Best streaming microphones overview
A streaming microphone is a type of computer microphone. It is intended for use during live Internet broadcasts (streams). This type of microphone is characterized by high sound quality and ease of connection.
In this review, we want to talk about six microphones that will help make your broadcast sound professional.
Blue Yeti X
Specifications:
Type: 4 Blue 14mm condenser capsules
Output: USB
Polar pattern: cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo
Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz
Sample rate: 48 kHz
Bit depth: 24-bit
Sensitivity: -47 dB
Maximum sound pressure level: 122 dB
Headphone amplifier: 72 mW at 13 ohms
Connectors: micro USB for connecting to a PC, mini jack for connecting headphones.
The volume indicator is made in the form of a multifunctional wheel with diodes. Rotating the wheel changes the volume of the input and output sound depending on the activated mode.
The modes are switched by a long press on the wheel. A short press turns off the sound.
On the back of the microphone housing there is a mode switch button. 4 capsules will allow you to record more focused and clear sound in different environments - interviews, podcasts, conferences, etc. thanks to the following modes:
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Stereo
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Cardioid
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Omnidirectional
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Bidirectional
Yeti X comes with special software - Blue Voice. With it, you can set the settings for convenient use and get the best sound quality. The interface is simple.
Among the features are voice effects that are used for Twitch, podcasts, music recording.
The program offers 7 effects for professional sounding voice during broadcast.
New features : built-in vocal meter, Smart Knob.
These features will help you adjust the sound, for example avoid deafening your friends with whom you are playing at the moment when you accidentally raise your voice.
The build quality is high. The metal body is durable. The wide tilt range of the stand will help you find the best position.
All in all, this is a versatile, pleasant and comfortable microphone that will help you make studio-quality recordings.
Best for: Home studio, music recording, YouTube video production, streaming, and conferencing.
Shure MV7
The Shure MV7 dynamic microphone is essentially a copy of the well-known and loved by many SM7b, with one caveat - this microphone has a dual connection.
Firstly, it can be connected to a sound card via an XLR connection, and secondly, directly to a computer via USB. In addition, another feature of the MV7 is the adjustment of your voice tone and distance from the microphone, available through the ShurePlus™ MOTIV app.
Frequency range: from 50 to 16 thousand hertz.
Maximum sound pressure: 132 dB.
Polar pattern: cardioid.
Transducer: dynamic (phantom is not needed).
This microphone has the ability to connect to professional equipment, and connect with your computers and laptops directly, for example, for use on the road.
The body is metal. Weight - 550 g. 2 three-meter cables included: microB-USB-C and microB-USB-A.
The headphone jack and connectors for the desired type of connection are located at the bottom.
The control of all the main parameters (microphone volume, headphone volume, monitoring mix control, and complete mute) is touch-sensitive, located on the body, closer to the “head”.
The main feature is that the microphone can be controlled through the ShurePlus MOTIV mobile application. This integration reduces post-processing time.
There you can also set a certain distance at which the sound will be optimal for your tasks.
Cons: Only compatible with Apple devices.
HyperX QuadCast S
Ideal for gamers, streamers, podcasters - for all those who care about the quality of their voice online. Comes with metal stand, vibration-minimizing spider, 3m USB TYPE-C cable.
The list of compatible devices includes PC, PS4 and Mac.
No additional software is required to connect.
Few controls:
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Bottom - microphone amplifier adjustment.
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Top - touch panel for quick mute, which is triggered by the slightest touch.
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Rear - headphone jack. You can connect to a PC and hear both yourself and the game at the same time.
Monitoring occurs without delay. Minus - monitoring cannot be configured on the microphone itself (if, for example, for some reason you want to make not the game quieter, but yourself).
All adjustments (even adjusting the speed and intensity of RGB backlighting) are available in proprietary software. The settings are saved after you click the “write to microphone memory” button.
The microphone has 4 modes of operation.
4 directional diaphragms - stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid, bidirectional.
Stereo: When you speak from left to right, the sound moves from one channel to another. Suitable for streamers, asmr players, etc.
Omnidirectional: captures sound from all 4 directions. Suitable for round tables.
Cardioid: the main one for gamers. The microphone works only on one side, cutting off the rest of the sounds.
Bi-directional: for podcasts and interviews where two people will speak into the same microphone.
Switching: a physical switch on the microphone itself.
What is inside:
Three 14mm electret capacitors that pick up frequencies from 20 to 20,000 Hz. Sensitivity - 36 dB.
The transmitted sampling rate is 48 kHz/16 bits. Therefore, this microphone is not suitable for musicians. If you are a musician, you need a higher sample rate.
But for gamers, it's perfect. No gaming headset can compare with it.
Cons: during the game, the keyboard and mouse will be audible (despite the fact that the cardioid mode muffles them a little), especially if you have a mechanic. But this is not critical.
Rode NT-USB+
One of the best microphones for podcasting.
Specifications:
Type: Capacitor
Output: USB-C
Polar pattern: cardioid
Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz
Sample rate: 48 kHz
Bit depth: 24-bit
Maximum sound pressure level: 118 dB
This condenser microphone eliminates noise, as it has a cardioid polar pattern.
The removable pop filter cuts out the squelching sound that occurs when a lot of air enters the microphone. So if you're recording a program, you don't have to cut it all out later.
For beginners, the simple plug-and-play Rode NT-USB+ USB-C connection.
Plus, zero latency.
Rode applications have the ability to process audio.
Cons: no amplifier control on the microphone.
Elgato Wave 3
You can yell into this microphone. Clipguard eliminates any distortion.
Elgato WAVE 3 is a microphone for streaming broadcasts. Mixing options for different sound sources, convenient controls, use of USB-C, complete stand, cardioid pattern.
Comes with a metal stand. It allows you to tilt the microphone up and down. But the range of adjustment will be limited with the cable connected.
For installation on the bar, part of the lower post can be unscrewed and an adapter installed. A USB-C cable is included.
The main part of the body is protected by a metal mesh. The controls are located at the bottom of the case. There are LED indicators, and rotary control combined with a mechanical button.
The connectors are located on the back side - USB-C and audio. You can mix and connect headphones.
To set the microphone amplifier, you need to download the WaveLink utility. Here you can change the volume for connected headphones. It is possible to add up to 9 channels.
There are no additional wires or programs that you have to deal with.
The device even has a headphone port on the back for listening to recordings.
High resolution audio with a sampling rate of 96 kHz and a depth of 24 bits.
There is only one cardioid polar pattern, but that's all streamers and podcasters really need.
PowerDeWise
Lavalier microphone for professional streaming.
Specifications:
Type: Lavalier
Output: 3.5mm Aux Jack
Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
Frequency response: 50Hz-16KHz
Sensitivity: -46 dB
It's definitely better than the microphone on your laptop or phone.
PowerDeWise is for you if you are making short videos for TikTok or Reels for social media.
It will suppress unnecessary noise and make it so that you can be heard even if your device is far away from you.
Pros: compact, can be attached to clothes. When connected, it is immediately ready for use.
Includes 13' accessory cord with 3.5mm plug. Connects to most laptops and phones.
Cons: An adapter is required for the iPhone.
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