volume control for easy monitoring, a master volume, mute, and mic gain controls.
Audio-Technica AT2020 USB + Cardioid Condenser USB Mic
This is a great USB mic for recording directly into your laptop and ideal for project/home-studio applications.The 1/8″ mini monitoring jack allows you to plug some headphones in and lets you hear what the mic is picking up – which is great for Zoom, Skype, YouTube and other Live- Streaming situations.
The AT 2020 USB provides a clear, natural sound for podcasting, home studio recording, field recording, and voiceover use. Includes a tripod desk stand, pivoting stand mount, USB cable and storage pouch.
Pros
- Nearly the best USB microphone we have ever heard
- Monitors that are easy to use and lag-free
- At a distance, it brings in pleasant-sounding rooms.
Cons
- A tripod stand is a balancing act.
- It is not quite as good as the Beyerdynamic FOX in terms of sound quality
- Keyboard clicks picked up
RODE Procaster Cardioid Dynamic Broadcast Microphone
The RODE Procaster makes high-quality recording and broadcast easy! The RODE Procaster is based on their popular Broadcaster microphone – winner of the Radio World/US National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) What’s Cool award.
The Broadcaster has become an industry standard when studio sound quality is required for on-air applications. The RODE Procaster offers great clarity with its tailored-for-voice frequency response and very low self noise. This microphone also offers an internal pop filter, a rugged design and a switchable high-pass filter.
Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone $449 US
The Electro-Voice RE20 is a studio and broadcast standard! This large diaphragm microphone delivers condenser-like sensitivity and response. The RE20’s Variable-D technology minimizes proximity effect for smooth and consistent sound across high and low-frequencies. t’s virtually free of bass-boosting “proximity effect” when used close.
By controlling the effect of microphone proximity, the RE20 can be located very close to sound sources without a loss in clarity or definition making the RE20 ideal for tight vocals and challenging instruments.
It can be used inside bass drums, on acoustic guitars, and is found in voice booths and broadcasting studios everywhere.
RODE NT1-A Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
The RODE NT1-A cardioid condenser microphone is one of the world’s quietest microphones, and it comes complete with a ton of essential accessories! Its ultra-low self-noise means you’ll capture clean, clear vocals.
The NT1-A can handle 137dB SPL so you can be confident that even in front of loud guitar and bass cabinets, your recordings won’t distort or clip due to overload.
This RODE NT1-A mic comes with a shockmount, a pop screen filter, a dust cover and an XLR cable. Right out the box, the NT1-A is an affordable studio solution for Twitch streamers, offering everything you need to record professional quality streams.
Audio-Technica AT2035 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone $149 US
The Audio-Technica AT2035 large-diaphragm condenser microphone features a switchable 80Hz highpass filter, a 10dB pad, and ships with a custom shock mount and protective pouch.
The AT 2035 is a great choice for everything from project and pro studios to live applications – this mic gives you smooth, natural sound quality and its ability to handle high sound pressure levels makes it useful on a wide range of sound sources.
Great for vocals, acoustic and electric instruments, the AT 2035 is an excellent choice for under $200 – a very affordable price for a professional large-diaphragm condenser mic!
Shure MV7 Podcast Microphone
The best podcast microphones are now possible on USB.
Shure is an international media group and leading digital publisher. The MV7 is an excellent recommendation for musicians and vocalists who want their voice to sound as it should.
If you are willing to dip into your wallet, the MV7 is a great choice. Although there are some affordable mics, you indeed need to spend more if you want the best.
Shure’s first hybrid USB/XLR mic delivers professional-grade sound with minimum set-up and expert knowledge. Although it’s more expensive than a premium microphone, its versatility is well worth the extra cost.
The Shure MV7 is a superb-sounding XLR/USB microphone that will significantly upgrade podcasters and streamers. It’s beneficial if you are looking for the best mics that can plug into a USB audio interface.
Pros
- Excellent vocal clarity
- Combination USB/XLR
- Multifunctional
- Software easy setup
Cons
- No microphone stand
- Uses micro-USB
Blue Yeti X
The best microphone for recording podcasts
Blue Yeti microphones are a popular choice. Blue Yeti X, a hybrid of the Blue Yeti Nano model and the original Yeti, combines the best parts. The Yeti X is a solid recommendation for anyone who wants a great-sounding microphone, even as new mic models enter the market.
This microphone has an LED-lit panel on the front that allows you to monitor your volume levels and sounds great at a glance. This is why it’s still the preferred gaming mic for professional streamers and record podcasts.
Blue has just released the World of Warcraft Edition YetiX. The Yeti X has the same features, but it has a lovely black and gold trim design. There are also some cool fantasy glyphs throughout the gaming microphones. It also allows you to speak to different Warcraft races, including imps, gnomes, and Orcs.
Pros
- Best sounding Blue microphone
- Front panel with LEDs
- Blue Vo! ce software allows for great flexibility
Cons
- Stand low
- A mic arm is better
- Delicate ports
Blue Yeti USB Mic
Best Gaming Microphones for Streaming
Blue Yeti, the storied Blue Yeti, was present at the dawn of streaming and is still a ubiquitous desktop microphone feature on Twitch. It’s a good thing. These best gaming microphones are some of the most intuitive on the market. It excels at picking up just one vocal signal at once.
The Logitech Blue Yeti is made to a high standard Yeti and will remain positioned on its sturdy stand. This mic capsule is stylish and elegant, thanks to its stand design. Razer’s Seiren series is an excellent option if you love RGB and want to sync your peripherals to the same beat.
The controls are easy to use when streaming. The only controls you need are volume control and a mute switch on the mic’s front. It’s unlikely that you will accidentally hit the wrong thing halfway through.
Blue Yeti’s four Polar Patterns give it great versatility. If you want to do music recording or podcasting, there are no restrictions on the cardioid pattern.
Pros
- Stable stand
- Crystal clear audio
- Layout for easy control
- Blue Yeti is easy to setup
Cons
- Competitors outperform in quality
- There are no hi-res recording options
- Crunchy audio characteristics
HyperX SoloCast
The best budget microphone
The HyperX SoloCast microphone is one of the most affordable. This new gaming microphone is an excellent alternative to their more expensive sibling, the HyperX SoloCast. It delivers superior audio performance at a fraction of the cost.
The JLab Audio Talk GO, Razer Seiren Mini, and HyperX SoloCast all offer great sound. But the HyperX SoloCast is better than the rest because it gives us the same audio skills as its QuadCastS counterpart.
It’s a budget gaming microphone, and we can live with the loss of all its handy features and polar patterns when we need a plug-and-play microphone.
You lose the gorgeous RGB lighting of the QuadCast, but they still sound nearly identical. The SoloCast is an excellent mic if you are looking for higher-quality audio and don’t want the hassle of tweaking audio settings in the middle stream.
Pros
- It sounds almost identical to QuadCast Mic
- Amazing price tag
- Portable design
Cons
- The only downside is that the mic has no gain knob.
Rode NT – USB-Mini
The best microphone to use for content creators at entry level
The Rode NT -USB Mini is a small mic that’s of great value. This mic combines all the best features of a premium mic, but it’s still affordable and retains the same high-quality audio quality that Rode is known for.
Despite its tendency to pick up background noise, it’s a great microphone. Although it seems unbelievable, the Rode microphone is a fact. It has a wide frequency response range.
Rode Connect, the Rode NT Mini’s digital mixer, allows up to four Minis to be plugged into a computer. This is great for streaming and podcasting with multiple participants. It also makes it easy to adjust gain in a stream.
Pros
- Great Sound
- Simple, compact design
- Decent Software
Cons
- Only software works with NT Minis.
- Background noise is picked up.
HyperX Quadcast
Best microphone for recording
The Quadcast from HyperX was the most potent and best USB mic that we tested. The HyperX Quadcast has a remarkable vocal warmth and clarity that makes it the best gaming microphone.
The Quadcast not only has excellent sound quality but also offers a very distinctive gaming aesthetic. The cradle houses a dramatic red light that glows when the microphone is on. Tap the microphone’s top to silence yourself. The light will then automatically turn off.
The QuadCast was also fitted with an intense shock mount by HyperX. This allows you to relax and enjoy your game without worrying about the shock mount falling on your Discord friends.
Quadcast is a unique three-diaphragm design that allows for four different polar patterns. It also offers stereo recording patterns. This is best used for gaming and provides a comprehensive sound source or two sources (as in a live recording environment). The Quadcast sounds excellent and has a pleasant warmth.
Pros
- Simple controls
- Four polar patterns
- Amazing clarity
- Boom arm stands adapter and shockmount
Cons
- USB interface limits audio to 48KHz / 16-bit
- May result in a hugely expensive headphone purchase
HyperX Quadcast S
The HyperX Quadcast S gaming microphone is an excellent choice for streamers and gamers looking for an easy-to-use, high-quality microphone. Although it is not as good as the Yeti X’s sound quality, the QuadcastS makes up for this design and features.
This is evident in the touch-sensitive mute buttons at the top and sides of the microphone. Mute buttons and switches often make a loud click during recording. It doesn’t. If you are looking for something more for your live stream, the Quantcast S is the right price, sound, features, and feature.
Quadcast S is a quadcast that offers dynamic RGB lighting. It makes it look like you are speaking into a lava lamp. Quadcast is a microphone that can be used without the light show, so even if you aren’t a fan of RGB lighting, you can still save $20.
Pros
- It is easy to set up.
- Button for touch-sensitive more
- Shockmount with built-in shockmount
- Cool RGB lighting
Cons
- RGB is not suitable for everyone
- Costly
Elgato Wave 3
Best high-end gaming microphone
Elgato’s first microphone is designed for streamers who want to improve the quality of their streams without much fuss. Wave 3 is a feature-packed microphone at 96kHz that sounds amazing, is simple to use, and can be used with most desk boom arms.
Thanks to the Wave Link software, the digital audio mixer can handle up to 8 channels and output to OBS or Xsplit. This gives you greater control over the audio stream without having to be a sound engineer.
Clipguard technology includes a capacitive mute switch that adjusts your levels to prevent them from ever reaching red.
Wave 3’s limited versatility is due to the single cardioid-polar pattern. However, this gaming microphone is an acceptable option if you are looking for an easy-to-use microphone for your next stream.
Pros
- Clear audio
- Digital mixer
- Simple mounting
Cons
- Single polar pattern
Razer Seiren Mini
Best microphone for Podcast
Razer Seiren Mini is one of those gaming hardware pieces that you want to have on my desk. The Mini’s unique pill-shaped design and variety of colors give it a personality that isn’t found in other options on the list. Its sound quality rivals Snowball Ice. It sounds fantastic, too.
Its price and sound compensate for the Mini’s lack of features. Some users won’t be able to get past the fact that the Mini doesn’t have a mute button and that the micro-USB proprietary is annoying. The Seiren Mini is a great starter mic for streamers and podcasters.
Pros
- Pill-shaped design
- Great sound
Cons
- Minimal features
Epos B20
Best looking microphone for streaming
The EPOS B20 streaming microphone is sure to make you look more like a Silicon Valley executive than a Twitch streamer. The EPOS B20 is a stylish and sophisticated streaming microphone that turns heads with its gunmetal finish and sleek cylinder design.
If you wonder if the B20 is as good as it looks, here’s a quick guide. The sound quality is excellent right out of the box. It did exactly what you expected for a $200 microphone.
The EPOS gaming suite of EQ and surround sound settings gives this condenser microphone access. However, the mic stand is not shockproof, so that vibrations could be picked up while recording.
Pros
- Sidetone and controls built-in
- Great sound from the box
- Multiple pickup patterns
Cons
- Slight background hiss
- Vibration noise from stand
- It’s pretty expensive.
Beyerdynamic FOX
Best microphone for home studio recording
This music-centric microphone is excellent for crooning tunes in between Twitch streams. Beyerdynamic is a well-respected name in professional audio, and their expertise is evident in this small, easy-to-use USB microphone.
The FOX, unlike many other future brands, offers high-resolution 96 kHz/24-bit recording quality. This is a remarkable feat for a microphone that you plug into via USB and hit record.
Although you might not use the extra quality on sites that compress audio or videos like YouTube and Twitch, if you are into podcasting or music creation, you will be happy for the ability to go beyond CD-quality 44KHz/16-bit.
Mix and headphone volume controls are located on the studio mic. There is also an input for monitoring inline via the minijack. We found that the preamp that outputs the monitoring signal is a bit too hot, causing distortions well before the mic. However, this feature can still be helpful if the gain is rolled off.
The mic also has mute and high-low gain toggles (essentially a pad) at its rear. Beyerdynamic includes a strong metallic pop shield, which clips on easily and allows you to angle the mic on the traditional mic stand.
Although the Beyerdynamic FOX has many features, FOX’s superior recording quality and usability make it our choice for home studios.
Pros
- 96 kHz/24-bit quality
- The pop shield design is great
- Studio microphone capability
Cons
- Easy to break the preamp on headphones
- Only cardioid Polar Pattern available
- Streaming platforms don’t need a higher-quality bit/sample rate.
Trust Gaming GXT 259 Rudox
It is a solid build microphone
The Trust Gaming GXT 259 Rudox, a unique alternative to the Blue Yeti X, is excellent for solo podcasting and voiceover. You get one pattern instead of four on the Yeti X.
In exchange, you get a combination shield and mic stand that makes the mic well-suited for its unique role. This shield makes it more challenging to pick up ambient noise.
It also allows for rich detail without distractions. The remainder of the package, including direct zero-latency monitoring and various volume dials on both the front and back of the mic, makes it easy to select the sound you desire.
The GXT 259 is a more focused design than the Yeti X, so if you aren’t planning on using the mic with more people or hanging it up in front of a screen, you will be able to benefit from its more compact design.
Pros
- Solid construction quality
- It fits nicely in the hand
- A USB mic with decent sound quality
Cons
- Some users might find it too sensitive.
PreSonus PD-70
The best microphone for gaming stream
We have found the PS96/$100 PreSonus PD-70 to be one of the best XLR microphones for gaming we’ve ever tested. The dynamic microphone is more efficient than the condenser.
It captures minor detail, but it rejects off-axis noises better, which can make it great for streaming and recording in noisy environments, such as where other voices or mechanical keyboard is competing with your voice.
The PD-70 has a dedicated microphone, clean look similar to the Shure SM7B. It also features a removable windscreen that helps reduce sibilances and plosives.
Thanks to its bright sound signature, the PD-70 dynamic mic sounds excellent right out of the box, improving vocal clarity and reducing background noise.
You can adjust the mic using any audio interface or software that you have chosen. This makes it compatible with low and high voices.
It can be positioned from either the top or side of a monitor, so it doesn’t take up too much of your peripheral vision. It’s one of xlr microphones’ options for a streaming career in a quiet space, especially considering its lower price.
Pros
- Bright and clear sound with excellent off-axis noise reduction
- The professional appearance that is professional and clean
- This allows you to access the powerful but complex XLR ecosystem
Blue Snowball Ice
The best microphone for recording voiceovers
The Blue Snowball Ice will give you the best value for money, even if you have only $50/PS50 to spend on upgrading your recording equipment.
This mic is an excellent choice for recording voiceovers for videos or streaming. The mic is easy to use; plug it in and hit record. There’s no need to install any software. The Ice model has only one recording pattern, so you lose some features.
Pros
- High-quality audio for the prices powered
- USB plug and play operation
- There are no additional features or physical controls.
Trust GXT 258 Fyru
The best friendly microphone
The Blue Snowball is an excellent budget mic option, but the Trust GXT258 Fyru is a strong choice for sale semi-regularly for around the PS75 mark. It offers four recording modes, which is more than the Snowball.
This allows you to even music recording in either an interview or group podcast format. The current pattern can be seen on the mic’s top, and lit LEDs indicate active microphones.
The sheath also has LED backlighting, which is cool and not distracting in photos or streams. It also offers to gain controls and lives monitoring of 3.5mm, which is a nice feature.
The mic includes a desktop stand that works well and can be attached to any boom arm with a standard thread mounting. The audio quality is very similar to the Yeti standard. There are many things to love about this mic.
Pros
- Live monitoring and easy pattern, volume, and gain control.
- Cool, streamer-friendly appearance with LED surround lighting
- Blue Yeti is a good alternative for European buyers.
What to look for in a good gaming microphone, Podcasting Mic, Stream mics?
There are many microphones that claim to be gaming mics. How can you choose the right one for you? These features should be considered before you decide on the best microphone for streaming games.
1. Compatibility
It would help if you planned which consoles and devices you will use to play games, as these may change over time. The USB inputs on the PS4 and PC consoles are easy to use, while the 3.5mm inputs can be used by the Nintendo Switch while docked. A versatile mic is essential if you intend to play across platforms.
Your needs will vary depending on the setup. A USB mic is a great option if you are gaming on a computer. An XLR microphone and an audio interface are not necessary. Simpler is always better.
Things can get a bit more complicated if you are gaming on a console. The Playstation 4 can accept either 3.5mm or USB connections. The Nintendo Switch can handle them. However, USB mics cannot work in docked mode.
It would help if you considered the specifics of your streaming setup. A separate wired USB microphone might not work well if you have a console located in a living or den.
Pay attention to the number of switches and buttons mics have. Although almost all of this stuff can be controlled from your console or computer, it is faster to reach over, flick an alt-tab switch, and locate the menu option.
2. Distance
How far are you able to sit from your console/PC? Most streaming microphones come corded, so it’s essential to be close enough to your console or PC for the microphone to reach you.
You can find longer cords and adapters. Could you measure your space to ensure it fits? Cord management options can help you avoid tripping over wires if you are wiring up to play in the room.
3. Switches
A kill switch is essential if you need to put the microphone quickly. A good gaming microphone will have on/off and muted buttons. This saves you time when you need to cut the audio. This is a better option than using your in-game controls or software.
4. Stands and supports
There are many sizes of microphones, but some mics have better sound quality than others. However, larger microphones require a mounting arm or base to support them when in use.
Some microphones have built-in stands, while others may require additional accessories. However, not all of them will fit in your space.
What is a polar pattern, and which do I need for gaming?
The polar pattern is a way to determine how much and in which direction an audio signal will reach a microphone. Gaming will require a pattern that picks sound only from you (the player) and nothing else from the environment (the surrounding environment).
These are the most popular polar patterns.
- Cardioid: Recordings in front of the mic. Ideal for voice-overs, vocals, streaming, and streaming.
- Bidirectional: Captures audio both in front and behind the microphone. Ideal for one-on-1 interviews.
- Omnidirectional: Receives sound from all directions. It is ideal for round-table interviews but not for streaming or gaming.
- Stereo: Ideal for ASMR recordings. You can search YouTube for ASMR to see the best example, as I couldn’t do it justice.
Do I need a microphone boom arm, shock mount, or pop filter?
Every desk is different and every setup requires a different microphone. A mic should be able to perform under different conditions. A microphone may sound better than the rest, but only if it is on a suspended mic stand that has a shock mount placed six inches from the mic close your mouth. It’s not a good option to recommend.
However, you can still find valuable pieces if you want to get rid of clutter or create a professional setting.
Boom arms are a great way to accomplish both. They can be clipped to the side of your desk. This is a great way to keep your mic handy while away from your desk, saving precious space.
A pop filter will reduce the sound of air leaving your mouth and moving towards the microphone. It will also prevent plosives (the sound of air being released violently from your ears) from reaching the airwaves and into the ears of your listeners.
The filter will also prevent your microphone from becoming grubby when you are up close and making sibilants.
The shock mount is probably the most important, at least when it comes to gaming. They prevent vibrations from traveling through your boom arm or microphone stand and into the microphone.
This can cause unwanted sounds like rustles, thuds, or other undesirable noises. These are a must-have item for music studios. However, unless your goal is to smash through Apex Legends matches, it might be fine without.
How much should I spend on a microphone?
As PC gamers, we will always strive to get the best for our money. It is easy to lose yourself in the dark audio world, and it’s even easier to spend ridiculous amounts of money and time trying to find the best set-up. We don’t necessarily need studio-ready equipment. Therefore, the price is essential when evaluating how good a mic is.
Consider your purpose. If you are only using the microphone to chat with colleagues, you probably don’t need one with half a dozen patterns or podcast studio quality.
You shouldn’t spend money on features that you don’t use or need. Microphones that cost $50 or less are sufficient and suitable for gaming. If you are looking for some help, we have compiled a list of the top budget microphones tested this year.
FAQs
What MIC do streamers use?
Top microphone for streaming:
- Rode NT-USB
- Rode Procaster
- Blue Yeti Snowball
- Audio-Technica AT2020 USB
Streamers recommend the microphones: condenser microphones. Because they are more sensitive to picking up multiple voices than dynamic microphones, this is especially true when the microphone is nearby (1 inch or less) with the streamer’s mouth.
Condenser mics also have a more frequency response range, meaning they pick up frequencies that other types of microphones fail to capture. They are ideal for streaming and gaming!
Is it better to use a USB microphone or XLR?
There are mixed reviews on this topic. Generally, streaming mics are USB microphones because they can be plugged into any computer via a single USB port and don’t require any other equipment or software to operate (XLR requires an audio interface).
XLR recording audio interface provides a cleaner sound source due to the condenser mic being isolated from the streaming machine’s low-frequency noise created by the fans/cooling system.
Some streamers use XLR mics while streaming, and others use USB connection mic; it depends on what you’re looking for in input quality.
Read more: USB Microphone Vs XLR: Which Is Better And Why?
Which platforms can I use these mics on?
The following streaming and gaming platforms support streaming with various types of microphones:
- Youtube (USB microphones only)
- Twitch (USB mics+ XLR)
- Beam (USB + XLR)
- Hitbox (USB only)
- Mixer (XLR only)
Is Blue Yeti the most gaming microphones?
It would help if you had a microphone with high audio quality to capture every detail of your game. The Blue Yeti is great because it has an excellent sound and comes equipped with all sorts of features like mute buttons or different pickup patterns.
Want a Wireless, 3D audio recording setup? Check out the Hooke Verse!
Looking to record your vocals and your guitar and make the viewers feel like they’re in the room with you? The Hooke Verse wireless mic system records binaural, 3D audio. Whether you are recording audio by itself or as part of a video, both 3D audio mics can capture lifelike sound wirelessly or via the included recording cable. The cable allows for compatibility with devices such as GoPro cameras, DSLRs, and more.
As a set of earbuds, the Verse are designed to insert into your ears for a snug fit. You get up to 10 hours of continuous playback and you can pair them with any Bluetooth-compatible device, such as a smartphone or tablet. When connected to a smartphone, you can use them for listening to music or taking hands-free calls.
Learn more about the Hooke Audio, visit www.hookeaudio.com
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
