Reviewed and recommended by Digital Foundry.
If you want to stream, podcast or record YouTube gaming videos, one of the first steps is to choose a good USB microphone or XLR. These mics can provide that extra level of audio quality, noise reduction and control you need to become a successful content designer – things you won't find often in your standard audio microphone. There are many options on the market, so we checked out the most popular USB and XLRs available to find the best deal.
We split our selection into a few different categories: the best streaming mics, the best for recording voiceovers or podcasts and the most affordable option. There is a different class of XLR mics, because these are a wide area of fish. We have also opted for an adhesive mic that draws one built into many game headsets but is always easy to use.
All of our choices sell for less than $ 200 / £ 200, as we focus on the cheaper option of newcomers to content creation than technology-grade solutions that can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. In the end, we also chose the option of running a few classes to recognize some of the best options that some people might choose.
That way, let's get into the selection. We will start with a brief summary of our five favorites. Click the links below to jump to that entry, or simply scroll down to read our full selection.
The best microphones for playing 2019
Best mic for streaming: HyperX QuadCast
- A different look of gamer friendships with red light
- Excellent audio quality with four recording patterns and an internal pop filter
- The default shape includes shock but is short
The QuadCast is the best USB microphone we have received for streaming with its excellent audio quality and its long list of well-made products. There are four recording modes on the render and a physical dial, allowing the mic to be synchronized with a single sound source or multiple voices with ease. Being able to mute your sound quickly can be important, and the touch-screen system – coupled with blurr ing the entire microphone – is the best implementation we've seen. Other useful features include an internal validation filter p
Runner-up: Blue Yeti Nano
The Blue Yeti Nano achieves the same niche as QuadCast: a portable USB mic with a short shape but good audio quality and modern look. Nano offers two recording modes, one voice-activated cardioid mode and an ideal omnidirectional mode for holding a group chat with just one mic. The performance of the mute here is much more obvious than QuadCast but better than the full size of the Yeti, with a green or red ring around the mute button to say Mic is off or off. The Nano is cheaper than the Quadcast and has a more restricted appearance, which would make it a good choice.
Best USB mic for recording and podcasting: Blue Yeti X
- Selection of four recording patterns to suit different conditions
- Standout audio quality that requires less cleaning
- Useful LED volume meter and many software options
- It will download background noise as keyboards when the gain is too high
When it comes to broadcasting and podcasting, the Blue Yeti series is probably the most popular microphone in the world. Whether knocked down from a desk to get caught up in a chunky stand or held in a tight boom, Yeti offers solid audio quality for use cases thanks to its four different recording patterns: Cardioid, stereo, omnidirectional and bidding . The installation of a 3.5mm hair jackphone means you can also install headphones to properly monitor what the mic is hearing.
The Yeti X is the latest version and features a new USB volume meter and a multi-function control knob on the front, making it easy to adjust the gain by driving at the correct flight levels. On the software side of things, the Blue Vo category! Ce at Logitech G Hub we include a number of options for adjusting the tone and removing annoying sonic art, including edits from popular broadcasts. The Yeti X is a solid improvement over the standard Yeti, but if you're working on a budget the original model is still worth considering.
Best XLR mic: Audio-Technica AT2020
- Warm, straightforward sounds
- Professionally, it's almost an unknown look
- It allows access to the complex but dynamic XLR ecosystem
The AT2020 is a well-known entry-level XLR mic, which offers the possibility of a much clearer sound if you are willing to put the equipment needed to work. All that comes in the box is the mic, bag and stand adapter, so you will need to provide at least an XLR cable, stand and a connector or mixer that provides at least 48V of phantom power. When all of these components are in place, your reward is warm, crystal-clear sound ready to record podcasts or audiovers. It is noted that the AT2020 is quite high and is attached to the & # 39; expert & # 39; rather than a & # 39; gamer & # 39; in the looks department, but that's not a bad thing.
Runner-up: Blue Ember
The Blue Ember is a unique alternative, bringing the quality of the traditional Blue Yeti sound to a feature of a slightly more subdued form. It's also part of Blue XLR's next cheapest price, Spark, making it a better choice for content creators early in their journey. Like the AT2020, you'll need a sound interface that provides at least 48V of phantom power and orientation to get started.
Excellent headset mic: Antlion Audio ModMic 5
- The industry's best audio quality, available in either wireless or wireless format
- Added to almost any gaming headset or headphones
- It requires a small amount of initial setup
Antlion ModMic has long been praised by tech insiders, and after testing the latest ModMic 5 a few weeks ago it's easy to see why – this mic looks like the best headphone microphone on the market. It can be put into pretty much any set of headphones with a small attachment piece. The mic size can be removed as needed, leaving only a small amount of force attached to the back, and there are a few attachments in the box if you want to move the mic to new heads in the future. Note that ModMic actually incorporates two mics as well – a unique mic with good sound quality and warm tones, as well as a steering mic that better emits background noise.
Another option is ModMic Wireless, which sells a standard 3.5mm cable with a Bluetooth AptX Low Latency connection that sounds good. You will need to recharge the battery after 12 hours of use, but it provides the best solution. We recommend ModMic 5 for wired headsets, as the addition of one additional cable (which can be replaced with your existing cable or integrated into a standard bag) is not a problem after the initial setup, as well as ModMic Wireless for wireless headsets, as you can also charge both in combination.
The cheapest USB mic: Blue Snowball Ice
- Excellent audio quality for money
- Connect and play USB performance
- No physical controls or additional features
If you only have $ 50 / £ 50 to invest in to improve your recording set, you will get the most bang for your band from Blue Snowball Ice. This old mic desk provides surprisingly good audio quality, enough to record a video voiceover or start your own streaming service. It's also easy to use – just plug it in and hit records, without any additional software or equipment to install it. However, he misses the mention of features compared to the more expensive recommendations on this list, the only recording pattern in the more expensive Ice model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some useful accessories?
Instead of relying on short trains installed with multiple USB and XLR microphones, the right adjustable arm makes it easier to set your microphone to take your voice without taking much of your screen (when playing a game) or your camera's view (when streaming). When adjusting your arm, consider the style of your microphone. Side-by-side microphones, such as the Blue Yeti, work best when talking to one side, while high-end microphones should be pinned directly to your mouth. We used the Blue Compass arm and the Radius 3 shock Mount to test this microphone, but there are many other options available at this price point range.
Pop filters and air shields are the next supplement to consider, as they reduce the impact of the placement – it sounds like p and b harsh to the ears when recorded with an empty microphone. Pop filters and air shields are usually installed on your mic or boom arm, and need to be installed between you and your mic to work.
For XLR cosmetics, you'll also need an audio interface and a male-to-female XLR cable to grow your microphone.
Is it better to use USB or XLR?
If you are going to use one of your mic on your PC, then the USB microphone is ready – plug and play, without any additional equipment needed. XLR mics need to be connected through the audio interface, but this allows you to install audio equipment such as multiple microphones or mixers. For starters, USB is the way to go, while the XLR might be a better choice for dedicated content creators looking for room to grow into advanced settings. You can also distinguish the difference – take an XLR mic, but use a simple XLR on the USB adapter until you can install the appropriate audio interface.
What platforms can I use?
The aforementioned USB mics will work great out-of-the-box on Windows, MacOS and PS4, while XLR mics will need to be connected to an adapter or a USB output interface to achieve the same purpose. The Xbox One doesn't support USB mics, unfortunately.
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