Streaming on platforms like Twitch or YouTube has become very common today. So much so that there are not only gamers, but also many other types of users who want to create an audience based on something they are passionate about. That could be sharing a live music session, doing other creative, informational activities, or just chatting. If you are thinking of doing the same or are already doing it and want to improve the sound quality, these are the best microphones for streaming.
Are you going to stream? Improve audio quality
When you start a Twitch channel or do your first live shows on YouTube, it is normal to do it with the material you already have. Sometimes it will be with the webcam of your laptop and a simple headset with hands-free and in others there will be something more luck and you can use a mirror or DSLR camera with a higher quality microphone.
However, assuming you start with little equipment or want to improve what you already have. Our advice is that the first thing you should invest in is audio. That is, get a good microphone and the quality of your streams will improve significantly. Because if you are heard clearly and well, it will be much easier to retain the audience if the content is also interesting and / or entertaining.
Therefore, we are going to help you. We are going to give you the keys that you really have to take into account when choosing the best microphone for streaming. And no, we are not going to get involved in listing hundreds of technical terms that will surely mess up much more than clarify the concepts. What’s more, if you are really passionate about the subject of sound, you can easily find everything you want to delve into.
What should a good microphone have for streaming
The question of what a good microphone should offer for streaming is practically the same as what a good microphone should have for podcasting, recording videos, etc. And there are two things: quality in the capture and the ability to adapt to the scene where you record.
The former is easy to understand, the microphone capsule must be able to capture the widest range of frequencies possible . This will avoid that metallic sound of cheap microphones and will allow that after applying the compression that is put into it to broadcast online, it will continue to have a good audio quality.
The second is not so obvious and has to do with echo, reverb and whether the microphone is dynamic or condenser. If you perform live from a room with little furniture, it is easy to run into echo and reverb problems. Therefore, although the ideal is that you adapt the acoustics of the room in the best way you can, with acoustic foam, carpets, curtains, furniture, etc., it is always better to bet on a dynamic microphone than a condenser one.
It is true that there will be exceptions and a condenser mic will give you a great result. But at first the dynamics are much more appreciated for all those users who do not have much knowledge in sound matters.
Ready, really the rest of the data that they can give you about a microphone is not going to be a big change when choosing a new model. So, if you think so, let’s go directly to our recommendations for the best microphones for streaming and why each of them.
Shure SM7B, the microphone of Ibai Llanos
If you follow the Ibai Llanos Twitch channel and many other users with a certain weight within the platform, you will have seen that they share something. Exactly, everyone at this time is using the same microphone, the Shure SM7B .
The reason why is very simple, it is one of the best microphones on the market. The problem is that it is not relatively inexpensive. The mic only costs about 400 euros, but in addition to that you need phantom power and an audio interface with an XLR connection to then connect to your computer. In the end, the investment goes to 700 or 800 euros to have that same set.
Worth? The answer is that it will depend on each one. If you can afford it, it is a safe bet, but if not or you have other devices to buy, there are models that are very on par and may even be more attractive in certain cases such as the Rode PodMic (which also needs a sound interface) . So let’s move on.
Shure MV7
This Shure MV7 was recently released and is clearly inspired by the mic we mentioned earlier. The big difference is that it is a hybrid model that you can use both with a USB sound interface with XLR connection and directly connected to your computer through the built-in USB switch.
Then, at the sound level it offers that characteristic performance of the manufacturer and together with an audio output it allows to monitor the recording as well as listen to what other people may be saying in case of a live with guests.
Blue Yeti X
Without being a big fan of the Blue Yeti condenser microphones , this model that is more or less recent offers a very good sound quality. The problem is that, because it is a condenser, if the room is not acoustically treated, it will pick up the slightest sound around it. For example, keyboard noise when typing, mouse sliding across the table, etc.
Samson Q2U
It is a basic, the Samson Q2U is a very simple and capable microphone at the same time as it can be used both via USB and through its XLR connection. With a performance that is surprising for the cost, if your budget is tight, there is possibly no better option on the market to get started in this stream. What we like the most is the body that gives the sound and clarity.
Rode NT-USB Mini
The Rode NT-USB Mini could be said to be the evolution of the popular NT-USB Mode. This compact size microphone surprises with its response and the quality is the same as the manufacturer we are used to. With direct connection to the PC through a simple USB cable, it also incorporates audio output and volume control to monitor the recording.
Rode VideoMic NTG
This microphone is a bit out of the ordinary that you can see in many streams, but it is an interesting option that you should consider. In the first place, because it is a cannon-type mic that allows you to isolate much more the sound from your surroundings. Second, because although it is designed for use with camcorders, it also offers a USB C connection so that you can connect it to your computer or mobile device directly. And the 3.5mm jack connection allows you to monitor the audio.
Therefore, you have almost a three-in-one or a multifunctional microphone that, without being extremely economical, justifies its value with these options according to what type of use scenario.
Remember to get a mic arm
Any of these microphones we are convinced that they will adapt perfectly to your budget and will give that leap in sound quality that you need so that your streaming starts sounding differently.
Of course, remember to get a microphone arm. With them you will not only be able to get closer to the mouth to have a better capture of the audio, but also the possibility of eliminating possible noises caused by vibrations on the table or similar.
There are many types of arm, the Rode is a classic and its build quality is more than proven. However, if you are looking for a somewhat cheaper option without going to the cheaper models that end up not being able to support the weight of the microphone among other problems, Neewer’s option is quite attractive.