A good streaming microphone can significantly enhance your production, whether you're live streaming for entertainment or to become a pro.
The number of microphones available increased along with the popularity of streaming as a pastime and prospective career. Choosing the appropriate streaming microphone has been more difficult than ever because of the endless supply on the market.
No need to worry, though, because that's precisely what we've been doing lately! The previous few months have been busy ones for our team as we've studied, analyzed, and tested hundreds of streaming mics.
We finally have enough information to rank the top 10 mics for streaming and podcasting.
Shure SM7B: Best for professionals - You've previously heard of the recognizable dynamic voice microphone developed by Shure, the SM7B. It is ideal for both professional, podcasters and streamers as well as vocalists. A wonderful microphone that is suitable for a variety of purposes, including podcasting.
Shure MV7: Best Dynamic Microphone for Streamers - The MV7 is a dynamic microphone that can be used with both professional and computer interfaces. It is the ideal dynamic microphone for streaming. Overall, a wonderful microphone for both amateurs and experts.
Audio-Technica AT2020+: Best for gaming microphone - The ideal microphone for PS5 streaming, Xbox One X, and PC. A wide 20 to 20 kHz frequency range and excellent game streaming capabilities are features of this cardioid condenser microphone. The AT2020 is excellent for vocal pickup because of its clear sound and flat response.
Blue Yeti - Best overall microphone for streaming - The ideal inexpensive microphone for streaming. The Blue Yeti is a USB mic with broadcast-quality sound, a tough design, and various recording modes to suit your needs. It's a straightforward but incredibly effective tool.
HyperX Quad Cast: For podcasters, streamers, and gamers searching for a condenser mic with high-quality sound, the HyperX Quad Cast is the perfect all-in-one standalone microphone. In order to lessen thuds, Quad Cast has a built-in anti-vibration shock mount.
Razer Seiren Elite: Best for more affordable premium quick - The Razer Seiren Elite is a professional-grade dynamic streaming microphone created to elevate the level of your stream's quality. It offers a warm and rich vocal sound that is further strengthened.
Rode PodMic: Best For Budget - The RODE PodMic is a broadcast-quality dynamic microphone designed for voice-based applications like podcasting, streaming, and gaming. The Rode PodMic is unquestionably a wonderful option if you're looking for a budget podcasting mic that will give high quality for the price.
Rode NT1-A: Best for more than just a podcasting mic - An excellent microphone for streaming music and live performances. A vintage large-diaphragm true-condenser microphone with an astoundingly warm and clear sound, this microphone is ideal for recording all types of vocals.
HyperX QuadCast S: Best Microphone for RGB lights - The HyperX QuadCastTM is the perfect all-in-one standalone microphone for budding streamers or podcasters looking for a condenser mic with good sound. Use it for a striking image of customizable style, customized dynamic effects, and spectacular RGB lighting.
Blue Yeti Nano: Best for portable microphone - Due to its tiny size, the Blue Yeti Nano is one of the best USB mics for recording while on the road. This is best for podcasters, musicians, and anyone else who records instruments or vocals.
Top 10 Microphones For Streaming - Ultimate Reviews & Buying Guide
1. Shure SM7B
For close-up instrumental and vocal use in recording and broadcast studios, the Shure SM7B is a renowned dynamic moving-coil microphone. This Shure microphone offers a flat, clear frequency range in robust housing as the result of decades of acoustic research and development.
The reason the SM7B is so well-known in the broadcasting industry is due to its dynamic range and smooth, extended frequency response, which produce a polished and professional sound in nearly any space.
With its updated cartridge and improved shielding, this dynamic microphone is better than ever. Performances won't be impacted by electromagnetic interference from lights, computer monitors, or other sources.
The SM7B won't let you down if your job necessitates carrying your tools of the trade with you. Because of its robust construction, it will provide years of excellent sound and dependable operation.
What Do We Love It For?
- You will adore the Shure SM7B for its dependable performance, top-notch design, and noise-canceling technology that makes for crystal-clear recordings.
- All recording applications benefit greatly from the uniform frequency response, and additional studio requirements can be met with other responses.
This mic requires a good preamp or in-line mic pre-gain enhancement, it should be updated.
2. Shuru MV7
Thanks to its dual USB/XLR design, the Shure MV7 is an excellent streaming microphone for experts, content makers, and average consumers.
The MV7 is a dynamic, hybrid microphone with a cardioid polar pattern that can handle frequencies up to 20 kHz. The sample rate is 48 kHz, the bit depth is 28, and the maximum sound pressure is 132 dB.
The MV7 is made to last, much like all Shure microphones. It will be able to take its fair share of knocks and bruises in the studio thanks to its sturdy all-metal build. You can move it nearly 360 degrees thanks to the robust yoke, allowing you to put it exactly every time.
The strong close-talk windscreen helps to soften your fricatives and deaden your plosives. The MV7's superior sound is something you'll love whether you use it for a year or a lifetime.
What Do We Love It For?
- Singers will appreciate having the option to record vocal files in less-than-ideal acoustic environments.
- Self-producers will appreciate its seamless transition from USB laptop sessions to XLR studio recording.
What Could Be Improved?
The MV7 must be mounted or supported in some way to be used correctly. It comes without it, so Mic stand or mount should be included.
3. Audio-Technica AT2020+
It is a cardioid condenser side-address microphone. Condenser microphones are excellent for recording vocals because they capture minute details with a high degree of accuracy. Side-address microphones have their capsules placed to the side of the microphone for more practical mic placement.
The AT2020+ microphone is extremely sturdy on tabletops despite being quite light (just about 13oz), thanks to the adjustable tripod support. It has excellent audio quality because of its 44.1/48kHz sample rate, 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response, and CD sound quality.
The integrated headphone jack guarantees instantaneous microphone monitoring. Due to the fact that it just uses a cardioid pickup pattern, it is ideal for podcasts or one-man game streaming. Its mix control capability, which combines the microphone with previously recorded audio, is one of its strongest attributes.
What Do We Love It For?
- This microphone's off-axis properties are pretty impressive, with particularly strong rear-axis rejection and strong rejection of sounds coming from 90 degrees off-axis.
- It includes a tripod stand, a bag, a thread stand, and a thread adaptor.
What Could Be Improved?
- It takes some time for the switches to gradually loosen up, making them a little difficult to turn on and off.
- It doesn't come with the best pop filter.
4. Blue Yeti
Podcasts, interviews, voices, music, any type of field recording with various sound sources, conference calls, etc. are all excellent uses for this dynamic USB microphone. This is possible because the tri-capsule array supports various recording patterns.
With the Blackout Yeti, you can be as creative as you like while still receiving the highest caliber of audio. This microphone has an A-D converter and a built-in headphone port, which prevent sound delay and guarantee that you can hear the recordings you make in real-time. All of the functions (pattern switch, mute button, mic gain) are located on the microphone itself, making it quite simple to operate.
Additionally, there is no need for additional software because you can record directly on your computer. The Yeti microphone has a lot of capabilities and excellent sound quality for the price.
What Do We Love It For?
- You can choose the recording technique that best fits your recording setup using the polar pattern dial. Polar patterns include Omnidirectional and Bidirectional, Stereo, Cardioid, and Bidirectional.
- Blue Yeti has an integrated mute button and an LED indication, unlike most USB microphones.
What Can Be Improved?
- Some individuals complain that the mute button seems erratic.
- With a Yeti microphone, you are limited to using a single mic and cannot use a multi-head setup.
5. HyperX QuadCast
The HyperX QuadCast is an anti-vibration shock mount that can exclude any unexpected noises and vibrations from your surroundings so that your streams will have crystal-clear, high-quality sound.
In terms of design, this microphone is highly portable due to its lightweight and detachable wire. Due to its stainless steel sliders, which boost durability and make the device more comfortable, it is also incredibly robust.
In addition, HyperX QuadCast includes a Pixart 3389 Sensor with a DPI of up to 16,000, meaning that sensitivity is practically flawless.
Excellent dynamic lighting with 360-degree RGB lighting effects is used to make everything even more appealing.
Additionally, all of that and other parameters can be altered to your preferences using the HyperX NGenuity program and the memory of the Pulsefire Surge, which supports up to three modifications.
What Can We Love It For?
- Long-night streamers will adore this microphone's battery life of up to 17 hours before needing to recharge.
- The multi-polar pattern mode is another feature of the HyperX Quadcast that you will adore.
What Can Be Improved?
Despite having many positive aspects, the HyperX Quadcast is far from ideal. The resolution is one aspect that we carefully consider. It comes with a low resolution.
6. Razer Seiren Elite
Your first professional microphone should be the Razer Seiren Elite. Despite having excellent specifications, many users have complained about poor performance. By correctly configuring the mic, this can be surpassed. 2 channels, 16-bit, 48 kHz, and -12 dB are the ideal recording parameters. Your microphone's best qualities will be displayed as a result.
Your voice sounds warm and rich thanks to a digital and analog vocal limiter. For crystal-clear sound, the integrated High-Pass filter eliminates low-frequency noise from your surroundings. It has a built-in 35mm headphone port with zero latency.
The Seiren Elite also contains a built-in compressor to balance the volume; when it's in use, the LED base ring will light up. But with a 48,000 Hz signal, the bit rate of 16 is the lowest by today's standards.
Additionally, compared to comparable mics in the same price range, it falls short of the clarity required for a vintage radio sound.
What Do We Love It For?
- The microphone comes with a built-in digital/analog vocal limiter that is meant to automatically adjust audio gains to minimize distortion and popping when recording.
- Additionally, it contains a high-pass filter that has been created to eliminate undesired low-frequency vibrations, such as noise that might emanate from fans or air conditioners.
What Could Be Improved?
- The noise level in this device is not as loud.
- No gain controls on my computer.
- The dials are a little shaky.
7. Rod PodMic
The Rode PodMic is quite reasonably priced. This makes it an extremely affordable podcasting microphone.
The Rode PodMic is configured perfectly for capturing speech because it features a cardioid (unidirectional) polar pattern. Only XLR connectors are compatible with the PodMic. This indicates that you must connect the mic to an audio interface to use it as part of your setup. This is an extra expense if you don't already have an audio interface.
The Rode PodMic is a small, fashionable microphone with a black metal finish that not only makes it seem attractive but also makes it strong and long-lasting. Due to the Rode PodMic's focus on podcasters, gamers, and streamers, it is well-suited for capturing HD voice and speech.
What Do We Love It For?
- The built-in internal pop filter automatically reduces any plosives that can be detrimental to your recording.
- The integrated shock mount serves as a smooth shield against vibrations and bumps for your audio.
- You can put your PodMic in any desired position thanks to the inbuilt swing mount.
What Could Be Improved?
- A user suggested that to increase the microphone's gain, you should use a clone or an inline mic amp.
- According to several users, this microphone does not have a significant proximity impact.
8. Rode NT1-A
The NT1A is a large-diaphragm capacitor mic with a one-inch diaphragm and a cardioid pattern. The signal from the capsule is amplified using JFET circuitry, and surface mount components are placed on the circuit board. Even though this is still Rode's entry-level model, niceties like strong machined locking rings and gold-plated XLR pins have been kept.
The capsule is shielded by a very durable stainless-steel grill, with a second, much finer layer lying beneath to lessen popping and protect the capsule from contamination and RF interference. But for recording studio vocals, a separate pop shield is necessary (as it is with all such microphones).
As the smallest model in the Rode line, there are no pad or low-cut switches on the mic body. Despite this, it is one of the quietest microphones available, with an equivalent input noise of only 5dB, translating to an 88dB signal-to-noise ratio.
What Do We Love It For?
- High-sensitivity microphones quickly capture sound without requiring a lot of additional amplification. Additionally, they have excellent fine detail perception. You'll obtain exceptionally clear and clean recordings thanks to the Rode NT1-A's sensitivity and extremely minimal self-noise.
What Could Be Improved?
- Condenser microphones are more prone to damage because of their delicate mechanism.
9. HyperX QuadCast s
For a streamer seeking a simple-to-use, clear-sounding mic, the HyperX Quadcast S is a great option.
The Quantcast S offers a superb combination of capabilities to enhance a live stream at a reasonable price.
You can add some visual flare directly from the mic for an on-camera presence on a webcast. Due to the HyperX QuadCast S's completely programmable RGB lighting, it may be used with PCs and other light-up gaming accessories.
Since the HyperX Quadcast S has a cardioid polar pattern, the recording is clear enough for serious streamers.
In the case that you need to move it, its integrated shock mount helps to reduce bumping noises.
Bidirectional and omnidirectional polar patterns are also available for this microphone. It is a USB microphone that records at a sampling rate of 48 kHz/16 bits.
What Do We Love It For?
- The shock mount feature of the QuadCast S allows the microphone to remain attached to the stand without making contact and picking up vibrations as sound.
- It comes with a three-meter length of cable that is sufficient for most settings.
What Could Be Improved?
There are connectivity issues with the settings app. These issues should be resolved.
10. Blue Yeti Nano
A cheap USB cardioid condenser microphone is the Blue Yeti Nano. The sensitivity is -37 decibels, and the frequency range is 20 Hz to 20 kHz. With a sample rate ranging from 32 to 48 kHz, the bit depth can reach 24 bits. Excellent specifications for the price!
Unfortunately, the microphone's low cost is evident in the relatively shoddy construction quality. The body has a slightly plasticky feeling to it. Thankfully, the grille covering the condenser transducer is made of metal.
The Blue Yeti Nano, a USB microphone, contains a dedicated mute button and an inbuilt microphone gain adjustment slider. There is a polar pattern selector switch on the rear of the microphone that allows you to quickly switch between cardioid and omnidirectional patterns.
What Do We Love It For?
The microphone stand includes a swivel mount that allows you to tilt the capsule for the best recording position; knobs on either side of the mic stand may be tightened to keep the microphone locked in once the appropriate angle is obtained.
What Could Be Improved?
Polar Patterns: The Blue Yeti Nano has two polar patterns to choose from: omnidirectional and cardioid. Those two patterns will not work well for the majority of folks.
Different Types Of Mics For Streaming
Condenser Microphone
The most common type of microphone, condenser microphones, converts sound waves into electric impulses using a capacitor. They are primarily employed in recording, gaming, streaming, producing films, creating podcasts, etc.
Condenser microphones, in contrast to dynamic microphones, are more brittle, sensitive to noise, and also more impacted by humidity and temperature. The smaller size, louder audio signal, and flat frequency action that captures rich information are all benefits of a condenser microphone.
Dynamic Microphones Studio Models
On Live stages, at events, and for podcasts, dynamic microphones are frequently used. XLR connection is found on the majority of dynamic microphones.
Dynamic microphones are sturdier equipment that can withstand higher levels and rougher handling. They frequently have a cardioid polar pattern that is great at rejecting background noise, which is why stage performers and field reporters frequently use them. These are great microphones whether you're streaming from a busy office, comic con, or noisy home. However, finding them with USB connections is more difficult, making it a little more difficult to integrate them into your audio chain. It's important to note that dynamic microphones frequently produce a warmer sound, which is one of the reasons radio announcers speak so sweetly when delivering their spiel. Condenser microphones can be worth looking into if you want a more realistic sound.
Why Do You Need A Good Mic For Your Stream?
Video, especially live video, needs to have good audio quality. Most of the time, your viewers won't be satisfied with the sound quality captured by your computer's microphone if you're live streaming from a computer at home, the office, or a studio.
For any form of live webcast, sound quality is crucial. This brings up the possibility that a microphone could greatly enhance your live stream's quality. Due to this, purchasing a premium microphone is essential. Additionally, more and more live streamers are choosing to use dynamic or condenser microphones.
Aside from live streaming, the best applications for it are interviews, seminars, and any video that requires movement from you or your on-screen talent. Once you have the right microphone, you are ready to record or perform live.
How To Choose A Streaming Microphone?
The following four qualities should be taken into account when selecting a microphone for live streaming.
Polar Patterns
The innate sensitivity to the direction of audio waves is known as a polar pattern or directional characteristic. A microphone's capacity to pick up your speech from a variety of positions is known as its polar pattern. Cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional are the three polar patterns you should be familiar with. Look for the microphone having these three polar patterns.
Frequency Response
The range of voice frequencies that your microphone can pick up is known as the frequency response. The lowest to highest frequencies are measured in hertz (Hz) and kilohertz (kHz), respectively. Usually, the range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz is considered the ideal range for frequency response. Anything below or above these spectrum extremes is essentially meaningless because the human voice cannot create them.
Connection Method
The two most popular ways to attach a microphone for streaming are USB and XLR, and they differ significantly from one another. First, an XLR microphone cannot be connected to your computer directly. To connect an XLR microphone, you must purchase a mixer or audio interface. You'll have more control over the sound with this additional expenditure, improving the sound quality overall.
Second, XLR cables last longer than USB connections because they are sturdy and resilient. But the cost of XLR microphones is the highest on the market as a result of their high durability.
Pop Filter
A pop filter is a microphone noise protection filter, often known as a pop screen or pop shield. To get rid of any popping noises that happen when airflow smashes into the microphone, it is most frequently employed in recording studios. The viewer will hear your voice more clearly if you use a pop filter on your microphone.
So, that’s all you need to know about the best microphone for streaming 2023. These are the best for whatever reasons you want to use them. From gaming to music, and from podcasts to video making, these microphones are the best choice for you.