With the growing popularity of short video platforms and live broadcasting industry in recent years, live microphone has become an important standard for live broadcasters on Tiktok, Youtube, Snapchat, Vimeo and other platforms.
The following is a comprehensive introduction to the relevant knowledge points of the live broadcasting industry and the practical skills of choosing and purchasing microphones to help you choose a satisfactory live microphone.

I. Current Situation of Live Broadcasting

1. Development history of live broadcasting
The voice live broadcasting of large-scale comprehensive electronic games such as CS, which was popular in the early stage of the live broadcasting industry, began.
With the advent of the Internet PC video era, the performing arts live broadcasting market and online video dating mode began to prevail, and the PC Internet live broadcasting has developed rapidly.
With the popularity of Tiktok, Youtube and other platforms, constantly seizing the live game market, Internet PC live broadcasting began to enter a white-hot stage.
2016 is known as the first year of live broadcasting. With the rise of Tiktok and other short video and e-commerce live broadcasting platforms, the live broadcasting industry has become increasingly popular, giving birth to many new live broadcasting practitioners.
Nowadays, with the upgrading of smartphone functions and the application and development of 5G technology, network live broadcasting is widely popular from PC to mobile, and the live broadcasting industry has entered the era of national live broadcasting.

2. Types of Live Broadcasting
With the increasing popularity of live broadcasting industry, the types of live broadcasting are rich and diverse. According to the characteristics of different types of live broadcasting, it can be roughly divided into four categories: live broadcasting of e-commerce with goods, live broadcasting of electronic games, live broadcasting of culture and sports, and live broadcasting of pan-entertainment.

◆ Live broadcast of e-commerce with goods
E-commerce live broadcasting with goods is a common form of live broadcasting at present, including all kinds of physical products, virtual goods services and so on. From tremolo, fast-hand, B station to Taobao e-commerce, live broadcasting with goods has become a type of live broadcasting that many individual IP anchors and businesses focus on.

◆ Live broadcast of e-sports games
Live broadcasting of electronic games is the earliest popular live broadcasting industry. From the early live broadcasting of fighting fish, tiger teeth, Yingke and pepper to the live broadcasting platforms of tremolo, B station and penguin in recent years, live broadcasting of electronic games has been widely covered from end-game to hand-game, and the forms of live broadcasting of games have become more diverse.

◆ Live broadcast of culture and sports
Cultural and sports live broadcasting mainly includes broadcasting of major sports events, TV variety shows, social news interviews and so on. Mainly based on CCTV sports, platform solo, variety shows and major news media, this kind of live broadcasting is quite special, mainly in the form of live broadcasting or post-synthesis broadcasting.

◆ Pan-entertainment live broadcast
Pan-entertainment live broadcasting is the most common and diverse type of live broadcasting on major live broadcasting platforms. It includes star online concert, talent show, food broadcast, host chat, outdoor reality show, audio-visual entertainment and other forms of live broadcasting.

II. Types of live microphones

There are two main types of microphones on the market today: condenser microphones and dynamic microphones.
According to the characteristics of different microphone forms, it can be divided into lavalier microphone, USB microphone, XLR microphone, shotgun microphone, audio microphone, head-mounted wireless microphone and so on.
No matter what kind of microphone, it can actually be used for different types of live radio. The main differences lie in the radio effect, performance configuration, connection mode of different types of microphones, as well as the different types of live broadcasting, live broadcasting equipment, crowd needs and usage scenarios.
With the growing popularity of the live broadcasting industry, it has also led to the upgrading and development of domestic live broadcasting equipment, especially the microphone hardware equipment developed for mobile live broadcasting, which has made great progress and breakthroughs in recent years.
Mainstream live microphones can be roughly divided into three categories: lavalier microphones, USB microphones and large-diaphragm XLR microphones used with independent sound cards.

1. Lavalier Microphone
Lavalier microphone is a common form of microphone, commonly known as "Little Bee" microphone, which was first used in radio and television, film and television variety shows and news interviews.
Early lavalier microphones mainly used VHF or UTF (commonly known as "U-band") wireless frequency technology. Through the bodypack wireless antenna transmitter, the microphone received the human voice frequency signal to the terminal equipment.
In recent years, with the popular application of smart phones and live video platforms, a new technical form of lavalier microphone has emerged, which expands from the traditional U-band RF technology to a new wireless 2.4G digital lavalier microphone.
Advantages: omnidirectional pickup mode, relatively sensitive radio, stable signal transmission, strong anti-interference, compact size, no space occupation, portable use, convenient connection, support for mobile phones, computers, SLR and other devices, not limited by the scene and space, strong flexibility, high cost performance. Disadvantages: This type of microphone is usually suitable for vocal radio, because of its compact size and relatively simple performance configuration, it can not meet the higher recording experience, and it is not suitable for singing music live broadcasting.

2. USB Microphone
USB microphone, also known as computer desktop microphone, converts the analog signal of human voice into digital signal and transmits it to the terminal equipment through the digital-to-analog conversion of the internal AD circuit of the microphone.
Compared with the compact electret lapel microphone, USB microphone usually adopts heart-shaped pointing pickup mode, equipped with diaphragm-level condenser sound head, built-in sound card and DSP audio noise reduction chip, some support volume gain adjustment and ear return monitoring function, with rich performance configuration and more delicate and full sound quality effect.
USB microphone is usually suitable for desktop computers and notebook devices because of its USB interface, and smart phones need to use OTG adapter cable to realize serial connection of devices.
This kind of microphone is mainly used in the fields of live game broadcasting, film and television entertainment dubbing, online learning and non-professional K-song entertainment broadcasting. Some of them need to be used with headphones to facilitate monitoring and microphone PK.
Advantages: cardioid pointing, accurate pickup, built-in sound card and professional audio chip, good performance configuration, clear and sensitive microphone reception, excellent sound quality experience, support for real-time monitoring and other functions, compatible with all kinds of recording software and computer, mobile terminal equipment, USB interface plug and play, cost-effective. Disadvantages: This type of microphone is large in size, occupies more desktop space, is relatively fixed in use, has poor mobile flexibility, is inconvenient to carry, and is not suitable for outdoor or long-distance mobile scene live broadcasting. Entertainment sound effects are not rich enough to meet the needs of more entertainment live broadcasting atmosphere.

3. Large diaphragm XLR Microphone + Sound Card Package
The large-diaphragm XLR microphone is a professional live broadcast microphone used by many Internet celebrity anchors. It usually has a Canon cable interface and a 48V phantom power supply, and is used with an external sound card package.
XLR microphones mostly use condenser heads, which are favored by many star artists, Internet celebrity anchors and music enthusiasts because of their large diaphragm area, wide range of audio signal contact, more sensitive pickup effect, excellent performance of high and low bass details, and higher-end microphone performance configuration.
At the same time, it also needs to be used with an independent sound card. At present, there are two kinds of external sound cards on the market: one is an entertainment sound card; the other is a professional sound card 。
Entertainment sound card is also called live sound card. Many net red anchors use this kind of sound card. It has built-in DSP audio chip and a variety of entertainment sound effect mixers, which can beautify the human voice, increase the atmosphere of live broadcasting, and eliminate the accompaniment of original singing with one key.
Professional sound cards, also known as recording sound cards, are mainly used in recording studios or studios and other scenes. Such sound cards usually do not have entertainment sound effects. Most of them support hardware ASIO driver applications and are equipped with a variety of audio playback function interfaces. For live broadcasting, the scope of use is relatively small.
At present, the large diaphragm XLR microphone and sound card package equipment on the market are mostly more than 1000 yuan, and this kind of microphone has higher requirements for the conditions of live recording room mixing.
Advantages: High microphone sensitivity, excellent performance configuration, clear and delicate live recording effect. The independent sound card can beautify the human voice, enhance the live entertainment atmosphere, enhance the graininess of the human voice, and support the connection of external devices. Disadvantages: the price is more expensive, the connection operation is complex, the recording environment requirements are higher, the need for skilled professional recording software, there is a certain learning and purchase costs, the novice Xiaobai is not very friendly.

III.  Practical Strategy for Choosing and Purchasing Live Microphone

At present, there are various forms of live broadcasting on various platforms, different types of anchors (anchors with goods, game anchors, singing entertainment anchors), the use of live broadcasting equipment (mobile phones, computers), live broadcasting scenes (indoor, outdoor) and other aspects will be different.
The mainstream live broadcast devices are mainly desktop computers, laptops and smart phones; while the types of live voice can be roughly divided into speaking and singing.

1. Desktop computer /Notebook + language live broadcast
If you are an e-sports game host, you usually use desktop computers or notebook devices, and you mainly talk by voice chat during live broadcasting, then USB microphone is a cost-effective choice. Live broadcast is simple and convenient, and many USB microphones support headphone monitoring function, sound quality performance is also good, fully able to meet the needs of live game radio.
If you are a voice actor Up anchor, usually live with computer notebook equipment, familiar with computer operation and various recording software, then USB microphone or large diaphragm XLR microphone + independent sound card package is a good choice.
If you are a beginner or have a limited budget, you can consider a USB microphone, which is more cost-effective; if you have enough budget. ? If you have high requirements for recording, you can consider a large diaphragm XLR microphone + independent sound card package.

2. Desktop computer /Notebook + Singing Live
If you are a singing entertainment anchor, usually mainly in the indoor use of computer notebook equipment live, then the large diaphragm XLR microphone + live sound card suit is more appropriate, but also a lot of net red anchors use the type. The sound quality of singing is exquisite and excellent, the sound effect of entertainment atmosphere is rich, and the relative adjustability is stronger, but it needs a certain audio foundation and knows how to install and debug computer software.

3. Smartphone + language live broadcast
With the widespread popularity of smart phones, it has become the most popular terminal device for live broadcasting because of its powerful function, light body, easy to carry and mobile live broadcasting anytime and anywhere.
Mobile language live broadcasting mainly includes live broadcasting with goods, IP knowledge, food, reality show, outdoor entertainment and so on.
This type of live broadcast is most preferred to use a wireless lapel microphone, which is not only portable to operate, but also not limited by space distance movement. The receiver can be directly plugged into the mobile phone, while the bee microphone can be clipped in front of the chest without affecting the appearance effect. Whether live broadcast in indoor or outdoor noisy environment, the noise reduction effect of radio is very good.
Of course, mobile phone language live broadcasting can also choose USB microphone, with the help of OTG adapter cable to achieve connection. Compared with the lapel microphone, the USB microphone has better sound quality. If it is an indoor desktop fixed mobile phone live broadcast, there are certain requirements for sound quality, and the USB microphone is also a cost-effective choice.

4. Smartphone + singing live broadcast
If you use a mobile phone to sing live, there are usually a variety of options. Nowadays, many amateur karaoke fans are popular to use the handheld audio integrated microphone to broadcast live, and the loudspeaker to play out the sound, so that they can sing live anytime and anywhere.
For professional net red anchors and professional singing entertainment anchors, they usually choose mobile phone sound card/mixer + large diaphragm XLR microphone, which is relatively simple and convenient to use, and has better singing sound quality and rich entertainment sound effect, which is conducive to the warm atmosphere of live broadcasting.
Another solution is synchronous live broadcasting with dual phones, which can use live sound card + large diaphragm XLR microphone + sound card converter to achieve synchronous live broadcasting between different types of devices (computers and mobile phones, dual mobile phones).
Mobile phone live singing or performance, usually also use dynamic microphone, can focus on the human voice, filter noisy ambient sound interference, for frequent outdoor singing live is a better choice.

The above is the introduction of different types of live broadcasting and the mainstream collocation skills of live microphones. Of course, there are other types of live broadcasting and live microphone forms, such as gun microphone, U-segment sound card microphone, etc., which will not be elaborated here.

IV.  2022 Purchase List of Live Microphone

According to different live broadcast types and microphone characteristics, it is mainly divided into three series: wireless digital lapel microphone, USB microphone and large diaphragm microphone + sound card package series.
Due to the various types of live microphones on the market, according to the classification of the mainstream live crowd, combined with brand awareness, user experience reputation and sales ranking, the most worthwhile microphone series are selected to help you choose the right live microphone.

Wireless Lavalier Microphone High-end Series:

Relacart Mi1 Wireless Digital Lavalier Microphone
Relacart is an old audio equipment manufacturer in China. Mi1 series uses 2.4GHz wireless digital technology, and the transmission is stable and fast. Microphone sampling rates and signal ratios are excellent, meeting broadcast-grade lossless sound standards. Built-in DSP noise reduction chip can effectively filter ambient noise. This series has excellent performance configuration, clear and delicate live broadcast effect, compact microphone, flexible and portable use, compatible with mobile phones, computers, SLR and other devices, which is worth recommending.

Moma LARK M1 Wireless Lavalier Microphone
Moma, as a brand of professional audio equipment, has been certified by international professional audio standards. Mammoth LARK M1 adopts wireless digital technology, with stable and fast signal transmission, which can realize long-distance recording; built-in high-quality audio noise reduction chip ? High sampling rate, CD-level sound quality, clear and exquisite radio effect. At the same time, it is equipped with a charging compartment box, which is portable to carry and use. This series has solid performance configuration and excellent live broadcasting effect, which is worth recommending.

Saramonic Blink500 Mini Wireless Lavalier
Saramonic Blink500 series is a professional recording microphone, which uses 2.4GHz wireless digital frequency technology, stable and fast signal transmission, and flexible long-distance radio. Automatic frequency alignment, embedded high-quality omnidirectional condenser microphone, clear capture of human voice details, outdoor radio without noise interference, to meet the use of live radio in a variety of scenes. This series has excellent performance configuration, solid workmanship, and supports all kinds of mobile phones, computers, SLR and other equipment recording, which is worth recommending.


MIRFAK WE10 Wireless Digital Lavalier Microphone
MIRFAK WE10 package series adopts 2.4GHz wireless technology for real-time and stable signal transmission; omnidirectional radio microphone ? Sound source capture is clear and sensitive. Built-in high-definition LED display makes operation intuitive and convenient. Boot automatic frequency connection, support ear back monitoring function, live recording effect is excellent. This series has solid performance configuration, excellent live radio effect, compatible with mobile phones, computers, SLR and other devices, which is worth recommending.

COMICA BoomX-D2 Wireless Lavalier Microphone
BoomX-D1 series is a professional lavalier microphone, which uses 2.4GHz wireless digital frequency technology for stable signal transmission; omnidirectional pickup microphone ? Clear and responsive reception; excellent sound quality, sample rate, and signal-to-noise ratio 。 Automatically connect when starting up, and support real-time monitoring of live recording status. This series has excellent performance configuration, good recording effect, and is suitable for a variety of mobile phones, computers and other devices to use live radio, which is worth recommending.

ROde Wireless GO II Wireless Lavalier Microphone
Rode is a well-known brand of world-class audio equipment. Rode Wireless Go II series adopts a new 2.4GHz dual-channel wireless digital frequency technology, which has strong anti-interference and ultra-stable and ultra-fast signal transmission. High-quality omnidirectional pickup microphone with excellent sound quality, sample rate, and signal-to-noise ratio for broadcast-quality recording. At the same time, it has built-in sound card function, equipped with three-gear gain adjustment, compatible with a variety of mobile phones, computers, SLR and other devices, suitable for live recording of various scenes. The performance configuration of this series is excellent, and the recording effect is clear and delicate, which is worth recommending.

USB Microphone Beginner Series:

KO-STAR Computer USB Microphone
As an entry-level USB microphone, the Ko-Star features a heart-shaped pointing pickup for clear and detailed vocal recording. Equipped with volume gain control key, you can control the live recording process at any time. Built-in USB sound card and audio processing chip, live voice recording effect is good; equipped with a triangular bracket ? USB interface is plug and play, easy to use. This series is more suitable for computer desktop live radio, which is worth recommending.

Sudotack 461T USB Microphone
Sudotack 461T series uses a large diaphragm condenser sound head, which has better microphone sensitivity and sound quality sampling rate. With the cardioid pointing mode, the radio is more accurate. Built-in sound card and professional audio noise reduction chip, anti-interference magnetic ring technology, effectively avoid noise interference. USB interface plug and play, compatible with all kinds of mobile phones, computers and other devices, this series is suitable for computer recording live use, it is worth recommending.

Razer Magic Siren Seiren Professional Digital Microphone
Razer is a world-renowned gaming peripheral brand. Razer Magic Sound Siren Seiren series is a computer UB microphone customized for gamers. It uses a professional diaphragm microphone, built-in sound card and professional audio noise reduction processing chip, with cardioid pointing pickup mode, the voice recording is clear and delicate, without the influence of background noise. The USB port is plug-and-play and can be used for desktop live broadcasting anytime and anywhere. This series of performance configuration is good, suitable for the use of live game radio, it is worth recommending.
Razer Siren

USB Microphone High-end Series：

Sudotack PM422 USB Microphone
Sudotack PM422 series adopts large diaphragm condenser sound head, cardioid pointing precision pickup, microphone sound quality sampling rate up to 24 Bit/192Khz, reaching professional recording standards. Built-in high-quality DSP audio noise reduction chip, clear and pure voice recording, strong low-frequency sound graininess. USB interface plug and play, compatible with all kinds of mobile phones, computer devices live use, this series of excellent performance configuration, cost-effective, it is worth recommending.

Audio-Technica ATR2500 USB Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Audio-Technica is a world-famous brand of audio equipment. The upgraded series of Audio-Technica ATR2500X adopts high-quality diaphragm-level condenser sound head. The microphone has excellent sensitivity, sampling rate and signal-to-noise ratio. With cardioid pointing mode, it can record human voice clearly and accurately. Built-in sound card and high-quality audio noise reduction chip can effectively avoid noise interference. The USB interface can be plugged in and used at any time, and supports the use of live recording of computers and mobile phones.

BOYA BY-PM700 USB Microphone
BY-PM700 series adopts high-quality digital diaphragm sound head, with sensitive microphone reception and high sampling rate of sound quality. Built-in USB sound card and dual-core audio noise reduction chip, live recording effect is excellent. Support computer live audio and video synchronization, with ear back synchronization monitoring function, USB interface to adapt to all kinds of computer notebook devices. This series is suitable for live voice radio and singing, with solid performance configuration, which is worth recommending.

Logitech Blue Yeti Snow Monster Computer USB Microphone
Blue Yeti is a well-known brand of professional audio equipment. Little Snow Monster Nano series adopts dual-diaphragm condenser sound head, with high microphone sensitivity, excellent sampling rate and signal-to-noise ratio performance, reaching professional recording standards, and clear and delicate voice recording. Both omnidirectional and cardioid pickup modes are available. Built-in digital-to-analog sound card and audio processor are compatible with all kinds of computers and mobile devices. This series is suitable for desktop live recording and is worth recommending.

Shure MV 51 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Shure is a world-class brand of professional audio equipment. The Shure MV51 series is designed with a retro metal body, solid microphone performance configuration, high sensitivity, and clear and delicate voice recording. Built-in high-quality DSP audio chip and digital-analog sound card function can automatically optimize the recording effect. It supports ear return synchronous monitoring and is compatible with computers, mobile phones, tablets and other devices. Generally speaking, this series has excellent performance configuration and good live recording effect, which is worth recommending.

Large diaphragm microphone + sound card package series

TAKSTAR PCK600 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
TAKSTAR is a domestic professional audio equipment manufacturing brand. Their PC-K600 series adopts gold-plated large diaphragm condenser sound head with heart-shaped pointing mode. The pickup is clear and sensitive, and the sound quality is exquisite and pleasant. The microphone has built-in professional audio noise reduction chip, supports the use of various live sound cards, and is compatible with mobile phones, computers, musical instruments and other devices. This series of performance configuration is more excellent, live K songs, dubbing commentary effect is good, cost-effective, it is worth recommending.

Audio-Technica AT2035 + Sound Card Package Series
Audio-Technica AT2035 series is a professional large-diaphragm condenser microphone with high microphone sensitivity and accurate cardioid pickup. Built-in high-pass filter audio circuit can effectively filter low-frequency noise interference; support the use of various sound cards Compatible with computers, notebooks, mobile phones and other devices. This series has excellent performance configuration, exquisite quality, delicate and full high and low frequencies, suitable for network live K songs, recording use, it is worth recommending.

SHURE PGA27 Professional Condenser Microphone Sound Kit
Shure PGA27 series features a high-quality, large-diaphragm condenser head with high-sensitivity pickup performance and a three-layer independent filter design to easily capture rich musical vocal details. Built-in professional audio processing chip and customized frequency response design can provide excellent high, medium and low frequency response and noise reduction effect. Supporting all kinds of external sound cards and musical instrument speakers, this series of microphones are exquisite in workmanship and outstanding in performance, suitable for professional live recording.

Rode NT1A Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone + Yamaha UR22C Sound Card Package Live Recording
The Rohde NTA1 series features a new HF6 gold-plated diaphragm capacitor tip for high microphone sensitivity and excellent professional sound experience. Cardioid polar pattern, built-in sensor and Lyre suspension system, ultra-low self-noise recording effect; all-metal anti-flapping cover and shock mount design ? Effectively avoid plosive sound and vibration interference. Support all kinds of sound cards, compatible with computers, notebooks, mobile phones and other devices, excellent performance configuration, suitable for professional live recording.

SENNHEISER MK4 Condenser Microphone
Sennheiser is a well-known brand of world-class professional audio equipment. Sennheiser MK4 uses high-sensitivity large-diaphragm condenser sound head, which has excellent sound details, rich and full high-frequency sound, and delicate mid-low frequency sound. The microphone has high dynamic frequency and sound pressure level, low noise and can obtain clear and pure human voice. This series has outstanding performance configuration, supports all kinds of live recording sound cards, and is suitable for computer live broadcasting and professional recording.

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