All vloggers need to use equipment like video and audio recorders. For recording audio, a vlogger needs to determine the right microphone for the job. This means taking into consideration various factors such as types of microphones, quality, and price. If you want to get a microphone for vlogging, continue reading to get all the information you need.
Do I Need A Mic For Vlogging Videos?
Yes, you will need a microphone to record audio for your vlogging videos. The type of mic you will need will depend on the type of content you are creating — whether it is a short vlog or a longer-form video. If you are recording many short clips, such as interviews, a Lavalier or shotgun microphone would be ideal.
If you are recording more long-form content, such as a sit-down vlog, then a USB or wireless microphone would be more suitable. You can even combine both by pairing your Lavalier microphone with a USB or wireless mic to ensure crystal-clear sound in your videos.
What Kind of Microphone is Used to Record Audio?
USB Microphones
USB microphones are microphones that connect to computers and other devices using a USB connection. The microphone then takes the sound it picks up and converts it into an audio signal that can be used by the computer or other device.
USB microphones are popular for podcasting, recording voiceovers, streaming, and more. They offer the benefits of convenience and a plug-and-play setup that make them easy to use. USB microphones are often more affordable than other types of microphones, too.
Lavalier Microphones
Lavalier microphones are small clip-on mics that are designed to be worn on the body and provide audio for speech and vocals. These small microphones are great for capturing clear, focused sound.
They are often used for presentations, interviews, public speaking, and vlogging. They come in both wired and wireless models, with the advantage of wireless models being that there are no cords to get in the way.
DSLR Microphones
DSLR microphones vary in quality, ranging from budget-friendly entry-level models to professional-level high-end models, but there are some features to look out for when selecting the best microphones for your DSLR camera. Look for microphones with low-noise preamps, adjustable gain controls, and multiple polar patterns, which can help reduce environmental noise.
Smartphone Microphones
Smartphone microphones are generally of higher quality than the built-in microphones found on most laptops and desktop computers. They often have noise-canceling capabilities and enhanced audio recording features, allowing for clearer audio recordings.
Smartphone microphones also typically support multiple audio inputs, allowing for greater flexibility in recording different sound sources. Additionally, many smartphones include software applications that can be used to further adjust audio settings, providing users with greater control over their recordings.
What Microphone is Used for Streaming
When shopping for a streaming microphone, it is important to consider factors such as frequency response, pop filters, directional properties, and connection methods.
Frequency Response
Frequency response is a measure of the range of frequencies a system can reproduce accurately with the amplitude of the input signal. The frequency response of a system is often represented graphically as a graph, showing the dB response versus frequency.
The range of frequencies over which the system operates is called the bandwidth. The frequency response of amplifying devices (amplifiers, speakers, etc) is usually shown in a graph displaying the degree of amplification or attenuation across the frequency range.
Directional Properties
The directional properties of a material can be used to determine how it will interact with light and sound. For instance, some materials absorb light while others reflect it. This property can be influenced by the shape, size, and surface texture of a material. The directionality of a material can also affect how sound is transmitted and absorbed, as well as the conductivity of electricity.
Connection Method
Microphones can be connected to a sound system in two ways: analog and digital. Analog microphones use a standard audio cable (XLR), while digital microphones require a USB cable or XLR-to-USB adapter. Some microphones also offer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity.
Pop Filters
Microphone pop filters are designed to filter out sudden loud bursts of air produced when certain consonants are spoken into a microphone, which can cause distortion and “popping” sounds in recordings.
Pop filters are made out of thin nylon mesh that is placed between the microphone and the speaker’s mouth, and they also help to reduce or eliminate ambient noise. Pop filters are an important accessory when recording vocals or any sound-sensitive material.
Best Microphone for Vlogging and Filmmaking in 2023
There are many microphones in the market that claim to be the best. However, only 5 are great. Check them out and their categories below.
The Rode VideoMic
This is a compact on-camera microphone featuring a directional condenser capsule. It is designed for high-quality audio recording in demanding conditions. It features a lightweight body, a built-in shock mount, and an integrated Rycote Lyre capsule suspension system to minimize vibrations and unwanted noise.
The VideoMic has an integrated 80Hz high-pass filter for reducing wind and low-frequency rumble, providing clearer audio recordings. It also features level control and headphone monitoring, allowing for real-time monitoring of audio levels. With a built-in headphone output, the VideoMic is compatible with any DSLR, camcorder, or video camera.
Blue Yeti X
The Blue Yeti X is a USB microphone that is designed for professional streaming and recording. It features four capsules, four pickup patterns, and Blue VO!CE vocal effects, and a built-in shock mount. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, and iOS and provides crystal-clear sound. Furthermore, it has customizable RGB lighting to create the look and feel of a professional broadcast studio.
Shure MV7
The Shure MV7 is a microphone that combines the sound quality of a professional-grade condenser mic with the convenience of USB digital output. It features a built-in headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring and offers four EQ presets to customize the sound to suit your needs.
It can be used to record both vocals and instruments to your computer, providing professional results with its studio-grade mic capsule and Sibilant Control technology. The convenient, plug-and-play compatibility with both Mac and Windows means that you can capture your best performances with just one click of the Shure MV7.
HyperX QuadCast
HyperX QuadCast is a professional-quality microphone for podcasting and streaming. It features a four-capsule condenser array with four selectable polar patterns to capture sounds from multiple angles. Other features include an adjustable gain control, noise gate, 3.5mm stereo output, a headphone jack, and a detachable anti-vibration shock mount.
The QuadCast also includes HyperX Studio software for further microphone customization. With a simple tap of the control button, users can quickly select from cardioid, stereo, omnidirectional, and bi-directional polar patterns. QuadCast is designed for simple setup so users can easily plug in and record.
DJI Mic
The DJI Mic is a handheld microphone that has been designed to provide clear and accurate audio in all types of environments. It has a directional design that makes it ideal for capturing voice and sound from a particular direction. It also has a built-in wind jammer system that prevents outdoor wind noise from affecting your recordings.
The DJI Mic is compatible with all iPhones, iPads, and Android devices and can be connected to any audio device via the included cable. It has an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to handle and use for long recording sessions and one-handed operation. The audio quality is excellent and overall the DJI Mic is great for recording in any location.
Should You Use A Vlogging Microphone or Not?
It all depends on your preferences. However, the following are reasons why you should consider using a microphone:
- Improved sound quality: A dedicated microphone ensures the audio coming through the microphone is of the highest quality.
- Portability: Many vlogging microphones are relatively small in size and therefore easy to transport. This makes vlogging on the go much more viable.
- Focus on audio: With a dedicated microphone, you can focus on getting the best sound quality and clarity out of your recording.
- Reduced background noise: A quality microphone can reduce background noise and echo, as well as cancel out the noise from your environment.
- Cost-effective: Many vlogging microphones are comparatively affordable compared to professional broadcasting equipment.
- Compatibility: Vlogging microphones are typically compatible with a range of recording and streaming equipment.
- Professionalism: Using a dedicated microphone gives your vlogs a more professional sound, which can help to create a better viewing experience.
Conclusion
Vlogging microphones are one of the most important pieces of equipment for any aspiring Youtuber, as they have the power to dramatically change the quality of your content. The first thing to consider is your budget. For a beginner, you can find decent vlogging microphones for well under $100, and more expensive models are available for those looking to upgrade. The components to look for in a microphone are the type of pickup pattern, the frequency response range, and the size and weight.
In conclusion, selecting the perfect microphone for vlogging requires careful consideration. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and the type of microphone you should choose depends largely on what type of content you’re creating and how much you’re willing to spend. With the right combination of features and price, a good vlogging microphone can help you capture high-quality audio and video — taking your content to the next level.
About Mics Wiki:
What is a polar pattern?
A polar pattern is a type of sound frequency response that a microphone has when picking up sound from the environment. This pattern describes how much sound is collected from different areas in front of the microphone and the direction it is facing. A polar pattern is either one of two types; omnidirectional or unidirectional.
Omnidirectional microphones pick up sound from all directions, meaning the microphone will capture sound from all directions equally. Unidirectional microphones generally pick up sound from one direction, meaning the microphone will focus on the direction it is facing and pick up significantly less sound from the other areas.
Common polar patterns include cardioid, figure 8, super-cardioid, and hyper-cardioid. A cardioid polar pattern is one of the most common and its frequency response is shaped like a heart.
What is frequency response?
Microphones, like many audio components, have a frequency response. A microphone's frequency response refers to its ability to capture sound at different frequencies. This is important to consider when selecting a microphone, as its frequency response will determine its sound quality, whether it is used in audio recording, video production, or live sound reinforcement.
Understanding the frequency response of a microphone can help you select the best mic for a particular application. In general, a microphone's frequency response can be divided into three parts: low-frequency, mid-frequency, and high-frequency. Low-frequency mics, also called bass mics, are capable of capturing low-frequency sounds more effectively than higher frequencies. Mid-frequency mics specialize in the mid-range, from 500-4000hz. High-frequency mics, called treble mics, have a wide range of coverage, from 4500 Hz and up.
The frequency range of a microphone may be affected by the physical size and design of the mic. Small diaphragm condenser mics, for example, typically have a higher frequency response than large diaphragm condenser mics. Smaller mics may also have reduced sensitivity at certain frequencies.
What is an omnidirectional mic?
Omnidirectional mics have been around for some time, but their popularity has been on the rise recently with the rise in popularity of podcasts and streaming videos. Omnidirectional mics are highly versatile and capable of capturing sound from all directions at once, making them ideal for capturing complex soundscapes.
They’re also great for recording conversations since they can pick up voices from a wide area. Omnidirectional mics are generally small and light, making them ideal for applications like lavalier mics (also known as lapel mics). These mics are often attached to clothing and small enough to be worn on someone's shirt or dress. Omnidirectional mics are popular for interviews, vlogging, and live streaming, as they pick up sound from all directions, making them easy to record background sound or music.
What is a cardioid mic?
Cardioid microphones are useful tools for sound engineers, producers, and other audio professionals. A cardioid mic is a directional microphone that is shaped like a heart and is designed to pick up sound from the front of the mic and reject it from the sides.
To understand how a cardioid mic works, it helps to know a bit about sound. Every sound source produces both direct and ambient sound. Direct sound is the sound that is made up of the primary signal and is what you want to capture. Ambient sound is the noise of the space and is made up of the reflections from the walls and objects in the environment.
This is where a cardioid mic comes in. By focusing on the sound directly in front of the mic, the cardioid microphone can reject the ambient sound and focus on the direct sound only. This makes cardioid microphones an essential tool for recording and live sound production.
What is a super-cardioid mic?
A super-cardioid microphone is a type of mic that offers greater sound gain than a traditional cardioid mic. Its design focuses on the audio pickup pattern so that it is more directional than a typical cardioid mic, providing increased sensitivity and improved clarity for sound sources close to the microphone.
This type of mic is especially useful in live music recording and broadcasting applications, where it excels at reducing feedback and isolating the sound of a single instrument or vocalist from the rest of the stage. The super-cardioid mic utilizes a pickup pattern that is more directional than a cardioid mic. This is accomplished by narrowing the mic's range of sensitivity and by extending its rejection angle.
While a traditional cardioid mic is designed to pick up sound from the front, its super-cardioid cousin is designed to detect sound primarily from the front, while isolating sound from the sides and rear. This results in improved clarity and reduced background noise, making it ideal for live performances and broadcasts.
What is a hypercardioid mic?
Hypercardioid mics are a valuable tool for recording applications, as they are useful for isolated vocal recordings and live sound reinforcement. A hyper-cardioid is a type of directional mic, meaning it has an increased sensitivity on one side of the microphone capsule and a decreased sensitivity on the other.
This allows the user to more accurately capture sound from a specific direction, reducing the pickup of background noise. Hypercardioid microphones are commonly used for both studio and live settings. They are particularly useful when recording a single vocal track—the microphone can be pointed directly at the vocalist, ensuring the desired sound is captured while simultaneously reducing the amount of external sound picked up. This can be a great way of achieving a more consistent sound without having to rely on soundproofing.
Hypercardioid microphones are also heavily relied on for live sound reinforcement. When used as a stage mic, they reduce the amount of feedback caused by the loudspeakers due to their directional nature.
What is a bi-cardioid mic?
A bi-cardioid microphone is a microphone that has a directional polar pattern with two lobes of response. It is similar to a figure-eight microphone, but its lobes are more focused, creating an even narrower field of directivity. This type of microphone is often used in vocal recording, as it offers high directivity with a wide enough pickup pattern to pick up some room ambiance.
Bicardioid microphones are also known as double-directional or stereo microphones. They are usually formed by two cardioid microphones mounted in a containing material and pointed in opposite directions. This design allows the microphone to record both direct and ambient sound, resulting in a stereo sound.
What is a shotgun mic?
When it comes to audio recording, one of the most commonly used pieces of equipment is the shotgun microphone. Also known as a “boom mic” or “shotgun mic,” the shotgun microphone is a specialized type of microphone designed specifically for recording sounds from far away while rejecting other unwanted sound sources.
A shotgun microphone features a long, thin pickup tube that is usually fitted to a broadcast-type microphone. This long tube focuses on sounds from its direct forward point while also rejecting sound from the sides and rear of the microphone.
Utilizing this design allows sound technicians (or filmmakers) to add greater directionality to their recordings without having to physically move the microphone around or add additional microphones to the recording space.
What is a large diaphragm condenser microphone?
A large diaphragm condenser microphone is a specific type of microphone used for recording audio and capturing sound signals. This type of microphone works by converting sound pressure into an electric signal and is an ideal tool for recording audio in studios, capturing better sound for live performances, creating podcasts, and even talking on the radio.
The distinguishing feature of a large diaphragm condenser is its diaphragm size. A large diaphragm condenser has a diaphragm size that is at least one inch in length. This diaphragm size can capture a broader frequency range than a small diaphragm condenser, providing users with a more accurate reproduction of sources.
What is a handheld mic?
When it comes to choosing a microphone for vocal applications, a handheld microphone is always a great option. Whether you're a musician, a podcaster, or a presenter, a handheld mic offers convenience, mobility, and superior sound quality. But with so many options on the market, which one is best for you?
The first factor you should consider when looking for a handheld mic is the vocal characteristics of the person using it. Certain mics are better suited for different vocal ranges or sound qualities. Some mics have built-in features such as frequency response or onboard equalization that can help you get the sound you want.
Be sure to test microphones in person, or listen to audio samples online, to make sure you find the one best suited to your specific needs. Another important factor to consider is dynamic range. This is the range of frequencies the microphone can capture and reproduce. Look for handheld mics with a wide dynamic range so you can capture all the nuances of your voice.
What is a boundary mic?
The boundary microphone (also known as a boundary layer mic or a pressure zone microphone) is an important tool for many audio professionals. It has several advantages over conventional microphones, and its applications range from recording individual instruments to capturing larger soundscapes in a live setting.
First and foremost, boundary microphones place the microphone very close to the sound source due to their unique design. This close proximity results in the mic catching every sound wave that occurs, rather than just the direct sound coming from the front of the mic. This results in a more accurate and realistic sound that is ideal for capturing individual instruments or soundscapes.
What is a parabolic mic?
Parabolic microphones, also known as parabolic reflectors, are an incredibly innovative and comparatively novel way to capture sound either for recording purposes or simply for hearing distant sounds. These microphones take the core concept of a normal microphone and improve it significantly by allowing users to isolate and record sound from incredibly distant sources.
Parabolic microphones are usually composed of a parabolic dish, a microphone, and other related equipment. Some parabolic microphones are larger than others, and the size chosen typically has a lot to do with the specific sound frequency ranges that they are designed to capture.
Generally speaking, a larger parabolic microphone will be able to capture more distant sound, as the parabolic dish allows for sound waves to bend inward toward the microphone element and prevent any outside noise from entering into the equation.