Best Microphone for Streaming 2021

People such as video game fanatics opt for using good quality headsets to ensure an excellent audio experience. The simple task of communicating with your buddies during a critical moment in an online game can be made into a harrowing experience due to a bad headset.

Poor quality equipment tends to allow glitches like your computer audio seeping in the device itself, inadvertently causing a lot of chaos. The big solution to such inconveniences is to invest in a good microphone, especially if you are one of those who spend many hours working on serious productions like podcasting, streaming or making a video.

Usually people pay more attention to having a high quality set of speakers in their gaming sets. It’s important that the audio you listen to is of a high standard, but when it comes to streaming your voice with an audience it is best to be able to cater to the diverse quality of your audience’s speakers. In order to make this happen, it is great to get hardware that depends on your needs.

Having a good microphone at hand is essential especially if your use of it ranges from making new podcasts to shooting a short film. A superior quality stand-alone microphone can allow you to experience a greater range of frequency responses than a normal microphone. It is also able to detect the many timbres of your voice, and translate them effectively across.

Additionally, keep in mind that an excellent microphone can easily eliminate any background noises emitted by your gaming equipment such as PC and keyboard. High end microphones, in terms of quality offer options to alternate effectively between various pick up patterns so that you can have more control over what you sound like.

As you must have discerned by now, by ensuring that you have a great device managing your sound, you can really vamp up the quality of your project at hand. Here is a quick guide to help to decide which microphone is best suited to your personal needs, for there is a wide range of gadgets to choose from. Microphones differ on the basis of the different environments that require their use. They can be used for several purposes, from intensive gaming sessions to creating multiple podcasts; whatever your need may be.

Excited? Let’s go and explore the top microphones around.

The Best Microphone for Streaming and Podcasting

  1. JLab Talk Microphone: the Best for your Budget

  • Type: three14mm Condenser-Capsules

  • Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz

  • Sample rate: high at 96 kHz

  • Bitrate: 24-bit

  • Max SPL: 120dB

  • Polar System: Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, Stereo.

When going for a microphone, many people often weigh the price they would have to pay for a good device. Getting a JLab Talk device would be very easy on your wallet, but also has an unmatched functionality to boot! Considering that fact that the overall cost for this device is just around $100, the microphone offered by JLab Talk has a great recording ability.

The microphone makes the adroit use of three condenser capsules that are adjusted to identify sounds that have a cardioid, omni directional, bidirectional, or even a stereo pattern. These features allow the device to be more in sync with your setup, and more capable of adapting itself to any changes in the setup itself.

The presence of the 96kHz sample rate, coupled with a 24 bit rate allows your voice to be captured with a rather accurate intensity and detailing. Moreover, this device is easy to use due to its accessible controls that would facilitate a direct connection to the computer by the help of a USB cable (A to C).

2. Samson Pro G-Track: Ideal for Podcasting and Streaming

  • Type: Two back condenser capsule electret

  • Sample rate: high at 96 kHz

  • Sensitivity: +6dB FS/PA

  • Frequency Response: 50Hz to 20kHz

  • Bitrate: 24 and 16 bit

  • Max SPL: 120dB

  • Polar Systel: Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, Cardoroid

  • Headphone’s Amplifier: 85mW at 32ohms

A quick glance at the features offered by this particular microphone indicates how this device (Version Pro) offers its users a variety of different features that help it stand apart from the crowd. This reason is one of those that explains its popularity in the market.

This device has been built sturdily, and the fact that it offers several USB microphone portals ensures that it is ideal for streaming and for podcasting, especially in the circumstances where it doesn’t require any superfluous software. The fact that it is one of the more economical options in the market is also a great boon.

The PRO G-Track Samson is exceptional due to the fact that it comes with a quarter inch audio capacity, which makes it a double tracked audio mixer. These features indicate how if you insert an additional microphone to this device, orna cool key-tar, you don’t need to purchase a mixer. Thus, it is not hard to see why this trait helps make this one of the best microphones around, especially ideal for streaming, podcasts, and professional interviews.

3. Blue Snowball: the Most Economical for Podcasting and Streaming

  • Type: Blue dual 14 mm condenser capsules

  • Sample rate: 44.1kHz

  • Frequency Response: 40hz to 18khz

  • Bitrate: Bit of 16

  • Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional, Cardioid

  • Headphone Booster: 16ohms of 130mW

The Blue Snowball is a USB microphone that allows an excellent quality of audio recording to users who can avail its services without spending exorbitant amounts. Though tiny in size, this microphone can’t be ignored due to the features it offers, particularly how its height can be adjusted by placing it on a desktop stand.

Once securely plugged in, this device whirs into action, offering omnidirectional panels, which are ideal for capturing the true essence of your vocals, or of those near you. Though available in a range of fun colors, keep in mind that this audio device would not be as flexible or sensitive as the more expensive options.

4. HyperX QuadCast With USB Attached Piece: Best for Broadcasting

  • Type: three 14mm condenser capsules

  • Sensitivity level: -36db

  • Frequency Response: 20hz to 20khz

  • Sample rate: a solid 48 khz

  • Bitrate: Sixteen bit

  • Max SPL: 120db

  • The Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional, Cardioid, Bidirectional, Stereo

  • Headphone’s Amplifier: 7mW at 32ohms

It can’t be overlooked that this particular microphone is ideal for broadcasting making it relevant to all those interested in streaming and podcasting. The microphone originally appeared as an unmatched debut from a company known for the manufacturing of gaming microphones. This made the microphone more attuned to aiding communications between gamers or those who use voiceovers, or talk during streaming.

The USB version of the QuadCast headpiece is known for being a broadcasting microphone that includes a shock mount. Keep in mind that though you have to bend to the side to reach it better, this microphone also requires that you get a superior pop filter in order to make it more effective.

5. Blue Yeti: Superb Plug-and-Play microphone for Podcasting and Streaming

  • Type: three Blue 14mm condenser-capsules

  • Sample rate: 4.5mV/Pa

  • Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz

  • Bitrate: 16 bit

  • Max SPL: 120dB

  • Polar System: Omnidirectional, Cardioid Bidirectional, Stereo

  • Headphone’s Amplifier: 130mW at 16ohms

The Blue Yeti microphone gives its customers the ideal mesh of price and performance, making it an ideal choice for those who wish to use it for podcasting and streaming. It can’t be ignored that this microphone is on the less expensive part of the economic spectrum and has the ability to record audios in various different surrounding conditions. This is due to its feature of having multiple sound patterns.

Keep in mind that since this is a USB microphone, it is extremely convenient to set up and it is available in quite the options of snazzy colors. The device itself can handle a range of different users, from beginners to advanced, expert streamers and podcasters, offering excellent services for a lesser price.

6. Razer The Elite Seiren: Broadcast Microphone to have on your Boom Arm

  • Type: one dynamic capsule

  • Sample rate: 48kHz

  • Sensitivity level: -38db

  • Frequency of Response: 50hz to 20khz

  • Bitrate: 16 bit

  • Polar System: Multidimensional

  • Headphone’s Amplifier: 58mW at 16ohms

  • Max SPL: 120db

This specific microphone is notable for being good to have on a boom arm. Though of a lesser size than most of the microphones around, the Elite offers an unmatched ease when it comes to mounting upon a boom-hand, getting used for LAN purpose and etc. Additionally, the fact that it comes with an adjustable base is a big plus.

Standing apart from most of the gaming pieces, the Elite has a splendid microphone capsule that ensures a superior cancellation of background noises. It also doesn’t require the purchase of a pop filter. A notable feature of this device is the light ring which tends to light up when it detects clipping and loud noises.

7. Blue Nano Yeti: Best for continuous Streaming and for Podcasting on the go

  • Type: two Blue 14 mm condenser capsules

  • Sensitivity level: -47db

  • Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz

  • Sample rates: 48-khz

  • Bitrate: 24 bit

  • Max SPL: 120db

  • Polar Pattern:Omnidirectional, Cardioid

  • Headphone’s Amplifier: 130mW at 16ohms

When it comes to portability, this device is unrivaled. Featuring all the perks of the original Blue Yeti, the portable version is also able to fit in almost all the mic stands around. While the performance of most of the pieces are slightly affected by the shrinking, the remaining ones are the pair of mic patterns that are used primarily for streaming and podcasting.

Moreover, this USB headpiece is sturdily built and has a great overall quality.

8. The 2020 Audio-Technica: The Top XLR Microphone

  • Type: a single 16mm-diameter capsule (back-electret)

  • Sensitivity: -37db

  • Frequency’s Response: 20hz to 20khz

  • Sample rate: 44khz

  • Bitrate: 16 bit

  • Max SPL: 120db

  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid

  • Headphone’s Amplifier: Yes

The Audio Technica is a microphone that features the cardioid patterns, while needing an XLR plug-in to allow its functionality since it isn’t a USB microphone that can be plugged in to get played. Moreover, buying a cable will enable the device to adapt to further advanced features.

Keep in mind that though this device is one of the more advanced ones in the market, it is still lacking especially for those who need something to support their streaming. For podcasters, this device is pretty close to being the ideal if the add-on gear and equipment that it requires falls in your budget.

9. Shure SM-58: Most Convenient of the Handheld Microphones

  • Type: Dynamic

  • Sensitivity level: -57.5dB

  • Frequency’s Response: 50hz to15khz

  • Sample rate: 48khz

  • Bitrate: 16 bit

  • Max SPL: 126db

  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid

If you want your podcasting and streaming microphone to be handheld, getting the SM58 Shure is a great idea. Often used in award shows, particularly in those that have a musical part, this specific handheld mic is often overlooked by podcasters and streaming fanatics.

This remarkable handheld microphone device is excellent for eliminating background noises. It also transmits a great sound, known amongst the experts for the way it seems to capture the vocals that it records. Moreover, it has an inbuilt shock resistor that prevents the noise around you from seeping into your audio stream.

You should remember, however, that this microphone requires that you have an audio design that can be connected to your PC.

10. Samson Q2U: Most Wallet Friendly Dynamic Microphone

  • Type: Dynamic

  • Sensitivity: -54dBV/Pa

  • Frequency Response: 50Hz to 15kHz

  • Sample rate: 44.1kHz

  • Bitrate: 16-bit

  • Max SPL: 148dB

  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Getting a Samson piece is excellent for those who are beginners at streaming and podcasting. Such people generally focus on their need to have a warm sort of sound.

Coming with a tabletop stand, this particular microphone also has a pop filter along with a microphone clip that is well-suited with many boom arms. It is incredible to know the features that are received for just $60.

11. Rode Procaster Dynamic Broadcast Microphone: Economical Expert Level

  • Type: Dynamic

  • Sensitivity: -56dBV/Pa

  • Frequency Response: 75Hz to 18kHz

  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Conducted over an XLR connection, this is the less expensive professional option to choose. Its wonderfully warm sound makes it a real treat to use. It has a good filter to help in the canceling out of the unnecessary background noise, allowing clean audio recordings.

12. Shure SM7B Dynamic Cardioid Microphone: Perfect for Experts

  • Type: Dynamic

  • Sensitivity: -54dBV/Pa

  • Sample rate: 44.1kHz

  • Frequency Response: 50Hz to 20kHz

  • Bitrate: 16 -bit

  • Max SPL: 180dB

  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid

This expert level microphone is everything high-end. The recorded voice is warm, preventing you from booming. The quality comes at a steep price of around $399, and according to professionals, needs a Cloudlifter for better noise cancellation.

Finding the Right Place in US to Buy a Microphone for Streaming and Podcasting Intents

With the help of various platforms you can easily access excellent microphones for your streaming, gaming, and podcasting purposes irrespective of whether you are situated in the United States or the United Kingdom.

Things to evaluate that will help you decide which Microphone to get for your Podcasting and Streaming Purposes

While looking to purchase quality audio devices, there are several things that you must consider in order to get the best bang out of your buck. Many people fall into the pit of exorbitant expense with hopes that paying more would get them the high-end services that they require from their microphones.

This practice however is not just bruising to your wallet, but also doesn’t help you understand exactly what your microphone is capable of. To get a better insight on your high tech audio device, it is important that you keep certain things in mind while going shopping.

The first thing that you must consider is your purpose. If you intend to use your microphone only for intensive streaming, it is wise to go for the option that offers a multi-directional pattern. This pattern is the most sensitive in the frontal regions, equipping it to combat background noises more effectively. Moreover, a microphone builtin with multidirectional sensor will be more likely to resist feedback than most omnidirectional microphones found in the market.

Similarly, if your intended use for a microphone is to record interviews or sessions featuring multiple speakers, it is a better idea to get a microphone that offers varying polar panel features. These particular kinds of microphones are able to isolate sound with great precision, and are able to distinguish between ambient noise and relevant speech by a speaker in the near vicinity.

Another question that you must address before actually buying a microphone is whether you’ll prefer getting a dynamic or condenser microphone. A condenser microphone is the one to get if you want a multiple polar pattern microphone. The capacitor within the condenser microphones is lightweight and structurally more suited to changing acoustic energy into electrical signals, allowing this microphone to record speech with more precision.

For those who want to use their microphones for the sole purpose of streaming and podcasting, it is wiser to go for a dynamic headset. This particular kind of microphone is efficient in the manner in which it transforms sound energy to electrical signals by using the process of electromagnetism.

There are some distinct differences between dynamic and condenser microphones that can help illustrate both microphone types with more clarity. Understanding both microphones before going in for a purchase can help you decide which microphone matches your personal needs and preferences.

Condenser Mics

This type of microphone is predominant in the market, especially popular amongst the gaming fanatics. Their popularity is primarily due to the fact that their ability to capture sounds is unmatched as they have high sensitivity to detect the faintest of sounds.

Moreover, they are excellent to use in noisier conditions where the large amount of background sounds threaten to distort the recorded sounds. Thus we can see the use of condenser microphones frequently in conditions where there are several polar options such as in interviews or group podcast discussions.

Dynamic Mics

As mentioned previously, dynamic microphones are used where the background noises are particularly loud. These devices require a large amount of power and are significantly less sensitive than condenser microphones. Moreover, compared to their counterparts, they have fewer USB options available.

However, there are notable advantages of opting for dynamic microphones. For one, they are an exceptionally effective tool in canceling out particularly loud background noises, going as far as to distinguish an artist singing in a concert amid a roaring crowd.

Additionally, many podcasters opt for dynamic microphones simply due to the fact that these microphone types give their voices a much more ‘warmer’ sound due to their ability to pick up louder sounds. It helps to know that these types of microphones are usually used by podcasters, singers in a concert, and even radio show hosts.

Keep in mind…

With the increase in podcasting and streaming, it has become increasingly important to have the right equipment that would allow you to be heard in the best possible way. With the increasing demand, there have been waves of cheaply available microphones flooding the market.

Though you may be sorely tempted by their low prices and their big claims, always take a look at the reviews of the microphones you’re interested in buying in order to prevent yourself from buying a sub-quality microphone product.

Another thing that you must consider before buying a microphone is whether your goal includes expansion in the near future. An XLR headset can help you manage audio interface within a reasonable limit of your wallet. If you find your stream growing you might want some more special effects such as equalizers, compressors, or even a nose gate in order to facilitate the sound of your stream and help improve its overall condition.

Despite the fact the USB mics prove to be effective recording tools, most USB microphones are not supported by mixing boards, which is a significant drawback to using them. This is where a little investment into a good quality microphone will come in handy, facilitating your setup while also saving you the annoying cost and hassle of getting a new microphone later on to meet with your growing demands.

To enhance the overall quality of sound in your microphone at this very instant it is essential that you understand that it is crucial that you move away from the basic three-and-a-half millimeter gaming headpiece microphone and wisely opting for a hardier, and significantly more dedicated microphone.

Keep in mind that you only absolutely need to do this if you use your headset for anything but simply chatting over videogames. If you are serious minded and need a precision instrument that would help you achieve a greater level of sound and clarity, it is a great idea to pick a microphone that would help you achieve all that and more.

Getting your Own Recording Studio

This statement might have you raise your eyebrows in surprise, but when broadcasting online, you are catering to an audience. Your audience deserves the best, which is, to be able to hear you out with utmost clarity.

Irrespective of whether you want to build a career out of hosting and online broadcast or not, if you consider sound to be of vital importance, your microphone can assist in making a firm basis for your expression. While setting up a podcast platform, many people make the mistake of undermining the importance of using pop-filters to improve the quality of their audio recordings.

There are several things that you need to consider before you can nod away the significance of pop filters. Pop-filters can help eliminate the unaesthetic sounds that typically accompany harsher ending words (like those ending with the ‘p’ sound). These types of words are called ‘plosives’ and can cause your audience to feel a distaste towards your expression if every now and then a harsh sound ricochets within their eardrums.

By removing the harsh effect of plosives from your speech your audio would become significantly smoother, and much more appealing to those listening on the other end. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

It would help you to know that there are several different software types such as ‘Adobe Auction’ which can help you remove such plosive ‘pop’ sounds from your speech in a microphone. While these are effective, they usually have diverse hassles that often make them burdensome to use.

Another traditional method of eliminating the pernicious ‘pop’ sound in microphone speech is by placing a finger in your mouth throughout you speak. You can probably gauge how much of a nuisance this simple task can be, especially for longer recording sessions.

A problem that needs to be addressed is the presence of the echo. The echo is something that often haunts those who record, as there is no such thing as recording audios in a place of vacuum. Sound needs a medium to help it travel, and since echoes appear in all the places where sound wave reflections are possible, it generally means that there would be differing intensity echoes everywhere.

There are certain steps that you can take so that you can lessen the chances of your microphone catching the sound of the echoes and disturbing your audio recording. Some people prefer recording under their blankets in order to remove this sound while others choose to hide within small closets. The presence of the nearby clothes prevents the undue reflections of sound waves, thus eliminating the echo without incurring any cost on your part.

Echoes create hollow sounding audio files, thus care needs to be taken that your microphone is not exposed to too many echoes. In order to fulfill this purpose, many recording fanatics opt for getting absorption panels which not just look terrific, but also are incredibly useful in dealing with the vital issue of the echo.

For those who decide on the XLR option, it is a great idea to go for an interface for audio. Many people tend to throw a significant amount of money on this option despite the fact that there isn’t much need to do so.

For beginners, the Behringer Version UM2 can help connect your PC through a USB, making it possible to record a quarter inch line-in. For those who want to record multiple instruments or microphones at a single instant, the UMC-202-HD is the ideal option. If your wallet can withstand the weight of $160, you can also go for the choice of getting the more expensive, yet unmatched Focusrite Scarlett, 2i2.

In order to make an effective use of a good microphone, it is crucial to consider the significance of a good computer or a laptop. An effective computing machine would be one that would be able to withstand heavy use. Many people opt for gaming PCs, which is effective for the loaded editing tasks. However, it should be known that there are plenty of laptops out there that can easily withstand the heat of heavy editing along with being much more convenient to carry around.

Along with having a good computer, there is an unsaid need to have sufficiently capable software hand in hand with a powerful device. Though there are many good options available around, the most popular and user friendly are the professional suites that go by the name ‘Audacity’, as well as ‘Garage Band’. These expert editing suites are effective video editing tools to have around.

I hope this guide helped in helping you choose what microphone is the best pick for your personal use. Since it depends on your preferences, it is always a great idea to evaluate your needs before going any further. Moreover, if you are searching for the ideal PC for your choice in graphics cards that also have enough power to withstand your audio audio-basedased demands, it is recommended that you take a look at the requirements for graphic cards.

If you’re here, you might as well take a quick glance at the top notch chairs for gaming and headsets that would help you live out like a true reigning monarch of the modern gaming age. Enjoy!

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