In the world of streaming, sound quality plays a key role in attracting and retaining audiences. Streamers of all levels, from beginners to professionals, are faced with choosing the right microphone that can significantly improve the quality of their content. In 2023, the audio equipment market offers a wide range of microphones, each with its own unique features and benefits to suit different streaming styles and formats.
Choosing a microphone for your stream is not just a technical decision, it’s an investment in the future of your channel. From game streams to podcasts, from music performances to training seminars, the right microphone helps you get your message across clearly and concisely. While today’s market offers many options, it’s important to consider not only sound quality, but also other factors such as usability, compatibility with your equipment, durability, and of course, price range.
Audio-Technica AT2020
Technical Characteristics
- Microphone Type: Condenser.
- Directionality: Cardioid (heart-shaped), which means high sensitivity to sound from the front and minimal from the rear.
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, providing a wide range of reproducible sounds.
- Sensitivity: -37 dB (15.8 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa.
- Output Resistance: 100 ohm.
- Maximum Sound Pressure Level: 144 dB, allowing the microphone to handle very loud sounds without distortion.
- Dynamic Range: 124 dB.
- Connection: XLR, requires external 48V power supply (phantom power).
Pros
- Sound Quality: Excellent sound quality due to the wide frequency range and high sensitivity.
- Durable and Reliable: Sturdy metal case, withstands heavy use.
- Versatility: Good for both vocal recordings and instrumental music.
- Price: Excellent value for money, affordable for a wide range of users.
Minuses
- Requires Phantom Power: The need for an external power supply can be inconvenient for mobile streamers or those with a limited budget for additional equipment.
- No Built-in USB: Inconvenient for users who prefer a direct USB connection to a computer.
- Accessories: Supplied without tripod or mount, requiring additional costs for suitable equipment.
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a great choice for streamers looking for a balance between sound quality and price. This microphone is ideal for those who are willing to invest in additional equipment and value high quality recording. Its condenser characteristics and cardioid directivity make it an excellent choice for home studios and streaming sessions.
Blue Yeti
Technical Characteristics
- Microphone Type: Condenser, USB.
- Directionality: Multiple patterns – cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional and stereo. This allows the user to select the optimum mode depending on the situation.
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, providing a wide range of reproducible sounds.
- Sensitivity: 4.5mV/Pa (1 kHz).
- Maximum Sound Pressure Level: 120 dB, suitable for various types of sounds without distortion.
- Connection: USB, makes it easy to connect the microphone to a computer without the need for an additional audio interface.
- Resolution: 16-bit/48 kHz, providing high quality recording.
Pros
- Easy to Use: Direct USB connection makes it ideal for beginners and requires no additional equipment.
- Versatility: Multiple directivity gives you the flexibility to record a variety of sound sources.
- Sound Quality: Offers clear and detailed sound recording.
- Additional Features: Includes volume control, mute button and gain control.
Minuses
- Size and Weight: Relatively large and heavy, which can be inconvenient for mobile streamers.
- Appearance: Although the design is unique, it may not suit all users.
- Exposure to Vibrations: When using it, a good quality anti-vibration mount may be required to avoid vibration noise.
The Blue Yeti is a great choice for streamers and content creators looking for a microphone with high sound quality, USB connectivity and versatility. Its versatility in recording patterns makes it suitable for a variety of usage scenarios. However, its size and weight may limit its portability and it may require additional accessories to minimise vibrations.
Shure SM7B
Technical Characteristics
- Microphone Type: Dynamic.
- Directionality: Cardioid, which provides high sensitivity to sound from the front and minimises background noise.
- Frequency Range: 50 Hz to 20 kHz, allowing you to capture a wide range of sounds.
- Sensitivity: -59 dBV/Pa.
- Resistance: 150 ohm nominal resistance (300 ohm actual) for connection to professional equipment.
- Connection: XLR, requires an external amplifier or audio interface.
- Built-in Filters: Switchable emphase mode and wind/snarl filter.
Pros
- Professional Sound Quality: Widely known for its clear and natural sound.
- Versatility: Ideal for vocals, podcasts, streaming and musical instruments.
- Durability and Reliability: High quality construction and durability.
- Effective Noise Reduction: Excellent suppression of background noise and spurious sounds.
Minuses
- Price: One of the more expensive microphones on the market.
- Requires Additional Equipment: The need for an external amplifier or audio interface to achieve optimum sound quality.
- Heavier and Larger: May require a stronger mount or stand.
- Insufficient Sensitivity: Some applications may require additional signal amplification.
The Shure SM7B remains one of the most popular microphones among professionals due to its exceptional sound quality and versatility. It is ideal for streamers, podcasters and musicians who strive for professional quality audio recording. However, its high cost and the need for additional equipment may make it less accessible to beginners or streamers on a tight budget.
Rode NT-USB
Technical Characteristics
- Microphone Type: Condenser, USB.
- Directionality: Cardioid, focuses on sound from the front while reducing noise from the rear and sides.
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, provides detailed sound reproduction.
- Sensitivity: -29 dB.
- Maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL): 110 dB.
- Connection: USB, makes it easy to connect the microphone to a computer without additional hardware.
- Audio Output: 3.5mm stereo headphone jack with volume control.
- Compatibility: Compatible with most operating systems, including Windows and MacOS.
Pros
- Easy to Use: Simple USB connection, no external audio interfaces required.
- Sound Quality: High quality recording with clear, detailed sound.
- Additional Features: Built-in audio output for headphones allows you to monitor audio without delay.
- Includes: Comes with a pop filter, which reduces breathing and wind noise when recording.
Minuses
- Fixed Directionality: Limited flexibility due to cardioid directivity.
- No Multiple Settings: Unlike some other models, does not offer different recording modes.
- Construction: Although it is quite sturdy, its plastic elements may be less durable compared to all-metal microphones.
The Rode NT-USB is a great choice for streamers, podcasters and musicians looking for a quality condenser microphone with easy USB connectivity. It is particularly good for those starting out in streaming or podcasting due to its easy-to-use interface and good sound quality. However, its relative limited customisation and fixed directivity may not suit more advanced users looking for more flexibility in sound settings.
HyperX QuadCast
Technical Characteristics
- Microphone Type: Condenser, USB.
- Directionality: Multiple modes – cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional and stereo. This gives you the flexibility to choose the best mode for different recording scenarios.
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
- Sensitivity: -36dB (1V/Pa at 1kHz).
- Connection: USB, provides easy connection and compatibility with most devices.
- Compatibility: Supports PC, Mac, PS4 and most major streaming platforms.
- Features: Built-in pop filter, microphone mute sensor, multiple directivity modes, LED indication.
Pros
- Multifunctionality: Several directions make it flexible for different types of recording.
- User Interface: Intuitive control and convenient mewt sensor.
- Design: Stylish appearance and LED status indication.
- Plug-and-Play: Easy connection via USB without the need for additional software.
Minuses
- Sound Quality: While the sound is good, it can be inferior to higher-end studio microphones.
- Price: Can be a little pricey for beginning streamers.
- Size: Relatively large and heavy, which can be inconvenient for users with limited space.
The HyperX QuadCast is a great choice for streamers and podcasters looking for a versatile, easily customisable and stylish-looking microphone. Its multiple directivity modes and intuitive controls make it easy to use. At the same time, some users may find that the sound quality doesn’t reach the level of more expensive professional microphones, and its size and weight may be drawbacks for some usage scenarios.
Elgato Wave 3
Technical Characteristics
- Microphone Type: Condenser, USB.
- Directionality: Cardioid, focuses on sound from the front, reducing background noise.
- Frequency Range: 70 Hz to 20 kHz, provides detailed sound reproduction in the main range.
- Sensitivity: -25 dBFS (94 dB SPL, 1 kHz).
- Maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL): 120 dB.
- Resolution: 24-bit, 96 kHz, provides high quality recording.
- Connection: USB-C, provides fast and reliable connection.
- Features: Integrated analogue-to-digital converter (ADC), digital mixer, zero delay control, built-in clipgard.
Pros
- Sound Quality: High quality recording thanks to 24-bit ADC.
- Plug-and-Play: Easy to use with direct USB-C connectivity.
- Innovative Technology: Built-in clipguard automatically reduces distortion at loud sounds.
- Software: Comes with unique software for audio mixing and controlling multiple audio sources.
Minuses
- Price: Can be pricey for some users.
- Directionality: Fixed cardioid directionality limits flexibility of use.
- Frequency Range: The lower end of the frequency range at 70 Hz may not be ideal for some types of recording.
The Elgato Wave 3 is an excellent choice for streamers and content creators looking for a high quality microphone with convenient plug-and-play connectivity and advanced recording features. It is especially suitable for those who work with multiple audio sources and want to manage them easily. However, its cost and limitations in frequency range may be drawbacks for some users.
Samson G-Track Pro
Technical Characteristics
- Microphone Type: Condenser, USB.
- Directionality: Cardioid, provides front sound focus and reduces background noise.
- Frequency Range: 50 Hz to 20 kHz, allows you to capture a wide range of sounds.
- Sensitivity: -6 dBFS/Pa.
- Resolution: 24-bit, 96 kHz, provides high quality recording.
- Connection: USB, allows easy connection without the need for an additional audio interface.
- Additional Features: Built-in audio interface, ability to connect instruments, three operating modes (microphone, instrument, mixed).
Pros
- All-in-One: Includes a microphone and audio interface, which is convenient for musicians and podcasters.
- Multifunctional: Supports recording voice and instruments simultaneously.
- High Sound Quality: Excellent recording quality due to the high resolution.
- Easy to Use: Plug-and-play connection makes it easy for beginners.
Minuses
- Size and Weight: Relatively large and heavy, which can be inconvenient for mobile settings.
- Limited Directional Flexibility: Fixed cardioid directivity is not suitable for all types of recording.
- Design: Some users may not like its appearance.
The Samson G-Track Pro is a versatile microphone ideal for podcasters and musicians looking for a compact and feature-rich solution. Its integrated audio interface and high recording quality make it an attractive choice for a variety of audio recordings. However, its size and weight, as well as its fixed directivity, may limit its use in certain environments.
Razer Seiren Elite
Technical Characteristics
- Microphone Type: Dynamic, USB.
- Directionality: Cardioid, focuses on sound from the front, reducing background noise.
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, allowing you to capture a wide range of sounds.
- Sensitivity: 12.5 mV/Pa.
- Maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL): 120 dB.
- Connection: USB, provides easy connection to a computer or other devices.
- Features: Built-in high-performance low-pass filter, digital/analogue limiter, built-in shockmount.
Pros
- Professional Sound Quality: Offers clear and crisp sound without noise or distortion.
- Plug-and-Play: Simple USB connection without the need for additional hardware.
- Built-in Limiter: Helps prevent distortion in loud sounds.
- Convenient Additional Features: Includes volume control and mute button for easy use.
Minuses
- Price: One of the more expensive options on the market.
- Limited Flexibility: Lack of multiple focus and recording modes.
- Design and Size: Can be large and heavy for some workspaces.
The Razer Seiren Elite is a high-quality microphone ideal for professional streaming and podcasting. Its main benefits include clean sound quality, ease of use and additional features such as an inbuilt limiter. However, the high price and limited customisation options may be an obstacle for some users, especially those just starting out in the streaming business.
Choosing a microphone for streaming depends on individual needs and budget. In 2023, the market offers many great options that combine sound quality, usability and additional features. The best choice will depend on your specific streaming requirements.
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