Live streaming on Twitch, webinars, and video blogs on YouTube are growing in popularity every year. Whether you want to show the world your gaming prowess or host a live podcast, you need a quality microphone.
The best streaming microphones deliver loud, clear voice no matter what you do. In this roundup, we'll show you how to choose a microphone, from budget to premium models, for a wide variety of tasks.
How to choose a good microphone for voice recording
When choosing a new microphone to suit your needs, there are several factors to consider beforehand.
frequency range
This parameter defines the range of values within which the output signal is generated. For recording streams and podcasts, the best option is a microphone with a frequency range of 80 Hz - 15 kHz. The human voice does not go beyond these limits.
For specific recording tasks, models with a range starting from 20-50 Hz are used. But they are expensive.
Directional parameters
It doesn't matter if a thousand viewers are listening to you or only a handful if they can't hear you clearly. This is where microphone directional properties come into play.
- Bidirectional. As the name suggests, this microphone picks up sound from two directions - front and rear. This makes it ideal for performers who would like to sing a duet or a blogger who interviews frequently.
- Unilateral. Insensitive to sound sources located at the back or sides. It is a great choice for gamers. One-way microphones are cardioid, hypercardioid, and supercardioid. The cardioid type microphone has an effective operating angle of 130 degrees and is indifferent to sound coming from behind. The remaining configurations are partially sensitive to sound coming from behind.
- Omnidirectional. Looking for a microphone that can handle sound from any direction? Then an omnidirectional microphone is the best choice. However, this is not the best choice for gamers, as omnidirectional microphones can record all background noise (including keyboard clicking) along with the voice.
Optional accessories
The most popular accessory that comes with the microphone is the table stand. A carrying case or bag is a good thing if you often have to carry the microphone from place to place. Of course, all of this can be bought separately, but it is better for the manufacturer to take care of this.
Best budget microphones
3. SVEN MK-170
The average price is 158 rubles.
Characteristics:
- electret microphone
- construction: lavalier (clip)
- for computer
- pie chart
- mini jack 3.5 mm
- sensitivity -58 dB
- frequency range 50-16000 Hz
- food: phantom
A great inexpensive microphone for Skype, Discord or voice game chat. It's compact, easily snaps onto the headphone cord, and sounds much better than most microphones built into laptops.
It is worth considering that this model is intended only for indoor use, since in a strong wind the interlocutor is unlikely to hear you
pros: good sound for a small price.
Minuses: Made of flimsy plastic.
2. Ritmix RDM-131
The average price is 260 rubles.
Characteristics:
- dynamic microphone
- design: manual
- for vocals
- cardioid chart
- jack jack 6.3 mm
- sensitivity -68 dB
- frequency range 80-15000 Hz
- food: phantom
If you need a microphone for voice-over video at home or as a gift for a child learning to sing, then the Ritmix RDM-131 is one of the priority purchase candidates. This wired microphone comes with a detachable 3-meter 3-pin XLR to 6.3 mm jack adapter cable.
It is lightweight, fits comfortably in the hand and features clear sound and comfortable directionality.
pros: there is noise reduction,
Minuses: body made of plastic, thin cord, recognizes voice from a distance of 10-15 cm.
1. Trust GXT 212 Mico
The average price is 1,317 rubles.
Characteristics:
- condenser microphone
- design: desktop
- for computer
- pie chart
- USB / mini jack 3.5 mm
- frequency range 50-16000 Hz
- power supply: via USB
Not a bad option for those looking to buy a PC microphone with good sound. This is not to say that Trust GXT 212 Mico cuts off absolutely all extraneous noise, but in its price category it has excellent sound recording quality.
High sensitivity allows you to keep your lips close to the microphone so you can be heard clearly. And ease of installation without additional drivers and software makes it easy to work with Trust GXT 212 Mico even for children and the elderly.
This microphone can be connected via both 3.5 mm jack and USB. For this, the kit includes a corresponding adapter.
pros: Comes with a USB adapter and a tripod stand.
Minuses: short cable.
Top microphones for streaming, podcasting and recording vocals
3. Maono AU-A03
The average price is 2 650 rubles.
Characteristics:
- condenser microphone
- construction: stationary
- for studio
- for podcasts / radio / television
- cardioid chart
- XLR connector
- Max. sound pressure 120 dB
- sensitivity -38 dB
- frequency range 30-16000 Hz
This is an excellent budget model with good sound quality and is best suited for voice recording. Its package includes not only the microphone itself, but also a tripod stand, anti-vibration mounting, foam windscreen and even a pop filter.
Despite the low price of the microphone, its body is made not of plastic, but of metal. Another plus for the manufacturer.
The AU-A03 offers only one cardioid pattern, which means it only records what is in front of it and tries to “cut off” outside noise.
The biggest problem with this model is that you are unable to hear yourself in real time. Without zero monitoring latency, there is no way to know if you are speaking too loud or too quiet until the recording is complete.
pros: good sound recording quality, excellent noise reduction, rich bundle.
Minuses: A high-quality external sound card is required for the microphone to reach its full potential.
2. Ritmix RDM-120
The average price is 590 rubles.
Characteristics:
- condenser microphone
- design: desktop
- for podcasts / radio / television
- pie chart
- mini jack 3.5 mm
- sensitivity -30 dB
- frequency range 50-16000 Hz
Here is the cheapest microphone for streaming and podcasting. It is made as simple and budgetary as possible: made of plastic, with one folding tripod stand with a swivel holder included.
However, the sound quality is surprisingly good for such an inexpensive device. Especially if you slightly "modify it with a file", that is, use software to remove extraneous noise.
This microphone is ideal for the budding blogger or streamer who is willing to take the time to achieve the studio-quality sound of the Ritmix RDM-120 by installing a third-party software that removes unnecessary background.
pros: Lightweight and attractive, with a microphone on / off button.
Minuses: the tripod is unstable, "rides" on the table.
1. Shure SM7B
The average price is 32,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- dynamic microphone
- construction: stationary
- for studio
- for podcasts / radio / television
- cardioid chart
- XLR connector
- sensitivity -59 dB
- frequency range 50-20000 Hz
- food: phantom
- low pass filter
This model from Shure is the ideal tool for people who want their voice and music to be delivered to their listeners perfectly. It is equipped with air suspension and a pop filter that eliminates mechanical noise and wheezing.
And the classic cardioid design allows you to sing or speak at a comfortable angle while capturing just the sound you want with minimal side noise.
The Shure SM7B also features advanced EMI shielding to deflect hum from computer monitors and other studio equipment.
Another feature of this model is the cutoff switch in several positions, which allows you to attenuate the low and boost the mid frequencies.
pros: Superior build quality, effectively reduces distortion from loud sound sources, integrated capsule protection.
Minuses: the most expensive microphone in the ranking.
Top microphones for karaoke and stage performances
3. Thomson M150
The average price is 860 rubles.
Characteristics:
- dynamic microphone
- design: manual
- for karaoke
- pie chart
- mini jack 3.5 mm
- sensitivity -60 dB
- frequency range 100-10000 Hz
A very simple, reliable and high quality microphone, making it a suitable choice for those who like to sing at home karaoke using the best music center.
The Thomson M150 has a clear sound, it does not have phonics, it is tactilely pleasant, but what else is required for such little money?
pros: high sensitivity, there is a button on and off the sound.
Minuses: not very long 2.5 meter cord.
2. Fifine Dual Channel
The average price is 4500 rubles.
Characteristics:
- dynamic wireless microphone
- design: manual
- for karaoke
- mini jack 3.5 mm
- sensitivity -54 dB
- frequency range 50-18000 Hz
The price of this model seems prohibitively high, but it is worth considering that you are buying not one, but two microphones at once, plus a compact receiving base.
And if you already have an audio device, then the Fifine Dual Channel is an affordable way to connect up to three singers to it at the same time, because the set includes three audio cables at once.
pros: separate volume control for each microphone, receiving base made of metal.
Minuses: difficult to find on sale in Russia, search on eBay and AliExpress.
1. Behringer XM 8500 ultravoice
The average price is 1250 rubles.
Characteristics:
- dynamic microphone
- design: manual
- for rehearsals, performances from the stage
- cardioid orientation
- gold plated XLR connector
- sensitivity -70 dB
- frequency range 50 Hz -15 kHz
With a solid metal construction, this model does an excellent job of removing background noise, making it suitable not only for karaoke and live performances, but also for podcasters. It features a dual pop filter that minimizes aspiration and low frequency noise.
When recording sound, the microphone does not phonet, does not whistle or hiss, it is very easy to set up (practically turn it on and work), and perfectly works out the lows and mids.
pros: Includes hard case, mic holder and mic stand adapter.
Minuses: no on / off button like most microphones.
Best versatile USB microphones
3. Blue Microphones Yeti
The average price is 11,990 rubles.
Characteristics:
- Type: capacitor
- Purpose: universal
- Operating frequencies: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Signal to noise ratio: 100dB
- Connection interface: USB 1.1 / 2.0
- Dimensions: 120 x 125 x 295mm
This microphone comes in a wide variety of colors and is suitable for podcasters, gamers, or anyone looking for a high quality microphone.
The word "universal" fully refers to the Blue Microphones Yeti. It is equipped with three capsules and offers four recording modes: stereo, bi-directional, omnidirectional or cardioid.
With Blue Microphones Yeti, you can podcast like a pro, make group calls or record vocal tracks with ease.
And although in terms of the number of capsules and the ability to customize it is slightly inferior to the first place in the rating, this is offset by the price.
pros: you can control the volume of the headphones, the set includes a metal stand, there is a mute button, there is a microphone amplification button.
Minuses: No built-in pop filter, can pick up vibration on the table.
2. Blue Microphones Yeti X
The average price is 15,990 rubles.
Characteristics:
- Type: capacitor
- Purpose: universal
- Operating frequencies: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Signal to noise ratio: 100dB
- Connection interface: USB 1.1 / 2.0 / 3.0
- Dimensions: 11 x 12.2 x 28.9 cm
There's a reason the Blue Microphones Yeti X tops many of the best USB microphones. It boasts a high build quality and LED backlighting on the front, which is useful for tracking volume levels.
The Yeti X has four capacitors for capturing audio in 360 degrees, whereas the original Yeti has only three capacitors. The Yeti X also offers a wide range of audio tuning and adjustment options.
You can use one of the preset presets from famous streamers to make your voice sound its best, and change your voice live. There is even a toggle switch to reduce noise in case your recordings suffer from the sound of an air conditioner running.
For its premium sound quality, this good mic is loved by professional podcasters and streamers.
pros: Comes with a tabletop stand, can be switched to bi-directional mode, there is support for cardioid mode and stereo mode.
Minuses: no pop filter, buttons are pressed too loud.
1. Rode NT-USB
The average price is 14,080 rubles.
Characteristics:
- Type: capacitor
- Construction: desktop
- Frequency response, Hz: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- Dimensions: 184x62x50 mm
- Optional: cable length 6 meters.
Rode has been making high quality microphones since the early 90's and NT-USB is no exception. It is one of the best microphones for a computer with good sound quality, and is geared more towards musicians and gamers.
The zero latency microphone has a cardioid model with a frequency range of 20 Hz - 20 kHz. And with the Mix knob you can control the input and output level. Another feature of the Rode NT-USB is the built-in pop filter. The control of this model is very simple, even a beginner can figure it out.
pros: Clear and rich sound, includes case, tripod and stand holder, noise canceling works great.
Minuses: no.