The best microphones for streaming

The origin of the concept of "stream" is associated with the emergence of Internet sites that allow users to view various videos, broadcast their own videos. Live broadcasting became possible from a computer or smartphone without special equipment, because these devices are already equipped with a camera. The sound transmission level depends on the characteristics of the microphone. At the same time, the high price of the device is not always a guarantee of quality. Based on comparative tests, a rating has been compiled, which includes the best microphones for streaming.

Microphones for streaming which company is better to choose

When choosing a device, the manufacturer is of great importance. Each company's microphones deliver their own tone. Before buying, experts recommend listening to how the voice will sound, and then choosing the model you like. The review includes devices from the most popular brands on the audio equipment market:

• Ritmix Is a Korean manufacturer of portable electronics, computer peripherals, acoustic and gaming accessories. Brand products are appreciated for their high adaptability and affordability. The company's advantages include comprehensive user support.
• Trust International B.V. - The Dutch company produces computer peripherals, gaming accessories, e-sports equipment. The design and technical characteristics of the models are developed at the head office, and their production is transferred to China. This made it possible to reduce the price of products while maintaining their quality.
• Audio-Technica Is a Japanese manufacturer of audio equipment for home and professional use. The product catalog includes microphones for recording streams, radio programs, journalistic interviews with a voice recorder. The quality and reliability of the devices was appreciated in 1996 at the Olympic Games, which allowed the company to become a regular supplier of sound equipment for international sports competitions.
• Razer Is an American company, whose activities are related to the development, production of equipment and accessories for e-sports. Cooperation with professional players allows you to create high-tech models, the functionality and design of which ensures the user's victory. They are appreciated for their good sensitivity and ease of use.
• Blue Microphones - American company produces various audio equipment for professionals and ordinary consumers. The range includes ribbon, condenser, dynamic and USB microphones. The popularity of products is due to interesting design solutions, good functionality.
• Kingston Technology Is an American storage company. Its HyperX division makes a variety of gaming headsets and accessories. Brand products are appreciated for their attractive appearance, good performance, and build quality. It is used in competitions by more than 20 gaming teams.
• AKG - Australian company produces audio equipment for professional and home use. Throughout its history, the company has become the ancestor of various models of microphones, the quality of which is recognized by well-known media corporations and musicians.
• Shure Is an American manufacturer of sound equipment. The company's microphones are purchased by the US government for the military.The brand owners are confident that purchasing their products will allow users to experience the quality of studio sound at home.

Rating of microphones for streaming

Choosing a good device is difficult. Sometimes an inexpensive streaming mic will produce better sound than its high-priced counterpart. When buying, professionals recommend evaluating the main characteristics that affect the quality of live voice transmission. The selection of the nominees for the top was carried out on the basis of comparative tests of the following parameters:

• A type;
• Design;
• Impedance;
• Sensitivity;
• Sound pressure;
• Frequency range;
• Signal to noise ratio;
• Body material;
• Directivity;
• Nutrition;
• Dimensions;
• Equipment;
• Price.

The analysis of user reviews made it possible to assess the reliability of the devices by the frequency of breakdowns. All models are presented in 3 categories. In the first, you will find a description, pros and cons of budget devices. The other two sections include the best microphones for streaming, the main difference being the connector type.

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Best Budget Microphones for Streaming

It is not easy to choose a good cheap model, since video hosting services set serious requirements for the sound of broadcast videos. At the same time, almost all well-known manufacturers have microphones in their assortment at a low price, which helps to attract a larger audience of customers. In order to support their image, companies produce devices with good technical characteristics, save on design and functionality. Out of 15 nominees, 2 budget models got into the top of microphones for streaming.

Ritmix RDM-160

The capacitor-type device is designed for studio recording, streaming, Skype communication, games. The tabletop design with the use of a tripod stand and an anti-vibration spider holder allows you to comfortably broadcast live at home. The model is produced in black. The 16mm diaphragm delivers a large and warm sound. It works in the frequency range from 20 to 20,000 Hz. The cardioid pick-up pattern indicates clear voice perception when a person is positioned in front of a microphone. From the side it will be less loud, and from the back it cannot be removed at all. This feature has an effect of approach, in which low frequencies are amplified as the device approaches the sound source. The impedance is 1000 Ohm, so for minimal signal loss, the analogous characteristic of the device to which the microphone is connected must be 10 times greater.

Advantages

• Good level of sensitivity;
• High level of useful signal compared to noise;
• Phantom Power;
• Length of cable;
• The kit includes a USB adapter;
• Metal body;
• Low price.

disadvantages

• Inconvenient to use;
• Unidirectional.

Users complain about poor audio quality. Good voice transmission is only possible when the microphone is close to the mouth. Experts recommend using phantom power to eliminate hiss.

Trust GXT 212 Mico

Condenser microphone for streaming on a three-legged stand. The body is made of metal and plastic. It works in a smaller frequency range - from 50 to 16000 Hz. The circular pick-up pattern ensures good voice pickup from any direction. Devices of this type do not suffer from the effect of proximity, so they can be located close to the sound source without fear of getting an excess of low frequencies. The kit includes a USB adapter, cable, stand.

Advantages

• Low price;
• Length of cable;
• Sound quality;
• Connectivity via USB and 3.5 mm jack;
• Compact dimensions.

disadvantages

• Inability to select a separate sound source;
• Captures third-party noises.

Most of the users are happy with the purchase. The device does not take up much space, easily connects to a computer, transmits clear voice without distortion, the stand does not slip on the table. The minus is the presence of an unpleasant odor in the first days.

Best USB microphones for streaming

The devices are a symbiosis of a microphone and a sound card, which allows converting an analog signal to digital. The latter is transmitted via USB to a PC. Such models are used to quickly record any sounds to a computer with good quality. At the same time, you do not need to separately buy system elements, think about the correctness of their connection. Based on the analysis of user reviews, 3 models were selected out of 10 nominees for the category.

Razer Seiren X

The device differs from the above-described models of condenser microphones by a hypercardioid cardioid directivity pattern, which indicates a lower sensitivity to sound on the sides. This provides good control over feedback, good volume, clarity, and low speech distortion. The shockproof mount eliminates vibration that occurs when the user enthusiastically taps the table. The frequency range of the device is 20 - 20,000 Hz, the impedance is 16 Ohm, the signal-to-noise ratio is 85 dB.

Advantages

• Compact dimensions;
• Sound off button;
• Headphone jack;
• Customization flexibility;
• Compatible with Open Broadcaster Software and Xsplit;
• Average price;
• Stylish design.

disadvantages

• Not found.

The users rated the reliability, usability, the appearance of the nominee at 5. It has a high sensitivity, no programs or amplifiers are needed for recording, you plug in the cable and the system works. Speech writes well, but the sound of the keyboard and mouse catches on. Buy a model is recommended by 100% of respondents.

Blue Microphones Yeti (Cool Gray)

A triple-capsule condenser device that allows you to record your voice in one of 4 modes - stereo, cardioid, bi-directional and omnidirectional. It is equipped with an A / D converter, built-in headphone amplifier, instant mute or volume boost button. It works in the frequency range from 20 to 20,000 Hz, it well isolates third-party noise, the impedance is 16 ohms.

Advantages

• Retro style design;
• Compactness;
• The ability to upload files without processing;
• Zero-latency headphone connection;
• Adjusting the position to the sound source;
• Ease of use, transportation;
• The minimum level of voice distortion.

disadvantages

• High price.

Most users report a high level of sound quality. In their opinion, the microphone is suitable both for recording music and for conferences, streaming, and Skype communication. The metal case increases the reliability of the model, the rubberized foot prevents scratches on the table.

HyperX QuadCast

Condenser-type gaming stream microphone is equipped with a reliable stand that eliminates the negative effects of vibration. The durability and ease of use of the model is due to the presence of a pop filter. It reduces sound interference from human breathing, protects against saliva, and eliminates unnecessary high and low frequencies. In terms of functionality, the device is similar to the previous nominee. Also works in 4 modes, equipped with a sensitivity regulator, headphone jack.

Advantages

• Anti-vibration mount;
• Power LED indicator;
• Compatible with various types of devices;
• Universal adapter for threaded connectors;
• Works in the range of 20 - 20,000 Hz;
• High sensitivity.

disadvantages

• Dear.

The only drawback users highlight is the inability to turn off the backlight when the device is running. Users have no complaints about the quality of live voice broadcasting. The pluses also include the build quality, ease of use. Using the model will allow streamers to comfortably communicate with its online subscribers, and esports players will not miss important details in a conversation with team players.

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Best XLR microphones for streaming

Devices with this type of connector require connection via a specific audio or digital interface. They are chosen when it is necessary to use additional equipment for the setup.The advantages include the best sound quality, the absence of third-party noise when connecting headphones, and the reliability of the connection. Out of 5 announced nominees, taking into account user feedback, 3 models got into the section.

Audio-Technica AT2020

A studio microphone with a small diaphragm picks up frequencies in the range of 20 - 20,000 Hz. The cardioid capacitor pattern picks up the voice clearly when the source is directly in front of it. The XLR connector delivers balanced sound for clarity and noise isolation. The sensitivity of the model is - 37 dB, the impedance is 100 Ohm. The signal-to-noise ratio indicates a high degree of isolation from external sounds.

Advantages

• Metal-plastic body;
• Compactness;
• Light weight;
• Average price;
• Suitable for any use case;
• The ability to select a separate sound source;
• Secure fit.

disadvantages

• No stand included.

Users have no complaints about the build quality and sound transmission. The characteristics of the model correspond to the parameters declared by the manufacturer. Manufacturers note that their values ​​are sufficient for high-quality home streaming.

AKG P120

To use a fixed-design condenser microphone, you will need to purchase a dedicated stand or tripod. At the bottom of the metal case there is a holder for the holder. A low-cut filter toggle switch on the left side reduces side noise. On the right side there is an attenuator that protects the preamplifier from overload. The device works only in cardioid mode, it perceives frequencies from 20 to 20,000 Hz. The impedance is 200 ohms, the signal-to-noise ratio is 75 dB.

Advantages

• Low price;
• Compact dimensions;
• Good level of sensitivity;
• Phantom Power;
• Appearance;
• Ease of use;
• No interference.

disadvantages

• No pop filter.

At this price, users believe that there are no flaws in the model. Beginners may have some slight audio problems, but they are easily resolved.

Shure SM7B

This model differs from other nominees in the way it works. Its design includes an inductor to which a diaphragm is connected. This microphone has a higher level of overload capacity, therefore it is recommended to use it for transmitting loud sounds. It is suitable for distributing video files in the style of radio, TV programs. Accepts frequencies from 50 to 20,000 Hz. Includes windscreen, switch protection cover.

Advantages

• Pop filter;
• Shockproof air suspension insulation;
• Minimal sound coloration;
• Good isolation of third-party noise;
• Robust construction;
• Clear voice transmission.

disadvantages

• High price.

Professionals say that negative reviews about the nominee are written by people who have not worked with him. The microphone records the voice softly, does not whistle. The only drawback is the weakness of the signal, you need to buy an amplifier.

What is the best microphone for streaming

The choice of the device should take into account the main purpose of its use. To do this, it is recommended to study the options for its purpose according to the instructions. For shooting video outdoors, a dynamic microphone is suitable, at home it is better to use a condenser one. Moreover, the latter are more sensitive. Unidirectional models allow you to emphasize sound from a specific source. The following recommendations will help you choose a good device for a specific parameter:

• Inexpensive device with good sound transmission - Trust GXT 212 Mico;
• Best price / quality ratio - Audio-Technica AT2020;
• Razer Seiren X has high reliability;
• Suitable option for gaming - HyperX QuadCast;
• Podcast microphone - Shure SM7B.

Online broadcasting on video hosting sites is unacceptable if the sound design of the video is poor, so streamers need to choose a microphone with good technical characteristics. The rating provides a detailed description of the best models, based on users, their pros and cons are noted.