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It’s worth ditching the crappy mic that came with your gaming headset for a better streaming setup, even though the best microphone for gaming is a relatively recent addition to the PC gamer’s arsenal. If you want to be heard in a raid, an online firefight, or even a work meeting, the best microphone is worth the investment.
Whether you’re live streaming for fun or for a living, using one of the best streaming his mics will significantly boost your production value. Instead, you might be tempted to use one of his best gaming headsets as an all-in-one solution, but those little boom mics don’t sound as nice as specialized desktop mics.
So, which streaming microphone should you go with? Mics have grown in popularity as a recreational pastime and a prospective vocation, and there is no shortage of mics at varying price points. There isn’t any. Save yourself the trouble and check out our list of the best streaming microphones we’ve tested.
Here is the list of Best Streaming Microphones
HyperX SoloCast
Easily one of the best Streaming Microphones available on the market, The HyperX SoloCast is a terrific, beginner-friendly solution that costs less than $40. Sometimes you have to sacrifice sound quality for a lower price, but not with this alternative. The sound quality is comparable to that of its larger, more expensive sibling, the HyperX Quadcast S. The HyperX SoloCast may not have all of the bells and whistles of a more expensive device, but it does the job.
The name “solo” refers to the fact that there is just one cardioid polar pattern. Because it works best with a single voice, the mic is great for streaming while gaming or generating content. You might want to set up at a friend’s house or take the mic on vacation every now and again, and with its small size and simple plug-in-play USB-C setup, that’s straightforward. If you want more extensive audio controls, you may choose to increase your budget for a microphone with a larger feature set.
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ USB Microphone
The Audio Technica AT2020 is another another extremely versatile microphone that can be used for almost anything. We’ve found it to be an excellent microphone for streaming, but if you’re interested in other musical applications, you’re in luck. The Audio Technica AT2020, as a unidirectional condenser microphone, strikes an excellent balance between capturing high-quality audio and taking up all background noise. It is side-addressed, allowing you to suspend the microphone upright while singing into the capsule’s side.
This function provides a larger surface area for picking up vocals as well as music. This microphone is used by a friend during our virtual meetings, and many streamers utilize it for speech.
Some of your streamers, though, may be more interested in the music capabilities. Because of its high SPL and wide dynamic range, the Audio Technica AT2020 is by far one of the best microphones for acoustic guitar and drums, allowing you to record powerful sound sources with very complex sound waves with ease. Thus, this product is one of the best Streaming Microphones available right now.
Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone
If you’re a professional streamer or podcaster, the Shure SM7B is a must-have. This XLR microphone is designed to provide clean, sharp sound for live audiences or pre-recorded content.
The dynamic capsule cartridge is intended for close-capture, front-end input, so your audience will only hear you and not distracting background noise. It also contains electromagnetic shielding to avoid interference from your computer, monitors, and other streaming equipment, as well as an inbuilt shock mount to protect your audio from bumps and vibrations.
Blue Yeti X Microphone
For years, Blue has been known with high-quality, low-cost streaming mics, and the Yeti X continues that heritage. This USB condenser mic includes everything you loved about the original Yeti, plus an inbuilt vocal meter, Smart Knob, and a fourth condenser capsule. If you’re streaming while gaming, you can make sure you’re not blowing out your teammates’ ears, and the new knob has options for gain, mute, headphone volume, and blend. That extra capsule also contributes to a better overall sound.
The Blue Yeti X is incredibly adaptable, thanks to the several ways it can help you capture high-quality vocals. It’s ideal for recording live broadcasts, one-on-one interviews, group conference calls, and even instruments because it has four polar patterns to pick from. Its build quality is excellent, with a sturdy metal body and a stand that accommodates a large tilt range, making finding the ideal angle a breeze. Still, it is one of the best Streaming Microphones that you can consider.
Blue Yeti USB Microphone
What else but the ever-popular Blue Yeti? The Yeti doesn’t appear to be showing its age, combining class-leading performance with a simple, easy-to-use design. It’s also reasonably priced, so it can accommodate both first-time microphone owners and seasoned streamers.
In addition to the cardioid mode, which is best for recording yourself, the Blue Yeti also has bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo recording patterns. If you live stream podcast recordings or interviews rather than games or commentary, you have a lot more options.
JLab Talk USB Microphone
We don’t want to imply that the JLab Talk is a cheaper Blue Yeti. Yes, the Talk is a small USB microphone with the same four recording patterns as the Yeti, but that’s a good thing. And its bass-heavy but detailed recording quality will undoubtedly provide a professional touch to your stream.
The Talk also has a light-up gain indicator, a 3.5mm jack for mic monitoring, and an adjustable tripod mount. Even the greatest streaming microphones can be improved by adding a boom arm, but this small tripod can provide some high-level flexibility. Currently, this is one of the best Streaming Microphones that you can buy right now.
Elgato Wave:3 USB Microphone
The Elgato Wave:3 is ideal for streamers and podcasters who want to live mix their audio for more dynamic broadcasts. The Wave Link Program is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers, and it allows you to control practically every element of your audio, from input and output sources to game and conversation balance.
You may also connect the Wave:3 to your Elgato Stream Deck and use it with hundreds of vocal effect plug-ins to modify your voice on the fly. With the built-in Clip guard feature, which automatically adjusts input settings to prevent distortion and dead air, you won’t have to worry about clipping your chat audio.
Blue Snowball iCE USB Microphone
The Blue Snowball iCE is a low-cost alternative to the top pick on this list. It’s also one of the more unusual mics that we’re seeing gain traction in the sub-$100 market. The Blue Snowball iCE, like its older sibling, is a popular streaming microphone for individuals who are just getting started and can’t afford to spend a lot of money on equipment.
Fortunately, even with a microphone like this one, you’ll be able to produce high-quality audio. It’s quite simple to use thanks to the plug-and-play capabilities of USB microphones. The frequency response range of 40Hz to 18kHz provides us with a smooth frequency response and high-quality sound.
You’ll also be able to choose between cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns, which correspond to recording sound from the front or all sides of the microphone capsule. Omnidirectional mode allows you to record more audio depth, and cardioid mode helps you avoid background noise. Overall, it is one of the best Streaming Microphones that you can buy.
Final Words
As long as it stays on the air, the best Streaming Microphones are a solid investment. If you have certain streaming objective in mind, look for a microphone that will help you achieve it as you and your online identity evolve. However, consider employing numerous microphones in various settings. Even if you have the best streaming mic in the studio or in-game, it might not be appropriate to take to a festival or industry event. Finally, keep in mind the importance of research before acquiring equipment.