10 best microphones for streaming

*A review of the best according to the editors. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, not an advertisement and is not a buying guide. Before you buy it you should consult with a specialist.

The popularity of streaming (live Internet streaming) has involved so many newcomers in this activity that the question of choosing the “right” equipment has become one of the most discussed in the electronics industry. Today Expertology presents you a special review in rating format, dedicated to the most important Streamer tool – microphone.

Our experts have allocated in a giant market variety of the most well-established models, focusing on the different categories of streamers – leading interviews, gamers, podcasters and others. But to begin with we’ll devote a few words on the subject of choosing the best microphone for streaming and the criteria according to which you need to choose a model just for you.

How to choose the best microphone for streaming

So, there is an important feature in choosing a good microphone. The “the more expensive and branded, the better” principle does not work here (well, almost). Because you have to choose a microphone is strictly guided by where and how it will be used. Because it’s one thing to record live stream on the street in a crowd, but to have a quality recording of the host’s and the guest’s voices in a cozy studio is quite another thing. And only after that can you give preference to one brand or the other. Let’s look at the main characterizing factors and for which Streamer activity they are most important.

Frequency range

It’s the sensitivity of the microphone to certain tones. Measured in hertz and kilohertz. Actually means how many sounds, high and low, a microphone can detect at all. The greater the range, the better. But it also makes no sense to chase too much, and to spend your annual budget on a device.

Here, for whom this parameter is important, it is for those who are engaged in vocals. It’s not as important to the game streamer to convey the tones and half expressions that accompany battles in Dota2.

Directivity

This parameter reflects the microphone sensitivity to sound, depending on the location of its source. It seems to be all clear, but there are many nuances. There are unidirectional, bi-directional and omnidirectional microphones.

Unidirectional, in turn, are also divided into cardioid, hypercardioid and supercardioid. Cardioid are the most popular with streamers. They’re highly sensitive to sounds only coming from the front. It’s worse on the sides, it’s even worse on the back. A normal working option for a conversational streamer, podcaster. Hyper- and supercardioid microphones have acceptable sensitivity up to 180 degrees in the front, but “drown out” the back. Good for the gamer who, in the heat of battle, can veer back and forth violently and sharply, recline in a chair, roll back a little.

Bidirectional microphones, as it is easy to guess, are equally good at picking up sounds from the front and back. Ideal choice for interviews a la Yuri Dud. Well, or for vocals in a duet.

Omnidirectional microphones equally capture sound in 360 degrees. It would seem that you can buy one and not bother, but it’s not so. Omnidirectional will not suit a podcaster, as it will treacherously clearly inform the audience that his mother came into the room to call the streamer to eat. It is a microphone to record the sounds of the “environment” – the crowd, the place, nature, etc. d.

Even this explanation may leave doubts in your choice, especially if you have not yet decided what kind of streams you are going to broadcast. In that case, you can buy a multi-directional microphone. It allows you to switch the directionality on demand. But it is better to make a specific choice for many reasons.

Accessories

The set of microphones – a secondary matter, but it is also worth a few words about it. Barely the most important thing is the pop filter. This is a device that levels out the redundancy of sound artifacts in the human voice – breathing, whistles, and those same jumps in sound when pronouncing the “b” and “p” sounds (hence its name). As a rule, it looks like a rounded “screen” in front of the microphone. In the studio shootings this accessory is immediately striking, and non-specialists mistake it for the microphone itself.

Another important accessory is the stand or mount. It’s good if this accessory is “native,” but it’s not uncommon for other manufacturers to do better. Nice bonus – carrying case, but here you should not pay too much attention, because the main thing is the microphone itself.

So, we have understood the basic principles of the choice of microphone for streaming, and now we move directly to the rating.

Rating of best streaming microphones

Nomination	Location	Name	Price
Rating of the best microphones for streaming	1	SVEN MK-150	290 €
2	Trust Mico USB	2 190 €
3	Maono AU-A04	4 449 €
4	SAMSON METEOR Mic	5 990 €
5	AKG Lyra (C44-USB)	8 990 €
6	HyperX QuadCast	12 988 €
7	Blue Yeti	11 490 €
8	RODE NT	17 475 €
9	RAZER SEIRĒN E TE	19 490 €
10	AUDIO-TECHNICA AT2020USB+	21 490 €

SVEN MK-150

Rating: 4.3

Let’s start with the simplest and cheapest microphone of SVEN brand, well-known to all. Its price is so ridiculous that the reader may have doubts about its performance. In fact, our experts included this model in the review exactly for beginners, for the first trials of the pen in live broadcasting. The proportion of streamers who are at first enthusiastic about this business, and then disappointed and abandoned, is very high. That is why you should not buy worthy of Joe Rogan’s equipment for the very, very beginning.

What is this microphone. First of all, it is very small – it can be attached to the buttonhole of a jacket (not to be confused with a military buttonhole) or to other convenient place on outerwear. Yes, it’s that ‘little lavaliere’ you’ve often heard of but never knew the reason for the name. Strictly speaking, it is not even a hinge, and a clip, which is even better, because it makes it possible to attach the microphone not only to clothes. Here, just in case, for the sake of general development, it should be understood that a tiny microphone does not automatically mean a cheap one. There are “hinges” for tens of thousands of rubles.

Now let’s go over the dry technical specifications. This is an electret microphone with a circular pattern, impedance 2200 ohms, sensitivity -58 dB and a frequency range from 50 to 16 thousand Hertz. Connects to the host device with a simple standard connector 3.5 mm through the standard cable of length 1.8 meters.

Weight of the microphone is 23 g. The case is made of black plastic. It is fixed by the plastic clip, also it can be installed permanently on the monitor or furniture with a standard adhesive tape.

There is one peculiarity with this model. Many rave reviews about its high sensitivity, but there are also exactly the opposite. Therefore, it makes sense to consider that the quality control of this particular model from the manufacturer is very “loyal”.

We should say in conclusion that there are many other models of SVEN microphones of different form-factors in the lineup, which also cost some hundreds rubles and are good enough for the first streaming tests.

Advantages

• high sensitivity (there are exactly opposite opinions);
• simplicity and reliability;
• indestructibility.

Disadvantages

• Unreliable “native” fastening.

Trust Mico USB

Rating: 4.4

The second position in Expertology’s ranking of the best streaming microphones is another budget condenser microphone, but from a different brand

ust. And this is not a hinge, but a table stand variant. It’s very inexpensive compared to other studio microphones, but 10 times more expensive than the previous “wee”.

The dimensions of the microphone – 43h130h35mm. Weight – 150g, assembled – 258g. Made in discreet but nice design, the body is plastic, black color with soft-touch coating. Mounted on a folding tripod with a clamp. The clamp itself has also a stroke of about 270 degrees for the most convenient placement of the head direction. All materials are of high quality, carefully assembled.

You can connect the microphone to the host device through a cable length of 1.8 meters. The cable connects to a USB adapter, which also has a jack for a standard headphone jack 3.5 mm.

The technical specifications of the device are as follows: circular radiation pattern, impedance 2.2 Ohm, frequency range from 50 to 16 thousand Hz, the sensitivity -45dB.

In terms of applications it is still an entry level model, but still one of the best in this price category. Among the users there are complaints about the noise, which immediately parried other users, saying that you need to know how to configure. In general it can be recommended for gaming streaming.

This model is covered by a 24 month manufacturer’s warranty.

Advantages

• quality sound recording;
• Convenient placement with reliable fixation
• The quality of materials and assembly;
• soft-touch coating of the body.

Disadvantages

• come across complaints about the noise, but their objectivity is not indisputable.

Maono AU-A04

Rating: 4.5

Now we offer you a very inexpensive microphone with surprisingly good characteristics and equipment. MAONO Technology Co., Ltd. – a young Chinese company, founded in 2014 and quickly gained consumer confidence with its apparently serious approach to the development and production of microphones of various types and classes.

Here we should start the description with the complete set of accessories, as even the set of accessories alone will tell a lot about the manufacturer’s responsible approach. So, in the original package we will find: the microphone, foam rubber nozzle wind shield, a long 2.5 meter USB cable to PC, anti-vibration mount, pop filter, miniature telescopic stand, metal stand.

Now let’s clarify the role of each of the important components of the package. The USB cable has Type A and Type B connectors at the ends. The fact of USB connection shows that this microphone does not need an external sound card, and also automatically solves the problem of background noise, which is a frequent “companion” of microphones connected through a standard 3.5 mm “mini-jack”.

If the foam windshield will not surprise anybody in the complete set even the cheapest microphone, but a full-fledged pop filter is a distinct advantage, since in the studio work for streaming and recording podcasts it is more than useful.

Pleasantly surprised by the presence of anti-vibration mounting. This is a special accessory in the form of a circular base, where the microphone itself is inserted, and cushioning inserts dampen vibrations, preventing unwanted audio “artifacts” – this is already a relative rarity for microphones in this price range.

Even in terms of installation, the developers have thought of everything properly – a solid stand provides for height adjustment through telescopic design. The stand itself is attached to the metal stand. The stand, in turn, is quite large in diameter and massive, so that the stability of the microphone assembly during recording is not in doubt.

Finally, a few words about the technical parameters of the microphone unit. The directional pattern it has a cardioid. Sound pressure limit – 120 dB, sensitivity -38 dB; range of recognizable frequencies – from 30 to 16 thousand. Hz; signal to noise ratio of 70 dB. The “heart” of the device is an electret condenser transducer with a diameter of 16 mm.

Not the most reliable fastening to the stand spoils the impression a little, but the problem is only in the fragility of the screw, and if you replace it, the problem is solved. Some users note that the microphone sometimes shows hypersensitivity, but this point can be easily corrected through the setting in the standard program.

The merits

• Rare combination of reasonable price and good performance;
• quality materials;
• well-thought-out design;
• Richly equipped with a pop filter and anti-vibration device;
• No background noise;
• does not require an external sound card.

Disadvantages

• slightly flimsy mounting bolt;
• sometimes hypersensitive – easy to change the settings in the software.

SAMSON METEOR Mic

Rating: 4.6

The third number in the rating of the best microphones for streaming according to Expertology we will consider the model of the brand SAMSON. Very good quality audio equipment comes out under this brand. Manufactured in China.

Here again we make a steep price jump upwards, but the microphone is worth it. Even his impressive appearance – the materials are dominated by polished metal – double chrome coating, metal mesh, rubber pads on the legs to prevent the microphone does not ride on the table. The design is a surprising mix of high-tech and retro, so it will look great in the frame. In addition, against the background of other models, its price still looks very attractive – about 6500 rubles, but may vary depending on the set and point of sale.

Now for the characteristics. This is a condenser type microphone with a large 25mm diaphragm. Directionality diagram – cardioid. The range of confident frequency response is 20 to 20 thousand Hertz. Connects via USB. There is also a 3.5mm for headphones with the ability to track the recording without delay.

Of the controls on the front of the microphone is a mechanical microphone volume control (does not affect the level of recording) and the Mute button. There is also a clearly visible activity indicator. On the back are two ports: USB for connectivity and 3.5 mm for headphones.

The microphone is easily recognized by the operating system as a USB device with audio in and out. That is, in fact, you get an external sound card.

The packaging is as luxurious as the device itself, robust, handy and beautifully designed. The minimal package also includes a mini-USB cord, carrying case, documentation.

Once again, because it’s important, the adjustment wheel is for the headphones only. This model has no own microphone level regulation, so this situation can be not convenient for everybody. But for streamers who record podcasts, this is a great option.

Advantages

• good quality sound recording;
• 25 mm diaphragm condenser;
• The ability to monitor the recording without latency;
• Actually acting as an external sound card;
• A spectacular appearance;
• quality materials.

Disadvantages

• there is no own adjustment of the recording level.

AKG Lyra (C44-USB)

Rating: 4.6

Another USB-microphone for streaming, already much more serious in terms of technical characteristics and twice the price Maono AU-A04. The trust of users is well deserved brand AKG, which represents a prominent Austrian company AKG Acoustics GmbH, which since 1947 has specialized in the production of audio equipment.

The equipment of this model is not so rich, but it is the microphone itself and its configuration that counts. The first thing worth emphasizing is the presence of the whole four capsules. They are, of course, smaller than they would be with a single capsule, but they expand the range of the microphone and the recording options dramatically. The first and most obvious – two-way recording, which makes it easy to write interviews and podcasts.

AKG Lyra has four modes, which you switch with a mechanical rotary knob on the box. The first is basic, implies one-way recording of the source right in front of the microphone. The second is FrontBack mode – recording sources from the front and back. Tight Stereo mode records sources on the sides – most often, the two interlocutors sit on one side of the table, and the microphone is on the table in front of them in the middle. Fourth mode – Wide Stereo – full surround sound recording. I must say the Wide Stereo mode really creates a spectacular 360 degree scene, which is especially realistic feel in headphones.

You can listen to the sound of the microphone in real time during the recording. For this it has output 3.5 mm for headphones. Sound is routed directly from the capsules. We warn you that only headphones with a gentle resistance will do, because the device will not be able to pump the heavy studio “ears” properly, it will be trivial enough volume. The optimal choice – the typical headphones with impedance of 32 ohms.

Now let’s have a look at the key technical characteristics of this model. The range of perceived frequencies – from 20 to 22 thousand. Hz; high signal to noise ratio – 98 dB; maximum sound pressure – 129 dB; impedance – 16 ohms. Connects to your computer via 2m USB cable with Type C connector. Lower frequency limit concerns only listening, as High-Pass filter automatically removes low frequencies below 100 Hz, and it’s good.

The disadvantages of this model can specify a selective penetration of noise when connected to mobile gadgets. On stationary PCs and laptops in the vast majority of cases this problem does not arise. One more thing – it’s better not to use Mute button while recording, because it gives a distinct and not very pleasant click into the recording.

Advantages

• reputable brand;
• 4 capsules;
• universality of application in different genres and directions;
• High-Pass filter;
• works on OS
• nux;
• The highest sensitivity (some users will consider this point as a drawback);
• Direct headphone output 3.5 mm headphones for delay-free listening to the air;
• USB Type C connection.

Disadvantages

• Partially sensitive to noise on USB power supply
• No overload indication.

HyperX QuadCast

Rating: 4.7

Now we will consider striking in all senses a microphone for streaming trademark HyperX. Produces this series a division of the world-famous American company Kingston Technology.

This model is excellent, in particular for gamers, leading gaming streamers, because of the spectacular appearance, but on the other hand, requires some work to adequately convey the sound that is needed. The fact that it is an ultra-sensitive condenser microphone that picks up literally everything around. It makes a powerful first impression, but in practice provokes problems – all extraneous sounds, especially the noise of the active computer cooling will get on the air. This problem can be almost completely eliminated by adjusting the settings.

On the other hand, for the same gaming streaming in this model has a quality cushioning. It is not obvious for everyone, especially for beginners, that when playing actively and intensely, a gamer will inevitably hit the table accidentally or intentionally, and if it were not for shock absorbers, all these sounds would also go into the ether.

The key technical characteristics of the model are as follows: the range of perceived frequencies – from 20 to 20 thousand. Hz; omnidirectional cardioid pattern, circular, switchable; impedance – 32 ohms; sensitivity – -36 dB; signal to noise ratio – 90 dB.

The microphone connects to your computer via the standard 3 meter USB cable. No special drivers are needed – a standard driver in the operating system on a PC, Mac, PS4 or Xbox is enough.

There is a jack 3.5 mm “mini-jack” for direct connection of headphones and listening to a broadcast without delay. The top edge of the device is touch sensitive – touching it mutes the microphone similar to the conditional “mute” button.

There is a separate switch on the case, a cardioid with which you can adjust the angle of the sound capture. Changing the position, you can mute the sounds on the sides, if they are unwanted, eliminate the echo in the acoustically unprepared room.

This microphone doesn’t need a pop filter – the internal foamy polymer material under the grill effectively handles the pressure spikes that create that “pop effect” when pronouncing consonants.

Advantages

• High sensitivity (a little too much);
• easy adjustment;
• the quality of the recording;
• you do not need a pop filter;
• No special drivers are required;
• The touch surface with the “mute” function;
• standard output 3.5 mm for headphones;
• Cardioid switch to adjust the angle of the sound capture;
• Stylish and effective appearance.

Disadvantages

• hypersensitivity.

Blue Yeti

Rating: 4.7

Now for something almost legendary in Expertology’s rating of the best streaming microphones. This is not the most expensive, not the most “pathos” microphone, but at one time it was certainly one of the most discussed in streamer and video-blogger circles. This Blue Yeti is made by the American specialty company Blue Microphones. Actually, it’s a subsidiary of even more famous developer of high quality electronics – Swiss company Logitech International S.A.

It should be said right away that the “Blue” in the nomenclature here is only the name, but in fact this model has as many as ten colors of finish! This is a big plus for those streamers, for which it is important to design their workspace in some strictly uniform style. Dimensions are 295x120x125mm and weight is 550g. Metal housing. Connects to the host device via USB interface with a removable cable that is included. There is a headphone jack.

From a strictly technical point of view, the Blue Yeti – condenser multi-directional microphone with a frequency range from 20 to 20 thousand Hertz, sound pressure of 120dB, a sampling frequency of 48kHz and the A/D converter bit rate of 16 bits. Its direct function is high-quality studio stereo recording, you can also easily adjust the sensitivity, headphone volume, mute the microphone and switch the directional pattern.

From all of the above it is clear that the Blue Yeti is a universal device. For streaming, besides the quality, it is good because it can be easily made bi- or omni-directional, or with cardioid polarity. It’s equally well-suited for a professional gamer, or for recording clean vocals – here the professional level is ensured by

i-caps

e. Of course, it’s great for podcasters too.

Two year manufacturing warranty on this model.

Advantages

• professional level;
• versatility;
• A lot of colors for the case;
• easy to install and configure.

Disadvantages

• no apparent disadvantages detected.

RODE NT

rating: 4.8



Now within the limits of our rating let’s consider one more model, not less remarkable than Blue Yeti, but a little less popular in streamer and video-blogger’s environment. This is a microphone manufactured by RØDE Microphones LLC of Australia. A professional model that is equally suitable for a top streamer or a musician.

Mic size – 184h62h50 mm, weight – 520 grams. The body is metal, color black. Connects to your computer via USB interface, the standard cable (detachable) is a full 6 meters long. There is a headphone output. Mounted on a tripod stand with a clamp. The controls are located above the jack 3.5mm for headphones.

The key technical parameters of the model: the capacitor principle of operation, unidirectional, cardioid directional pattern, sampling rate and bit rate – 48 kHz and 16bit, respectively. Frequency range – 20 to 20,000 Hertz. Maximum sound pressure level: 110 dB SPL. Dynamic range of 96dB. JFET converter with 2-pole outgoing buffer.

As you can see this is a much more specialized microphone than the universal Blue Yeti – it’s unidirectional. The diaphragm is laterally parallel to the microphone body. Perfect for any studio job: recording an instrument, vocals, or high-quality talk-back streaming.

Includes microphone itself, detachable cable, tripod stand, carrying case, pop filter, documentation.

Advantages

• professional level;
• zero latency;
• quality recording;
• reliability;
• complete set.

Disadvantages

• not marked.

RAZER SEIRĒN E

TE

Rating: 4.9



Continues the rating studio microphone brand AUDIO-TECHNICA.This is something much more interesting and seriousprevious models. Namely – the equipment is of a lower segment, but still a professional class.

The dimensions of the microphone – 52x162x52mm. Weighs 386g. Made in a concise, but respectable design. black body. Connects via USB cable the whole 3 meters long. There is a headphone output. Installation – desktop, tripod with a clamp.

This is a cardioid condenser type microphone. Impedance is 32 ohms. Frequency range is 20 to 20 thousand hertz. The sampling rate is 44.1/48kHz. There are independent elements on the body for volume control in the headphones and mixing.

Among streamers and all those who are engaged in this kind of studio work this model has proven itself as a reliable, capable of delivering sound clearly, with sufficient performance for professional recording and mixing sound. Formally it is positioned as a studio microphone for vocals, but it can often still be found in podcasters and voice actors.

In this AUDIO-TECHNICA lineup there are a few more good examples, and if you find the characteristics of this model to be insufficient, you can look at the USBi model. It is capable of recording sound in 24 bits and has a maximum sampling rate of 96 kHz. But the price of that model will, certainly, be more expensive.

Advantages

• clear sound recognition;
• reliability;
• Convenient location of the controls;
• professional class;
• Built-in headphone amplifier.

Disadvantages

• Flimsy tripod included.
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